Family &
2019
OWNED OPERATED
A publication of Rock Valley Publishing LLC
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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
MARCH 2019
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BoMar Heating & Cooling continues growing with more satisfied customers each and every year. Give them a call for your service needs at 815-233-1622.
Excellence has been BoMar Heating & Cooling’s hallmark since 1974
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Business of the Month
Rock County Christian School’s Business of the Month for February is Sophia’s Restaurant. We appreciate Sophia’s for participating in the school’s new hot lunch program. They provide lunch two times per week. Shown here, Avdi Culaf, Manager – Sophia’s.
BoMar Heating & Cooling is a customer focused family owned heating and air-conditioning company that was originally started in 1974. The company was started by Bob and Margaret Rowland and the business name is a combination of their first names. Located in Freeport, IL, we employ highly trained people whose goal is to make our company the best service company in Northwest Illinois. Our company specializes in designing, engineering, and installing complete comfort systems for owners of existing homes and buildings just like yours. We take special pride in the craftsmen we train and employ--a fact you’ll notice immediately in the attitude and integrity they bring to your job site. Our entire company works hard to make your experience with us hassle-free and enjoyable. Should we make a mistake, we will do everything in our power to correct it to your satisfaction. From the professionalism of our comfort consultants, to the dedication of our field personnel, we are dedicated to delivering you the best. We take our responsibility very seriously when you place your trust in us. We pledge to always tell you
up front what your cost will be to complete your job correctly. We make it a point to go over any details or limitations of the proposed system that will affect your enjoyment of the end result. You are told exactly what to expect up front. We back this philosophy with our exclusive written guarantee when choosing BoMar Heating & Cooling to contract your job: “If at any time during the first year of installation, you are not 100% satisfied with the performance of the equipment, our service or even our people, we will, within 30 days of your request, remove the system and cheerfully refund the entire amount of the contract.” Compare our guarantee with the limitations, fine print and exclusions other companies tend to use to back their work today. Others will typically guarantee only the functionality of the equipment-not your satisfaction with the process or that the finished job lives up to your expectations. This is why BoMar Heating & Cooling continues growing with more satisfied customers each and every year. Give us a call for your service needs and see what you’ve been missing.
Take Advantage of up to $850 in Utility Rebates - Ask Us How!
• 24 Hour Emergency Service • Heating/Cooling Systems • Gas/Wood Fireplaces • Air Duct Cleaning • Filtration Systems
338328
444 Meadows Dr. - Freeport 815-233-1622 • www.bomarheating.com
MARCH 2019
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
Christenson Est. 1914
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FUNERAL HOME Family & CREMATORY Owned/Operated
“Striving to create an event that truly reflects the spirit and memory of your loved one”
925 3rd Avenue • Rockford, IL 815-965-1600 www.rockfordfunerals.com 338895
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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
MARCH 2019
AW Anderson Agency: A leader of the Loves Park community
It was on June 6, 1941, that Arthur W. Anderson embarked on what was to become a very successful career in the insurance profession. His early insurance career, however, was interrupted with the outbreak of World War II where he served in the field artillery division of General Patton’s Third Army in Europe. After returning from the war, he resumed working in the insurance field. In 1955, Art opened his first office at the Meadowmart on Windsor Road with only two employees. With a great deal of hard work in the early years, the AW Anderson Agency began to grow. It was at this time that Art Anderson looked for a more visible location for a new office building. Groundbreaking for that new location occurred in 1959 at 6464 North Second Street in Loves Park, the current location of the office. The new facility offered housing for the agency as well as the regional claims department for Pekin Insurance. As the community of Loves Park began to flourish in the early years of the town’s incorporation, so did the AW Anderson Agency. The office was incorporated and in 1963, Carl Lee joined the office as a producer and minority partner in the agency. Carl worked primarily in the life and health field in spurring on growth of the newly organized life company of Pekin Insurance. Crawford DeWitt and Debbie Nelson both joined the agency in 1968 as a producer and secretary respectively. It was shortly after this time that the agency became departmentalized to enable employees to specialize in certain areas of
insurance to provide their customers with the best service possible. The decade of the 1970s saw considerable changes to the agency. First, the agency office had two separate additions to the building to accommodate the need for the added personnel required to provide the best service to their expanding client base. In 1977, Art’s son, Jeff, joined the agency after serving as an adjuster with an insurance company to bring needed help in personal lines underwriting. Also in 1978 saw the addition of Tim Humpal as Life Department Manager. Tim brought previous experience as a successful life producer with Mass Mutual Financial Services. In 1980, the agency experienced many changes. Mary Smith retired as a longtime secretary/office manager after 26 years of dedicated service. Steve Anderson was hired as a personal lines and life insurance producer and Gary Anderson followed a few months later to assist with the rapidly growing commercial department. In this same year, the agency purchased the Peterson-Gibson Insurance Agency in neighboring Rockford which they ran as a separate office until merging it with the AW Anderson Agency in 1989. The acquisition of this agency allowed the AW Anderson Agency to expand to include more clients in the Rockford area. In 1993, Carl Lee retired as Chairman of the Board after serving 30 years with the agency and was succeeded by Crawford DeWitt. Mark Taylor was added that same year as a commercial lines producer after working several years in the credit life and health field. Crawford DeWitt remained as
SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business
A.W. Anderson Agency, Inc. Personal and Business Insurance Family owned since 1941
For all your insurance needs! 6464 North Second Street Loves Park, IL 61111 Phone 815-633-6464 www.awanderson.com
338947
Art and his boys at the groundbreaking in 1959.
Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1998 and was succeeded by Jeff Anderson. After 2000, the agency was remodeled again and added Chris Anderson in 2005 and Kyle Anderson in 2008 as producers after their graduation from Carthage College. Their addition makes the office a third generation family-owned business bringing energy and new ideas to enhance the progress of the office in the new century. Another renovation facelift was completed both on the inside and outside of the agency office in 2013 resulting in a more updated look while removing walls within the office. Gary Anderson also retired in that same year after 33 years as a commercial life producer and former
President of the agency. In 2015, a second location was established with the purchase of Apple Insurance located in nearby Roscoe, Ill. The acquisition of this agency allowed that office to continue providing excellent customer service while expanding the services and products to those customers in Roscoe. In 2016, Debbie Nelson retired after servicing the agency for 48 years. She is the second longest employee in agency history only exceeded by our founder, Arthur W. Anderson. It was in 2017 that Jeff Anderson decided to retire. He served in many capacities at the agency over his 40 years including Chairman of the Board. The AW Anderson Agency has been the recipient of numerous awards from many
Homemade Meals Made Ready For Your Oven
5533 N. 2nd Street Loves Park, IL 61111 815-877-FOOD (3663) ezdinners2night.com
Celebrate our 7th Anniversary April 26th & 27th • Free Samples • Giveaway Drawings for Free Food 339050
MARCH 2019
companies including Pekin Insurance. They have maintained the status of being one of the top Property and Casualty agencies for Pekin Insurance for over 30 years and have received over 100 awards for outstanding life insurance production. Today, the agency has 13 employees with combined experience of over 250 years with many of our employees working there over 25 years or more. Since 1941, we have helped navigate our clients through the complexities and ever changing landscape of risk, with innovative insurance products. We can do the same for you. Remember – who you insure with does make a difference.
Arthur Anderson’s personal life of achievements Born on Flag Day on June 14, 1922, in Rockford, Art’s parents had immigrated to the United States from Sweden. He remained ever proud of his Swedish heritage and kept in close contact with his relatives in Sweden. Art grew up in Loves Park and attended schools in the Harlem School District. Enterprising from a very young age, Art had his first job at the age of eight delivering the Saturday Evening Post. He later worked as a youth as a shoe shine boy at the Forest Hills Country Club only to become the President of the country club as an adult. On June 6, 1941, he embarked on what was to become a very successful career in the insurance profession. His early insurance career, however, was interrupted with the outbreak of World War II where he served in the field artillery division of General Patton’s Third Army in Europe, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. At the end of the war, he helped to liberate prisoners in war camps. After returning from the war, he married Betty Lou Ralston in 1950. They would later celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2000 prior to her passing in 2001. It was in 1955 that Art opened his first office at the Meadowmart on Windsor Road with only two employees, and in 1959, Art broke ground for an insurance office at 6464 North Second Street in Loves Park – the
current location of his office. Their sons, Jeff, Steve and Gary, have followed in his professional footsteps and are currently the majority owners of their father’s agency. In 2004 and 2008, the office added his grandsons, Chris and Kyle, to the staff, making the office a third generation business. As the community of Loves Park began to flourish in the early years of its incorporation, so also did the AW Anderson Agency. Now the agency employs 12 fulltime employees. The agency building has been enlarged and remodeled several times over the past years to accommodate the growing needs of its clients. The evolution from birth to maturity of a successful business would not have been possible without leadership. It is not surprising that the office continued to grow under the leadership of Art Anderson into a professional and highly successful insurance agency. Art was very active in the insurance industry during a career that spanned over 50 years. He began his tenure as a Board member of Pekin Insurance in 1970, retiring in 1995 after 25 years of dedicated service. Art also served on the board for Rockford Mutual Insurance and was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Winnebago County Mutual Insurance Company. He served in 1973 as President of the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and was honored with the organization’s Lautum Award. Many Rockford area organizations were beneficiaries of Art’s innumerable measures of energy, his constant pride of his hometown, and his vision and passion to do good for his community. To name only a few of Art’s contributions to the Rockford/ Loves Park area: * Member of the Harlem School Board for two terms * Established the Arthur W. Anderson Scholarship Fund, which contributes annually to a deserving Harlem High School senior * Lifelong member and past President of the Harlem Fans Club * Board member and past President of Swedish American Hospital * Director for the Rockford Museum Center
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AW Anderson Agency in 1954. Located at Meadow Mart (now Doc’s Diner).
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
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AW Anderson Agency 1965.
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Art busy at work (circa 1960).
* Director for the Sinnissippi Lung Association * Director for the Winnebago Center for the Blind * Director for the United Bank of Loves Park * Member of the Loves Park Lions Club * Member of the local Shriner and Mason organizations * Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars * Member of the American Legion * Served on many committees for Grace Lutheran Church Late in his life, Art worked closely with the Rockford Park District and served as the Chairman in establishing and building the Field of Honor Memorial in Loves Park. It was said the genius of the Field of Honor came from Art, who felt the need to honor those veterans who gave their lives in the line of duty. This park in which the memorial stands was later named the Arthur W. Anderson Peace Park. In recognition for his civic pride, the gymnasium at Harlem High School was named after him in June of 1994 for his lifetime support of the school and its athletics program. He was often referred to as “Harlem’s Number One Fan,” which is engraved on the plaque, which now hangs in the gymnasium. He served as chairman of the Loves Park’s beautification committee and was honored on two occasions as the parade
marshal for the Young at Heart Festival. The local history room of the North Suburban Library was named for Betty and Art Anderson for their effort in collecting and displaying the history of the City of Loves Park. In 1997, he received the Excalibur Award given annually by the Rockford Register Star to their top individual community volunteer. His sense of community has become an important part of the philosophy of the AW Anderson Agency and has spilled over to his agency staff who have served in various volunteer capacities in the Rockford/Loves Park area. Art Anderson has been a mover and a shaker in the Loves Park community for many, many years. He has given of his time and talents to any organization, regardless of its size or stature. His involvement was never passive. To those who personally knew Art, he was keen-minded, persistent, ethical, creative, a visionary, caring and a mentor to many. He never let roadblocks in his life dissuade him from pursuing his dreams. His deep, folksy and ever-kind voice easily drew you in. He had a very special gift of pulling people together to bring projects to fruition. Art loved his family, his insurance career, his community and his country. His capacity to get things done in his career and his civic life both testify to the depth and breadth of his thinking, which earned him the respect and admiration of many.
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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
MARCH 2019
Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home:
A family helping families
ince 1939, families in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois have been relying on Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home in Beloit, Wis. with the planning of affordable and dignified burial and cremation services. Originally known as Hansen-Schoenfeld Funeral Home, the business was founded in 1939 by the partnership of Mathias J. “Mat” Hansen of Beloit, Jay Gravitt Wis. and Otto Schoenfeld of Clinton, Wis. The funeral home was originally located on the Southwest corner of Portland Avenue and Fourth Street in Beloit, Wisconsin. In July of 1945 the partnership was dissolved due to the ill health of Mr. Schoenfeld. Mat and his wife, Winifred then continued to operate the business then being known as Hansen Funeral Home. In order to make ends meet during the early years of the business, Mat worked as a 3rd shift supervisor at the Beloit Iron Works. Winnie as well as being the organist at the funeral home, played at numerous church services, weddings, and funeral services in Beloit and the surrounding communities.
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The staff of Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 608-362-6044 or you may email any questions to jgravitt@hansengravitt.com.
Over the years the business continued to flourish, largely due to the generosity of the Hansen Family. After serving in the United States Army, Jerome “Jerry” Hansen began working at the funeral home alongside his father, and continued working until his unexpected death in 2009. In 1974, Mat and Winnie decided it was time to retire and sold the business to their oldest son and his wife, Robert and Marlene Hansen. After purchasing the
business Bob’s wife, Marlene worked for many years at the funeral home as a licensed beautician. On Dec. 9, 2006, Bob and Marlene met with Jay Gravitt. At the outcome of the meeting it was decided that a new generation would take the business into the future. On May 10, 2007 the transfer of ownership was completed and the business became known as HansenGravitt Funeral Home. Gravitt grew up in Rockford, Ill. He became interested in funeral service as a teenager while working at JulianPoorman-Welte Funeral Home in Rockford, Ill. After graduating in 1986 from Guilford High School in Rockford, Jay attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa and graduated in 1992 from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Ill. After graduation Jay returned to Rockford and served his apprenticeship at Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home. In 1995 Jay moved to Rock Island, Illinois to become the managing director of a multi-location group of funeral homes. Jay has spent many years being active in various civic and fraternal organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, National Exchange Club, and Masonic Lodge. Jay has further donated his time lecturing for the Quad City Chamber of Commerce, and Community Action in Beloit, Wis. He has served on the Board of Directors at North Hill Retirement Community in East Moline, Ill. and The Stateline Boys & Girls Clubs. Now in our third generation of independent family ownership. We continue to take pride in providing affordable services with compassion, honor, dignity, and trust. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 608-362-6044 or you may email any questions to jgravitt@hansengravitt.com.
Hansen-Gravitt
Country Store Bulk Foods / Spices Nuts / Candy / Etc.
A family helping families since 1939
• Funeral and Memorial Services • Cremation • Pre-Planning
Come and browse, bring a friend and enjoy the friendly country atmosphere!
424 Prospect Street Beloit, Wisconsin 53511
N4210 Cty. Rd. E • Brodhead, WI 53520 338784
www.hansengravitt.com
338843
608-362-6044
608-897-4367 Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm / Closed Sun.
Funeral Home
MARCH 2019
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
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Family-owned businesses are economic powerhouses America’s economic engine
Family businesses account for 64
percent of U.S. gross domestic product, generate 62 percent of the country’s employment, and account for 78 percent of all new job creation. Family-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Studies have shown about 35 percent of Fortune 500 companies are familycontrolled and represent the full spectrum of American companies from small business to major corporations. The greatest part of America’s wealth lies with family-owned businesses. Family firms comprise 80 to 90 percent of all business enterprises in North America. Roughly 90 percent of the families responding to a survey in “From Longevity of Firms to Trans-generational Entrepreneurship of Families: Introducing Family Entrepreneurial Orientation indicated that they control more than a single firm. The results of the survey suggest that there is strong entrepreneurial activity undertaken by controlling families beyond their core (i.e., largest) company. Small businesses, including many family firms, employ just over half of US workers. Of 113.4 million non-farm private sector workers in 2011, small firms with fewer than 500 workers employed 55 million and large firms employed 58.4 million. Firms with fewer than 20 employees employed 20.2 million. Research shows that family businesses are less likely to lay off employees regardless of financial performance.
Family businesses have longevity Recent research has shown that continued family control can be efficient, since families are, for example, able to positively affect the resource inventory and usage of their firms, apply a longterm perspective allowing for unique strategic positioning, have less human resources problems and higher firm values, or drive new entrepreneurial activity. What truly drives many family businesses is the sense of connection and identity the owners and their family members feel with the business. The mean age of family control in the family’s core company is 60.2 years. More than 30% of all family-owned businesses survive into the second generation. Twelve percent will still be viable into the third generation, with 3% of all family businesses operating at the fourth-generation level and beyond. The tenure of leadership in a Family Enterprise is four to five times longer than their counterparts. Of primary importance among family firm wealth holders is transferring not only their financial wealth but also their values surrounding their wealth to subsequent generations. Primary values taught include encouraging children to earn their own money, philanthropy, charitable giving and volunteering.
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Central Ohio has family business longevity. Meet Conway Center members David, Mike, Randy and Jay Schoedinger of Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service. 160+ years in business and still going strong.
The environment for innovation in family businesses improves when more generations of the owning family are actively involved in the business. Family businesses retain talent better than their competitors do: only 9 percent of family businesses work forces turned over annually (versus 11 percent at nonfamily firms), in a Harvard Business Review study. They create a culture of commitment and purpose, avoiding layoffs during downturns, promoting from within and investing in people.
Family businesses create wealth Family-owned businesses have strong entrepreneurial activity across time. On average and over the family’s history these families controlled 6.1 firms, created 5.4 firms, added 2.7 firms through merger and acquisition activity, spun off 1.5 firms, and shifted industry focus 2.1 times. These families exhibit a significant level of entrepreneurial activity over time, in terms of rearranging the portfolio of activities through founding activity, mergers and acquisitions, as well as divestments. The largest family-owned business in the US is Wal-Mart Inc., with $499.4. billion in net sales and 2.2 million employees worldwide in 2016. 222 owners and executives of mostly mid-sized, family-owned businesses were surveyed. Approximately 70% of the respondents represented companies with revenues of $200 million or more, while 25% were with companies generating revenues of $500 million or more. In the S&P 500 companies, ROI is greater in family businesses, with a 6.65 percent greater return than non-family
firms.
Family businesses know how to do business right Family-owned businesses practice good governance. A Harvard Business Review study showed 94 percent of surveyed family firms were controlled by supervisory or advisory boards. Family representation on these boards averaged 31 percent, demonstrating a clear separation between family and business in most cases. Family businesses leaders focus on the next generation, not the next quarter. They tend to embrace strategies that put customers and employees first and emphasize social responsibility. Family businesses develop leaders in unlikely places – more than 40 percent of companies in the Harvard Business review study included members of the next generation on their boards and committees in order to nurture their business and management skills. Family businesses have powerful internal cultures. A study of 114 family firms and 1,200 other large companies for their organizational health found that family-owned businesses scores significantly higher on things like worker motivation and leadership. 74 percent believe they have a stronger culture and values than nonfamily firms. And, 72 percent measure success differently – not just growth and profit.
Women matter in family business Women are increasingly participating in family businesses leadership. Currently, 24 % of family businesses are
led by a female CEO or President, and 31.3 % of family businesses surveyed indicate that the next successor is a female. Nearly 60 percent of all familyowned businesses have women in top management team positions. Over the past five years, womanowned family businesses have increased by 37%. Female-owned family firms are typically 10 years younger than male-owned firms and more are firstgeneration businesses. Female-owned family firms experience greater family loyalty to the business, agreement with its goals, and pride in the business. Woman-owned family firms have a 40% lower rate of family member attrition in the business.
Family businesses face big issues By 2017, it was estimated that 40.3 percent of family business owners expected to retire, creating a significant transition of ownership in the US. Less than half of those expecting to retire in five years have selected a successor. Nearly half of family business owners (43 percent) have no succession plan in place. Even though nearly 70% of family businesses would like to pass their business on to the next generation, only 30% will actually be successful at transitioning to the next generation. A majority of family businesses (60 percent) believe that their ethical standards are more stringent than those of competing firms. They also report ethical standards being discussed often or always at meetings with employees, in discussions with customers and during board meetings.
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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
MARCH 2019
Piggly Wiggly was America’s first self-service grocery
Piggly Wiggly®, America’s first true self-service grocery store, was founded in Memphis, Tenn. in 1916 by Clarence Saunders. In grocery stores of that time, shoppers presented their orders to clerks who then gathered the goods from the store shelves. Saunders, a dynamic and innovative man, noticed that this method resulted in wasted time and expense, so he came up with an unheard-of solution that would revolutionize the entire grocery industry: he developed a way for shoppers to Clarence Saunders serve themselves. Despite predictions that his novel idea would fail, Saunders’ first store opened on September 6, 1916 at 79 Jefferson St., in Memphis. Operating under the unusual name ‘Piggly Wiggly®’, it was unlike any other contemporary grocery store. There were shopping baskets, open shelves,
and no clerks to shop for the customer – all of which were previously unheard of! Piggly Wiggly Corporation, which Saunders established when he opened his first store in Memphis, secured the self-service format and issued franchises to hundreds of grocery retailers to operate their own Piggly Wiggly® stores. Piggly Wiggly Corporation became the owner of all Piggly Wiggly® properties - the name, the patents, etc., and Saunders began issuing company stock soon after. The stock was successfully traded on the New York Stock Exchange for some time, but through a series of trades in the early 1920s, Saunders lost control of Piggly Wiggly® and had no further association with the company. Despite Saunders’ departure, Piggly Wiggly Corporation continued to prosper as a franchiser for hundreds of independently owned grocery stores operating under the Piggly Wiggly® name.
All in a name Saunders’ reason for choosing the intriguing name “Piggly Wiggly®” remains a mystery; he was curiously reluctant to explain its origin. One story says that, while riding a train, he looked out his window and saw several little pigs struggling to get under a fence, which prompted him to think of the rhyme. Someone once asked him why he had chosen such an unusual name for his organization, to which he replied, “So people will ask that very question.” Regardless of his inspiration, he succeeded in finding a name that would be talked about and remembered.
Piggly Wiggly® “Firsts” Piggly Wiggly’s introduction of self-service grocery shopping truly revolutionized the grocery industry. In fact, many of the conveniences and services that American shoppers now enjoy were introduced first by Piggly Wiggly®.
Piggly Wiggly® was the FIRST to… - Provide checkout stands. - Price mark every item in the store. - Give shoppers more for their food dollar through high volume/low profit margin retailing. - Feature a full line of nationally advertised brands. - Use refrigerated cases to keep produce fresher longer. - Put employees in uniforms for cleaner, more sanitary food handling. - Design and use patented fixtures and equipment throughout the store. - Franchise independent grocers to operate under the selfservice method of food merchandising.
What Happened to Saunders? After Saunders’ disassociation with Piggly Wiggly®, he opened a new chain of stores which operated under the name “Clarence Saunders, Sole Owner of My Name Stores.” Although it was initially successful, the Depression forced Saunders to close the chain. In 1937 he designed and constructed a prototype of a new, automated grocery store, which he called the “Keedoozle” (for “Key Does All”). Saunders had captured the country’s attention with his latest venture, but mechanical failures eventually closed the store. At the time of his death in October 1953, Saunders was developing plans for yet another automated grocery store system he called the “Foodelectric.” His new automated store, which was to be located just two blocks from his first Piggly Wiggly® store, never opened. Clarence Saunders never fulfilled his dream of opening a truly automated store. Sadly, he passed away just as the full impact of his better idea for grocery merchandising was becoming apparent. Saunders’ entrepreneurial genius was decades ahead of his time.
See PIGGLY WIGGLY, Page 10
• Full Deli Department, Party Trays Available • Fresh Salad and Hot Food Bar • Produce Delivered Fresh Daily • Full Service Meat Department, Will Cut To Order • In-House Bakery, Custom Cakes
Your Full Service Grocery Store
• Floral Arrangements and Plants for All Occasions
A Cut Above the Rest
• Complete Liquor, Wine & Beer Department
Family Owned & Operated Since 1974
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Conveniently Located Quality From Our m Fa ily To Yours
DELAVAN
1414 E. Geneva St. in the Shopko Shopping Center
262-728-2638
Stinebrink’s Liquor Store (Next Door) Largest Liquor Store in the Area
LAKE GENEVA 100 East Geneva Square in the Geneva Square Shopping Center
262-248-8798
262-740-0541
338912
MARCH 2019
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
Page 9
Discover the Shosies Cyclery advantage
In 1987 Bruce came to manage the Shosies Cyclery for his brother-in-law Gregg Shosie who started the business in 1974. Ten years later he purchased the store. He has been running the shop with help from his wife Katie ever since. Having the store all these years has been a very rewarding lifestyle,” said Bruce. “As a result so many friends and acquaintances have been made. We are very grateful to our customers for our many years of success. Finding the right bicycle and a shop with good customer service can be a challenge. Shosies Cyclery, 514 Windsor Road, Loves Park, has been all about servicing those needs. Shosies Cyclery carries quality bikes from Giant, Liv, Felt, and Reid. We also offer custom bicycles by Waterford and Gunnar. Shosies Cyclery is a family-owned and operated specialty bicycle store serving customers since 1974. Whether it be a mountain, gravel, hybrid, fitness, fat tire, road or triathlon race bike, we will do our best to provide you with a quality bike and proper bike fit for any member of the family. Shosies Cyclery are now carrying pedal assist Electric Bikes by Giant and Liv. When deciding to purchase a new bicycle ask yourself the following: * How often and where will I ride? * How will I want to use the bike? * Neighborhood, Trail, Commuting, Exercise, or Racing? * How long will my rides last? * What are my likes and dislikes of my current bike ? (If you have one.) Consider these questions and share them with your salesperson. By better understanding your needs, we will be certain
bikes to fit your budget. To add more value, we offer lifetime gear and brake adjustments. 0% financing is available with our Shosies Card from Synchrony. You may fill out the Shosies Synchrony Finance application from the comfort and privacy of your home or you can stop in the store and any of our sales staff will do the work for you in just a few minutes.
Test ride
Katie and Bruce Shosie
to match you with the right bike.
The right bike fit A proper fit is the single most important factor to consider when choosing a new bike. It must fit your body and riding style. In the long run, you’ll be happier with a less expensive bike with a proper fit, than a more expensive bike that doesn’t. Left on their own, many people choose a bike that doesn’t fit properly in terms of height and length. This can cause back, knee, and neck pain which is sure to reduce performance and fun. Shosies Cyclery guarantees a proper fit with
the bicycle you choose. The right seat is also important. An uncomfortable seat doesn’t mean it’s not the right bike. We are happy to change or upgrade seats for you. There are seats made specifically for men and women, and seats designed for every type of riding from comfort to racing.
Bicycle cost consideration When considering cost, it’s best to purchase the highest quality bike that fits your budget and lifestyle, rather than gamble on something that’s just “good enough.” Shosies Cyclery carries a wide selection of
Buying a bike is kind of like trying on shoes. You really need to try them on to see if they fit and feel comfortable. We encourage you to test ride the bike you are interested in so we can determine if it is the proper size. Test riding really can narrow down what type and model you are looking for. We’ll give you instruction on any aspects of the bike you are unsure of, and provide a helmet for your safety.
Professionally built As always our bicycles are professionally built by our mechanics ensuring a safe ride. Once you purchase your bike, a second thorough check over is done before the bike leaves the store. At this time, your accessory purchases will be installed free of charge. After riding your bike 50 - 100 miles, we ask that you bring the bike back in for a complete inspection and adjustment. It’s important to check for cable stretch, bearing
See SHOSIES CYCLERY, Page 14
Castronovo Bridal Shop ~ Creating memorable weddings since 1937 ~
• Bridal Gowns (including plus size) • Mother of the Bride & Groom, Bridesmaids, Flowergirl Dresses • Tuxedo Rental • Wedding Dress Preservation Services
Family owned & operated for more than 80 years! 722 N. Main St., Rockford, IL • 815-962-4731 Open Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 10am-5pm, Wed. 12-6pm, Sat. 9am-4pm 339070
Page 10
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
MARCH 2019
Decatur Dairy: Making award-winning cheeses since 1941
In 1941, 20 members of the Coldren Cheese Company, owned by the late C.J. Coldren, held a meeting to discuss the possibility of building a new cheese factory. The current factory was too small to accommodate their needs, so they purchased 3/4 of an acre of land on Oct. 15, 1941 from the late Frank Culles for the new factory site. The new factory was completed in 1942 and they created a new cooperative, naming it “Decatur Swiss Cheese Co-op.” In January of 1960, Jordan Prairie Cheese Factory closed and most of the milk was sent to Decatur Swiss Cheese factory. Wilbur Klemm, formerly of the Jordan Prairie factory and John Frehner joined Decatur Swiss as Cheesemakers. In 1973, Roy Stettler and son, Mike, were hired as the new Cheesemakers. In 1982, Steve Stettler was hired as Cheesemaker and Co-op manager for Decatur Swiss. Decatur Dairy, Inc. was created by Steve and Glennette Stettler to
manufacture and sell cheese for the Coop. In 2000, 7,200 square feet were added SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business to the factory creating an additional make Decatur Dairy Master Cheesemakers gather for a photo at the 2017 US Cheese room, a new packaging room and cooler Contest. Larger silos were added for additional milk storage and automated vats were installed in 2005 to further advance the make procedure in the factory. There are currently 70+ Coop members, ranging throughout Green, Rock, and Lafayette Counties. Steve Stettler is a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker who has developed several new cheeses for the Co-op including a European style Havarti, a Swiss-lace cheese called Stettler Swiss and a ColbySwiss marbled cheese. Decatur Swiss also produces Muenster, Brick, Farmers Cheese, Colby Longhorn, Butterkase and Queso Blanco. Decatur has won U.S. and World Cheese Contest awards, and several Wisconsin State Fair Awards. In 2007 they swept the U.S. Contest and the Green County Fair taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Havarti at both contests.
TRACTOR TOWN
SALES AND SERVICE OF LAWN TRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT
SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business
A Decatur Dairy cheesemaker slices Swiss cheese.
• Piggly Wiggly
(Continued from page 8)
Piggly Wiggly® today Today there are more than 530 Piggly Wiggly stores serving communities in 17 states. All Piggly Wiggly® stores are independently owned and operated, and though they are located primarily in the Southeast, there are Piggly Wiggly® stores as far north as Wisconsin. Piggly Wiggly, LLC’s corporate headquarters are in Keene, N.H. It issues Piggly Wiggly® franchises to qualified independent grocery retailers. The company also provides the retailers
with services such as support, marketing programs, and a line of promotional items. Piggly Wiggly, LLC is an affiliate of C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., which ranked as the 10th largest privately-held company in the US by Forbes magazine in 2010. For over 90 years, C&S has provided first-class warehousing and distribution services to its customers. From more than 50 warehouse facilities throughout the United States, C&S serves some of the largest supermarket chains in the nation. Their corporate offices are located in Keene, N.H.
CHECK OUT OUR UNIQUE CHEESE STORE Award Winning Championship Wisconsin Cheese THE SCIENCE OF COMMON SENSE
KNOWLEDGE, SELECTION, DELIVERY
TRACTOR TOWN Machesney Park, IL
815-633-2299
• Over 75 Varieties • Cheese Trays • Gift Boxes
Made fresh right at our factory.
CURD IS THE WORD™
Belvidere, IL
815-547-4100
www.tractortown.biz
Great Cheese at Great Prices
338808
W1668 Hwy. F, Brodhead, WI 53520 • Hours: 9 a.m-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Phone 608-897-8661 • Fax: 608-897-4587 Online Ordering: www.decaturdairy.com 338783
MARCH 2019
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
Page 11
Westwinn Kennels: Providing a home away from home for your pet
Westwinn Kennels is a full service kennel. We provide full boarding services for the special member(s) of your family. The facility is located at 285 S Hoisington
Road, Pecatonica, Ill.
Our canine friends enjoy a roomy private indoor run with an adjacent outdoor run. The indoor floor is heated so your dog stays toasty on even the coldest winter nights. We provide a large fenced grassy (or snowy) area for added exercise time. We encourage ‘comfort’ items from home such as a favorite bed, blanket, toy, ball or even an old shoe. Your dog is welcome to eat the food we provide but if for some reason your loved one is on a special diet, needs canned food or just doesn’t tolerate a change in diet very well, you’re welcome to bring your own. Please bring it in a container that can be closed. Fresh water is given all day. Treats and lots of love are all included. Our feline friends enjoy an entire 10’x10’ room with a window. We provide covered or uncovered litter boxes (whatever your kitty prefers), a scratching post, toys to stimulate and lots of love (only when they want it, of course!) We feed our feline guests a dry kibble
SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business
Westwinn Kennels, a full service kennel, provides full boarding services for your pet. The facility is located at 285 S Hoisington Road, Pecatonica, Ill.
but if you wish to bring something else, you are welcome to do so. We ask that ALL guests be leashed or crated from the car to the building. For the protection of your pet as well as others you MUST provide written proof of the following vaccines: Dogs: Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella
Cats: Rabies, FVRCP, Feline Leukemia Your vet can fax the vaccination info to us at 815-247-8553. If you haven’t visited our gift shop lately, come and see what’s new! We have a new engraving machine so we can engrave pet tags ON THE SPOT! We can even engrave on both sides. We
EZ Dinners helps busy families enjoy good meals with ease Located at 5533 N. Second St., Loves Park, EZ Dinners is a small, family-owned business that encourages everyone have the ability to have “dinner time,” even with our busy lives. Being originally from Loves Park, owner Kathy Jilck says she is thrilled to be able once again be part of the community. EZ Dinners was started by the simple need of trying to prepare healthy, yet quick, meals while juggling the demands of everyday life. The business prepares meals to take home including a variety of entrees, vegetables, salads, potatoes and desserts. See the full list of items with photos on their website at ezdinners2night.com. Food can be ordered online or in the store. “By preparing and freezing entrees I found that my family still had quality time together. and I was saving money,” said Jilck. “I am proud to be able to help those with busy schedules, or just don’t like to cook, be able to have a variety of choices when it comes to meals. I am looking forward to meeting you and making your life a little more EZ.” Questions that you may have about EZ Dinners.
Q: Can the pans be microwaved? A: Yes they can, but you have to take off the lids and be VERY CAREFUL not to let it touch any of the inside walls of the microwave. It will melt your microwave walls if it touches it. Q: Do you have to order online? A: No you don’t have to order online. You can come into EZ Dinners and pick up something from our freezer. The good thing about ordering is if you are in a hurry, your food will be waiting for you when you come and you make sure you get the food you want. If you come to EZ Dinners to get something from our freezer, it is first come, first served so if we are out of something you may not be able to get it. Q: Do you ever give discounts? A: At EZ Dinners we try to give discounts & bonuses to our customers that shop with us. We have a rewards card you can have punched with each purchase. We also have in-store specials. Check us out on Facebook
carry a new line of safety dog collars and leashes that light up or flash so you can see your dog in the dark. It is also the perfect gift for the person who walks or jogs with their dog after dark. We now carry a new line of pet beds that are stylish, durable and machine washable at a great price. New to our inventory is Sterling Silver dog breed jewelry for the dog lover in your family. It makes a great Christmas gift! We have dog sweaters, lots and lots of toys (at a price much lower than the big pet stores). We are really excited about new product called Pill Pockets. If your dog or cat takes medication and you have a tough time getting him to take it, Pill Pockets are for you. They are a patented liver treat(for dogs) and salmon treat(for cats) designed to hold pills. Just drop the pills in the pouch and your pet never knows they’re there. They are AWESOME and don’t need refrigeration. And if you like to dress your pet up for the holidays we have some really cute collars and leashes with snowmen on them. Your dog will look stylish (not ridiculous).
For more information, call 815-2478311.
Manus Repair Center: #1 in Auto Repair & Maintenance
Manus Repair Center is a family-owned and operated automotive maintenance and repair center located in Pecatonica, Ill. We have served Pecatonica and the surrounding area for over 30 years. In 1981 Rick Manus started his own auto repair shop in German Valley after leaving his Auto Technician job at JC Penney. (Yes, Penney’s had auto repair shops back in the 60’s & 70’s) In 1983 Rick brought in Rod Wichman as partner and Diesel Mechanic & it became Manus & Wichman Repair. He started a shop in Forreston in 1993 and one in Pecatonica in 1997. After dissolving the partnership of 25 years, the business became Manus Repair Center in 2006. Randy Manus joined his father as an auto technician in 1997. Beth Manus has always done the bookwork but became the service writer in 2008. We just have the one shop in Pecatonica now and enjoy the small town atmosphere and the people of the community. Rick and Beth live in German Valley and have four granddaughters. In their spare time, they have a volleyball club called Excess that is in Pecatonica also. Randy and his wife Jodi have two girls and live in Ridott. In his spare time, Randy farms with his grandfather.
Services offered SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business
The crew from EZ Dinners had a great time seeing everyone at Senator Stadelman’s Women’s Wellness Fair in December 2018.
& Mystateline.com for specials that we run. Q: Do you accept Food Stamps/ LINK / SNAP? A: Yes we are able to accept Food Stamps/ LINK / SNAP at our store at 5533 N 2nd Street, Loves Park, IL (not online). Delivery Days and Hours *All deliveries must be within Winnebago County. **Most deliveries are made on Tuesday & Thursday mornings.
See EZ DINNERS, Page 12
Our experienced technicians provide honest and professional service and excellent customer service. We make sure the job is done right the first time. Your safety is top priority at Manus Repair Center, LLC and to ensure your safety, we go that extra mile so your vehicle will too. At Manus Repair Center, LLC no job is too big or too small. We are equipped to handle your vehicle’s regular maintenance needs or repair problems. From oil changes and brakes to air conditioning repair and wheel alignment, we are your neighborhood repair center. We look forward to adding you to our family of satisfied customers. While we gladly accept and welcome walk-ins, you can contact us today to schedule an appointment for your next auto maintenance or repair. Learn more about our brake services, wheel alignment, tires services, or air conditioning repair. Call 815-239-2588 for a free estimate.
Page 12
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
MARCH 2019
Three ways a business leader gets people to follow To get the most out of their workforce, today’s business leaders may need to look at their own role – and their workers – a bit differently than leaders did decades ago. “A strong and effective leader certainly stands at the top of a hierarchy, but great leaders today don’t act hierarchically,” says Don Rheem, author of Thrive By Design: The Neuroscience that Drives High-Performance Cultures, and CEO of E3 Solutions, a provider of employee workplace metrics and manager training. “While people thrive under great leaders, in today’s business world they are also looking for a safe haven work environment where respect, trust and encouragement are bedrocks of the work culture.” Rheem suggests three ways a company leader can get people to follow, and do so without being punitive and domineering: Don’t treat employees like children. The level of complexity and the pace
• EZ dinners
of change that leaders at all levels face today is unprecedented. The pressure for achievement is intense and when mistakes are made, or when staff show up disengaged, tempers can flare. “Frustration and anger are powerful emotions, and when leaders get flooded with these feelings they typically fall into a model of leadership and accountability deeply embedded in their memories – parenting, So they demote their employees to the role of children,” Rheem says. “But most adults do not want to be patronized or treated like children. Those ways don’t inspire employees to thrive in their work environment or put forth their best effort. Employees today, especially among the current generation entering the workplace, are far more likely to quit or deliberately underperform under those conditions. That’s bad for morale, damages the culture, and encourages turnover.”
Be positive. A leader who cultivates a positive culture can reap myriad benefits. Research of 16 different industries, conducted by Dr. Kim Cameron at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business, found a significant relationship between “virtuousness” in the workplace – forgiveness, compassion, optimism and trustworthiness – and improvements in everything from profitability and productivity to quality, innovation, customer satisfaction and employee retention. “Leaders need to move away from the CPO template, where they are the Chief Punishment Officer, and instead move to more brain-friendly modes as mentors, coaches, good listeners and captains of positive recognition,” Rheem says. Don’t be subverted by subcultures. A company’s top leader needs to ensure the next layers of leadership are consistently echoing the company’s ethos at every
level throughout the enterprise. “Hold managers and supervisors accountable for communicating the corporate culture and living the organization’s values,” Rheem says. “Don’t let divergent micro-cultures or siloed departments hijack the enterprise’s culture. Having strong and effective leaders as managers and supervisors creates the consistent conditions essential to healthy and sustainable workplace cultures.” “There is a very high emotional cost in making difficult choices that affect other people’s lives,” Rheem says. “Most of us would prefer having those decisions made by someone we trust and have faith in, not someone who brandishes a title or threats of punitive consequences in order to achieve authority. The most successful leaders in the new era of work now underway will balance strength and determination with empathy and understanding.”
(Continued from page 11)
Please call or email with which delivery date works for you! Types of Deliveries
Regular Delivery ($5) There is no minimum order. Delivered to a single address.
Group Delivery (FREE) One group or area that we deliver at the same time. ($100 minimum Total order)
Seniors 65 & over ($3) There is no minimum order. Delivered to a single address.
Private Delivery (FREE) Delivered to a single address with a minimum order of $100.
Seniors Special With a $25 minimum order & within Winnebago County. Delivery is free.
Computer Repair LLC
338914
A great combination in downtown Clinton. Technology, art, and custom crafted furniture.
Hamilton gallery Coming in April Fine art and one-of-a-kind creations 242 Allen St. • Clinton, WI
608-774-1507
SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business
Welcome to Schmucker’s Country Store!
At Schmuckers Country Store we specialize in bulk, natural and organic foods. Our shelves are stocked with 100’s of different food items to choose from, as well as items that are difficult to find. We have products for baking, canning, gluten free foods, spices, dried fruits, nuts, snack, dip and soup mixes, candies and always a tasty delicious supply of home baked goods and farm fresh eggs! Come and browse, bring a friend, enjoy the friendly country atmosphere! Whether you are shopping for this up coming week’s supply of groceries, stocking up on baking or canning supplies for the next few months or preparing a large meal for that special get together, Schmucker’s Country Store is known for their quality selections, customer service and reasonable prices. Special orders are welcomed! No credit or debit cards accepted.
FOOTVILLE ROCK & LIME CORP FOOTVILLE TRUCKING CORP Call us for your landscaping needs!
WE DELIVER!
Crushed Limestone Products • Mulch 70-79 Zone Ag Lime with Spreading Topsoil • Decorative Landscape Stone Fill: Dirt & Sand • Free Stall Sand Dump Truck Services 339196
14249 West Dorner Road Brodhead, WI 53520 • 608-876-6608
MARCH 2019
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
Page 13
Stateline Chamber hosts 2019 Awards Gala celebrating area businesses By Jean Seegers REPORTER
The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms was the elegant setting for the 2019 Stateline Chamber of Commerce Awards Night, Thursday, Feb. 7. Chamber members and friends gathered together to support and honor the achievements and contributions of individuals and businesses in the surrounding area. The presenting sponsor for the event was Blackhawk Bank. The evening began with tuxedo-clad Hononegah Community High School students Matthew Freedlund and Daniel Rebben, both National Honor Society members, escorted guests to their tables in the Pavilion. A cocktail/social hour was followed by a four -course dinner, catered by the Hoffman House. Josh Calhoun provided musical entertainment throughout the evening. The evening’s program commenced as Executive Director Chuck Gilbert welcomed members and guests and thanked them for their support over the last year. Lindsay Fafoglia and Nicole Stein, from WREX-TV were emcees for the evening Chamber President Ryan Monette reflected on some of the Chamber’s achievements over the last year: “We met our goals of increasing attendance at our events and improved value for our members,” Monette said. The past year marked the first Government Affairs Committee event. Monette promised there will be more to come. Thirty-six new members were welcomed into the Chamber in 2018. The Chamber Ambassadors hosted nine
ANTON GEORGE PHOTO Family-Owned Business
ANTON GEORGE PHOTO Family-Owned Business
Cyndy Fogarty was the recipient of the Member of the Year Award. Fogarty is the owner of Country Cottage Antiques in Rockton.
The Stateline Chamber award winners: (L-R) Ray Ferguson, Attorney - Community Service Award; Megan Gove, Talcott Free Library – Pride of the Stateline award; Anabel Toye, Annabel’s Cleaning Service - Member of the Year; Sam Papa, Aluminum Extrusion – Business of the Year; Cyndy Fogarty, Country Cottage, Lifetime Achievement Award; Marge Bauch, Roscoe Ready Mix -Ambassador of the Year, and Joe and Robt. Bennie – Triple Crown Baseball - Entrepreneur of the Year.
ribbon cuttings for new businesses. Eight educational events and 10 networking events were offered. Monette said a Membership Circle Program that will enhance networking opportunities are about to be launched. “We are in the process of rolling out a Membership Discount card, as well.” Some of the 2018 achievements noted were Blackhawk Bank’s re-development and move to a former restaurant location in Roscoe, Construction of the Hononegah
ANTON GEORGE PHOTO Family-Owned Business
Stateline Chamber member Ryan Rydell (RyCom Creative Corp) stands between Joe (L) and Robert Bennie (Triple Crown Baseball, South Beloit.) Joe Bennie received the Entrepreneurs of the Year award.
ANTON GEORGE PHOTO Family-Owned Business
Stateline Chamber members, from left - Branda La Buy, (Valley Realty) Zach Townsend, (Pro Legal Care LLC) and Kelly Maier (Office Manager-Stateline Chamber) were among those attending the Awards Gala at The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms, Thursday evening, Feb. 7.
Community High School Fieldhouse scheduled to open in the spring, the construction of Speedway Gas Station and Truck Stop and Camping World at Rockton and Willowbrook Rds. Members of the Stateline Chamber Executive Board for 2019 are: President – Ryan Monette, VP – John Broda, Secretary Anabel Toye and Treasurer Nathan Bolin. Lindsey Fafoglia and Nicole Stein, from WREX-TV were the emcees for the program. They announced the member award finalists: Entrepreneur of the Year – Triple Crown Baseball Community Service – Ray Ferguson
Pride of the Stateline – Talcott Free Library Business of the Year – American Aluminum Extrusion Ambassador of the Year – Marge Bauch Member of the Year – Anabel Toye Lifetime Achievement- Cyndy Fogarty Monette said the next Chamber event will be the annual RORO Expo. The expo will be held at Roscoe Middle School March 2 and 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday. RORO is a fun community event for the entire family. There will be lots of vendors, great food and music and local entertainment. Admission is free.
Page 14
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
MARCH 2019
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1972
DEAN’S AUTOMOTIVE For All Your Auto Repair Needs
16296 3rd Street Seward, IL
Bruce & Katie Steidinger Owners
Bicycle Sales and Service
~ Established 1974 ~
514 Windsor Road Loves Park, IL 61111 815.633.0755 shosiescyclery.com
(815) 247-8506
338807
338607
339086
RY
VE ING AND RECO TOW BELOIT, WI SINCE 1958
SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business
Window World gives back
2212 Prairie Ave., Beloit, WI
(608) 362-5377
501 Hemenway Pl., So. Beloit, IL
(815) 389-3032
24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE & RECOVERY National Certified Drivers Fully Insured 337104
MANUS REPAIR & STORAGE Randy Manus, Owner
38 Years in Business PECATONICA, IL • 239-2588 Complete Auto Repair
Pete & George Serving Breakfast All Day • Breakfast Specials • American Fries • Soup & Sandwich
RESTAURANT RESTAURANT 338948
Specials Hours: Tues. – Sat. 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
5529 N. Second St. 815-877-1010
339053
Westwinn Kennels “A country retreat for your pet”
Proudly serving pets & their humans for 19 years • Family owned & operated since the beginning
– Authorized Nutri-Source dealer – Boarding • Grooming • Pet Supplies • Indoor & Outdoor Runs Convenient Location - Take a “virtual” tour at westwinnkennels.com
285 S. Hoisington Road • Pecatonica, IL 815-247-8311 • Like us on Facebook
Window World of Rockford’s work goes farther than providing exterior home improvement. Their products alone aren’t what make them unique; much of Window World’s story is linked to their involvement beyond home improvement. They strive to bring positive change to communities through their affiliation with non-profit entities. In 2008, Window World became a partner of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, one of the world’s leading research and treatment centers for pediatric cancer and other childhood diseases. Window World of Rockford continues to show their endless support by spreading awareness and making personal donations throughout the years. Their dedication to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® continued as Window World of Rockford started the new year off by making a generous donation in early February. With this donation the Window World team earned themselves the ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ apparel for being a St. Jude Partner In Hope, helping spread awareness for this particular cause.
• Shosies Cyclery adjustments, and spoke tension. We may catch things you wouldn’t have noticed.
We Stand Behind What We Sell
Accessories Choosing the accessories for your bike can be the most fun! Our salespeople can guide you to the essentials needed like helmets, pumps, hydration, tubes, bags, lights, computers, and many other items to help you enjoy your riding experience. We carry technical cycling clothing for your riding comfort. Cycling shoes by Shimano, Giant and Liv that accommodate clipless pedals for road, mountain, or recreational riders are available. Let us install them and give training on using clipless pedals for the 1st timers. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we will do our best to find and
KRENEK’S CLOCK HAVEN THE CLOCK SPECIALIST NEW & ANTIQUE • SALES AND REPAIRS • CUCKOO CLOCKS • GRANDFATHER • SHELF • WALL DOUGLAS NELSON | OWNER 5124 North 2nd Street Loves Park, IL 61115 (815) 965-4661
(Continued from page 9)
order it for you.
338896
AND RECOVERY TOWING BELOIT, WI SINCE 1958
All new bike purchases come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but Shosies can take it a step further. We offer Free Lifetime/ Anytime brake and derailleur adjustments whenever needed.
Local information Stop in the shop for any cycling advice needed. Our staff are cycling enthusiasts who road, mountain, race and recreational ride. We offer free local trail maps and publications with rides and events.
Specialties Building your “dream bicycle” is a specialty service Shosies Cyclery provides. We work with great manufacturers of custom bicycles such as Waterford / Gunnar . “ Waterford Precision Cycles” builds from the finest steels available using tubes of its own specific design. To ensure proper fitting we at Shosies Cyclery use a Waterford Custom Size Cycle along with “Fit Kit” to dial in all areas for a proper fit. Imagine a bike unique to only you! You may choose any color under the sun. And to have a frame built around you, will result in the greatest ride you’ll ever experience! As with building custom bikes, another passion at Shosies Cyclery is serving the triathlon community. If you are just starting with the sport or a veteran racer we are happy to help with advice and guidance. Call our store at 815-633-0755 for details.
MARCH 2019
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
Page 15
Dewey’s Towing: More than just towing services
Dewey’s began as a service station garage in 1955. In 1958 when the only local tow truck driver was killed, Dewey was asked to take over the tow truck. At the time, he only planned on being in the towing business for 2 years. Over 50 years later the company is still going strong with the 3rd generation working and the 4th generation learning to someday be a part of the business as well. One employee always says that if there was work to be done Dewey was there. He never sent an employee out if he himself wasn’t already working. In 1968 Dewey’s expanded from an Illinois company to include a second location in Wisconsin. Dewey’s still operates to serve both Illinois and Wisconsin today. Over the years Dewey’s has expanded time and time again. What started off as a one truck, one man show has become a large family business complete with two flatbeds, one light duty truck, one medium truck, three heavy duty trucks (including the latest 75 ton rotator), and air bags. Besides upgrading trucks to keep up with technology, Dewey always made sure that his drivers learned the latest techniques. Our employees range from 30+ years of experience to the rookies who are learning from our pros. In order to keep them on their toes, our drivers have been certified through The Towing and Recovery Association of America, Wreckmaster, or both. Our mechanics are also trained to keep up the technology of vehicle maintenance through ASE Certifications. Dewey was concerned about the safety of not only his drivers, but also everyone in the towing business. In order to make a difference, he supported numerous committees including the chairman for the Wisconsin Towing Association of which Dewey’s is a charter member. Dewey worked with Wisconsin legislation to get the Move Over or Slow Down law in order to keep emergency response personnel safe on the sides of roads and highways. In 1994 Dewey was inducted into the Towing
SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business
Dewey’s Towing & Recovery is based in Beloit, Wis., 2212 Prairie Ave. Call 608-362-5377 for more information.
Hall of Fame in Chattanooga, Tenn., in recognition of his constant efforts to improve the towing industry. In 2007 Dewey passed away, but his legacy lives on not only at Dewey’s, but also in the towing industry. The business is still run the same way he started it in 1958 with the exception of technological improvements. On any given day you will find Dewey’s children,
son-in-law, grandchildren, and beloved family employees working in all aspects of the business. You will also find Dewey’s great-grandchildren following in the footsteps of those who came before them. Dewey’s Towning & Recovery is based in Beloit, Wis., 2212 Prairie Ave. Call 608-362-5377 for more information.
Christenson Funeral Home provides comfort, assistance
For nearly 100 years the Christenson Funeral Home & Crematory has served the Rock River Valley, to help pay tribute to a life lived. A funeral can be as simple or elaborate as you wish, and the experience as unique as the individual life being honored. We strive to create an event that truly reflects the spirit and memory of your loved one. The new Christenson Funeral Home & Crematory, located in the heart of Rockford, believes in supporting our communities to enable economic prosperity, while providing an outlet for friends and families to manifest their spirituality. By offering affordable end of life rituals, and emphasizing our “common sense” approach to funeral merchandise, we bring about a new ethic in the field of funeral service; one rooted in transparency, accountability and ecological responsibility. From the beginning of time people have received comfort and support from those who have made their life’s work to care for the dead and provide service for the living. Let the new Christenson Funeral Home & Crematory create a farewell that is more meaningful to you, those you love and the planet. Christenson Funeral Home is conveniently located in downtown Rockford, Ill at 925 Third Ave. For more information, call 815-965-1600. Family Owned and Operated - Established 1914.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Family-Owned Business
Christenson Funeral Home is located in downtown Rockford, Ill at 925 Third Ave. For more information, call 815-965-1600.
Page 16
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
MARCH 2019
“A Short Drive for What the Lena Businesses Have to Offer” 338915
Brandon’s Hardware & Rental
March Specialty Pizza of the Month
Come In for all your Paint and Lawn & Garden Rental Needs
REUBEN PIZZA
222 W. Railroad St. Lena, IL 815-369-4400
145 W. Railroad St. • Lena 815-369-5542
338931
338936
LENA MERCANTILE, CO. 101 West Railroad, Lena, IL Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Daily
Gifts and Decor
Unique Shopping & Tasty Lunches
• Pillows • Candles • French Milled Soaps • Chocolate covered coffee beans • VHC Quilts and Blankets And Much More!!
The Mercantile Eatery Serves Lunches Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
815-369-9955 • www.lenamercantile.com
Wed - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • 130 W. Main St. • Lena • 815-369-9990
338929
338934
New Product Line and Other New Farm Toys Now In Stock Watch for sales & new products Coming Soon!
502 S. Schuyler, Lena (Route 73) 815-369-4444 www.downonthefarmtoys.com • Sun-Tues (Closed) • Wed-Fri 10 am - 6 p.m. • • Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. •
for Quality Meat Processing
338935
Reasons to Shop in Lena A Short Drive for Premium Quality
at AJ’s Lena Maid Meats Owners Laverne & Marcia Pax
We can do any drink that a Full Sized Coffee Shop can do!
405 S. Schuyler St. Lena, IL Check us out on facebook.com/cafe217
• Locally raised fresh and frozen retail • Beef sides & quarters meats • Whole or half hogs • Wide selection of sausage products • Wholesale items available • Award winning, cured meats • Very competitive prices • Local cheese products • Friendly and knowledgeable service • Unique grocery items • Special cuts & orders (available anytime) • Gift boxes and party trays • New Delivery Service to Lena residents. • Custom and Wild Game processing Please call with your retail order. If you are looking for high quality meats, cut the way you want or the many specialty cured meats and sausage products with that “Old Country” flavor, AJ’s Lena Maid Meats is the place to stop. “Under the Water Tower in Lena”
Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
500 West Main Street • Lena • 815-369-4522
ajslenamaidmeats@mediacombb.net • www.ajslenamaidmeats.net
338938
To see our cupcake flavor of the month!
338923
Homemade Waffle Cones & Hand Dipped Ice Cream Sunday Evenings June — August
A short d for premiurive • Award Winning Cured Meats • Clean & Inspected Facility m quality. • Excellent Selection of Beef, Pork & Sausage Products • Cut and Packaged to your Specifications • Competitive Rates
Take Advantage of our
815-291-7829
We Specialize in Gourmet Filled Cupcakes.
Call today to book your animal for April and May We can make beef, pork or lamb brats with your processing trim.
Call to place your order
• Lattes • Frappes • Smoothies
Le n a M a i d Meat s ’ s m Slaughte AJ Custo Beef • Hogs • Lamb ring