News Release
Contact:
Mike Paone, Executive Vice President
815.727.5373
mpaone@jolietchamber.com
For Immediate Release
Marx Gibson Community Leadership Award Recipient Announcement
Joliet, IL. – February 19, 2026 – The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Community Leadership School committee members are excited to announce Mike Rittof as the 2026 recipient of the Marx Gibson Community Leadership Award. Mike becomes the 25th award recipient and will be honored as part of the Community Leadership School banquet on Monday, March 23rd, 5:00 PM at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate’s Victorian Ballroom.
Mike Rittof, Regional Vice President at First Secure Community Bank in Joliet, is a dedicated servant leader whose commitment to strengthening his community is evident in both his actions and his character. He leads with resilience, integrity, and a genuine concern for others. Mike consistently puts service above self, working diligently to create meaningful, lasting progress.
With humility and approachability, he takes the time to listen, understand, and respond thoughtfully to the needs of those around him. He approaches challenges with creativity and steady determination, always focused on practical solutions that move the community forward.
Mike’s leadership inspires collaboration and trust, bringing people together around a shared vision. His generosity is unmatched, supporting numerous individuals and organizations working to make an impact and provide opportunities in our region.
Mike’s past and present involvements include, but are not limited to:
· Three Rivers Festival Foundation President
· Village of Channahon President/Mayor
· Channahon Fire Protection District Trustee & Board Chair
· Community Foundation of Will County Past Board Chair
· United Way of Will County Past Campaign Chairman
· Will County Center for Economic Development Past Board Chair
· Joliet Rotary Club Past President
· Joliet Area Historical Museum Past Board Chair
· Will County Governmental League Past President
· Upper Room Crisis Hotline Board Member & Treasurer
· Will-Grundy Medical Clinic Past Board Chair
Mike has been recognized for his selfless dedication of time, talent, and service to the community, earning honors from Lewis University (De La Salle Award), the Minooka Lions Club (Volunteer of the Year), the Southwest Philanthropic Network (Philanthropic Leadership Award), and receiving the Amos Hayes Citizen of the Year Award from the Village of Channahon.
The Marx Gibson Community Leadership Award was developed in 2000 to honor a true servant leader. Marx Gibson was dedicated to volunteerism and making a positive difference in the community. The Community Leadership School of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry is dedicated to conveying the significance of prioritizing volunteerism to its participants, thus fostering a culture of community engagement aimed at creating positive change. Marx Gibson was a perfect example of how individuals can lead a successful career while also serving their community.
Marx served as president of the Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Foundation from 1997 until the spring of 2000. Prior, he had a 32-year journalism career, holding various roles including reporter, editor, and vice president at Star Publications, Small Newspapers, and Copley Newspapers.
Mr. Gibson was inducted into the Joliet/Will County Hall of Pride and received the James C. Craven Freedom of the Press award from the Illinois Press Association. In September 1999, he became the first male to receive the Joliet Region Chamber’s Athena Award for supporting women in their professional endeavors. As an active community leader, he served on numerous boards including the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kiwanis Club of Joliet, and United Way of Will County, among others.
Please join the members of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the graduates of the Community Leadership School to honor Mike Rittof on Monday, March 23rd at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate’s Victorian Ballroom as we celebrate his many accomplishments. Contact the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry at (815) 727-5371 or online at www.jolietchamber.com to make reservations.
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The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the largest Chamber in Will County and one of the largest and most active Chambers of Commerce in Illinois representing nearly 1,000 member businesses and organizations from a wide variety of categories. The Chamber carries out its mission by advocating in the interest of business and providing opportunities for committee work, networking, promotion, and continuing professional development. The Chamber also strongly believes in a solid educational system base and has been awarded multiple times on the local and state level for the work of their Education Committee.