TH Chamber of Commerce 107th Annual Meeting Part 2

TH Chamber of Commerce 107th Annual Meeting

Intro that was suzanne crouch.

Lieutenant governor of indiana.

In addition to the lieutenant governor "the chamber" works alongside "local and "state lawmakers" "as an advocate" and "voice" for business and the entire west central indiana region.

There's no doubt about it..

We have all been impacted by covid-19.

We look "to state lawmakers" for rulings "on stay-at-home orders", "school closings", and "the economic impact of business closures".

"the terre haute chamber"..

Asked indiana governor "eric holcomb" to take a few minutes to address us this evening.

A lifelong hoosier, governor holcomb is a veteran of the united states navy, and was elected governor in november 20-16.

Governor holcomb is focused on moving our state forward.

In his 1st few months as governor..

He led the way "for the largest long-term infrastructure investment" in our state's history..

With the long-term, fully-funded 20-year, "60"- billion-dollar "next lev roads program".

The governor has called "workforce readiness" the defining issue of the decade.

To meet our state's rapidly changing workforce needs..

He unveiled "the next level jobs program" to help connect "more hoosiers" to high-demand, high-wage careers.

All of this work is under-scored by governor holcomb's commitment to delivering great government service "for hoosier taxpayers" indiana was ranked 1st in the nation "for government efficiency" "by u-s news & worl report" in 20-17.

"governor holcomb" currently serves as "the policy chairman" of the republican governors association..

And in 20-18..

Was named "1"-of "10"-governors shaping the future of politics "by the hill".

He travels weekly throughout the state..

Visiting with hoosiers..

About how to make indiana "an even better place to live, work, and play".

Governor holcomb hello terre haute and west central indiana i'm governor eric holcomb and it's an honor to join this 107th annual meeting.

You know when i rolled out my 2020 legislative agenda last year in terre haute joined by my cabinet, we had no idea that indiana would be facing a global pandemic of this magnitude but we've always known that hoosiers can overcome any obstacle that comes our way by working together and this challenge has further showcased west central indiana's resilience and as we work to get indiana back on track, stay on track.

Our indiana economic development corporation is providing resources to help hoosiers and our businesses succeed and the terre haute chamber and west central business hub covid 19 response team are offering valuable real time resources to businesses across the whole region.

With a focus on economic development, infrastructure, quality of life and quality of place.

I know terre haute and west central indiana's engine isn't idling, far from it.

Its primed ready to compete every single day 24 7 and lead in our 21st century global economy.

I'm excited about it.

So thank you for what you do every single day to drive that growth.

Speaker todd huston hi, i'm todd huston speaker of the indiana house of representatives.

Congratulations to the terre haute chamber of commerce for 107 tremendous years serving the business community.

Keep up the great work.

During the annual meeting..

"the chamber of commerce" presents "3"-deserving awards.

This year..

The presentation of all "3"- awards were taped on location "with the award sponsors" and "recipients".

We begin tonight with an individual award "the leadership connect emerging leader award".

Joining us "from the swope art museum" in downtown terre haute are representatives from the award sponsors "wright's pool service" and "saint mary-of-the woods college".

Hello i'm brennan randolph with saint mary-of-the-woods college and i'm jenifer wright with wright's pool service.

We are here to announce the 2020 emerging leader of the year award for the terre haute chamber's annual meeting.

Sponsored by saint mary-of-the-woods college and wright's pool service, this award honors a member of leadership connect of west central indiana, a branch of the terre haute chamber of commerce.

The goal of leadership connect is to develop better leaders, professionals and community members through professional and personal engagement opportunities.

Interested in learning more?

Visit leadershipconnectwestcentra... ana.com for more information.

This is the 8th year for this award, which is given to an emerging leader with exemplary leadership qualities along with the award comes an invitation to participate in the wabash valley leadership institute, a week-long experience on the campus of saint mary-of-the-woods college for professionals from all walks of life and industry to hone their leadership skills.

And now for tonight's award.

This individual returned to his hometown of terre haute indiana in 2009 to begin work with his family's business, the valley group, located in riley, in.

Gaining experience in the business he is currently an advisor with aig financial working daily for employees of vigo county schools, south vermillion community schools, southwest parke community schools, clay community schools, as well as city of terre haute, vigo county government, and the city of brazil.

As if that wasn't enough he is the 2020 co-chair and past secretary for leadership connect; secretary of the board and supporting member of the swope art museum, a member of launch terre haute and a member of the diversity walk committee.

A strong asset to the community the award winner and his family; husband alex and children madeline and carter are valued volunteers using their time away from work and school serving as volunteers for the society of trash baggers, vigo county education foundation, special olympics; terre haute children's museum, vigo county success by 6 and junior achievement in the wabash valley.

That's a lot!

It is a lot and that's why it was so easy to award this year's emerging leader award to a great leader in our community mr. ron hodge.

Ron hodge thank you.

I want to just start by thanking the chamber staff, the board and the membership and what i really see is the chamber community.

It's very easy for me to connect my connection to the chamber with connecting back to terre haute as a community.

Not just the events and the networking and all those things but really being able to create relationships that mean a lot.

Leadership connect, the part of the chamber that i'm mostly involved with, has really allowed me to make friendships that will no doubt last a lifetime.

Business connections that make doing business in terre haute a pleasant experience and enjoyable.

So i am really thankful, above all, for the community.

I've asked to receive this award today at the swope art museum because it has also, just like the chamber, has been a big part in connecting to terre haute.

This space and the value here makes us feel welcome and a part of everything going on in terre haute so really thankful.

Of course i want to thank my family.

Alex, maddi, carter i love you so much and thank you.

Thanks again.

Congressman larry bucshon hi, i am congressman larry bucshon and it is my honor to represent terre haute and west central indiana in the united states house of representatives.

The terre haute chamber of commerce has been serving and advocating for the community for 107 years.

While this year's celebration is a little different than in years past, it doesn't change the fact the chamber has had another successful year due to all the hard work of president kristin craig, the staff and the members of the chamber.

I'm looking forward to seeing all the positive and exciting things that the terre haute chamber of commerce will do over the next year as they continue the work of building business and building community in terre haute and west central indiana.

Next up.

"the building community award".

This award is sponsored "by indiana state university" and honors an organization or, individuals for making significant progress "toward enhancing quality of life" in the west central region.

Joining us from campus ..to present this award..

Is indiana state university president "doctor deborah curtis".

///////// hello i'm deborah curtis, president of indiana state university and i am here to announce the 2020 building community award for the terre haute chamber annual meeting.

It's no secret this has been one of the hardest years for the entire west central indiana community.

A global health crisis, businesses closing their doors for weeks, schools closing - and i'm afraid - we're not through it yet.

But this is not the first time the terre haute chamber of commerce and the local business community has faced adversity.

Since the chamber's inception 107 years ago we've faced the great depression, world war ii and the stock market crash, just to name a few.

It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now, but we are a strong community.

Leading the charge and standing at the front line of all of this are the men and women within the healthcare industry.

Indiana state university is proud to play a part in educating many of our local healthcare workers.

Frontline workers including doctors, nurses, police, fire, ems haven't taken a break haven't stopped since this began back in march.

This year for the 2020 building community award we would like to recognize those men and women in our own community.

The covid-19 pandemic has been challenging, and it has put significant pressure on our healthcare system.

Nevertheless, our healthcare workers continue to devote their time and energy to contain and fight this pandemic.

We are humbled by your immense sacrifices, invaluable dedication, commitment and unwavering efforts in managing covid-19, oftentimes risking your own lives, for the benefit of the nation.

And while doctors and nurses are busier than ever, there's a long list of people in our community who have been working to provide things like food, transportation and shelter.

We are grateful for your time and commitment but would like to especially recognize front line workers at hospitals and health centers around west central indiana.

On behalf of the entire west central indiana community i'd like to say thank you!

Senator mike braun senator mike braun here.

2020 annual meeting wanted to reach out and congratulate everybody at the terre haute chamber of commerce on 107 years serving west central indiana.

As a mainstream entrepreneur i know how important local chambers are for developing relationships between small businesses and connecting the community to the great work that local business does.

Building business has always meant building community to me and i look forward to continuing the work with the terre haute chamber to get our economy roaring back and moving forward.

Thank you.

And finally tonight "the building business award".

Sponsored by vectren ..

A center-point energy company "this award" honors an outstanding business or individual..

For vision..

And commitment "to business growth and development".

Hello i'm jennifer isbell scott with vectren energy.

And today i have the privilege presenting the 2020 building business award.

The building business award, honors an outstanding business of the year in west central indiana an organization which is committed to being a leader in the community as the pinnacle of business growth and development.

This year's recipient isn't an entire business, but one single person.

Synonymous with terre haute's history and future, you can't mention the state road 46 corridor, terre haute hilton garden inn, candlewood suites, holiday inn express, downtown convention center, rocksino at terre haute, the lavern gibson cross country course and wabash valley family sports center where i stand right now without mentioning greg gibson.

A terre haute native and one of the most well-known names in terre haute gibson's legacy started with his grandfather lavern gibson.

Lavern was a coal miner who turned his trade into a business.

Greg gibson has leveraged his family's success into business ventures that span the entire country.

But true to his terre haute roots, gibson continues to put his time, effort and money into this community.

Just as his time and efforts goes into business ventures it also goes into charitable contributions as well.

The wabash valley family sport center and the gibson family center for hospice care just to name a few.

He recently told wthi in an interview, a lot of these things i'm involved in it's not my real business.

I'm in the garbage business, i'm a trash man.

That's what i consider myself and i get involved in these other projects.

I'm doing it because it's my hometown.

The future is bright for his hometown because of the risks, sacrifice and determination greg has put into some of the most recent riskiest and monumental projects terre haute has ever seen.

Now let's welcome and applaud greg gibson the 2020 building business award recipient.

Greg gibson thank you jennifer and thanks to kristin and her team, board of directors and the entire membership of the terre haute chamber of commerce for this very special award.

Not only am i truly honored to be standing here today i also consider a great honor to have the opportunity to pursue business and development projects that can improve this fantastic community.

It's no secret my family and i love and believe in terre haute.

Terre haute's our home and we are proud of it.

We respect its rich history and have hopes and dreams for its future.

In addition i really appreciate our chamber of commerce and its effort to advance terre haute forward especially in regard to all the initiatives for the redevelopment of our downtown and the quest to win a gaming license for this community.

Because of the chambers dedication and unwavering commitment, to our community, the local businesses and the betterment of terre haute, the future is much much brighter.

Thank you again for this special honor.

I look forward to what lies ahead for terre haute and all of us.

Thank you hi, i am senator todd young.

I want to congratulate the terre haute chamber of commerce for 107 years of serving the west central indiana community.

Thank you so much.

Keep up the good work.

Congratulations to all of tonight's award winners!

And for you-at-home don't forget to congratulate each of the winners on the chamber's "social media channels" their names and photos have been posted there.

You know the old saying..

That "it takes a village"..

Well, that saying is "not" just for raising children it could be said "for growing a business" too!

If you own a small business or, even work for a business or company..

You know firsthand..

It takes a lot of people "to make it work" and " make it successful".

"courtney chipol" from "the indiana small business development center"..

Knows this all too well.

She and her team "work daily" to help business owners take their ideas and turn them into realities with funding, marketing, location you name it, they do it!

She stopped by "the w-t-h-i t-v studios" to talk more about "i-s-b-d-c services".

If you're thinking of starting a business or need some help "from the village" listen up!

/////// hello!

My name is courtney chipol i am the regional director of the indiana small business development center.

I'm grateful for this opportunity to take a brief moment during the chamber's annual meeting this evening to share valuable small business resources with members of the west central indiana community.

It is heartwarming to see how our local and family owned businesses have rallied and been innovative to continue to serve our community during this trying time.

Yet, we know that covid-19 has had a serious impact on our local small businesses.

Small businesses have always been the backbone of our economy creating jobs, keeping money local and sponsoring our local community events.

The west central indiana small business development center, proudly hosted by the scott college of business at indiana state university, has been serving the wabash valley for over 35 years.

We assist business owners and entrepreneurs in the best of times during start-up mode and growth stages and were committed to helping during recovery efforts.

We have new initiatives at the state and local level to assist businesses impacted by covid-19.

All programs are delivered from subject matter experts and have a clear deliverable for you, the small business owner.

Including e-commerce transition & support digital marketing assistance expert hr regulation guidance ppp loan forgiveness facilitated strategic planning sessions & cpa assistance we are also proud to announce a partnership with the terre haute chamber of commerce and launch terre haute to provide a dedicated referral resource specialist, to assist members, with covid-19 recovery efforts.

All services provided are at no cost to the business owner.

That's always been our mission and in these times, we know how important that can be.

Thank you for your time tonight.

Congratulations to the terre haute chamber of commerce on 107 years here's to many more!

Roderick bray hi, i'm indiana senate president pro tem roderick bray.

Congratulations to the terre haute chamber of commerce on 107 years of supporting businesses in your community.

Even if your celebration looks a little bit different this year know that you play a critical role in your part of the state and that our business and business leaders need you now more than ever.

Thanks for all you do to make indiana great.

Although we sit here tonight knowing we still have more challenges to face, i hope you walk away from this evening with one thing in mind times are tough, but this is a strong community.

More than ever, we are in this together.

Pulling for each other, rooting for each other and supporting each other through the highs and lows.

Tonight, we have celebrated a few of those successes.

From investments in our future to rising stars to those who have stood resolute on the front lines of the pandemic we again thank each and every one of you.

As we close, i leave you with one thought this evening tonight we celebrate 107 years of the chamber as a driver of progress in terre haute, vigo county and west central indiana.

This does not happen without the generous support of our members and our sponsors who despite obstacles have continued to step-up and support our mission through their financial contributions.

The chamber has remained strong over the past few months, keeping all employees on staff and even growing as we know this is not the time to shrink into the shadows.

I know, the chamber team knows, and our board of directors knows we are in this together.

If you are a business owner or decision-maker in the west central region, and are not already a member of the chamber, i am asking you to consider making an investment in yourself and your community.

More information on membership is available at the chamber's website, terrehautechamber.com thank you for joining us this evening for this slightly unconventional event.

We are in this together and the chamber is in this for you.

Thank