Local Papers recognize Blaine Hilton and other winners at the Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards 10-27-06

HONORING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

MERRILLVILLE | Master of ceremonies James Jorgensen said there was another similarity between the popular new TV game show "Deal or No Deal" beside his hairline and Howie Mandel's.

"Very simply, it deals with risks and rewards, and that's what entrepreneurship is all about," Jorgensen told a group of 300 at this year's Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards Luncheon held Thursday at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza.

The event recognizing seven businesses was sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center.

Mirko Marich and Milan Kesic of Staff Source, LLC won the Small Business Person of the Year Award. Their company is a temporary staffing and employment agency.

"Reputation is everything in our business," Kesic said. "Nine years ago we started from scratch. We had zero workers, zero customers."

Today, the agency has 12 employees and 500 contract workers. More than 1,000 workers have been hired by their 350 client companies.

"There's a lot to be done, but the state is moving in the right direction trying to get people better trained and the work force more in tune with the jobs that are out there," Marich said.

Valparaiso attorney Russell Millbranth, who won the advocate award, said he helps 70 start-up businesses a year. They are integral to the local economy.

"Without the collateral small businesses to help develop and act as buffers and aides, our large industries wouldn't succeed," he said. "There's a close-knit relationship."

Cal Bellamy, attorney at the Hammond office of the Indianapolis-based firm of Krieg-DeVault, and former Chief Executive Officer of Bank Calumet, won the lifetime achievement award.

"Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of any business, economy, or region," he said. "If we don't nurture it, we shrink and die. We're not as dependent on our large national businesses, and more now on the efforts of our own citizens.

"The future of Northwest Indiana is unlimited if we seize the moment and never forget the importance of imagination and cooperation."

Read the full article at Northwest Indiana Times