Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Hosts 112th Annual Meeting

Terre Haute, Ind. - The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce hosted its 112th Annual Meeting on Thursday evening at the Terre Haute Convention Center. The theme of the event was “A Collective Vision Forward,” highlighting the positive momentum of Terre Haute and the West Central Indiana region.

Each year, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce recognizes organizations and individuals who are making a difference in the community through a variety of awards.

• Building Business - Sponsored by CenterPoint Energy, this award recognizes a business that drives economic growth in the region. This year’s honorees embody the entrepreneurial spirit of those who take risks and make investments of time and money in their business. This year’s recipient is O’Laughlin Hospitality.

  Cheyne and Nikki O’Laughlin, owners of Charlie’s Pub & Grub, The Terminal Public House and Ladybird Cafe, have been shaping Terre Haute’s restaurant scene since 2013. They preserved Charlie’s as a family legacy, transformed The Terminal into a Downtown hotspot, and most recently opened Ladybird Cafe, adding even more energy to Downtown Terre Haute.

  Beyond their successful restaurants, the O’Laughlins are active community partners, supporting events from Indiana State University basketball rallies to Downtown Terre Haute’s Haunted Haute, always lending their time and efforts to strengthen the community.

• Building Community - Sponsored by Indiana State University, this award honors an organization or individual(s) for making significant progress toward enhancing the quality of life in the West Central region. This year’s award was presented to the Goodwill Excel Center of West Central Indiana.

  The Goodwill Excel Center of West Central Indiana is a tuition-free program that allows adult learners the opportunity to earn their high school diploma. The benefits include a tuition-free education, on-site childcare, transportation assistance, life coaches and a flexible schedule for students. In June, 15 students earned their high school diplomas. Currently, the Excel Center has more than 200 enrolled students, exceeding first-year expectations.

• Leading Tomorrow - Sponsored by RJL Solutions, this award recognizes an amazing leader and volunteer in the community who dedicates their time and service to the West Central Indiana region. This year’s award was presented to Andy Volkl.

  Since 2003, Andy Volkl, Chief Operating Officer of saturn petcare inc., has called Terre Haute home and become one of its biggest cheerleaders. Since 2021, Andy has propelled saturn petcare inc into a leading manufacturer or private-label wet pet food products.

  Andy is also a dedicated husband and father, always finding ways to support this community. Whether that is supporting Chances and Services for Youth by raising funds as a Dancing with the Terre Haute Stars participant, or stepping up as a vocal advocate for a proposed facilities plan within the Vigo County School Corporation, Andy is a strong supporter of the community and is laying the foundation for our children.

• 12 Under 40 - Sponsored by the West Central Indiana Partnership, is an annual award presented in partnership with the Tribune-Star. The award is presented to 12 young professionals, under 40, who go above and beyond to improve their community through their professional lives or volunteerism.

  This year’s honorees were: Rebecca Bercich, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Kyle Crockett, Duke Energy; Jonathan Eilbracht, West Central Indiana Partnership; Caleb Fleschner, Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos and Newlin; Kierra Jones, Kierra Josette Artistry; Justin Kunz, Sycamore Engineering; Allie Lark, Providence HealthCare; Kara Lovell, Kara Lovell Ceramics; Forrest Lowery, First Financial Bank; Anne-Therese “AT” Ryan, City of Terre Haute, Human Relations Commission; Chris Switzer, Vigo County Commissioner; Brett Taylor, Vigo County School Corporation.