Gov. Honors Two Dearborn Businesses With Longevity Awards Posted at 7:27 am on Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Mike Perleberg News release from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 4, 2009) - Governor Mitch Daniels honored two Dearborn County businesses for longevity and community service in the Statehouse today during the annual Governor's Century and Half Century Business Awards ceremony. The governor presented Stedman Machine Company with a Century Award and Charlotte's Flowers & Antiques with a Half Century Award. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, joined Daniels in honoring all of the Indiana companies for their commitment to Indiana. "Simply speaking, building a business takes drive, business acumen and sometimes a little luck. Building a successful company which spans decades and generations, however, is a truly special accomplishment. It is my honor to recognize Hoosier entrepreneurs who have left permanent marks on their communities through their homegrown enterprises," said Daniels. The Governor's Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Indiana businesses that have remained in operation for 100 or 50 years or more and have also demonstrated a history of community service. More than 1,300 companies from across Indiana have been recognized during the 19-year history of the Awards. Originally founded in 1834 in Rising Sun to produce castings for cotton gins, hay presses and other types of farm equipment, today Stedman Machine Company manufactures machinery for crushing, pulverizing, grinding, blending or breaking a broad range of materials. Now located in Aurora, the company also operates a facility dedicated to testing materials handling solutions. Started from a small store front on Main Street in Aurora, Charlotte's Flowers & Antiques has been owned and operated since 1961 by lifelong resident Charlotte Hastings. Hastings has been active in a variety of community events, including the Aurora Firecracker Craft Show and Festival, which just celebrated its 18th season. Nominated by individuals or organizations within the same community, the Governor's Century and Half Century Awards honor Indiana's well-established companies and their outstanding contributions to the economic growth and prosperity of the state. Print this article Content Management Powered by CuteNews News Archive