Lake Zurich chamber rewards excellence

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2007 Excellence Awards. The LZACC Excellence Awards recognize achievements in the areas of business, education, government and not-for-profit organizations for their efforts to make the Lake Zurich area a better place in which to live and work. Nominations were solicited from chamber members, local residents and government entities. Awards were presented at the Chamber's Evening of Excellence on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at Concorde Banquets in Kildeer.

• Architectural expansion: Timothy Grant Jewelry, Ltd., Tim & Lisa Siefert, Lake Zurich. Honors the construction, expansion or upgrading of facilities in a manner that adds to the attractiveness of the Lake Zurich Area.

• Chamber of Commerce Partnership: Cambridge Bank/ Michael Carlino, Hawthorn Woods and Lake Zurich. Honors special partnerships and alliances between the public and private sectors that result in positive change for the business community and the general population.

• Samuel R. Mitchell Director of the Year: Larry Bowman, Children's Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialists Inc., North Barrington. Honors the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce director who has best met the challenge of leadership and exceeded expectations.

• Outstanding Educator: Joshua Thompson, Band Director, Lake Zurich High School. Honors the educator who has demonstrated exceptional efforts and skills in the improvement of the educational experience of students.

• Outstanding Government Employee: John Dixon, village administrator, village of Lake Zurich. Honors the individual who demonstrates consistent and dedicated efforts in making the community a better place to live and work.

• Outstanding Interior Improvement: Lake Zurich Travel & Cruise/ Sue Shimkus, Lake Zurich. Honors the business that reinforces its commitment to employees, customers and the community by improving its interior workplace and environment.

• Magnet: The Fidelity Group/ John Sfire, Lake Zurich. Honors the business or organization whose products and services attract customers to the Lake Zurich Area and/or who create and maintain jobs in the Lake Zurich Area.

• Marketing: Avalon Salon and Day Spa, Bonnie Conte and Shyla Kurnick, Deer Park. Honors the business whose exceptional marketing and promotional practices best demonstrate the potential of its products and services.

• Outstanding Public Servant: Michael Talbett, Lake County Board Member. Honors the elected or appointed government official who has dedicated their efforts to improving relationships between government, the business community and the general community.

• Volunteer of the Year: Petra Croneigh, The Travel Gallery, Lake Zurich. Honors that person who has dedicated their efforts to improving the chamber and the communities we serve by working as volunteer.

• Presidents Awards: Rich Politowicz, Professional Home Services, Lake Barrington; Margi Steiner, Cambridge Bank, Lake Zurich. Honors individuals who consistently make positive contributions to the betterment of the Chamber, its purpose, goals and objective, selected by President Timothy Siefert.

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce represents over 490 businesses and organizations in the Lake Zurich Area including Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Long Grove, and North Barrington. It has been in existence since 1915. For information, contact the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce at (847) 438-5572 or www.lzacc.com.