Steve Russell, chairman and chief executive officer of Celadon Group Inc., was one of four laureates inducted into the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame last week. Established by the Junior Achievement Board of Directors in 1989, the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame honors men and women who epitomize success in the business world and use their success to improve the quality of life of their fellow citizens and surrounding communities.
“Our goal is two-fold at the Hall of Fame event – to honor those Central Indiana business persons who are champions of free enterprise and are business role models to the youth of the community, and to spotlight the importance of providing financial literacy, work-readiness and entrepreneurship programs to today’s students,” says Jennifer Burk, Junior Achievement president and CEO.
Russell founded Celadon Group in 1985, and under his leadership, the company has grown from 50 leased tractors and 100 trailers to about 3,100 tractors and 9,000 trailers that serve more than 2,000 customers. Celadon employs nearly 4,000 people and is the largest transportation company based in Indiana. Russell is an avid supporter of the arts and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Governors of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Presented in Indianapolis, the ceremony was attended by 700 local business leaders and elected officials as junior achievement students participated in the festivities. “I’m extremely honored to receive this award,” Russell says. “Junior Achievement is an organization that gives back to the community and enhances opportunities for young people regardless of their economic status.”
