More than 120 Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry members and their guests will gather together to celebrate the Chamber’s 105th Annual Awards Gala in the Presidential Room at Elm West Banquets, 681 West North Avenue, on Friday, March 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. Click HERE to register to attend.
“This year’s event will celebrate our business organization’s many accomplishments during 2023,” 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 2023 highlights included the staging of an Elmhurst Police Department-led Active Shooter Preparedness Training for Elmhurst businesses at Elmhurst Hospital in July and August’s Multi-Chamber Hunger Action Luncheon, featuring Steve “The Food Dolinsky as the Keynote Speaker, benefiting more than a dozen local food pantries–both events sponsored in part by the recently-rebranded Endeavor Health.
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 Alan Energy Services Air Conditioning and Heating Company as the 2023 A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year, current Board of Directors Chair Colin Dalough of Endeavor Health as the Chairman’s Award recipient, Director Eva Sanchez of See Your House Right Here @properties Elmhurst as the first repeat Ambassador of the Year and Dan Gibbons of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation as the 34th inductee into the Civic Hall of Fame.
The Chamber also will officially welcome 2024 Board Chair Dalough, Officers and Directors, and recognize 2023 Board Chair Rita Borzym of Edward Jones Investments and outgoing Directors Desiree Chen (2013-23) of Elmhurst University and Joe Christopher (2019-21) of Inland Bank.
The event is open to all members of the Chamber and their guests, as well as any Elmhurst businesspeople interested in learning more about the Chamber. Ticket costs are $100 per person, $190 per couple, $720 for a table of eight, $850 for a table of 10 and $1,000 for an event sponsorship (which includes a table of eight).
Awards Gala sponsors include Elmhurst Bank 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 Helping Hands Cleaning Service (2022), 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 Borzym, First Vice Chair Dalough, Past Chair Sanchez and Quigley on the Chamber’s 2023 Executive Committee were Second Vice Chair Gregg Markiewiz (who died while in office) of The Stevens Group and Treasurer Ralph Pechanio of the Elmhurst Veterans Memorial Commission.
The 2024 Executive Committee includes Chair Dalough, First Vice Chair Angela Villegas of Lakeside Bank, Treasurer Pechanio, Past Chair Sanchez and Quigley, with the Second Vice Chair position vacant.
Recently elected to three-year Director terms (2023-26) were newcomers Christina Danno of Elmhurst University, Doug Davies of Delta RMS and Andrew Winton of Guaranteed Rate – John Noldan, along with Villegas, who was appointed to fill a Board vacancy in 2022.
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.