Elgin Image Awards

CELEBRATING ELGIN.

HONORING EXCELLENCE.

Since 1992, the Elgin Image Awards have recognized the people, project, businesses, and organaizations that make a meaningful impact on our community.

Presented by the Enhancing Elgin Committee of the Elgin Development Group and the Elgin Area Chamber the awards shine a spotlight on those who vision, leadership and deication strengthen Elgin and inspire others.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Together, we build a stronger Elgin for today and tommorrow.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Know someone making a difference in Elgin? Nominate them today! Award categories include:

PROFESSIONAL ROCKSTAR

Nominate individuals who have significantly improved Elgin's image through their professional achievements, whether through lifelong dedication or emerging leadership.

VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Recognize exceptional individuals whose volunteer efforts have had a profound impact on Elgin's image, either through long-term contributions or as emerging leaders.

GAMECHANGER PROJECT

Submit nominations for specific community projects that have positively influenced Elgin's image, showcasing innovation, creativity, and positive change.

CREATING A DIFFERENCE GROUP

Nominate outstanding organizations or businesses that have contributed significantly to enhancing Elgin's image through their dedicated efforts.

Green Initiative/Sustainable Business of the Year

Acknowledge businesses or initiatives that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability, contributing to a greener and more sustainable Elgin.

Excellence in DEI or Building Equity

Submit nominations for individuals, projects, or organizations that have shown outstanding dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in Elgin, fostering a more harmonious and inclusive community.

Youth Service Project

Encourage nominations for inspiring youth-led service projects by individuals aged 21 and under, showcasing the potential of young minds in shaping a better future for Elgin.

KNOW SOMEONE MAKING ELGIN A BETTER PLACE?

Nominate them today!

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Hall of Fame: Elgin Image Award Recipients

2025 Award Winners

Creating A Difference
Life Enrichment Team - Gail Borden Public Library

Excellence in D.E.I or Building Equity
Open Door Health Center of IL
Marc Thayer and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Gamechanger Projects
Phi Theta Kaappa Honor Society - Elgin Community College
Art Sculpture Trail - Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley

Professional Rockstar
Dr. Suzanne Johnson, Superintendent - School Dist. U-46
Bill Angelo, Head Baseball Coach - Elgin Community College

Volunteer Extraordinaire
Michael McKay
Karen Fox

Download the 2025 Program

Past Award Winners

2024 Award Winners

Creating a Difference Groups
Finishing Well
ECC Ctr for Civic Engagement

Excellence in DEI or Building Equity
Diana Palacios

Gamechanger Project
Dementia Friendly Elgin Area
YouthBuild Elgin

Professional Rockstar
Ursula (Ula) Borodzinska
Paul Bednar

Volunteer Extraordinaire
Christine Awe
Scott Savel
Clare Ollayos
Jeanette Mihalec

2023 Award Winners

Professional Rockstar
Sharry Blazier
Mike and Laurel Warren, Brittain’s Car Wash
Cherie Aschenbrenner
Krisilee Murphy

Volunteer Extraordinaire
Jennifer Colby
Larry Henderson

Gamechanger Projects
2020 Census Team

Green Initiative/Sustainable Business of the Year
Greater Kane County Wild Ones

Excellence in DEI or Building Equity
Elgin Community College
Elgin Area Pandemic Team

Youth Service Project (for people 21 and younger)
Lincoln Avenue Barbershop

2022 Award Winners

Creating a Difference Groups/ Excellence in DEI or Building Equity

African American Coalition of Kane County (AACKC)
Elgin Hispanic Network
The Haight

Creating a Difference Groups/ Youth Service Project (for people 21 and under)
Organization of Latin American Students at Elgin Community College - OLAS

Professional Rockstar
Dianha Ortega-Ehreth

Gamechanger Project
Elgin History Museum Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House

Go With the Flow
Firefighter’s Memorial Plaza
Well Child Center "Food for Families" Pantry
Violins of Hope
ELGbtq Pride Parade and Festival

Green Initiative/Sustainable Business of the Year
Elgin Math and Science Academy - Outdoor Environmental Education

KNOW SOMEONE MAKING ELGIN A BETTER PLACE?

Nominate them today!

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

The Enhancing Elgin Committee brings together community leaders, volunteers, and professionals who share a commitment to strengthening Elgin’s image and quality of life. Through collaboration, the committee develops meaningful initiatives and projects that promote positive growth and celebrate the people, organizations, and efforts making a difference in the community. Enhancing Elgin is a committee of the Elgin Development Group, a division of the Elgin Area Chamber.

Members of the Enhancing Elgin Committee include:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin

Elgin Area Chamber

Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Elgin Community College

Gail Borden Public Library

Elgin History Museum

School District U-46

City of Elgin