The Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce had their yearly membership dinner Wednesday night where there Chamber President Brian Dale welcome all guests who attended the event.
Dale spoke about one of the priorities of the chamber is to create better communication with their chamber members and have been sending a monthly newsletter to provide updates. They are in the process of creating the content of a new website and looking forward to launching in 2017. Another initiatives is creating an education series where they plan to have speakers come into of various topics that come of interest to their members.
Sister Barbara Lynn Schmitz was among the speaker for the evening’s event and provided updates on the Sisters of St. Benedict. One of the accomplishments she spoke of was the Benet Hall opening. She also shared her gratitude to the community for the contributions to the monastery and stated “when one succeeds, we all succeed”.
The guest at the event also heard from the Keynote Speaker Jim Thyne who spoke of the importance in recognizing the retention of companies employees and attracting talent who come into our Dubois Community.
This year Don Van Winkle, Chief Operation Officer of Kimball International, received the Alumni Award from the SouthEast Dubois School Corporation Board. As he was unable to attend his daughter, Victoria, was able to receive the award on his behalf. Victoria stated that she was grateful to her father for being an example as a leader in the community.
Thomas Schipp owner of Universal Design & Associates Inc. received the Community Service Award presented by Ferdinand Council President Ken Sicard.
Schipp was described as a man who landscaped the town of Ferdinand. As he received his award he acknowledge his family who accompanied him at the dinner. Schipp shared with his thoughts of unexpectedly being recognized for the Community Service Award.
He also encouraged everyone to always be kind to each other and recognized the significance of community.
