2001 Annual Meeting/Silent Auction
Cardinal Cartridge, Inc. (211 Spangler Avenue) was honored as the A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year for 2001 the Chamber’s 2001 Annual Meeting/Silent Auction held at the Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 on November 26.
Lee Ferry, Owner and President of Cardinal Cartridge, accepted the award on behalf of the toner recycling business—which has grown from six employees and $600,000 in sales to more than 60 employees and $10 million in sales since his 1996 purchased of the company.
Cardinal Cartridge, which ranks among the top two percent of re-manufacturers in Illinois and top 20 percent nationally, recently received the 2001 Governor’s Export Award for outstanding accomplishments in the export of remanufactured printer cartridges to China.
The Business of the Year award was created in memory of Toche Terrones, who served as Chamber President for nearly a decade until his death in July of 1999. Previous recipients included Unique Travel Service, Ltd. (2000) and Community Bank of Elmhurst (1999).
Ambassador of the Year honors went to Thomas Myers Jr., Owner of Thomas O. Myers Real Estate (385 North York Street). He also has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and is a Past Board Chairman.
Outgoing Board Chairman Rich Reichert, Executive Vice President and Controller at Community Bank, presented the Chairman’s Award to Betsy Hanisch, formerly President and Chief Executive Officer at Fire Facilities, the company she founded in 1993 and recently sold. She is a 10-year member of the Ambassadors and a former Director.
Adam Hudelson, Regional President of Firstar Bank (536 South York Street), was welcomed as the new Board Chairman, while Cathy Bajkowski, Financial Professional at The MONY Group (700 Commerce Drive, Suite 430, Oak Brook) and Rich Rosenberg, President and CEO of Phototek Corp. (533 Spring Road), Elmhurst Camera (535 Spring Road) and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (539 Spring Road) will serve as First and Second Vice Chairs, respectively.
Also recognized were Past Board Chairman Frank Catalano Jr., Manager of Flagstar Bank (112 South York Street), and fellow outgoing Directors Laurie Burney of First Union Securities (155 West 22nd Street, Suite 700, Oak Brook), Lynn Hill of Liberty Suburban Chicago Newspapers (709 Enterprise Drive, Oak Brook) and Jim Provinzino of Farmers Insurance Group (271 North York Street).
A crowd of nearly 200 enjoyed a “Taste of Elmhurst” featuring a variety of food compliments of Barbeque Jim’s Smokehouse (416-B North York Street), Ben & Jerry’s, Crossroads Tavern & Eatery (617 West North Avenue), Fitz’s Pub (172 Addison), Jewel-Osco (153 Schiller Street), Las Bellas Artes (112 West Park Avenue), Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (110 West Park Avenue), Pastries Plus Bakery (129 West First Street) and The Silverado Grill (447 Spring Road).
The Silent Auction produced $25,000 in donations, $10,000 in winning bids, 100 auction packages and 70 donors—all record highs. The 27 packages in Tier I (up to $99.99) raised more than $1,000.00, the 63 packages in Tier II (from $100.00 up to $499.99) raised nearly $4,000.00 and the 10 packages in Tier III ($500.00 and more) raised more than $5,000.00.
Only Elmfest and the “Tee Off for Toche” Golf Outing generate more non-dues revenue for the Chamber than the Silent Auction.
Business After Hours
AmeriSuites Elmhurst (410 West Lake Street) will host the Chamber’s Business After Hours tonight (December 12) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Distinction Jewelers (115 East Schiller Street) has donated a $300.00 gift certificate for a holiday raffle.
New Members
The following three businesses joined the Chamber in the past month:
A.G. Edwards & Sons (One Lincoln Center, Suite 900, Oakbrook Terrace), financial consultant, Scott Schuster, 495-5180;
Edward D. Jones & Co. (P.O. Box 736), investments, Jason Janes, 279-5530; and
Elmhurst Therapy Center (386 North York Street, Suite 209), medical rehabilitation, Holt Miller, 530-0031.