Business leader Leah Hoppes honored for her contributions

ST. CHARLES – As president and co-founder of Vision Force Marketing, Leah Hoppes wants to help other businesses to succeed.

Helping others is in her nature, as she regularly gives of her time through her church and other local charitable organizations. She also is a published author, penning the books "Marketing Chomp" and "How To Avoid Embarrassment and Humiliation in Public Speaking."

Hoppes was presented with the L.E.A.P. – Leadership-Excellence-Achievement-Professionalism award during the 98th annual St. Charles Chamber of Commerce's Charlemagne Awards gala on Friday at the Q Center. The award is presented to a Chamber member who has been of remarkable assistance to other women.

In presenting Hoppes with the award, Deborah Gurley and Renee Raymond, of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Council Committee, talked about her many attributes, including being able to "meet people where they are at."

"She has a huge heart," Gurley said. "I think her empathy and her integrity are truly second to none."

During the gala, St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina thanked the business owners for the contributions they make to the community.

"We are proud to be your partner in the city of St. Charles," Rogina said. "People say to me, 'Mayor, you have such a beautiful city.' I always correct them by saying, 'We have a beautiful city.' You are a large part of why we can brag that way."