The Smart Business Network (SBN) is an organization that talks to the country’s leading CEOs to discover how they made it to the top and to get their advice on how other leaders can do the same. They have numerous divisions around the country that publish newsletters, magazines and books as well as hosting events and conferences for business executives in their area to share this insight, advice and strategy.

Each year, the SBN recognizes 50 business executives and their respective companies in each SBN division for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations. This year, Smart Business Columbus honored the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and Gordon Gough, President and CEO, with their Smart 50 Award, recognizing the Council as one of Central Ohio’s top 50 companies. Gough accepted the award on behalf of the Council at a gala on July 18, surrounded by family and members of Team Council, all of whom couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments as the leader of our organization.