Effingham County Chamber Recognizes Excellence in Business Recipients

The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce recognized the 2015 recipients of the Excellence in Business Awards at the Annual Business Recognition Gala on Saturday.  The business recipients were Martin’s IGA and Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota. 

Martin’s IGA has been a part of the Effingham business community for over 75 years. The family-owned and operated business, started by Clyde Martin in the late 1930s as a small meat shop is now being operated by Clyde's son and grandson, Newlin and Todd Martin out of a 50,000 square foot store that  includes a full service banking facility, pharmacy, floral department, cafeteria and deli, convenience store with drive up pharmacy and retail service. They are a consistent 5-Star IGA and active in the grocery industry statewide and nationally.  They are actively involved in many community endeavors and provide many incentives for their 230-employee staff, including flexible work schedules and and $500 college incentives for anyone working 1000 hours annually for up to 4 years. 

Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota is also a long-time family-owned business, serving the community for over 50 years with new and used vehicles, a complete auto body repair shop and a quick lube bay. The company, founded by Dan Hecht Sr., is now owned and operated by his four sons, Dan Jr., Jim, Bob and Jerry, along with their team of 60+ employees. They have earned them the Chevrolet Mark of Excellence Dealer and the Toyota President’s Award. The Hecht team is heavily involved in a variety of community activities and sponsors many youth and community education and recreation programs. 

The Excellence in Business award celebrates Chamber member businesses for their contributions to area communities and the local economy through their continued growth, innovation, and community support. The award criteria includes the company’s investment in improved facilities, increased employment and innovation in business practices and processes and exceptional community involvement in projects and programs through financial contributions, sponsorships, in-kind goods and services and employee volunteers.