Northbrook Chamber Honors Outstanding Businesses at March 9 Awards Celebration

Local businesses will be honored for innovation, growth, and community service at the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Annual Meeting and Business Awards Dinner on March 9. Invoking the theme “The Magic of Business”, this special event at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel recognizes companies and individuals who represent excellence among the Chamber’s membership.

Award winners include:

UL Solutions Global Fire Science Center of Excellence, Northbrook Business of the Year - One of the largest laboratory investments in the history of UL Solutions, the Global Fire Science Center project encompasses a multi-building complex in Northbrook to serve global customers by evaluating the performance of a wide variety of fire safety products, including water-saving extinguishing systems, energy-saving ventilation products, energy-efficient exterior wall design, and fluorine-free extinguishing foam systems. Once operational, the facility is expected to serve as a pivotal resource for products originating in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

ProAuto, Corporate Citizen of the Year - Located in Morton Grove, ProAuto is widely recognized in many surrounding communities for its exceptional customer service as well as its support of innumerable programs, events, and organizations. Owners Lee and Julie Hardegree developed deep bonds through active sponsorship and participation in community initiatives, with special emphasis on organizations that serve individuals with disabilities.

School of Rock Glenbrook, Franchise of the Year - Since opening in 2020, School of Rock Glenbrook has grown steadily year over year, with a current total of 185 students and 21 employees. The Glenbrook franchise, owned by Amy Renzulli, has received the School of Rock Headliner Award for 2023, 2024 and 2025 and also forged strong community connections through its participation in a myriad of local events.

Sweet Melissa Media, Emerging Business of the Year - Inspired by a passion for the local food scene, owner Melissa Levine has grown Sweet Melissa Media into a vibrant social media and marketing enterprise with a specialty in community-based promotions for restaurants and retailers.

Ron Goldblatt, Chamber Volunteer of the Year - The owner of digital marketing business NorthShore Loyalty, Ron Goldblatt goes above and beyond to build bridges between the Northbrook Chamber and area businesses. He serves as a Chamber Ambassador and volunteers on fundraising committees, reaching out to his business network who support the Chamber with their generous gifts, raffle prizes, and donations.

In addition to the award presentations, the event features a cocktail hour with leaders of the business community, installation of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and a preview of the organization's programs and initiatives for the coming year. Tickets are available through March 5 at https://bit.ly/NCCIAwards2026 or by calling (847) 498-5555.

The Northbrook Chamber thanks the following event sponsors for their generous support:

• Presenting Sponsor: Northbrook Bank & Trust Co.
• Gold Sponsor: UL Solutions
• Silver Sponsor: Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
• Bronze Sponsor: First Bank Chicago
• Supporting Sponsors: North Suburban YMCA, Pro Auto, and Team Hochberg
• Host Sponsor: Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel
• Decor Sponsors: North Shore Balloon, Paper to Party, and Windy City Linen
• Photography Sponsor: Michael Delott Photography & Headshots
• Entertainment Sponsor: A-Z Entertainment
• Individual Sponsors: AlignLayerNine; Arangold Corp.; Chefs for Seniors North Shore Chicago; Cook County Buyers; Franklin, Greenswag, Channon & Capilla LLC; Gail's Brownies; Jeff Doblin-Forum Financial Management; Journey Softly; JS Mided LLC; Kona Ice; The Lodge of Northbrook; Marsha Schwartz, Coldwell Banker Realty; Two Men and a Truck