Northbrook Chamber Celebrates 75 Years of Business Excellence

Northbrook, IL – The Northbrook Chamber of Commerce proudly marks a milestone 75th anniversary, celebrating decades of fostering business growth, community connections, and economic development. To commemorate this remarkable achievement, the Chamber invites business leaders and community members to a magical evening at its Annual Meeting and Business Awards Dinner on March 31, 2025 at the Renaissance Hotel.

This premier event, themed Celebrating the Magic of Small Business, will highlight the accomplishments of outstanding businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to Northbrook’s thriving business community. Come experience the magic as the Chamber presents awards in five distinguished categories:

• Northbrook Business of the Year: Bell Flavors & Fragrances
• Corporate Citizen of the Year: Journey Softly
• Franchise of the Year: Sears Garage Doors & Repairs
• Emerging Business of the Year: Relief Mental Health
• Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Diane Pagoulatos, Dickler Kahn Slowikowski & Zavell Ltd.

The evening will begin with a vibrant networking reception, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders. Guests will then enjoy an elegant dinner in the ballroom, followed by the awards presentations, the formal installation of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and an exciting preview of upcoming programs and initiatives for the year ahead.

“For 75 years, the Northbrook Chamber has been at the heart of our business community, supporting enterprises of all sizes and championing local economic success,” said Kathi Quinn, Executive Director. “This event not only honors our exceptional business leaders but also reinforces our commitment to fostering a dynamic and prosperous future for Northbrook.”

The Chamber encourages local business professionals, community leaders, and supporters to attend this special evening. Our board who are being installed at the celebration includes Executive Committee:

• Amy Kahhat – Board Chair
  • Vice President, First Bank Chicago
• Katie Moore – Board Treasurer
  • Senior Vice President, Northbrook Bank & Trust
• Mark DeBartolo – President, Len Roofing & Remodeling

Directors at Large:

• Brian Bromberg – Vice President-Strategic Partnerships, Manning Silverman & Company
• Lee Brooks – COO, Global, Bell Flavors & Fragrances
• Nick Drivas – Owner, Grill House and Cabo Grill
• Michael Fiore – Assistant Vice President, Endeavor Health
• Chuck Gerhardt – Facilities Operations Manager, UL Solutions
• Julie Hardegree – Owner, ProAuto
• William Hunt – Owner, AlignLayerNine (formerly HTML Global)
• Frank Karkazis – Owner, FGK Services, Inc.
• Ileo Lott – Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs, Oakton College
• Irene Schloss de Brihuega – Owner, Dundee Pharmacy
• Danny Stookal – Co-owner, Shred Spot
• Todd Wessing – Director of Sales and Marketing, Embassy Suites Hotel - Chicago North Shore

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at northbrookchamber.org. For more information, please contact Carolyn Gessner, Director of Communications at 847-498-5555.

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About the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce:

Founded in 1950, the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to driving business success and community engagement for 75 years. With a diverse membership representing a wide range of industries, the Chamber provides networking, advocacy, and resources to empower local businesses and strengthen the economic vitality of Northbrook.