Cook Medical, Indiana Limestone Co., Cassady Electric and Bright & Williamson Insurance Agency were recognized among the 34 Indiana businesses to receive the Governors Century or Half Century Business Award this year.

Two businesses in Monroe County were recognized for their longevity and service to their employees, community and the state. Cassady Electric and Cook Medical were founded 52 and 54 years ago, respectively. In Lawrence County, Indiana Limestone Co. was recognized for 91 years of service. Brown County's Bright & Williamson Insurance Agency was recognized for its 96 years in service.

"I am thrilled to celebrate this year's honorees and their integral role in building one of the nation's best business climates," Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a press release. "Together, I'm confident we will continue to take Indiana to the next level, ensuring Indiana is the best place to start a business, grow a business and get a job."

According to a release from the Indiana Economic Development Corp., the award has recognized more than 1,400 companies from across Indiana over its 26-year history.

As Cook has grown over the years, so has our impact on the state of Indiana, said Pete Yonkman, president of Cook Medical and Cook Group, in a Cook-issued news release. But our impact goes well beyond jobs. Our renovation of historic buildings has helped revitalize entire communities, and our partnerships with universities across the state are helping pave the way for the next generation of Indiana leaders and innovators.

Founded in Bloomington in 1963, Cook Medical employs more than 7,000 workers throughout the state. The medical device manufacturer makes 16,000 products that serve 13 hospital lines across 135 countries, according to the IEDC release.

Bright & Williamson Insurance Agency, an insurance agency located in Nashville, Indiana, has served the Brown County community since 1921.

Commercial and residential electrical construction company Cassady Electric is a family-owned business that can trace its roots in Bloomington back more than half a century. The business is a certified Women's Business Enterprise, meaning owner Mae Cassady controls at least 51 percent of the company.

"I felt very honored to be nominated," Cassady said. "I guess I never thought I would leave Kentucky at 19, and 50-some odd years later, I would be doing this."

Nominated by the Bloomington Economic Development Corp., Cassady said she credited some success to Bloomington's welcoming a woman business owner. Cassady said treating her customers the way she wants to be treated has helped keep the business alive.

Indiana Limestone Co., with a headquarters in Bedford, was recognized for its 91 years since several smaller business merged to form the company in 1926.

It recognizes that we have a great legacy, stretching beyond the founding of our firm 91 years ago to the predecessor firms that were quarrying this stone back into the 19th century," Tom Quigley, Indiana Limestone Co. CEO, said in an email. "The work ethic that has been part of this company from the beginning is every bit as important as the world-class stone that has helped create the architectural landscape of America.

The limestone supplier has provided material for the Empire State Building, the National Cathedral and more than half the state capitols in the nation.

"In every major city across the country, there was an Indiana Limestone Co. sales office. Name a major place, and they had a sales office there that helped further the use of Indiana limestone," Chief Operating Officer Duffe Elkins said. "We've been quarrying stone since Lincoln was president, that's what I like to tell people."

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Cook Medical, Indiana Limestone among local business recognized for longevity - The Herald-Times (subscription)