Vernon Area Library Receives Business Award

The Greater Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) named the as its 2011 “Not-for-Profit Business of the Year” in honor of the library’s exemplary business practices, community involvement, customer service and innovation. Other honorees included (for Small Business of the Year) and Lincolnshire Animal Hospital (for Business of the Year).

The Vernon Area Public Library strives to act as a catalyst to bring local businesses and community organizations together to the benefit of the greater Lincolnshire area. For example, programs such as the biannual “Food for Fines” program provide positive public relations opportunities for partner businesses, along with more than 3,000 donated food items to the . Other similar library/community initiatives include Reuse-a-Shoe, Toys for Tots, and the Glass Slipper Project prom dress collection.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our connections with the community,” Library Director Cynthia Fuerst said. “Our staff and Library Board of Trustees work hard to provide excellent resources and customer service to our individual and business patrons.”

New programs include a series of free programs specifically for the business community. The “Business Lunch” series provides an introduction to free resources available to businesses for marketing, training, and business planning, and are offered as lunch-hour programs and online webinars, allowing local professionals to participate during their workday.

— Submitted by the Vernon Area Public Library