Palatine chamber celebrates inaugural member awards

Over the last 20 years, Gerald Chapman has worn many hats while maintaining his membership in the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce.

From superintendent of Palatine Schaumburg High School District 211 to Roosevelt University associate dean and current Palatine Township Elementary District 15 school board president, he found his chamber membership vital.

"The chamber does a great job of coordinating between the schools, the village and the local community," Chapman said. "They're involved in everything."

Thursday night he added a new feather to his cap: member of the year.

Chapman received the first of six awards at the chamber's annual "Key to Success" awards and installation dinner. Nearly 130 people attended the event, held at the Cotillion Banquets in Palatine, including Mayor Jim Schwantz.

"It's imperative to the community that we have a strong chamber that's able to attract and retain business," Schwantz said.

This was the first year chamber members added awards to their agenda. Typically, they gathered annually to install new members, but the recognition was long overdue, they said.

"We wanted to celebrate and honor all those who contribute to the success of the chamber," said Mindy Phillips, chamber executive director.

Members of the firm Lavelle Law in Palatine picked up the "Business of the Year" award while Costin Custom Communications was named "Emerging Business of the Year."

Palatine's Community Emergency Response Team shared the "Community Organization of the Year" with members of the Rotary Club of Palatine, while Harris Regional President Jack Lloyd was named "Business Leader of the Year."

Finally, Liz Noe of Palatine earned "Volunteer of the Year" for her efforts in promoting many of the chamber and village community events.

Among the new board of directors, Bridget Witt of Palatine Bank & Trust turned over the gavel to incoming board chair R. J. Stienstra of BRIDGE Printing & Promotional Products in Palatine.

Joseph Quinn of Harris Bank was sworn in as president, with Genevra Knight of Porte Brown as treasurer. Dina Scianna of Cornerstone National Bank & Trust stepped up to first vice chair, with Jim McLin of McLin Tours and Travel as 2nd vice chair, and Larry Schmitt of BIK & Co. as 3rd vice chair.

Both the outgoing and incoming board chairs said that with the difficult economic climate, chambers are working to support their business members.

"This is a year of retention," Stienstra said. "We're working on building our events and looking for new ways to promote and serve our members."