Annual Awards
Ambassador of the Year
Presented at the Annual Awards Gala held each January, the Ambassador of the Year is awarded to a member of the green-coated Chamber Ambassadors for his/her outstanding service.
Business of the Year
Named in memory of A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who served as Chamber President for nearly a decade until his death in July of 1999, 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.
The award, which features a traveling trophy and permanent plaque, is presented at the Annual Awards Gala.
Chairman’s Award
Presented at the Annual Awards Gala, the Chairman’s Award is given to either a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for his/her outstanding service to the Board, Board Chair and President/CEO, or a non-Director for praiseworthy contributions or performance.
Civic Hall of Fame
Created in 1992, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Civic Hall of Fame honors as inductees individuals who have made major contributions to the Elmhurst community. From its inception through 2008, the induction ceremony was part of Elmfest’s Opening Ceremonies on Friday night. The 2009 induction was held at the “Salute to…” Spring Luncheon in April of 2010. Starting in 2011 with the 2010 honoree, inductions have been held at the Annual Awards Gala.
Duke of Elmhurst
The honorary title is bestowed upon individuals on special occassions in recognition of their accomplishments and/or service to the Chamber.
Good Works Award
Named in memory of the late Chamber President, A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who led the Chamber for nearly 10 years until his death the night before the 1999 Golf Outing, the Good Works Award is given to individuals for their commitment to the Chamber in general and Golf Outing in particular. The award is presented at the Annual Golf Outing.
2022 Winners
Chairman’s Award
Desiree Chen
Elmhurst University
Ambassador of the Year
2021 Winners
Good Works Award
2020 Winners
Chairman’s Award
John R. Quigley
President and CEO
Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry
2019 Winners
Chairman’s Award
Ambassador of the Year
Edward Jones Investments
Good Works Award
2018 Winners
A.J. “Toche” Terrones
Business of the Year
Pete Cruger, Co-Owner of Rock Valley Publishing and Publisher of The Elmhurst Independent, along with Editor Dee Longfellow and Advertising Sales Representative Debbie Hamilton, accepts the traveling trophy from 2019 Board of Directors Chair Kevin Kost of Edward Jones Investments.
Civic Hall of Fame
Chairman’s Award
Lori Murray
Inland Bank
Ambassador of the Year
2017 Winners
A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year
Brewpoint Coffee Owners Melissa Villanueva and Angelo Sepulveda accept the traveling trophy from Vito and Marianna Moreci of 2016 honoree Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.
Chairman’s Award
Ralph Pechanio
ECCI Board of Directors Treasurer
Good Works Award
2016 Winners
A.J. “Toche” Terrones
Business of the Year
Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
Generations of restaurant owner Vito Moreci’s family share in his joy
Civic Hall of Fame
Darrell Whistler
Denise Whistler thanks the Chamber on behalf of her ailing father, who passed away in June of 2017.
Chairman’s Award
Good Works Award
Dare Messina*
* Awarded Posthumously