McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce names Frank E. Low Award recipient

The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce has named Don Tonyan the recipient of its highest award, the Frank E. Low Award.

Tonyan is honored for his commitment to serving the community. He joined the Rotary Club of McHenry in 1999, where he has served as treasurer and president. As a Rotary member, Tonyan was one of the founders of the successful community fundraiser Blues, Brews & BBQ.

Tonyan has volunteered manpower and equipment to help the McHenry Baseball Association and high school students. He also stepped up to donate materials and oversight of the McHenry High School Class of 1964 Vietnam memorial, located in Veterans Memorial Park.

With commitment to the town he was born in, Tonyan recognized the importance of downtown redevelopment and helped spearhead the movement to redevelop Green Street with the McHenry Downtown Theater renovation and the opening of D.C. Cobb’s.

Tonyan works for family-owned and -operated Wm. Tonyan & Sons in McHenry.

The Chamber’s Frank E. Low Committee selected Tonyan because of his ability to inspire cooperation and encourage involvement.

“Don is truly the same kind of leader Frank Low was,” Sue (Low) Meyer said. “He humbly goes about the business of service to others, giving generously of time, talent and treasure to make McHenry a great place to live, work and play.”

Don will be honored at the Chamber’s annual gala, An Evening of Espionage, on Jan. 26.