Elgin chamber says thank you

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce showed Friday that you're never too old to shake someone's hand and give a pat on the back.

The chamber, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, recognized dozens of people and businesses that help make the business community strong.

Carol Gieske, the chamber's vice president, said the awards are normally given at the organization's annual February event. But because that was the kickoff to the chamber's Centennial Celebration, organizers planned a separate event this month.

"This event is special this year because it's our 100th anniversary," she said. "This is to recognize and show thanks we have for volunteers and businesses that are so supportive of the chamber."

• Gilmore Marketing Concepts and owner Kim Gilmore took home the 2007 small business of the year award, reserved for companies with no more than 20 employees. Other nominees were QPS and Hurlbut and Hurlbut.

• Sherman Hospital garnered the large business of the year award and Rick Floyd, Sherman's president and CEO, accepted. Other businesses nominated were: Demi and Cooper; Fabric Images; Grand Victoria Casino; and Hydrox Laboratories.

• Aaron Sellers of Comprehensive Training Solutions was named ambassador of the year, and Susan Angell-Case was volunteer of the year. Sharon Prizy, Eric Fernandez and Jacquie Vinz also were nominated for the latter honor.

• DLA Architects won the workforce development award for the professional sector while Fabric Images landed the workforce development honor for manufacturing.

• Judson University's new 88,000-square-foot Harm Weber Academic Center was the winner for community improvement award for new construction. The community improvement traveling plaque for renovation went to the Second Baptist Church, the community's oldest and largest black church, which was founded in 1862.