64th annual Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce virtual awards meeting highlights ‘Cog-nections’

GENOA – Community connectedness was the theme of Thursday’s virtual Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce 64th annual Meeting and Awards presentation, highlighting community leaders and a departing mayor.

This year, the meeting’s theme was “United, Virtually – Still Cog-nected.” During the annual meeting, the following awards were presented:

“I am blessed to be able to work in the community and be alongside of all these amazing businesses that give back,” said Krissy Johnson, Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “Together we all remain ‘cog-nected’ and work together to keep Genoa moving forward with a purpose.”

The Excellence Award honors any chamber business for an outstanding achievement that enhances the Genoa business community through its efforts in major business renovation, expansion, most improved, new business, etc. This year’s recipients were: the Genoa Township Park District, Cruisin’ Genoa, Sugar on Top Bake Shop, Sib’s Corner Grill, DeKalb County Community Gardens & Genoa Area Food Hub and Rivers Mexican Cantina.

The Ambassador Award honors an individual or group of individuals who through their activities enhance both the community and the image of the City of Genoa in accordance with the principles and philosophies of the Genoa Ambassador Club. The recipients were: Warehouse on Park, OpenDoor Coffee, Prairie State Winery, Crown Exteriors Inc., Communities by Grainger and the City of Genoa.

The 2020 “Cog-nected” Award honors area member businesses that went above and beyond to lend a hand or offer help when needed. Recipients included: Tobinson’s Ace Hardware, American Family Insurance Manny Peña Agency, Mark Carlson State Farm, Dave Gingerich Country Financial, Genoa-Kingston Fire Protection District and Northwestern Medicine.

The Top Banana Award is given to the most valuable volunteer, and was awarded to Jennifer Lechelt.

The Outstanding Chamber Ambassador Award is presented to a member of the committee for outstanding performance, based on meeting attendance and involvement, and was awarded to Jennifer Groce.

The Dave Tobinson Award Outstanding Chamber Member of the Year is awarded to an individual who has done great things throughout the year and stands out among all the members. This year’s recipient was Melissa Davidson.

Johnson said that when the meeting is held in person, it usually has more than 350 people in attendance.

“We adapted and created the event virtually, and it was a huge success,” Johnson said. “We couldn’t do what we do without the continued support from all of our chamber members, as well as our platinum corporate investor Alan Brown Chevrolet and corporate sponsors Northwestern Medicine, the City of Genoa and American Family Insurance, Manny Peña Agency, as well as our executive and associate members.”

The meeting ended with a farewell speech by Mayor Mark Vicary, who spent the past 12 years involved with the City of Genoa: four and a half years as an alderman and eight years as mayor.

“Along the way, the friendships I have made will last my lifetime,” he said.

During his speech, Vicary listed the changes that have occurred in Genoa, including the Fairdale tornado in 2015, the discussion of extending Amtrak, the polar vortex, more than 33 new businesses coming to town, new events and festivals and 8 miles of walking trails along the Kishwaukee River, along with a canoe launch.

“Over the course of the last 12 years, I have had the opportunity to meet many of you, and I personally know the sacrifices you have made to make Genoa a better place, a destiny, a place of choice,” he said.

After thanking numerous city staff for their work over the past 12 years, Vicary thanked his family “for supporting me and always having my back.” At the end of his farewell address, Vicary thanked the community for their “unwavering support and for taking a chance on Genoa.”

“I cannot say thank you enough and surely wish you continued success here in Genoa.”