Middletown-based RI Computer Learning Services was one of six Newport County businesses honored this week with a 2011 Excellence in Business Award from the Newport County Chamber of Commerce.

The ceremony was held Monday, May 9, at the Newport Officers Club. Rep. David Cicilline was the guest speaker.

For the first time in the history of these awards, the winners knew only that they had been nominated among many, and not that they had won.

RI Computer Learning Services was recognized as the county's Entrepenuer of the Year. On the company's Web site, manager Robin Gardner wrote that she was "so honored" by the award.

"I still don't know who made the nomination, but when I find out, I'll be giving someone a great big hug!" she wrote.

NewportFed, which has a branch in Middletown, was also recognized in the Large Business category.

The Excellence in Business Awards are an annual tradition started by the Newport County Chamber of Commerce five years ago.  This year’s winners were selected from 25 nominations in six categories. A selection committee was made up of volunteers from the Chamber’s Member Services and Ambassadors Committees.

Here's the full list of winners:

Large Business:  NewportFed

Small Business: William Vareika Fine Arts, Ltd.

Micro Business: Cadeaux du Monde

Woman Owned Business: Only in Rhode Island

Entrepreneur of the Year: RI Computer Learning Services

Non-Profit of the Year: James L. Maher Center