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This year’s Heart of the Community Award, presented by Heartland Bank, was given to Laurie Offerman, director of Three Rivers Public Library. The award was announced on November 20 during the bank’s annual connect@4 networking event, which took place in partnership with the Channahon-Minooka/Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Jessica Enervold, Retail Manager at Heartland Bank, described the purpose of the award during her presentation: “The Heart of the Community Award honors an individual who selflessly gives back to those around them. This person moves the community with genuine empathy, letting their compassion guide every action. With a heart of gold, they serve quietly—without seeking recognition—but their impact is unmistakably felt.”
Offerman has been part of the library district for 16 years and has served as its director for 12 years. She is known in Minooka not only for her professional work but also for her involvement in various local initiatives such as Grundy County Land Use Toy Drives, Will County Green Holiday Lights recycling program, Adopt a Senior program, and blessing basket drive. In addition to her work at the library, she is active in civic organizations including membership in the Minooka Lions Club and serving as current president of the Rotary Club of Channahon-Minooka.
In response to receiving the award, Offerman said: “Thank you for this wonderful recognition! I need to give credit where credit is due, and that goes to my excellent coworkers at Three Rivers Library, who enable me to be able to do all the things outside of the library’s walls, as well as our very supportive Board of Trustees, who encourage our active participation in the community. Support your local library!”
Offerman was surprised at connect@4 by family members—including her parents and children—as well as colleagues and friends. Fellow Chamber members were also present to celebrate.
Enervold concluded by stating: “Laurie, thank you for being the person you are. Your generosity and kindness are evident to all of us here tonight, and we are grateful to have you as a friend and a member of this community.”
