As the 2014 Business of the Year awards shape up, it pays dividends to look back at Austin’s economic growth in 2013.

Hormel Foods posted momentous gains once again, Quality Pork Processors, Inc., opened an innovative health clinic for employees and Austin Public Schools opened a brand-new school designed to get students more prepared for scientific and mathematical careers not yet invented.

Small businesses like the Sassy Strawberry and Asian Market opened to acclaim.

Economic initiatives through Vision 2020 picked up steam. A community recreation center is moving forward, while plans to improve the business atmosphere in town through a community concierge and increased partnerships with local schools took shape.

It all points to better things for Austin as a whole.

We may not have seen the huge infrastructure improvements that 2011 and 2012 brought, but Austin quietly and confidently made strides toward decreasing resident poverty and improving business relations in 2013. Unemployment continues to be low, and more innovative services are on the horizon thanks to large Vision 2020 projects like a potential community-wide fiber optics network and better networking opportunities.

Given all that, it’s going to be difficult for the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce to give awards to all of the businesses that deserve recognition for a stellar 2013. We congratulate all of the businesses who were nominated for Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, and Project of the Year, along with the individuals who made these accomplishments happen. We hope 2014 proves even more fruitful for Austin’s economic interests.