Pizza Transit owner named Woman of the Year by Chamber

Published 9:48 pm Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Sarah Britton, owner of Pizza Transit in downtown Niles, was named Woman of the Year at the annual Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce dinner Wednesday. Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

Sarah Britton, owner of Pizza Transit in downtown Niles, was named Woman of the Year at the annual Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce dinner Wednesday. Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

BUCHANAN — Advantage Plumbing was named the Business of the Year and retiring Chamber President/CEO Ron Sather was recognized for his 15 years of service during the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Salute to Business dinner Wednesday at Orchard Hills Country Club.

Jim Dalgren, owner of Craft Press Printing, was named Man of the Year, while Sarah Brittin, owner of Pizza Transit, was named Woman of the Year.

Dee Capron, owner of Dee’s Auto Body, won the Lifetime Achievement award.

Founded in 2000, Advantage Plumbing started with one truck and one employee. Today the company has five trucks, five employees and a reputation as one of the leading plumbing businesses in the Niles area.

Dalgren, the 2012 Man of the Year, has called Niles home for nearly 40 years. He is the third generation to operate the same business, which opened in 1970 with the help of his father. Craft Press Printing is an international company and a supplier to the federal government. Dalgren supports various organizations within the community, including the YMCA, Niles Apple Festival, Cal Ripken Baseball, Niles Burn Run and the chamber.

Brittin, the 2012 Woman of the Year, bought Pizza Transit from her father in 2004. In addition to adding new product lines, Brittin moved Pizza Transit to downtown Niles last year, doubling her business. She volunteers time and resources to several events, including the Hunter Ice Festival, Relay for Life, Salvation Army and Niles Apple Festival.

Capron, the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, has operated Dee’s Auto Body in Niles since 1973. It is known for its support of the community and excellent customer service.

The Niles Garden Club received the 2012 Community Service Award. Started more than 80 years ago, the garden club has 25 members and eight lifetime members.

Michiana Recycling and Disposal was awarded the Industry of the Year award. The company started with 17 acres, two trucks and five employees, but has since grown to one of the biggest companies in Niles with 37 acres, 60 trucks and 106 employees.

Tim Brown, owner of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services, was named the 2012 Ambassador of the Year.

Al Koch received the first-ever Ambassador Chair award, while Coley Pesce, of Chemical Bank, received the Past Chair award.

Sather, who has been with the chamber since 1998, received special recognition after the awards ceremony. He is retiring at the end of June.