It was the perfect day to have a gathering at Sand Creek Country Club. The Duneland Chamber of Commerce Annual State of the Chamber Luncheon took place in one of the large, spacious banquet halls at the country club.
The room was full of people from community leaders to business owners to members of the Chamber. Everyone chatted, laughed and enjoyed a wonderful lunch provided by the club. After the meal was done, Jim Anton from Anton Insurance took to the podium to welcome to get the proceedings started.
"I think our organization is one of the best chamber organizations in Northwest Indiana," Anton said. "Our board and our staff work very hard for you and I think it's an honor to be here speaking to you today."
"This gives us all a chance to be part of something larger than ourselves," Duneland Chamber Executive Director Maura Durham said to the crowded room. "It's truly an honor to work with all of you and I'm having a lot of fun meeting all of you and learning about your businesses. Thank you for being here and supporting our organization."
Durham then recognized the Chamber's staff and Board of Directors and then community leaders from different Duneland towns including Chesterton, Burns Harbor, Dune Acres, and Porter, came to the podium to give progress updates on what is happening in their respective towns. Following this, awards were presented to deserving individuals.
The Chamber kindly gave presenters and winners a swag bag that included goodies from Ashley's Jewelry by Design, The Flower Cart, Sweetville, and a little bubbly provided by Broadway Liquors.
Award recipients were:
Putting Duneland on the Map: National Park Service - Paul Labovitz, National Park Associtation - Michael Shymanski
Business Renovation Award: Strack & Van Til Food Market - Jason Boardman
Humanitarian of the Year: Jocelyn Hibshman, Judy Alders
Volunteer of the Year: Janenne Stuber
Golden Achievement Award: Pat Amstutz
Duneland Distinguished Woman: Heather Ennis
Each person who was honored reacted with surprise and delight. All of the initiatives, selfless community work, lives they have touched, and time they have spent bettering their community was recognized and accentuated with cheers and applause. Some of the award recipients said words of thanks for the recognition.
"Thank you so much. This means a lot to me," Alders said with a warm smile. "But I wouldn't have been able to do it without the amazing people on our board of directors, my husband, our wonderful workers, and so many more. It's a joy and a privilege every day for me to serve Porter County."
"What an amazing award," Ennis said, emotion filling her voice. "Thank you so much. What an amazing group of people to be a part of. I'm so honored...just so honored."
The luncheon concluded with a raffle drawing and everyone then stood and extended their congratulations to all of the award winners with kind words, hugs, handshakes, and positive affirmations.
Sponsors of the State of the Chamber Luncheon: Porter Regional Hospital, The Times Media Company, BusINess, Franciscan St. Anthony Health Michigan City, The LaPorte Savings Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Hogan Consulting Group, TCU, Arnell Chevy-Kia, Kramer and Leonard, Horizon Bank, First State Bank of Porter, Lakeside Wealth, Management Group, LLC, Tiger Lily, Centier Bank - Chesterton Downtown Branch, Epic Limo, Inc.