IVAC highlights accomplishments at annual dinner

The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce revamped its annual awards to align with the organization’s mission statement: building business, connecting communities.

On Thursday, standout IVAC members who help the organization carry out that mission were recognized during the annual dinner at the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center.

Executive Director Bill Zens presented the awards.

Kevin Champlin, an ambassador for IVAC and president of 815 Media, was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his contributions to IVAC’s social media campaigns, marketing and customer relationship management system.

Champlin said he is fortunate to be able to do what he does, and he was grateful to be recognized with the award.

“If I can give back and help out,” he said, “I love that.”

Marquis Energy of Hennepin earned the Business Builder Award, which is given to the organization that shows a dedication to continued growth and opportunities in its communities. Marquis launched community programming that has provided continued mentorship for eight different school districts.

Daniel Murray, organizational development manager for Marquis Energy, said the award represents Marquis' commitment to the community, and the company was thankful for the recognition.

“At Marquis, we talk a lot about being rooted in the community,” Murray said. “And what better way to continue to grow those roots than support the schools and the teachers and the kids? … What we look to do is grow our roots here in the community that we live, and we want to build up our students so they have a bright future.”

The final award for the evening went to Peru Police Chief Sarah Raymond for Community Connector, which is given to an individual who works to ensure members of the community are represented, heard and connected.

Raymond was not in attendance Thursday, but Zens said he would get the award to her.

About 200 guests were in attendance during the 112th dinner to recognize award winners and longtime members, ranging from 10- to 20-year anniversaries to more than 50 years.

The event began with an invocation by Penny Volkert, chamber operations and membership director. The audience was greeted by board President Steve Wrobleski and given a recap of 2024 by Zens.

In 2025, Zens said, the chamber will look into being “an extra support system” for the community by connecting the right people across organizations, delivering programs and opportunities for members to create awareness, improving the region by supporting members through staff and talent development, and representing the interest of the region.

For updates and information about upcoming IVAC events, visit www.ivaced.org or go to the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/iamivac.