Concepte of Illinois, Inc. is owned and operated by Larry & Linda Christy - and are the proud sponsors of the Zeigler's website.
Chamber honors Concepte of Illinois as 2004 Business of the Year
By Linda Settle
Special correspondent
(Extracted from the Benton Evening Newspaper)
When informed that they were being honored by the Benton-West City Area Chamber of Commerce as the Business of the Year for 2004, Linda and Larry Christy, owners of Concepte of Illinois, Inc., were both thrilled.
"We consider this such an honor. To be recognized as one of the best businesses in town is something we've worked hard for, and we realize there are many others who are just as deserving. That makes this award even more meaningful," Larry Christy said.
When he and the former Linda Glenski were married in May of 1968, the young Zeigler couple had no way of knowing what the future would hold. Thirty-six years later, they own one of Benton's most successful businesses.
As newlyweds, the couple spent their early years as a traditional military family, traveling wherever the U.S. Air Force sent Larry.
They were blessed with two children: a daughter, Lorri (Christy) Williford, and a son, Erick. During those years away from their native Southern Illinois home town, the couple looked forward to the day when they could return and be back among family and enjoy life long friendships again.
In 1993, with Linda serving as the president, and Larry serving as both the vice president and CEO, the couple wanted to operate their business, at the time called Concept Engineering, in Franklin County if at all possible. This desire was based on their love for the area, as well as recognition of the need to create and maintain jobs that would employ local residents.
They chose to locate Concept Engineering in Benton because of its proximity to I-57 and Rend Lake. The Christys feel it was the right choice.
"The friendly people here have made it a pleasure to own a business in Benton." Larry said. "That acceptance and community support influenced our decision to incorporate as Concepte of Illinois, Inc., and to purchase the Grant School building in 2001 in order to expand the business."
The former school building, located at 1007 N. McLeansboro St., which has 18,000 square feet, was totally renovated. The beautiful first floor now boasts a reception area, meeting rooms that are attractive as well as user friendly, and a large state-of-the-art technical support area. The entry is furnished with many antique desks and other vintage memorabilia that evoke memories of a by-gone era.
This high-tech business solutions and network support firm boasts a reputation for integrity, quality products and service, and excellent management solutions for their many clients. COI is involved in very distinct activities, such as network design and support; network administration; operational management and planning; web design, hosting, and consulting; facilities usage management; business flow processes; and business operations consulting.
"In our over 20 years of providing business solutions, we feel that we have provided just the right amount of service and support. That's why our motto is: We serve the client," explained Christy. "We want our customers for life."
Concepte of Illinois acts as a single source for full solution answers for both businesses and government entities in southern Illinois. They maintain a highly trained technical staff, and are the largest and most certified computer service center in the region.
The Christys make their home in Zeigler, back where they started their journey together. The couple is proud of their hometown and assists with several community betterment projects and programs there.
Their son Erick resides in Orient, and their daughter Lorri lives in Benton.
The Christys are also long-time supporters of the Benton-West City Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as the SIU Alumni Association. In addition, Larry is a life member of American Legion Post 177.
Concepte of Illinois holds memberships in the National Computer Association, The Illinois GIS-Mapping Association, the Illinois County Clerk Association and the Illinois County Treasurer Association.
Franklin County Clerk Dave Dobill has been a longtime friend of the Christys.
"I've known Linda all my life and Larry for more years than I can remember. They are two of the finest and most upstanding people I know. They represent the very best in the business community, and they give their very best at a personal level as well," Dobill said.
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