Three local businesses were named small business of the year by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce Tuesday morning at Dale's Weston Lanes.

Kulp's of Stratford took home the award in the manufacturing and commercial services category. The roofing, sheet metal and insulation contractor has been serving the area since 1985.

"I'm glad I'm not one of the judges because it would be impossible really to make the right decision and we're going to be honored to serve in this capacity for a year," said Bob Kulp.

Stine Eye Center, of Weston, won the award in the retail and professional services category. The center was founded in 2000 by Dr. Doug Stine.

"It is an amazing honor," Dr. Stine said.

A new category this year is for best non-profit organization. That award went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin. The organization's director of program services says they served 500 kids in 2011, despite a decrease in donors and fundraising.

"It's a passion," Linda Koepke said. "It's something we quietly do up on Stewart Ave, matching kids with great mentors in the community."

The chamber has been handing out the awards annually since 1981 as part of Small Business Week.