Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce honors Donna Herpich of Great Lakes Metals as Outstanding Chamber Member & Business Person of 2012 at the 67th Annual Installation Dinner.

 Members and supporters of the Oak Lawn business community gathered on Saturday, January 19th at the Hilton Oak Lawn to honor the 2013 Officers and Directors of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce during the 67th  Annual Installation. The Installation was led by Village President, Dave Heilmann.

Donna Herpich of Great Lakes Metals was honored as the recipient of the Chamber award for Outstanding Chamber Member and Business Person for 2012.

Donna Herpich, a 45 year resident of Oak Lawn, started her business in 1994 with the help of her husband & son. The first 6 years were without a paycheck. Finally in 2000, she started to make a profit.  From 2000 to 2010 her sales grew from $100,000 to $1.4 million.

She was continually solicited by IDOT & several other contractors to move into another segment of the steel business involving roadways & bridges.  She started this new endeavor in 2011 & by the end of 2012 her small business grew from one secretary & one part time driver to 2 secretaries, 2 drivers, a great accountant & a brand new semi- truck.  Sales grew to over 30 million dollars.

She is the only woman owned supplier in the state of Illinois.

Donna Herpich has been active in the Oak Lawn community since moving here in 1967. She was a director in the Oak Lawn Chamber for many years. She was active with her husband in the Shriners and the GBG’s (Girls behind the Guys) as well as Eastern Star and still continues to be active today.  She  volunteered at Christ hospital and has continuously supported St. Gerald’s and the St. Linus Athletic Club. Donna is a past president of the Oak Lawn Elks Auxiliary and is still and active member.  She is also an active member with the Oak Lawn Lions. Donna is also a member of several organizations in her industry.

For all of her accomplishments we are proud to honor Ms. Donna Herpich as the Outstanding Chamber Member and Business Person for 2012.

Founded in 1946, today the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce consists of more than 300 members.  The Chamber of Commerce works to represent and advance the Oak Lawn business community, striving with constant integrity, fairness and cooperation to promote and improve the economic atmosphere, business climate and image of Oak Lawn.  Learn more about the Chamber at www.oaklawnchamber.com