Stolper State Farm Insurance will receive the A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year Award for 2024 at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 106th Annual Awards Gala held in the Oak Room at Endeavor Health’s Elmhurst Hospital on Friday, March 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. Click HERE to register.
An active Chamber member since 1967, Stolper is multi-generational family business dating back to 1930 operating out of the same 447 North York Street location since 1940.
The agency is focused on Auto Insurance, Car Insurance, Home Insurance, Renters Insurance, Business Insurance Health Insurance, Life Insurance, and financial services.
The award presentation will be made ECCI President and CEO Jennifer Veremis, along with Eric Weech, Vice President of Operations for Alan Energy Services, the 2023 Business of the Year honoree.
A.O. “Al” Stolper began selling insurance as a licensed agent when State Farm was only eight years in business, culminating in his recognition as the largest State Farm agent in the country at the age of 54. Despite battling tuberculosis, he still worked until his 1953 death at age 65.
H.H. “Hub” Stolper joined the family business in 1946, became sole proprietor following his father’s death and died in 1987. A former ECCI Board of Directors member, he served as an Elmhurst Lions Club President with a 27-year perfect attendance record.
Don and Bob Stolper joined the agency in 1967 and 1974, respectively, and became licensed in 1971 and 1975. Bob served the Lions for 47 years, including President, and is a former Elmhurst Jaycee. The brothers grew the business in a rapidly-changing insurance industry. Bob retired in 2018 after 43 years, while Don remains active to this day.
Brian Stolper, Al’s great grandson, came on board in 2004 and has been recognized as a Top-50 agent. He is a member of the City of Elmhurst’s Economic Development Commission and a former Lions Club President.
The annual award, which features a traveling trophy and permanent plaque, is named in memory of A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who served as Chamber President for nearly a decade until his death in July of 1999.
Business of the Year honorees include Alan Energy Services (2023), Helping Hands Cleaning Service (2022), Elmhurst University (2021), Edward-Elmhurst Health (2020), Elmhurst Auto Group (2019), Elmhurst Independent (2018), Brewpoint Coffee (2017), Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria (2016), Café Amano (2015), West Suburban Office Products (2014), Community Bank of Elmhurst (2013 and 1999), York Furrier (2012), Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare (2011), OEC Business Interiors (2010), Harris Bank Elmhurst (2009), Diplomat West Banquet Halls (2008), Suburban Bank & Trust Co. (2007), Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge (2006), York Theatre (2005), Synergistic Networks, Inc. (2004), The Silverado Grill (2003), Great American Exteriors (2002), Cardinal Cartridge, Inc. (2001) and Unique Travel Service, Ltd. (2000).
The traveling trophy of an 11-inch-high glass sculpture featuring colors from ECCI’s Elm Leaf logo atop a 4.5″-inch-high glass base will be displayed by Stolper State Farm Insurance until the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala in 2026, while an award plaque with a nameplate listing Stilper State Farm is on permanent display at the Chamber office.
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Elmhurst Chamber’s mission is to promote an environment that creates success for local businesses and our community.
The Chamber also serves the needs of its members through services, programs and events that provide opportunities for networking and referral, business education, development and promotion, governmental representation and community involvement.