Indiana Governor Mike Braun today welcomed representatives of Indiana’s entrepreneurial and business community to the Indiana Statehouse, awarding the Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Award to 34 Hoosier businesses that have been supporting the state’s economy and communities for more than 100 and 50 years, respectively.
“Today is a celebration of these Indiana businesses and a recognition of the dedication and resilience they have shown over the past 50 or 100 years,” said Gov. Braun. “These 34 businesses have been powering Indiana’s economy for decades and are true examples of the Hoosier spirit and work ethic, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to their crafts, their customers and their communities.”
The Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Hoosier businesses and organizations that have remained in operation for a minimum of 100 or 50 consecutive years, respectively, and have demonstrated a commitment to community service. More than 1,300 Indiana companies have been recognized during the award’s 34-year history.
“Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, Indiana is a place where all founders and businesses can grow and thrive,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “This year’s Century and Half Century Award winners include anchors of Indiana Main Streets, growing innovators and nationally recognized corporations, demonstrating the success and longevity of Hoosier businesses and their impact on the state.”
This year’s honorees are outlined below.
2026 Century Award honorees:
- Charles C. Brandt Construction Co. (CCB) has been headquartered in downtown Indianapolis since its founding in 1907 by Charles C. Brandt. The company began with one man’s vision and has since grown into one of Indiana’s respected general contractors, helping clients construct and restore a variety of spaces from office, industrial, restaurant, retail and more to bring to life their visions. Founded in 1907; Marion County
- El Popular is a fourth-generation family-owned business in East Chicago and is regarded as one of the oldest Mexican-owned companies in the United States. The company was founded in 1925 by Vincente F. Garza after he immigrated to Indiana from Monterrey, Mexico, bringing with him traditional family recipes and a strong entrepreneurial vision. Today, the company’s s authentic Mexican foods are available in more than 10,000 locations nationwide. Founded in 1925; Lake County
- Glovers Ice Cream got its start in 1925 when Foster Glover began selling hand-crafted ice cream sandwiches aboard the passenger trains that rolled into Frankfort, Indiana – affectionately known as “Gem City” – and his passion for quality and community quickly became a local legacy. Now, a century later, “The Glover’s Five” feel honored to carry that legacy forward. With deep roots in Clinton County and a love for timeless flavors, they’re proud to bring back a cherished classic — one scoop at a time! Founded in 1925; Clinton County
- LigTel Communications was founded in 1896 in the small town of Ligonier by Harry Inks and has remained under the same family ownership for 130 years while continuously connecting communities across Northeast Indiana. Harry Inks first brought telephone service to the area, helping transform how local homes and businesses communicated, and evolved from early switchboards and telephone lines to dial-up internet, DSL, wireless broadband, VoIP and today’s advanced fiber optic network. Today, LigTel proudly serves more than 8,000 customers across seven Indiana counties. Founded in 1896; Noble County
- Lutheran Child and Family Services of Indiana/Kentucky Inc. (LCFS) was initially founded as an orphanage and has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of children and families across Indiana, now offering a comprehensive continuum of care through both residential and community-based programs. LCFS operates Lutherwood in Indianapolis, where youth receive care in secure and group home settings with integrated behavioral health services; Pando Aspen Grove apartments, which provides housing and supportive services for young adults experiencing homelessness; and offers a number of community programs, such as a food pantry, home delivery service and family support programs, helping children and families heal, grow and thrive. Founded in 1883; Marion County
- Smith & Butterfield was founded in Evansville in 1866 and has served the business community continuously for 160 years. Established as a traditional stationery and office supply company, Smith & Butterfield has evolved alongside the workplace itself, growing from pens, paper and ledgers into a full-service provider of office supplies, office furniture, printing services, janitorial and breakroom supplies, and workplace solutions. Today, as part of Champion Industries, Smith & Butterfield is one of the oldest operating businesses in Indiana and is recognized as the oldest continuously operating office supply company in the United States. Founded in 1866; Vanderburgh County
- The Smith Sawyer Smith Agency is a dedicated independent insurance agency that has been family-owned and client-centered since it opened its doors in 1925. The Rochester-based company has become one of the most dynamic and growing full-service agencies in the Midwest, recently expanding to the West Coast and Northeast Regions and licensed to do business in all 50 states. Founded in 1925; Fulton County
- Thiele Heating and Air Conditioning was founded in 1883 by Wilhelm Oliver Thiele as a manufacturer of the L.C. Thiele furnace, warming homes across central Indiana. The company was a critical manufacturing supplier for the government during World War II, supporting the country’s military while maintaining quality service at home. Today, the company continues to celebrate local family ownership, providing residential and commercial heating, cooling, humidifiers and air purifiers. Founded in 1883; Marion County
2026 Half Century Award honorees:
- 4C Health was originally established to meet the increasing mental health and substance use needs of rural and underserved populations and has continuously evolved to expand both access and impact across the North Central region. Today, the organization serves individuals of all ages through comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services, crisis support, psychiatric care, addiction treatment, school-based services, primary care integration, and residential and community outreach initiatives. Founded in 1975; Miami County
- A-1 Realty was formed by two entrepreneurs in Jasper in 1971, starting the firm to own, develop and manage commercial real estate in Dubois County. Now in its second generation of ownership, the company owns and manages commercial real estate across Martin and Dubois counties. Founded in 1971; Dubois County
- American Structurepoint was founded in 1966 by two bridge engineers during the height of America’s interstate expansion era, launching American Consulting Engineers Inc. from a small boarding house near the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where drafting boards doubled as desks and every drawing was completed by hand. Today, the company – now American Structurepoint – has grown into a nationally recognized, multidisciplinary consulting firm with more than 750 professionals across 18 design centers nationwide. The company provides 11 integrated disciplines and has contributed to thousands of projects that improve the quality of life in communities across the country. Founded in 1966; Marion County
- Ancon Construction in Goshen has built a 50-year legacy as a trusted commercial contractor serving the northern Indiana and southern Michigan region. As a 100% employee-owned company, Ancon’s culture is rooted in accountability, craftsmanship and a shared commitment to delivering lasting value for clients and communities. For over five decades, Ancon Construction has partnered with clients commercial, industrial, retail, non-profit and institutional markets, delivering high-quality facilities that strengthen businesses and communities. Founded in 1975; Elkhart County
- Aurora Emergency Rescue was founded by eight dedicated volunteers trained in Red Cross Advanced First Aid with a vision of providing the highest quality emergency medical care to the community. Since recording its first squad run in 1950, Aurora EMS has consistently been at the forefront of pre-hospital emergency medicine, becoming one of the first agencies in Dearborn County to adopt new certifications, lifesaving equipment, and advanced levels of care. The company remains dedicated to honoring its founders’ mission by continually advancing emergency medical care, investing in modern technology and training, and striving to provide the highest level of patient care and the best possible outcomes for every patient it serves. Founded in 1950; Dearborn County
- Back Door Quilts was launched by Linda Hale in 1973 with friends in her neighborhood, and she was later joined by Teri Dougherty. The company continued to expand and evolve, now operating a 6,000-square-foot storefront in Greenwood that offers a variety of quilting products, classes and clubs, providing inspiration for thousands of people over the years. The shop was recognized as one of the 10 Top Shops in 2005 in American Patchwork and Quilting’s Quilt Sampler magazine. Founded in 1973; Johnson County
- The Big Squirt was established in 1968 in St. Paul. The second-generation family business is owned by Daniel E. Baldwin and manager by his son, Daniel H. Baldwin, continuing a tradition of entrepreneurship and quality service. The company provides custom power washing, specializing in mobile fleet washing and exterior house washing. Founded in 1968; Decatur/Shelby County
- Brand Electric is a third-generation, family-owned business that got its start providing electrical work for residential and commercial customers. The company has since expanded, acquiring ProAudio – now Brand Tech – in 2020, to meet the audio and video needs of its customers. Today, Brand Electric provides electrical work for commercial, industrial and residential customers with divisions specializing in telecommunications, networking and complete audio-video services, committed to supplying its neighbors and community in the Greater Lafayette region with electrical solutions. Founded in 1973; Tippecanoe County
- Engineering Concepts Unlimited Inc., founded in 1975, designs and manufactures industrial control systems for the electric power industry, with a focus on portable electric power systems. All operations are based in central Indiana, where its products are designed, manufactured, calibrated, tested, and supported. Founded in 1975; Hamilton County
- Eye Physicians Inc. was established in Kokomo in 1972. Since then, the company has provided comprehensive ophthalmic care to Hoosiers across North Central Indiana and is poised to continue its mission well into the future. Founded in 1972; Howard County
- Harding, Shymanski & Company was built with a vision to be a different kind of accounting firm—one grounded in relationships, investment in people and a strong commitment to community. This “one-firm” philosophy, where clients benefit from the collective strength of the entire team, has remained central to its approach. The Evansville-based company expanded to Louisville in 2004, further strengthening its regional presence and community ties. Founded in 1975; Vanderburgh County
- Hi-Way 3 Hardware was established in Muncie by John Sharp with a dream to bring a hardware store to his local community. Today, the company offers two locations and strives to uphold the excellence that its founder built – offering knowledgeable employees, exceptional customer service and competitive prices year-round. In an era of big box stores, Hi-Way 3 Hardware continues to serve longtime shoppers, new customers and local organizations with the integrity and trust of a locally owned business. Founded in 1955; Delaware County
- Hoffman Lake Campground is a fourth generation, family-owned business that has been providing families with memorable camping experiences near Warsaw for more than 60 years. The 36-acre property is nestled beside a filling lake and surrounded by farmland, offering a variety of camping options from traditional tent sites to RV hookups and cozy cabins. The small family-owned and operated mentality is still present at Hoffman Lake Campground, continuing the vision that Bill and Bev Long had to create a community where families could come together, enjoy the great outdoors, and make memories that would last a lifetime. Founded in 1964; Kosciusko County
- Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance was established by the Indiana Farm Bureau in 1934 to provide Hoosier farmers with better insurance options. Today, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance offers home, auto, life, farm and crop, business and renters insurance, as well as other financial products to all Hoosiers, with agents and employees in all 92 counties. Founded in 1934; Marion County
- Jasper County Community Services is a non-profit corporation that has been serving the community and helping seniors age well since 1975. The organization is committed to making a difference in the quality of life and helping individuals maintain their independence, offering two senior centers and various programming, including nutrition and preventative health education, public transportation, utility assistance, exercise and art classes, and music and social opportunities. Founded in 1974; Jasper County
- Kokomo Glass Shop has been serving Kokomo and the surrounding areas since 1949. The second-generation, family-owned and operated business specializes in residential and commercial glass for windows, patios, shower enclosures, furniture and more, and also offers window treatments, paint, paint sundries, picture frames and mirrors. The company prides itself on being a locally owned provider and plans to be around for several more generations. Founded in 1949; Howard County
- Lohmeyer Plumbing was founded in 1936 by Fred Lohmeyer, built on a simple but lasting principle: do honest work and take care of people. What began as a small, family-run plumbing business serving the Columbus community has grown over nine decades into a trusted name known for reliability, craftsmanship and strong customer relationships. The company has remained family-owned through four generations, and its longevity is a reflection of both its deep roots and the Columbus community and its ability to grow and adapt with each generation. Founded in 1926; Bartholomew County
- Market Square Lanes has brought bowling to Lafayette since 1961. The business has been owned by four different families and has remained committed to serving its community for 65 years, providing a local venue for sport and entertainment, leagues and community gatherings. Founded in 1961; Tippecanoe County
- Newton County Community Services Inc., established in 1974, is devoted to serving its local aging community by providing ongoing resources to improve health, nutrition, financial assistance and public transportation. Throughout the years, the organization has offered many community programs, including home delivered meals, homemaking programs, grief support, community garden energy assistance, emergency food and shelter, and much more. Founded in 1974; Newton County
- Nuway Construction has grown from a small, locally rooted contractor into a trusted design-build partner serving Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. The company was built on a simple but powerful vision: to redefine the construction experience through quality, integrity and strong client relationships. Over the past five decades, Nuway has completed more than 1,500 industrial and commercial projects, ranging from small renovations to large-scale facilities up to 800,000 square feet. From manufacturing and distribution centers to office, retail, and multi-use spaces, the company has played a meaningful role in shaping the built environment across the region. Founded in 1975; Elkhart County
- Perkins & Adley was established by Robert E. Peterson in Rochester in 1965. Over the years, the law firm has evolved through several partnerships before becoming what is now known as Perkins & Adley. The company has been committed to providing leadership within its community and dedicated service to its clients throughout the region for more than six decades, delivering legal services to individuals, families and businesses alike. Founded in 1965; Fulton County
- Plymouth Foundry Inc. has been operating from the same location in Plymouth since 1946. The family-owned gray iron and ductile iron foundry serves customers throughout the Midwest and across the country, providing casting and machining services for agriculture, commercial vehicles, construction, mining, industrial machinery equipment, rail and food industries. Founded in 1946; Marshall County
- Pulaski County Abstract Company Inc. provides title insurance, title searches, insured closings and 1031 exchanges for Hoosiers. The company’s history in Winamac dates back to 1904 and was purchased by the McKinley family in 1973. Now in its third generation, Pulaski County Abstract Company has expanded services to include all counties in Indiana and opened a second location to meet increased demand. Founded in 1973; Pulaski County
- Pulaski County Human Services is a nonprofit that was first formed as Pulaski County Council on Aging in 1974 to serve senior citizens. Since then, the organization has added community action services, rural public transit as well as senior services, providing congregate meals and activities to older adults, operating the county food pantry, and providing information, referral and linkage to help those in need navigate assistance to ensure stability and promote self-sufficiency. Founded in 1975; Pulaski County
- Star Photo Digital Arts got its start in Anderson as Star China & Housewares, providing quality dishes and related gifts. When the family-owned business transitioned to the second generation, it incorporated the family’s favorite hobby, photography, into the business, adding film processing, enlargements, passport photos and wide-format printing. The company has continued to evolve, now operating as Star Photo Digital Arts and offering more lab services, a digital press and a professional photography studio. Founded in 1934; Madison County
- Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Central Indiana was started in 1910 and officially established as a nonprofit in 1947, serving women, children and families for more than a century and making it one of the region’s longest-standing nonprofit organizations dedicated to social impact and community well-being. What began as a grassroots organization has grown into a comprehensive service provider offering emergency shelter for women and children, wraparound support services, financial literacy education, housing stability programs, professional development opportunities, transitional and long-term housing, youth enrichment initiatives, and community-based resources that impact hundreds of families each year across Central Indiana. Founded in 1947; Delaware County