Algonquin gives props to its local businesses
With the music industry honoring its talent with the Grammy Awards and Hollywood paying homage to its actors with the Oscars this weekend, Algonquin's economic development commission recently handed out plaques to seven local businesses.
The annual 2008 Business Awards, part of the village's business retention program, honor certain companies, citing their dedication to Algonquin. The awards are in their ninth year.
So without further ado, the envelope please:
• The New Development Architectural Award went to two businesses this year -- Mimi's Café at 2561 County Line Road and Fountain Square, 1000 E. Algonquin Road, a building that features office and retail space.
Criteria for this award is based on exemplary architectural design and/or layout and use of existing landscaping, said Katie Parkhurst, an Algonquin senior planner.
• Three lucky businesses received the village's Rehabilitation/Improvement Award. They are: Joe Caputo and Sons Fruit Market at 100 S. Randall Road; Sandbloom Apartments at 201 Sandbloom Road; and the dental office of Mark Pacana, 315 S. Main St.
To be eligible for this honor, exterior and building improvements must complement the area's surrounding architecture.
• Curves fitness, 212 Eastgate Drive, received the Community Service Award for collecting more than 10,000 pounds of food for the needy during the past four years, serving as a Toys for Tots collection point, arranging cold weather clothing drives and partnering with the local Girl Scouts for fitness and nutrition merit badges.
• Lastly, the Community Economic Impact Award went to Young Innovations at 2260 Wendt St., a company that makes dental products.
The company was heralded for keeping its expansion in Algonquin by moving to the Corporate Campus and building a 95,000-square-foot facility that serves as its office, warehouse and distribution center. This move created 22 new jobs, Parkhurst said.
The winners receive plaques from Village President John Schmitt. Their names are also engraved on a plaque that hangs on a wall inside the village hall. A brief ceremony was held earlier this month at the village hall.
Still, if you can't wait to get your fill of the fashionable hits and misses on the red carpet, be sure to tune into the Oscars Sunday night.
Good Samaritan speaks
I heard back from the Huntley gentleman kind enough to rescue me and my car from a snow bank I ran into a few weeks back while making a wide U-turn on Harmony Road.
Last week, I identified this gracious soul as Ken from Huntley. Turns out his full name is Ken Schneeberger.
Anyway, he sent me an e-mail the day after my initial column ran. Here's what he had to say:
"I got a couple of calls today asking if I pulled someone out of the snow the other day. I did! They referred me to your article in the DH. Glad I could help and thank YOU for the mention and the opportunity to play with my big toy! You're welcome."
And thank you again, Mr. Schneeberger, for coming to my rescue.
• Lenore Adkins covers Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, McHenry County College and weekend events in McHenry County. To reach her, call (847) 608œ2725 or e-mail ladkins@dailyherald.com.