02/06/2026
Daybreak Village was named the business of the year at the annual Winner Area Chamber of Commerce banquet on Jan. 12.
Rick and Lin Shippy bought the former Elder Inn in August of 2024, and when
most people heard about this purchase, they probably thought, âWow, thatâs a
big project to tackle.â Rick thought, âPerfect! I love a challenge!â And Lin probably
thought, âRick, what did you just get us into?â But together, Rick and Lin rolled up
their sleeves, put in the blood, sweat, and tearsâand quite a few gallons of
paintâand turned this facility into something amazing. From the very beginning,
Rick and Lin committed themselves to creating a place that feels like home, a
place where families can feel peace and comfort when entrusting their loved
ones.
Their vision was bold, and their work ethic unmatched. The magnitude of
updates taken place in just over a year, is truly impressive! A state inspector even
remarked that in all his years, he had never seen such a turnaround in such a
short time. That certainly speaks volumes about the
dedication and heart behind
this project.
Daybreak Village isnât just about beautiful renovationsâthough the updates are
stunning, from custom oak vanities and LED lighting to cozy common spaces and a
charming courtyard gazebo... a true village atmosphere, complete with porch
lights and street numbers on each door and boutique signs throughout. But the
real magic isnât in the paint or the furnitureâitâs in the culture. At the grand
opening, residents were practically giving tours like proud homeowners: âHave
you seen the new courtyard? Come on, Iâll show you!â Thatâs when you know
youâve done something right.
Of course, Rick and Lin didnât do it alone. They built an incredible all-star team:
Grant Winter serves as the Facility Administrator; Chelsey
Moss, Director of
Nursing; and Chandra Day is the Activities Director, plus the entire staff who make
Daybreak Village feel like home every single day. Together, theyâve cultivated not
just a facility, but a family â a place where residents smile, laugh, and proudly
show off their home.
Daybreak Village has set a new standard for care and community in Winner.
Theyâve proven that with vision,
hard work, and heart, you can create something
extraordinary.
âSo tonight, we celebrate not just a business, but a vision â a vision that turned a
challenge into a community treasure. Congratulations, Rick, Lin, Grant, Chelsey,
Chandra and the whole Daybreak Village crew. Youâve made a difference and
should be proud of your hard work,â said Jody Engel who presented the award.
