Five stellar businesses will be honored on November 16, 2015
Five businesses in West Chicago have joined the ranks of those who have won the title of brilliant business since the establishment of a formal award program in 2009. The City of West Chicago has made it an annual priority to seek stand-outs in its business community and to formally acknowledge the acheivements they have made on behalf of the business and the community, through the Brilliance in Business Awards. This year, the awards focused on five distinct categories: Small Business of the Year, Community Image, Community Service, Economic Development and Outstanding Not-for-Profit.
Mayor Ruben Pineda and Director of Community Development John D. Said, along with other City staff members, visited the winning business establishments to convey appreciation to management and staff for their investment in the community. “Our intention with these visits and the program in general, is to send a strong message to our existing businesses that their investments, accomplishments, and success stories, as well as their challenges, are important to us,” said Mayor Pineda. The visits were well received and included tours of each facility. “This is an opportunity for us to meet the people behind the storefronts we pass every day and learn exactly how dedicated, proud and passionate they are to be serving the community of West Chicago and beyond,” he said.
The City will honor these outstanding businesses at the City Council meeting of Monday, November 16, 2015:
Small Business of the Year: Supermercado Tampico
516 Main Street
https://www.facebook.com/Supermercado-Tampico-106088146097207/
One word came up frequently in the nomination process for Supermercado Tampico – quality. Residents referenced the high quality selection of the market’s fresh meats and produce; and the friendliness, helpfulness and care its quality staff provides. This family-owned business contributes to the overall quality of downtown West Chicago by taking extra effort to beautify the east gateway to West Chicago’s downtown through seasonal gardens and gorgeous flowering pots.
Community Image Award: Egg Yolk Café
100 S. Neltnor Blvd.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Egg-Yolk-Cafe/213308585389822
Egg Yolk Café has developed a strong and loyal following since opening, no doubt due to the great variety of fresh, high quality dishes and friendly, helpful service. Its building’s exterior provides a terrific first impression to the countless cars that navigate Illinois Route 59; and once people enter the refurbished, beautifully redecorated interior, they know they have chosen the right place to dine.
Community Service Award: Illinois Aviation Academy
32W751 Tower Road
http://www.illinoisaviation.com/
Illinois Aviation Academy came to the attention of award judges through an article written for the Chicago Tribune on July 21, 2015, and a related story seen on WGN-TV.com on July 27, 2015, about its one-of-a-kind program, Tuskegee Next Academy. Its goal to train and support 100 African American and minority Chicago-area youth in obtaining their pilots license by the year 2015, is inspiring. Learning something as challenging and exciting as air flight, empowers youth to dream big and reach goals.
Economic Development Award: Rite-Way Automotive
101 West Washington Street
http://ritewayautowego.com/
Vince Malina’s investments in the property building at 101 West Washington Street, which include a remodeled showroom and waiting area, high tech equipment and renovated auto bays; as well as exterior beautification and signage, has rewarded the business with a steady stream of satisfied customers and the community with an overall boost to the prominent corner. As his business continues to gain traction with new customers, Malina’s investment in the community continues to grow also. His insight as a committee member for several events drives development of fresh ideas which, in turn, lead to further exposure for the downtown business district.
Outstanding Not-for-Profit: St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store
213 Main Street
https://www.facebook.com/WestChicagoStVincent
Another resident favorite, St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store received many nominations from its loyal customer base. Among the reasons cited were friendly staff, great product selection and prices, and a welcoming atmosphere which encourages community gathering and social interaction.
Those wishing to learn more about the individual businesses, may visit the website or Facebook page listed after each.
About the award program
The Brilliance in Business Awards was created as another vehicle for the City to connect with its business community. It aims to acknowledge the efforts businesses are making on behalf of their objectives and those of greater benefit to the community. The formal program, which conveys appreciation and acknowledges successful initiatives, projects, business practices and strategies is hoped to inspire, create momentum, increase satisfaction levels and stimulate further economic development. It also hopes to bring awareness to the level of diversity, creativity and corporate citizenship that epitomizes West Chicago business. Nominations for the 2016 awards will open in August 2016 and online nomination forms will be posted to the City’s website at www.westchicago.org.
