Buffalo Grove Area Chamber presents Commitment Awards

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Updated: February 20, 2012 8:12AM

The Buffalo Grove Area Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Chamber Excellence Awards to the following individuals/businesses at its installation lunch on Jan. 10:

Director of the Year

Michael Abruzzini, Buffalo Grove Bank & Trust: Abruzzini has been a member of the Chamber since 2004 and was elected a Chamber Director in 2009. He has sponsored several After Hours events. His bank was the event sponsor of the Heart of Buffalo Grove Awards and has sponsored other events, including the Golf Outing and BG Days. He serves on the finance and Heart of Buffalo Grove committees and recently revitalized the marketing committee while serving as chairman. Abruzzini is quick to volunteer and lend his expertise as needed.

Member of the Year

Shaun Jones, Lakeside Plumbing: Jones joined the chamber in 2007. He is a member of the BG Networkers Group and a member of the community outreach committee. Working with Community Outreach Chair Jan Obrand, Jones was an integral part in the success of the Chamber’s food drive during the BG Days Parade. He loaned his truck and his time to help collect the food and deliver to the local pantries. Jones has also donated time at the food pantries with other Chamber members.

Business of the Year

Sir Speedy: A member of the Chamber since 1995, Sir Speedy has hosted an After Hours and company employees have served on Chamber committees over the years. Current owner, Bob Schroeder has been a printing partner of the Chamber and, during the past year, has helped the Chamber save money by providing the printing of the Golf Outing Program and the BG Days beer tickets.

Ambassador of the Year

Arnie Martin, Arnold Martin Music: The Ambassador of the Year was presented to Arnie Martin of Arnold Martin Music for his dedication to the Ambassadors program and to encouraging businesses to join the Chamber. Martin assists at almost every Business After Hours, volunteers at the golf outing and sells beer tickets at several shifts during BG Days. He has been a member of the Chamber since 2003, a gold member since 2005 and an ambassador since 2007. He is a member of the Buffalo Grove Days and marketing committees and has served as a Chamber director and on the membership committee.

President’s Award

The Chamber Board also recognized Vicki Baker of Gifts of Distinction for encouraging five area businesses to become members during 2011. Baker’s name appears on the president’s plaque, which hangs in the Chamber office.