Annual Awards

Each year, the Elmhurst Chamber honors the businesses, volunteers, and community leaders whose work strengthens our community.

About the Awards

 

Ambassador of the Year*

The Ambassador of the Year recognizes one of the Chamber’s green-coated Ambassadors for outstanding service and is presented at the Annual Awards Gala.

Business of the Year*

Named in memory of A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who served as Chamber President for nearly a decade until his passing in July 1999. The award recognizes a member business for its contributions to the Chamber’s success, its impact on Elmhurst and the local business community, and its standing in its field, both in the past year and over time. Years in business and years of Chamber membership are also considered.

The winner receives the traveling trophy and a permanent plaque.

Chairman’s Award*

Presented at the Annual Awards Gala, the Chairman’s Award recognizes a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for outstanding service to the Board, Board Chair and President/CEO, or a non-Director for praiseworthy contributions or performance.

Civic Hall of Fame*

Created in 1992, the Civic Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on Elmhurst. Inductees are selected based on a long record of community leadership, standing in a profession or field of service, involvement with local organizations, past community recognition, and overall impact on the community.

Good Works Award*

Named in memory of the late Chamber President, A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who led the Chamber for nearly 10 years until his death the night before the 1999 Golf Outing, the Good Works Award is given to individuals for their commitment to the Chamber in general and Golf Outing in particular.  The award is presented at the Annual Golf Outing.

 

* Click here to access ECCI Civic Hall of Fame website and a list of all award winners

2025 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year

John Noldan

Rate-John Noldan

Civic Hall of Fame

Cathy Jordan

Elmhurst Heritage Foundation

Elmhurst Senior Commission

Chairman’s Award

Jennifer Veremis

Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Ambassador of the Year

Nicky Steinberg

Elmhurst Living Magazine

Good Works Award

Kevin Kost

Edward Jones Financial Advisors

 

2024 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones

Business of the Year

Stolper State Farm Insurance

Chairman’s Award

John Quigley
ECCI Director of Marketing and Communications
Former President and CEO (1999-2024)

Ambassador of the Year

Ralph Pechanio
ECCI Volunteer

Good Works Award

Eva Sanchez

2023 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones

Business of the Year

Alan Energy Services

Civic Hall of Fame

Dan Gibbons

Chairman’s Award

Colin Dalough
Endeavor Health

Ambassador of the Year

Good Works Award

Greg Markewicz*
 
* Awarded posthumously

2022 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones

Business of the Year

Helping Hands Cleaning Service

Civic Hall of Fame

John DeVries

Chairman’s Award

Desiree Chen
Elmhurst University

Ambassador of the Year

Good Works Award

Cathy Bajkowski

2021 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones

Business of the Year

Elmhurst University

Civic Hall of Fame

Dr. Bryant and Jeanette Cureton

Chairman’s Award

Dave Oberg
Elmhurst History Museum

Ambassador of the Year

Jackie Hayden*
Delta RMS
 
*Awarded Posthumously

Good Works Award

2020 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones

Business of the Year

Edward-Elmhurst Health and Elmhurst Memorial Hospital

Civic Hall of Fame

Scott amd Charity Ahlgrim

Chairman’s Award

John R. Quigley
President and CEO
Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ambassador of the Year

Betsy D’Onforio
Inland Home Mortgage

Good Works Award

James Rogers, Executive Director

2019 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones

Business of the Year

Elmhurst Auto Group
Kurt Schiele, Owner

Civic Hall of Fame

Bill Shanklin

Ambassador of the Year

Good Works Award

Elmhurst Jaycees
Frank Catalano III, President

2018 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones

Business of the Year

The Elmhurst Independent

Pete Cruger, Co-Owner of Rock Valley Publishing and Publisher of The Elmhurst Independent, along with Editor Dee Longfellow and Advertising Sales Representative Debbie Hamilton, accepts the traveling trophy from 2019 Board of Directors Chair Kevin Kost of Edward Jones Investments.

Civic Hall of Fame

Genie Urick
Author
Producer, Elmhurst Our Kind of Town

Chairman’s Award

Lori Murray
Inland Bank

Ambassador of the Year

Betsy Hanisch

Centennial Celebration Award

Julie Miller

Good Works Award

Dan Roesch and Paul Koch

2017 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year

Brewpoint Coffee

Brewpoint Coffee Owners Melissa Villanueva and Angelo Sepulveda accept the traveling trophy from Vito and Marianna Moreci of 2016 honoree Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Civic Hall of Fame

Owner
The Silverado Grill

Chairman’s Award

Ralph Pechanio
ECCI Board of Directors Treasurer

Ambassador of the Year

Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry

Good Works Award

Ken Bartels
Community Bank of Elmhurst
Ken Bartels Consulting

2016 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones

Business of the Year

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Generations of restaurant owner Vito Moreci’s family share in his joy

Civic Hall of Fame

Darrell Whistler

Denise Whistler thanks the Chamber on behalf of her ailing father, who passed away in June of 2017.

Chairman’s Award

Charity Ahlgrim

Good Works Award

Dare Messina*

* Awarded Posthumously