RECENT EVENTS
On October 30, 2007, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation hosted its fourth Industrial Focus Luncheon at the Kishwaukee College Conference Center. The audience of 150 heard presentations from three local, successful company representatives.
This year’s event highlighted the role of building components businesses and the construction industry as it relates to the DeKalb County economy. Each panelist gave an overview of their company’s history, a profile of current products, customers, competitors and relative position in the regional, state and international markets. Combined the three businesses, Curran Contracting Company, Designed Stairs and Elmer Larson, LLC represent over 193 years of successful operation.
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Dan Curran gives an overview of Curran Contracting Company |
Steve Larson talks about the growth of Elmer Larson over the years |
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First up was Dan Curran of Curran Contracting Company. Dan walked us through the early days of the business which started as an ice and coal delivery service in the 1930’s. Over the next seventy years the firm has shifted focus and now owns and operates five full-function asphalt plants and has the expertise, the personnel and the strategic, physical and fiscal resources to handle the most demanding paving jobs. Dan gave a primer on how asphalt is made and then walked us through the diverse types of public and private sector jobs that the company handles. |
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Next Michelle DuCharme of Designed Stairs related the story of how her family’s business started operating in the family garage in Naperville during 1969. The company moved to Sandwich in 1983 where it has been located ever since. Over time the company has evolved to be the largest stair manufacturer in the Midwest. Efficient and creative engineering of stairs has resulted in more imaginative and affordable designs and has helped the firm grow significantly over the past 38 years. |
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Steve Larson of Elmer Larson, LLC then shared stories about his “sandbox”. His family has owned and operated their business for 85 years, diversifying it over time into three divisions: a stone, sand and gravel quarry; recycling; and development and trucking. Steve took us through multiple years spent drilling a new section of the quarry, as the company expanded their operation. He concluded his presentation by inviting all the attendees to tour the quarry next April during the company’s annual open house. |
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Roger Hopkins with presenters Dan Curran, Michelle DuCharme and Steve Larson |
Doug Dashner, Gary Evans and Paul Borek speak after the presentations |
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