Lake Zurich Area Chamber Presents 2017 Excellence Awards

The LZ Area Chamber of Commerce announced the award recipients for the 2017 Excellence Awards at their annual Evening of Excellence Awards Gala on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Concorde Banquets in Kildeer with area business, political, and community leaders present.

The Chamber’s Excellence Awards recognize achievements in the areas of business, education, government and not-for-profit organizations for their efforts to make the Lake Zurich Area a better place in which to live and work. Nominations were made by chamber members, local residents and government entities.

Congratulations to all the 2017 Excellence Nominees & Award Recipients!

Chamber President, Claire Slattery of Mindful Mix, emceed the awards presentation following dinner. The evening concluded with live entertainment by The Mix band.

Business of the Year Award Recipient Presented by IL State Senator, Dan McConchie: Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Lake Zurich

Other Business Nominated for Business of the Year:

• A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design, Mundelein
• Consume, Lake Zurich
• Helen Oliveri Real Estate of Keller Williams Realty Partners, Hawthorn Woods
• House of Betty Jane, Lake Zurich
• International Hair Designs, Lake Zurich
• Patina Haus, Lake Zurich
• UPS Store, Lake Zurich

New Business of the Year Award Recipient Presented by 2016 New Business of the Year recipient, Uday Patel and Reed Bartuska with Consume: Primrose School of Long Grove

Other Businesses Nominated for New Business of the Year:

• Buffalo Creek Brewing, Long Grove
• Zin GastroPub, Lake Zurich

Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award Recipient Presented by 2017 Chamber President, Claire Slattery, Mindful Mix: American Legion – Post 964, Lake Zurich

Other Organizations Nominated for Non-Profit Organization of the Year:

• Caring Women’s Connection, Hawthorn Woods
• Foglia YMCA, Lake Zurich

Citizen of the Year Award Recipient Presented by Lake County Representative for the 19th District, Craig Taylor: John Kopecky, Long Grove

Other Citizens Nominated for Citizen of the Year:

• Gregg Heineman, Hawthorn Woods
• Neil Morgan, Hawthorn Woods

Young Professional of the Year Award Recipient Presented by IL State Representative, Nick Sauer: Amber Wirkus with the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Lake Zurich

Other Young Professionals Nominated for Young Professional of the Year:

• Andrew Migacz, A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design, Mundeline
• Ben Opsahl, RE/MAX AT HOME – Ginny & Ben Opsahl, Deer Park
• Tom Welsh, The UPS Store, Lake Zurich

Community Unit School District 95 Educator of the Year Award Recipient Presented by CUS District 95 Superintendent, Dr. Kaine Osburn: Melissa Pikul, Ed.D., Assistant Principal for Student Services, Lake Zurich High School

Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient Presented by 2016 Volunteer of the Year Recipient, Susanne DePaepe with Hallmark Promotions: Gale Cohen-DeMarco, Sport Clips, Lake Zurich

Samuel R. Mitchell Director of the Year Award Recipient Presented by 2016 Director of the Year recipient, Ginny Opsahl, RE/MAX AT HOME – Ginny & Ben Opsahl: Janet Robinson, Copper Fiddle Distillery, Lake Zurich

Other Samuel R. Mitchell Director of the Year Nominees:

• Claire Slattery, Mindful Mix

President’s Award Presented by 2017 Chamber President, Claire Slattery: Bonnie Conte, Avalon Salon Spa, Deer Park

Following the awards presentation the 2018 Chamber Board of Directors, led by President Gale Cohen-DeMarco, was inducted by Lake County Circuit Judge, Diane Winter. The following individuals were installed as the 2018 Chamber Board of Directors:

• President, Gale Cohen-DeMarco, Sport Clips
• Vice President, Ginny Opsahl, RE/MAX AT HOME - Ginny & Ben Opsahl
• Vice President, Janet Robinson, Copper Fiddle Distillery
• Treasurer, James Hack, UBS Financial Services
• Past President and Advisory Council Chair, Claire Slattery, Mindful Mix

2017-2018 DIRECTORS

• Brad Bailey, MB Financial Bank
• Susanne DePaepe, Hallmark Promotions, Inc.
• Tom Gescheidle, Smokin’ T’s Bar-B-Que
• Kelli Schulte, EQuip Studios

2017-2018 DIRECTORS

• Mark DaValle, Bryant & DaValle, P.C.
• Sam Cavallari, Inland Bank – Hawthorn Woods
• Henry “Skip” Tonigan, Kelleher and Buckley
• Laurie Wilhoit, Historic Downtown Long Grove Association

For more information about the 2017 Excellence Award recipients and the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber office at 847-438-5572 or info@lzacc.com. Visit www.LZAreaChamber.com