Elkhart County Celebrates 11 New Business Legacy Hall of Fame Inductees
ELKHART,Ind. – Eleven entrepreneurs were honored last night as teh latest inductees into the Elkhart County Business Legacy Hall of Fame, a ceremony attended by over 200 local business leaders and entrepreneurs at the Crystal Ballroom in The Lerner Theater. The event, hosted by Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana and emceed by WNDU’s Gary Sieber, recognizes individuals and businesses making significant contributions to the community.
The Business Legacy Hall of Fame, established to celebrate impactful local leadership, serves as a source of inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. “I would encourage every youth to think about what makes this community great and to contribute to make it better,” said Jessica Hillary, director of Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana. “We are what makes Elkhart County great as individuals. And when we come together to celebrate that, it’s just amazing.”
Funds raised from the event will directly support junior achievement programs, including the popular BizTown, a hands-on, simulated town designed to provide students with real-world job experience.
this year’s honorees represent a diverse range of industries and achievements, recognized under eleven distinct categories:
* The Havilah Beardsley Recognition for Young Entrepreneur (under 40): Joel Lederman, Elevation Park Model
* The Guy David Gundlach Recognition for Community Impact: Frank and Marsha Martin
* The Thomas I. Atkins Recognition for Minority In/Owned Business: Jess Koscher, Write Connections
* The Helen Murray Free Recognition for Woman In/Owned Business: Mayor Gina Leichty
* The Dr. Franklin Miles Recognition for Leadership in Healthcare: Dr. Patrick Russell, neurologist
* The C.G.Conn Recognition for Manufacturing Excellence: Don Clark, Grand Design
* The Herman F. Borneman Recognition for Distribution, Retail & Logistics: Jeffrey New, Mid-City Supply
* The Clarence C. Moore Recognition for Technology: Tim Haynie, Bond Technologies
* The J. Lawrence burkholder Recognition for Leadership in Education: Phyllis Tubbs,Elkhart Community Schools
* Business as a Force of Good: The Electric Brew
* The Patricia G. and Arthur J.Decio Lifetime Achievement Award: David and Nancy Smith
The Elkhart County Business Legacy Hall of Fame, overseen by Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, continues to highlight the vital role entrepreneurship plays in the region’s economic and social fabric.
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