West Chicago honors five businesses with ‘brilliance’ awards
The city of West Chicago is recognizing five companies this year with its Brilliance in Business Awards.
The program aims to build greater awareness, appreciation and support for businesses that demonstrate innovation, creativity, community service and sustainability. This year’s recipients are: Sims Recycling Solutions, Daniel and Associates Real Estate, Bob’s Salt and Feed, Chiquita Food Market Plaza and the DuPage Airport Authority.
The city will recognize the five during a council meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at 475 Main St. The ceremony will include a video that will be made available after the ceremony on West Chicago’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/cityofwestchicago.
Here’s a closer look at the award winners:
Green Initiatives:Sims Recycling Solutions, 1750 Harvester Road, is the world’s largest electronics recycling company, with operations on five continents, including a wide and growing presence across North America. It was formed in 2002 in the United Kingdom to address the growing issue of e-waste.
It expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and following natural growth and a number of mergers and acquisitions, the business now operates from more than 50 sites on five continents, processing more than 1 billion pounds of waste electronic equipment each year.
As well as being a global leader in electronics reuse and recycling, Sims has partnered with the West Chicago Environmental Commission to organize events such as the recent citywide recycling event and also provides free electronics collection to residents from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at its Harvester Road location.
Community Image:Chiquita Food Market is the anchor for a roughly 80,000-square-foot complex at 133 West Roosevelt Road known as Chiquita Food Market Plaza. It was selected because the center provides a positive image for the community along a busy state road.
Owner Alfredo Linares and Manager George Hernandez have a hands-on approach and take pride in the amenities the plaza offers. Such qualities have not gone unnoticed by a national chain restaurant that recently signed a lease at the plaza.
One of the plaza’s tenants nominated it for the award based on management’s responsiveness to problems or issues that arise, cleanliness and safety of the parking lot, and assistance in promoting all businesses within the plaza.
Small Business of the Year: Bob’s Salt and Feed, 126 Wood St., is owned and operated by Scott Westlake and is a trusted name among pet owners.
A former corporate executive turned entrepreneur, Scott’s mission since acquiring Bob’s in 2007 has been to learn the business from top to bottom by working in every department and by continually learning the latest about animal nutrition from the research of vendors and industry experts. That and his home delivery have earned him the loyalty of many big barns in the area.
Small pet owners and wild animal enthusiasts also have found products that fit their needs at Bob’s, and the store does a large trade in retail salt supply and delivery for those who need help with the lifting and loading large bags and blocks of water softener or winter salt.
Community Service:Daniel and Associates Real Estate’s award is based on its involvement and support throughout the community.
Owner Dan Czuba has touted the benefits of the city for 21 years and made his own investment in his office building at 465 E. Roosevelt Road. He and his associates have given back to the community in far-reaching ways, from active membership in the Thorium Action Group, West Chicago Lions Club, Downtown Business Associations and chamber of commerce to participation in city-sponsored events such as Blooming Fest, Tales Tombstones Tell, Bunny Trails, Railroad Days and Kruse House Ice Cream Socials.
Economic Development: The DuPage Airport Authority is an economic engine for West Chicago and the surrounding area. The facility at 2700 International Drive consistently ranks in the top five airports in Illinois and an independent economic impact study shows it brings economic benefit to DuPage County and the metropolitan area, pumping $117 million into the local economy and creating nearly 1,000 jobs for area residents.
The airport recently invested $3.1 million in an atrium renovation, creating a striking first impression for visitors, better use of space and added climate control benefits for staff and travelers.