Capannari Ice Cream honored with Blue Ribbon Small Business Award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced Capannari Ice Cream of Mount Prospect as a winner in its annual Blue Ribbon Small Business Awards, a program that recognizes companies for their success and innovation and for their contributions to economic growth and free enterprise.

Capannari's was named one of 100 finalists for the Small Business of the Year Award, selected from a record number of applicants from communities across the nation for demonstrating exceptional business practices in areas including strategic planning, employee development, community involvement, and customer service.

"We are thrilled to be a Blue Ribbon Small Business," said co-owner Katie Dolan Dix. "This honor stands out for us because we are being recognized for how well we run our business."

Capannari Ice Cream is a purveyor of high quality, super premium, homemade small batch ice cream, produced on site at their retail location in Mount Prospect.

Capannari's is now in the running for the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, to be awarded in June at the U.S. Chamber America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C.

In addition, all of the Blue Ribbon Finalists are eligible for the U.S. Chamber's Community Excellence Award, which is voted on by the public. This award recognizes one business that has found notable success in the eyes of its community. The winner will be decided through online public voting between Feb. 19 and March 4. Capannari's is asking their fans to help out by voting - a link is available at their web site, www.capannaris.com.

No stranger to recognition and awards, Capannari's has been repeatedly recognized for their high-quality product, unique ice cream flavors, business practices and strong community involvement. They have been noticed by such wide ranging publications and organizations as Bon Appetit Magazine, Chicago Magazine, Visa Black Card Magazine, Red Tricycle.com, Good Morning America, PBS and Loyola University Chicago's Quinlan School of Business.

Capannari Ice Cream opened in 2001 and is located in the historic Moehling General Store Building at 10 S. Pine Street in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. It is a family owned and operated business, owned by sisters Katie Dolan Dix and Meg Capannari and their husbands Ken Dix and Jim Capannari. The idea for the business stemmed from the owners realization that there was no destination for families in Mount Prospect, the community where they lived and grew up.

The retail shop is more than just a place to get ice cream - its location in downtown Mount Prospect, adjacent to a pocket park, makes it an idea gathering place. The business hosts several family friendly events throughout the season including Concerts in the Park, Movie Nights, an Easter egg hunt and more.

"We are so fortunate to have a business like Capannari's in our village," said Mayor Arlene Juracek. "They truly are a model of community involvement. The business and its owners, through their involvement and participation, have been instrumental in helping to spearhead a transformation in our downtown, turning it into a vibrant desirable place where people want to go."

Giving back to the community has always been core to their mission. Capannari's hosts several fundraisers throughout the year for local non-profits and are always a go to for local schools and community groups for donations and sponsorships.

The owners have also focused on helping young people of the community by providing jobs to hundreds of young students over the years. The owners at Capannari Ice Cream have received countless letters from past employees about how the experience working for the company was one of the best ways they could have been prepared for college and the work force. The staff have described their training and level of responsibility working with Capannaris as a challenge and that, by the end of the season, they are rewarded with a feeling of accomplishment and confidence in newly their newly acquired skills. The positive work environment has created deep loyalty among Capannari's staff, past and present.

In addition to the retail shop, Capannari's offers catering for parties from 20 to 2,000. More information can be found at www.capannaris.com or by calling 847/392-2277.