Love of community and jobs is what Roger Dittrich can hang his hat on. And those two issues earned the retired businessman the Citizen-of-the-Year Award last night at the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Awards ceremony.

Dittrich has spent most of his life with his late dad, Howard, promoting Watseka.

Now retired from the family business, T & D Metal, Dittrich spends a lot of time working on the Iroquois Development Association Board of Directors and overseeing his other business ventures – which have created several jobs in the community.

Dittrich owns the local Chrysler dealership and several NAPA auto parts franchises. He also has ownership with three restaurants, Taco Bell, Steak ‘N Shake, and KFC….all creating several jobs opportunities.

The award was presented at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet at celebrations. The Times-Republic sponsors the Citizen-of the-Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.