‘Deep roots here in St. Charles’: 3 longtime businesses receive ‘Made in St. Charles’ awards

The owners of three St. Charles businesses received glass awards as part of the “Made in St. Charles” ceremony Nov. 17.

This year marks the fourth year of the awards by the St. Charles Business Alliance. The group sought to highlight longtime businesses that have contributed to the community for at least 50 years.

The owners of The Bike Rack, Dickey Manufacturing Company, and R.W. Rogers Company Inc. gathered during a recent city council meeting at the St. Charles Municipal Building.

“I speak on behalf of the entire council that we are so appreciative of your investment in St. Charles,” Mayor Clint Hull said.

The Bike Rack is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The business provides specialized and adaptive bikes for those with mobility impairments, biking gear and accessories, and a staff that loves all things with two wheels.

Dickey Manufacturing was founded in 1911 by Wallace Dickey in St. Charles. The business manufactures metal security seals, locks and tamper-evident products. They originally produced planished and black steel for steam engine locomotives.

Dickey Manufacturing products are used in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, aerospace, military and defense.

R.W. Rogers Company Inc. supplies new and used shopping carts throughout the Midwest. The business also produces hand baskets, merchandise displays and garden center products.

Around town, you can often see their carts at businesses such as Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center and major retailers like Goodwill and Target.

“As our committee went through potential selections for this year’s program, they found that these three businesses stood out thanks to their deep roots here in St. Charles, their exemplary products and their continued success for over 50 years,” said Jenna Sawicki, executive director of the St. Charles Business Alliance.

A profile of each business, detailing their creative and innovative work, is available on the St. Charles Business Alliance social media pages.

The Made in St. Charles program was established in 2022 to highlight and celebrate businesses that make their products in the community, offering local jobs and helping provide St. Charles its manufacturing flair. To find out more about the program and the businesses selected, visit stcalliance.org/stcmakers.