IRONTON — Ironton in Bloom named The Barker Shop as the first recipient of its Business of the Month award. The Barker Shop is a dog and cat grooming business located at 923 S. Third St. in Ironton.

As part of its goal to plant pride in the city, Ironton in Bloom has launched its Business of the Month Award to be handed out once a month to a local business that presents its property in a way that brings positive visual attention and credit to the city of Ironton.

Criteria for winning the award includes a litter free, weed free, inviting landscape with an attractive storefront.

Kate and Tony Barker, owners of The Barker Shop, renovated the building and the building next door which is scheduled to become a dog obedience school. The building exemplifies the goals of Ironton in Bloom to plant pride in Ironton.

To nominate a business send your choice to irontoninbloom@zoomnet.net or mail to Ironton in Bloom, Inc., PO Box 4599, Ironton or phone your nomination to 740-646-2199. Nominations must be received by the 15th of each month.