Outstanding Volunteers Recognized by Wheaton Chamber of Commerce

Submission by the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce

President Dale Showalter and Executive Director Kerry O’Brien presented the awards on behalf of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce.

True Blue Award
The True Blue Award is presented to a business that is recognized for dependable support and contribution of resources that enhance and benefit our entire Chamber. This year, Cantigny Park & Golf was awarded the True Blue Award.

Rookie of the Year Award
The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes outstanding involvement in Chamber activities as a new member. This year’s Rookie of the Year Award recipient was Avenue Bank.

Continuing Commitment Award
The Continuing Commitment Award recognizes committed service to the Chamber over the years. Our members’ continued loyalty and dedication to our organization allows the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce to offer the best benefits to its members. This year’s recipient of the Continuing Commitment Award was Northwestern Medicine at Central DuPage Hospital.

Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a member who has demonstrated leadership in Chamber projects and is involved in the betterment of the Chamber community. The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Glenn Keller, Kitchen Tune-Up. “He’s the best friend the Chamber ever had,” says Dale Showalter.

Also recognized was Karen Bagge, for her selfless service to many committees at the Chamber, most notably, the Non Profit Network

Visionary Award
The Visionary Award recognizes a person whose ideas lead us all to a more collaborative place—the one who helps make the vision a reality. This year’s Visionary Award went to Erica Loiacono, Community Unity School District 200.

Exceptional Engagement Award
The Exceptional Engagement award recognizes both a Large Business, as well as a Small Business, for their exceptional participation in Chamber events through sponsorship and attendance, participation in Chamber programs and committees and use of Wheaton Chamber online and marketing opportunities. The Exceptional Engagement Award was given to Large Business: Wheaton Bank & Trust Co. and Small Business: Paula Barrington, Downtown Wheaton Association.

Ambassador of the Year Award
The Ambassador Club is the Public Relations arm of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. This year they recognized one of their own for her outstanding leadership in carrying out such an important role in the Chamber’s mission. The Ambassador Club awarded Kerry O’Brien as Ambassador of the Year.

Ron Brinkman Award
The Ron Brinkman Award recognizes a member who best exemplifies Ron Brinkman’s example of service to the community through generous donations of time and effort to Chamber activities. This year’s recipient of the Ron Brinkman Award was Ron Austin.

Executive Award
The Executive Award honors an outstanding member of the Chamber who demonstrate exemplary leadership and development abilities and inspires us with a vision of our Chamber at its best. This year’s Executive Award went to Betsy Adamowski, Wheaton Public Library.

President’s Award of Excellence
The President’s Award of Excellence is chosen exclusively by the President of the Board and is presented to an individual in grateful appreciation for service and support to the WCC Chairman. This year’s recipient was Steve Johnson, Langhenry, Lundquist, Gillen & Johnson.

An additional special recognition was made by State Representative, Jeanne Ives, who presented the House Resolution honoring the Carlson Family for 100 loyal years to their family-owned, four-generation business, Carlson Paint, Glass & Art Stores, Inc.