Lombard announces business award nominees

Lombard Village President William Mueller is fond of noting "Business is good for Lombard and Lombard is good for business."

He and other community leaders often say businesses not only help sustain the community through sales taxes, but also contribute to its diversity, character and pride.

For their efforts, 35 businesses have been honored with nominations in six categories for the village's annual Business Recognition Awards. The categories include Property Stewardship, Customer Service, Major Milestones, Business Pride, Property Improvement and the Jim Bell Distinguished Developer.

Nominations from residents, businesses, employees, customers and community groups were considered, but the winners are kept secret until an April 22 banquet.

"It was an interesting mix," said Trustee Dana Moreau, head of the panel overseeing the program. "Some really stood out ... with submissions in more than one category. One store alone had several submissions.

"Again there is a good mix of business from downtown and the Yorktown area," she added. "They probably all deserve awards this year for being able to sustain in this economic downturn."

Nominees for the Property Stewardship Award, for impeccably maintaining buildings or landscaping, are Lover's Lane, Miller's Ale House and Phillip's Flowers & Gifts.

Customer Service Award nominees for "exceptional" customer service, are Buckle, Capital Grille, Harris Bank, Las Monarcas, Lombard Healthmart Pharmacy Inc., Miller's Ale House, Physical Medicine & Pain Physicians, Potted Petals, Scrubs Etc. Inc., Shamrock Garden Florist and the UPS Store.

Nominees for Major Milestones that involve technology development, new products or growth are Bliss Baby, Harbor Freight Tools, I Love Dirt, Midwest Steel Blanking, Ray O'Herron, RedSpeed Illinois and Restaurant Depot.

For representing the finest example of a successful, responsible company, nominations for the Business Pride awards to go Boudin SF, Claim Jumper Restaurant, Dairy Queen, D.O.C. Wine Bar, Lucky Strike Lane, Potted Petals, Sweet Tomatoes, The Blind Spot and United Home Builders.

Several business have been nominated for Property Improvement Awards for undertaking striking improvement to existing or vacant properties. They are Bon Ton, Cole Taylor Bank, Feel Good Hair, Main Street Café, Mike's Hot Dogs, Miller's Ale House, Montini Catholic High School and Odyssey Authentic Greek Taverna.

Nominees for the Jim Bell Distinguished Developer Award for constructing a high-quality project within the community are Cole Taylor Bank and Montini Catholic High School.

The awards will be presented April 22 at the monthly Lombard Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Carlisle Banquets. The public is invited and reservations can be made by calling the Chamber office at (630) 627-5040.