Hilltopper star comes home
JOLIET -- Last week Tom Thayer was walking the hall at the Chicago Bears' practice facility when cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman passed by.
"There had been an article on JCA football in the paper that day and the guys know where I'm from," the 1979 Hilltopper graduate said. "Peanut said 'Man, you're lucky to be from Joliet," and I thought 'Yes, I am.'"
(Larry Kane/For Sun-Times Media)
Thayer, a former Bears player who is now the team's radio analyst, was the guest speaker Thursday at the annual Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce dinner at Syl's 150 West.
Emphasizing he was much more comfortable talking about the Bears than business, Thayer began by identifying the different qualities of several coaches he played for. He noted Dan Devine, his coach at the University of Notre Dame, was able to surround himself with a top-notch team of assistants; Mike Ditka drove his Chicago Bears to be tougher than anyone they played against; Hall of Famer George Allen was the most prepared for any game situation that came up and Don Shula was aware of everything happening on the field down to the smallest detail.
"I thought of the coaches I played for and the success they had with different (techniques) and I look at all of the business leaders here -- while nobody looks the same, they're all successful," he said.
Mentioning he'd been to a recent high school reunion that seemed more like "everyone I've known since first grade," Thayer was unexpectedly given the chamber's Lifetime Achievement Award for his achievements in sports and the community.
"Tom embodies the work ethic and community spirit evident in Joliet," presenter Russ Slinkard said.
The Joliet Area Historical Museum was named "Business of the Year," and executive director Tony Contos noted the number of visitors continues to rise.
"I've always told the staff (the museum) is the other jewel of Joliet and while we are Joliet's little secret, I think the secret is out," he said.
Johansen & Anderson, Inc. received a retail small business award and Dystrup, Hoster & Jarot, P.C. was recognized for professional and business services.
Cornerstone Services, Inc. was recognized by the chamber as a social service agency and Prairie Trail Credit Union earned the 2009 financial services award.
The Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate was given a special Community Service Award.
"Joliet and its Franciscan sisters grew up together," Sister Mary Rose Lee said, thanking the chamber for recognizing the order instead of an individual.
"All over the Joliet area there are businessmen and women who have been educated by the sisters," emcee Michael Hennessy said. "They have had a substantial impact on our community."
