St. Andrews scores hole in one as Illinois Family Business of the Year
St. Andrews Golf and Country Club in West Chicago has received the 2011 Illinois Family Business of the Year Award from the Loyola University Family Business Center.
The organization selects businesses each year that demonstrate a strong commitment to both business and family. St. Andrews won the award for medium-sized businesses with 50 to 250 employees and is the first golf facility to receive the honor.
This year’s awards drew more than 250 nominations for the five categories that included; small, medium and large businesses as well as awards for community service and the Century Award. Winners have shown a strong connection to family business operations, community support, innovative business strategies and perseverance, organizers said.
“St. Andrews is honored to have won this award,” said Marianne Jemsek Hinckley of St. Andrews. “We could not have succeeded without our loyal customers and dedicated staff that has helped us to improve our business each year. After 85 years in business, the Hinckley and Jemsek families look forward to our next 85 and we truly appreciate the support of our extended family, friends and community leaders.”
“Congratulations to the entire Jemsek and Hinckley family. St. Andrews Golf and Country Club is one of West Chicago’s recreational gems,” Mayor Mike Kwasman said. “We are delighted they have received this well-deserved recognition and wish them many more years of continued success.”
St. Andrews was founded in 1926 and features a 36-hole golf and banquet facility. It always has been owned and operated by the Jemsek-Hinckley family.
Marianne Jemsek Hinckley and her family run the golf business and follow in the footsteps of her grandfather Frank Hough, and parents Joe and Grace Jemsek. Thus far, five generations of the family have worked in the business.
To read the story of Joe Jemsek and his rise from caddie to owner of a golf course collection that includes St. Andrews Golf and Country Club and Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, visit www.westchicago.org under Business/Marketplace Milestones.