Our 2018 Awards Banquet is set for April 13th, and we now have our list of finalists for the Awards. We would like to thank the community for all of the great nominations you sent in. There are a lot of wonderful people and organizations in the Stateline area, and we feel that these finalists are a shining example of that.
We will announce the winners of each award at the banquet, in addition to the Ambassadors’ pick for Ambassador of the Year, and the Board of Directors’ pick for Member of the Year. To secure your tickets to the banquet, you can call into the office, send in the registration form we mailed to our members, or buy them online.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
This award recognizes a new Stateline Chamber member business for their excellence in a new business venture. Businesses that have been open for less than 2 years are eligible. We encourage you to nominate businesses that have made an immediate impact on the community.
Finalists
808 Cheesecake – With their incredibly tasty cakes, 808 Cheesecake is a new business in Roscoe that is primed to be around for a while. We are happy to have such a unique business in our area.
Louie’s Tap House – Taking over the old Clubhouse space, Louie’s opened to thunderous support. The Tap House offers the area’s largest offering of craft beers on tap in a great atmosphere. Plus, with a wonderful food menu, serving breakfast lunch and dinner in their Breakfast & Dining Room, they really make Roscoe that much better.
RockTek Workspace – After FatWallet moved out of the facility, and it went underutilized for so many years, FatWallet founder, Tim Storm reinvigorate the space as a cooperative workspace that has grown to house dozens of businesses and community events. FatWallet may be out, but in its place stands a beacon of business and economic development for the Stateline area.
Community Service Award
This award recognizes a business or individual which shows a dedication to community service, both literally and figuratively. Long-term volunteerism should be recognized. This award is a way of showing that we appreciate what those volunteers do for the Stateline.
Finalists
Jeremy Jones – With his positive attitude, and great support for the Chamber, Jeremy is an asset to the Stateline area. He serves as a Chamber Ambassador, a mentor for the High School’s Entrepreneurship class, and on multiple Chamber event committees, including the Scholarship Committee where he helps give money to area students.
Laura Baluch – As the Stateline Chamber’s inaugural President, Laura worked every day to ensure the Chamber’s future success. Her and her law firm, BSLBV, are longtime supports of the Chamber, offering volunteer time and strong financial support. She also volunteers with Stateline Baseball, Club Blue, American Heart Association, and the Rockford Women’s Cosmopolitan Club.
Anabel Toye – Currently serving as the Secretary for the Chamber, Anabel has been volunteering her time with us since 2014 when she joined the Rockton Chamber Board. Anabel helps plan special events as the committee’s chair, helps plan the Casino Night, and here business, Anabel’s Cleaning, is a part of “Cleaning For a Reason” that offers free house cleaning for cancer patients,
Pride of the Stateline Award
This award recognizes an individual, business or organization for their contributions to the Stateline community. The things that make the Stateline great deserve to be lifted up, but sometimes we take for granted what we have. This award helps to recognize what we have and shouts out loud that we are proud of our own.
Finalists
Dairyhaus – This year, Dairyhaus is celebrating its 35th year. Making homemade ice cream is no small task. It’s amazing how Dairyhaus has perfected the art while keeping the quaint small town feel. Dairyhaus is a destination for families, friends, and ice cream lovers alike. There is no better place to spend a summer afternoon in downtown Rockton.
Hononegah High School – Ask anyone new to the area why they choose to move here, or why so many families stay here, and you will get the same answer – for the high-quality education their children receive at Hononegah. HCHS is constantly rated among the top districts in IL and the nation. The general sentiment is that as Hononegah goes – so goes the Stateline.
Taylor Company – One of Rockton’s largest employers, Taylor Company supplies the world with industry-leading freezer equipment. Most notably, supplying machines to everyone’s childhood obsession, McDonald’s. Taylor Company continues to be a huge part of the economic development in the Stateline area.
Business of the Year
This award recognizes a Stateline Chamber Member Business for a year of excellence. Growth, economic impact, community support, etc… the Business of the Year shows excellence in everything they do.
Finalists
Kids Spot, Inc. – Roscoe continues to benefit from Kids Spot’s growth. They invest in the community with their facilities, employing local youth, and bringing families into the community for their top-notch training in Cheer, Dance, and Gymnastics. Stop in and you will see their facilities glowing with young talent, hopes & dreams, and a true community-minded business.
RockTek Workspace – In addition to housing dozens of established and start-up businesses, RockTek supplies meeting and entertainment space to the Chamber and other area organizations in it’s beautiful modern facility. The RockTek team truly is driven by growing business & community together.
Sugar Britches – When Jodi May opened Sugar Britches, it was more than just a candy store. She wanted to create something for the community to be proud of; something with some personality, a unique take on handmade chocolates, and a throwback to the days when kids would save their allowance to spend it all at the local candy store. It worked.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes a business or individual which has a strong history of excellence. Long-term sustainable success is hard to come by. To look back on your life with personal pride is a wonderful achievement. This award is a way of showing that their peers look back with them and share that same level of pride.
Finalists
Cyndy Fogarty – In an area where many antique shops open and close regularly, Cyndy’s Country Cottage has been a staple – showing that a dedication to community and customer service will pay dividends over time. Cyndy is a respected volunteer and businesswomen in the community that shows us all what truly matters.
Marge Bauch – At the helm of the family business (Roscoe Ready Mix) for 27 years, Marge has a long history of community service. She has served the Chamber as Board Secretary and currently heads up our Ambassadors Club.
Dr. Lynn Gibson – When HCHS announced that Dr. Gibson was retiring, it came as no surprise that the community wondered who could possibly fill her shoes. She has been an amazing leader for the district, working with the community on plans that have developed HCHS into the beacon of pride we have today. We are indebted to her leadership and collaborative nature.