Some 160 Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry members and their guests will gather together to celebrate the Chamber’s 104th Annual Awards Gala in the Presidential Room at Elm West Banquets, 681 West North Avenue, on Friday, March 10, from 5 to 9 p.m.
“This year’s event will celebrate our business organization’s many accomplishments during 2022,” said John R. Quigley, President and CEO of the Chamber since 1999. “while also recognizing a group of extraordinary businesses and individuals.”
Quigley will deliver his Annual State of Our Chamber Address during the one-hour Award Program, which will be taped by Elmhurst TV for rebroadcast of local cable access television in April on Comcast Channel 6 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.
ECCI’s 2022 highlights include the completion of a once-in-a-lifetime $250,000 ECCI Centennial Celebration NFP’s Capital Campaign (developed in advance of the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary in 2018), the unveiling of the ECCI Civic Hall of Fame public memorial (on display at the Elmhurst Public Library), the return of an in-person Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade and Explore Elmhurst Trolley display advertising program (both in partnership with the City of Elmhurst) after two-year hiatuses and more.
First announced back in January of 2017, the NFP’s Capital Campaign has surpassed goals for both the $150,000 Ralph P. Pechanio Student Internship Endowment Fund at Elmhurst University and $100,000 Second Century Fund, including $50,000 for educational purposes and $50,000 for the Civic HOF memorial—totaling more than $400,000 in tax-deductible donations.
ECCI Board of Directors member Ken Bartels of Community Bank of Elmhurst and Ken Bartels Consulting will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the Awards Program.
During the Awards Program, the Chamber will recognize Helpings Hand Cleaning Service as the 2022 A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year, former Board of Directors Chair Desiree Chen of Elmhurst University as the Chairman’s Award recipient, Past Board Chair Eva Sanchez of See Your House Right Here @properties Elmhurst as Ambassador of the Year and John DeVries of Devries Animal Hospital as the 33rd inductee into the Civic Hall of Fame.
The Chamber also will welcome 2023 Board Chair Rita Borzym of Edward Jones Investments, Officers and Directors, and recognize 2022 Board Chair Eva Sanchez and outgoing Directors Sean Daly (2016-2022) of Elmhurst Bank and Bill Korbel (2014-2022) of the Elmhurst Suburban Life/Shaw Media.
Awards Gala sponsors include Elmhurst Bank, Itasca Bank & Trust and See Your House Right Here @properties Elmhurst.
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.
Previous Business of the Year honorees are Elmhurst University (2021), Edward-Elmhurst Health (2020), Elmhurst Auto Group (2019), Elmhurst Independent (2018), Brewpoint Coffee (2017), Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria (2016), Café Amano (2015), West Suburban Office Products (2014), Community Bank of Elmhurst (2013 and 1991), York Furrier (2012), Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare (2011), OEC Business Interiors (2010), Harris Elmhurst (2009), 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) and Unique Travel Service, Ltd. (2000).
The Ambassador of the Year award is presented annually to a green-coated Ambassador for his/her outstanding service.
The Chairman’s Award is given annually to a Director for his/her outstanding service to the Board, Chairman and President/CEO, or to a non-Director for praiseworthy contributions or performance.
Joining Chair Sanchez, First Vice Chair Borzym, Past Chair Chen and Quigley on the Chamber’s 2022 Executive Committee were Second Vice Chair Gregg Markiewiz of The Stevens Group and Treasurer Ralph Pechanio of the Elmhurst Veterans Memorial Commission.
The 2023 Executive Committee includes Chair Borzym, First Vice Chair Markiewicz, Second Vice Chair Colin Dalough of Edward-Elmhurst Health, Treasurer Pechanio, Past Chair Sanchez and Quigley.
Recently elected to three-year Director terms (2022-25) were newcomers Ron Jaderholm of Dependable Printing Services, Ben Neiburger of Generation Law and Kristin Walker of Elmhurst Bank, along with Dalough, who was appointed to fill a Board vacancy in 2021.
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.