Annual Awards

Ambassador of the Year

Presented at the Annual Awards Gala held each January, the Ambassador of the Year is awarded to a member of the green-coated Chamber Ambassadors for his/her outstanding service.

Business of the Year

Named in memory of A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who served as Chamber President for nearly a decade until his death in July of 1999, the annual award is given based on a member’s contributions to the Chamber’s success, to the betterment of both the business community and Elmhurst community, and impact in their field of business, each in the given year and historically, along with years in business and years as a Chamber member.

The award, which features a traveling trophy and permanent plaque, is presented at the Annual Awards Gala.

Chairman’s Award

Presented at the Annual Awards Gala, the Chairman’s Award is given to either a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for his/her 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 Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Civic Hall of Fame honors as inductees individuals who have made major contributions to the Elmhurst community.  From its inception through 2008, the induction ceremony was part of Elmfest’s Opening Ceremonies on Friday night.  The 2009 induction was held at the “Salute to…” Spring Luncheon in April of 2010.  Starting in 2011 with the 2010 honoree, inductions have been held at the Annual Awards Gala.

Duke of Elmhurst

The honorary title is bestowed upon individuals on special occassions in recognition of their accomplishments and/or service to the Chamber.

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.

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