Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Dinner-”Passport to Prosperity”

[FOX RIVER GROVE, IL] On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Dinner and Silent Auction at Avanté Banquets and Conference Center, 1050 Northwest Hwy., in Fox River Grove. The theme was “Passport to Prosperity”, to celebrate the many milestones and opportunities that local businesses help create throughout the community. The theme reflects the idea that every connection made, partnership formed, and business supported is another stamp on the journey toward continued growth and success.

“This evening is a celebration of the businesses that help move this community forward,” says Lynn Caccavallo, President of the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. “Together, they create the true ticket to success. The accomplishments of this past year show what is possible when local businesses, leaders, and community members are all traveling in the same direction with energy, passion, and purpose. That is certainly something worth celebrating.”

The 2026 Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce Award winners were honored at the event.

New Member of the Year: David Kearns, Budgeting Made Simple

Emerging Leader: Mary Darnell & Tina Grzeca, HomeSmart Connect | Modern Home Team

Ambassador of the Year: Michael Coldwell, Edward Jones, Michael Coldwell, Financial Advisor

Board Member of the Year: Joe Turner, Restoration 1 Cary

Award of Excellence: The Village of Cary and Village of Cary Public Works

Community Partner: Swiss Automation

Member of the Year: Janis Dental

A new award was introduced this year in honor of Robert “Bob” Lueders, a dedicated Chamber member and Ambassador who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year. The Robert Lueders Community Impact Award will be presented annually to recognize an individual who makes a meaningful and lasting difference in the Cary-Grove community by supporting local businesses, engaging with the Chamber, and showing a genuine commitment to strengthening the community. This award honors Bob’s legacy and the positive impact he made on so many around him. The first Robert Lueders Community Impact Award was presented Bob’s son, Brian Lueders, and daughter, Allegra Nelson, in his honor.

The Chamber also announced their 2026 Board of Directors.

Chair of the Board - Christine Betz - HK Events LLC

Vice Chair - Shannon Morreale - State Farm

Treasurer- Wally Kedzior - Aptar

Past Chair of the Board - Sandra Nies - Fifth Third Bank

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Barbara Kreutzmann - True Value Paints, LLC

Beth Repta - Repta Residential | LPT

Brandy Benyo - Tranquility Wellness Studio

Christie Bratanick - JCB Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Dave Evans - Evans Carpet Cleaning Plus

David Kearns - Budgeting Made Simple

David Miller - Lake Julian Contracting Inc.

David Santiago - Stryker Sage

David Shepherd - Cary School District #26

Joe Turner - Restoration 1 Cary

Kathy Ewing - Music Connections Mobile DJ Entertainment

Mary Schepp - Brightway Insurance/The Janicki Agency

Neil Williams - NWS Home Advisors/@properties-Neil Williams

Paul Schifferer - Edward Jones, Paul F. Schifferer, Financial Advisor

Rebecca Stack - Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, Ltd.

Russ Gruber - Farmers Insurance-Russ Gruber Agency

Shawna Vaclavek - Vaclavek Hartman Vaclavek, P.C.