Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce 2025 Awards, 2026 Milestones Awards and Mt. Zion Chamber Scholarships Announced at Banquet
Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce 2026 Scholarship winners are: Eleanor M. Short, Davenport University, Nursing; Carter J. Vance, U of I Champaign/Urbana, Civil Engineering; Abbey F. Kupish, SIU Edwardsville, Communication Science & Disorders.
The Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce held their 2026 Awards Banquet on April 23, 2026 at the Mt. Zion Convention Center.
Mi Casa Mexican Cuisine in Mt. Zion won the 2025 Outstanding Business of the Year Award. The Outstanding Business of the Year Award is awarded to the Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce business that has the most positive economic impact and/or support for the community.
Mi Casa Mexican Cuisine goes above and beyond as a business that serves the community beyond the cuisine they serve at their restaurant. They are amazing supporters of the community who never say no when they are asked to help in any way. Mi Casa Mexican Cuisine does an incredible job putting on events and being a part of events throughout the community.
The 2025 President’s Award of Excellence recognizes a local business or individual that demonstrates the definition of excellence in business practices, customer service and community support. This year’s award was given to Chad Hatayama, owner of ApexNetwork Physical Therapy.
Chad has served on the Mt. Zion Chamber Board, is a supporter of their events, and has been the creator, organizer, and chairperson for their Annual Golf Outing every August, which started in 2024.
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award went to Mary McCumber with MTZ Realty Services. She is a Chamber Ambassadors who has gone above and beyond to help wherever needed from luncheons to large events.
The 2025 Non-Profit of the Year Award went to Macon Resources Inc. This company does tremendous things for our special needs individuals that otherwise would not be possible. They serve over 800 infants, children, and adults with developmental disabilities in Macon County every year by providing programs and services that promote their growth, independence, and self-worth.
The 2025 New-Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that is new to our chamber membership within the last year. This year’s award went to Macon Resources Inc.
The 2025 NExT Award was developed to recognize young professionals and emerging leaders throughout our member businesses. NExT stands for New Exceptional Trailblazers, and that is what these recipients are doing within their businesses. This year’s NExT Award went to:
Ashley Batchelder – Mt. Zion District Library
Andrew Dilbeck – HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital
Brandon Kraus – Lockhart’s Barber College
Shyler Kraus – Decatur Family YMCA
Gabby Nash – Bevo’s
Lelah Ray – The Salvation Army Decatur
Wade Ripple – Three Link Media
Kate Williston – Dansig Insurance Risk Advisors
The 2026 Milestone Award recognizes and celebrates our members’ business anniversary this year. It acknowledges the people behind their success — the teams they have built, the customers they have served, and the partnerships they have nurtured. This year’s Milestone Award went to:
5 years – HDZ Roofing Co.
20 years – El Corral Mexican Restaurant
25 years – Creative Media Services. Inc.
25 years – Network Solutions Unlimited
60 years – Brinkoetter Realtors
70 years – Decatur Earthmover Credit Union
105 years – J. J. Swartz Co.
110 years – Macon County Farm Bureau
125 years – Millikin University
Through the years, the Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund has donated thousands of dollars to qualifying graduates from the Mt. Zion School District or to the child of a Chamber Member in good standing. 2026 College & Postsecondary Career Technical Scholarship awarded $1,000 each to: Abbey Kupish, Eleanor Short, and Carter Vance.
You can learn more about the Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce by visiting https://www.mtzionchamber.org or calling the chamber office Executive Director at 217-864-2526.
