The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce announced its 2025 Annual Business Awards at the Annual Dinner Celebration on January 29.
According to a news release, the event, held at Avante Banquets & Conference Center, attracted nearly 200 business and community leaders to celebrate business in the Barrington area.
The Community Partner Award was presented to Barrington Area Volunteer Connection in recognition of its outstanding impact on the Barrington community. Shefali Bhuva and Sam Adams-Lanham accept the award. (Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce)
“Our Chamber Business Award recipients exemplify the dedication, leadership, and service that strengthen the Barrington business community,” 2026 BACC Board Chair Robert Finley, of Virtue Asset Management, said.
Finley announced the following awards:
BAVC, which recently celebrated five years of service, engaged over 2,100 area residents in community service, fulfilling hundreds of nonprofit needs representing over 100 local nonprofit organizations, the release said. As research has shown, volunteering can improve your self-worth, sense of purpose, and accomplishment; BAVC raises awareness of nonprofit services and needs, provides guidance to local nonprofit organizations, and enhances the quality of life in our communities.
“Next, the Business Excellence Award, which recognizes a business committed to outstanding service and quality. The Business Excellence Award goes to The Greggory,” Finley said in the release.
Led by seasoned restaurateurs Gregg Horan (Gibsons Restaurant Group) and Bill Veremis (Rosewood Steakhouse Group), and partner Executive Chef José Sosa (Gibsons Italia); the Robb Report just ranked The Greggory No. 33 on the list of the 50 Best Steak Restaurants in North America! Centered around live-fire cooking in an open kitchen, according to the release.
The menu features prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and homemade pastas, combining long-standing culinary traditions with unmatched warmth and personality. Their top-tier food and hospitality have resulted in this national recognition, the release said.
The Innovator of the Year Award was presented to Brian and Julianne Long of the Catlow 1927 Foundation in recognition of their vision and dedication to preserving a historic community landmark. (Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce)
“Finally, our Innovator of the Year Award,” Finley said in the release. ”This award singles out a local entity that contributes programming or services that challenge, enhance, and change our communities for the better. The Innovator of the Year Award goes to The Catlow 1927 Foundation.”
According to the release, Brian and Julianne Long bought the Catlow in 2023 to keep a vital part of the town’s history alive. Designed by Alfonso Iannelli, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, they launched the Catlow 1927 Foundation to fund the expansive and detailed restoration of The Catlow Theatre to its glory of 1927. Once open, it will host an array of shows and live events that will help revitalize and enrich downtown Barrington for generations to come.
“Our award recipients play a vital role in making the Barrington area a great place to live, work, and grow,” Finley said.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/09/barrington-area-chamber-of-commerce-awards/
