Annual Meet Up


2026 Annual Meet Up


Date: Thursday February 5th, 2026

Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM

Location: American Rental / Create-A-Scene 620 Harding Rd, Morton

Tickets: $40 per person


Save the date for the 2026 Morton Chamber of Commerce Annual Meetup! Let's start 2026 off with excitement, community, and the reveal of the 2026 Morton Pumpkin Festival Theme. Annual Meet Up consists of food, drinks, entertainment, award presentation, and the reveal! Your ticket includes appetizers, drinks, and entertainment. We hope to see you there!



Annual Meet Up Awards:

  • Distinguished Service Award
  • The Morton Distinguished Service Award recognizes a Morton citizen who has made a significant impact on the community through their leadership and volunteerism.
  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Established in 2009, the Morton Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a Chamber member, or honorary Chamber member, who has volunteered their time to make Chamber programs, events, and initiatives more effective and impacting.
  • Ambassador of the Year Award
  • The Ambassador of the Year exemplifies volunteerism, attends Chamber functions and programs, was active in hosting and promoting the Morton Pumpkin Festival, share the mission of the Morton Chamber of Commerce and is willing to help with additional activities and needs.
  • Community Impact Award
  • The Community Impact Award is awarded each year to a businessperson, nonprofit organization, business, or public sector agency that has made an exceptional impact in the Morton community, who shows a commitment to the community outside of normal business practices and demonstrates leadership in the community.

2024 DSA Recipient - Wayne Menold

Congratulations to Wayne Menold of Morton Community Bank! Wayne has made a lasting impact on the Morton community through his dedication and leadership. His contributions have supported local businesses, community initiatives, and countless volunteer efforts. Wayne's commitment to service exemplifies the values of the Morton Chamber of Commerce, making him a deserving recipient of this honor. His passion for giving back has strengthened the community and inspired others to do the same.


2025 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner - Ashley Gropp

Ashley Gropp, the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, has shown exceptional dedication to the Morton community through her time and efforts. As a Chamber Ambassador, she plays a vital role in welcoming and supporting local businesses while actively engaging in Chamber events. Her passion for volunteering has made a meaningful impact, from community initiatives to business networking. Ashley’s commitment to service and enthusiasm for helping others make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.


2025 Ambassador of the Year Winner

Stephen Robinson

2025 Community Impact Award Winner

Morton Public Library


2025 Morton Pumpkin Festival Theme Announcement


Past Distinguished Service Award Recipients

  • 2025 Wayne Menold 
  • 2024 Don Jones 
  • 2023 Jeff King 
  • 2022 Liz Meier 
  • 2021 Bill Aupperle 
  • 2020 Andy Honegger 
  • 2019 Carol Jankowski 
  • 2018 Mary Jane Johnson 
  • 2017 Stephen Newhouse 
  • 2016 Nick Graff 
  • 2015 Aaron Miller 
  • 2014 Jim Beckendorf 
  • 2013 Scott Witzig 
  • 2012 Roger Kilpatrick 
  • 2011 Paul Grethey 
  • 2010 Craig Barley 
  • 2009 Susan Pyles 
  • 2008 Gordon and Jean Ann Honegger 
  • 2007 Verden Rinkenberger 


  • 2006 Mike Murphy 
  • 2005 Mark Johnson 
  • 2004 Dennis Ewald 
  • 2003 Thomas W. Clark, MD 
  • 2002 Norm Durflinger 
  • 2001 William Morton 
  • 2000 Robert W. Brown 
  • 1999 Robert Hertenstein 
  • 1998 Jack Reeser
  • 1997 Henry Getz 
  • 1996 Phil Kuhl 
  • 1995 Jim Carius 
  • 1994 Ramon Mason and Alyce Anderson
  • 1993 Jim Yordy 
  • 1992 Bob Schnarr 
  • 1991 Edward Hauter 
  • 1990 William L. Wilson 
  • 1989 Bob Linder 
  • 1988 Fritz Reuling 


  • 1987 Gwen Phillips 
  • 1986 Rich Beal 
  • 1985 Cliff Hasselbacher 
  • 1984 Gene Witzig 
  • 1983 Clarence Yordy 
  • 1982 William Klopfenstein 
  • 1981 Dr. Lawrence E. Patton 
  • 1980 Eugene H. Mathis 
  • 1979 Vernon Schumacher and Sam Dietrich 
  • 1978 Robert Haarlow 
  • 1977 Chalmer Arnett 
  • 1976 Glenn Barger 
  • 1975 Ken Vogel 
  • 1974 No Award Given 
  • 1973 Al Heiniger 
  • 1972 Donald F. Roth 



Past Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients

  • 2024 Ashley Gropp 
  • 2023 John Cirilli 
  • 2022 Tim Mueller 
  • 2021 Amanda Miller 
  • 2020 Nick Esser 
  • 2019 Jenna Grimm 


  • 2018 Jan Baker 
  • 2017 Aaron Miller 
  • 2016 Jacque Austin 
  • 2015 Lisa Moser 
  • 2014 Brian Cross 
  • 2013 Doug Fair 


  • 2012 Kim Kirk 
  • 2011 Dan Schmidt 
  • 2010 Don Jones 
  • 2009 Wayne Menold 



Past Community Impact Award Recipients

  • 2025 Morton Public Library 
  • 2024 Morton Community Foundation 


  • 2023 Morton Park District 
  • 2022 Morton Fine Arts 


  • 2021 PLaCE