The Chamber of Commerce presented the Annual Business of the Year Award to Barb Hovsepian of Au Courant, the Den and Posh.

Hovsepian and her husband Allen bought Au Courant in 2009.

“It was a hair salon. Today it is that and more, with The Den catering exclusively to men, and POSH, Barb’s wardrobe and image consulting service,” said Chamber President Ralph Swanson. “Keeping track of what is essentially three businesses might be enough for one person, but Barb has more energy than one normal person.”

Hovsepian also supports Mercer Island Youth & Family Services (YFS), and AuCourant is the leading seller of the Glass Pumpkins that YFS sells each fall. She has a Holiday Giving Tree that sponsors numerous families.

Hovsepian also organizes a fall food drive, is a sponsor for the “Giving From the Heart” Breakfast and provides haircuts to YFS clients going to job interviews.

She supports numerous local artisans and other small businesses by displaying and selling their goods or collaborating on events that enhance both businesses. She  employs students from the high school and mentors them as they transition to the working world.

She credits her staff and the community for making it all work.

“Everyone is so generous here,” she said. “And I have a wonderful group of employees who make it happen.”

She also organized ‘Mercer Island Cares Oso Much,’ a fundraising campaign for the town of Oso after the mudslide earlier this year.

Her original goal was to raise $15,000, but she brought in $36,000.

Au Courant, The DEN and Posh are located at 7900 S.E. 28th St. Reach them at 232-1336 or visit aucourantsalon.com.