West Chicago looks to celebrate businesses
West Chicago is accepting nominations for the Brilliance in Business Awards, a program acknowledging the efforts local businesses are making on behalf of their objectives and those of greater benefit to the community.
The deadline for nominations is Sept. 4.
Now in its seventh year, the program has brought awareness to the level of diversity, creativity and corporate citizenship that epitomizes West Chicago businesses.
Krista Coltrin, the city's marketing assistant, said she looks forward to each year's nominating process as a way to connect with the business community and discover the products and services available locally.
"There are over 800 businesses in West Chicago, each creating a unique product or service that enhances the economic diversity of the community. The Brilliance in Business program gives the city an opportunity to meet the owners and managers of the winning businesses and understand what drives them to fill a niche in their markets," Coltrin said.
Loggerhead Deco, Inc. is an example of one of the specialty businesses. Winner of the Green Initiatives Award in 2014, it produces small batch beverage containers for micro distillers using organic printing processes.
"We have actively used the Brilliance in Business Award from the city of West Chicago to show our customers the commitment provided by the city in support of our business initiatives as a green manufacturer," owner Steve Gilbertson said.
Nominations are often received from businesses, either for other businesses or for themselves. However, this year the city is encouraging residents and patrons of local businesses to submit nominations.
"Maybe the business provides unbelievable customer service, takes great pride in recent renovations, or offers a product not found anywhere else. Whatever the positive experience, we want to hear about it," Coltrin said.
Online nomination forms can be found on West Chicago's website at westchicago.org under Businesses, Forms and Applications. All businesses must be within the West Chicago municipal boundaries.
Award categories are Community Service, Community Image, Green Initiatives, Economic Development, Small Business of the Year and Not-for-Profit.
Information on previously awarded businesses can be found through a series of videos and musical slideshows on the City of West Chicago's YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/CityofWestChicago.