SBA Regional Administrator Marianne Markowitz will visit the state’s top small business leaders and recognize them with the 2011 Region V Small Business Awards. The Award acknowledges these businesses on their outstanding achievements on behalf of small businesses in Illinois and through the SBA’s Region V geographic area (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin).
These outstanding Illinois winners include the following:
Entrepreneurial Success Award Winner—Elaine Krieger, Krieger Kiddie Corporation— Krieger Kiddie Corporation is a local retail chain of apparel resale stores that currently operates from 12 Chicagoland locations with projected 2011 store sales exceeding $10 million. Elaine is also this year’s National Entpreneurial Success Award Winner.
Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award—Hedy Ratner and Carol Dougal, Women’s Business Development Center—Since 1986, the mission of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) has been to provide services and programs that support and accelerate the women’s business ownership and strengthen the impact of women owned businesses in the economy. WBDC fulfills this mission by delivering a comprehensive array of education, advocacy, certification, coaching and financial assistance services.
Women’s Business Champion of the Year—Doris Symonds, T.A.L.K— Teaching and Learning for Knowledge—Doris is a tireless advocate and mentor for women entrepreneurs in the Greater Peoria, Illinois area. Doris has dedicated her life to improving the chances of business success for women business owners. Doris’ boundless energy and devotion to women makes her a household name in the area of business mentorship. Symonds received her award on Thursday, May 12th at the Commerce Bank, 7400 N. Orange Prairie Rd. in Peoria, IL.
SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year—Jacob Elster and Taylor Monk of Crop to Cup— Crop to Cup introduces modern methods for the sourcing and selling of ethical coffee, Crop to Cub Coffee imports coffee using technologies that help coffee farmers and cover lovers to connect over their common cup. The company established these supply-lines, and then engages in the sales and marketing of specialty coffee to wholesale roasters, retailers and distributors.