KANE — The Kane Chamber of Commerce has announced this year’s recipients of the Citizen and Business of the Year awards.
Chamber officials said the Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to Anastasia “Stacy” Lindquist, while the Business of the Year will go to It’s Judi’s Place (owned by Judi Zelina).
The duo will accept the awards during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner slated for Feb. 23 at Kane Elks Lodge 329 at 210 Chestnut St. Officials said the evening will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. It will be co-hosted by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pamela Miles and Chamber of Commerce board vice president James Greville II.
Tickets to the event can be purchased at the Photo & Sound, It’s Judi’s Place or the Kane Chamber of Commerce Office at 54 Fraley St.
“Letters are sent to the Chamber nominating individuals and businesses,” said Miles, outlining the selection process. “A Chamber committee, made up of board members and business leaders, then makes their decision based on contributions and history in the community.
“This is not a popularity contest. It is based on going beyond the call of duty and job classification for the betterment of Kane.”
Lindquist works as an accountant at Geci & Associates on Fraley Street and has been a long-time member of the Kane Rotary Club, of which she is currently the president.
In addition to her Rotary position, Lindquist is also a member of the United Way, a respected member of the Art in the Wilds board, a park commissioner, serves as the treasurer for the Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise (KARE), and has been an active member of St. Callistus Roman Catholic Church.
Meanwhile, It’s Judi’s Place is located at 106 South Fraley St., and is owned and operated by Judi Zelina.
It’s Judi’s Place has brought a unique shopping experience to the Kane community for more than 40 years, selling women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories and tuxedos in the past.
Through the business, Zelina has supported the Relay for Life fundraising events for the American Cancer Society, supplied monetary donations in support of community causes and supplied sports t-shirts for local teams. Additionally, Zelina has supported other fundraisers and the popular Kane Vacation Bible School at her own cost.
Miles quoted words from one of It’s Judi’s Place’s nomination letters stating, “‘It’s Judi’s Place epitomizes what is great about small business. The Pennies from Heaven Foundation holds a special place in Judi’s heart and Judi is in the hearts of most, if not all of the citizens of the Kane community.’”
During the upcoming dinner, nomination letters will be read as attendants come together in recognition of Lindquist and Zelina’s service to the community. Recipients will receive their awards and plaques commemorating their achievement. Additionally, both Lindquist and Zelina will also be asked to serve as grand marshals in the Kane Homecoming and Santa parades in September and November, respectively.
