February 8, 2025 — The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2024 Legacy of Excellence
Honoree Ed Rust Jr, Retired CEO, State Farm. Considered the most prestigious Chamber award, the Legacy of Excellence is
bestowed upon an individual who, through their personal or business efforts, has made significant contributions making
McLean County a better place. Ed was recognized at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Excellence
Gala presented by Commerce Bank on Saturday, February 8, 2024.

The Gala also featured a presentation of the annual Business Excellence Awards that honor member businesses, agencies, and
individuals who have shown outstanding performance, quality customer service, and business distinctiveness. Finalists are
below and winners (in bold) were announced at the Gala on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Illinois State University Brown
Ballroom.

Business Excellence Award Finalists:
The Business Excellence Awards honor member businesses, agencies and individuals that have shown outstanding
performance, quality customer service, and business distinctiveness. The awards are broken into five categories:

Micro Business
- Guardian Law-Winner
- Mazter Mindz Media
- Path Performance
- PD Benefits
- Renaissance Wealth Management

Small Business
- Lincoln Office
- Platinum Plumbing-Winner
- Prairie Woodworks, Inc.
- Reliable Pools, Inc.
- Rudicial Financial Allstate Agencies

Large Business
- Four Seasons Health Club
- O’Brien Auto Team of Bloomington-Normal
- PNC Bank-Winner
- Reinhart Landscaping & Snow
- The Loft Rehabilitation & Nursing of Normal

New & Emerging Business
- Assisted Living Helpers
- Bonchon-Winner
- Century 21 Quest
- Nautical Bowls
- Onward Injury Law

Nonprofit Organization
- Beyond the Books Educational Foundation
- Bloomington Public Library
- Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal
- Home Sweet Home Ministries
- Special Olympics Illinois-Winner

Legacy of Excellence Honoree: Ed Rust Jr:
Ed began his distinguished career at State Farm in 1975 after graduating from law school, initially joining the company as a
management trainee in the Dallas office. He quickly developed a comprehensive understanding of regional operations before
returning to Bloomington to serve as an attorney in the State Farm corporate law department. Over the years, Ed transitioned
into marketing and sales, ultimately moving into general management.

In 1981, he was promoted to vice president, and by 1983, he had ascended to the role of executive vice president and chief
operating officer. That same year, he was appointed director of the company. Ed's leadership continued to flourish as he
became President and CEO of State Farm in 1985, and in 1987, he was named Chairman of the Board.

Under Ed's leadership, State Farm experienced unparalleled growth, while he also made significant contributions to various
boards and initiatives. A strong advocate for education, Ed’s passion for advancing educational opportunities in America
became a cornerstone of his career. He played an instrumental role in State Farm’s support of education through both
financial contributions and the dedication of employees' time.

Ed’s commitment to education extended beyond State Farm. He served as a trustee of Illinois Wesleyan University and was
actively involved in the Business Advisory Council of the University of Illinois College of Commerce and Business
Administration, as well as the advisory council of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Additionally, he cochaired the Business Coalition for Excellence in Education and was a member of President George W. Bush's transition
advisory team on education.

In 2012, Ed was named Chairman of the US Chamber of Commerce, where he passionately worked to advance initiatives in
education and workforce development, impacting communities across the nation.
Ed is recognized not only for his exceptional leadership in the growth of State Farm but also for his tireless, behind-the-scenes
efforts in supporting the Bloomington/Normal community. His unwavering dedication to education and his humble nature
makes this recognition truly well-deserved.