Special recreation leader, state senator among honorees at Rolling Meadows Circle of Success Dinner

A longtime mayor turned state senator, the director of a special recreation association and the president of a company that helps homeowners recover from disasters were among those honored Thursday at the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce Circle of Success Dinner.

Tom Rooney, a longtime Rolling Meadows alderman and two-term mayor who was appointed last fall to replace former state Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine, was given a special recognition award at the banquet at the Wyndham Garden in Schaumburg.

Rooney, a social studies teacher at West Leyden High School in Northlake, has in recent months been using technology to bring real-world lessons to his students.

"There aren't too many mornings down here (in Springfield) where I don't miss being back home," Rooney told the crowd, via a video message he'd recorded from the state Capitol in Springfield, which played at the event.

It was the second year in a row he'd been honored by the organization.

Warner Cruz, president of Rolling Meadows-based J.C. Restoration, was recognized as business leader of the year. Cruz has helped restore properties affected by fire, flood or storm damage, including Chicago's IBM building and Willis Tower.

Tracey Crawford, executive director of the Northwest Special Recreation Association since 2011, was named community leader of the year. A frequent speaker at state and national conferences about the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in park and recreation programs, she has written numerous articles published in Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine and other publications.

"Nothing is done alone," Crawford said. "I am so honored and privileged to receive this award."

Barry Slowak, vice president and branch manager of BMO Harris Bank, was honored as the chamber volunteer of the year. Officials said he's been instrumental in hosting the chamber's holiday get together and oversees the chamber's monthly financials, cash flow and annual operating budget.

Divine Design & Marketing Inc., which volunteers services for churches, schools, and the Rolling Meadows Police Department, was named communications partner of the year.

Meijer, which has helped Rolling Meadows with events including National Night Out, Family Services Day and the Woman's Golf Classic, was honored with the community outreach award.

Insurance brokerage firm Arthur J. Gallagher, which moved its global headquarters to a 315,000-square-foot building at 2850 Golf Road in Rolling Meadows, was honored with the community enhancement award.

Yonan Carpet One was named business of the year, after the 111-year-old company opened its newest showroom in town.