Windy City Bulls win Hoffman Estates chamber award
The Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls' Development League affiliate at Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre Arena, are already repeating champs in their first season as members of the local business community.
The young team Thursday won the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Splash Award, which recognizes new members that have shown extraordinary enthusiasm and support for the organization.
Only a week earlier, the neighboring Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the team as its New Business of the Year.
“On behalf of the Chicago Bulls, thanks so much for welcoming us and allowing us to be part of the Northwest suburban market,” Windy City Bulls President Brad Seymour said at the Hoffman Estates Chamber's Celebration of Excellence awards Thursday.
Theirs was among several recognitions at the dinner at the Chicago Marriott Northwest in Hoffman Estates.
Steve Carlson of Garibaldi's Italian Eatery accepted the Small Business of the Year award during his restaurant's 41st year in the village.
“Forty-one years is a long time,” he said.
“There's not a lot of people here who can say they've been in business for 41 years, much less worked for 41 years.”
The overall Business of the Year Award went to Tate & Lyle LLC, a global provider of ingredients and solutions in the food and beverage industry, as well as a strong supporter of chamber events.
Joe Nebel, Hoffman Estates' public works director, accepted his department's award as Public Sector Partner of the Year.
“Public works is generally humble people, but when you win something like this, it carries a lot of weight,” he said.
Joane McLeod, a business analyst for Links Technology Solutions Inc. - and the wife of Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod - accepted the chamber's Chairman's Award on behalf of her company.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Linda Dressler of RE/MAX Suburban, who's edited the chamber's newsletter for the past five years.