Chamber to hand out annual awards at May luncheon

With its annual dinner earlier this year canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce still plans to honor the accomplishments and contributions of its members with a series of awards.

This year's awards ceremony will be held beginning at noon May 18 at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. Information on registering for the event can be found on the chamber's website, carbondalechamber.com.

Awards include the Chamber Service Award, Keeping Arts in Business, Regional Business of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Board Special Award.

"Honoring the leaders of our community in eight categories is a pleasure for the chamber to do annually," said Tena Bennett, chair of the chamber's board of directors. "The year 2020 provided opportunities for many businesses and organizations to step forward and help our community. We hope you can join us in honoring these deserving individuals."

Recent winners of the Chamber Service Award include Matt Carnaghi, Diane Daugherty, Scott Thorne, Amy Fox and Carolin Harvey.

Recent winners of the Keeping Arts in Business Award include Southern Illinois Healthcare, Global Gourmet, Cristaudo's, Nest Arts and Crafts, Intuitive Massage and Bodywork, and the Varsity Center for the Arts.

Recent winners of the Regional Business of the Year include 17th Street Bar and Grill, Walmart, Cook Sales, Samron Midwest Contracting, and River Radio.

Recent winners of the Young Professional of the Year Award include Jason Sigler, Shane Carsrud, Jeremy Clow, Justin Zurlinden and Brynn Wheatley.

Recent winners of the Business Leader of the Year include Robert Bleyer, Darren Berger, Al Kuczynski, Steve Falat and Jim Jacobs.

Recent winners of the Citizen of the Year Award include Mark Cosgrove, Diane Hood, Frank Bleyer, George and Diane Sheffer, and Darren Berger.

Recent winners of the Business of the Year Award include Grand River Spirits, Murdale True Value, Neighborhood Co-Op Grocery, Moreland/Bishop McDonald's and Mayer Networks.

The Board of Directors Special Award is unique for 2020 and will honor a business or organization that was called upon to do extraordinary tasks and responsibilities in 2020.