Published on January 18, 2026 8:15 am
Last Updated on January 18, 2026 1:32 pm
Photo courtesy of Ed Baumgarten: Tom Wright, Citizen of the Year 2026
A big crowd was “Stayin’ Alive” at the 2026 Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Gala Saturday night. “Saturday Night Fever” was the theme.
Congratulations to Tom Wright, who was named the Citizen of the Year. Wright is best known for his role for many years as President of Wright Furniture and Flooring prior to his retirement. He is also a board member and officer of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. Wright’s role in the Dieterich community has also been considerable, including the role of his family in their contribution to the Wright Family Center.
The Citizen of the Year award is sponsored by the Effingham Daily News.
This year’s Chamber Volunteer of the Year is Ruth Rhodes. Among her many accomplishments is the organization of the annual Lake Sara Dam Run, which generates funding help for Special Olympics.
The Volunteer of the Year award is sponsored by the Effingham/Teutopolis News Report.
Photo courtesy of Ed Baumgarten: Steve Raymond and Ruth Rhodes, Volunteer of the Year 2026
Also honored was this year’s Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Debbie Womack of First National Bank of Waterloo.
Recognition was also given this year’s Excellence in Business award recipients…McMahon Meats and Northside Ford-Lincoln.
