Hodgkins, IL – On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, one hundred and fifty
business leaders gathered to be inspired at the 38th annual Seeds of Greatness
Awards Celebration. Held at the William Tell Holiday Inn, the event celebrated
community members for outstanding work in the following categories: Community Service, Public Service, Business Leadership, and Young Man and Woman of the Year. Winners of these awards have positively impacted the economic and community development of the region.

A cocktail reception kicked off festivities at 5:30, and dinner was served at 6:30. As the 2012 winners were introduced, they took a moment to speak to the source of their inspiration, and share details of their community efforts.

Linda Nadkarni, teacher, philanthropist and winner of the award for Community Service, encouraged the audience to seek out opportunities to serve area service agencies. She quoted Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  

Mike Bojovic, Assistant Director of Public Works for the Village of La Grange and winner of the award for Public Service thanked the community he serves for recognizing hard work, and thanked his father for emphasizing the importance of public service. 

Allison Muzal, Owner and Operator of Bookkeeping Express and winner of the award for Business Leadership thanked the Chamber of Commerce for its role in recognizing and encouraging excellence. She noted the exemplary work being done by other area professionals and shared receipt of the award with them.

Dan Hennebry, President of the First National Bank of La Grange and winner for Excellence in Business, credited his staff for their dedication, thanked his wife, and praised the camaraderie and commitment of the west suburban community at large, exclaiming: “Aren’t we all lucky to have one another?”

Recognized for Community Service by a group, the YMCA Y’s Men Group was represented by President Jim Hannigan. Hannigan thanked the senior members of his organization, some having dedicated as many as 20 years to the cause. He also thanked the wives of the Y’s Men, who concede their spouses to a great many hours of tree selling during the weeks preceding Christmas.

Young leaders, Reggie Young of Argo Community High and Meghan McDermott of Lyons Township High School, drew applause for their efforts on behalf of young people in need. McDermott said that she was inspired by those she helped, and Young attributed his persistence to a quote by his father, “Hurry and get up before you fall down.”

The awards program was introduced by Steve Erickson, Chamber Executive Director. Erickson took the helm of the Chamber of Commerce in March, and with the leadership support of Chamber board President, Ed Gervain, Chief Operating Officer  of Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, has launched a plan to build the Chamber in both community programs and legislative commitment. For information about Chamber programs and initiatives, please contact Steve at 708/387-7550, or steve@wscci.org.

For additional information about the Seeds of Greatness event, please contact Katherine Leibforth, West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 708-387-7550, or katherinel@wscci.org.