Pizza, giving back 'in my nature' for 'outstanding' Naperville businesswoman
Growing up in the Aurelio family, a few things became natural to Celeste Mattern Wagner: Pizza, business and giving back.
The Outstanding Chamber Member award she recently received from the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce shows she excels at all three.
Wagner, a Naperville resident and chamber member since 2011, was honored for her work operating three Aurelio's Pizza restaurants, running her own marketing firm, serving on two nonprofit boards and helping three charities or service clubs.
"Celeste is a perfect example of members who consistently contribute time, talent and treasure," Nicki Anderson, the chamber's president and CEO, said in a news release. "She is committed to this chamber and the community, which is evident in her willingness to step up whenever there's a need."
Wagner says it feels natural to help her community.
"I think it's in my nature. It's the right thing to do," said Wagner, a mother of three sons ages 36, 34 and 13 and a grandmother of four. "It's a way to show gratitude for what you have and to help others. It builds strong communities and connects people."
So, she says, does the chamber.
When she joined in 2011 to promote her Aurelio's shops in Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace and Woodridge, Wagner was put on a chamber "team" designed to allow operators who run various businesses to network and support each other's endeavors.
Wagner joined team "B to B" as its caterer and soon became a co-chairwoman then chairwoman of the group. Managing one team activity - an annual "FunMattersToo" fundraiser for the Naperville nonprofit KidsMatter - allows Wagner's planning skills to shine.
"I really love helping and managing the events," she said.
Earlier in her career, Wagner worked as sponsorship manager at Navy Pier in Chicago, where she loved planning blowout events.
One year in the 1990s, a client asked if she would promote the Chicago Air and Water Show. She saw it as a conflict of interest, but also as an opportunity too thrilling to pass up.
So Wagner quit her Navy Pier gig and launched her own business, focusing on marketing, promotional strategy, public relations, creative services and sponsorships.
About 15 years ago, she took over the Oakbrook Terrace Aurelio's, the one her parents opened in 1978 - again without hesitation.
"I think it was just in my nature," she said. "I was around it all the time."
She's gotten the business involved with the Healthy Driven Naperville Marathon and Half Marathon, as a runner herself.
"I used to be a big marathon runner, but I've retired that distance," she said. "I prefer just running through Springbrook Prairie."
Since moving to Naperville 34 years ago, Wagner has gotten involved with Loaves & Fishes Community Services and St. Raphael School, serving as a board member for both organizations. She's joined a Rotary club and volunteered with NCTV and the Naperville Park District. She follows Mark Galati, the 2015 Outstanding Chamber Member Award winner, as the second recipient of the award.