An ice carving featuring the words “80th Anniversary, 1924 – 2004” greeted guests and members of the Chamber of Commerce Dinner, symbolizing the 80 years the chamber has operated in DeKalb.

Like many years before, a business was awarded a top honor of the organization: the Business of the Year Award.

The Ben Gordon Center, located at 12 Health Services Drive, received the award. The center is known for the work its employees do for disabled individuals.

Michael Flora, dressed in a suit and tie for the occasion, accepted the award on behalf of the center.

“Over the 35 years, the Ben Gordon Center has worked diligently to help improve lives of those suffering from disabilities,” Flora said. He said the award was a complete surprise and that he was very honored to receive it.

Several other community businesses were up for the award, including Competitive Edge Graphics, 700 Peace Road; Hillside Restaurant, 121 N. Second St.; and Kishwaukee Family YMCA, 2500 Bethany Road.

The night was not only for awards, but also a time to outline the future of the chamber.

Tom Goyke, chair of the chamber for 2004, spoke about what remains in store for the year.

Goyke said he wanted to increase membership to more than 500; the chamber had more than 400 members in 2003. He said he also wanted to further develop the communiversity program through the new chamber center located in the Convocation Center.

“We want you to have a value for your dollars paid in,” Goyke said to the room of chamber members. He said he wanted to make 2004 a memorable year and continue to promote DeKalb.

In attendance at the dinner were several local politicians. State Senator Brad Burzynski and Representative Bob Pritchard attended, as did 6th Ward Aldermen Dave Baker and 3rd Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan. Three members of the DeKalb County Board, Joe Weigand, Patricia LaVigne and Eric Johnson, also attended the event.