Chamber Honors 20 Under 40, Erin Jennings
The McLean County Chamber of Commerce recognized local leaders at its Leaders of Distinction Awards Reception in Bloomington.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Business — General
The McLean County Chamber of Commerce honored local business leaders at the Leaders of Distinction Awards Reception on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, co-hosted by The Pantagraph. Erin Jennings, director of resource development for Habitat for Humanity of McLean County, was named winner of the 30th-year ATHENA Leadership Award.
Why it matters
The awards spotlight emerging and established leaders in the Bloomington-Normal business community, recognizing contributions that shape the region's workforce and nonprofit sector. The event serves as a public acknowledgment of local professionals whose work reaches residents across McLean County.
Twenty individuals were named 20 Under 40 honorees at the reception, and the ATHENA Leadership Award marked its 30th year. Nominee totals and selection criteria for each award were not disclosed in the extraction.
The players
McLean County Chamber of Commerce
The county's chamber of commerce organizes business networking and recognition programs for employers and professionals across McLean County.
Erin Jennings
Erin Jennings is director of resource development for Habitat for Humanity of McLean County, a nonprofit that builds affordable housing in the region.
The details
Chris Downing, vice president of development and community engagement at Heartland Community College, served as emcee for the event. Erin Pieczynski, director of community partnerships at Lifelong Access, received the Liz Larson Rising Leader Award, and finalists for the ATHENA award included Tracy Patkunas, Jennifer Sedbrook and Kathleen Schniedwind.
Timeline
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Leaders of Distinction Awards Reception held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington.
2025: Erin Pieczynski named Bloomington-Normal Young Professionals Ambassador of the Year.
Market Landscape
The ATHENA International program, which has recognized women leaders in local chapters for decades, underpins the 30th-year award presented at this reception. The 20 Under 40 honorees extend a regional practice of spotlighting young professionals who are shaping Bloomington-Normal's business community.
Residents of Bloomington-Normal can look to the honorees named at this reception as local business contacts and community leaders. The recognition highlights nonprofit and corporate employers whose programs and services are available to people across McLean County.
The takeaway
Local business leaders recognized at events like this often serve as useful community connections for residents seeking mentorship, nonprofit involvement, or professional networking in the region.
Further reading
Explore more Business — General news from the Bloomington area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pantagraph.
