Carol Sanders, wife of Rick Sanders, Lifetime Commitment Recognition Honoree, Woman of the Year Becky Hurley , Business Leader of the Year John Bradley, Raynor Door Company, Educator of the Year Blakely Bundy, The Alliance for Early Childhood, Man of the Year Bob Linn, Safety Officer of the Year Officer Anne Marie Boba, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District Employee of the Year Deborah Kushnir
John Bradley, of Raynor Door Company, is the Businessman of the Year. John was a founding member of the “old Northfield Chamber of Commerce”. He, with fellow business members, saw a void and an opportunity to create a chamber of commerce. About the same time, the Village of Northfield asked the chamber to take over the existing farmers’ market. John has given countless time and energy to make the market one of the best in the area. John has served as an executive officer of the Northfield Chamber of Commerce and the merged Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in the creation of the Northfield Community Golf Outing with the Northfield Parks Organization, the North Shore Home Health and Garden Show which was sponsored by the Winnetka, Northfield, Glencoe and Wilmette Chambers. Raynor Door Company is a third generation, Northfield located business .
The Man of the Year is Bob Linn. Bob is the Chief Financial Officer for New Foundation Center in Northfield. Bob has been a tireless public servant for decades and has served 2 terms on the Winnetka Public School District 36 board, where he served as president, and before that he served on the Winnetka Parks Board, where he also served as president. His financial expertise, integrity and clear thinking have made him an invaluable public servant and a fierce fiscal steward. Bob has used his talents serving on the Winnetka Congregational Church Council. He is a father of 3 grown children and has coached softball, baseball and basketball. Bob is also a member of the following organizations:
board member and treasurer for Chicago a Cappella, board member and treasurer for Harkness Outreach Center, New Trier Republican Organization and the University of Illinois Alumni Association where he is a Life Member
Lending inclusive leadership and legal acumen to numerous organizations and endeavors, Becky Hurley is the Woman of the Year. Becky began her volunteer service in Winnetka as a Winnetka Caucus executive committee member in the late 1990’s. She then co-chaired the Winnetka Public Schools’ referendum committee and subsequently served as an elected Winnetka Public School District 36 board member and president for eight years. She first became acquainted with the Winnetka Public Schools while a school room parent and PTO volunteer. Simultaneous to her involvement with the schools, she joined the Village of Winnetka Plan Commission. Becky has capably served on the Winnetka Historical Society Board for the past thirteen
The Public Safety Employee of the Year is Officer Anne Marie Boba. Throughout her sixteen years of service, Anne Marie has proven to be a dedicated and invaluable part of the Winnetka Police Department. Although she doesn’t carry a gun or arrest offenders, her role in supporting safety in the community is no less important than any other officer. After spending eight years as a Communications Officer, answering and managing emergency and non-emergency calls for service, Anne Marie transitioned to the role of lead Records Officer. Officer Boba exemplifies the importance of maintaining excellent community – police relationships. Hers is often the friendly face greeting visitors at the police lobby. During her career Officer Boba has received countless letters of thanks and appreciation from the public.
The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber is honored to present the Educator of the Year to Blakely Bundy Since 1989, Blakely has served as Executive Director of the Winnetka based The Alliance for Early Childhood, an organization dedicated to providing services to parents and teachers of children from infancy through age 8. What is truly remarkable about Blakely is her unwavering support for early childhood and educational programming that sets children up for a lifetime of success and learning. Her work is predicated on a clear vision that the full community benefits when elementary schools partner with the preschool programs.
The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District Employee of the Year is Deborah Kushnir, fondly known as “Miss Debbie” by her legions of pint-size fans. Debbie loves putting on events for the Northfield community. In addition to her popular Stories with Miss Debbie at the Northfield Library, she also performs story times at a nearby Northfield preschool. After the Master’s Tournament each April, Debbie turns the Northfield Library into a mini-golf course and invites families to play together. Her famous Books and Cooks program combines stories with cooking activities for kids, while her Chef’s Night at the Library program invites local restaurant chefs to discuss cooking techniques with adults at the Northfield Library.
The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce honored in memoriam Rick Sanders with a Lifetime Recognition Award. Rick was owner of Vose-Sanders Bootery and served generations on the North Shore for more than 40 years.
To nominate someone for the 2014 Recognition Lunch, please click here.
