Business & Tech

Ashton Place and Marie's Catering Named Darien Chamber Business of the Year

The Chamber of Commerce honored Darien-area businesses Tuesday during its annual Excellence Awards luncheon.

Darien’s business community came together to celebrate its successes Tuesday during the annual Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence.

Ashton Place and Marie’s Catering, of Willowbrook, was named Business of the Year from among six nominees at the luncheon, held at Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge.

The excellence awards are given to members in good standing who have been in business for at least two years while demonstrating growth, chamber President Clare Bongiovanni said.

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The business that would eventually become Marie’s Catering and later Ashton Place banquet hall has been family-owned since the 1940s, said Kate Sullivan of Neighbors Magazine when introducing the nominees.

“Just like all businesses, the key to our success is based in our employees,” said Ashton Place President Steve Hynek. “This is all because I have the best people in the industry working for me.” 

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and , were also recognized with excellence awards.

Mary Kay Slowikowski will be assuming the role of chamber chair in January.

“We know what a great place Darien is,” she said. “I just want a lot of other people to know it as well.”

was named member of the year for its exceptional contributions to the chamber.

“This member is pretty much involved in everything, sponsors everything, is always there for everything and just really supports the chamber,” Bongiovanni said. 

Barbara Gilleece, owner of Barbara’s Elegent Touch Staffing (and a ) was named Rookie of the Year for her contributions as a new chamber member. 

“This is someone who’s dived into the chamber and is always there just not being selfish and wanting to help,” Bongiovanni said. 

The other finalists for the excellence awards were , Barbara’s Elegant Touch Staffing, Fred Astaire Dance Studio and Paolucci Jewelers.


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