Long-time Elmhurst veterinarian John DeVries was honored as the 2022 inductee into the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) Civic Hall of Fame at the Chamber’s 104th Annual Awards Gala in the Presidential Room at Elm West Banquets (formerly Diplomat West Banquets) on March 10, 2023.
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Dr. DeVries is the Founder and Owner of DeVries Animal Hospital located in the Spring Road Business District since 1987. His staff of 13 includes five other DVMs.
“As long as we as a team strive to exceed our clients’ expectations,” DeVries stated in his Mission Statement, “our goal is achieved.”
DeVries opened his animal hospital at 475 Spring Road and then moved to the former Wendt Drug Store location at 528 Spring Road in 1998.
A member of the Spring Road Business Association since 1987, DeVries was responsible for organizing the Spring Road Pet Parade in May for decades and remains a primary contributor to the event’s popularity and success. He also is active in the Association’s leadership, serving as Treasurer since 2003.
“As a long-time client, friend and business associate, I can personally speak to the significance of John’s influence on the lives of humans and animals,” stated John R. Quigley, ECCI’s President and CEO since 1999.
DeVries is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Illinois State Veterinary Association and Chicago Veterinary Medical Association.
A supporter of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, DeVries has served as an EHF Board member since 2011 and Treasurer since 2018.
His service to the Elmhurst community includes Commissioner on the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission (1993-2002), charter Board member for the District 205 Foundation for Educational Excellence (1990-95) and Board of Elders at Immanuel Lutheran Church (2005-14).
A 1976 graduate of York Community High School, DeVries holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign, where he also earned his DVM in 1984.
A 54-year Elmhurst resident, DeVries grew up in the Yorkfield subdivision in south Elmhurst, where the land on which his childhood home stood now serves as the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital employee parking lot.
The Civic Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize women and men who make major contributions to the Elmhurst community. Up through 2008, inductions were conducted during the Opening Ceremonies of Elmfest. The 2009 inductee was honored at the Chamber’s Spring Luncheon in April of 2010.
The late Joe Newton, legendary boys’ cross country coach at York Community High School was the inaugural Hall of Fame inductee.
Preceding DeVries as Hall of Fame inductees were: Eleanor King Hookam (1993), Elmhurst Art Museum; Dr. Ivan E. Frick (1994), Elmhurst College; Joseph Wagner (1995), York Furrier; Jean Haselhorst (1996), Elmhurst Park District; Robert M. Magnuson (1997), Elmhurst Memorial Hospital; Virginia J. Harmon (1998), Unique Travel Services; Illinois House of Representative Lee A. Daniels (R-46th District) (1999); A.J. “Toche” Terrones (2000), Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry; William C. “Bill” Gooch Jr. (2001), Community Bank of Elmhurst; Willis Johnson (2002), York Theatre; Fred Messerschmidt (2003), Elmhurst Federal Savings & Loan; Jim Van Ewyk (2004), Pfund and Clint Florists; Jacquelyn Haddad (2005), Elmhurst Junior Women’s Club; Thomas O. Myers Jr. (2006), Thomas O. Myers Real Estate; Abner Ganet (2007), Leonard’s Men’s Store and Mayor of Elmhurst; Jan Pauli (2008), Pauli’s Marathon; Bob Schiller (2009), Schiller Real Estate; Thomas D. Marcucci, four-term Mayor of Elmhurst (2010); Rich Grodsky, Elmhurst Park District (2011); Pete Cruger, Elmhurst Independent (2012); Doug Beach, Elmhurst College Jazz Band Director (2013); Betsy Hanisch, Elmhurst businesswomen, civic leader and community volunteer (2014); Ralph Pechanio (2015), retired banker, civic leader and community volunteer; Darrell Whistler, retired businessman, civic leader and community volunteer; Jack Island (2017), Owner of The Silverado Grill; Genie Urick (2018), cable TV producer, author and community volunteer; and William “Bill” Shanklin (2019), Post 187 Sergeant-at-Arms; Scott and Charity Ahlgrim (2020) of Ahlgrim Funeral Home; and Dr. Bryant and Jeanette Cureton (2021), former EC President and First Lady.
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Elmhurst Chamber’s mission is to promote an environment that creates success for local businesses and our 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.