Gene's Camera Store receives Startup Small Business of the Year award
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Gene's Camera Store has been in operation in South Bend since 1939, and for the last two years has been owned and operated by Jon Gilchrist, the President of Gene's, and Melaney Miller, the Vice President of Gene's.
Today they received the Startup Small Business of the Year Award from the Indiana Small Business Development Center. Gene's is the one remaining full-service camera shop in Northern Indiana, and one of three in the state of Indiana.
Both Jon and Melaney recognize the importance of keeping Gene's legacy alive, and to have a brick-and-mortar store that serves professional photographers and hobbyists alike.
When asked why they chose a local established business over online only (they do also have online services), they mentioned wanting to keep the store running to preserve the legacy of Gene's and also to gain public trust and be friendly faces in the community.
Jon Gilchrist said "We are honored to be selected amongst all the companies in the state that the... Indiana Small Business Development Committee has worked with. We didn't expect it, and we're very honored to be recognized."
Melaney Miller said "It's a confirmation that we're on the right track. It also helped us understand what a big deal it is for a legacy business to continue. We are hearing more and more stories about legacy businesses that can't continue because maybe the owners' children are not interested, they don't have a buyer.
Gilchrist added "A lot of the... comments (are) about 'thank you for keeping this going' and that they, they like having a brick-and-mortar store that they can go to, and that's a very rewarding thing to hear repeatedly that people are thankful that we're here."