SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Chasers Sports Bar & Grill

East Coast Pizza established in 1969 was a small fast food restaurant in the bowling alley of Golf Mill Shopping Center. Then in 1992 it was relocated at 9003 Milwaukee Ave and it became Chasers. The Niles community became so important to Mom and Dad Dalamangas that they decided to raise their family here along with the Business. The Chasers family continue to support all of the Niles programs and proud to be part of it!!! 

DISTINGUISHED VOLUNTARY SERVICE AWARD

Tony Dati

A lifelong resident of the Village of Niles and the Streets Superintendent for the Public Works Department. He has volunteered for decades with numerous Niles charities and activities including the Niles Park District, Niles-Maine District Library, local schools, the Chamber and Village events. He also assembles care packages and meals for local residents that are less fortunate. Tony does all this while also raising his two boy, Anthony and Jayden, with his beautiful wife Annie.  

DEDICATION TO YOUTH EXCELLENCE AWARD

Bob Kostuch

Robert Kostuch, originally from Elmwood Park, Illinois, is the Director of Student Activities and Chair of the Physical Education Department at Notre Dame College Prep. Bob has been a teacher, coach and administrator for 22 years. Bob’s enthusiasm, motivation and leadership is felt throughout the halls of Notre Dame where his program, “Dons of Domination” exemplifies what it means to be a gentleman of faith, scholarship and service. Bob lives in Chicago with his wife, Jennifer and daughter, Madelyn.  

NILES CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Rev. Constantine “Father Dean” P. Botsis

Came to St Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles as a newly ordained priest in August of 1982. Since that time the Church has grown from 125 families to around 700. Father Dean and the congregation he shepherds have contributed greatly to the rich heritage and diversity of the Village of Niles. He created the annual Big Greek Food Fest, and continuously reaches out to those in need in our community through Meals on Wheel and other programs. Father Dean and his wife also raised their three sons here in Niles.  

PUBLIC SAFETY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Tony Dati

A Niles Public Works employee for 15 years that has relentlessly pursued professional development in order to improve efficiency, quality, and safety for his entire team. Tony serves as the Vice President of the Illinois Arborist Association. Tony was named the CRTI Tree Advocate of the Year and Above and Beyond winner for the Village of Niles.

CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, has served Niles and its surrounding areas for over one hundred years. As part of Advocate Aurora Health, Lutheran General is the trusted community health partner for every stage of your life and wellness journey. Their diverse and inclusive workforce of 1,585 physicians, 249 credentialed practitioners across 109 specialties, 1,411 registered nurses, 3,899 team members, and 800 volunteers proudly stand shoulder to shoulder to contribute to a stronger, heathier and more vibrant community.

KEN SCHEEL CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Suzanne Wulf

Suzanne is the Head of Digital Services at the Niles-Maine District Library and the Second Vice-President of the Niles Chamber Executive Board. In her role at the library she spearheads innovative digital literacy initiatives and provides equitable access to technology. In addition to managing the Digital Services team, she oversees a busy technology center, circulating technology collection, maker space and media lab. Suzanne is dedicated to serving Niles as a member of the Executive Team of the Niles Chamber of Commerce. She enjoys fostering connections with members of the community and providing access to needed resources.

BOB WORDEL LIVING LEGEND AWARD

 Dean Strzelecki

Dean Strzelecki was born in Chicago and lived with his family in Chicago for 16 years. His family moved to Niles in 1967 after a brief venture in California. In 1975, Dean joined the Niles Police Department. He was assigned to the Patrol Division, where he was recognized by the Chicago Tribune for his effective Community Policing Techniques. In 1983, Dean was transferred into the Detective Bureau. In 1988, he was promoted to Sergeant and started to develop his relationship with the Niles Chamber of Commerce and the business community. In 1992, he was assigned a Commander position. In the year 2000, was appointed Deputy Chief and became Chief of Police in 2004. During his police career, Dean received numerous honorable mentions and Distinguished Duty Declarations. He also received the Chiefs Award of Merit for saving the life of a senior citizen from a burning building. While holding the Office of the Chief for 10 years, Dean was awarded the Chief of the Year by The Polish American Police Assn, the Order Sons of Italy Police Organization, the Illinois Crime Prevention Assn. and the Illinois State Crime Commission. In 1995, Dean received the Niles Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. He has held board positions and Past President status in the Niles Optimist Club, the Niles Chamber of Commerce and the Liponi Foundation for Special Recreation, which funds an organization that provides recreation to individuals with special needs. He also became Director Emeritus of the Niles Chamber of Commerce in 2014. He has held board positions on the St. John Brebeuf Athletic Board and the Northwest Italian American Society where he received the Man of the Year award in 1993. In 2014, Dean retired from the Niles Police Department after 39 years. He successfully ran for Niles Village Board of Trustees in 2015 and 2019. He continues as the Chairman of the Niles Public Safety Committee and Chairman of the RED Center Board of Directors. Dean also is assigned to the Niles Gaming Ad Hoc Committee. Dean is married to Laurie and they have two daughters, Deana, married to Brad Tokarz and Stephanie, married to Mark Swiderski. Dean also has two beautiful granddaughters, Kailey and Emma. He is very grateful for his family and credits them for much of his success due to their support and understanding. He also credits his success on his work ethic due to his upbringing and guidance of his parents.