Chamber dinner honors local leaders

The Evanston Chamber of Commerce’s 88th Annual Meeting and Gala on Thursday, April 17, will honor three outstanding civic leaders who have made their mark in Evanston through their work in journalism, religion, and urban development.

For the last ten years, Mary Gavin, founder and publisher of the Evanston RoundTable, and her staff, have given Evanston readers incisive writing and reporting and in-depth local coverage of major issues impacting the community.  In a time when print journalism is facing extraordinary financial challenges from new media alternatives, the Evanston RoundTable has managed to favorably compete for readers, advertising, and influence in Evanston media market.  The chamber will honor Gavin with its Small Businessperson of the Year Award.

Father Robert Oldershaw, pastor emeritus of St. Nicholas Church, is the winner of the chamber’s Public Service/Nonprofit Award.  Over his 20 years as pastor, Father Oldershaw has led a remarkably diverse parish and brought together families and individuals from very different backgrounds to create a church that is at the forefront of social action and restorative justice.  Through the creative use of music, liturgy, the church’s splendid architecture, and participatory service, St. Nicholas Church has emerged as religious institution that addresses matters of inter-faith concern.

The chamber’s Community Leadership Award honors an individual who over their career has demonstrated an unusual ability to channel private resources and respond effectively and efficiently to make Evanston a better place.  Judith Aiello, who after 31 years, is retiring this month as City of Evanston assistant city manager, represents these qualities well.  From her public sector position, she has fostered partnerships with the private development and investment community which has resulted in a model downtown economy and neighborhood districts which today are flourishing with business and residential activity.