HAMILTON — It’s the small business owner who creates the most new jobs and “is the backbone of the economy.”

That was part of the message provided by Claude Davis, president of First Financial Bank, who was the featured speaker Tuesday, June 30, at the Small Business Person of the Year Luncheon.

The annual event, sponsored by the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, took place in the ballroom at the Courtyard by Marriott.

Davis told the large crowd that one of the most poorly managed aspects of business in recent years has been building cash reserves as a precaution for major drops in revenue. He said “investing long-term” is what “bankers are interested in these days,” and encouraged attendees to support policies that promote small business recruitment and retention.

Despite the uncertainties in the auto industry, Small Business of the Year Award recipient Ed Larkin said Rose Chevrolet is committed to serving Hamilton for the long term.

“GM might be able to take Chevrolet, but they can’t pluck our Rose,” said Larkin, who credited his mother, Karen, for giving him that line.

Mike Dingeldein was honored as the recipient of the Hamilton Heritage Award for Outstanding Community Involvement.

Dingeldein, partner and vice president of Architecture at SHP Leading Design who serves on several local civic boards, thanked many whom he referred to as his “support system.” He dedicated the award to the late Emily Beckett Reed, a neighbor, friend and colleague who he said taught him to give thanks and recognize volunteer efforts in the community.