The 2014 ExxonMobil Community Philanthropic Award was presented to Northern Illinois Steel Supply Company and the Ruth family at “Howl for the Parks,” a People for Channahon Parks Foundation event last month.
The ExxonMobil Community Philanthropic Award recognizes individuals and businesses who donate their time, talents and treasures to improve the quality of life for their neighbors.
Northern Illinois Steel Supply Company (NIS) was founded in 1961 by J.P. (Pat) Ruth and Joseph J. Wallace in Joliet.
As the business continued to grow, his partner sold his share of the business to Pat in 1975. The company began construction of the current facility in 1979 and had a grand opening celebration in Channahon in March 1980.
Pat’s two sons Mike and Tim have worked in the business since their grade schools. They both came to work full-time in 1982. Pat continued in the business until his retirement on July 3, 1992.
Since coming to Channahon, NIS has made an impact on the community generously supporting many local organizations including the Channahon Park District, People for Channahon Parks Foundation, Channahon Fire Protection District, Three Rivers Festival and numerous youth organizations to name a few. NIS also is a major supporter of many community events and non-profit organizations in the greater Joliet area.
“Northern Illinois Steel Supply Company and the Ruth family are fitting examples of good corporate citizenship, and definitely deserving of the ExxonMobil Community Philanthropic Award”, said Mike Rittof, People for Channahon Parks Foundation President, in the news release.