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Miller Brothers adds Small Business Award as highlight of 40 years |
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Front Page -
Front Page Story
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Written by Mike Ishman
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Friday, 06 November 2009 |
The Small Business Award of 2009 was awarded Thursday to Miller Brothers Furniture. On hand were (from left) Marlene Lellock, Chamber executive director; Duane Miller, Miller Brothers Furniture; Ruth Grube, of BFG Manufacturing, recipient of the 2008 award; and Jeff Curtis, president of the Chamber Board of Directors. The award was presented at the Chamber of Commerce's annual luncheon at the Country Club. (Photo by Mike Ishman/The Punxsutawney Spirit)
PUNXSUTAWNEY — As part of its annual luncheon, the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce named Miller Brothers Furniture as the recipient of its sixth Small Business of the Year Award.
According to Jodi Presloid, vice-president of the board, the award — which was established in 2004 — is used to call attention to the contribution that each of the small businesses in Punxsutawney make to the community.
After nominations by members of the Chamber, members of the board choose one of the nominated businesses to win.
"It's not an easy task for us, because there is a lot of good business, and things all of them are doing, and it's hard to come up with the one nominee that deserves that recognition," Presloid said.
Introducing this year's winner was Ruth Grube of BFG Manufacturing Services, last year's winner.
She said Miller Brothers was established 40 years ago at the edge of a cornfield.
"The founders of the business operated it in a manner that was reflected in their slogan, ‘Come as a customer, leave as a friend,'" Grube said. "And so their business was successful and grew over the years."
Grube also outlined the expansion of Miller Brothers over the years.
"When the founders were ready to retire in the late 1980s, they turned the business over to their sons, who grew it into the company it is today: A three-store chain with locations in Punxsutawney, DuBois and Falls Creek," she said.
In the 1990s, the brothers purchased and rehabilitated an anchor building in downtown Punxsutawney, and in recent years, purchased a second Main Street building.
Jess and Duane Miller, the owners, have been very active in Punxsutawney through the years, according to Grube, serving on various boards and supporting community causes.
"Currently, the company is in the process of transitioning management of the business to the third generation of family members, who will continue to run the company in the way of its founders, Jesse and Dorothy Miller," Grube said.
Duane Miller, touched by the award, said he spoke for his family when he said it was an honor to be recognized.
"I think of my parents, my father, and how proud he would be for us to accept this award, to be recipients of this award," he said. "We are very proud to be a part of this community, to own a business in this community. I don't know if you've noticed, but if you look up and down the street within the last year or so, there's really a lot of things happening in Punxsutawney. Good things. I just hope that they continue."
"It's all about giving back to the community," Miller said. "You really have to appreciate your customers and take care of them."
This year, Miller Brothers Furniture is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The key to longevity for a business, according to Miller, is simple.
"It's all about giving back to the community," he said. "You really have to appreciate your customers and take care of them."
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 07 November 2009 )
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