Morrison Chamber of Commerce held its Wine and Beer Tasting Networking Event and Annual Meeting, on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at Morrison Institute of Technology, 701 Portland Avenue, Morrison, IL, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Heavy appetizers and desserts were served during the tasting, from 5:00 to 6:15, allowing time for members and the general public to chat.
Josh West greeted attendees and noted Chamber achievements of 2017. The program featured two successful local speakers, entrepreneurs Mary Black and Mike Vegter.
Bob and Mary Black have owned Super Wash, Inc. for 41 years. It is an enterprise, she stated, “that I dearly love! I love that we can raise it in a community we love.”
Vegter owns American Piping Group. He purchased the first lot at the Morrison Industrial Park with optimism, even though “there was no road for awhile.” His oft-expanded, bi-state business is now solely situated in there.
Next, President Katie Selburg noted in 2017 the Chamber Board began a process to “recognize volunteerism and community service.” She introduced four candidates for the 2018 award. Anonymous nominations from the public follow.
LuEllen Lee: LuEllen Lee has lived in Morrison for 30 years and is a fixture with the Athletic Boosters, coordinating the Fair booth and always helping at the concession stands, raising funds for Morrison sports. In addition, LuEllen dedicates her time to the local 4-H, helping form the future leaders of our community. She was recently identified as a Model Leader and inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame for her work. Part of her 4-H involvement includes orchestrating the Morrison Halloween Parade. Under her supervision, 4-H’ers learn responsibility and organizational skills. Through her works, LuEllen shows her enthusiasm and love for the youth of Morrison.
Jerry Lindsey: As President of the Morrison Area Development Corporation, Jerry Lindsey shows his care and concern for this community, by recognizing the importance of always moving forward. Recently, [MADC]’s hard work culminated in the opening of Loft 112, an art gallery downtown, and the establishment of an Art[, Cultural, and Entertainment] District in Morrison. Jerry is the Editor of the Whiteside News Sentinel and goes out of his way to shine a light on the best of Morrison. The time he uses not working, Jerry can be found volunteering for both Emmanuel Reformed Church and Resthave Home.
John Martin: John is a business owner who has been committed to the City of Morrison and its community members for as long as I’ve known him. The time, effort, and commitment to Paint the Town has been vital to that event continuing. It’s not unusual to see John out shoveling his neighbors’ driveways and sidewalks following a significant snowfall. Last spring, I spotted John trimming his neighbor’s tree and cleaning her gutters, knowing that his neighbor couldn’t do it on their own. He would not hesitate to make time to help anyone who asked and often just steps up to the plate without even being asked. John asks for nothing in return for his kindness. John Martin is a gentleman that is kind, caring, and a genuinely nice person. He is a shining example of why people choose to make Morrison their home.
Joe Robbins: Joe Robbins grew up in Morrison, and went through Morrison schools. He lives in Morrison with his wife, Amy (Kophamer, also from Morrison) and their three children. After graduting from Morrison schools he attended Mount St. Clare and Aurora Colleges. After college he worked in the Albany and Amboy School Districts, before returning to Morrison and has served the Morrison School District as Elementary Principal and, now, Junior High Principal. Joe is active; very active. He volunteers with CAPA and the Paint the Town event. He plays a huge volunteer role in the Harvest Hammer race through Rotary. He volunteers with Chamber events, Summer Extravaganza, and youth sports coaching, as well as with St. Peter [Evangelical Lutheran] Church in Morrison. As a Principal, he attends most, if not all, home sporting events, dances, and pretty much anything that gets kids “involved.” He has worked diligently with the school district to find funding and grant money for literacy programs. He serves as a “liason” for homeless youth in the school district, finding them resources and eventually helping them with finding a new home. Recently he restored old snow blowers and donated them to needy individuals in the Community. He has a knack for seeing a potentially difficult problem and finding a working solution that benefits all involved–most of the time, involving countless working hours on his end. He does all of these things not for praise (and will probably hate this award), but deserves mountains of credit for being an exemplary citizen and giving so much of himself for the benefit of the City of Morrison.
Martin was selected as Citizen of the Year. Shown left-to-right are Selburg; Vice President Brandi Renkes; Robbins; Lee; Lindsey; Martin.
Illinois Representative Tony McCombie congratulated the nominees. Left-to-right are Lee; Robbins; Rep. McCombie; Lindsey; Martin.
