Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

In case you did not attend tonight's Chamber of Commerce awards banquet, and if you were anything like the vast majority of Carbondale residents, you did not, here are the award winners:

     Award recipients included:

                BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Wells Fargo Advisors was recognized as the Chamber’s Business of the Year. The financial services company has expanded its Carbondale presence several times, sponsors many civic and charitable events and encourages staff members to volunteer with organizations and causes of their own interest.

                BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR: Rex Budde, president and CEO of Southern Illinois Healthcare was named as Business Leader of the Year.  Budde, who began as CEO in 2009 after nine years as SIH’s chief financial officer, oversees all of the functions and activities of the health care system which serves 16 counties. During that time Budde has led the organization in improving patient access, quality care and overall patient satisfaction as well expansion programs including the development and construction of SIH’s new Cancer Treatment Center.

                REGIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Rendleman Orchards, one of Southern Illinois’ longest-running family-owned businesses was recognized as the Chamber’s Regional Business of the Year. From humble beginnings in 1873 as a 88 acre farm, six generations later has become one of the leading producers and retailers of peaches, nectarines, apples and vegetables to consumers and commercial produce markets throughout the Midwest.

                YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: Joel Sambursky, founder and president of Liberty Wealth Management, was named the 2014 Young Professional of the Year, an honor for leaders under the age of 40. He established his firm in 2012 after five years as a financial adviser. A former quarterback for the Southern Illinois University football team, Sambursky served as the youngest-ever executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, has served on the SIU Board of Trustees and has been a member of the Carbondale Community Arts and Chamber board of directors. Additionally, he has been active in business, charitable and civic organizations and projects.

                PRESIDENTS’ SERVICE AWARD: Marcia Sinnott, a retired school teacher and real estate agent was recognized for her service to the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce with the Presidents’ Service Award, an honor chosen by the organization’s five most recent presidents. Sinnott has served on the organization’s board of directors since 2012 and is a member of the Ambassador’s Committee and frequently represents the Chamber at ribbon cuttings and other business events.

                CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Dr. Marsha Ryan, a Carbondale surgeon was named the city’s Citizen of the Year. Ryan, who holds both medical and law degrees has worked tirelessly to promote the city as a whole at civic organizations and events as well as charitable causes. She has served and supported groups including Carbondale Community Arts, the SIU Foundation, Hospice of Southern Illinois, the SIH Foundation, the Varsity Center for the Arts and Carbondale Community Arts. She also was named the Chamber’s Business Leader of the Year in 2003.

CARBONDALE COMMUNITY ARTS KEEPING ART IN BUSINESS AWARD: Two organizations were recognized by Carbondale Community Arts for efforts in promoting the arts. Southern Illinois Healthcare was named regional recipient of the Keeping Art in Business Award for the organization’s efforts in infusing health care with aesthetics and art in facilities throughout the region.

Global Gourmet, a Carbondale restaurant, was selected as the local recipient of the award, recognizing the business’ commitment to promoting live performances, art displays and cultural outreach.