7475 St. Rt. 127 • Carlyle, IL 62231 • (618) 594-2125 • www.TheMaschhoffs.com
Centralia Sentinel
March 02, 2008 - Centralia, Ill.
By: Matthew Barba, Sentinel News Staff
Local entrepreneurs honored for commitment to Southern Illinois.
CENTRALIA - Two local businesses were honored for their pioneering spirit and dedication to the community at Kaskaskia College's Entrepreneurs of the Year recognition dinner on Saturday.
The Maschhoffs Inc. and Norrenberns Truck Service (NOTS) were recognized at the dinner by the Kaskaskia College Foundation Teachers and Coaches Entrepreneurship Program for their commitment to the Southern Illinois community, and for their dedication and service to the area's workforce.
The Program is a multi-faceted initiative designed to promote understanding and support of free enterprise in America. By recognizing those businesses and business owners, like the Maschhoffs and the Kirchners of NOTS, that contribute to the community, the Foundation promotes activities and events that lead to further entrepreneurship in the community.
The evening began with a brief appearance by US Congressman John Shimkus (R-19), who wanted to recognize the important contributions that these businesses have made to economic growth and development in the area.
"In Southern Illinois, the economy is always rough. We appreciate the Maschhoffs and the Kirchners for the important things they do to help promote the economy. Times get tough, and these businesses could have gone to another state to invest their money. They stayed here, and I think we should congratulate them for what they do," Shimkus said.
"Businesses like these are important because they pay taxes, which support schools like Kaskaskia College. It can be a challenge for anyone. Creating an environment with more people like them can only help the economy," Shimkus said.
After dinner was served by the Kaskaskia College Catering and Culinary Arts Department, the business owners were presented with their award along with a letter from Gov. Rod Blagojevich recognizing the important contributions that the Maschhoffs and Kirchners have made to the economy in Southern Illinois.
The Maschhoffs Inc.'s award was presented first, and Ken Maschhoff accepted the award on behalf of the company and his family, whom, he said, are an integral part of maintaining operations. Maschhoff also thanked Kaskaskia College for the teaching he received during his time at the school, saying that without the experience he received at the College, he would not be where he is today.
Trust, he said, was what allowed him and his brother to live their dreams. "Unless someone trusts you enough to live your dreams, they can become suppressed," Maschhoff said. He went on to say that through integrity, the Maschhoff business is able to grow. "Our business is based on honesty and doing the right thing."
The Maschhoffs Inc. employs over 550 people, and is connected to a rural contract network of pork farmers. The family has had a history of pork farming in Southern Illinois dating back to 1851, and owns an estimated 110,000 sows. The company has been very active in giving back to the community, including a $1 million matching donation to Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, as well as a number of other local organizations.
After the Maschhoffs were presented with their award, NOTS Services was presented with the Entrepreneurship Program award. David Kirchner was first to speak, saying that the company generally prefers to keep a low profile, but, he went on to say, that he hoped other individuals would be inspired to pursue business goals.
"What we do is simple: We pick up and deliver America's goods. Our workers are our heart and soul. We base our business off what's wrong and what's right, and that's what makes a difference," David Kirchner said, explaining the company's philosophy towards approaching business.
Tom Kirchner then spoke, acknowledging that without the help of his wife, the company would not be where it is today. He also spoke on the power that Southern Illinois has as a viable economic entity in coming years.
"Southern Illinois is like a sleeping giant. We have wonderful inter-states that criss-cross the area, and an underused workforce that can help us accomplish great things. This is a wonderful place to live," Tom Kirchner said.
"We have to continue working together, though, and if we do that, if we continue to work together, we can overcome any handicaps that stand in our way," Tom Kirchner said.
NOTS Services was bought by Tom Kirchner in 1981, and was originally founded by the Norrenberns brothers of Albers in 1925. Since the Kirchners bought the company, it has expanded to include 190 tractors, 400 trailers, and over 400 workers in five states. The company's focus is on strong family values, which is reflected in that it is now being run by the second generation of the Kirchner family.
Both companies expressed their appreciation for being honored by the college. They acknowledged the fact that Kaskaskia College, and community colleges in general, are a driving factor for workforce training, and are a wonderful tool to develop valuable skills for the workplace or for future education.