Bart Kohler, president and COO for Hubert Company, accepts the Business of the Year Award from Chamber Board Member Jim Kinnett.
Hubert Company was named 2016 Business of the Year at the Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Nov. 17 at Market Street Grille.
“Each of these companies has proven business excellence while also demonstrating their commitment to the community,” said Chamber Board Member Jim Kinnett. “They are all shining examples of companies that succeed while doing the right thing.”
The Chamber also recognized three outstanding non-profit organizations serving the people of Harrison. Pathways to Home was named 2016 Non-Profit Organization of the Year.
“Many thanks to all three organizations for the work they do in our community, making Harrison a better place to live and work,” said Chamber Board Member Joe Mass.
During the dinner, Chamber Board Member Sara Cullin was also presented with the 2016 Distinguished Service Award.
Shannon Hamons, the City of Harrison’s new director of economic development, building and zoning, addressed the crowd. He shared his plans for gaining feedback from existing businesses while attracting prospective businesses to locate within Harrison.
View more photos from the Chamber’s Annual Dinner.
2016 Business of the Year Nominees
Doris Gibbons Insurance – American Family
Doris Gibbons loves insurance. She also sincerely cares about her customers. She always goes extra steps beyond what is required for her customers. She was instrumental in launching this Chamber, and supports the community numerous ways not limited to the St. John’s Golf outing and the New Hope Fall Fest. She has helped with the food drive for the Mayor’s Fund and sponsored the first Harrison 5 K.
JTM Food Group
The company was founded in 1980 and JTM has been delivering quality food products since then. The Maas family has a giving heart. They have given back much to the Harrison community whether through food or financial assistance. In fact, JTM earned the Chamber’s Business of the Year award in 2015.
Evolution Nutrition and Fitness Studio
When Sara Heffron needed space for her thriving fitness and diet instruction business, she chose historic downtown Harrison. Since 2011, Evolution Nutrition and Fitness Studio continued to grow and help people realize optimal health. But that’s not all. Giving back has been an ongoing commitment with an annual Thanksgiving Day Run that collects food pantry donations, and participation and many community events and efforts to bolster prosperity in Harrison.
Hubert Company
Originally founded by the Hubert family in 1946, the Hubert Company has grown into a worldwide leader in foodservice merchandising with 300 local employees. About one-third of them have been employed at Hubert 20 years or more. The company has stayed true to Service as a core value. Every employee is provided paid time that they can spend volunteering, assisting many greater Harrison organizations.
2016 Non-Profit Organization of the Year Nominees
Beth Smith, executive director at Pathways to Home, accepted the award for the Non-Profit Organization of the Year.
Christ’s Loving Hands
This organization has been proving a clearing house of services to poor and marginalized people in the greater Harrison area for 20 years. Formerly known as Love, Inc. Christ’s Loving Hands coordinates food pantry accessibility as well as finding clients help with housing, utilities, and medicine.
Pathways to Home
Pathways helps at-risk families by providing education and encouragement to help them reach their self-sufficiency and parenting goals. Services include home visitation programs, connecting families with state and federal assistance, and youth leadership education. Founded in 1989, Pathways works with many Harrison-based businesses and organizations to help fulfill their mission.
Reach Out Pregnancy Center
This organization has provided the greater Harrison area with answers and helps for women’s with unplanned pregnancy. ROPC is professional, caring, compassionate and provides helps with a view to not only saving the life of the child, but bringing dignity to the parents and skill sets to help raise a child.