Carmel, Ind. – Joe’s Butcher Shop & Fish Market was selected as the 2008 recipient of the chamber’s Applause Award for business of the year, leading a list of five businesses and a leading volunteer that will be honored at the eighth annual Images of Excellence Awards Luncheon on December 10th at the Ritz Charles.
Applause, sponsored by Harrison & Moberly, recognizes a company that has demonstrated outstanding business success. Nominees demonstrate that success in the following areas: growth and stability; commitment to quality; creative/unique solutions to challenges; entrepreneurial spirit and overall contribution to the community. The Linder Company was the inaugural winner in 2001, followed by UN Communications, AMLI, NatureWorks+; The Glass Chimney; Vine & Branch and, in 2007, Brenwick Development.
Joe Lazarra opened Joe’s Butcher Shop & Fish Market in January 2006 as a full-service meat, poultry, seafood and accessory store. Since its opening, Joe’s has experienced annual sales growth of over 25% and grown each year of its operations. Setting a goal of selling hormone- and antibiotic-free meats with superior USDA grading, the company found co-op partners for products throughout the Midwest and orchestrated direct shipment or consolidated shipments with existing customers, primarily high-end restaurants.
The company has also been committed to employing and retaining personnel. Their first hire was Fritz Albright, a butcher with over 30 years in the grocery meat industry. The store now has three full-time and four part-time employees.
Joe’s Butcher Shop has contributed over $20,000 in goods and services to multiple community organizations. They were named “Best Meat Counter in the City” by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine, and “Best Gourmet Grocery” in both 2007 and 2008 by WRTV Channel 6.
Other Applause nominees in 2008 were Salon 01, Salsbery Brothers Landscaping and Aspen Group.
Applause will be presented, along with the chambers Look Awards for new construction and renovation projects, the new Carmel Green Award and the Most Valuable Volunteer Award at the chamber’s December luncheon. Reservations are required and will close on Monday, December 8th at noon.
The Chamber’s Civic Pride Committee is chaired by Alana Shane, Huntington Bank, and includes Ron Carter, Carmel City Council; Celest Mathews-Higgins, Old National Bank; Mike Hollibaugh, Carmel Department of Community Services; Nick Kestner, NK Rental; Diana Schmid, Irwin Union Bank; Joy Stafford, ReMax Ability Plus; Jeff Worrell, Advantage Medical and Mo Merhoff, Carmel Chamber.
Contacts:
Mo Merhoff
846.1049
mm@carmelchamber.com
Joe Lazarra
846.8857
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