Sauk Valley Area Chamber celebrates annual dinner and meeting

STERLING – Pam Martinez and Lori Cortez were recipients of the Champion Awards presented by the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner and meeting on Jan. 26 at Deer Valley Banquets in Deer Grove.

Martinez is director of Sauk Valley Foodbank. Martinez was nominated for helping implement new databases and procedures and increasing the number of volunteers.

Cortez is vice president of institutional advancement at Sauk Valley Community College. She was nominated for her role in the creation and leadership of the SVCC Impact Program, which allows area students to earn up to three years of tuition at the college through volunteerism.

The Lavonne Colloton Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Jennifer Alvarez of Surf Internet.

Recognition was made to outgoing board members Sheila Martinez of US Bank, Mike Loos of Edward Jones, and Rick Turnroth of Turnroth Signs.

The dinner was set up by the Whiteside Area Career Center CEO class of 2022-2023. CEO student, Kaiyana Washington, provided a welcome speech while other students performed a skit, “The Adventures of Space Cow.”