Joliet realtor Brian Bessler has been named Three River Association of Realtors Good Neighbor award winner for his efforts to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the country began to shut down March of 2020, Bessler saw friends and small business owners posting on their personal social media pages that they feared they would have to close for good if something did not change quickly. They simply did not have a large enough social media following to survive off the sales that they could generate through their existing followers and no extra money to put into marketing.

Bessler created what would come to be called the Joliet Restaurant & Bar Guide as an effort to build a large social media network to help businesses survive. The group grew to over 3,000 followers the first week.

Following the initial launch, several initiatives were introduced through the group including Donate A Meal. This simple program was created for businesses to collect $5 from restaurant patrons to provide a meal for a frontline worker or first responder. It generated enough revenue to provide over 5,000 meals to frontline workers through nearly 20 partner restaurants.

Other restaurants created their own version of the program and generated countless additional meals. When the COVID-19 vaccination became available, the group worked to create a local hub to help individuals who were uncomfortable with online scheduling and post current availability for vaccinations in locations throughout the state. Openings were shared and hundreds of appointments were scheduled with help from members of the group. Additionally, local businesses and organizations worked together to provide 3,500 snacks, drinks and coffee pods to area vaccination clinics.

There were three additional sister groups created from Bessler’s initial efforts. They are Joliet Area Small Business Guide, Joliet Area Family Fun Guide and the Breakroom: Joliet Area Bar and Restaurant Guide which is a place for restaurant owners and employees to discuss industry issues.

As part of the award, Three Rivers is donating $500 to the winner’s charity of choice. Bessler chose to split it between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Joliet and the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Bessler’s application will now be submitted to the National Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Awards competition. Each year, the National Association of Realtors recognizes five winners and five honorable mentions who have made an extraordinary impact on their community through volunteer work. Winners are announced each fall and recognized at the Realtors Conference and Expo in November. They also receive a $10,000 grant to their charity.

The five honorable mentions receive $2,500 grants. In 2007, Three Rivers Association of Realtors member Virginia Ferry received the Good Neighbor award. from the National Association of Realtors.