Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Business Recognition Gala on January 18th at the Thelma Keller Convention Center. Before 375 attendants, the Excellence in Business award was presented to two recipients. Dr. Josh Bullock, President of Lake Land College and 2019 Effingham County Chamber Board Chairman presented the award to Al’s Tire Mart & Electronics, which was accepted by Joe Knabe, President. Jeff Speer, Owner of RE/MAX Key Advantage and 2020 Effingham County Chamber Board Chairman presented the award to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, which was accepted by Theresa Rutherford, President and CEO.
Al’s Tire Mart and Electronics was established by Al Knabe in 1952 as a Mobile Oil Service Station in Teutopolis. They began offering automotive services at their Jefferson Ave. Location and what is now Lange Electric before purchasing a vacant motel where they currently operate. They sold products such as BF Goodrich Tires, appliances and lawn and garden equipment which then transitioned over to electronics sales in business. Eventually they began dealing rear projection televisions and Ameritech phone service and expanded their current building to accommodate for more automotive service bays.
Al’s Verizon opened a second location on Keller Ave. in 2007. In June of 2017, they acquired Unified Mobile and since has increased the Verizon footprint from 2-8 stores in just under 2 years.
Al’s Home Entertainment specializes in home theater and audio technology offering custom installation for residential and commercial applications. They offer other services including Smart home integration and Dish Network services. Their goal is to focus on technology products that will enhance everyday living and provide a richer entertainment experience.
Al’s Automotive Services is where the entire company began. It is the longest tenured shop in the community, servicing the area for over 65 years, offering a full line of mechanical services on top of being a fully functional tire retail center.
The keys to the success of Al’s is applying solid values to each of their endeavors. They also surround the company with individuals that desire progress and want to participate in the evolution of an ever-changing technology. They believe in being integrated with their community and helping the residents in the areas they serve identify technology as a benefit and not a hurdle. Their core belief though is to create a culture that puts customer and premium products first.
Al’s Tire Mart has been proudly serving the Effingham area since 1952. Albert Knabe started Al’s Tire Mart with family in mind, and carry on that tradition to this day. Al’s has progressed from being the leading tire dealer and installer to offering total vehicle repair, service vehicles that come to you, state of the art home theater sales and installation, authorized DISH and Verizon Wireless retailer, and eight locations in Effingham, Newton, Casey, Lawrenceville, Flora, Hoopeston, and Watseka to serve central Illinois.
About the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1917, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce is the county’s leading advocate and champion for business. The Chamber works to create a climate of growth and success in our community by providing leadership opportunities as well as a volunteer programs and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of Effingham County businesses. By leveraging the support, talent, and resources of our members, the Effingham County Chamber is leading efforts to achieve business success and community growth.
