Dearborn Chamber of Commerce Honors Innovative Businesses at April Expo

The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Business Recognition Awards Ceremony & Expo (BRACE) on Friday at the Henry Hotel.

The event combines networking, business appreciation and an expo showcasing more than 35 businesses. 

This year the chamber will honor Severstal North America as "Business of the Year." Severstal is one of the largest steel producers in the United States — with facilities in Dearborn and Columbus, Miss.

The company has invested more than $3 billion in modernizing its assets and has some of the most efficient and environmentally friendly steelmaking facilities in the world.

Charitable donations and employee volunteer activities are focused in the local communities in several key areas, including community enrichment and education, arts and culture, and environment.

The Leadership Award will be presented to Lynne Killion, proprietor of PostNet. Killion owns the neighborhood business center — which offers printing services, color copies and finishing services in Dearborn. Killion and her husband Don have been residents of Dearborn Heights for 36 years. She serves on the executive committee of the Dearborn Area Chamber and has been active in several veterans’ initiatives including "Hiring Our Heroes" and the committee to bring the Vietnam Wall to Dearborn. The Killions are active in the Dearborn Heights Rotary Club, as well as the Kiwanis Club of Dearborn Heights.

Westborn Market will receive the Small Business Award. Westborn Market has served the customers of Southeastern Michigan for almost half a century. What was originally a corner fruit stand has grown into an international marketplace.

Today, the store reflects a unique combination of the freshest produce, choice meats, gourmet groceries, flowers and a large wine selection. The store offers an extensive list of services, including party trays, catering, fruit baskets, full floral design, and delivery services. The market is committed to its support of local farmers, purchasing much of its produce locally. The food store also hosted a successful "Meet Michigan Again" event to promote Michigan-made products.

The luncheon will also honor a forward-thinking unique business model that breaks traditional molds with its Innovator of the Year. Past awardees have included TechShop, The Henry Ford Makers Faire, Hype Athletics, and Severstal North America.

This year's Innovtaor of the Year nominees are Dearborn Goodwill, Dearborn Community Schools, and Village Ford.

"We are pleased to recognize such distinguished nominees as our three top innovators for 2013," Peggy Richard, event director for the DACC said. "These nominees were selected from an outstanding pool of candidates. How exciting to showcase excellence in education, community contribution and environmental initiatives…three important areas of focus for the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce."

The luncheon, including a video component spotlighting each awardee, will also highlight businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries, from five years to 180 years. The expo will enable companies to promote their products and services to more than 300 business owners, community leaders and corporate professionals. 

The cost to attend the event is $50 for chamber members and $65 for non-members. Tables of 10 with business signage are $500. Space is limited.

Register online at www.dearbornareachamber.org.