Wheaton coffee shop receives national award for second year

For the second year in a row, River City Roasters coffee shop in downtown Wheaton has received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's DREAM BIG Blue Ribbon Small Business Award.

"It reaffirms this year that what we're doing as far as a business model and our involvement in the community here in Wheaton, and in Uganda currently, that we don't just think it's a good idea. There's other people, there are professionals who say, 'Wow, we think your business is good,'" co-owner Erich Goepel said. "That really motivates me. The money is not always there, but we're moving in a direction that will be very sustainable soon."

To determine the winners, thousands of businesses across the country were judged in four categories: strategic planning, employee development, customer service and community involvement. A total of 100 companies were selected for the award and will be honored at a small business summit in Washington, D.C., in June. The only other winner from Illinois was SPEC Engineering in Plainfield.

Goepel said the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce nominated his business this year, in hopes it would have a second chance at becoming a regional finalist or winning the Small Business of the Year Award. When he filled out the 2016 application, Goepel reflected on ways the company has grown, with more community interaction, more employees, updated equipment and a continued focus on giving time and resources to others.

"This year, I feel much more relaxed. Now I know the process and what they're looking for," he said.

Highlights for the company from the past year include a coffee sourcing trip the owners made to Kenya and Uganda to connect with and help coffee farmers, as well guidance they provided to the National Alliance on Mental Illness DuPage when it launched a coffee shop run by people recovering from mental illness.

Additionally, River City Roasters has formed a partnership with Dry City Brew Works, a craft brewery in the same building, and provided complimentary coffee for an increasing number of philanthropic and service-oriented events in the community.

"We live by coffee, connection, community, so everything we do revolves around great coffee, helping connect people and being involved in our community," Goepel said. "To have the U.S. Chamber say to us 'Hey, we agree with you, that's a great way to do business,' it's good."

Next Wednesday, the chamber will announce seven regional finalists. One regional finalist will receive the Small Business of the Year Award and a $10,000 cash prize.

In addition, winners are also eligible for the Community Excellence Award, which is decided through online voting that closes Friday. To vote for River City Roasters, visit uschamber.secure-platform.com.