Gil Klein and family stand beneath a city sign commemorating the community’s longest running business.
Town declares ‘Gil Klein Week’ on member’s 91st birthday
By Andy Kriege, YSN
Gil Klein, founder and owner of Klein’s BrandSource in Fairview Heights, Ill., turned 91 last fall.
To mark the occasion, Mayor Mark Kupsky read a formal proclamation in front of Klein’s store, where a crowd of friends, family, staff and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate. The statement recognized his company, founded in 1959, as the longest-running business in the St. Louis suburb.
Related: The Leading Lady at Klein’s
Kupsky also presented Klein with a special commemorative plaque recounting his remarkable business accomplishments and his many contributions to the town. The latter includes his generous support of area charities and his donation of refrigeration and storage space to a community food bank, one of myriad efforts to help feed local families.
In addition, the dealer was recognized as a founding member of the Fairview Heights Rotary, for which he served in various capacities on numerous community projects over the decades.
Klein, a young 91, still comes to the store and pitches in wherever he can. He also spends time building custom bird houses, which he sells to raise funds for a food pantry.
For all that and more, Mayor Kupsky formally declared his birthday week as “Gil Klein Week.”
YSN extends belated birthday wishes and heartfelt congratulations to Gil Klein for the recognition he received for his long history of serving community members both in and outside his store.
YSN publisher AVB BrandSource is the nation’s largest merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, mattress, furniture and CE dealers.
