The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association's 2nd Gala was yet again an absolute night to remember here in the Southland! Guests arrived dressed in their best, including State and Federal Legislators, Cook County Officials, Mayors, Managers, Clerks, Trustees, Associate Members, and friends and colleagues of SSMMA.
Idlewild Country Club truly outdid themselves this year, exceeding all expectations with their absolutely phenomenal dinner and venue! Our dinner program began with welcome comments from SSMMA's outgoing President Bob Kolosh, who warmly thanked everyone for their attendance and recognized the numerous dignitaries present. A special thank you went to the incredible evening's premier sponsors: Comcast, ComEd, and Prairie State College, as well as the other sponsors supporting this year's event.
Following his opening remarks, Kolosh acknowledged the new 2023-2024 officers, committee chairs, and all members of the Executive Committee elected at the May Board meeting. With deep sincerity and heartfelt gratitude, President Kolosh expressed that this year's gala was a night to celebrate our region and is the final event of his term as President of SSMMA. The evening's event proceeded with the administration of the oath of office to SSMMA's new President, Mayor Ron Gardiner of the Village of Glenwood. In his first act at the helm of the Association, President Ron Gardiner presented a plaque to Kolosh as a thank you for his leadership and commitment to SSMMA. President Gardiner concluded by thanking members and officials for their trust in him to lead the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association over the next year.
The program continued with Legislative Chairman Rick Reinbold taking the podium and presenting the Champion of the Southland Award to Senate Leader and Chief Budget Negotiator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. The crowd applauded as Chairman Reinbold recognized Leader Sims for his herculean efforts this year as Chief Budgeteer ensuring restoration of the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) in this year's State Budget.
The formal ceremony concluded with SSMMA kicking off the evening's celebration with celebratory music and a lively game of heads and tails where the winner took home a $500 gift card!
Thank you again to all of our sponsors and attendees for another memorable celebration.
