For more than 25 years, the Northwest ISBDC has been shining a spotlight on the impact of entrepreneurs with its E-Day Awards.
“This year we are celebrating everything from a young journalist to a long-time family-owned bakery,” said Lorri Feldt, Northwest ISBDC regional director. “No matter where they are in the entrepreneurial spectrum, our honorees all have a passion for what they do and are a true inspiration.”
The entrepreneurial community will come together for the 28th Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday Nov. 14 at Avalon Manor, 3550 E. Lincoln Hwy.
E-Day continues to mark the tradition of recognizing small business owners and advocates who are making a difference in the region. The event is open to the public and includes the awards presentation as well as a look at how young entrepreneurs are shaping their success through business ownership.
The 2019 E-Day winners include:
• Small Business Person of the Year: Patti Komara, Patti’s All-American, Dyer
• Entrepreneurial Success: Dawn McIver, MicroWorks Inc., Crown Point
• Emerging Business of the Year: Nan Wellman, Outstanding Tradeshow Exhibit Services, North Judson
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Justin Kiel, Kiel Media, LaCrosse
• Family-Owned Business of the Year: Fingerhut family, Fingerhut Bakery, North Judson, Knox, Bass Lake locations
• Women-Owned Business of the Year: Tammy Wendland, Valpo Ventures dba Plato’s Closet, Valparaiso
• Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Moe Musleh, Anytime Fitness, various locations
• Small Business Advocate of the Year: Clarence Hulse, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Michigan City
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Dean Sangalis, Dean Sangalis & Associates, Northwestern Mutual Insurance agency, Merrillville
Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by visiting edayleaders.com/tickets. Table sponsorships are also available. For more information, contact the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center offices at (219) 644-3513 or northwest@isbdc.org.
Serving seven counties in the region, the NW-ISBDC offers no-cost assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NW-ISBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners.
For more information, visit www.isbdc.org.
E-Day 1, 2 or 3: The E-Day event carries on the tradition of honoring those impacting the entrepreneurial community in the region.