STBA, Saginaw Twp. honor local businesses at annual business awards luncheon

https://townshipview.mihomepaper.com/articles/stba-saginaw-twp-honor-local-businesses-at-annual-business-awards-luncheon/

SAGINAW TWP. – Five local businesses were honored last week during the Saginaw Township Business Association’s annual State of the Township luncheon meeting.

This year, the Saginaw Township Business Association (STBA) handed its fourth annual “Business of the Year” award to the Township View, located at 5775 State Street.

The criteria for the award include being an active member in the STBA, as well as contributing to the business community and the community as a whole.

Township View General Manager Bob Grnak accepted the award, and commented on the View’s focus on local community.

“We’re proud to have a local office, local dedicated staffers and we love being in Saginaw Charter Township,” he said. “We are strong partners with the local township, school district, STBA’s many local service organizations and, of course, the local business community.”

Saginaw Township Supervisor Tim Braun speaks at the STBA luncheon at Horizon’s Conference Center.

Previous business of the year winners include Opperman’s Cork ‘n’ Ale, Gohm Restoration and West Side Decorating Center.

Saginaw Township also honored four other businesses during the event, handing out awards for renovation and redevelopment, expansion and new construction.

Four Points by Sheraton won in the renovation and redevelopment category. The hotel renovated a great deal of its building, located at 4960 Towne Center road. These renovations included adding 140 guest rooms, which incorporated new flooring, windows, furniture and more.

Saginaw Township Assistant Director of Community Development Bridget Smith said that with its location, Four Points serves as the “gateway” to Saginaw Township.

“One of the things that is most important from a planning perspective is that this truly is the gateway into Saginaw Township,” Smith said. “We are so fortunate to have a beautiful gateway there.”

Uno’s Chicago Grill also took home an award for its renovation and redevelopment. A renovation of more than 8,000 square feet of restaurant space and the opening of the restaurant at 4960 Towne Center Road finished in November of 2014.

Smith said Uno’s is the “flagship restaurant” of the Tittabawassee Corridor, and that along with Four Points, the area businesses have had a strong impact on the community.

“We thought their investment was just as key to recognize individually,” she said. “They’re a very family-friendly, but upscale restaurant. We’d like to take a moment to recognize the economic impact that Four Points and Uno’s have on the community.”

Owner Jeff Witbrodt, who had been trying to build a restaurant in Saginaw since 2004, said it was an honor to win the award.

“This is a really nice award and it’s been a long time coming for us,” said owner Jeff Witbridt.

Saginaw Control & Engineering, located along Midland Road, was awarded for its expansion and redevelopment. The company has grown to the No. 2 electrical manufacturer in North America, with all of its manufacturing done in Saginaw.

“I’d like to thank the township for this award,” said co-owner Scott Baldauf. “I’m really excited for our expansion. I’m proud to say we’re still 100 percent built in the USA, and all of our major competitors are opening in Mexico and moving out of the country. We’re committed to staying here.”

Tim Horton’s Café and Bake Shoppe and Coldstone Creamery was honored for its new construction. Having opened on July 8 of last year, the Tim Horton’s shop is located at 3225 Tittabawassee Road, providing access to a number of people.

“I do think (near the corner of Tittabawassee and Bay) was the perfect location,” Smith said of the new Tim Horton’s location.