Five West Chicago businesses to receive awards

Five West Chicago businesses this month will receive Brilliance in Business Awards from the city.

The five, which will be recognized in a city council meeting Monday, Nov. 16, join the ranks of businesses that have won the title since the city established the formal award program in 2009. West Chicago has made it an annual priority to seek standouts in its business community and to formally acknowledge the achievements they have made on behalf of the business and the community through the Brilliance in Business Awards.

This year, the awards focused on five distinct categories: Small Business of the Year, Community Image, Community Service, Economic Development, and Outstanding Not-for-Profit.

Mayor Ruben Pineda and John D. Said, director of community development, along with other city staff, visited the winning businesses to convey appreciation to management and staff for their investment in the community.

"Our intention with these visits and the program in general is to send a strong message to our existing businesses that their investments, accomplishments and success stories, as well as their challenges, are important to us," Pineda said. "This is an opportunity for us to meet the people behind the storefronts we pass every day and learn exactly how dedicated, proud and passionate they are to be serving the community of West Chicago and beyond."

The businesses being honored are:

Small Business of the Year: Supermercado Tampico, 516 Main St. One word came up frequently in the nomination process for Supermercado Tampico: quality. Residents referenced the high quality selection of the market's fresh meats and produce; and the friendliness, helpfulness and care its staff provides. This family-owned business contributes to the overall quality of downtown West Chicago by taking extra effort to beautify the east gateway to West Chicago's downtown through seasonal gardens and flowering pots.

Community Image Award: Egg Yolk Café, 100 S. Neltnor Blvd. Egg Yolk Café has developed a strong and loyal following since opening with a varied menu of fresh, high quality dishes and friendly, helpful service. Its building's exterior provides a terrific first impression to the countless cars that navigate Route 59. Once people enter the refurbished, redecorated interior, they know they have chosen the right place to dine.

Community Service Award: Illinois Aviation Academy, 32W751 Tower Road, illinoisaviation.com. Illinois Aviation Academy became known this year for its one-of-a-kind program Tuskegee Next Academy. Its goal - to train and support 100 African-American and minority Chicago-area youth in obtaining their pilot's licenses by the year's end - is inspiring. Learning something as challenging and exciting as air flight empowers youth to dream big and reach goals.

Economic Development Award: Rite-Way Automotive, 101 E. Washington St., ritewayautowego.com. Vince Malina's investments in the property building at 101 W. Washington St. - which include a remodeled showroom and waiting area, high tech equipment and renovated auto bays as well as exterior beautification and signage - have rewarded the business with a steady stream of satisfied customers and the community with an overall boost to the prominent corner. As his business continues to gain traction with new customers, Malina's investment in the community continues to grow also. His insight as a committee member for several events drives development of fresh ideas that, in turn, lead to further exposure for the downtown business district.

Outstanding Not-for-Profit: St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store, 213 Main St., svdpjoliet.org/thrift-stores.html. Another resident favorite, St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store received many nominations from its loyal customer base. Among the reasons cited were friendly staff, great product selection and prices, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages community gathering and social interaction.

Nominations for the 2016 Brilliance in Business Awards will open in August and online nomination forms will be posted to the city's website at westchicago.org.