BBB Chicago (Brittany Studios)
The Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois (BBB) is honored to announce this year’s award recipients and new board members activated at its 97th Annual Dinner meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Swissotel Chicago. With hundreds of business leaders and their guests attending, the event featured a keynote address by legendary radio host and comedian Steve Cochran of WLS Radio AM 890. Cochran was also given the BBB’s highest honor for media excellence, one of three distinguished awards.
The other two awards included:
Torchbearer of the Year Award - Emir Abinion, President and CEO of Fox Valley Auto Group. Presented to an individual, civic, or business leader in our community who has made significant efforts to promote ethical business practices and assist the BBB in spreading the concept of business self-regulation.
Emir Abinion stands tall as a visionary force in the automotive industry, blazing trails as the founder, president, and CEO of Fox Valley Auto Group. His journey commenced at age 19, igniting a trajectory marked by relentless dedication and unparalleled success.
From his early days at Jerry Gleason Golf Mill Ford, where he swiftly ascended to General Manager by age 23, to Ford Motor Company extending an offer of partial ownership in Landmark Ford, his leadership and expertise were undeniable.
He ventured into new territories alongside his family, establishing a Volkswagen dealership in West Chicago, winning top awards, and expanding his footprint with additional dealerships in Schaumburg and St. Charles.
His wife Patricia has been by his side for 35 years, and his daughters Gabrielle Abinion and Danielle West play integral roles in the business. Their unwavering support has been the cornerstone of his success.
Diogenes Award for Media Excellence - WLS AM 890 Radio Host Steve Cochran
For 30+ years, Steve Cochran has been a top radio host in many markets, most of which have been spent in Chicago. Steve has been a bright light, engaging listener with an enthusiastic sense of comedy, conversation, and warmth in many major media markets. Luckily, most of his time has been spent right in Chicago. Steve has been a bright light, engaging listener with an enthusiastic sense of comedy, conversation, and warmth, and he has made him a household name. Steve also hosts a weekly live interview segment with the BBB to help protect consumers from scams and give them tips on finding trustworthy businesses.
The James E. Baumhart Lifetime Achievement Award - Charles Gavzer, Executive VP of Carnivale Restaurant Group
This award is named after Jim Baumhart, who served the Better Business Bureau for more than 42 years and is recognized as someone who has made an outstanding contribution to BBB’s mission.
Chuck Gavzer is a tireless supporter and friend to the BBB and a results-driven executive specializing in real estate development and finance. His career began in accounting and financial management, transitioning into new business development, corporate growth and development, multisite operations, and project management in the hospitality field. Most recently, he has been in restaurants, commercial, and residential real estate. Chuck has been a partner in Carnivale Chicago since its inception, has been responsible for its financing, and has served as its president since 2010.
New Board Members Announced: The event also included adding several top business leaders to the Board of Directors. In alphabetical order, they are:
Melissa Cleveland: Market President - BMO Chicago Lake Shore
Melissa Cleveland is a trailblazing woman in the banking industry, known for her exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to community development and financial literacy. With over two decades of experience in various roles within the financial sector, Melissa has demonstrated remarkable versatility and expertise, excelling in areas such as retail banking, human resources, and training & development. Beginning her career as a Customer Service Associate, Melissa's passion for empowering others and making a positive impact on her community has been a driving force, propelling her to executive positions, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping organizational strategy, driving revenue growth, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
In her new role as Market President for BMO Chicago Lake Shore, Melissa plans to leverage her platform to champion initiatives to promote financial literacy and economic empowerment, particularly among underserved populations. Her passion for community development and financial literacy extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she actively volunteers her time and expertise to mentor aspiring professionals and support initiatives that promote economic resilience and empowerment through the local Austin-based non-profit Urban Transformation Network. Her dedication to driving positive change and fostering financial inclusion has driven her to serve as Chair of the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Affinity Group, a Board Member of the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, where she was instrumental in developing a program to assist minority business owners in gaining access to capital to establish a physical presence in Oak Park. She also serves on the Women Leaders in Philanthropy Council through Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation and Dominican University Community Advisory Council, which advises the university regarding the implementation of its strategic plan, community impact, and engagement.
As a role model and advocate for diversity and inclusion, Melissa inspires others to pursue their goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Matt Martin: VP of Employee Benefits - Marsh & McClennan Agency Midwest
Matt Martin is a native Chicagoan and Vice President of Employee Benefits at Marsh & McClennan Agency Midwest. Matt graduated from Columbia College Chicago in Fiction Writing, The Second City Conservatory Program, Loyola Academy, and the Chicago Public School Franklin Fine Arts Academy. It was at Loyola Academy that Matt learned the phrase Men and Women for Others. It is through that service mindset that Matt serves his clients and colleagues alike. At Marsh & McClennan Agency, Matt is a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council member, focusing on improving organizational strength through strategic consulting and risk management. Matt is married to Heidi and has two sons, Charlie and Marcus, and a rescue dog named Beverly. He resides in the Edgebrook neighborhood of Chicago and spends his free time being a dad and volunteering for various causes.
Jennifer Morand: President of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and GM of the Chicago Auto Show
A graduate of the University of Iowa, Morand began her career with the CATA in 2008 as a seasonal Communications Specialist to help with public relations and social media for the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. After working in agency public relations and digital marketing for several years, she returned to the CATA as Senior Manager of Public Relations and social media in 2012. She was promoted to Director in 2014 and has established the Chicago Auto Show as an industry leader through strategic media relations, targeted digital campaigns, and year-round social media engagement. In 2022, Morand transitioned to the Co-President and Co-General Manager, and in 2024, she officially took over as President of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show.
Morand also served on the Board of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) as Communications Director for six years and is currently the Chairwoman of Auto Shows of North America, a committee formed within the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) leading a nationwide effort to reinvigorate manufacturer participation in auto shows.
She lives in Chicago's southwest suburbs with her husband, two kids (10 and 5), and an English cream retriever.
Peter Muntaner: Senior Manager – WEC Energy Group
Peter Muntaner has over 16 years of experience in and associated with the utility industry. His expertise in the field includes customer service, risk management, policy development, and regulatory matters.
Muntaner is currently the senior manager of contact and support centers for WEC Energy Group. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic, tactical, and operational direction of front-office customer service for Peoples Gas in Chicago. He is also responsible for back-office customer support services and claims management for Milwaukee-based WEC Energy Group, which includes We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, and Upper Michigan Energy Resources.
Muntaner previously served as manager of the support center and claims for Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. In this capacity, he led efforts to manage risks for both companies, enhance external relationships with customers, and leverage next-generation customer engagement platforms.
Muntaner’s experience in the utility field includes his tenure as director of consumer services for the Illinois Commerce Commission. In this capacity, he led efforts to expand consumer protection in the electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications industries. Muntaner earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s in public administration from DePaul University.
Jody Oshita-Bajor: Media Sales Director at NBC Universal Chicago
Jody Oshita-Bajor is a Media Sales Director at NBC Universal Chicago, overseeing sales and marketing partnerships, including the entire portfolio of NBC, Telemundo, NBC Sports, The Olympics, Peacock, and all NBCU properties. Jody’s expansive career in media began at Stern Walters Earle Ludgin, Inc. Advertising Agency as a consumer and trade media planner and buyer for all mediums across various business industries. She then entered the wide world of broadcast radio at WLUP-FM, WLUP-AM 1000, and Disney ESPN Radio, in positions as Director of Chicago Blackhawks Sports Sales and Local Sales Manager before joining NBC under the original ownership of GE before Comcast Corporation.
A native of Chicago, Jody attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and is active in the community, serving over the years on various boards and committees, including the Chicago Gateway Green Board of Directors, The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Breakthrough Board, the Japanese American Service Committee and The Midwest Italian American Chamber of Commerce and Special Olympics Chicago.
“All of our new board members and award recipients exemplify the Better Business Bureau's goals and principles of supporting and fostering an ethical marketplace that benefits both consumers and businesses,” says Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB.
PNC Bank was the presenting sponsor for this year’s Annual Dinner event, and Inland Real Estate Group, LLC was the chairperson's reception sponsor. This year's gold sponsors were Discover Financial Services and Fox Valley Auto Group.
