Thursday, March 9 marked the third annual Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. At this event, businesses that are part of the Chamber are invited to enjoy a meal and drinks, as well as an awards ceremony hosted by its board of directors. This event is held to express the gratitude and pride that the board feels for all the businesses with which they are involved.
“We decided three years ago to honor the business community leaders with a variety of different awards,” said Shawn Pettit, Merrillville Councilman and Chamber board member. “The business community in Merrillville is critical; Otherwise, we're a bunch of subdivisions. They're kind of like the spine on the body, so to speak.”
There are many different kinds of awards presented at this event, including the Nonprofit Award, Legacy Award, Corporate Responsibility Award, and many others. This event is also an excellent way to gather the community together for networking and bonding. Many friendships and business partnerships have been made at these events over the past three years.
“One of the best parts of the chamber is getting people together and letting them network and show their products, show their services, and talk about their products and services. So, I think this is an excellent way,” Pettit said.
The Chamber makes a point to recognize entrepreneurs of all ages, young and old. They congratulate news business owners as well as Legacy owners who have been in the chamber for 25 years.
“We're looking at young entrepreneurs, we're looking at volunteers of the year, we're looking at business success, long-term success, and it’s just a way to recognize and acknowledge that business community engine that keeps the Region going,” said Jennifer Doffin, Chairman of the Chamber and Vice President Regional Sales Manager at Centier Bank.
Here are all of the award winners:
Business Leader - Tina Popp - John Cicco's Menswear
Business Success - Marc Staples /Eric Siedschlag - The Staples Group
Corporate Responsibility - Strack and VanTil
Volunteer of the Year - Kevin Kickert - Tech Credit Union
Legacy - Tech Credit Union
Minority Business - Joslyn Kelly - J's Breakfast Club
Non-Profit - Julie Wendorf - Crown Point Community Library
Young Entrepreneur - Kyle Feck - On the Go Therapy and Mobile Massage
Overall, the event was very successful and was a great way to build a rapport between the businesses, as well as between the Chamber board and their businesses. Chairman Doffin and the board of directors at the Chamber have accomplished so much this past year and are excited for all the plans they have with their driven, goal-oriented team.
“I get to lead a really awesome team of board of directors who inspire me every day to think bigger and to think differently, and together we're accomplishing great things this year,” Doffin said.
One of the exciting things the Chamber is looking forward to this year is a surprise event for their chamber members. On April 12, 2023, they are hosting a reveal of their plans for the year and the Chamber’s new plans and partnerships. This event will be held at the Hard Rock Casino Amphitheater.
“Everybody put April 12 on your calendar for our big reveal. Exciting announcements are coming about where the Chamber's headed and what we're doing and cool partnerships and so forth,” Doffin said. To stay updated on the future plans of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at www.crossroadschamber.org.