Elgin Area Chamber recognizes community leaders

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce recently recognized inspiring member volunteers and businesses at its Annual Meeting reception on March 4, 2026 at the Grand Victoria Casino
in Elgin.

“Congratulations to our awardees who are innovators, leaders, and changemakers shaping our community in meaningful ways,” said Carol Gieske, CEO/President, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured are the recipients: Front row, left to right:
Community Partner Award: Elgin Community College Dr. Kim Wagner; Citizens of the Year: Karen Fox; Volunteer of the Year Award: Denise Raleigh; School District U-46 Partnership Award: Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) Amber Peters.

Back Row, left to right:
EDG Business Development Award: Faber-Castell Cosmetics CEO Antje Simm; Entrepreneur of the Year: Desserts Without Regrets Daria Shulishova; Dan Fox; Leadership Award: Elgin Mayor David Kaptain; Small Business Award: Cross Kicks Fitness Jesse Colón and Jazmine Costantino; Large Business Award: Karas Restaurant Group Bob Karas.

The Elgin Area Chamber is a proven collaborative business community resource and provides relevant, innovative, and impactful programming and services that ensure a healthy business climate and enhanced quality of life.

For more information, connect with the Chamber online at ElginChamber.com; on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIN social media platforms, or by phone at 847-741-5660.