Queen City Candy Is Dearborn Co. Chamber's Biz Of The Year; McLaughlin Earns Chairperson's Award

By Mike Perleberg Award winners pose for a photo at the Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner and Meeting held at the Lawrenceburg Event Center on Thursday, November 10. Photo by Mike Perleberg, Eagle Country 99.3. (Dearborn County, Ind.) – Queen City Candy has been doing business in Greendale for 33 years. The confectionery supplier and manufacturer accepted the Dearborn County Business of the Year Award at the Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner Thursday. “Dearborn County has been very important to me and Queen City Candy. Without everyone’s hard work, we wouldn’t be here today,” said Vincent Klee, the company’s founder and president. Queen City Candy is located on Rudolph Way, where it started in 1983. The business expanded in 2005 and again in 2014 as it began to produce candy sold in 47 states and Canada. With the recent expansion, the company added 38 jobs to bring its employment to 68 associates. The factory can churn out one million gummy bears in about an hour, said Klee. “It’s the backing and resourcefulness of individuals like you that continue to help the Dearborn County area grow,” Klee told the local government and community leaders in the room. (Left to right) Steve VanWassenhove with Willie's Sports Cafe, E.G. McLaughlin, and Queen City Candy founder Vincent Klee. Photo by Mike Perleberg, Eagle Country 99.3. Chamber board chairman Greg Tufts presented the Chairperson’s Award to E.G. McLaughlin, president and CEO of United Community Bank. In addition to leading a bank well-known for its community support and generosity, McLaughlin serves with a number of boards and organizations including the Lawrenceburg Lions Club, St. Lawrence Church, and the Southeastern Indiana Regional Port Authority. “I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do without the direction of the board and the backing of the team members of United Community Bank,” said McLaughlin. “I am very blessed to call Dearborn County my home." McLaughlin also used the opportunity to credit Hollywood Casino, the chamber, and Dearborn County’s city and county officials for their leadership. AIM Young Professions of Dearborn County, which operates under the umbrella of the chamber, presented its annual AIM YP Award to Willie’s Sports Café. The popular restaurant and bar has hosted a number of the young professional organization’s events. “This is an amazing area to be a part of. I’m glad I’m part of it,” said owner and general manager Steve VanWassenhove, who started as a manager at the restaurant 12 years ago. “This area is extremely rich with the entrepreneurial spirit and young professionals taking leadership. I’ve learned that it’s our time to look for the next group of entrepreneurs to come up.” Bright Area Business Association members. Photo by Mike Perleberg, Eagle Country 99.3. The Bright Area Business Association was recognized with the Lauren Hill Award, created to honor an individual, business, or non-profit who exhibits Hill’s legacy of inspiration, collaboration and community spirit. BABA has 70 member businesses from the area to which the organization has brought pride, recognition, and resources. Its volunteers have raised $14,000 this year for the Bright Volunteer Fire Department and other efforts in the community. “We wanted people to collaborate and work together,” said Bebe Kinnett, one of BABA’s founders. “When you go band together you’ve got something beautiful. And that’s what I think Bright is – something beautiful,” said Kinnett. Learn more about the Bright Aware Business Association at www.brightareabusinesses.com. Howard Kellman, broadcast voice of the Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball team, served as the evening’s featured speaker. He related several stories from a career covering baseball and life lessons.