South Bend chamber celebrates community leaders
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The South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce on Thursday presented awards to five business leaders and companies for accomplishments in the community, and for economic growth and job creation. The annual Salute to Business luncheon showcases operations that have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and capital investment.
“Salute to Business is an annual opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and the innovation happening in companies across the region, and to share some inspiring stories about the people and the companies driving economic growth here,” said South Bend Regional Chamber President and CEO Jeff Rea. “We hope our attendees go back to their companies after the event each year inspired to make their businesses and our community a better place.”
Rea says the event also celebrates risk-takers that help drive the regional economy.
The Small Business of the Year award was presented to South Bend-based EVS, a manufacturer of emergency vehicle seating used in ambulances across the country. One of its signature products is a built-in child restraint system to transport uninjured children in an ambulance.
The chamber says EVS has grown four-fold over the past six years. Last summer, the company announced plans to invest $6 million to expand operations and build a 50,000-square-foot factory.
Four Winds Casino, which is owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, was presented with the Economic Impact Award. Next month, the gaming venue will open a 23-story hotel and resort in South Bend. It is part of a $300 million expansion that also included additional gaming space.
The chamber says about 270 construction jobs were created during the building phase of the expansion.
A 34-year-old serial entrepreneur was named Outstanding Young Business Leader. The chamber says the award is presented to up-and-coming business people under the age of 40. This year’s winner is Erik Johnson, who has launched multiple businesses.
Johnson started South Bend-based marketing communications company J2 Marketing in 2009. He was just 20 years old.
He also created Garage Arcade Bar, which is a gathering place with adult, nostalgic arcade games like Donkey Kong, Pacman, Mario Bros. and pinball machines.
His most recent venture is Smash & Trash, which opened last year, is a smash burger and taco restaurant he developed in partnership with Sun King Brewery in Mishawaka.
“What makes Erik unique is that he is also a renovator, using his desire to uplift our region’s quality of place, taking dilapidated buildings… and turning them into contemporary, restored spaces that draw young talent,” Rea.
The 2023 Woman of Influence Award was presented to Anne Feferman, who serves as vice president of commercial and business deposit services for South Bend-based Teachers Credit Union.
She’s a 35-year-veteran of TCU, but her active involvement in numerous service-oriented organizations earned her the award, according to the chamber.
The chamber presented it Distinguished Business Leader award to long-time attorney and community leader Dick Nussbaum.
The recipient, “makes significant contributions to the area business environment, and shows personal involvement and commitment to the community,” said the chamber.
Nussbaum was special counsel for Governor Joe Kernan, and was corporation counsel for the City of South Bend for more than a decade. He also served as general counsel for the Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs Inc.