ARLINGTON, TX – September 8, 2026 – The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Small Business of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding minority-owned, veteran-owned, woman-owned, nonprofit and for-profit businesses. The Overall Small Business of the Year is awarded to the highest-scoring submission across all categories. Recipients will be honored at the 21st Annual State of the City Address on Oct. 29.
“Arlington’s small businesses are an essential part of what makes our community thrive,” Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, said. “This year’s recipients exemplify the innovation, entrepreneurship and commitment that continue to strengthen our economy and make greater Arlington a place where businesses and people can succeed.”
OVERALL SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT: Advanced Integrated Marketing, Inc.
Advanced Integrated Marketing, Inc. (AIM) is a full-service digital marketing agency headquartered in Arlington and founded in 2019 by President and CEO Brig Serman. AIM helps local businesses grow through search engine optimization, paid search, reputation management, social media, website design, and managed hosting. The firm is also among North Texas’s earliest movers in AI search optimization, having built a proprietary practice – with its own tracking tools and scoring methodology – that measures and improves how clients are found, cited, and recommended inside AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews. AIM’s commitment extends beyond its client roster: Serman and his team give their time to the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Arlington Museum of Art, Dental Health Arlington, Rotary, and other organizations that strengthen the community they call home. Visit their website
NONPROFIT RECIPIENT: Levitt Pavilion Arlington
For 20 years, the Levitt Pavilion has served as a signature part of the downtown Arlington experience, offering high-quality concerts and community events that are free and accessible to everyone. The Levitt’s annual, genre-spanning concert lineup features regional favorites, up-and-coming performers and national touring artists – including more than a few Grammy winners. The Levitt also presents cultural celebrations, including the annual Hispanic Heritage and Juneteenth celebrations, and supports arts development through programs such as Levitt Youth Spotlight. Additionally, the Levitt serves as the host venue or live entertainment provider for high-profile community celebrations and arts events, such as the Men Serving God BBQ, Shakespeare LIVE, the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade and an array of nonprofit fundraisers throughout the year. Visit their website
FOR-PROFIT RECIPIENT: Marcona Kitchen
For the last 13 years, Marcona Kitchen has proudly served customers across North Texas through exceptional food, genuine hospitality and a passion for bringing people together. The company specializes in event catering, creating memorable experiences for weddings, corporate events, celebrations and gatherings of all sizes. Beyond catering, Marcona Kitchen has become a community favorite for its fresh, ready-to-eat family meals, offering a convenient and delicious way for friends and family to gather around the table at home. The team credits its loyal customers and the greater Arlington community for the support that has allowed Marcona Kitchen to grow and thrive and is grateful to the employees who have helped make its journey possible. Visit their website
WOMAN-OWNED RECIPIENT: The Runner Shop
Since 1978, The Runner Shop has helped runners and walkers across the DFW area and has been locally owned by Larissa Peterson since 2015 after joining the team in 1999. More than a specialty running store, The Runner Shop is committed to building a healthier, more connected community through expert shoe fittings, education, and exceptional customer service for runners, walkers, and everyone in between. Beyond the store, The Runner Shop hosts free community runs each week, partners with local races, schools, nonprofits, and businesses, and proudly helps organize the Arlington Turkey Trot, benefiting the Miracle League of Arlington. The team supports the community through sponsorships, volunteerism, fundraising, and educational events, believing that investing in people is just as important as fitting them with the right shoes. For decades, The Runner Shop has been a place where lasting relationships are built, goals are celebrated, and community comes together. Visit their website
MINORITY-OWNED RECIPIENT: Brisket Boss LLC
Founded by U.S. Army veteran Royce Simmons, Brisket Boss LLC transforms a 70-year family barbecue tradition into a growing Texas food brand. After retiring from a 40-year career with Lockheed Martin, Simmons revived his family’s recipes and expanded them into a product line of premium seasonings, sauces, brisket beef snack sticks and beef jerky. In 2023, Brisket Boss was named a Top 10 Finalist in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best competition, helping propel the brand into new retail, travel and institutional markets. Today, Brisket Boss products are available through H-E-B, DFW International Airport stores, Aramark, Dallas Methodist Hospital and other retailers and distributors. Simmons has also represented the brand at trade shows in Mexico City as he works to take his family’s Arlington-grown legacy to markets around the world. Visit their website
VETERAN-OWNED RECIPIENT: TeamLogic IT
TeamLogic IT Lake Arlington is a veteran-owned managed IT services provider dedicated to giving local businesses the reliable, secure technology they need to focus on what they do best. The company provides proactive network monitoring, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, data backup and responsive help desk support to businesses throughout Arlington and Fort Worth, treating every client’s technology like its own. The team brings the discipline and service mindset of its veteran leadership to its work each day and values the trust its clients place in the company. Proud to call Arlington home, TeamLogic IT is committed to helping local businesses grow with confidence and giving back to the community that has supported its success. Visit their website
CRITERIA
The Small Business Awards selection process is rigorous. Nominated businesses and organizations complete an extensive application, including letters of recommendation from the community. Businesses are evaluated based on growth, innovation and contributions toward furthering the Chamber’s mission, “Together, We Champion Economic and Community Prosperity.” A group of distinguished business leaders from across greater Arlington reviews all completed applications to determine each year’s recipients.
