The Jasper Chamber of Commerce’s 63rd annual Luncheon meeting was held before a large crowd Thursday at Klubhaus 61 in Jasper.
Executive Director, Nancy Eckerle of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce welcomed the large group of guest from the Jasper community and other parts of Dubois County and spoke of the chamber’s continuous purpose as a support vessel for area businesses.
Outgoing President, Craig Hanneman spoke about how busy this year has been so far with recruitment achievement and business growth with many ribbon cuttings. Hanneman recognized members of the board who finish their term this year: Chris Berg, Tom Betz, Renee Clesi, Lesli Graman, Mike Siebert, and Brenda Stallings.
Hanneman also presented Chief Operating Officer, Dan Fritch, co-owner of Matrix Integration with the President’s Community Excellence Award. Fritch has over 35 years of experience in the technology industry and has also had various roles in the community with the St. Joseph Parish, Boy Scouts of America, America’s Best Communities, and other roles in the community.
During his speech Fritch quoted author John C. Maxwell by sharing, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This resonates to his many years of civic service to the Jasper community along with his contributions as a technology professional. Fritch elaborates on the origin of Jasper’s growth coming from great leaders in Dubois County.
He also spoke on how excited he was about hearing of the proposed Jasper Cultural Center as it demonstrates progressive actions from the current leadership investing in the next generation and their leadership. 
Those on hand heard from guest speakers Dean Vonderheide and Christine Golden from the Jasper Library Board and Mike Jones and Kit Miracle from the Jasper Arts Commission who spoke on the “Jasper Cultural Center : Get the Facts” presentation.
The keynote speakers referenced information placed online such as www.myjasperlibrary.org or www.jasperleads.org websites, that can be used as informational tools yet also encourage people to reach out to them if they would like to have more clarity.
Incoming Jasper Chamber President, Laurel Seger, shares her enthusiasm of taking on this new leadership role and how impressed she was with the guest speakers’ presentation and questions lead by program moderator Dr. Alan Johnson.
She noted that the speakers gave logistics and scenarios of the significance the proposed project would mean in providing Jasper with a community center and gathering place for all.
Seger also states that her goals going into this new leadership role is to be available and present at events as it will allow her to become more involved with the Jasper community and looks forward to being part of Jasper’s growth.
