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Contact Info: Mary Thomson (815) 953-0317 Melissa Tanner (815) 685-7355   The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce and Women In Networking are pleased to announce the bi-annual ATHENA Leadership Award® and the Young ATHENA Leadership Award® nominations are now being accepted. The ATHENA and Young ATHENA Leadership Awards®  are presented to exemplary leaders who have…

The Business Sector Role in Solving the Child Care Crisis: Opportunities & Success Stories Wednesday, January 18, 2023 @ 1 – 1:45 p.m. Central Time REGISTER at:  tinyurl.com/3ht9pa5w Description: Child care has come to the forefront of major concerns for employers as their workforce faces the challenges of insufficient child care availability and lack of affordability.…

The President’s Award this year goes to someone who has a demanding career and a busy family life but is always available to talk about the Chamber. John has been a constant cheerleader for the Chamber staff.  He is someone who will give his time to help our organization succeed.  For the last two years…

Our 2022 Ambassador of the year jumped into her volunteering at the Chamber with both feet. Annie is a constant presence over the year attending various events, hunting down cake, helping to secure sponsorship dollars and event gifts. Annie always asks the staff what she can do to help. She can be counted on at…

The 2022 Manufacturer of the Year has invested many dollars into our community over the last few years.  From upgrades at their location to helping as a major funder of the Kankakee Community College Industrial Technology Center that just had their grand opening this summer.  Paul Carlson, KCC dean of business, technology and human services…

The Carlile Group dates back to 1998 and is based in Kankakee County serving a 5 county area. They will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary in 2023. They have established themselves as a trustworthy and knowledgeable firm.  As demand for high performing buildings increased, this company began to offer Environmental Testing and Energy Audit services.  …

For 80 years, this organization has mobilized caring people to invest in our community where resources are needed most.  They fight for the education, health and financial stability for every person in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.   Funder. Thought Leader. Convener. Advocate. These words describe the role that they play within our community.   They…

This New Business of the Year celebrated their ribbon cutting at the end of August in their brand new location in Bradley. This company provided over 1,300 hours of clinical treatment in direct 1:1 service to clients and has served over 175 individuals. Additionally, they have created partnerships with schools and businesses in the area…

Founded in 1962, this family-owned business works with its customers the old fashioned way: engaging customers with straightforward options, integrity, and professionalism.  They have been giving back since their founding because their owner believed “doing something in return for his good fortune.  In 2021, they donated over $70,000 to our local community between their own funds…

This business started in October of 2017 as a home baking business selling cupcakes, cheesecake, and pies at the Kankakee Farmers Market. Their first day at the Farmers Market they completely sold out of everything and were thrilled from their customers encouragement and support which pushed them to dream big. In June 2018 they opened…