ICCTA Distinguished Alumnus Award

2010 Recipient


Kim Gilmore
President and founder
Gilmore Marketing Concepts
Elgin Community College(1991)


Kim Gilmore wasted no time in starting her career after earning an associate degree from Elgin Community College in 1991. That same year, she founded Gilmore Marketing Concepts.

Her small business has since grown into a successful advertising and graphic design company. GMC's client list numbers in the hundreds and has included McDonald's, General Electric, Sony, Comcast, and the Chicago Cubs.


Kim Gilmore accepts ICCTA's 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Kim Gilmore accepts ICCTA's 2010 Distinguished
Alumnus Award.

"Elgin helped prepare me for the real world," she says. "It got me ready for what I needed to do for a living."

Gilmore's business model takes an innovative approach to employment. She hires other stay-at-home parents, providing them with laptop computers and the flexibility to work on their own time. Monday morning staff meetings often have numerous kids under the conference table.

Her marketing and management success have been recognized by the Illinois Press Association, Women in Management, and the Elgin Chamber of Commerce.

Gilmore also maintains close ties to her alma mater. In 2009, she was communications director of Elgin's $180 million referendum campaign and helped "sell" the college to the community -- which approved the referendum by just 29 votes.

"I couldn't be more proud to have assisted in making that dream a reality, and couldn't be more proud to be in a community with such a great community college," she says.

For additional information on ICCTA's Distinguished Alumnus Award, please contactKim Villanuevaat 217-528-2858, ext. 1.