The Stateline Chamber proudly hosted the inaugural Stately Gala on March 3rd at The Twisted Tulip in Machesney Park, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community champions from across the Stateline region for an evening celebrating excellence.
The gala marked the culmination of the first-ever Stateline Honors, a new awards program created to recognize the people and organizations that elevate our region.
Unlike many community awards programs, The Stateline Honors was intentionally designed to prioritize integrity over popularity. Voting was limited to one vote per category per person, and every submission was reviewed to remove duplicates and ensure the process reflected genuine community support. There we’re no “pay to play” advertising options available.
The result was a group of finalists and winners who truly represent the best of the Stateline.
The Stately Award
Winners received The Stately, a specially curated award for The Stateline Honors. The award features a golden “S” surrounding crystal glass, symbolizing the entire Stateline region, from Rockford to Janesville and the many communities in between. The design represents the idea that while we may live and work in different cities, we are one connected region sharing in the same economic strength and community impact.
The Chamber hopes that the Stately will grow to become a recognizable symbol of excellence, integrity, and meaningful contribution throughout the Stateline.
A Community-Driven Celebration
Originally, the Chamber had not committed to hosting an awards gala. Instead, the organization asked the community directly if there was interest in celebrating the finalists in person.
The response was overwhelming.
Based on that feedback, the Chamber quickly organized the Stately Gala, which featured heavy hors d’oeuvres, networking opportunities, a champagne toast for all guests (thanks to Phoenix Media Group), and a formal awards presentation hosted by entertainer and emcee John Gleason.
The evening celebrated not only the winners, but also the 48 other finalists whose work, leadership, and community involvement continue to strengthen the region.
2026 Stateline Honors Winners
Automotive • Rockton Collision Center
Beauty & Lifestyle • LXRY Aesthetics
Best Leader • Gus Larson
Charity / Community Organization • Stateline Mass Transit District
Community Service • Terri & Dan Garlow
Creative Media & Marketing • Rockton-Roscoe News
Cyndy Fogerty Lifetime Achievement • Andy Gannon
Education & Childcare • Talcott Library
Family Entertainment • Rockford Icehogs
Financial & Professional Services • Senz Redieske Insurance
Healthcare & Wellness • Maximum Performance
Home & Garden Services • K&W Greenery
Hospitality & Tourism • Go Rockford
Large Business • Bucefirro Family McDonald’s
Law Office & Attorney • Attorney Laura Baluch
Local Event • Dancing with the Rockford Stars
Manufacturing / Industry • ABC Supply Co.
Real Estate • Mike Scalise – Guild Mortgage
Restaurant / Bar • CRAVE Kitchen & Cocktails
Retail & Shopping • Rockford Art Deli
Small Business • LaCroute Bakery & Cafe
Solopreneur • Luis Hermosillo
Trades & Construction • APEX General Contracting
Young Professional • Katie Kinson
The Stately Summit Award
In addition to the category awards, the Chamber presented the Stately Summit Award, the program’s highest recognition. This honor is selected internally from the full pool of nominees and recognizes an individual or organization whose impact reaches across the entire region.
2026 Stately Summit Award Recipient • Gus Larson
Looking Ahead
The success of the first Stateline Honors confirmed what many already knew: the Stateline is filled with extraordinary people doing meaningful work.
The Chamber plans to continue building on this momentum and evolving the program in the years ahead, with the goal of making The Stateline Honors and the Stately Award a lasting tradition for the region.
To everyone who nominated, voted, attended the gala, or supported the program, thank you for helping celebrate what makes the Stateline special.