Our December Business of the Month is no stranger to our Chamber or our community. A family name synonymous with friendly and quality service, Jeff Reeder continues the family tradition with Reeder’s Auto Service Center.

Jeff has served on the Chamber Board and continues to support the Chamber in many ways. The timing for this recognition could not be better as Jeff Reeder accepted the Annual Business Service Award just a few weeks ago at the Annual Chamber Banquet on behalf of everyone at Reeder’s Auto Service Center.

Congratulations to this fine business for their most deserving recognition both in December and for all of 2011!

As I put my thoughts together for this month’s message, four things come to mind.

The first thoughts are of the beautiful weather we are now having. You only have to step outside or event just open a window to smile at how great it is. The last two times I mentioned weather in my message it was about twenty inches of snow on the ground and then Centier’s Bank reading one hundred two degrees. Don’t waste even one day of opportunities to take a walk, sit in the park, use your lawn chairs, or just sit by an open window.

My next thoughts turned to the tremendous response to our annual invoicing for membership dues. As I send out this message, over one hundred of our members have now renewed for 2012. Thank you so much for your excellent response. I hope that next month’s message will speak of an additional large number of renewals received.

The October Business of the Month is no stranger to our Chamber, community, and schools.

Purdue North Central has become a household word for many of the citizens of Portage. The role they play with Susan Brychell and Leslie Plesac heading up our Reality Store event every spring with the Portage Middle Schools, while continually supporting our luncheons and PCBN event in April. Their financial support of our annual directory and volunteering in other areas when needed is a model for all higher educational establishments to follow.

The Chamber members that attended September’s luncheon received a personal message from our guest speaker. Messages at most luncheons touch on protecting against security, investing, employee management, and many other important topics.

Porter Health System CEO Jonathan Nalli’s message was strong and personal. Everyone needs to have a solid relationship with their health care provider. Regular visits with open dialogue along with immediate attention to health situations should be maintained.