Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce Hosts 71st Annual Installation Event

Oak Lawn, IL, January 26, 2017 – Members and supporters of the Oak Lawn business community gathered on Saturday, January 21st at the Hilton Oak Lawn to honor the 2017 Officers and Directors of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce during the 71st Annual Installation. The Installation was led by Village President, Dr. Sandra Bury.

Mike Abdallah of Style 95 Barber Shop was honored as the recipient of the Chamber award for Outstanding Chamber Member and Business Person for 2016.

Oak Lawn's unique character is due to our small businesses. When an individual brings their passion to their business, magical things happen. Our 2016 Business Award winner is just one of those individuals. This winner's genuine love of what he does and his unique style and flair leaves his customers smiling with an unforgettable experience. Old fashioned service meets cutting edge style at this member's business.

Our winner has been a business owner in Oak Lawn for the past 15 years, and is a highly involved in our Chamber and many local charities. He currently owns Style 95 Barber Shop in the heart of Oak Lawn on 95th Street and even though he works long hours, he frequently takes time to give back to the community tirelessly. He is personally responsible for bringing many new members into our Chamber through his service as Director and as a member of the Ambassador Committee.

His work for the betterment of the community makes a difference for the Chamber and other charitable organizations. He volunteers for the Betunia Social Center, Betunia Club and the American Palestinian Counsel just to name a few.

Our 2016 Business Award winner is most known for building bridges and good will. He has hosted small breakfasts and continually offers opportunities for cultural awareness. He is very proud of his community, proud to be an American, and proud to stand up for what is right. When police officers were targeted for violence in Dallas, he was so distraught that he reached out to his friends in the Palestinian community to collect thousands of dollars for families of victims. He wanted them to know that they stand with those who support and protect us, especially our officers in Oak Lawn. He said, "We honor them by showing support for those who have been targeted so cruelly." This year's Business Award winner is courageous, compassionate, hardworking and a real leader among our local businesses. We would like to congratulate Mike Abdallah of Style 95 Barber Shop as this year's winner and in doing so

we thank him for his tireless contributions to our community. He has made a big difference to our Chamber and our Village.

Founded in 1946, today the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce consists of more than 300 members. The Chamber of Commerce works to represent and advance the Oak Lawn business community, striving with constant integrity, fairness and cooperation to promote and improve the economic atmosphere, business climate and image of Oak Lawn. Learn more about the Chamber at www.oaklawnchamber.com

Attached photo courtesy of Matt Morales, Digital Hot Shots Photography.

Pictured Mike Abdallah, 2016 recipient and Vicki Scanlon of Standard Bank, 2015 recipient - who presented the award