KANKAKEE – On June 8th , State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) recognized Herscher constituent John Branz for winning the prestigious Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in the Business (Volunteer Work) Category. She presented him with a certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives.
“As a now two-time Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winner, we are fortunate to have people like John Branz in the 79th District,” said Rep. Haas. “With his tireless work in 30 years as a trustee for the Village of Herscher and countless volunteer experiences, he is truly an example of what commitment to service and community leadership is for our district and state.”
John Branz won the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award as a Region 2 Business Winner for Kankakee County in 2022, as only one of two business winners in the state. He was first appointed as a village trustee for the Village of Herscher in 1993. He has attended to village business without compensation since 2001. Branz has been actively involved in multiple service organizations throughout Kankakee County, including as Church Treasurer, Men’s Club secretary-treasurer, Chairman of the Trustees, and member of the Finance Committee at his church, Herscher United Methodist.
Branz also has served as co-chairman of the Labor Day Parade since 1991, Herscher Chamber President in 1982, a 9-year, charter member of the Board of Directors of Kankakee County Crimestoppers Inc. and Board President from 1989 to 1990. Among other organizations, he has also worked with the Kankakee Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way of Kankakee County, Kankakee Lodge of the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Herscher Area Historical Society, the latter of which he was an original incorporator. Additional experience includes eight years on the Board of Directors of the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award is presented by the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. It recognizes individual volunteers to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service in the State of Illinois.