Village of Lake in the Hills
Home MenuGordon Larsen Business Achievement Awards
The Village of Lake in the Hills is proud to host the annual Gordon Larsen Business of the Year Award, an opportunity to celebrate a local business that demonstrates exceptional service, innovation, community support, or positive impact on our local economy.
This year, we’ll highlight one outstanding business as our 2025 Business of the Year.
Here’s How It Works
1. Nominate a Business: August 1 – September 26, 2025
Community members are invited to nominate their favorite Lake in the Hills business. Tell us why the business deserves recognition—share stories, highlight achievements, and include as much detail as possible!
2. Top 5 Selected
The Village will review all nominations and select the top five finalists based on merit and impact.
3. Public Voting: October 6 – October 31, 2025 - Going on now - see below!
Vote for your favorite business from among the five finalists. Every vote counts!
4. Winner Announced: November 2025
We’ll celebrate the winner of the 2025 Gordon Larsen Business of the Year with a formal announcement and recognition at a Village Board meeting.
Submit Your Nomination Here
2025 Nominees and Voting Information
As outlined in the updated 2025 Gordon Larsen Business Award calendar, the nominations were collected and reviewed and five businesses were identified to be included this year. Starting Monday, October 6, through Friday, October 31, voting is open for you to make you selection. Please see below for the five businesses, their local address, the nomination category, and why they were nominated. You can vote online here or through the link below.
- Jeff's Auto Service, 9226 Trinity Drive (Customer Service) –
Jeff's Auto was nominated for their honesty, fairness, and excellent customer care. The business was also recognized for the personal attention to the customer needs, highlighting personable staff who are skilled in explaining the work that needs to be done. A family business, this local auto shop is being recognized for their outstanding customer service. - AFC Materials Group, 14 Walter Court (Longevity) –
AFC Materials entered the Lake in the Hills community in 1988. This long-standing business is recognized as one of the longest tenured manufacturing businesses in Lake in the Hills. A worldwide company, AFC also works on local issues, providing staff to participate as a business 'voice' during the development of the Village's recently updated Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, AFC is a regular sponsor of community events, including the annual Summer Sunset Festival. - Jack in the Box, 320 N. Randall Road (New Business) –
After a 40-year absence, Jack in the Box returned to the Chicagoland area, with Lake in the Hills being the only location in McHenry County. A destination for some, the Village is proud to be selected for the return of a business that has many memories for our older generations. With a grand opening in August 2025, Jack in the Box is being highlighted in the 'New Business' category. - Butcher on the Block, 4660 W. Algonquin Road (Community Choice) –
Butcher on the Block is a beloved local business that has received widespread community praise for its exceptional customer service and welcoming environment. Nominations highlighted their knowledgeable staff, friendly atmosphere, and dedication to treating customers like family. A long standing Lake in the Hills gem, Butcher on the Block, based on the nominations received, was the clear selection for the 'Community Choice' nomination. - RUSH Physical Therapy, 441 N. Randall Road (Community Partner) –
RUSH Physical Therapy is being recognized for their contributions and sponsorships of Village Parks and Recreation Events. The recent "No Place Like LITH" community event, that hosted a 5K, kids dash, dog walk, and community party, was supported with both a financial contribution, along with volunteer staff, to support the event. The Lake in the Hills RUSH Physical Therapy was nominated for their contributions back to the community.
Vote for your 2025 Gordon Larsen Business of the Year online!