Citizen of the Year Award
Beginning in 1974, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce has annually recognized as "Citizen of the Year" a person who has made significant community improvement, leadership, and service contributions to the Rockford area over a prolonged period. Purposes of this award are to honor deserving individuals, to encourage community service and volunteerism, and to generate positive publicity for the area. A committee consisting of the three former Citizens of the Year selects the candidates for this honor. The award is made as the highlight of the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet, held the fourth Thursday of October.
Past Citizen of the Year Award Recipients:
1974 Richard Sherrick
1975 Vernon Winkler
1976 Ralph Rhoades
1977 Wesley Bigham
1978 Robert Clay
1979 Stanley Shellabarger
1980 Dorothy Burtch
1981 Larry Hopkins
1982 Dan Henkle
1983 Mary Lou Taylor
1984 John Smith
1985 Vivian Clay
1986 Joan Hall
1987 Marion Caywood
1988 Bob Schumm
1989 Susan Sherrick
1990 Norm VanTilburg
1991 Woody Davis
1992 Deb Gibson
1993 Barry Peel, Jr.
1994 Bob Garman
1995 Robert Ransbottom
1996 Bill Now
1997 Mike Riley
1998 Bob Beerbower
1999 Jeff Long
2000 Rob Belna
2001 Homer Hall
2002 Susie Bollenbacher
2003 Tom Williams
2004 Martha Baltzell
2005 LuAnn Sigler
2006 Robert Thompson
2007 Sandy Schaffner
2008 Bob Haver
2009 Dennis Hecht
