Hoffman Estates chamber hands out annual awards

Andy Spentzos and his brother Peter grew up in the restaurant business, busing tables and cooking in the kitchen at their father's restaurant.

Since 2002, they've operated their own restaurant, Apple Villa Famous Pancake House & Restaurant, at 3101 Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates.

So when Apple Villa was recognized as Business of the Year Thursday night at the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce and Industry's fourth annual Celebration of Excellence, Andy Spentzos knew who he was going to dedicate the award to.

“I owe this to my dad, who taught me everything I know about the business,” he told the crowd at Chicago Marriott Northwest.

Apple Villa was one of 31 nominees in a total of six award categories recognizing businesses in the Hoffman Estates area who have made contributions to the chamber and helped spur economic development in the community.

The chamber's Splash Award, recognizing a new chamber member who has supported chamber activities in the past year, went to another local eatery, a Great Harvest Bread Company franchise. The bakery opened at 1461 Palatine Road last spring.

“I want to thank everybody for all the support and help that you have given me over the first nine months that we've been here,” owner Chris Wu said. “It's been a whirlwind. We wouldn't have been able to get through it without the support of the community and the chamber.”

The Chairman's Award was given to the village of Hoffman Estates, recognized for its collaboration with a variety of organizations and governmental agencies to provide services to 50,000 residents and hundreds of businesses.

“We really appreciate the award,” Mayor Bill McLeod said. “The village works very closely with the chamber. We value the chamber and all the businesses in Hoffman Estates that help provide a living for our people and pay taxes.”

The Chairman and Splash awards are selected by the chamber's board of directors. All other awards are voted on by chamber members through an online survey.

• Minuteman Press, which provided promotional materials throughout the year for several chamber events, won the SOHO (Small Office Home Office) of the Year award, which recognizes a business with five or fewer employees.

Harper College, which enrolls more than 35,000 students annually and offers more than 40 degree programs and 100 career certificates, was awarded Public Sector Partner of the Year.

• Vickie Andersen of Admin and Beyond, a company that provides business support services for people who work from home, was chosen as Volunteer of the Year. Andersen is president of the chamber's THE EXCHANGE networking group, and has chaired several chamber committees.