The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will hold an inaugural awards luncheon on May 2 to celebrate small businesses as the economic engine that pushed the economy forward through the Great Recession. “The Engine that Does: Small Business is Unstoppable” will take place from 11:30 a. m. to 1:30 p. m. on Friday, May 2 at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive. It features a keynote address by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa. In a time when many small-owned businesses were forced to close their doors, and much of the news about business consisted of ‘gloom and doom,’ the Chamber is celebrating the small businesses that thrived, kept their doors open, grew and created jobs. This afforded the continuing success of the city of Carlsbad and the surrounding region. “The awards luncheon recognizes the successes of those that make up the heart of our chamber and the economy as a whole: small business,” said Ted Owen, president and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. About 85 percent of the Chamber’s more than 1,500 members are small businesses with 10 or fewer employees, which is the standard for most chambers of commerce across the United States. U.S. Rep. Issa, R-CA, will speak on the topic of “What I learned about business from serving in the U.S. Congress.” Before he was elected to office, Issa was a successful businessman serving as CEO of California-based Directed Electronics, which he founded in the mid 1990s to become the nation’s largest manufacturer of vehicle anti-theft devices, including the highly-successful Viper System. Click here to nominate a small business or purchase tickets for the event. Business owners are encouraged to nominate themselves for recognition at the awards. The awards and criteria are as follows: Best Support Staff Award   The support staff includes full or part-time employees who are energetic, demonstrate a superior commitment to the company and are good ambassadors, contributing to a positive culture within the company and elevating the standing of the company throughout the community. Entrepreneur Award  This person has been in business for at least two years and has demonstrated a creative business approach, created jobs, and proven success and positive impact on the local community. Excellence in Customer Service This company has demonstrated customer service which has resulted in an increase of client satisfaction, client retention, referrals and/or profits. Innovative Product or Service Award This company has demonstrated the product or service is unique in concept, design and/or performance.  It is different from other products or services already in the market which benefit the consumer and/or client. Company must have demonstrated ability in adopting and utilizing technology to directly increase productivity, efficiency, revenue and/or profits. Professional Service Award This company has demonstrated professionalism and integrity.  This category includes, but is not limited to, law, medical, dental, accounting, financial, insurance, real estate and other professional service providers. Retailer of the Year Award  This business has demonstrated commitment to innovation and excellence in retail, and will include staff knowledge in consideration of merchandising, store design, customer service, marketing & promotion and community involvement.