The Annual Outstanding Business Awards were established in 2003. These awards are sponsored by Chemical Bank and were created to recognize Small, Medium, and Large Businesses in Shiawassee County for their contribution to our region’s economic success. Criteria for the award include demonstrated business creativity/innovation and involvement in Community or Chamber of Commerce activities.
Presenting Sponsor Chemical Bank proudly announces that two Lennon-area businesses have been selected to receive awards: Alderman’s Inc. and Lennon Telephone Company, both of Lennon.
Ironically, each of the business’ current owners began operations in the Village of Lennon in 1946 and will be celebrating 70-year anniversaries in 2016.
Alderman’s Incorporated is a third generation family owned company. Primarily serving the agricultural industry, Alderman’s offers equipment for lawn care and gardening as well. Popular brands that Alderman’s sells and services include CaseIH, Kubota and Cub Cadet. Over several decades, Alderman’s has brought new, innovative products to customers to advance and improve farming techniques and stay on the cutting edge of agricultural technology. Alderman’s Inc. supports many community activities including the Shiawassee County Fair, Lennon Lions Club, Village of Lennon Volunteers and initiatives that promote farming in Shiawassee County, especially geared toward engaging youth. The owner/president is Tim Alderman.
When Walter and Donna Kline bought the Lennon Telephone Company in 1946, it had about 150 customers. A group of Lennon area farmers founded the company, originally called Shiawassee and Genesee Mutual Telephone Co; in the late 1800s. The company moved from its small office on Main St. to its larger, more sophisticated office on Sheridan Rd. in 1994. Today, there are 15 employees working at the Lennon Telephone Company. The business remains a family operation, with second, third, and fourth generations carrying on the tradition. The Company provides high quality communications service to over 3,000 business and residential customers. Numerous calling features, long distance, cable TV, Internet and high-speed Ethernet services are also available to Lennon area residents through Lennon Telephone Company and it’s subsidiaries. Lennon Telephone president is Jackie Bowden. The company supports the Lennon and Durand libraries, Village of Lennon Volunteers, Lennon DDA, sponsors youth baseball/softball teams, Durand Band, FFA and Sports Boosters.
The Outstanding Business Award Recipients will be formally honored at the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual Dinner and Awards Night on Thursday, Jan. 28 at D’Mar Banquet & Conference Center, Owosso. Tickets are available at the chamber office or at www.shiawassseechamber.org.
