February 04, 2002

BOSKE NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR BY CHAMBER

BY DAWN SCHABBING Staff Writer

   Mattoon -Credited for his work on foundations and committees geared to improve Mattoon, Gary Boske was honored with the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award on Saturday night.
   Boske, a vice president of First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, was presented the award by his friend and former co-worker, Bob Jones, who described Boske as a "man of honor, a man of commitment and a man of integrity ."
   "He is ,unselfish, intelligent and a great listener. He has a strong moral character and has mentored many people through his life," said Jones about Boske.
   Boske, short on words, said he was surprised by the award, which was presented at the annual dinner held at the Immaculate Conception parish center .
   "I never thought I'd be up here tonight," said Boske. "I do believe in giving back to the community ." He thanked his family and employer for the support they have given him.
    He serves as chairman of the Corridor Review Committee and chairman of the Mattoon Planning Commission. He also is a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and chairman of the Development Standards Committee in Mattoon.
   Married for 37 years to his wife, Becky, the couple have a daughter, Ryan, who is a student at Eastern 1llinois University and a son, Kevin, who lives in Seattle and works for Microsoft.
   "His confident but quiet demeanor has won him great respect and numerous friends," said Jones about the elder Boske.
   Boske moved to Mattoon 30 years ago and began his career in the banking industry. He served on the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 1994 to 2000; was an original Lootery committee member; planned and developed a referendum for Mattoon schools when financial problems first plagued the district; served on the referendum and building committees; was an originator of the Foundation for Academic Excellence; served on
the Mid-Town Committee; and served the Mattoon Area Community Foundation: He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. "I don't think I've done great things," Boske said. "I have supported my community. There's so many people that have done great things ahead of me. I just had no idea I'd be receiving this."
        In other business, Casey Rooney, executive director of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce spoke, as did Paul Saegesser, 2001 president, and Mark Harbaugh, 2002 president.
        Rooney said the chamber is looking ahead with optimism for Mattoon, even though the aftermath of Sept. 11 continues to change the country .He introduced several political figures in attendance including: Rep. Tim Johnson, Rep. Dale Righter, Judge Teresa Righter, Judge Mitch Schick and Mayor Dave Carter .
        Saegesser summed up 2001 saying many good things have happened for the city, and many more are expected. He said the chamber and city together have worked to improve Midtown, primarily with the ongoing renovation of the train depot. Hiring Rooney and City Administrator Richard Underkofler is expected to bring more positive things for the city. He is also proud that Mattoon will soon be utilizing two new grade schools.
        "Many good people caused these good things to happen," said Saegesser. "(2001) was an exceptional year with many exceptional years yet to come," he said.
       He added that although there are always critics in every effort, good things won't happen by "standing still."
       Harbaugh said that 2002 is the year for opportunities in Mattoon. He commented that terrorists acts in September have caused some setbacks for many communities, including some in Coles County. But, still good things are happening including expansion projects at R.R. Donnelley's, Alton trucking company and Brookstone Estates, recent opening of Sonic drive-in restaurant and construction of bridges at Richmond and Broadway avenues.
       "The key to lasting growth is to retain, expand and bring in new industrial growth. Our education needs will be met well into the 2000's," said Harbaugh.
       He said the recent expansion of Mattoon Middle School and the two new grade schools under construction are putting Mattoon in a good situation for education. Also, the fine institutions of Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University should meet area families' needs in higher education, said Harbaugh.
       Other officers include Vice President Chuck Miller and Treasurer Ray Rieck. There are also 12 other board members.
      Music entertainment was provided by the LeVeck String Quartet. The meal was catered by Gowin's Restaurant, and comedian Rex Havens of Chicago entertained with his central Illinois humor, including that about weather watchers, names of Illinois towns and differences between men and women.
   Contact Dawn Schabbing at dschabbing@jg-tc.com.

Used with permission from Mid-Illinois Newspapers
Publishers of the Mattoon Journal Gazette and the Charleston Times-Courier