Annual Awards Dinner
Stay Tuned for 2026 Annual Award Dinner Information
This award honors Carl E. Wehde, a dedicated Chamber of Commerce member and a key figure in Crystal Lake’s growth. As owner of Wehde Shoes and mayor (1979–91), he shaped the community through leadership and service. He was a Chamber ambassador for 22 years, spent 13 years on the District 47 school board (eight as president), and represented McHenry County on the Pace board. His many contributions earned him numerous community service awards.
CARL E. WEHDE AWARD CRITERIA:
- Made a verifiable contribution to the quality of life in the greater Crystal Lake area
- Provided inspiration that has also sparked other people to become involved in efforts to assist the community
- Involved in establishing goals for community development and seeing them through to fruition
- Involved in more than one project area or organization showing leadership in education, community service/government, or business for more than 3 years, establishing a consistent pattern of public service
- Dedicated to the mission of improving opportunities for all people, going beyond that of just providing funds for programs
- Demonstrated active multi-dimensional interests that have challenged community leaders like Carl E. Wehde
Previous Winners:
- 2024 – Denise Smith
- 2023 – Victoria Summers
- 2022 – School District 155 Business Incubator
- 2021 – Crystal Lake Park District
- 2020 – No award ceremony due to Covid-19
- 2019 – Crystal Lake Lions Club
- 2018 – Ryan Farrell
- 2017 – Bob Gray
- 2016 – Peter Affrunti
- 2015 – Rick Schildgren
- 2014 – Aaron Shepley
- 2013 – Diana Kenney
- 2012 – Patti Lutz
- 2011 – Ann Vigor
- 2010 – Mike Splitt
- 2009 – Robert O. Covey
- 2008 – Kathi Etten
- 2007 – David Hubbard
- 2006 – Mike Tryon
- 2005 – Mark Elmore
- 2004 – Bob Blazier
- 2003 – Ken Koehler
- 2002 – Bill Dwyer
The Robert O. Covey Award
This award honors Robert O. Covey, a dedicated leader and lifelong advocate for the Crystal Lake community. A proud U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II, he built an impressive career in law and banking, holding leadership roles at multiple firms and financial institutions. His civic contributions were extensive—he served as President of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and was a Chamber Ambassador for an incredible 36 years. He also played a key role in the Crystal Lake United Way and Crime Stoppers and was an influential member of the McHenry County Board. His passion for education was evident in his decade-long tenure as School District 47’s board president, and he actively supported youth programs like Junior Achievement. A devoted Crystal Lake Lions Club member, he received numerous accolades for his service, including the Citizen of the Year and Carl E. Wehde Awards. His commitment to community, leadership, and philanthropy left a lasting impact, ensuring his legacy lives on in Crystal Lake.
ROBERT O. COVEYÂ BUSINESS OF THE YEARÂ AWARD CRITERIA:
This award is given to a business who:
- has exhibited strong success in the Crystal Lake area
- is active and involved member of the Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations
- demonstrates a commitment to Crystal Lake, the greater community through its commitment to donation of time, talent and/or treasure to other local organizations
Previous Winners:
- 2024 – General Kinematics
- 2023 – First Institute
- 2022 – Miller Verchota
- 2021 – City of Crystal Lake
- 2020 – No award ceremony due to Covid-19
- 2019 – JA Frate Transportation Services, Inch
- 2018 – Courtesy Buick GMC
- 2017 – Phoenix Woodworking Group
- 2016 – INTREN
- 2015 – STAR 105.5 FM 2015
- 2014 – Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria & Pub
- 2013 – Curran Contracting, Inc.
- 2012 – Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical
- 2011 – Exemplar Financial Network
- 2010 – Dorion-Gray Retirement Planning
- 2009 – Centegra Health System
- 2008 – Heisler’s Bootery
- 2007 – Sherman Mechanical, Inc.
- 2006 – Charles River Development Group
- 2005 – Home State Bank
- 2004 – Countryside Flower Shop
The ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates exemplary leadership and is reflective of a quote by Plato: What is honored in a country will be cultivated there. Over  7,000  Recipients have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since the program’s inception in 1982.
Presented to leaders across professional sectors, the ATHENA Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope, and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.
THE CRITERIA
ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees must meet each of the following three criteria:
- Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
- Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community
- Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential
QUALIFICATIONS
- ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector.
- Previous ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are not eligible for nomination, however past nominees may be nominated again.
- There is no minimum or maximum age qualification that must be met by ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees.
COMPLETING THE FORM
- You are encouraged to work closely with your nominee to complete their nomination.
- Nominations for the ATHENA Leadership Award must be submitted using this nomination form and format.
- You may include supporting documents (articles, testimonials, etc) with your completed nomination form.
Deadline for submission: March 7th 2025
THE PROCESS
A Selection Committee made up of a diverse group of community leaders, will review all nominations and select the ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient. The Recipient will be announced at The Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Annual Award Dinner on May 8th.
Previous Winners:
- 2019 – Jane Farmer
- 2018 – Charie Zanck
- 2017 – Suzanne Hoban
- 2016 – Kathryn Martens
- 2007 – Marilyn Georgy
- 2006 – Pam Althoff
- 2005 – Maggie Rivera
- 2004 – Paula Dorion-Gray
- 2003 – Lorraine Kopczynski
- 2002 – Diane Kenney
- 2001 – Due Whitfield
- 2000 – Susan Van Weelden
- 1999 – Daphne Starr
- 1998 – Phyllis Mueller
- 1997 – Gloria Urch
- 1996 – Patti Lutz
- 1995 – Kathy Powell
- 1994 – Ethel Nemetz
- 1992 – Robin Oerkfitz