Northbrook Chamber recognizes Steve Amberg as Volunteer of the Year

Stepping up to help is second nature for Steve Amberg, owner of promotional products company It’s Impressive. Amberg’s consistent contributions as a Northbrook Chamber Ambassador, committee member and volunteer led to his selection as the organization’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year, presented to a member who goes above and beyond to help the chamber achieve its goals. He will be among five award recipients honored at the Northbrook Chamber’s annual meeting and Business Awards Dinner on March 11 at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel.

A longtime Northbrook resident, Amberg first became involved in giving back to the community in the 1990s as a library trustee and a Civic Foundation volunteer. He took great satisfaction in working with other like-minded volunteers to achieve local goals.

“It’s not what you do as an individual, but what you accomplish as a group,” he reflects.

“Steve is one of those people we can always call on,” notes Kathi Quinn, NCCI executive director. “Whether it’s an early morning at the Farmers Market, a big fundraising event, or a ribbon cutting, we know that we can count on Steve to help us out. On top of that, he’s an approachable and supportive ambassador who is a wonderful resource for new chamber members.”

Joining the chamber in 2019 when he launched It’s Impressive, Amberg quickly picked up the philosophy that “you get what you put in.” He joined committees for the Auction & Taste and Golf Outing, selling raffle tickets and soliciting prize donations that fueled successful fundraising efforts. In 2022, he became an ambassador, welcoming prospective members at First Fridays and helping new members get the most out of their chamber experience.

“I enjoy meeting new people and helping them navigate all the benefits of being in the chamber,” he explains. “It’s great when I hear back from someone after an event, to answer questions or help them get acclimated.”

Amberg has also provided invaluable help with some of the chamber’s new community outreach programs. He has repeatedly come out in the very early morning to help set up the chamber tent at the Farmers Market, as well as the Northbrook Grand Prix. His mild-mannered response to these above-and-beyond requests is typical Steve: “I don’t consider it a big effort. Everybody’s so nice and appreciative, I really don’t mind.”

Friends and colleagues are encouraged to celebrate Steve Amberg and the other Business Award winners at the ceremonial dinner on March 11 at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd., in Northbrook. Tickets are available at bit.ly/ncci-awards24.

For more information, contact the Chamber at (847) 498-5555 or info@northbrookchamber.org.