Nearly 200 guests were there to celebrate as The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) announced its 2015 scholarship and Employee of the Year award recipients this week. It happened during Wednesday’s 38th annual “Spotlight on Barrington’s Stars” luncheon at the Chicago Marriott Northwest. The Employee of the Year award honors a highly motivated Chamber representative who has made significant contributions to his or her organization and demonstrates a positive influence in their workplace community. And, for the first time, this year BACC also awarded two special Honorary Mentions. The 2015 Employee of the Year award recipient is… John Haniotes of Barrington Bank & Trust (BBT).
Haniotes has worked for BBT for 16 years. During that time he has been actively involved in the community, the Chamber, and community organizations. He is an important liaison with local governments and a top relationship builder with local municipalities.
“John is considered the Patriarch of Barrington Bank & Trust,” said BACC Chairman of the Board Lisa Caputo of Morgan Stanley – The Schirmann Group. “His colleagues at the bank say: John walks the walk every day, he is the consummate gentlemen, he sets the example inside and outside of the work environment; he is the bar for ultimate customer service; and he is the most conscientious person you have ever met,” Caputo said.
The first Honorary Mention was presented to Yvonne Miller, BSN, Manager of the Oncology Medical/Surgical ward at Good Shepherd Hospital. “Yvonne was nominated for the amazing level of compassion, dedication and skill she brings to her job – getting involved above and beyond in the comfort, care and devotion to her patients – an inspiring role model to others,” Caputo said.
The second Honorary Mention was awarded to Amy Moog of the Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital. “Amy is a self-motivated, organized and compassionate employee who has served her employer with heart and ingenuity. She plays a leading role in managing, training and delivering a level of service and compassion to families and clients that helps establish long-term relationships,” according to Caputo.
“For 38 years BACC has been hosting the Spotlight event to honor and thank our communities’ working men and women and businesses for their tremendous daily contributions in making the Barrington region a vibrant and enduring place to work, live and play,” said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr. The event is held each year on Administrative Assistants Day and includes a luncheon, fashion show; featuring clothing and accessories from local retailers worn by BACC Chamber member models, and the awards ceremony.
Employers are encourage to bring staff and colleagues. “We hope the fashion show sparks some local spring shopping,” Corr said. “BACC is committed to fueling the SHOP Local Spirit. When you shop local, you are simultaneously creating and retaining jobs in our community and supporting those businesses who give back the most.”
About the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce 
Founded in 1969, the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce is an association of 800+ member businesses representing more than 18,000 business people dedicated to the prosperity of the 11 communities it serves: Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Long Grove, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes. The BACC promotes economic opportunities, advocates for business interests, offers professional development programs, and works to foster a robust regional economy. For more, visit BarringtonChamber.com.
