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





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
ECCI Volunteer

2023 Winners

Ambassador of the Year

Good Works Award
2022 Winners

Ambassador of the Year

2021 Winners


Good Works Award
2020 Winners



Chairman’s Award
John R. Quigley
President and CEO
Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ambassador of the Year
Inland Home Mortgage

2019 Winners



Chairman’s Award

Ambassador of the Year
Edward Jones Investments

Good Works Award
2018 Winners

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

Chairman’s Award
Lori Murray
Inland Bank

Ambassador of the Year


2017 Winners

A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year
Brewpoint Coffee Owners Melissa Villanueva and Angelo Sepulveda accept the traveling trophy from Vito and Marianna Moreci of 2016 honoree Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.


Chairman’s Award
Ralph Pechanio
ECCI Board of Directors Treasurer


Good Works Award
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

Good Works Award
Dare Messina*
* Awarded Posthumously









