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Opp’s Covington Charm Boutique was recognized as the Gold Emerging Small Business of the Year by the Business Council of Alabama and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.

Award announcements and presentations were made when finalists assembled at a ceremony held in conjunction with the partnership’s annual meeting at The Club in Birmingham.

Covington Charm Boutique in Opp is owned and operated by Melissa and Chance McCurley. The business was nominated for the award by the Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The Opp Chamber of Commerce is so very proud of Melissa and Chance for excelling in the areas of leadership and community support, chamber involvement, business success, and overall deservedness.  Their commitment to vitalizing and invigorating downtown Opp makes Covington Charm Boutique a perfect recipient for the Emerging Small Business of the Year,” said Kelly Brandin, executive administrator for the Opp chamber.

When the McCurleys, natives of Opp, decided to purchase a building on W. Covington Avenue in the heart of downtown Opp, their story was just beginning. Soon after, they purchased the building next door for Chance’s successful transportation business and Covington Charm Boutique was born. Opening in 2021, Covington Charm is a successful ladies’ boutique catering to residents at their physical location and beyond through their online presence.

The McCurleys did not stop at Covington Charm or the two buildings they originally purchased. In addition, they opened Main Street Treats, partnered with Amazon to participate in the Amazon Hub Delivery Partner Program, and they have also purchased three additional buildings in downtown Opp to be revitalized and to become home to other small, thriving businesses.

“Through Covington Charm Boutique and their other endeavors, Chance and Melissa continue to find ways to pour love and support back into their hometown,” stated a BCA press release. “Chance is an active member of the Opp Rotary Club and serves on the executive committee of the Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce. They are also supporters of the Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo, Opp Schools, Andalusia Office of Professionals Association, Bethesda House, Mizell Memorial Hospital, Meals of Love, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Other businesses recognized in the same category were: silver award winner – Rock and Roll Offs in Semmes; and bronze award winner – Virtuous Realty Group in Madison.

Small business champion and Alabama State Representative Danny Garrett (R – Trussville), served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The Small Business of the Year Awards annually recognize Alabama’s outstanding small businesses and the widespread positive impacts they have on their local communities.

The awards ceremony came just a few days after Small Business Saturday was held nationwide.

“Small business is essential to our state’s growth and success. Those recognized today go above and beyond in their local communities, in addition to running exceptional businesses,” said BCA President and CEO, Helena Duncan. “BCA is thrilled to partner with CCAA to honor the finalists and winners for the 2022 Alabama Small Business of the Year.”

“CCAA is proud to partner with BCA in recognizing the deserving businesses named as finalists for the 2022 Alabama Small Business of the Year,” stated CCAA President and CEO, Paige Hutto. “Representing the best of the best, each of these small businesses is a part of the backbone of Alabama’s economy and helps to keep our state running. They are to be commended for their dedication, perseverance, grit, and success.”

This year, 46 businesses were chosen as finalists for awards. Nominations for the 2022 Small Business of the Year Awards were made by local chambers of commerce across the state. Finalists were reviewed by a panel of out-of-state judges in areas including community involvement, chamber participation, business success, and overall deservedness. There were four award categories with respective gold, silver, and bronze winners in each category: Emerging Small Business for those in business for less than five years; 1-10 employees; 11-50 employees; and 51-100 employees.