Key to Hoffman Estates marks decade of service

Thoughts of her birthday were in the furthest recesses of her mind as Cheri Sisson busily put the final touches on a holiday event but soon she latched on to the key to the Village of Hoffman Estates.

The recent Hoffman Estates Chamber luncheon and awards day at La Strada took place Dec. 3, the day before her birthday, but board members leaked that detail to Mayor Bill McLeod who, it is said, loves surprises and parties.

In the midst of the proceedings, McLeod took the microphone from Tony LaFrenere and read a proclamation naming Dec. 4 in honor of Sisson, chamber president. LaFrenere, deputy director of the Hoffman Estates Park District, is to take the chamber reins from outgoing Chairman David Strahl of AT&T in January.

The mayor not only cited Sisson's birthday, but also turned over the beribboned key to the village to mark her successes. Sisson accepted the presidency six months ago.

"I was totally blown away when the mayor stepped up to the microphone and announced he had a proclamation to make," Sisson said. "I was thrilled because I thought it was a surprise for one of the people at the luncheon but when he said it was for me, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry."

The proclamation states that the Sioux City, Iowa, native "aggressively participated in the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce for over a decade, accepted the position of president and 'walks the walk and talks the talk' of preferring to shop only in Hoffman Estates." It gave official recognition to Dec. 4 as "Cheri Sisson Day in Hoffman Estates."

The 18th volunteer recognition day documented those who "give generously and thoughtfully of their time and talents," according to Sisson, who said members develop great friendships and wonderful business resources. Before assuming the leadership position, she volunteered on several chamber committees as a representative of the Hilton Garden Inn. Before that she was director of sales for the Hampton Inn and Suites in the village.

Privately saying she considers her honor a thrill, she acknowledges she is dedicated to Hoffman Estates and to her job as chamber president.