Clearbrook leader honored at Rolling Meadows Circle of Success
After more than two decades at the helm of Clearbrook, which provides services for thousands of children and adults with disabilities, Carl M. La Mell is retiring at the end of this year - but not without recognition from one of the communities the group has served for years.
On Thursday night, La Mell was given a special recognition during the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce Circle of Success dinner, where he was greeted with a standing ovation and praise from former Mayor Ken Nelson.
"His leadership has impacted thousands of lives in ways that will not be forgotten," Nelson said.
La Mell said that the final months before his retirement are bittersweet, but that he is proud of the work Clearbrook has done to make life better for people with disabilities and their families. He thanked the Rolling Meadows community for its support of Clearbrook over the years.
"It's been wonderful," La Mell said. "This community has really stood out. This is a wonderful place to call home."
La Mell's honors were the last of the night that also included awards for top business leaders and volunteers in Rolling Meadows over the past year.
Plumbing Manufacturing International was recognized for its work earlier this year in Flint, Michigan.
Following the water crisis, PMI - a nonprofit that represents more than 90 percent of plumbing equipment manufacturers - rallied its members and sent 500 plumbers to Flint to install new faucets in 1,500 homes, said Dawn Robinson, communications director for the group, which is headquartered in Rolling Meadows.
"We're so grateful for the award, but also to be able to do something for the people of Flint," Robinson said.
The Rolling Meadows Fire Department received the other Community Outreach Award.
Fire Chief Scott Franzgrote said his firefighters have volunteered their time and money to more than 30 community organizations over the past few years, from cancer charities to blood drives to mentoring.
"We have a very energetic, philanthropic-minded workforce," he said. "This is really their award."
Cindy Adams, owner of Nothing Bundt Cake, was honored as Business Leader of the Year; Weichai America, which just opened its Rolling Meadows office along Golf Road within the past few years, was named Business of the Year; and Carly Perez, of Divine Design & Marketing, was named Chamber Volunteer of the Year.