The Evanston Chamber of Commerce will honor Robert Heiberger, co-owner of Evanston Bond & Mortgage Co., with its Community Leadership Award, and Hecky Powell, owner of Hecky’s Barbeque, with the Small Businessperson of the Year Award at its 86th annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, at the Woman’s Club of Evanston.
The Evanston Chamber of Commerce will honor Robert Heiberger, co-owner of Evanston Bond & Mortgage Co., with its Community Leadership Award, and Hecky Powell, owner of Hecky’s Barbeque, with the Small Businessperson of the Year Award at its 86th annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, at the Woman’s Club of Evanston.
Heiberger, a lifelong Evanston resident, has been a civic leader and entrepreneur during a real estate career spanning 40 years. Evanston Bond & Mortgage has focused on building and managing small vintage apartments throughout Evanston. His investments recognize the value of pedestrian neighborhoods, where residents can walk to services, dining and entertainment.
In addition to his real estate activities, Heiberger has been active in the Evanston Historical Society, has served as major gifts chair of the McGaw YMCA, board president of the Evanston Public Library and president of the Kiwanis Club of Evanston.
The Chamber will also recognize another lifelong Evanston resident and innovative business leader.
As the founder of Hecky’s Barbeque, Hecky Powell for 22 years has blended his interest in social services for children with serving the public a quality food product. Powell believes in growing a business with “a conscience†but he also strongly feels that children need to learn how capitalism can be a ticket to success and economic independence.
Powell has been involved with the Evanston Youth Baseball Association, Youth Job Center, Evanston School District 65 Board, CEDA Neighbors at Work, Northlight Theatre, Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park, and Evanston Community Development Corporation.
The chamber’s 86th annual meeting celebrates “The Evanston Business Limited†as the Woman’s Club of Evanston will be transformed into a train station evoking the glory days of rail travel in the 1930s.
Entertainment will be provided by the Michele Thomas Quartet and guests will sample cuisine from the following Evanston restaurants: Bennison’s Bakery, Celtic Knot, Davis Street Fishmarket, Gio, Firehouse Grill, Koi Chinese & Sushi, Lulu’s Dim Sum and Then Sum, Merle’s #1 Ribs, Pete Miller’s Seafood & Prime Steak, Prairie Moon, Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits, Tommy Nevin’s Pub, and Wolfgang Puck Grand Café.
For ticket information contact the Evanston Chamber at 847-328-1500.