Barrington Area Chamber announces 2020 business awards

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce announced the 2020 business awards at its Annual Dinner & Scholarship Fundraiser Thursday, Jan. 16, at Avante Banquets and Conference Center. The evening was a celebration of chamber accomplishments and people. It attracted more than 200 local business, community and governmental leaders. The event also raised funds for the BACC Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund.

"Our chamber business award recipients are individuals who passionately pursue their dreams, setting the bar high for excellence and service," said new 2020 BACC board Chairman Keith Hanson of Hanson Law Group, LLP. Hanson then announced the following awards:

Community Partner of the Year recipient: Barrington Area Community Foundation.

"This award honors a nonprofit organization that has distinguished themselves in the community as an innovator, improving the lives of others. The Barrington Area Community Foundation set out over 20 years ago to establish a permanent, long-term fund to support initiatives that maintain, impact and improve the quality of life here in the Barrington Area. Through the years, it has granted over $2 million to local charities, and this year provided $275,000 to causes that make a difference here, including programs that support the arts, conservation initiatives, mental health resources, education, women, needy families and many more," said Hanson.

The award was accepted by Young Chung and Skip Gianopulos on behalf of the Barrington Area Community Foundation.

New Business of the Year recipient: Moretti's Barrington.

"Our New Business of the Year Award honors a chamber member that has come onto the scene with enthusiasm and innovation, bringing something new and fresh to the business community. Moretti's Barrington is an important new addition to the Barrington area dining scene. The restaurant has created an important gathering space for local families and diners of all ages. Owner and local resident Mark Hoffman dedicated much of the décor theme to nostalgia that defines the people and places of Barrington. Since opening their doors, Moretti's Barrington has been an active community member, supporting causes and programs important to local residents," said Hanson, as he presented the award to Mark Hoffman.

Volunteer of the Year recipient: Bob Finley of Virtue Asset Management.

"This award honors a chamber member who has given unselfishly, contributing as a constant promoter and ambassador for BACC resources, and dedicating hours of service to events. Bob not only serves on our Diplomat's Council as a new member mentor and ambassador for BACC, he has a leading role in the organization and involvement of our Barrington Young Professionals. Bob is a young professional influencer, setting an example of dedication and participation in the business community. He also organizes our BACC Golf League and is an endless source of help and support," Hanson said.

Rookie of the Year recipient: Hart Dental.

"This award honors a chamber member who has joined the chamber within the past year and gotten involved in chamber activities with vigor and passion, bringing new energy to the organization and showing the value of the BACC experience. Hart Dental jumped onto the scene with smiles and support for the BACC community and fellow business owners. Mother and daughter team Drs. Aggie and Iwona Iwaszczyszyn and their staff have attended numerous events, dedicated sponsorship dollars, and always show up radiating positive energy. In addition to their involvement here, they are known for offering free dental days for veterans and for participating in providing free dental services to needy families," said Hanson, as he presented the award to Dr. Agnieszka "Aggie" Iwaszczyszyn.

BACC Leadership Award: Dennis Kelly of FGMK Insurance Agency.

"The chamber would like to recognize and honor the service and dedication of our outgoing chairman, Dennis Kelly, who has provided knowledge, guidance and a consistent presence during his tenure as BACC chairman. Taking the reins at important events, leading board meetings, connecting with members and welcoming new businesses were a top priority for Dennis in his role as chairman. He is a true believer in the value of the chamber and the relationships nurtured through BACC events. His genuine interest in others and the success of local business has earned him many friends and supporters," Hanson said.

Distinguished Service Award: Charlotte Neault, of Barrington Bank & Trust.

Hanson recognized Char Neault of Barrington Bank & Trust with a Distinguished Service Award for her dedication as one of the longest-serving BACC board members and multi-term treasurer.

"Char has been at the forefront of transitioning the chamber into a financially sound, productive and effective organization that has soared through the years, becoming an effective resource for our local business community. Char is also the one of the longest serving members of our Women's Biz Net Council, planning important programming and recognition for women leaders in our community."

Hanson also announced the winners of the BACC Young Entrepreneurs Award: Sitter Hub, from the Barrington High School Business Incubator program. Team members are: Emma Juffernbruch, Olivia Lageschulte, Ryan Cummins and Addison Perri.

Sitter Hub is a baby-sitting service connecting parents with reliable sitters through trusted recommendations within the Barrington community. It was awarded $9,500 from the educational foundation during

the program's annual Pitch Night. They have completed 211 sitter jobs and are currently employing 98 potential sitters - all accomplished by using social media marketing and some traditional marketing strategies. Moving forward, they are looking to expand their services to nearby communities such as Palatine, Lake Zurich and Cary.

Earlier in the evening the 2020 board of directors was officially inducted.

"Established in 1969 - 51 years ago - BACC has focused on providing value and opportunity, building community partnerships, and creating a prosperous local economy," said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr. "Tonight, we introduce you to our new 2020 leadership and recognize some business and community leaders who's investment in the quality of life here has pushed the envelope of excellence, dedication and success."

The 2020 BACC board includes:

Executive committee members: Chairman Keith Hanson of Hanson Law Group, LLC; Andrea Herran, Focus HR Consulting, first vice chair; Doug McAllister, Douglas Automotive, second vice chair; Jon Stickney, Barrington Bank & Trust, treasurer; and Dennis Kelly, FGMK Insurance Agency, past chairman.

Board of directors: Joseph Connelly, BMO Harris Bank; Tom Cramer, Wintrust Mortgage, past chairman; Jen Frey, Good Shepherd Hospital Health & Fitness Center; Paul Horcher, Refined Construction Inc.; Amber Luczak, CFP, CHFC, Edward Jones; Dr. Bob McDonald, Amita Health Medical Group; Norm May, Full Service Office Solutions, Inc.; Bryan McGonigal, McGonigal's Pub; Jennifer Prell, Paxem/Elderwerks; Scott Ray, Daily Herald/Town Square Publications; and Kathleen Scott, Scott Partners, Inc.

Advisory board members: Scott Anderson, Village of Barrington; Dr. Brian Harris, Barrington School District 220; Jesse Henning of the Barrington Area Library; Robert Palmer, Village of South Barrington; and Michele' Smith, Harper College.

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1969, is an association of nearly 900 member businesses representing more than 1,800 business people dedicated to the success and prosperity of the 11 regional communities it serves: Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Long Grove, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes. BACC promotes economic opportunities, aggressively markets the business community, advocates the interests of business, offers programs for professional development and leadership, and works to foster a robust regional economy.