Geneva Chamber of Commerce awards recognize businesses that made a difference

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce recognized several members with awards during its 2025 annual dinner Thursday.

The 2025 Member of the Year honor was awarded to Hogan Design & Construction.

The award is presented to a person or persons who have enhanced the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Geneva through their contributions of time and resources during a given year.

Hogan Design & Construction has been “an extraordinary partner and steadfast supporter” of the chamber. The business sponsors nearly all major festivals in the community and crawls organized by the chamber. Geneva’s Santa’s Workshop and Post Office come to life each Christmas with its support and hands-on involvement, according to a news release.

This year, Hogan Design & Construction played an instrumental role in providing the framework for the chamber’s community mural project at Dodson Place, and arranged for transportation to bring the creative vision to life, the release said.

Wood Award recipient

Martha Sanchez, who next year will celebrate 50 years of working at State Street Jewelers in Geneva, received the Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Wood Community Service Award.

The award is presented each year to an individual who has made significant community contributions in the areas of business, education, youth involvement, civic organizations, art, recreation, charity or government. The award is named in honor of Bill and Elise Wood, and Nell and Burton Wood — four people who have contributed to the growth and health of the city of Geneva.

“Martha has dedicated her life to State Street Jewelers and this community,” said Kelly Vass, general manager of State Street Jewelers. “She believes in the foundation of our business; giving back to those who patronize it.”

Sanchez learned the importance of giving back from her parents, who served on the park board, the township board, and the St. Peter school board, said her sister, Peggy Gurbal. “She sees her community involvement as both a privilege and a responsibility.”

Through her work with State Street Jewelers, Sanchez has volunteered her time and talents to help numerous local fundraisers and organizations. She also serves as the vice chair of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce board, as well a volunteer for St. Gall Parish in Elburn.

She has supported the Geneva History Museum, CASA Kane County, Fox Valley Food for Health, Anderson Humane, and St. Peter Church and School.

“Martha has a genuine caring heart,” said Michael Olesen, Geneva Chamber board chair. “She always looks for the good in things and promotes that goodness. She has been a constant in the community, and her involvement has grown and increased over the decades.”

New Member of the Year

The New Member of the Year Award went to Best Realty-Fox Valley.

Since joining the chamber in the last year, broker Brooke Wilke of Best Realty-Fox Valley has made a great impact, sponsoring events such as the Coffee Crawl, contributing to the chamber’s community mural, and sponsoring a home on the Holiday House Tour.

Champion

The Geneva Park District received the Champion Award for going above and beyond to make chamber events shine, organizing Geneva’s Got Talent, the 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, the dodge ball tournaments, and this year’s inaugural pickleball tournament, all during Swedish Days.

The park district also provides picnic tables for the Festival of the Vine.

Ambassador of the Year

The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Meggan Morell of Accountsure.

Ambassadors welcome new members to the chamber and represent the chamber at events such as ribbon cuttings. Outside of the staff and board, they are the face of the chamber.

Morell has been a member of the ambassador team for more than three years, after joining the chamber in 2017.

Volunteer of the Year

US Bank received the Volunteer of the Year Award for going above and beyond and helping with the Festival of the Vine with many volunteers. Vu Nguyen of US Bank also was recognized for his support in organizing the volunteer crew every year.

President’s Award

This year’s President’s Award recipients are the city of Geneva, Fagans Inc., and Windy City Amusements, Inc.