Michigan City, is owned by the Geisen family. From left are: Kim, Larry and their son Anthony. (Photo provided by Geisen Funeral Home)
Several businesses from across Northwest and North Central Indiana were among 76 state-based organizations recently recognized for their operational longevity.
Honorees were presented with either the Governor’s Century or Half Century Business Award, which recognizes a company for its long-time operational history as well as its service to its employees, community and the state.
“It is an honor to recognize Hoosier business leaders who have been creating quality career opportunities for Hoosiers and running their businesses in Indiana for more than 50 or 100 years,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Through a strong dedication to their employees, their businesses and their communities, these companies exemplify the pioneering spirit and perseverance that will keep Indiana on the path to success for centuries to come.”
The awards recognize Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for a minimum of 100 years or 50 consecutive years and have demonstrated a commitment to community service. More than 1,560 Indiana companies have been recognized during the award's 29-year history.
Northwest Indiana Century Award honorees for 2020:
- G.W. Berkheimer Co., wholesale distribution, 100 years; Porter County
- Geisen Funeral Home, funeral services, 153 years; Lake County
- Gluth Brothers Roofing Co., trades, 134 years; Lake County
- Swartz, Retson & Co., financial services, 101 years; Lake County
Northwest and North Central Indiana Half Century Award honorees for 2020:
- Briggs Agency Inc., insurance, 74 years; Lake County
- Bryan’s Florist and Greenhouse, retail, 71 years; Lake County
- CARSTAR Liss Auto Body, automotive repair, 74 years; Lake County
- Deep River Bowmen, sports and recreation, 58 years; Porter County
- Ginter Realty, real estate, 55 years; Lake County
- Hobart Animal Clinic, veterinary services, 66 years; Lake County
- Hubinger Landscaping, landscaping, 52 years; Lake County
- INOVA Federal, financial services, 78 years; Elkhart County
- Johnson's Farm Produce, agriculture, 63 years; Lake County
- Kellen’s Florist, retail; 92 years; Lake County
- Korellis Roofing, construction/trades, 60 years; Lake County
- Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, health care, 52 years; Porter County
- Larry's Barber Shop, trades, 52 years; Lake County
- Mellon Tax Service, financial services, 88 years; Lake County
- Monroe Pest Control, pest control, 92 years; Lake County
- Music Vendors Inc., retail, 74 years; Lake County
- Patti's All-American, sports and recreation, 51 years; Lake County
- Paul Heuring Motors, automotive sales, 76 years; Lake County
- Rohder Machine & Tool, manufacturing, 52 years; Lake County
- Sapper's Market & Greenhouses, retail, 77 years; Lake County
- Tri-Electronics, security integration, 58 years; Lake County
- Tudor Floors & More Carpet One, retail, 51 years; Porter County
- Universal Bearings, manufacturing, 61 years; Marshall County
- Van's Industrial Inc., construction/trades, 56 years; Lake County
The Governor's Century and Half Century Business Awards ceremony was originally scheduled for the spring but was cancelled because of the pandemic, the state said. The 2020 award recipients will be invited to participate in the 2021 ceremony.
