Egli Landscapes named Small Business of the Year

By Bryce Kelly, Mt. Pleasant News

Egli Landscapes took home the 2017 Small Business of the Year Award on Friday, following a week-long celebration of small business in the Mt. Pleasant area.

Tim Egli, owner of Egli Landscapes, along with his family, were in attendance during an award luncheon to accept the award. Egli Landscapes was chosen to win from a pool of five total finalists, including Main Street Cinemas, Sarah?s Bridal Gallery, Your Dream Home Furniture and Floors, and Northeast Animal Hospital.

?Tim Egli at Egli Landscapes really exemplifies the passion it takes to own a small business?, said Kristi Ray, Executive Vice President of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance. ?Egli Landscapes provides outstanding customer service, quality work and a dedicated commitment to give back to the community. Tim also serves as a great mentor to other business owners in our community.?

According to Tim Egli, he was surprised to win the award, citing the other finalists as just as deserving. He thanked his family, employees and especially his faithful customers for their commitment to his local business throughout the years.

?I am humbled to say the least. This business isn?t just about planting trees and making people?s yards look nice. We look at our business as a way to bring families together,? said Egli. ?Owning my own business has been a tremendous experience and we look forward to the years to come.?

In the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, more than 250 businesses have less than 25 employees. Those businesses contribute over $60,000 to the Chamber annually and collectively, small business accounts for more than 1,200 jobs in the community.

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America?s entrepreneurs and small business owners. According to Ray, more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they generate about two out of every three new jobs in the country each year.

The Chamber currently consists of 338 businesses, organizations and individual members, but desires to grow.

?We know that small business is the backbone of our community,? said Ray. ?And Egli Landscapes is just one example of the many fine businesses we have in Mt. Pleasant. We are truly very blessed to have such hardworking and passionate business owners in this community.?