According to her nominators, Barb Berman's "volunteer career" began as a child taking coffee and donuts to the troop trains going through Freeport, IL. When she was recognized as 2010 Citizen of the Year by the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce, part of her introduction said, "Though she technically may be retired her work and impact in the community is a full-time commitment.

Many awards have recognized the tireless effort Barb gives to the community: Rotary Service Above Self, Kiwanis Key Club Raymond S Blunt (selected by students), YWCA Marcella Harris Award for Community Service, Chamber of Commerce Woman Manager of the Year, Betty Henry Award for Community Service, Boy Scout Champion of Youth, Alpine Kiwanis "Touch a Life", Rockford Woman of the Year-finalist, Citizen of the Year-Chamber of Commerce and nominated twice for Excalibur as a finalist in the top six.

The diversity in which she serves is exemplified by the Boards on which she currently or has served: Winnebago County 911, Highview Retirement Home, Rock River Homeowners (charter member), Parks Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Network Professional Women's Organization, Rockford Health System ATEP, Rockford Chamber of Commerce Business Women's Council, Rockford Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club Chairperson, Rockford Woman's Magazine and the Ethnic Heritage Museum Advocacy Board which she organized in 2005. She also serves on the Greenwich Village Art Fair Steering Committee; United Way Volunteer Committee; and as an Advisor to the In Youth We Trust Council, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

-        The Charles Uram Award recognizes and celebrates the achievements of a person who embodies the values demonstrated by the late Charles G. Uram. Chuck Uram passed away on December 24, 2004 and is remembered as a friend and mentor to Rockford Cosmopolitan Charities and to the Rockford community as a whole. Chuck was a fundraiser/volunteer for Crusader Clinic, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hunger Connection, Lifescape Community Services, Rockford Rescue Mission, Rosecrance Health Network, The MILL, United Way, Wesley Willows, YMCA, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and others. He was honored by the Rockford Register Star with the Excalibur Award in 2004 for his exemplary service to the community.

-        The Community Foundation attracts, grows and preserves a permanent endowment for the people of Northern Illinois, providing grants to nonprofit organizations and programs. In the past 10 years, the Community Foundation has awarded $33 million in grants to community projects and organizations.