HARRIS CHOSEN AS ELMHURST CHAMBER’S A.J. “TOCHE” TERRONES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
ELMHURST, Ill., December 17, 2009 – Harris Elmhurst (1121 South York Street and 115 West Third Street) will receive the A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year Award for 2009 at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s 91st Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner held in the Presidential Room at Diplomat West Banquet Halls (681 West North Avenue) on Friday, January 15, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The annual award is given based on a member’s contributions to the Chamber’s success, to the betterment of both the business community and Elmhurst community, and impact in their field of business, each in the given year and historically, along with years in business and years as a Chamber member.
“Harris has made a dramatic impact on the Chamber and the business community in its relatively short tenure here in Elmhurst,” said John Quigley, Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer since 1999. “Harris has invested in Elmhurst on multiple levels—as a financial institution, as a property owner and as a neighbor.”
“It is an honor for Harris to be chosen as the Chamber’s Business of the Year,” said Andrew Trippi, who oversees operations at both of the Elmhurst locations, “and we’re proud to have the Harris name added to the distinguished list of recipients.”
Harris was the Chamber’s top financial supporter in 2009 with a $10,000 sponsorship package, and has committed to that investment level for both 2010 and 2011.
The award presentation will be made by Outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors Jason Janes of Edward Jones Investments (115 West Vallette Street) and Quigley. Joining them in the award presentation will be Tom Shubalis, Owner of Diplomat West, the 2008 Business of the Year recipient. Shubalis will receive an acrylic Business of the Year plaque to put on display at his banquet hall.
The award, which features a traveling trophy and permanent plaque, is named in memory of A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who served as Chamber President for nearly a decade until his death in July of 1999.
Previous Business of the Year honorees are Diplomat West (2008), Suburban Bank & Trust Co. (2007), Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge (2006), York Theatre (2005), Synergistic Networks, Inc. (2004), Silverado Grill (2003), Great American Exteriors (2002), Cardinal Cartridge, Inc. (2001), Unique Travel Service, Ltd. (2000) and Community Bank of Elmhurst (1999).
The traveling trophy of imported 24% German lead crystal atop a mahogany wood base will be displayed at the Harris branches until the Chamber’s 2011 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, while an award plaque with a nameplate listing Harris is on permanent display at the Chamber office.
In the banking business since 1882, Harris built two Elmhurst branches in 2008—opening the south York location in January and the Elmhurst City Centre site in downtown Elmhurst in October.
Harris first became an Elmhurst Chamber member in July of 2005 when it purchased the Villa Park Trust Savings & Bank. The Villa Park bank, which first opened its doors 1922, was a longtime Chamber member in both Elmhurst and Villa Park.
Harris is currently representative on the Chamber’s Board of Directors by Commercial Relations Manager Michael Himmes (2009-12), who was a JOBPATH intern with the Chamber while attending Elmhurst College. Preceding Himmes as Chamber Directors were Trippi (2008-09) and Frank Vitelli (2006-08).
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Chamber also serves the needs of its members through services, programs and events that provide opportunities for networking and referral, business education, development and promotion, governmental representation and community involvement.