Chamber Announces 2024 Top Community Leaders

The Effingham County Chamber introduces the 2024 class of Top Community Leaders: Under 40 and Up & Coming, recognizing exceptional young professionals and students who are making a positive impact on the Effingham County community. These honorees exemplify qualities such as empathy, inspiration, communication, and community pride.

Since 2008, the Top Community Leaders program has celebrated individuals dedicated to the growth and well-being of Effingham County.

The Chamber will celebrate these leaders at an event on Thursday, November 21 at the Keller Convention Center. Community members, colleagues, and families are invited to join in recognizing and congratulating these individuals.

The 2024 Up & Coming Youth Leaders are a group of young achievers representing schools across the region. This year’s honorees include Adam Flack from Effingham High School, Adam Stuckemeyer from Beecher City High School, Claresa Ruholl from Teutopolis High School, Emma Meyers from St. Anthony High School, Sophia Pearcy from Altamont High School, Tanner Will from Dieterich High School, and Vincent Vogel from St. Anthony High School. 

The 2024 Top Leaders: Under 40 award recipients showcase exceptional talent and commitment in their respective fields. Honorees include Alec Stevenson of The Alley Cat, Alex Steppe from RE/MAX Key Advantage, Allison Stevens with Midland States Bank, Anthony Jansen of Farnsworth Group, and Brandy Kelley of Brandy Kelley Counseling. Additional leaders are Brooke Hoene from Teutopolis Unit #50 Schools, Carissa Snow with Grunloh Construction, Inc., Emily Flach from the Illinois State Board of Education, and Emily Hille with United Way of Effingham County. Further recognized for their contributions are Hannah Hutchinson of Evergreen Nursing and Rehab, Jessica Reeder from Effingham Unit #40 Schools, Kalen Whitney of Whitney Roofing, Kasey Kemme with University of Illinois Extension, Kyle Dasenbrock of Planter’s Precision, and Kylie Moore with Coach Kylie Tennis & Simply Sweets Bakery. Rounding out the honorees are Layna Bond of Layna Bond & Associates-American Family Insurance, Lee Buehnerkemper from Dieterich Bank, Lindsay Budde with Dieterich Unit #30 Schools, Mallory Weber of Mosaic Counseling, Megan Lustig from Siemer Milling Company, Sarah Zerrusen with Stevens Industries, Inc., and Tony Kreke of St. Anthony High School.

The Chamber is accepting sponsorships, offering an opportunity for businesses and community members to show their support for these rising leaders and their contributions to Effingham County.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please visit the Effingham County Chamber website at EffinghamCountyChamber.com/events or contact Nicole Morrison at the Chamber office at (217) 347-6282 or by email at NMorrison@EffinghamCountyChamber.com.