2024 Annual Awards Dinner
The Carl E. Wehde Award
This award is given in memory of Carl E. Wehde, who was Mayor of Crystal Lake, a business owner, a school board member, and a patron of the arts.
CARL E. WEHDE AWARD CRITERIA:
- Made a verifiable contribution to the quality of life in the greater Crystal Lake area
- Provided inspiration that has also sparked other people to become involved in efforts to assist the community
- Involved in establishing goals for community development and seeing them through to fruition
- Involved in more than one project area or organization showing leadership in education, community service/government, or business for more than 3 years, establishing a consistent pattern of public service
- Dedicated to the mission of improving opportunities for all people, going beyond that of just providing funds for programs
- Demonstrated active multi-dimensional interests that have challenged community leaders like Carl E. Wehde
Previous Winners:
Denise Smith 2024
Victoria Summers Crystal Lake Chamber Foundation 2023
High School District 155 Business Incubator Program 2022
Crystal Lake Park District 2021
Crystal Lake Lions Club 2019
Ryan Farrell 2018
Bob Gray 2017
Peter Affrunti 2016
Rick Schildgen 2015
Aaron Shepley 2014
Diana Kenney 2013
Patti Lutz 2012
Ann Viger 2011
Mike Splitt 2010
Robert O. Covey 2009
Kathi Etten 2008
David Hubbard 2007
Mike Tryon 2006
Mark Elmore 2005
Bob Blazier 2004
Ken Koehler 2003
Bill Dwyer 2002
The Robert O. Covey Award
This award is presented in memory of community and business leader Bob Covey who fulfilled responsibilities as an attorney, elected official, and bank executive, and provided service as a volunteer. He was president of the Crystal Lake Chamber in 1950 with 80 members. He was a founding member of the Ambassadors. His community leadership includes School District Board for 19 years, vice chair of the County Board, former president and CEO of what is now the Crystal Lake branch of Citibank, and a member of the Lion’s Club for 63 years. Bob passed away on March 5, 2013.
ROBERT O. COVEY AWARD CRITERIA:
- Exhibited business success in the Crystal Lake area
- Involvement in the local community, either by service or support
- Involvement in the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce or other business organizations
Previous Winners:
General Kinematics 2024
First Institute 2023
Miller Verchota, CPAs Inc. 2022
City of Crystal Lake 2021
JA Frate Transportation Services, Inc. 2019
Courtesy Buick GMC 2018
Phoenix Woodworking Corp. 2017
INTREN 2016
STAR 105.5 FM 2015
Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria & Pub 2014
Curran Contracting, Inc. 2013
Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical 2012
Exemplar Financial Network 2011
Dorion-Gray Retirement Planning 2010
Centegra Health System 2009
Heisler’s Bootery 2008
Sherman Mechanical, Inc. 2007
Charles River Development Group 2006
Home State Bank 2005
Countryside Flower Shop 2004