A newcomer to the downtown and a deeply-rooted business took home top honors Thursday at the annual Crawfordsville/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce awards program at the Crawfordsville Country Club.
Minerva Baez and Joaquin Vega of Jarocho Mini Market took home Small Business of the Year honors; while Lakeside Book Company was named Large Business of the Year.
“They have quickly established Jarocho Mini Market as one of downtown Crawfordsville’s favorite hot spots,” said Michael Lowe of Brother’s Pizza. “Their cozy, ethnic grocery story is packed with a fine array of grocery items, including fresh cheese and produce, plus gifts and housewares, shoes and jewelry. This local small business couple used the anchor of the walkable small grocery to launch a breakfast carry-out menu and then built on that to add a wholesome, fresh-made juice bar that the whole community is talking about.”
Lowe added, that downtown merchant neighbors, along with the community, are especially grateful for this new addition.
“They have given tours ... they are happy to help you understand the products that they sell and share recipes, and in the wake of the pandemic hits on small businesses this cheerful, hearty and creative team has earned all the superlatives to qualify for the Chamber’s 2022 Small Business of the Year.”
Chuck Dixon, president and CEO of Tri-County Bank & Trust, praised Lakeside Book Company for its efforts and longevity in the community.
“Since changing ownership and becoming Lakeside Book Company two years ago, the company has made vast strides in improving employees’ pay and benefits and investing capital for a stronger future,”Dixon said. “Lakeside has strong community connections, embracing change and impacting millions of people daily with crafting books that are distributed around the world.
“Lakeside is 101 years in this community, educating, entertaining and empowering the world. Thank you for your many years of helping to make Montgomery County a great place to work and live,” Dixon said.
Jessica Harris of Shop Small Shop Handmade of Linden was named the Lew Wallace Entrepreneur of the Year.
Harris was praised for her efforts to engage other local businesses and vendors to create activity in Linden with regular retail set-ups and festival-like events. She is an active Chamber member and created items for Chamber projects.
The Montgomery County Health Department earned the Community Organization of the Year award for their efforts during the pandemic. The department was lauded for establishing community testing and vaccinations sites, providing daily monitoring, giving advice to the community and working with the three school systems on their COVID-19 response.
Michelle Smith of Abilities Services Inc. was named the Champion of Change for her dedication to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
“Michelle continuously seeks to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities,” said Jill Knowling of Walmart Optical Lab. “She seeks ways to improve programming to include consumers in community events. Her love and dedication for individuals with intellectual disabilities is second to none.”
Lali Hess of Juniper Spoon was named Woman of the Year.
“Since arriving in Montgomery County 18 years ago, Lali has been a constant source of inspiration of a businesswoman empowered by the mission of serving community wellness,” said Sue Lucas, Crawfordsville Main Street program director. “Over and over, she provides a common table for us to gather and to feast, celebrating one another and our country’s rich provision of locally sourced food.
“Lali has applied her business to inspire a homecoming to the real meaning of the word value — not value as in cheap — but that which cultivates deep economy in our land, local business support, environmental stewardship, citizen service and a long view. These ingredients of value are evident in her hearty, healthy meals because the chef herself is rooted in them.”
Kyle Brown was named the Rising Star/Young Professional of the Year. Brown works at Tri-County Bank & Trust and is involved in many community organizations, including the local Kiwanis Club. As the club’s president-elect, he has helped bring in many new members. He also serves as treasurer of the Montgomery County Boys & Girls Club, is a United Way committee member, is currently attending the Montgomery County Leadership Academy, is a youth baseball coach and assists Crawfordsville Main Street with its special events.
“His growth as a leader continues to serve the community,” said Jim Johnson, legislative assistant to the Indiana State Senate. “He is a Crawfordsville native who chose to work in his hometown and he demonstrates his willingness to commit his time to making our community better.”
Recognized as Emerald Educators were Gary Linn, Crawfordsville High School, for his continued commitment to students after 45 years of teaching; North Montgomery’s Josh Thompson, who has been a math teacher for 22 years, varsity football and track coach and serves assistant athletic director; and Reasley Thompson, Southmont High School, who is a social studies, economics and U.S. History teacher.
All of the awards were based on peer nominations and reviewed by the Chamber board of directors.
“These organizations, businesses and individuals all contribute to the vibrant business community in Crawfordsville and Montgomery County in their own important way, making our community a better place to live and work,” said Stacy Sommer, executive director of the Chamber.
Laura Kirtley Smith, a Crawfordsville native and host of the WRTV Channel 6 Spotlight, served as guest speaker. She offered advice on local media relations and marketing.
Smith also praised her hometown for the things she believes make a community great, including regular use of common spaces, like Pike Place; green spaces and playgrounds; promoting the arts; offering quality food and shopping options; celebrating diversity and embracing change; and hosting festivals and street parties.
The next major Chamber event will be the Christmas Parade Auction at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at Fusion 54.
