“I think our biggest challenge in the business community is that we are still in the recovery mode from Covid,” said former Evanston City Council member Peter Braithwaite. He recently took a job as director of procurement, diversity and community engagement at Northwestern University. Braithwaite was named public service person of the year. Credit: Richard Cahan
“I just do what I do, and to be recognized for it is really humbling,” said Lisa Kaplan, who was named community leader of the year. She advises small businesses about marketing and organization for Thryv, a software platform. Credit: Richard Cahan
“The Chamber becomes more and more important every year when we are in business,” said restaurateur Amy Morton, named businessperson of the year. She closed Found Kitchen in 2022 and soon opened LeTour. She also owns The Barn Steakhouse. Credit: Richard Cahan
“We’ve got a really fascinating, diverse, challenging business community,” said Paul Fischl, who was given a lifetime achievement award. He owned a dental practice in the Carlson Building for 42 years. He sold his business but still works as a dentist. Credit: Richard Cahan

Stars at the Evanston Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner. More than 150 people attended the formal dinner at the Crystal Ballroom that honored Peter Braithwaite (from left) as public service person of the year, Lisa Kaplan as community leader of the year, Amy Morton as businessperson of the year and Paul Fischl for a lifetime service award. “Somebody’s got to speak up for the businesses,” said Fischl about the chamber. “Most of our businesses are on the small side. And they need spokespeople.” (Photo by Richard Cahan)

Richard Cahan

Richard Cahan takes photos for the Evanston RoundTable. He also is publisher of CityFiles Press, a small but mighty media company that believes in the power of words and pictures. You can reach him at...

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  1. The chamber is so out of touch. The fact that they awarded some one who advises for “Thryv” as the community leader of the year is insane. “Thryv” is based in grapevine Texes and is a horrible company. Don’t take my word for it – just read the reviews of Thryv on trust pilot. I wish the chamber actually supported small businesses here. You can read other small business users experiences with thryv here – https://www.trustpilot.com/review/thryv.com

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