The Geneva Chamber of Commerce celebrated outstanding community members and organizations during its 2025 Annual Dinner on November 6, honoring contributions to the vitality and spirit of Geneva.

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce announced Martha Sanchez as the Wood Award recipient for 2025.

Born and raised in Geneva, Martha Arbizzani was the youngest of four children to Michael and Marguerite Arbizzani. Martha went St. Peter School, Mt. St. Mary Academy and Rosary High School, before marrying Art Sanchez.

Shortly after, she began working at Anderson Jewelers, which later became known as State Street Jewelers. There, Martha spent her entire career learning every aspect of the jewelry business and serving generations of customers. Next year, she will celebrate 50 years of working at State Street Jewelers in Geneva.

“Martha has dedicated her life to State Street Jewelers and this community,” said Kelly Vass, General Manager of State Street Jewelers. “She believes in the foundation of our business; giving back to those who patronize it.”

Martha has always believed that Geneva is a special place to live, work, play and connect.

“She sees her community involvement as both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Martha’s sister, Peggy Gurbal. “She learned the importance of giving back from our parents, who served on the Park Board, the Township Board of Trustees, and The St. Peter School Board.

The legacy of service inspired Martha to get involved in her own ways. Through her work with State Street Jewelers, she has generously volunteered her time and talents to help numerous local fundraisers and organizations. She considers her role in the community as an opportunity to help Geneva thrive; supporting local businesses, schools, churches, and events that bring people together.

Additionally, Martha serves as the Vice Chair of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well a volunteer for St. Gall Parish in Elburn. She has also supported the Geneva History Museum, CASA Kane County, Fox Valley Food for Health, Anderson Humane, and St. Peter Church and School.

The Wood Community Service award is presented each year by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner to an individual who has made significant community contributions in the areas of business, education, youth involvement, civic organizations, art, recreation, charity or government.

2025 Member of the Year: Hogan Design & Construction

The Member of the Year Award is presented to a person or persons who have enhanced the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Geneva through their continuing contributions of time and resources during a given year.

Hogan Design & Construction is a business that has been an extraordinary partner and steadfast supporter of the Chamber of Commerce. Their commitment to the mission and to the community is evident through their consistent sponsorship of nearly all of the chamber’s major festivals and crawls.

2025 New Member of the Year: Best Realty-Fox Valley

The New Member of the Year Award is presented to a person who since joining the Chamber in the last year has enhanced the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Geneva through his or her continuing contributions of time and resources.

Brooke from Best Realty-Fox Valley came to Geneva to expand her business into the Fox Valley, and she’s made a great impact.

Champion for 2025: Geneva Park District

This award is being given to a chamber member who has made an impact in the Geneva community and supported the Chamber above and beyond throughout the year.

The Geneva Park District goes above and beyond to make Chamber events shine, organizing Geneva’s Got Talent, the 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, the dodgeball tournaments, and this year’s inaugural pickleball tournament, all during Swedish Days. In addition, they provide picnic tables for the Festival of the Vine.

Ambassador of the Year 2025: Meggan Morell of Accountsure

The Ambassador of the Year Award is presented to a person who has greatly supported the Chamber throughout the year with their time and ideas, and who promotes the Chamber in a positive light.

Meggan has been a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the ambassador team for more than three years, after joining the Chamber in 2017. Meggan has supported the Chamber through her work on various boards and by her regular attendance at ribbon cuttings.

Volunteer of the Year 2025: US Bank

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a person who answered the volunteer call. For festivals, events, or just about anything the Chamber may need assistance with.

US Bank goes above and beyond, helping with Festival of the Vine by offering many volunteers for a full day of volunteering, all without compensation.

The President’s Award is awarded to members who have gone above and beyond in contributions to the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. This year’s recipients are The City of Geneva, Fagans Inc., and Windy City Amusements, Inc.

This information was provided by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

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