Glenview Chamber Celebrates Business, Business Person of the Year

GLENVIEW, IL — Blended Health & Smoothie and Laurie Jensen received top honors from the Glenview Chamber of Commerce, winning the non-profit's Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year, respectively.

The winners were recognized at a Business After Hours Awards event, sponsored by Busey Bank, on Jan. 11 at Valley Lo Club. The Chamber asks the community to "help us celebrate these great people and organizations, who they said "epitomize" its mantra, "Shop Local, Love Local."

According to the Chamber, Blended Health & Smoothie, located at 950 Harlem Ave., went "above and beyond" to support a number of local organizations, including local school PTAs, the Glenview Park District's 4th of July event, Glenview First Responders, and Glenbrook South High School.

In addition, Blended Health & Smoothie partnered with local fitness centers to cross promote services, offering in store popups and other collaborations to spread the word about local small businesses. Blended works with the GBS Women in Business program to coach, mentor and council students on how to engage in the workforce, resume writing and interview preparation. The business currently works with Glenbrook South to develop a hospitality program for students to transition into after high school.

Jensen, of Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, is an active member of the chamber's executive board, part of its Wellness Group leadership team, and helps organized local health fairs and networking events with wellness leaders in the community.

The Chamber also noted that Jensen "played a crucial role" in organizing a fundraiser for Misericordia, while establishing a committee to grow internal support of the company's philosophy branch, CARES. The Illinois Bone & Joint Institute's Cares program raised $50,000 in with Jensen volunteering at every event.

Jensen's active involvement with the North Suburban YMCA was also applauded with monthly free webinars on various popular health topics held throughout the year.

"Laurie has devoted a significant amount of time and effort throughout the year to support health and wellness fairs, as well as provide unique events for local assisted living facilities," the Chamber said. "She has organized seminars on various topics and provided free events that educate the community about personal health and empower them to take control of their well-being."

To learn more about the Glenview Chamber of Commerce, visit the organization's website.