Ronald Whitaker to receive Chamber's Lifetime Award
The New Lenox Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Ronald Whitaker will receive the Chamber’s Lifetime Chamber Award. Whitaker will
be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at the American Legion Post 1977.
Long-time New Lenox resident, Ronald Whitaker owned an independent insurance agency in New Lenox from 1952 – 2002. Whitaker’s insurance business was one of three charter members who started the New Lenox Chamber of
Commerce in 1960. He also served as the Chamber’s very first President. Despite selling his insurance business, Whitaker has maintained his membership as an individual in the Chamber and has been a valuable source of knowledge for the chamber over the years.
“This is not the first time the Chamber has chosen to honor Mr. Whitaker,” explains Chamber CEO Debbera Hypke. “He was named Citizen of the Year in 1982 for years of community service and volunteerism.” The Chamber is just one of the many outlets for Whitaker’s dedication to service. Not unlike the list of accomplishments and
service that netted him the award in 1982, Whitaker has continued to give of his time and energy to many local programs and organizations. He served on the New Lenox Board of Fire and Police Commissioners from 1981 – 2002. He was president of the Will County Independent Insurance Agents Association in 1989. Today, Whitaker
volunteers for the New Lenox Historical Society, where he is the current Vice President. Still, it is his commitment
to the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce that has earned Ronald Whitaker this award.
Three years ago, the New Lenox Chamber celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Whitaker played a lead role at the celebratory dinner telling stories and reflecting on the early years of the chamber when just a handful of local business owners would meet for lunch to network and discuss business issues. There is little doubt that issues facing New Lenox Business Owners are very different today. However, the purpose of the Chamber as it existed under Whitaker’s leadership remains unchanged. The business community has grown, but the ideology of the chamber and its members still reflect those of the three original members in 1960.
The Lifetime Chamber Award acknowledges long-standing chamber members, whose contributions to the chamber extends beyond their place of business. This award grants Whitaker emeritus status as a chamber member for life. “It is an honor to present Mr. Whitaker this award,” states Hypke. “Quite literally, the Chamber of Commerce may not exist today without his contributions and leadership fifty-three years ago.”
For additional information on the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Chamber Award recipient and the Annual Dinner call 815-485-4241 or visit www.newlenoxchamber.com.
