By Eric Stock and Patrick Baron
BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Chamber of Commerce recognized several local businesses and community leaders last night at the chamber’s annual gala.
The Business Excellence Awards are given to individuals and businesses who help better the communities around them. The 2016 Business Excellence Awards were given to various organizations, celebrating their successes.
Jerome Maddox was presented the Legacy of Excellence Award.
“I actually was almost to tears just thinking about everybody else thought about me,” Maddox quipped. “It was very humbling and I’m still excited and happy that I’m making this kind of impact on the community.”
Working at State Farm, Maddox has helped the business build stronger relationships with the communities they serve. Maddox has also partnered with Home Sweet Home Ministries and the Community Health Care Clinic to create the Mobile Health Clinic, which provides wider access to healthcare in the community.
Faith in Action won the Nonprofit Excellence Award. Faith in Action has volunteers serve hundreds of seniors within the community by providing transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store, general errands, and help with light-in home maintenance all at no charge.
Henson Disposal and Recycling received the Green Excellence Award. Henson Disposal and Recycling provides residential and commercial refuse and recycling services to Bloomington-Normal, as well as several rural communities throughout Central Illinois.
Specs Around Town was presented with the Micro Business Excellence Award. Specs Around Town is community-focused and work to give back to the community on a wide variety of fundraising efforts for local organizations, sponsoring local events, and speaking to students.
“I do think we are somewhat of a destination,” Kubsch said. “We draw people from Champaign-Urbana, Peoria and local people. So once they come downtown hopefully they are going to explore and find the other great things we have.”
First Farmers State Bank won the Small Business Excellence Award. First Farmers State Bank has been working in the area for over 150 years. They are known for their relationship-driven banking style and for taking the time with local entrepreneurs to listen, learn, and help drive their financial success.
McDonald’s Restaurants received the Large Business Excellence Award. Owned by Bob and Julie Dobski, McDonald’s has been involved with fundraising for numerous events for organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Toys for Tots, McLean County Relay for Life, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“It’s nice being recognized by all the efforts of our employees, not just us but everybody in the organization who works 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give to the community, ” Bob Dobski said.
Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].
