Village of Westmont
Published: 2015-03-26
On Thursday, March 25, the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau hosted the annual Westmont Community Awards Dinner to recognize area citizens and businesses who have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to the community. The event was held at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center in Westmont.
“Over one-hundred and twenty-five Westmont area residents, business owners, and civic leaders attended,” says Westmont Chamber President Al Carson. “The Westmont Chamber along with the Village of Westmont, Rotary Club of Westmont, and Westmont Special Events Corporation are collectively proud to recognize the individuals and businesses that help contribute to the growth and success of Westmont, in a manner that keeps Westmont a great place to live, work and visit.”
Following is a listing of the various awards, nominees, and award winners:
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Robin Gardner
One of the highlights of this annual event is the Village’s presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award, which goes to a citizen who has demonstrated exemplary volunteer service to the community. Mayor Ron Gunter remarked, “What a wonderful group of Westmont Citizen of the Year nominees that have made such a positive impact to the success of Westmont.” The nominees for 2014 were: Robin Gardner, Liz Meneses, Robert Plowman, Chris Svitak, Pam Wagner, James Wright, Jr. Mayor Gunter presented the award to Robin Gardner, who has been a Westmont Special Events Corporation officer for many years and has been instrumental in the success of the Taste of Westmont and the Westmont Street Fair. Robin is also a first responder for EMA (Emergency Management Agency) as well as a member of the Citizens Police and Fire Academies.
MAYOR’S SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Sue Senicka
Mayor Gunter presented a Special Recognition Award to Village Trustee Sue Senicka for her many years of public service including serving as Mayor Pro Tem for the Village of Westmont during a time of adversity. Her leadership and tireless support of the community of Westmont are deeply appreciated.
DICK BUSSE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Chicago/Oakbrook Hilton Resort & Conference Center
The 2014 Dick Busse Business-of-the-Year Award recognizes a Chamber business that has excelled in community service, business promotion, civic responsibility and contributions to the betterment of the Chamber and the Village of Westmont. The nominees for this award were: First Midwest Bank, Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Seniors Helping Seniors. The Dick Busse Business-of-the-Year award was presented to Stefan Muhle of the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center in recognition of their high level of community interaction and support.
CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S AWARD
David LaBrash
The 2014 Roger Westman President’s Award recognizes an individual who has performed outstanding service to the Chamber and the Westmont Community. The Roger Westman President’s award was presented to Mr. David LaBrash, Clarendon Hills Bank, (200 West Burlington Avenue) by Westmont Chamber President Al Carson.
WESTMONT PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Kim Nicoll
This new award is given to a Village employee who has demonstrated excellent dedication to the community and customer service for our residents. Mayor Ron Gunter and Village Manager Stephen May presented the award to Kim Nicoll, who was thanked for her helpfulness and kindness when working with residents.
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Police Dept. Deputy Chief Jim Gunther
The 2014 Public Safety Officer-of-the-Year Award recognizes a local emergency medical technician, firefighter, or law enforcement officer for their outstanding efforts in their field and to the betterment of Westmont. The nominees for this award were: Deputy Chief Jim Gunther and Officer Michael Weibler. The Public Safety Officer-of-the-Year award was presented to Deputy Chief Jim Gunther, Westmont Police Department, for his exceptional level of work within the department on behalf of the entire Village of Westmont.
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Mrs. Mary Ann Feldstein
The 2014 Educator-of-the-Year Award recognizes a local educator for their outstanding efforts in their field and to the betterment of the Village of Westmont. The nominees for this award were: Mary Ann Feldstein, Jane Most, Lillian Tsai, and Larissa Zelisko. The Educator-of-the-Year award was presented to Mrs. Mary Ann Feldstein, Holy Trinity Catholic School.
WESTMONT SPECIAL EVENTS
MAKING MEMORIES AWARD
Bob Mikenas
Westmont Special Events Corporation (WSEC) President, John Chorney, presented the “Making Memories Award.” The 2014 WSEC “Making Memories Award” recipient is Bob Mikenas.
WESTMONT ROTARY PAUL HARRIS AWARD
Sue Senicka and Bob Scott
The Rotary Club of Westmont President, Elaine Carmichael, presented Sue Senicka and Bob Scott with the Paul Harris Award in recognition of their exceptional level of community service and volunteer work.
GREEN RECYCLING CONTEST AWARDS
Residential - Linda Cise
Small Business - DJ’s Bar & Grill
Big Buisness - Uncle Bub’s BBQ
The 2014 Green Recycling Awards were presented by the Westmont Environmental Improvement Commission (EIC), to a resident, a small business, and a large business that has demonstrated advocacy for green initiatives as well as recycling practices. The Green Recycling Awards were presented by Aaron Spencer, Chair of the EIC.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS
The 2014 Westmont Community Improvement Award recognizes individual business property owners and businesses that have improved the appearance of their property. Community Improvement Awards for 2014 were presented to:
* Citrus Diner, 844 E. Ogden Avenue (Jim Romas)
* Dollar Town, 220 West Ogden Avenue (Noura Almasri and Ghiath Almasri)
* Fabian’s Paw Station, 218 North Cass Avenue (Sandra Fabian)
* First Midwest Bank, 100 East Ogden Avenue (Steve Wozny)
* Pompeii, 200 West Ogden Avenue (Tom Davino and Jodie Davino)
* Yu’s Mandarin Restaurant, 665A Pasquinelli Drive (Sean Hong)
Congratulations to all of the nominees and award winners. For more information regarding this event and the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, please visit their website at westmontchamber.com or call 630-960-5553.
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