Winnetka-Northfield Chamber Honors Area Individuals.

For the past 36 years, the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce has held an awards lunch to honor Winnetka business members, community leaders, residents, volunteers and Village of Winnetka employees.  The highly anticipated event will be held this year on Wednesday, April 25th at the Winnetka Community House at 11 am. All are invited to attend the 36th annual Recognition Lunch which features a networking mixer, a fashion show, awards and a silent auction. 

The following individuals will be honored this year.

Businessman of the Year—Patrick O’Neil

Man of the Year—Toby Nicholson

Woman of the Year—Vicky Young

Village Employee of the Year—Steven Saunders

Public Safety Employee of the Year—Inspector Randy Fromm

Distinguished Service Award to the 24 Firefighters and Paramedics of the Winnetka Fire Department

Patrick O’Neil is a Winnetka restaurateur and owner of O’Neils, Little Ricky and Trifecta Grill.  He opened his first restaurant 20 years ago in Winnetka and now has three thriving establishments in the village.  The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present this award to Patrick O’Neil in recognition of his investment in Winnetka.

Toby Nicholson was a dance and drama instructor at New Trier High School for 30 years.  After “retirement” Toby volunteered for the Children’s Theatre of Winnetka.   He has also volunteered with Winnetka Historical Society, the Winnetka Community House and the Winnetka Library.  Additionally Toby has lent his time and talents to projects at Hubbard Woods school, Greeley school and New Trier High School. 

Vicky Young came to Winnetka in 2006 and jumped right in as a community volunteer.  Her community service includes: The Hadley School for the Blind, Woman’s Board member where she has chaired the Annual Holiday Braille card sale; co-chaired the Spring Benefit and developed The Hadley Low Vision House.  Vicky has volunteered to teach senior citizens one-on-one and answered Braille letters to Santa.  She has been a volunteer with The Winnetka Club, the Winnetka Woman’s Exchange and the Winnetka Bible Church.

The Public Safety Employee of the Year is Inspector Randy Fromm.  Inspector Fromm has been with the Winnetka Fire Department for the last eight years.  Part of Randy’s duties includes an annual inspection of every commercial and multi-family structure.  Upon entering a building on January 3, 2012, Inspector Fromm noticed an unusual odor and requested Engine 28 to respond to evaluate the air quality. When Engine 28 entered the building their carbon monoxide meter began to alarm.  The CO issue was due to birds clogging the vent pipe for the boiler.  Inspector Fromm’s timely inspection and observation averted a potential disaster.

The Winnetka Village Employee of the Year is Steven Saunders, Village of Winnetka Director of Public Works.  Steve Saunders has been employed by the Village of Winnetka for over 25 years, and has devoted his entire career to Winnetka.    During his tenure, Steve has demonstrated his professionalism, competence and expertise by being promoted on four occasions, 1998 he was promoted to Director of Public Works.

For the first time, the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce is recognizing a group with a Distinguished Service Award.  The chamber presents this special honor to all the 24 Firefighter Paramedics of the Winnetka Fire Department.  The nomination for this award was presented by a private Winnetka resident.

Tickets are available for $40 per person and $350 for a table of 10.

For reservations please call: 847-446-4451 or email director@winnetkanorthfieldchamber.com.