Elderly Instruments has been named America's Top Small Business for 2023 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious award was granted to them from a vast pool of over 15,000 applicants across the nation.
Watch Lillian and Stan Werbin receive the award
Committed to Innovation and Employee Well-being
"As we celebrate Elderly Instruments − a beacon of excellence in the music retail world and beloved in Old Town Lansing − we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses across America," Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, said in the news release. "Their growth and continued success are built on a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and investing in their employees."
A Musical Oasis in Lansing, MI
Elderly Instruments, headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, has been a beacon of excellence in the music retail world since its establishment in 1972. They specialize in selling, consigning, and repairing fretted instruments and accessories.
Their unwavering passion for assisting musicians at every stage of their journey and sharing the history and cultural heritage behind the instruments they offer has remained constant throughout the years.
Celebrating in the Heart of the Nation's Capital
The official announcement of Elderly Instruments as the winner took place during an awards dinner and gala held on October 19, 2023 at the U.S. Chamber's historic headquarters in Washington, D.C. Lillian Werbin, the second-generation CEO of Elderly Instruments, proudly accepted the grand prize check of $25,000 alongside founder and co-owner Stan Werbin.
A Catalyst for Community Revitalization
Elderly Instruments played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Old Town Lansing through the expansion of their brick-and-mortar footprint. Their dedication to sponsoring and participating in numerous community music festivals, camps, and concerts has added vibrancy to Old Town Lansing and increased tourism to the state's capital, as recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in their press release.
Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, applauded Elderly Instruments and the spirit of entrepreneurship they represent. She highlighted their growth and continued success, rooted in a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and investing in their employees. With nearly 40 employees, Elderly Instruments has introduced employee-driven core values that shape the company's culture over the last five years.
Empowering Small Businesses
The America's Top Small Business Award was presented to Elderly Instruments by Enova International and its small business lending platform, OnDeck. The discussion delved into the challenges faced by small businesses when seeking capital, featuring Cory Kampfer, Enova's Co-President of Small Business Lending, as the lead speaker.
"We're honored to collaborate with the U.S. Chamber to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of small businesses," said Kampfer. "Enova and our OnDeck small business lending platform remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering and championing the growth of small businesses, which are so critical to powering America and helping our economy thrive. We congratulate Elderly Instruments—along with all of this year's finalists—on this recognition."
In conclusion, Elderly Instruments' journey to becoming America's Top Small Business for 2023 is a testament to their dedication to innovation, community involvement, and employee well-being. As a provider of a wide range of fretted instruments and accessories, they continue to be a trusted resource for musicians and enthusiasts alike.
Explore Our Product Offerings:
- Elderly Tees, Gifts and Apparel
- Acoustic Guitars
- Electric Guitars
- Mandolins
- Basses
- Banjos
- Ukuleles
- On Sale Instruments
- Accessories
- Strings
- Picks
- Capos
- Straps
- Cases
- Cables
- Effects Pedals
- Parts