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West Chicago honors 'brilliant' businesses

A wellness center for dogs, a longtime Main Street bridal boutique and a seed company that does business on six continents are among the winners of West Chicago's 2010 Brilliance in Business Awards.

The city started the recognition program last year to shine a spotlight on its business community. Awards are given in six categories.

“The stories behind these six businesses illustrate a level of corporate citizenship worthy of recognition,” Mayor Mike Kwasman said. “We are proud they are part of our business community.”

This year's winners are:

Small Business of the Year Award: Natural Healing Whole Dog Wellness Center, 946 N. Neltnor Blvd. (Route 59), has the first hydrotherapy pools in the Midwest specifically designed for dogs. The center's store features canine wellness products.

Economic Development Award: Buck Services Inc., 401 Industrial Drive, is a family-owned building maintenance and management company. This year, the company purchased a 17,000-square-foot building for its business headquarters.

Green Initiatives Award: Jel Sert Company, 351 Conde St., is a leading manufacturer of freezer bars, gelatins, puddings and other treats. The company is honored for its programs to reduce waste and energy consumption and its reuse of existing resources and recycling initiatives.

Community Service Award: Emma and Onesimo Rios, owners of Casa Rios Bridal Boutique, 204 Main St., are recognized for their charitable works, including an annual coat drive and their efforts to help members of the Hispanic community in need of shelter, clothing and health care.

Community Image Award: Ball Horticultural Company, 622 Town Road, is not only one of West Chicago's best-known and oldest businesses, it's a global leader in floriculture.

Outstanding Not-for-Profit Award: We Grow Dreams greenhouse, 1055 West Washington St., provides job training and employment for people with disabilities.

The winning businesses will be honored Nov. 15 at the West Chicago City Council meeting.