NL_121318

4 | December 13, 2018 | The New Lenox Patriot NEWS
newlenoxpatriot.com
Chamber of Commerce awards partners making a difference
Megan Schuller
Assistant Editor
United Methodist Church of New Lenox
presents a
LIVING NATIVITY
Sunday, December 16th, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
339 W. Haven Avenue, New Lenox
This is a free event open to the public
Celebrate the joy of Christmas as you drive through the church grounds
to see live actors and animals portraying the Christmas Story. Please
use the entrance off of Route 30. Stay and join us for hot cocoa, cookies
and hymns inside. Food donations will be appreciated for local pantries.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.UMCNL.COM
After winning Citizen of the Year, Frank Gatto gives Jeanne
Lazzara of Morning Star Mission a hug, as Emily Johnson,
CEO of the New Lenox Chamber of Commerces, says a few
words.
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Local business and organizations
packed into Gatto’s
Restaurant during the
annual “Jingle and Mingle”
event, which recognized
three exemplary partners of
the New Lenox Chamber of
Commerce on Friday, Dec.7.
The Chamber of Commerce
presented the Village
of New Lenox with the partner
of the year award.
“I couldn’t think of anyone
better for this,” Chief Executive
Officer of the Chamber
of Commerce Emily Johnson
said. “There is so much support
for businesses here, and
the Village goes above and
beyond duty to stand out.”
The Village was recognized
for being a partner that
makes an impact in the community
within not only New
Lenox, but in the community
as a whole.
“The Village is honored to
be considered partners with
many organizations in New
Lenox,” Economic Development
Director Nancy Dye
said. “It truly does take a village
to make a community
great. If not for our mayor
and Board of Trustees, we
wouldn’t be what we are.”
Local business The
Grounds Guys was dubbed
the business of the year.
Johnson said for this award
there was a three-way tie,
and it had to be voted on
again.
According to Johnson,
this award is annually given
to a business who works
with the Chamber, has a reputation
with the community
and makes a difference in
the community at large.
“The Grounds Guys are
a dedicated member of the
Chamber,” Johnson said.
“We’re proud to have them.”
Owner of the Grounds
Guys Gary Fouts, said the
nomination came as a surprise.
“I am very appreciative
and thankful to be recognized
within the community,”
Fouts said. “It’s not just
me, it’s my guys working for
us that make it what it is.”
The citizen of the year was
awarded to a recipient who
received multiple nominations
for their contribution
within the community. Frank
Gatto, owner of the infamous
Gatto’s Restaurant,
took home the award.
Village trustees Doug Finnegan and Kieth Madsen, Economic Development Director Nancy
Dye and Village Administrator Kurt Carol accept the Partner of the Year award on behalf of
the Village of New Lenox. photos by Megan Schuller/ 22nd Century Media
The Grounds Guys, Rob Duvre, Brad Snyder, Gary Fouts and Tiffanee Fouts accept the
Bussiness of the Year award.
“I have pretty much
learned what I’m doing from
a lot of you business owners,”
Gatto told the crowd
while holding his large certificate.
“Nothing feels better
than helping.”
The Jingle Mingle event
is more then just an awards
night, many shared business
cards with other business
owners.
“The Jungle Mingle is a
time to say thanks and reward
businesses for being
members,” Johnson said.
“It’s also something for
members to make social
connections within the business
community. I’m proud
to be a part of it.”
All the winners will be recognized
at a dinner on Jan. 24
at the VFW Post 9545.