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Neighbors in the News: Arlington Heights Chamber director given top state honor

• Jon Ridler, executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce since 2004, was named Distinguished Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

The award, which honors an outstanding Illinois chamber executive, was presented during the association's annual awards dinner Nov. 4.

"Jon Ridler embodies the qualities of a servant leader - not only at his chamber, but just as importantly, in the statewide chamber community. Under his leadership, not only has the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce thrived, but his contributions to IACCE have been significant," said Matt Duffy, IACCE board chairman and executive director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.

The Distinguished Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive Award - the Brann Award - began in 1991 to recognize the exemplary performance and leadership of an Illinois chamber executive within their local chamber, community and to the chamber profession.

The award is named in honor of Lester W. Brann, Jr., the first recipient of the award and past president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

Tracy Raimondo, left, Emergency Management and Accreditation manager for the Schaumburg Fire Department, receives an Outstanding Performance Award during the Schaumburg village board meeting Nov. 9. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg

The Schaumburg village board has recognized Tracy Raimondo, Emergency Management and Accreditation manager for the Schaumburg Fire Department, with an Outstanding Performance Award during the Nov. 9 board meeting.

The award acknowledged Raimondo's service in managing the village's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Raimondo led a team of village staff that coordinated logistics for a mass mask distribution event for residents in 2020, and engaged the Joint Emergency Management System in organizing two successful mass vaccination events earlier this year at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, resulting in more than 6,500 vaccinations.

She also led efforts for the procurement of personal protective equipment for all village personnel.

The village of Schaumburg thanked Tracy Raimondo for her actions, which ensured the village remained in compliance with county and state requirements, kept the village at the forefront of appropriate COVID-19 response and enhanced the safety of the citizens of Schaumburg.

North Shore Gas receives the Best Friend of Illinois Parks' Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. Pictured, from left, are: Mike Vogl, chairman of the Illinois Association of Park Districts board; Matthew Nugen of North Shore Gas; and Waukegan Park District Commissioners Janet E. Kilkelly and Anton L. Mathews. Courtesy of Waukegan Park District

North Shore Gas was honored with the Best Friend of Illinois Parks Award by the Illinois Association of Park Districts at its 2021 Best of the Best Awards Gala.

The award recognizes a business or corporation that has demonstrated exemplary support of a local park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation or special recreation agency.

North Shore Gas was nominated by the Waukegan Park District. North Shore Gas, a partner of the Waukegan Park District since 2009, supports healthy habits for children, nature initiatives, child and water safety, swim lessons, and the arts.

"With a long-term investment in the Waukegan Park District, North Shore Gas is an outstanding example of a public-private partnership that tackles real issues to improve the community's quality of life," said Jay Lerner, executive director of the Waukegan Park District.

"The Waukegan Park District is grateful for the company's support throughout the years."

• Send 'Neighbors in the News' items to ntwohey@dailyherald.com.

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