Dance Studio Named York County's Best Small Business

By Amber Lester Kennedy Sunday, October 31, 2010

Country Bootleggers, a dance studio, has been named York County's best small business for 2010.

The York County Chamber of Commerce awarded its John D. “Pete” Sterrett 2010 Small Business of the Year Award to Country Bootleggers, a dance studio specializing in classes for adults. Owner Cindy Norge accepted the award at York County’s Occasion for Business and Industry Dinner on Oct. 13 at Great Wolf Lodge.

The award, named after the county’s first Industrial Development Authority Chairman, is an annual award that recognizes a small York County business that has demonstrated outstanding business achievements in the past year. Nominations were accepted until Sept. 24; entries were judged by members of the Chamber Board of Directors, who chose the winner based on business success, growth and community involvement.

Norge opened her dance studio in 1993, and has seen significant growth over the past few years despite the downturn in the economy. She employs 15 contract teachers who offer lessons in everything from salsa to Zumba to bellydancing. She’s focusing next on growing her classes for children; the school currently offers ballet classes for children 2 years old and up.

Chuck Jarrett, president of the York Chamber of Commerce, says Norge stood out for her volunteerism. She gives back the community by renting out her studio to nonprofit organizations, and volunteering to lead line dancing at Relay for Life and Riverwalk’s Friday night events. She also has hosted York County’s Business After Hours meetings at her studio.

“Her involvement and what she’s done over the past couple years really suggested she was the best person to win this year,” Jarrett says.

She said winning the award felt “fantastic.” “It’s a very high honor to achieve,” she said. “It’s always better to be recognized because the clientele can see the accomplishment and what you have done to help the county and your business.”

Nominations for the award are solicited via the Chamber’s website each August and the award is presented each October. To learn more about Country Bootleggers, click here.