Dawn and Kristin Harkness of Wheeling City Tours in New London have been named 2015 Business Owners of the Year by the Hartford-based Connecticut Main Street Center.

The Harknesses started their business last year, deciding to offer guided Segway tours of New London.

"They had an extremely successful first year, and have already booked tours for their 2015 season," according to the award nomination filed by Annah Perch, executive director of New London Main Street, one of four nationally accredited Main Street programs in Connecticut. "The Harknesses' passion for New London is obvious and it is contagious."

The Segway Ladies, as they came to be known, spent many hours researching the city's history to be able to offer insightful commentaries on some of New London's major draws, such as Fort Trumbull, the Custom House and Waterfront Park.

But they also made outings fun, offering such diversions as Segway Polo, Segway Croquet and Segway Water Cannon Competitions. They even submitted a video to spur votes for New London as one of Connecticut's favorite towns and won top prize in a state Office of Tourism contest.

Trip Advisor lists Wheeling City Tours as the No. 1 activity to do in New London. The company is planning to expand its business to other nearby locations this season.

"Wheeling City Tours brings hundreds of unlikely guests to the City of New London each year; visitors who then spead the message that New London is a great place to be," Perch said in her submission.