West Chicago Announces 2012 Brilliance in Business Award Recipients
West Chicago, Illinois: October 18, 2012 – The City of West Chicago takes great pride in recognizing the many shining stars in its business community through a formal recognition program aptly named the Brilliance in Business Awards. The program aims to build greater awareness, appreciation and support for West Chicago businesses that are demonstrating innovation, creativity, community service and sustainability. This year's recipients are: Sims Recycling Solutions, Daniel & Associates Real Estate, Bob's Salt and Feed, Chiquita Food Market Plaza and the DuPage Airport Authority.
Green Initiatives Award: Sims Recycling Solutions located at 1750 Harvester Road is the world's largest electronics recycling company, with operations on five continents including a wide and growing presence across North America. It was formed in 2002 in the UK to address the growing issue of e-waste. It expanded into the US in 2003 and following natural growth and a number of mergers and acquisitions, the business now operates from over 50 sites on five continents, processing over 1 billion pounds of waste electronic equipment each year.. As well as being a global leader in electronics reuse and recycling, Sims Recycling Solutions is a great local corporate citizen of West Chicago. It has partnered with the West Chicago Environmental Commission to organize events like the recent citywide recycling event and also provides free electronics collection to residents at 1750 Harvester Road, Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Community Image Award: Chiquita Food Market is the anchor for this approximate 80,000 square-foot complex at 133 West Roosevelt Road known as Chiquita Food Market Plaza. It's a wonderful example of a quality retail center which projects a very positive image for the community on a highly trafficked and visible state highway, Illinois Route 38 and the reason it was chosen for a Brilliance in Business Award for Community Image. The plaza is well maintained, fully occupied and responsibly managed. Owner Alfredo Linares and Manager George Hernandez have a hands-on approach and take great pride in the amenities the plaza offers. These qualities have not gone unnoticed by a national chain restaurant which recently signed a lease at the plaza. Also noteworthy is the fact that one of the plaza's current tenants nominated it for this award based on management's responsiveness to problems or issues that arise, cleanliness and safety of the parking lot, and assistance in promoting all businesses within the plaza.
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Small Business of the Year Award: Bob's Salt & Feed, located at 126 Wood Street, which is owned and operated by Scott Westlake, is a trusted name among pet owners for the superior brands it carries and the customer care it provides. A former corporate executive turned entrepreneur Scott's mission since acquiring Bob's Salt & Feed in 2007, has been to learn the business from top to bottom by working in every department; and by continually learning the latest about animal nutrition from the research of his many quality vendors and industry experts. That, and the fast, friendly turnaround time of his home delivery has earned him the loyalty of many big barns in the area which trust him with the products they need for their horses and farm animals. Small pet owners and wild animal enthusiasts also have found products that better fit their needs at Bob's Salt & Feed; and the store does a large trade in retail salt supply and delivery for those who need help with the lifting and loading of the large bags and blocks of water softener or winter salt.
Community Service Award: Daniel & Associates Real Estate's award for Community Service is well-deserved considering the level of involvement and support it has shown to every corner of the community through owner Dan Czuba's enthusiasm and sincere belief in promoting the benefits of homeownership in West Chicago. He has touted the benefits of the city for 21 years, and made his own investment in his office building at 465 East Roosevelt Road. Dan and his associates have given back to the community in far-reaching ways; from active membership in the Thorium Action Group, West Chicago Lions Club, Downtown Business Associations, Chamber of Commerce; and participation in any number of City sponsored events from Blooming Fest, Tales Tombstones Tell, Bunny Trails, Railroad Days and Kruse House Ice-cream Socials – just to name a few. Last year, Dan jumped in with both feet when asked to emcee the brand new, My Pet Rocks Contest and did a phenomenal job of making sure everyone came out a winner! Plus, his support and encouragement for other West Chicago businesses through attendance at ribbon-cuttings and cross-promotional efforts is commendable.
Economic Development Award: DuPage Airport Authority, winner of the 2012 Brilliance in Business Award in the category of Economic Development is an economic engine for West Chicago and the surrounding area. The DuPage Airport, which is located at 2700 International Drive, consistently ranks in the top 5 airports in Illinois and a recent independent economic impact study shows this general aviation facility brings broad economic benefit to DuPage County and the metropolitan area, pumping $117 million into the local economy and creating nearly 1,000 jobs for area residents. As a public agency competing with the private sector, the DuPage Airport recently invested $3.1 million in a beautiful atrium renovation, creating a striking first impression for visitors, better utilization of space and added climate control benefits for the comfort of their staff and travelers.
Special recognition will be held for the five winning businesses at the City Council meeting on Monday, November 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at 475 Main Street which will feature a commemorative video highlighting their accomplishments. The video will be made available on the City's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/cityofwestchicago, after the meeting.
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