Lincoln Chamber Crowns Business Award Winners
Everyone needs a champion in their life, someone who is in their corner advocating for their success at every turn in the road. At the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, we want to be your champion. That’s why we celebrate the successes of our members through the Celebrate Business Awards. I hope you will join me in congratulating them for their accomplishments.
BURNHAM YATES CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Jim Abel
Jim Abel serves as CEO/Chairman of NEBCO, Inc., a 3rd generation family business started in 1908. Under Jim’s leadership, the company has grown its construction and concrete building materials businesses through acquisitions across the state and continues to focus on building the company’s real estate and recreation segments. A founding member of Lincoln’s 2015 Vision group, he supported the development of the West Haymarket and was instrumental in the creation of Haymarket Park.
ROGER T. LARSON COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD: Jon Camp
Jon Camp, a lifelong Lincoln native, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967 and attended the US Air Force Academy for two years. Following a medical discharge, Jon completed his undergraduate and law degrees at UNL. In 1982, Jon and three partners took the “plunge” and started the first redevelopment in Lincoln’s modern day Historic Haymarket. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this month, Haymarket Square now has nine buildings in Haymarket. Jon is also in his 19th year of serving on the Lincoln City Council and is President of the District Energy Corporation.
CORNERSTONE AWARD: Speedway
Speedway Motors is America’s Oldest Speed Shop and a trusted source for specialty automotive and racing parts for 65 years. Founded by “Speedy” Bill Smith, Speedway has grown from a one-man storefront to a worldwide retailer and manufacturer known for personalized expert service. Still family owned, the company is now led by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce’s four sons – Carson, Clay, Craig and Jason.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD: Social Assurance/Ben Pankonin
Born and raised in Lincoln, NE, Social Assurance is a software service company that provides technology for financial marketers. It is comprised of a team of software developers and marketing specialists with various backgrounds that help bring unique and innovate solutions to clients. The cofounders, Ben Pankonin and Matt Secoske, have built both an internal and external culture of innovation and collaboration. They strive to create a business that positively impacts its industry, clients, employees and community.
GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Company was started on in 1996 by Deb and John Henry (Jack) Zohner. The 65 members of the John Henry’s team focus on the safety and health of our community by providing quality plumbing, heating, and air conditioning customer service.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: Evol Empire Creative
Evol Empire Creative is a full service creative agency. Evol specializes in branding, web development, eCommerce, videography, campaign creation, SEO, SEM, social media advertising and content creation, email marketing, direct advertising, and more. The team is known for their commitment to design and infectious culture. With a team of 20 and growing, the company has experienced rapid growth since opening its doors in May of 2016.
MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp.
Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A., or KMM, is a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, LTD. of Kobe, Japan. Established in 1974, KMM became the first foreign vehicle manufacturer in the United States. To date, the Consumer Products division has delivered over 3.4 million vehicles. The Rail Car division was established in 2001 and has produced over 2,000 subway and commuter rail cars. These cars have been delivered to New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington D.C.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AWARD: Lincoln Marathon
First run in 1978, the Lincoln Marathon is one of the preeminent events in Lincoln. Drawing over 15,000 runners from across the globe, the race is a great example of the economic benefit visitors and tourism development brings to our community.
The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information on the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, (www.lcoc.com) please contact Jaime Henning at jaimehenning@lcoc.com.