The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance announced Chris and Suzy DeWolf, co-owners of the Lil’ Drug Store Products, as the recipients of the 2021 Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award.
The DeWolf’s will receive the award and provide acceptance remarks during the Economic Alliance’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, Janaury 27.
“Chris and Suzy DeWolf truly exemplify the values we associate with Howard Hall in every single way,” said Doug Neumann, Executive Director, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “They run a successful family-grown-and-owned business and clearly see the value of generously giving back to their community. In many ways, they are modern-day Howard Halls. Our region is a much better place because of the DeWolfs’ many contributions professionally and financially.”
The Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award is named for industrialist and philanthropist, Howard Hall (1894-1971), who used his influence to create a better local economy and community. Hall was dedicated to the development of the region and frequently worked behind the scenes to attract new businesses and jobs. Our community benefits from the many contributions of the Hall Family today. The Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award is the most prestigious honor bestowed by the Economic Alliance. It is given to a premier business leader or couple who exemplifies the outstanding, enduring business values of Howard Hall and his passion for a vibrant Cedar Rapids.
Chris and Suzy DeWolf are co-owners of the Lil’ Drug Store Products family of businesses, a portfolio of consumer products and retail solutions companies, and ForeFold Ventures, a family office focused on private investments and philanthropy. Founded in 1974 to provide convenient relief to travelers, Lil’ Drug Store Products today serves approximately 180,000 retail outlets plus online customers. Lil’ Drug is the #1 supplier of name brand and private label health and beauty products, automotive needs, sunglasses, and cellular accessories to retail and wholesale outlets including convenience stores, travel centers, hotels, airports, drug stores, and others.
The DeWolfs are recognized for their extraordinary leadership in philanthropy in our region. In the past 15 years, the couple and their companies have donated more than $15 million to many local causes and projects including efforts to spur economic and community development. They also significantly contribute to the healthcare community, the arts, education, and services supporting at-risk youth and families. Chris and Suzy serve on several boards, volunteer, and encourage their employees to do the same. More information on their philanthropic work can be found here: https://www.lildrugstore.com/who-we-are/our-giving
