THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Signature Sponsor Casino Sponsor– mayVhelp: Professional IT Services & Software Solution Provider– technical support, website, application development, SEO, digital marketing and much more! Supporting Sponsors Small Business of the YearRecognize a small business that has made significant contributions to our local economic growth and to honor their successes.United Hairlines- a staple of the Niles community for over 20 years and they have grown a thriving business and raised their family in Niles and are truly the epitome of what a small homegrown Niles business really is. The owners have been involved in the chamber, school district and community. They are not just a business, they’re family!Diamond Design & Engraving- Rick and his team go above and beyond to provide quality, affordable products in a timely manner. They provide high quality custom design and quality printed products and has supported the Niles community for countless years. Rick is personable, attentive, get right down to business, values his customers and enjoys what he does. You can hear it in his voice and see how his work brings a business to life.Anywhere Fitness- relatively new business in the chamber but has already made its mark. The owner, Jeff Franckowiak, hit the ground running with involvement with the chamber and it’s unique boutique studio that focuses on specific areas of fitness with unique client attention. They have been a wonderful and enthusiastic partner of the chamber and in the community. Ken Scheel Chamber Member of the YearRecognize a Niles Chamber member who has consistently made contributions to the success and welfare of the Niles Chamber.Janet Spector Bishop-- she is committee chair for the Legislative Committee and also a committee member for the scholarship committee. Janet promotes all efforts for the chamber and gives 100% in everything she does. She pitches in whenever is needed and helps promote the chamber through legislative advocacy that impact businesses and the community. She is both a strong advocate for her school district and the Niles Chamber.Deborah Manno- Debbie is an active member of the chamber and is on Women in Business Committee among doing many other things for the chamber. She secures speakers for programming, volunteering, sponsorship and attending many events. She is a very active member of the chamber. She has a passion of connecting her client’s needs with other chamber member businesses. Corporate Citizen of the YearRecognize a business that has demonstrated a social responsibility to the community to improve the quality of life and raise the standards for living and working in Niles.First Financial Credit Union- The most loving, caring and helpful group of family and are so welcoming is what many customers say about this financial institution that helps the Niles community! They have been offering financial services in the community for years and first opened their doors in 1936. They value and invest in the community which helps Niles overall. They have been sponsors for many programs/events within the community such as the summer lunch program at the Niles-Maine Library and the Niles Chamber of Commerce Dollars for Scholars Scholarship program.Woodward- This aerospace company cut the ribbon cutting with it’s new home in Niles in 2015. Woodward is an independent designer, manufacturer and service provider of energy control and optimization solutions for aerospace and industrial markets. It was just named for a second year on Forbes list of America’s Best Midsize Employers. They have been a member of the Niles Chamber and an active member of the community since opening their doors in Niles. Niles Citizen of the YearDistinguish a Niles citizen who shows an unwavering committed to the Niles community.Dennis O’Donovan- Dennis is very active in the community with numerous years of service to the Village, Library, Park District and St. John Brebeuf Parish. He genuinely cares about the Village and through his visible involvement in the community Niles will continue to prosper. He never says no and unselfishly donates his time generously. A great asset to the Niles Community.Karen Dimond- 30 year resident of Niles and Maine Township, she has served two terms as a trustee for District 63 board, a member of the Niles Zoning board for eight years, President of the Niles Library Board for many years and now is Supervisor for the Maine Township. Her years of leadership have given Niles the overall benefit of being more transparent, efficient and accountable for the community while making each local entity a better place for its residents.Ronald Strzelecki Jr. - A lifelong resident of Niles and the multiple "Star Awards" winning Sewer & Water Supervisor that routinely goes above and beyond to support the community by assisting citizens with Public Works matters that are often well outside of his job responsibilities even going so far as to personally pay material costs for a less fortunate resident . Professional and personable and truly cares about his neighbors and community at large. Distinguished Voluntary ServiceDistinguish an individual who gives of their time and talents to enhance the quality of life in the community. Their work leaves a positive impact on those they help.Darren Brown- He has provided such invaluable services for the Niles Community through Niles Family Services. The services they provide include counseling to individuals and families, crisis assistance, educational workshops, a family food pantry, group therapy, addiction support, domestic violence help, recovery services and needed financial and clothing support. His work and the work of his dedicated staff protect the safety and well-being of the Niles community every day of the year in very difficult and challenging times. Darren truly is a caring person with a genuine feeling for people in need of help. A place they make without a doubt, safer, more stable and more livable every day for everyone.No other nominee-- congrats Darren! Dedication to Youth ExcellenceDistinguish an individual who fosters a positive environment to teach, educate, instruct, counsel or inspire our youth.Arianne Carey- Arianne’s kind and steadfast dedications to the children in our community is on display each day when she comes to work in the Niles-Maine Library. She has served the children, teachers, and families of Niles and surrounding communities for 15 years as a Youth Services librarian. Arianne leads her department in conducting a variety of story times for children of all ages as well as those who speak Polish and Spanish. She also has offered vibrant programs that aim for inclusivity. She helped launch a program for kids with special needs now known as Adaptive Hour. This quarterly before hours program allows children with differences including neurodivergence the chance to explore and enjoy the library on their own terms. In addition to launching the free lunch on designated days as part of the national lunch service initiative from the Dept. of Agriculture and have offered this program every summer since it’s roll out in 2015.Hans Lindemann- Mr. Linemann has been an educator for years at Culver School. He has a remarkable gift of introducing children to music of all varieties with a passion that is felt throughout the school. They say music touches us emotionally where words alone can’t and where words fail, music speaks. Hans Lindemann has given and continually gives numerous children a voice and should be recognized for his dedication to not only music but to the children.Shay Boyle- As President of Notre Dame College Prep, Shay has gone above and beyond in his role for the school. Under his leadership, ND has become the largest catholic, all-boys high school in Illinois. Everyday this individual lives a life of faith, scholarship and service which are the three pillars of Notre Dame College Prep. He is dedicated to youth excellence in many ways as a leader of nearly 800 students and 100+ faculty/staff each day. He cares deeply for students, staff and Niles and is always striving for improvements to the campus. He makes sure he touches the lives of everyone in the community. Public Safety Award of ExcellenceDistinguish an individual who goes above and beyond the job he/she is paid to perform to ensure public safety. Achievements must be in a field positively affecting the well-being of Niles community whether in their paid role or voluntary.James Leibach- besides dedicating his time and energy into responding on calls for the Niles Fire Department, Jim has dedicated his efforts towards educating and providing fire safety talks to hundreds of children throughout Niles each year. In addition, he manages the Fire Department Explorer Post which is a charter of the Boy Scouts of America. This program Jim teaches dozens of teenagers what a career as a firefighter and paramedic is like and many of these individuals have grown up to choose a career in this field. Jim is 200% dedicated to the fire department and its programs. He frequently gives up his free time to be present in Niles for community activities and public safety talks. The Niles Fire Department is quite lucky to have a individual as dedicated as Jim.Sgt. Dan Borkowski, Niles Police Department- Sgt. Borkowski oversees the Support Services Bureau and CSO’s, OSO’s, Crossing Guards, VIP’s and other volunteers. He is tasked with developing safety plans for numerous special events within the Village to include, Memorial Day service, 4th of July Parade, Italian Festival and Holly Jolly. He also has developed new events such as at the Cassidy Tire Business to have the catalytic converters of residents painted in order to deter theft opportunities. He also leads the Christmas events of Shop with a Cop and Operation Santa to help build strong relationships between the Police department and residents and school children and show that police officers are not just enforcers but also servants and members of the community.
