Aurora Regional Chamber recognizes business, organizations that support veterans

The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council, recognized employers and organizations that have developed and applied best practices for addressing the employment challenges faced by America's veterans and transitioning service members. Winners were announced at the annual celebration of membership on Friday, Nov. 13.

Two large employers were recognized. Old Second has been a community partner in Aurora and surrounding communities since 1871. The bank provides financial services for veterans and active service members and averages more than 20 VA loans annually. Old Second was one of the numerous local employers to participate in September 2014's Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair in Aurora.

Old Second has six employees with veteran status - two returned to work following a military leave of absence during 2015. Since 2001, they have had four employees participate in the military leave of absence while employed.

Some highlights from Old Second's nomination include: major sponsorship of the Healing Field; fundraisers for Wounded Warrior Project; Project Santa for the Troops; and partnership with Roosevelt American Legion.

One Old Second employee, Sergeant Major Tim Vaughan of the Army Reserves, has served 32 years between active and Army Reserve duty. He has spent six of the last eight years as an active reservist including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tim shares, "As my time in the Army Reserves is drawing to a close, I look back over the last 26 years with Old Second in which I have been able to perform my duty as a soldier and give credit to Old Second for allowing me to pursue that passion while employing me."

The second awardee, Alarm Detection Systems, one of the largest employers in Aurora, has hired veterans since the founding of the enterprise. They currently employ 21 former military members in key positions throughout the company including Inspections Manager Sam Negron, a former Marine. Bill Waitek, one of ADS's most successful salespeople annually, served in in the Vietnam conflict. Lead Systems Designer Bert Wickham was in the Air Force during Operation Desert Storm.

All the individuals that hold leadership positions within the company understand the value of military experience and factor it into hiring efforts and overall business goals. In addition to employing service members, the company offers discount programs for active military and veterans. A good portion of their charitable efforts goes into helping local veterans, whether donating time and technology to veteran's housing in Aurora or supporting annual fundraising.

In their application, they state, "Because of the chamber, ADS has been able to identify hiring opportunities, networking events, and business alliances where they can best serve veterans. The City of Aurora is more than just their base of operations; it is where over 215 regional employees call home."

One of our most exciting awards presented recognizes the many veteran-owned businesses in our region. This year's award for veteran-owned business is presented to The Studio at 46 West.

The Studio at 46 West is a full-time, full-featured photographic studio, which provides portrait and commercial photography services to a wide range of people and businesses. Veteran Wally Kilburg shoots on location as often as possible in Aurora, and many from out of town, are amazed at what is available.

He continues, "The chamber provided networking opportunities that quite honestly just weren't there before. I have met people from other walks, and other businesses that I would have never even approached before. Of late the folks at the chamber have been very helpful with certain issues facing my business, offering advice and a willingness to help where they can. It's a business helping other businesses and it's nice to know that they have your back. They know a lot of people and have a wealth of experience in navigating with government, with other businesses and they can offer insight you just don't see when you are facing some sort of adverse obstacle to your business. Just like business insurance, joining the chamber is money well spent."

Roosevelt Aurora Post No. 84 of the American Legion was awarded the Community Service Award for their service to our country and their service to fellow veterans and returning service members

With more than 350 members, Post 84 is an engaged group of veterans making a difference in our community. Post 84 has been an integral participant of the Fox Valley area since 1919 providing and contributing to many social and charitable opportunities for members and organizations in the area. They support and assist members and families economically, socially, and medically with experience and dedication in the areas of benefits assistance, career direction and assistance, accessing healthcare services, counseling and mental healthcare, education and benevolence.

Each year, they conduct numerous programs of interest and benefit to veterans, their families, and communities. Last year, the American Legion Roosevelt Aurora Post No. 84 recorded hundreds of volunteer hours at community and VA hospitals and clinics; presenting 12 ROTC medals to local schools and colleges; providing color guard/firing squad funeral honors more than two dozen times; participated in numerous career fairs and claimed approximately 20 placements at department convention job fair; presented +10 Flag Education programs; logged 500+ hours of community service.

ABOUT AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit, membership-driven organization comprised of more than 700 members representing nearly 40,000 employees. Its mission is be the catalyst for business success by providing leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for our members. The chamber has become one of the largest, oldest, and most influential organizations in our area by working for more than a century to make the Aurora and North Aurora region a better place to live and work for all. Visit www.aurorachamber.com or www.facebook.com/AuroraChamber/.