Starke County ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Above and Beyond’ Award Winners Announced

Posted on November 5, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

This week, a number of vital people and organizations will be recognized for the important impact they’ve made on the community during the annual Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.

At the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center this Thursday, the Henry F. Schricker Service Before Self Award will be presented to Van Janovic, of Territorial Engineering. The Business of the Year and Above and Beyond awards will also be presented at this time.

The 2019 ‘Business of the Year’ is Traffic Control Specialists, Inc located in Knox. In a social media post, Chamber of Commerce representatives congratulated President Tracey Triska for the amazing contribution her company has made to the community by donating time, labor, signs and much more.

Some additional important people in Starke County will be recognized on Thursday night for showing their ability to go to spectacular heights with their community-oriented efforts.

One recipient of the Above and Beyond award this year is Linda Lewandowski, the director for the Kid’s Closet Ministry. Chamber reps shared that a part of Linda’s nomination mentioned that she began Kid’s Closet virtually out of a closet with a dream of serving the children and families of Starke County and the organization has grown tremendously over the years under her leadership.

The other Above and Beyond award winner is OTES Signs and Graphics. According to the Chamber of Commerce, OTES does an exceptional job of helping local business owners, supporting the community, and hiring local talent. Owner Nan Wellman will be accepting the award on behalf of her business.

Thursday’s ceremony will run from 6 p.m. until around 9 p.m. If you have any questions contact the Starke County Chamber of Commerce at 574-772-5548.