Elkhart County Business Legacy Hall of Fame honors local community leaders

By: Camille Sarabia
Posted: Nov 11, 2023 6:37 PM EDT
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ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. - 11 local businesses were inducted into the Elkhart County Business Legacy Hall of Fame, shining a well-deserved light on their impact. 

Presented by Junior Achievement & Lemonade Day, the eight annual Business Legacy Gala Hall of Fame took place on Saturday, November 11, honoring local entrepreneurs, visionaries and community leaders. 

Jessica Hilary, Director of Junior Achievement, is excited to recognize each honoree and what they've done for Elkhart County throughout the years. 

"It's all because people in this community want to support and really look to the greatness that's here and make sure that we're honoring it for the kids to look up to it," she said. "We're just grateful to our community. Our community is what really makes us able to do honoring people such as this event to serve our students and so we are grateful for our community that helps make that possible."

Congratulations to the individuals, nominated by their peers, for their achievements: 

  • The Havilah Beardsley Recognition for Young Entrepreneur (under 35): Kate Steury, Shirley’s Popcorn
  • The Guy David Gundlach Recognition for Community Impact: Jackie Walorski Swihart, Congresswoman*
  • The Thomas I. Atkins Recognition for Minority In/Owned Business: Cien Asoera, Edward Jones
  • The Helen Murray Free Recognition for Woman In/Owned Business: Becky Bontreger, Middlebury Produce
  • The Dr. Franklin Miles Recognition for Leadership in Healthcare: Sandy Weatherwax, LoveWay, Inc.
  • The C.G. Conn Recognition for Manufacturing Excellence: Dick Strefling
  • The Herman F. Borneman Recognition for Distribution, Retail & Logistics: Dick Lavanture, LaVanture Products
  • The Clarence C. Moore Recognition for Technology: Steven K. Haines, American Technology Components, Inc.
  • The J. Lawrence Burkholder Recognition for Leadership in Education: Herbert and Ruth Tolson, Tolson Center for Community Excellence
  • Business as a Force of Good: Everence Financial
  • The Patricia G. and Arthur J. Decio Lifetime Achievement Award: Tom Warrick
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