The Awards Gala was an amazing night of celebration, and we couldn’t be more thankful for all of our award finalists, our sponsors, our membership, and our community. It’s always a pleasure to bring attention to so many great people and organizations in the Stateline area. We are honored to announce the recipients of the 2024 Stateline Chamber Awards:
New Business of the Year: Whiskey Hotel Barbecue
Sometimes it takes a while to realize your passion. After serving in the Army, becoming a teacher in Chicago, and growing his skills in photography, he decided that wasn’t enough, and boy are we thankful for it. You may have seen them at festivals, private events, or slaving over L Block on Hononegah Rd, but no matter where you first experienced them, you knew it wouldn’t be the last time. We can’t wait to see their new location open up in Roscoe this spring… Congratulations to your New Business of the year, Whiskey Hotel Barbecue.
Small Business of the Year: Hidden Creek Estates
Murder mysteries, wine & whiskey bar, up-scale dining, weddings, igloos, unique vacation rentals, and even private champagne tastings. Yes, you can now do all of these things in Roscoe. And you’re going to want to keep your eyes on them as they continue to expand and grow their amazing estate into a destination we can all appreciate w/ amenities and events that appeal to everyone in our community and beyond. Congratulations to Hidden Creek Estates.
Large Business of the Year: Taylor Company
If you’ve ever enjoyed some desserts at McDonald’s or the famous handmade Ice Cream at Dairy Haus in Rockton, or a meal at Outback Steakhouse, you’ve experienced the results of their products at work. With a global reach of 160 distributors in 125 countries, and almost 100 years in business (keeping their small-town roots with headquarters in Rockton, IL) it’s no surprise that they’ve had such a huge impact on our community. Congratulations to your Large Business of the Year, Taylor Company.
Pride of the Stateline: Greg Lindmark Foundation
Being first on the scene of unexplainable tragedies, first responders can become victims of underlying issues of mental health. But when you do see the trauma they hold in, it’s often too late. They need emotional and self-care support throughout their careers – they need to know they are not alone. You may never know when this organization has an impact, and that’s the point. We are indebted to – the men/women that serve us, and we stand in Pride with this organization as they serve them in return. We are honored to present this year’s Pride of the Stateline award to the Greg Lindmark Foundation.
Community Service: Sharon Hecox
This year’s award recipient has countless hours of service, a perpetual smile on her face, and a lifetime of commitment to her community as a municipal, private, and public leader. The list of things that she has had a hand in is too long to reference here, but we can say one thing for sure – the quality of life in the Stateline area would be far less if it were not for her undying commitment to help those around her. She is an ever glowing example of what is right in this world. Congratulations, and thank you to your Community Service Award recipient, Sharon Hecox.
Ambassador of the Year: Branda LaBuy
If you’ve attended many of our events, you probably expect to see her face at some point… either setting up, helping check you in, or making things work behind the scenes. You may have even had private meetings with her about how your business can benefit from participation in the Chamber. We’re grateful for her commitment to the community, and her undying willingness to serve. Please give a round of applause to your Ambassador of the Year, Branda LaBuy.
Chamber Champion: Brent Scott
Sometimes you volunteer, sometimes you’re voluntold, but when it comes to our Chamber Champion, he just steps up and gets things done. For several years now, he has served the Chamber as a director and its current treasurer. His work has helped the Chamber to grow its footprint, and his enthusiasm for community improvement is felt in literally every single Chamber initiative. And maybe the most appreciated thing about him, if not his most “annoying” trait, is that he somehow makes gray hair before 50 look so dang good. Congratulations to your Chamber Champion, Brent Scott.
Cyndy Fogarty Lifetime Achievement: Bob Prosser
He has professional accolades, awards and recognition that go beyond our local area and a history of community stewardship, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and a pure business savvy. He’s opened 11 different businesses in our region and has over 3 decades of history creating an intricate tapestry of economic growth and community development. What else can you ever want from a lifetime of personal and professional success? It’s our honor to present the Cyndy Fogerty Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Prosser.