Four Oswego Chamber of Commerce members were honored on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Inspiring Women of Oswego, IWO, Awards dinner for practicing high degrees of professionalism in their business and personal lives.

Tom Kozlowski, Holiday Inn Express & Suites was given the award for Most Inspiring Man of 2012.  Tom spent two years as a VISTA Volunteer working on the Unitah and Ouray Indian Reservation in Utah. Tom raised one son and was active in school and church activities. 

Tom was a business owner for many years and served as Chairman of the Board for a credit union and the State Trade association for credit unions. He is a cancer survivor most recently went into the hospitality business working first for Marriott Corporation and then on to his career with Holiday Inn Express where he is currently Assistant General Manager.  He is a huge advocate for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and has had three little brothers that he has mentored and he currently serves as Chairman of the Resource Council and has been active with this program for the past twelve years! 

For the past nine years he has conducted an addictions class at Provena Mercy.  He also works with the Vocational Development programs in Oswego. He and his wife, Roberta, reside in Yorkville.   According to Tom “Your rent for living on the earth is service to your community.” Tom carried the Olympic torch this year at the 2012 London Olympics and was nominated by his boss Anita Patel for this honor.  In her nomination she also said of Tom:

He is the person everyone goes to in their time of need and has always risen to the occasion.  He even sends daily motivational emails to keep us inspired and motivated to be our very best.

The Most Inspiring Women of the Year award was given to Katherine Morris, Veritrust Financial Services.  Katie was instrumental in starting the Professional Oswego Woman’s group for the Oswego Chamber and was the Chairman for 6 years before stepping down.  Katie states that as a successful, professional woman, she knows that we have a tendency to take charge and try to control too much in our lives but to be truly effective we must delegate some of our responsibilities to professionals. 

As a wife and a mother, she recognized that most of what we do, is for our families.    Katie states that her true value as your financial advisory is not just about the planning, it’s about the investments.  It’s about the relationship that we build together based on a foundation of total trust and respect, giving you more time to enjoy your life knowing that your financial affairs are being effectively managed.

The Humanitarian of the Year award was given to Todd Pierson, Pierson Studios.  Todd is a professional photographer who strongly believes in finding something you love and doing it.  At age 14, a Polaroid and tons of film made his career choice easy.  After college and shooting thousands of images professional for others, in 1993 he went out on his own.  He believes in collaboration, pushing the envelope and intuition to make images the best they can be.  Giving back includes using the talent God gave him to help the people of a remote village in Haiti.  The most recent work in Haiti is a film project shot in June 2011 and a return trip to Haiti this past summer. Todd, his wife Kim and their daughters live in Oswego.

The Heart of Gold award was given to Cindy Thompson, Oswego Community Bank for going above the call of duty at her job and her dedication to the organizations she is involved in.  Cindy always gives 110% to her job.  She does house calls for Seniors to help them with their banking needs and she serves on the boards of several non-for-profit groups.  Cindy always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude toward life.

In addition to the awards, IWO unveiled their 2013 event program.  In January, IWO will feature an Interactive Workshop on getting ready to do your taxes; in February they will host a networking evening at Studio 60 on Main; March will be their Real Professionals Workshop, May will feature a Social Media & Marketing – the good, the bad and the ugly; and July will be a speaker to inspire.  In September they will again host a Legislative Panel where state legislators will give updates, October will be an Oktoberfest Networking evening followed by the November Awards dinner.

Chamber notes is an occasional column written and provided by Steve Hatcher, the president and CEO of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce.