The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry annually hosts a special Annual Dinner and Celebration of Success that honors area businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the Joliet area.

This year’s event, held on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 176 West Banquets in Joliet, honored seven businesses and organizations, as well as three individuals.

The University of St. Francis (USF) was one of the evening’s honorees and was presented with the Chamber’s 2019 Education Award.

“The University of St. Francis thanks the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry for this award, which comes during our Centennial year. USF has been a proud partner of the Joliet region and the communities we have served for one hundred years. We look forward to continuing that in our second century as Joliet’s Catholic and Franciscan University,” said USF President Arvid C. Johnson after accepting the award on the University’s behalf.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished. But what we are particularly proud of are the over 25,000 USF alumni who live in Illinois – many in Will County and many in Joliet. They make incredible contributions to the community because we have prepared them to contribute to the world through service and leadership,” Johnson added.

The Joliet Chamber also recognized businesses and organizations that are celebrating milestone anniversaries and recognized USF for its 100 years in business.

Others honored at the event included: Annette Szobar, Ambassador of the Year; ASK Dress Boutique, Retail Services/Consumer Services; NuMark Credit Union, Financial Services; Shorewood H.U.G.S., Social Services; Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts Restaurants – Thrive and Saveur, Professional/Business Services; The Great American Bagel, Small Business of the Year; Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel, Large Business of the Year; Lawrence Wiers, Lifetime Achievement Award; and James Roolf, Lifetime Achievement Award.

The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work.

There are over 50,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.