Thursday morning the Huntingburg Chamber of Commerce held their 22nd Membership Luncheon with guest speaker Deputy Director of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission, Rene Stanley.
Stanley spoke about the many projects and celebrations pertaining to the Indiana Bicentennial. Among those projects include : Bicentennial torch relay, the Bicentennial book, the Bicentennial Nature Trust, and many more.
Stanley observes the year 1916 when the State of Indiana authorized the creation of a state park system during the state’s centennial as a gift to the people of Indiana.
Former Governor Mitch Daniels announced the Bicentennial Nature Trust (BNT) in his 2012 State of the State Address as a new statewide effort to honor Indiana’s 200th anniversary for 2016.
Huntingburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Sara Schroeder, also announced the Golden Leaf Award for 2016 that was given to the Huntingburg Stellar Committee.
Mayor Denny Spinner spoke on behalf of the committee to express his gratitude for the community support and patience as Huntingburg continues to build a “Stellar” community.
Schroeder also announced a surprise recognition as the chamber gave another Golden Leaf Award to Al Mihajlovits. He took the podium in appreciation of the acknowledgment stating that it was a great honor and that though he is not a native to Indiana that after living in the state for 43 years has now made him a Hoosiers. As Stanley accomplishes her travels throughout the cross roads of America she encourages each county she visits to celebrate Indiana. As Stanley was taking a video of the well attended event, Al Mihajlovits and the rest of the attendees collectively declared a happy birthday to Indiana.
Schroeder also spoke about the current success of events that have occurred so far under her leadership such as the Garden Festival at Huntingburg with over 2300 people in attendance.
She explains her outlook on future events and efforts to tie it in with the bicentennial celebrations.
Currently the focus is set for Business Education Series that will occur starting June 23rd. The purpose of the series of educational workshops is to help promote professional growth and development for the business sector.
