Barrington Area Chamber announces 2018 business awards
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce announced its 2018 business awards during the Annual Dinner & Scholarship Fundraiser Jan. 18 at The Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre.
The evening was a celebration of chamber accomplishments and people. It attracted more than 200 local business, community and governmental leaders. The event also raised funds for the chamber's annual scholarships.
"This year's Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce nominees represent that drive for excellence that results in success in business and community. Nominees all deserve kudos for being selected by their peers in the business community," said Tom Cramer, new 2018 Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board of Wintrust Mortgage.
Cramer announced the following awards:
Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Member of the Year recipient: The Onion Pub.
"The Onion Pub began as the Wild Onion Brewing Company in 1996, with the simple goal of brewing the finest beer available to local beer drinkers. In 2003, they expanded their brewing operation to include an on-site local tap called the Onion Pub, where the community could gather in a space that inspires. This year they were the site of our annual Tastefest, and helped us host over 400 people to enjoy a showcase of food and spirits," Cramer said.
Community Partner of the Year recipient: Heinen's Grocery Store and Marquardt of Barrington.
"We have two Community Partner of the Year recipients," Cramer said.
"First, Heinen's Grocery Store came to the Barrington community to pursue a simple philosophy - to provide world-class customer service while offering the freshest, highest quality foods. As a family-owned grocery, they built their business with local staff who are dedicated to the community and motivated to be involved. Heinen's is a major player supporting Barrington area community events, causes and nonprofit organizations, and their example shows the passion they have for the people they serve.
"Next, Marquardt of Barrington. In 2001, Marquardt created the Love of God Foundation to honor the memory of Larry Marquardt, a unique man and a visionary thinker motivated by his strong faith to make a difference in the world.
"He had a hand in many humanitarian, educational and mission projects during his lifetime. Since then, Marquardt has donated over $425,000 to local nonprofits and charitable causes, illustrating the value they put on their community, their dedication to customers and their passion for serving the region."
New Business of the Year recipient: Kimmie-Kakes.
"Kimmie-Kakes and owner Kimberly Martin burst onto the scene with color and enthusiasm, bringing creative new ways to celebrate life events. Her customized gift cakes for baby showers, weddings, birthdays and more bring a unique twist to the party and a personalized way to enjoy family, friends and achievements," Cramer said.
Volunteer of the Year recipient: Ellen Corey of Coaching by Corey.
"With the same drive and enthusiasm she encourages in her clients, Ellen is a force of volunteer power dedicated to put herself out there, get involved and see winning results in the end. She has volunteered on many committees, helped at many events and now is serving on the Women's Biz Net Council, and serves as a Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce diplomat," Cramer noted.
Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Rookie of the Year recipient: Linda Gump of College Nannies+Sitters+Tutors.
"Linda is a new business owner who knows the value of being involved in your community, building relationships and giving real time to help at events and activities that make a difference. From helping at Uncork Barrington, to joining a networking group and being a new Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce diplomat, Linda shows her dedication to help others succeed," Cramer said.
Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award: Liz Luby of @properties-The Luby Group and 365barringtoncom.
"Liz is not only a longtime Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce member because she believes in the value of supporting a successful business community, but she has served on the board for many years and last year as our leader and chairman. In her role, connecting and celebrating members, she had a knack for taking the time to get to know our members and the small details that make them unique. Thank you Liz for always personalizing your approach, making our members feel unique and valued," Cramer said.
Cramer also announced the winners of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs award: RADD-Tees, an art T-shirt company that enables aspiring high school artists to submit their artwork to appear on custom made T-shirts.
For every shirt purchased, the artist receives 10 percent of the revenue and the high school art department receives 5 percent. They have now partnered with five area high schools and received a $10,000 investment from the Educational Foundation Incubator Program.
They recently sold Stay Houstrong T-shirts to help Hurricane Harvey victims. Congratulations to Max Raynor, Mark DiOrio, Rebecca Cheeseman, Rebekah Peter, Lillie Murphy and Isabella Urquhart.
Earlier in the evening, the 2018 board of directors was officially inducted.
"Each year, our board sets the tone and direction for the chamber and business community," said Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Suzanne Corr. "We are fortunate to have leaders representing a cross section of industry to guide and inspire us each year."
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce board includes: Executive Committee members: Chairman: Tom Cramer, Wintrust Mortgage; first vice chairman: Dennis Kelly, FGMK Insurance, Inc.; second vice chairman: Andrea Herran, Focus HR Consulting; treasurer: Charlotte Neault, Barrington Bank & Trust Co., N.A.; and past chairman: Liz Luby, @Properties-The Luby Group/365Barrington.com.
2018 Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce directors include: Joseph Connelly, BMO Harris Bank; Steve Cook, Quintessential Media Group; Jen Frey, Good Shepherd Hospital Health & Fitness Center; Keith Hanson, Hanson Law Group, LLP; Paul Horcher, Refined Construction; John Jackson, 4ci Mgmt-Balancing Life's Challenges; Patty Jacobsen, Jensen, Jacobsen & Associates, Inc.; Amber Luczak, Edward Jones; Doug McAllister, Douglas Automotive Inc.; Dr. Robert MacDonald, AMITA Health Medial Group; Bryan McGonigal, McGonigal's Pub; Jennifer Prell, Paxem/Elderwerks; Scott Ray, Daily Herald Media Group; and Kathleen Scott, Pepper Park Coffee.
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce board also includes advisory board members: Peg Blanchard, Village of Barrington; Brian Harris, Barrington 220 School District, Terry Jennings, Barrington Park District; Joyce Palmquist, Barrington Area Council on Aging; and Robert Palmer of the Village of South Barrington.
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, www.BarringtonChamber.com, founded in 1969, is an association of 900 member businesses representing more than 1,800 business people dedicated to the success and prosperity of the 11 regional communities it serves: Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Long Grove, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes. The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce promotes economic opportunities, aggressively markets the business community, advocates the interests of business, offers programs for professional development and leadership, and works to foster a robust regional economy.
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