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The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce proudly announces Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center’s General Manager Steven Ellingsen is the recipient of the Chamber’s Impact Leadership Award, given to individuals who display innovation in promoting growth, employee development and community impact. Steven’s oversight of the property’s recent $20 million renovation and repositioning of the resort’s profile led to its recent designation as one of the “Best Resorts and Conference Centers in Illinois”.

Events such as New Year’s Eve televised broadcast and Fourth of July fireworks have brought the resort great notoriety. Core to Steven’s success is his inspiring focus on staff, who infuse life into this “Resort with Soul”. Promoting from within, offering community service days, and promotion of open employee communication have driven success. His passion for giving has translated to partnerships with organizations such as the People’s Resource Center, L.A.D.S.E, Poised for Success and veterans’ groups.

One of the Resort’s team members stated, “Steven can call on employees for anything because he has their utmost respect. When he sets expectations and accountability, all employees believe in him and are motivated to do what he’s asking them to do.” Congrats Steven!

The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce proudly announces that Hinsdale Humane Society’s (HHS) Executive Director Tom Van Winkle is the recipient of the Chamber’s Impact Leadership Award, given to individuals who display innovation and leadership in promoting growth, employee development and community impact.

With over 20 years of expertise, Tom’s innovative approach has brought great success to HHS over the past three years. He has led 25 staff members and 250 volunteers transitioning into a new facility, developing new systems protocols and expanding funding sources.

With a team of developers, he created a software system that melds donor, adopter and animal data, which is available for sale to other groups to streamline their own costs. He facilitated a joint grant application, funding a shared rescue van. The clinic is now open to other needy groups for surgeries. He established a Veterans Appreciation Program, offering low-cost services for veteran’s pets and also a program that brings low-cost vaccinations to communities in need.

Tom’s staff shared that “Tom pushes us every day to be better and make more happen for our organization and the animals in our care. He has empowered me to look ahead to innovate ways to put an end to animal homelessness.”

Congratulations Tom!