Elgin Area Chamber celebrates leaders at annual meeting

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a year of connecting leaders and creating communities, as well as honoring chamber business and nonprofit leaders, at its annual meeting and awards reception on Thursday, March 31, at Elgin State Bank in Elgin.

The event served as the chamber's first in-person event in two years with 100 people in attendance.

In her opening remarks, chamber president Carol Gieske reflected upon both the business community's and chamber's path from the COVID-19 pandemic to the present.

"Over the past year, we listened closely to the needs of our members and responded with innovative programs, data, and resources to make informed decisions," Gieske said. "Thanks to the perseverance, agility, and vision of our members, volunteers, and staff, we are full of anticipation for new opportunities to connect, engage, collaborate, and thrive."

Continuing its tradition of honoring local leaders, Gieske presented individual awards such as:

• Partnership Award to Michael Isaacson of the Kane County Health Department;

• Nonprofit Award to VNA Healthcare, accepted by VNA CEO Linnea Windel;

• Leadership Award for the Elgin Area Leadership Academy to retired Judge Wiley Edmondson;

• Leadership Award to Yaneth Medina, Elgin State Bank;

• Volunteer of the Year Award to Keith Rauschenberger, Rauschenberger Financial Advisors.

Yaneth Medina, Elgin State Bank, market president, and the 2021 Elgin Area Chamber board chair, expressed appreciation to the chamber board of directors for their extraordinary efforts in leading the chamber through the uncertain two years.

"We are extremely fortunate to have such committed volunteers on our board representing such a wide range of businesses and industries," Medina said.

Retiring board member Mike Warren of Brittain's Car Wash in Elgin was recognized upon completing his full term on the board.

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1907 when a small group of Elgin's influential citizens formed the Commercial Club. It served as an impetus to attract industry to the City of Elgin. Gieske recognized chamber member businesses celebrating their 70-year milestone chamber membership this year. Those present were: Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, Elgin Academy, Elgin Community College, IHC Construction Companies LLC, Taylor Family Branch YMCA, Willow Lake Estates, and YWCA Elgin.

The Elgin Area Chamber serves as the leading advocate for business in the greater Elgin area to help create a climate of growth and success in which all companies, regardless of size or industry, can prosper.

For more information, visit ElginChamber.com; follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn; or call (847) 741-5660.