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Myers earns local, state acclaim for market efforts
Just like the frazzled father (actor Darren McGavin) in the movie "A Christmas Story," Mitch Myers of Myers' Market knew a "major award" was soon coming his way.
He just didn't know it would be wrapped up so properly and leave him thinking inside the box.
So when it came time to honor Myers locally -- prior to him receiving an EDGE (Economic Development and Growth through Entrepreneurship) Award from the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) Friday afternoon in a Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann-led ceremony at the Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway -- friends and family knew just what to do.
They created a miniature wooden crate, similar to the one McGavin receives in the classic holiday comedy, complete with "FRAGILE" printed in block letters upon it.
That's reminiscent of the scene in "A Christmas Story" where McGavin notes the "Fragile" written on the box, and gleefully says "fra-gee-lay ... must be Italian" before he rips through the crate to uncover his legendary leg lamp.
Myers laughed as Mayor Sue Murray presented the box first before the award Wednesday, explaining that Myers had told friends and family he couldn't possibly win an award without first getting a box to accompany it.
"Do you have anything to say?," the mayor asked as the laughing Myers first saw the box.
"It's a major award," he smiled, eliciting both laughter and applause.
Becoming a little more serious, Myers said he considers it "a privilege to live in a community that supports us so well."
Myers was also presented with an award featuring a meat cleaver, symbolic of the butcher shop/deli atmosphere he has so successfully created in Myers' Market, 302 E. Washington St., Greencastle.
With Myers and his market being recognized as one of the 10 new businesses across Indiana showing exceptional growth and success during 2014, local officials thought it proper to honor him in Greencastle as well. And it was almost like Christmas as some 50 well-wishers turned out at City Hall to celebrate the occasion.
"Although Mitch will be recognized in Indianapolis on Friday with the other winners, it seems most important that we take this opportunity to congratulate him here at home," Mayor Sue Murray said Wednesday morning at City Hall.
Myers was honored by the city in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit and success, while celebrating him winning the EDGE award from West Central Region of ISBDC.
Mayor Murray called Myers and his market "a treasure for all of us. "
"You make us all proud," she said.
"We're delighted you're there," the mayor said of Myers' Washington Street location, "because we all eat a lot better because of you."
EDGE Awards are presented annually to business people who have worked with the Indiana Small Business Development Center to develop business plans and hone their operations. Those nominated are then reviewed by the state organization and the truly exceptional are designated the winners.
Mitch Myers is the epitome of such a student of the process.
"We're excited that Mitch Myers with Myers' Market will receive the EDGE award for an emerging business, representing the West Central Region," Courtney Richey, regional director of the Small Business Development Center, said.
Myers was nominated by his business adviser, Dick Pittelkow, who was impressed by the hard work and dedication Myers devoted to the successful launch of his business.
"It's always rewarding for us to work with someone like Mitch and see him become successful," Pittelkow said.
In the 10-county area based in Bloomington, Pittelkow said he works with 400-500 clients per year.
"Mitch stands head and shoulders above everybody else," he said, praising Myers' passion for his business as his prime reason for success.
Ivy Tech conducts a series of four workshop for emerging businesses, Pittelkow said, and Myers was the only person to complete all four sections.
"I knew if Mitch pulled the trigger (in starting his business), he'd be successful."
Certainly ... as long as he didn't shoot his eye out.