Following several nominations, Enyart's Hardware in Rochester was awarded the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce's Double I award.
Enyart's Hardware in Rochester was awarded the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce's coveted Double I award Thursday.
The award is presented annually to a business or individual that invests in and improves its location or organization, thus improving the quality of life in Fulton County and surrounding areas. It was presented to store owner Janet Daake by Chamber Executive Director Jillian Smith, who was joined by Rochester Mayor Trent Odell and various chamber members and ambassadors.
"Undoubtedly, as everybody can imagine, we have received several nominations for Enyart's Hardware for all the work that's been put in, for all the money, all the planning, all the patience – everything that's been put in," Smith said, adding it's been incredible to watch Daake and her crew turn dreams into reality. "We look forward to celebrating, hopefully next summer when everything is complete."
The store at 1619 Main St. began exterior renovations with local contractor LCB Enterprises in June. That facelift, including a complete residing, removal of some windows, a new entryway and attention-grabbing signage, is now complete and work has moved inside.
"I could not have done it without everybody, every single one of my people," Daake said in accepting the award. "And I appreciate all of you guys recognizing what we have really been trying to make better, not just for us but for the community, so thank you."
Daake explained that over the coming months the store will basically be going through a reset.
"Not every department will move, but we're going to try and clean up the assortments, make sure we have pertinent product now that people are wanting," she said.
In addition to reorganizing much of the store, inside work includes some flooring, painting and signage – from aisle markers to historical banners.
Daake emphasized the importance of building on the legacy set by her late parents, Emerson and Barbara Enyart. Next year marks 50 years since their founding of the store, which began in just the front portion and expanded over the decades.
"They poured their lives into the store," Daake said of her parents. "I think that if they were still here and in my shoes today that they would want to do this just to make it look nicer, do something for the community to try and make Rochester look a little nicer."
"We are this community. We all live here," she added. "We want Rochester to prosper, so we are investing in our business, but also in the community."
Daake hopes to have most of the product reset by the end of January and plans on having a crew come in to assist. May is the goal for substantial completion, followed by a 50th anniversary party for the community.
"It's very important to me that people know we are still locally, family owned," Daake said. "We're still Enyart's, and it will remain that way."
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