The Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry will recognize John Noldan of Rate as the recipient of the A.J. “Toche” Terrones Chamber Business of the Year Award during its 107th Annual Awards Gala on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Three Oaks Ballroom at The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection.
The Annual Awards Gala is a signature Chamber event that celebrates and honors outstanding business leaders and community members who exemplify leadership, service, and lasting impact in Elmhurst. The evening brings together the local business and civic community to recognize shared accomplishments and collective progress.
The A.J. “Toche” Terrones Chamber Business of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose professional excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, and commitment to community reflect the mission and values of the Elmhurst Chamber. John Noldan embodies these qualities through more than two decades of achievement in the mortgage and lending industry, paired with a deep dedication to the community he calls home.
A lifelong Elmhurst resident and York High School alum, Noldan has built a distinguished career over more than 24 years in finance and lending. A graduate of Benedictine University, he discovered his professional calling in the mortgage industry, where he has focused on helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions and achieve homeownership with clarity and confidence.
Noldan has consistently been recognized as a top-performing loan officer nationwide. He was the first loan officer at Rate to operate from a standalone office and has ranked among the industry’s elite for more than a decade. Over the past seven years, he has averaged more than $100 million in annual loan volume and more than 300 transactions per year. His accolades include being voted “Best in the Business” by the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association, ranking in the Top 50 of the Scotsman Guide’s Top Purchase Volume since 2015, and long-standing membership in Rate’s President’s Club and Chairman’s Circle.
Beyond professional success, Noldan is deeply committed to giving back to Elmhurst. He actively supports York High School Boosters and District 205, the Elmhurst American Legion, and numerous local nonprofits and community organizations. He also serves as an ambassador for the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation.
In addition, Noldan leads an annual initiative that sends more than 500 care packages to deployed military service members worldwide. With the help of the York High School football team, he and his team assemble and distribute the packages through the Support Over Stigma organization, providing a meaningful show of appreciation and support during the holiday season.
“John’s impact extends far beyond his business success,” said Jennifer Veremis, President and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “He represents what this award stands for—professional excellence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to strengthening our community. His leadership, generosity, and dedication to Elmhurst make him a truly deserving recipient.”
The Awards Gala program will include a Pre-Awards Social beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. and a post-awards celebration with dinner fare and a cash bar.
Tickets for the 107th Annual Awards Gala are available to Chamber members at $110 per person, $200 per couple, $760 for a table of eight, and $900 for a table of ten. Non-member tickets are available for $135 per person. Advance registration is required, and RSVPs must be received by Friday, March 3, 2026. Guests may register online at www.elmhurstchamber.org/awards-gala-2026 or by calling the Chamber office at 630-834-6060.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting the Chamber’s mission while gaining visibility among Elmhurst’s business and civic leaders. Sponsorship packages offer brand recognition before, during, and after the event.
About the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit business organization dedicated to promoting an environment that creates success for local businesses and the community. Through advocacy, connection, and programs supporting economic and civic vitality, the Chamber serves hundreds of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals throughout Elmhurst and the surrounding region.
For more information, visit elmhurstchamber.org or contact Jennifer Veremis at jenniferv@elmhurstchamber.org.