WOMEN in BUSINESS FRANKFORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

This year the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce was proud to celebrate its women members at the inaugural Women in Business Awards Night at CD and Me. This event was created to honor our Chamber member female executives, entrepreneurs and employees that help make a difference in their businesses and our community. Following nominations, the chamber was excited to see more than 6,000 votes cast for the winners of the six categories.

The Behind the Scenes Award went to Jackie Gabriel of the restaurant Dancing Marlin in recognition of her work behind the scenes

Nicole Underwood of KidsWork Children’s Museum received the Community Supporter

Award honoring the energy and skill she exhibits in leading a nonprofit institution.

The Family Business Award recognizes those women who help create a legacy at their family-owned business and this year the award was given to Jan Flanagan of K9 Tailshakers, a dog daycare that provides training, grooming and more.

JoAnna Zapata of FIT4MOM Frankfort, which offers exercise classes moms can take with or without their infants and toddlers in tow, received the Future Star Award recognizing a young and upcoming woman excelling in her field.

The Inspirational Leader Award honors a woman who is at the helm of her company or business venture that she helped start and significantly grow. It honors women leaders who, through their works, actions and attitude, inspire those who work with them and this year the award went to Shari Cassidy of Westside Children’s Therapy, a pediatric and ABA therapy clinic.

Stefanie Drozd of Express Med Spa Frankfort was named Outstanding Mentor. This award recognizes Stepfanie for the work she has done enriching the lives and careers of others by sharing her experience and knowledge.

The Frankfort Chamber also awarded its first ever Legacy Award. The Legacy Award recognizes a Chamber member for their significant and longterm contributions to the Chamber and community. The recipient for the 2023 Legacy Award was Connie Behnke-

Rotondo, a chamber member for more than 55 years and owner of CMB & Associates, Mannheim Square.

Connie and her husband, Al, opened their first photography business in Cicero in 1956. Al was the photographer and Connie managed the business side of the operation.

As their family grew, so did their business. The couple had four children. In 1965 they opened their first Frankfort studio on Route 30 and soon after joined the Frankfort Chamber. Through the years they were a part of other families’ lives, photographing weddings, sports teams, family pictures. With eyes to the future, they followed a dream and purchased five acres of farmland on Route 45 and in 1971 built a