Those who make an impact on community honored with Stately Awards

Guests entered on a red carpet as the Stateline Chamber of Commerce welcomed nominees, community supporters, and the chosen winners of the Stateline Honors-Stately Awards Gala, held on March 3 at the Twisted Tulip in Machesney Park. 

Inside, attendees were offered complimentary champagne, a cash bar, and a nice mix of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres made by Green Fire. Lively conversation took place while everyone eagerly anticipated the awards presentation.

Master of ceremonies John Gleason has experience with improv and off-Broadway stage shows, and is a trained game show host. He kept the action rolling with humor throughout the evening.

Honoring the people and businesses that make the Stateline great has been an integral part of the Stateline Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years.

This year, the Chamber took a new approach, recognizing more award recipients who truly make a mark on their communities while honoring outstanding work and dedication through a revamped, expanded awards program.

The new “Stateline Honors” and the Stately Award is a program designed to spotlight the people, businesses, and organizations that elevate the Stateline region. Organizers wanted to keep it from being just another popularity contest or ad sales engine, so the system didn’t allow duplicate voting.

Nominees were based on the number of votes that came in during a public voting period, with votes being validated one by one. From those nominations three finalists in each category were calculated manually and winners were chosen.

Winners of each category received “The Stately,” a custom-designed high-quality glass award created exclusively for The Stateline Honors.

As the Chamber says, “The Stately is more than a trophy, it is meant to be a symbol of excellence, integrity, and meaningful contribution across the Stateline area covering the region from Rockford to Janesville and all of the great communities in between.”

Gleason stated, “We are one connected region sharing in the same economic stream and community impact.”

Stateline Chamber of Commerce President Ryan Rydell said, “Tonight is about the amazing stuff that all of you have done for this community. You all have some amazing businesses, you all have a great reputation.”

For the first time, winners were announced in 24 categories. As finalists and winners were announced, with drum rolls and background music, each finalist received a certificate:

Automotive: Rockton Collision Center. Finalists: Napleton's Auto Werks, and Parson's Collision Center.

Beauty and Lifestyle: LXRY Aesthetics. Finalists: Good Brow Day and Medical Grade Aesthetics.

Best Leader: Gus Larson. Finalists: Jason Brunke and Mike and Lindsey Zahniser.

Community Organization: Stateline Mass Transit District who has been providing quality transportation for over 18 years.  Finalists: Stacy Moore and Stateline Baseball.

Community Service: Terri and Dan Garlow who have served in the Rockton Lions Club in many capacities and both sit on the Talcott Free Library Board of Directors. Finalists: Tami Verstraete and Gus Larson.

Creative Media and Marketing: Rockton-Roscoe News. Finalists: City Stage Studios and Luis Hermosillo.

Cyndy Fogarty Lifetime Achievement Award: Andy Gannon. Finalists: Jeremy Boeke and Kerry Frank.

Gannon spent over 42 years as a sportscaster and news anchor on WIFR. Additionally, Gannon has served as master of ceremonies for the HOPE Foundation for many years. He can be heard as an announcer and commentator for Hononegah Community High School sports.

Education and Childcare: Talcott Free Library. Finalists: Hononegah High School District and Open Arms Early Learning Center.

Family Entertainment: Rockford Icehogs. Finalists: Beloit Sky Carp and Rockford Rivets.

Financial and Professional Services: Senz Redieske Insurance. Finalists: Nick Sommer- Country Financial and Rockford Community Bank.

Healthcare and Wellness: Maximum Performance. Finalists were D-1 Training and LXRY Aesthetic.

Home and Garden Services: K&W Greenery. Finalists: Anabel's Cleaning Service and Lagunas Landscaping.

Hospitality and Tourism: Go Rockford. Finalists: Hotel Goodwin, Iron Works Hotel.

Large Business: Bucciferro Family McDonald's. Finalists: Milestone Inc., and NorthPointe Birth Center.

Law Office and Attorney- Laura Baluch. Finalists: Attorney Patrick Moore and Barrick Switzer Law Firm.

Best Local Event: Dancing with the Rockford Stars. Finalists: Black Herstory Day and Old Settler's Days.

Proceeds from Dancing with the Rockford Stars were given to Family Counseling Services of Northern Illinois, to provide mental health care to community members who cannot afford it.

Manufacturing and Industry: ABC Supply. Finalists: American Aluminum Extrusion and Taylor Freezer.

Real Estate: Mike Scalise of Guild Mortgage. Finalists: Century 21 Affiliated and Kristina Campbell of Key Realty.

Restaurant/Bar: CRAVE Kitchen and Cocktails. Finalists: Genisa Wine Bar and SALT.

Retail and Shopping: Rockford Art Deli. Finalists: The Gem Shop and Walnut Creek Apparel and Gifts.

Small Business: LaCroute Bakery & Cafe. Finalists: D1 Training and Radiance By Roxanne.

Solopreneur: Luis Hermosillo. Finalists: Alison Kolberg - Good Brow Day and George Pleshkewych.

Trades and Construction: APEX General Contracting. Finalists: K&H Exteriors and Martin Exteriors.

Young Professional: Katie Kinson- Director of Highview In The Woodlands- Wesley Willows. Finalists: Daniel Burbank and Nick Sommer.

The highest honor of the evening went to Gus Larson, director of NorthPointe Wellness and chairman of the SMTD board. Besides serving on several other boards, Gus is a volunteer firefighter and an EMT. Friends say his influence reaches beyond their business and their industry, into the very fabric of our community.

President Rydell read the nomination for Larson. “Gus Larson is awesome. The time and energy he devotes to making the world a better place for everyone is amazing.”

“Those who know him know he is not one to simply suit up and show up or just to take a seat. He has his hands in it.”

“He takes an active role sharing his experience, knowledge, and great business sense and enhances any organization in any way he can.”

“Gus doesn't put out fires, though he literally does; he also steps up wherever needed, obtrusively and without recognition. I see Gus as a valued member of our community who is consistently making little differences.”

All of the winners gave grateful and sincere acceptance speeches. During Gus Larson's speech, he sent this message, “If you can be anything, just be kind.”