Elgin Area Chamber recognizes businesses, volunteers

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce recently recognized inspiring member volunteers and businesses at its annual meeting reception March 4 at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.

“Congratulations to our awardees who are innovators, leaders, and changemakers shaping our community in meaningful ways,” said Carol Gieske, CEO/president of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Award recipients are:

• Community Partner Award: Elgin Community College Dr. Kim Wagner.

• Citizen of the Year: Karen Fox.

• Volunteer of the Year: Denise Raleigh.

• Elgin Area School District U-46 Partnership Award: Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning Amber Peters.

• EDG Business Development Award: Faber-Castell Cosmetics CEO Antje Simm.

• Entrepreneur of the Year: Desserts Without Regrets Daria Shulishova and Dan Fox.

• Leadership Award: Elgin Mayor David Kaptain.

• Small Business Award: Cross Kicks Fitness Jesse Colón and Jazmine Costantino.

• Large Business Award: Karas Restaurant Group Bob Karas.