Carbondale Chamber of Commerce bestowed awards to seven recipients for unflagging coaching, mentoring and managing during its annual banquet Feb. 17 at the Southern Illinois University Student Center.
Business entities accepting recognition included Murdale True Value for Business of the Year and Walmart for Regional Business of the Year. With a reputation for outstanding customer satisfaction, Carbondale’s Murdale True Value has been an active participant in charity and children’s initiatives, while Walmart, also committed to local charity, encourages its staffers to give back to the community.
The Bank of Carbondale’s Darren Berger was named Business Leader of the Year. Berger, who serves as business development manager for the Bank of Carbondale, belongs to numerous civic groups and serves on the boards of the chamber and the Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale.
Claiming Young Professional of the Year was Shane Carsrud, who works as a commercial officer for Banterra Bank. Carsrud, recently elected to the chamber board, helped create a culinary fundraising event called The Chef Clash In the Arena, featuring 100 regional chefs competing for top place while supporting local nonprofit organizations.
For her service to the Carbondale Chamber, Diane Daugherty accepted the Presidents’ Service Award. Daugherty, who has coached SIU women’s golf, also emceed the chamber’s annual banquet and continues to volunteer at golf events.
Citizen of the Year Diane Hood has maintained active connections in several civic and charity groups. She not only serves as manager for The Furniture King in Carbondale, but also sits on various boards and participates in the annual Toys for Tots program.
The Keeping Arts in Business Award went to Nest Arts and Crafts for its high level of dedication to local artisans and their products.
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