Hundreds of businesses, leaders, and entrepreneurs packed the Calumet Lake Pavilion for the Jasper Chamber of Commerce 66th annual meeting on Friday afternoon.
In fact, event organizers say this was the largest crowd to ever attend their annual meeting.
For the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, it was a day of change and new direction.
The now-former Chamber president, Tom Moorman, introduced the new Chamber of Commerce President to the crowd, Rachel Levin.
Before taking up the president’s position, Levin was on the board of directors for two years.
And it was not only a big day for the chamber. The day was also very special for one Jasper resident.
Former president Moorman presented this year’s “President’s Community Excellence Award” to Bob Bleemel.
Bleemel says accepting the award was both surreal and an honor.
In fact, Bleemel says he was surprised was the recipient. He did not know how big of a footprint he was making in the community.
For this year’s meeting, U.S. Senator Mike Braun journeyed back to his hometown to be this year’s keynote speaker.
And for the senator, the day held a little extra significance. He fulfilled his dream of traveling to all 92 counties in Indiana on Thursday.
Braun says the secret to making this dream come true was having quick feet, which he says comes in handy when working at Washington DC.
Braun says when working as a senator, sometimes there are long days.
If you wish to contact Senator Braun, go to braun.senate.gov/contact-mike.
The 2020 Board of Directors are:
President: Rachel Levin
Vice President: Kate Schwenk
Secretary: Ted Miller
Treasurer: Bernie Kreilein
- Cody Ziegler
- Christian Blome
- Mike Horney
- Patrick Ubelehor
- Mary Leah Siegel
- Ruger Kerstiens
- Adam Wendholt
- Michelle Renner
- Morgan Thewes
- Denise Izzolena
