West Chicago to honor top businesses

West Chicago will celebrate some of its top businesses early next month when it presents its Brilliance in Business awards.

The program seeks to acknowledge the specific efforts businesses make toward achieving their goals and the positive impact they have on the community. It highlights successful initiatives, projects, ventures, business models and practices that enhance the city's business environment and further the community's economic development goals.

This year's winners will be recognized at the Dec. 4 city council meeting.

The winner of the Outstanding Small Business category, Chris Mechanical Services, Inc., has been operating in West Chicago for 14 years.

The family-owned heating and air conditioning business services residents in DuPage, Kane and portions of Cook and Lake counties.

When CEO Chris Gilbertsen started the company with two people, his goal was to provide customers with comfort solutions that fit their lifestyle and budget. Though the business has grown to include a fleet of trucks, a warehouse full of parts and equipment, and a factory-trained staff ready to respond to customers in need around the clock, the goal remains the same: quality service at an affordable price.

Lynda Oas, a longtime customer and now an employee, said she was so impressed with the integrity, honesty and workmanship of the company that she jumped at the chance when she was offered a job.

"They treat everyone like family, going out of their way to make sure every customer is satisfied," she said.

Employee satisfaction is equally high on the list according to Oas.

"From continuing education that is provided regularly to the technicians, to being there for us both personally and professionally, one could not ask to work in a better environment," she said.

The business occupies a 6,000-square-foot facility at 396 Fenton Lane, Suite 605.

Gilbertsen's involvement in the community is evident. The business sponsors a baseball league, donates turkeys to the Knights of Columbus at holiday time, and recently installed a free furnace in the Neighborhood Food Pantries.

The atmosphere at Chris Mechanical Services, Inc. is due in part to what is at the heart of the business - family. Even Frank, the family dog, has his place, serving as "vice president of marketing."

Also receiving awards this year are Timber Lake Apartments LLC, Buck Services Inc., and American Standard Circuits Inc.