Chamber Hosts Virtual Annual Meeting, First in Organization History
Terre Haute, Ind. – The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce continued the tradition of its Annual Meeting, despite the COVID-19 global pandemic, with a first ever virtual broadcast of the event.
In partnership with WTHI-TV, the 107th Annual Meeting was broadcast on WTHI-TV (CBS) and online.
“Although large gatherings aren’t possible at this time, we believe it was important to continue with plans for the Annual Meeting,” says Chamber President Kristin Craig. “The work our Board of Directors and staff put into this event was much different than in the past, but just like local business and our local community; we have all had to dig deep and change the way we do business.”
Joining the broadcast from Indianapolis was Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. In a short pre-recorded video, Gov. Holcomb looked back on his recent visit to Terre Haute in late 2019 in which he released his Legislative Agenda and introduced members of his cabinet.
“We had no idea (at that time) that Indiana would be facing a global pandemic of this magnitude,” Gov. Holcomb says. “But what we do know is that Hoosiers can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.”
Annual Meeting mainstays, including the three main award presentations were continued, with award winners being honored on-location in pre-recorded segments.
The annual Building Business Award, sponsored by Vectren – A CenterPoint Energy Company, honors an outstanding business that has brought significant economic growth to the West Central Indiana region.
This year the honor was given to Terre Haute businessman Greg Gibson for his advocacy, vision and investment in projects including the downtown convention center and Terre Haute casino project, just to name a few.
“Not only am I truly honored, I also consider it a great honor to have the opportunity to pursue business and development projects that can improve this fantastic community,” Gibson said while receiving the award. “It’s no secret that my family and I love and believe in Terre Haute. Terre Haute is our home and we are proud of it. We respect its rich history and have great hopes and dreams for its future.”
The Building Community Award, sponsored by Indiana State University, honors an organization or individual(s) for making significant progress toward enhancing quality of life issues in the West Central region.
Craig says while in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the option to honor healthcare workers including doctors, nurses and staff at medical facilities in West Central Indiana was an obvious and easy decision.
“How could we not honor the men and women in our community at the front lines of the pandemic,” Craig says. “When this all began back in March I don’t think any of us really could comprehend just what we were up against. Our healthcare workers continue to devote their time and energy to our community. We are grateful for their sacrifices and commitment.”
As in past years a member of Leadership Connect of West Central Indiana is also recognized as an emerging and exemplary young professional in the community. The Emerging Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Wright’s Pool Service and the Wabash Valley Leadership Institute, awards the winner a spot in an upcoming WVLI cohort.
This year’s honor was given to Ron Hodge, Financial Advisor with VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc. and co-chair of Leadership Connect. An active member in the community, Ron spends time as a board member of the Swope Art Museum, a member of Launch Terre Haute and a member of the Diversity Walk Committee.
“Our family is grateful for organizations like the Chamber that are proactive in bettering our community,” he says. “The friendships I’ve made and lessons I’ve learned from the work in our community have been their own reward many times over. I’m convinced more than ever, even in these times, that community is so very important for a full life. Thank you Terre Haute community for presenting the opportunity to live that out every day. Thank you most of all to my family- Alex, Madi, and Carter- love you so much.”
Chamber Board Chair, Sara Smith, Vice President of Sycamore Engineering and Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett also joined Craig in the broadcast.
A full recap of the Annual Meeting, along with a copy of the broadcast can be found on the Chamber and WTHI’s websites.
More Information about Annual Meeting Awards
Building Business Award
The Building Business Award, formally the Business – A Level Above award, sponsored by Vectren – A CenterPoint Energy Company, honors an outstanding business or individual(s) of the year in the West Central region, who is committed to being a leader in the community as the pinnacle of business growth and development.
Past recipients have included Sony DADC, Pfizer, Inc., Clabber Girl Corporation, Duke Energy, Union Hospital, GE Aviation, ADVICS Manufacturing, ThyssenKrupp Presta, Thompson Thrift, CSN, LLC, Dorsett Automotive, Joink and Gartland Foundry and First Financial Bank.
Building Community Award
The Building Community Award, formally Vision – A Level Above Award, sponsored by Indiana State University, recognizes an organization or individual(s) who have made a significant impact on the West Central region. The specific areas of focus include Arts, Communications, Economic Development and Education. They also include Natural Environment and Community Appearance as well as Resource and Funding.
Past recipients of this award have included Major General Martin Umbarger, Greg Gibson, Tim Dora, the Terre Haute Children’s Museum Board of Directors, Sisters of Providence, First Financial Bank, Wabash Valley Community Foundation, Keith Ruble, Art Spaces/Arts Illiana, Vigo County School Corporation, Terre Haute Regional Hospital, Vigo Co. Parks & Recreation Dept. – Griffin Bike Park and John McNicohls & Max Miller and the Duke Energy Foundation.
Emerging Leader of the Year Award
Leadership Connect of West Central Indiana presents the Emerging Leader of the Year Award. Formally Young Leader of the Year, the award sponsored by Wright’s Pool Service and the Wabash Valley Leadership Institute, is presented to an individual with a demonstrated commitment to attract and retain young talent in the West Central community.
First presented in 2011, the Emerging Leader of the Year Award recognizes individuals who possess values consistent with those of Leadership Connect and an unwavering responsibility to community programs that elevate the overall quality of life in the West Central region. Past winners include Whitney Gurman-Roberts, Stephanie Pence, Ellie Caldwell, Jon Scherle, Courtney Richey, Jenifer Wright, Jennifer Isbell-Scott, Lindsay Hull and Jared Ell.
