Shown from left are Gov. Eric Holcomb, Doug Anderson, Russell Anderson, Andy Wysong and Elaine Bedel, president of Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

SYRACUSE — Gov. Eric J. Holcomb honored 65 Indiana companies and organizations recently during an event at the Indiana Statehouse, presenting each with the Governor’s Century or Half Century Business Award in recognition of each company’s longevity and service to its employees, community and the state.

“Today we honor businesses that have helped lay a foundation for economic success in Indiana, maintaining operations for more than 50 to 100 years and creating long-term career opportunities for Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Through a strong dedication to their employees, their businesses and their communities, these companies exemplify the pioneering spirit and perseverance that will push our state forward for years to come.”

The Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for a minimum of 100 or 50 consecutive years and have demonstrated a commitment to community service. More than 1,500 Indiana companies have been recognized during the award’s 28-year history.

A local award honoree for 2019 is Wawasee Boat Company.

Wawasee Boat Company, founded by Ken Harkless in 1929, provides boat sales, service and storage for customers on Lake Wawasee and surrounding lakes and has grown to be one of the largest marinas in the state. In 1977, Doug and Carolyn Anderson and their son Russell obtained ownership and have operated the 45-acre campus on the north shore of Lake Wawasee for 42 years.

A number of these award winners have utilized services provided by the Indiana Small Business Development Center and Indiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center to fuel their growth in Indiana. Myers Spring and R.P. Wakefield, for example, received business planning and strategy development services from the Indiana SBDC, a one-stop shop for Hoosier entrepreneurs looking to start and grow a business, while Mercer Machine Company received contracting assistance from the Indiana PTAC, which helps Indiana businesses compete for and win federal, state and local contracts.