GLEN ELLYN COMMUNITY AWARDS IS CELEBRATING 61 Years

GLEN ELLYN COMMUNITY AWARDS IS CELEBRATING 61 Years
Glen Ellyn - The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce 61^st Annual Glen Ellyn Community Awards will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at 5:00 pm at the Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn.
 
This is Glen Ellyn’s opportunity to honor and recognize the many achievements of our local businesses, educators, volunteers, those in public service, and our civic heroes from 2024.  Seventeen awards make up the program which are divided between three categories: Service, Civic & Business.
 
The awards ceremony is an opportunity for all residents, employees, and volunteers of the Village of Glen Ellyn to join in the celebration, hear all the wonderful stories of these amazing people and what they do for Glen Ellyn.  These community awards truly showcase the spirit of Glen Ellyn. 
 
Thank you to our Event Sponsors Ferrari Plumbing and Glen Ellyn Historical Society.  Special thanks to our Platinum Member, Village of Glen Ellyn Village and Gold members Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust and Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet.  Tickets to this event can be purchased at www.glenellynchamber.com/awards.
 
Reserve a seat or a whole table, the entire community is welcomed and encouraged to attend!
Award Dinner tickets are $60 per person and are available by phone at 630-469-0907, or online at www.glenellynchamber.com/awards. The RSVP deadline is Tuesday, March 4^th or call to check for available seats post the RSVP date. 
 
No walk-ups will be available and only those registered are available for entry.
 
Below is a detailed list of categories:
 
The Service Category (4) awards:

• Stuart S. Stone, Citizen of the Year Award, is given each year to a Glen Ellyn resident who is recognized for representing the spirit of volunteer service to the community and who has made a continuing positive impact on the quality of life in Glen Ellyn. 
  • 2024 recipient is Dr. James E. Shannon.
• Paul Herwaldt, Senior Citizen of the Year Award, is given to a senior citizen who volunteers and is active in the community. 
  • 2024 recipient is Kathy Becker.
• Youth of the Year is awarded to a role model amongst students. 
  • 2024 Recipient is Andrew Lullo of Glenbard South.
• Hometown Hero Award.

The Civic Category (8) is determined by a committee from each of its own department heads as well as suggestions of nominees from the community. The Glen Ellyn Community Awards is a platform for each organization to hold its own awards ceremony and recognize one individual each year who has done an outstanding service. Additional bios will be available after the awards ceremony of each recipient. The 2024 deserving recipients are:

•  D41 Educator of the Year: Deborah Lazzara
• D87 Educator of the Year: Dr. David Larson, Glenbard District 87 Superintendent.
• D89 Educator of the Year: Shawn Barth, Briar Glen Elementary School.
• Firefighter of the Year: Lieutenant Richard Arehart
• Library Employee of the Year: Sara Youngs
• Park District Volunteer of the Year: Andy Eltzroth
• Police Officer of the Year: Sergeant Michael Jagodzinski
• Village Employee of the Year: Dave Buckley, Public Works Director

 The Business Category (4) is revealed the night of the awards ceremony based upon nominations from the community for Non-Profit, Restaurant, Retail and Service Industry of the year.  NEW for this year is the Green Business of the Year.  This program acknowledges local businesses that have made efforts in implementing environmentally sustainable practices.  The Green Business of the Year nominees will be announced closer to the event.
 
Non-Profit of the Year Top Three Nominees
Go Green Glen Ellyn
American Legion Post #3
Buffalo Theatre Ensemble Corp
 
Restaurant of the Year Top Three Nominees
Five O Four Kitchen
A Toda Madre
Bonita Bowls
 
Retail of the Year Top Three Nominees
Bench 492
à la main
Chocolaterie Stam of Glen Ellyn
 
Service Industry Business of the Year Top Three Nominees
Balance Yoga + Pilates
Insula Aesthetics
Performance Recovery Doc
  
About the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce
The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1933 and is governed by a dedicated, volunteer Board of Directors and managed by a professional staff. Our mission is to foster and promote the business and professional interests of Glen Ellyn, the adjoining areas, and to promote the welfare of  Glen Ellyn, connecting Businesses with the greater community.