Citizen of the Year

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2023 Citizen of the Year

Shelley Muhlenkamp


Congratulations to Shelley Muhlenkamp for being chosen as the Rockford Chamber of Commerce 2023 Citizen of the Year.

Shelley lives in the Rockford area with her husband and four children. She is the Library Director at Rockford’s historic Carnegie Library where she “goes above and beyond” to run several successful programs for readers of all ages. Shelley is a Chamber Board Member and currently heads the Fall soccer program at Shanes Park. Shelley can be seen working at the Rockford Community Days and various other community events. The Muhlenkamp family recently served as a host family to an exchange student from Spain. Shelley has a passion for serving, especially children, in the Rockford Community.

Thank you and Congratulations, Shelley!


  

  
  

Where it all began…

Beginning in 1974, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce has annually recognized as “Citizen of the Year” a person who has made significant community improvement, leadership, and service contributions to the Rockford area over a prolonged period. The purposes of this award are to honor deserving individuals, encourage community service and volunteerism, and generate positive publicity for the area. A committee consisting of the three former Citizens of the Year selects the candidates for this honor. The award is made as to the highlight of the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet, held on the fourth Thursday of October.

Past Winners

1974 – Richard Sherrick
1975 – Vernon Winkler
1976 – Ralph Rhoades
1977 – Wesley Bigham
1978 – Robert Clay
1979 – Stanley Shellabarger
1980 – Dorothy Burtch
1981 – Larry Hopkins
1982 – Dan Henkle
1983 – Mary Lou Taylor
1984 – John Smith
1985 – Vivian Clay
1986 – Joan Hall
1987 – Marion Caywood
1988 – Bob Schumm
1989 – Susan Sherrick
1990 – Norm VanTilburg
1991 – Woody Davis
1992 – Deb Gibson
1993 – Barry Peel, Jr.
1994 – Bob Garman
1995 – Robert Ransbottom
1996 – Bill Now
1997 – Mike Riley
1998 – Bob Beerbower
1999 – Jeff Long
2000 – Rob Belna
2001 – Homer Hall
2002 – Susie Bollenbacher
2003 – Tom Williams
2004 – Martha Baltzell
2005 – LuAnn Sigler
2006 – Robert Thompson
2007 – Sandy Schaffner
2008 – Robert Haver
2009 – Dennis Hecht
2010 – Jerry Sell
2011 – Tom Rogers
2012 – Nancy Leighner
2013 – Mike Bruns
2014 – Ryan Sipe
2015 – Joyce Emans
2016 – Mike Schumm
2017 – Barb Pedroza
2018 – Steve Thompson
2019 – Lisa Kuhn
2020 – Twyla Hayes
2021 – Robert Reed Shaffer

2022 – Karla Butler

2023 – Shelly Muhlenkamp