Several individuals were recognized at the Aurora Area Chamber & Development’s annual awards banquet Thursday for making a difference in various ways. The winners included Bob and Steve Leach at Leach Insurance Center in Aurora, the Gold Award; Bill Hunter, Agricultural Award; Marilyn Vrana, Educator of the Year; Audrey Vaught, AACD Member of the Year; Matt Thomas, Entrepreneur of the Year; and Dr. John Wilcox, Healthcare Award winner. See this week's edition for excerpts from their nominations.