West Chicago's first Brilliance in Business awards

The winners of West Chicago's first Brilliance in Business awards range from a company that sells hand-dyed yarn to shops as far away as New Zealand to a neighborhood ice cream shop.

Five businesses were recognized last week during the city council meeting. The winners are:

• Small Business of the Year: Dream in Color Yarn, 907 Atlantic Drive.

Dream in Color's dyeing process is "totally unique to the industry," says co-owner Veronica Van. More than 350 knitting shops in the U.S., Canada, Europe and New Zealand sell Dream in Color's subtly colored, hand-dyed yarns.

• Community Image Award: Tastee Freez, 130 W. Fremont.

Jeff and Teresa Riner restored the exterior of West Chicago Tastee Freez to its 1955 glory, while bringing the interior up to code.

• Green Initiatives Award: Augustino's Rock and Roll Deli, 300 W. North Ave.

All disposable items are earth-friendly, compostable products, from the coffee cups to the knives and spoons. Cathy and Jerry Morelli use earth-friendly cleaning products and de-icers too.

• Economic Development Award: behindthechair.com, 151 E. Hawthorne Lane.

Mary and Mark Gable transformed a dilapidated 1939 roller rink into a loft-style space for their company, which serves the professional salon industry. The online site is the largest community Web site for hairdressers and salon owners in the world; the company also produces a magazine.

• Community Service Award: John Churillo, owner of Extra Value Liquors, gives back to the community through his involvement with the Lions Club, Rotary Club, chamber of commerce and industry and West Chicago Elementary District 33.

"We are proud to have (these companies) doing business in West Chicago," said Mayor Michael Kwasman.

A video about the winning businesses can be viewed at westchicago.org. Street banners on Main Street also will honor the winners.