A Jefferson County family has been awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year Award for Indiana.
Scott, Susan and Brittany Koerner of Hanover are the owners of the Key West Shrimp House in Madison. The award was given May 1 during the Indiana Small Business Week Awards Luncheon at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.
As part of the nomination process, Scott Koerner had previously received the Small Business Person of the Year award from the Southeastern Indiana Small Business Development Center. That award was given at a Small Business Dinner held Nov. 15 at Clifty Inn.
Linda Wood, SBDC Regional Director stated “We are very proud when small businesses from Southeastern Indiana are recognized at the state level. Key West Shrimp House served over 55,000 customers last year and every guest was greeted with a smile and friendliness that welcomed visitors to our Madison community. The Scott Koerner family is certainly very worthy of this award.”
Scott Koerner began his career working as a dishwasher at the Key West Shrimp House when he was 13 years old. His parents also worked there, and eventually bought the restaurant. Koerner bought it from them in 2001. While other restaurants in Madison came and went, Key West Shrimp House has survived, even in the face of adversity such as the Ohio River flood of 1997. Koerner uses his business website and his rock music band to promote his hometown.
The Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business Award is given to a business that has passed from one generation to another, with at least a 15-year track record. Success is measured by sales, profits and potential for long-term growth. Community contributions are considered, as well as increased employment opportunities for both family and non-family. ***
PHOTO: Key West Shrimp House Owner Scott Koerner with Linda Wood, Regional Director of the Southeastern Indiana Small Business Development Center, at the May 1 award ceremony.