Wallstreet Group takes "Small Business" award


Lee Wilbers, at podium, thanks his employees as he and Dick Peerson accept the Small Business of the Year award for their firm, Wallstreet Group.
Lee Wilbers, at podium, thanks his employees as he and Dick Peerson accept the Small Business of the Year award for their firm, Wallstreet Group.

And the winner is ... Wallstreet Group.

The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce awarded local insurance experts Wallstreet Groupthe prestigious honor of the 2013 Small Business of the Year Award.

After 26 years in business, partners Lee Wilbers, Dick Peerson and Randy Lueckenotte were honored to take home the award.

"This really is the top honor for a small business," Peerson said.

The insurance company was among top nominees in 2012, and Peerson said that receiving the award this year is a great experience.

"It is also an honor to be nominated with all the other nominees," Wilbers said.

The group noted that winning is especially great because it puts them in the company of so many other great businesses.

Wallstreet Group, located at 211 Marshall St., attributes much of its success to its great employees.

"This really is all about our employees. We wouldn't be successful without them," Peerson said.

Many of the group's employees have been with the local company for 10 to 20 years. That kind of longevity translates into great business practice. Wilbers and Peerson said they have a full line of experts on their team, and have consistently stayed on the cutting edge of technology and services to provide the best insurance and financial products at an affordable price. Wallstreet also involves itself in the community and has contributed more than $550,000 to local charities since 2009.

"It is really hard to put into words," Wilbers said of his feelings about winning the award. He thanked his employees, clients and the rest of the community, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and sponsors of this year's award.

Wallstreet Group was among four top nominees chosen from a group of 20 small businesses. Other top nominees included Yanis Coffee Zone, Rollins Automotive and Marshall & Company Hair & Body Wellness.

Sixty-two businesses were nominated this year for the award.

Criteria for the honor includes being a member of the chamber, having fewer than 50 employees, being in business for at least two years, and showing signs of business growth, among others.

Last year's winner was Capital Mortgage Solutions.

Earlier coverage, posted at 9:45 a.m. Thursday

After 26 years in business, Wallstreet Group took home the top award in small business today during the annual Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast.

Business partners Lee Wilbers, Dick Peerson and Randy Lueckenotte were honored to accept the Small Business of the Year award for 2013. The insurance company, located at 211 Marshall St., said their success can be attributed to their great employees. They thanked their clients and the community for sticking with them throughout the years.

The business was a part of the top nominees in 2012, and Peerson said that receiving the award this year is a great experience.

"It is also an honor to be nominated with all the other nominees," Wilbers said.

The group noted that winning is especially great because it puts them in the company of so many other great businesses.

"This really is the top honor for a small business," Peerson said.

Wallstreet Group was among four top nominees.

The Exceptional Employee Award will be announced at 1 p.m. during the Chamber Business Showcase happening at Capitol Plaza until 5 p.m. today.