West Liberty Business of the Year Award
This award recognizes a business that contributes to the economic growth and quality of life in West Liberty and whose practices and professional conduct contribute to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community.
Some of the specific criteria that shall be considered for this award include:
Every Business of the Month will be automatically included in the nominated businesses. Voting will be done online in December of each year.
Recognition for Business of the Year will include:
Some of the specific criteria that shall be considered for this award include:
- a successful marketing or business strategy;
- growth;
- community involvement;
- exceptional customer service
Every Business of the Month will be automatically included in the nominated businesses. Voting will be done online in December of each year.
Recognition for Business of the Year will include:
- Plaque recognizing as Business of the Year awarded during the West Liberty Business Association Annual Dinner in January
- Announcement in the media, www.mywestliberty.com , Facebook and on Town Hall Sign
- Village Calendar month recognition or other type of recognition
West Liberty Business of the Year Voting
Deadline for voting is December 31st at 5pm.
Vote for the most appropriate candidate based on the following criteria:
Vote for the most appropriate candidate based on the following criteria:
- Have demonstrated outstanding support to the community.
- Provide superior customer service and products.
- Considered a successful and professional business amongst peers.
2024 West Liberty Business of the Year: Thoman's IGA
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Thoman’s grocery store has always been a family-owned business. Richard (Helen) and Joe (Joan)Thoman started the store in 1951 and became a part of the IGA Organization just one year later. Ten years following, they secured the lot where the store stands today.
Richard and Joe’s children all worked in the store over the years which paved the way for Stan to step into a leadership role with his sister Marilyn, who still serves as the produce manager. Stan started back in 1975, and took over his father’s duties in 1999. After college in 2000, Stan’s son, Anthony, continued the next generation of family to work in the store, serving as assistant manager.
Thoman’s gives back to their community by sponsoring local sports teams and donating items to charity. They cannot do everything, but they always do whatever they can. They try and support non-profit groups, help supply concession stands for sporting events, as well as other local special events. They put in extra leg work to be able to help in all these different ways. Anthony says what is unique about their business is, “We’re a small-town grocery store. We know customers by name, and offer a clean shopping environment. We are convenient and high-quality, always having what people need.
Anthony accepted the business of the year award of behalf of the Thoman family at the WLBA annual dinner and shared a lovely story about Joan Thoman who went to be with her heavenly father on November 2nd 2024. He went on to share a message from a family friend, ‘Joan most likely served everyone in this community or at least a part of each family at one time or another between the hot deli at the grocery store and before or after church’ and this was true, Joan loved the people she served as she made hot lunches, and homemade deli and bakery items. She also found great joy in delivering groceries. She made lasting friendships with many shoppers from the community. She loved working with all the wonderful store employees, and they were truly family to her.
The West Liberty Business Association would like to thank Thoman’s IGA for all they do in the community and for always supporting them.
Richard and Joe’s children all worked in the store over the years which paved the way for Stan to step into a leadership role with his sister Marilyn, who still serves as the produce manager. Stan started back in 1975, and took over his father’s duties in 1999. After college in 2000, Stan’s son, Anthony, continued the next generation of family to work in the store, serving as assistant manager.
Thoman’s gives back to their community by sponsoring local sports teams and donating items to charity. They cannot do everything, but they always do whatever they can. They try and support non-profit groups, help supply concession stands for sporting events, as well as other local special events. They put in extra leg work to be able to help in all these different ways. Anthony says what is unique about their business is, “We’re a small-town grocery store. We know customers by name, and offer a clean shopping environment. We are convenient and high-quality, always having what people need.
Anthony accepted the business of the year award of behalf of the Thoman family at the WLBA annual dinner and shared a lovely story about Joan Thoman who went to be with her heavenly father on November 2nd 2024. He went on to share a message from a family friend, ‘Joan most likely served everyone in this community or at least a part of each family at one time or another between the hot deli at the grocery store and before or after church’ and this was true, Joan loved the people she served as she made hot lunches, and homemade deli and bakery items. She also found great joy in delivering groceries. She made lasting friendships with many shoppers from the community. She loved working with all the wonderful store employees, and they were truly family to her.
The West Liberty Business Association would like to thank Thoman’s IGA for all they do in the community and for always supporting them.
2023 West Liberty Business of the Year: MCC THrift Shop
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2023 West Liberty Business of the Year: MCC Thrift
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2022 West Liberty Business of the Year: Solomon's Garage
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2022 West Liberty Business of the Year: Solomon's Garage (Mayor Jill McKelvey pictured with owners Dave & Katie Neer)
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