July 20,2000

R.R. Donnelley & Sons honored at BESI awards

By Krista Lewin - Staff Writer

FINDLAY - R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company of Mattoon was one of four recipients honored Thursday for their commitment to community service and their ethical business practices during the East Central Illinois Development Corporation's annual dinner and awards presentation.

The ECIDC, which represents a nine county area, selects businesses and individuals and presents them with a Business Ethics and Social Involvement Award.

One of the regions best examples of a business that has formed a partnership between themselves and the region is R.R. Donnelley and Sons, said Bill Rowland, award presenter and president of First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust. They have not only provided stable and quality employment to their 1,600 employees, but they have encouraged their employees to actively support charitable causes and serve on various community boards, Rowland said. 

"It's an incredible honor to receive this award," said Isabelle Day, division manager, R. R. Donnelley.

Day said she has only lived in the community for a couple of months but her employees have told her about Mattoon and their involvement in community projects.

"We hope to continue to give back to the community and to try and make a difference," Day said.

Greg Curl, president of Citizens National Bank of Paris, also accepted a BESI award on behalf Of the bank.

Citizens National Bank of Paris' which also has branches in Oakland and Charleston, was awarded because of their support of many local activities including the Halloween Parade in Paris, Merchant's Day at the Edgar County Fair and promotion of employee health screenings, according to members of the ECIDC.

Curl told the audience that he had first learned of the BESI awards while in college, and he said he thought it was a nice concept for businesses to be honored for their involvement in the community.

"My dream of receiving this award has been fulfilled, " Curl said. 

Effingham Mayor Bob Utz presented N.W. Bud Althoff of Effingham with a BESI award for his support of bringing businesses to the Effingham County area and also helping to keep the businesses already established in the county from leaving.

"Bud's energy belies his 80 years," Utz said.

The ECIDC also chose Siemer  Milling Company of Effingham County as a BESI award recipient.  ECIDC said since the company was established in 1882, it has built an outstanding record of involvement in the Effingham County area.

Recipients of the East Central Illinois Development Corporation's Business Ethics and Social Involvement Awards were announced Thursday during the ECIDC's annual dinner. Winners were, left: Rick Siemer, president of Siemer Milling Company Effingham County; Greg Curl, president of Citizens National Bank of Paris, N.W. Bud Althoff of Effingham; and Isabelle Day, division manager of R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company of Mattoon.