Chamber names community award winners at annual dinner

The Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce presented awards to several local community members at their annual dinner on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Meshingomesia Country Club.
The Young Professional of the Year Award is meant to recognize someone that has gone above and beyond the scope of their profession to be an integrated part of the local community and make a positive difference in the world around them. The 2019 recipient is Brett Carey for his dedication to organizations such as Junior Achievement of Grant County, the Grant County Economic Growth Council, Ivy Tech Community College, and the United Way of Grant County. He is currently the Market President for Star Bank.
The Ambassador of the Year was also awarded. The Ambassadors are an integral part of the Chamber. They promote the Chamber of Commerce in the community by welcoming new members, encouraging current members to maximize their membership, and being positive liaisons for the Chamber in the community. The 2019 recipient is Rob Wilson from Hoosier Jiffy Print who has an impressive 24-year history as an Ambassador of The Chamber.
The Chairman’s Award is an award meant to recognize an individual for their loyal and dedicated service to the Chamber and Grant County. The recipient is chosen by the outgoing Chairman of the Chamber Board. Outgoing Chairman John Velasquez chose Jim Allbaugh, President and CEO of Carey Services, to be the 2019 recipient.
Presented to leaders across professional sectors, the ATHENA Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. ATHENA Award Recipients comprise a network of outstanding individuals who have met the following criteria: The individual demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession, provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential.
The 2019 winner of the ATHENA Award is Susan Miller with Family Service Society. Susan has epitomized what it is to be a servant leader. In her role as Chief Programs Officer for Family Service Society she was part of the team that developed the Substance Abuse Treatment program which fills gaps in other community program efforts. Susan has gone above and beyond her FSSI role by overhauling Grant County’s Systems of Care from scratch, being instrumental in bringing all five Grant County School Systems together and writing – then winning – a competitive Lilly Comprehensive Counseling Grant that totals over one million dollars for the schools, and aiding in the development of Grant County Family Recovery Court and then again winning nearly $400,000 for the program.
In addition, Susan has also been a tireless volunteer or member for organizations such as the Mississinewa Community School Board, Mississinewa Youth Sports Inc, Gas City Area Chamber of Commerce, Family Dependency Treatment Court, Early Childhood Coalition, Eastview Wesleyan Church, and Leadership Grant County Class of 05-06.
The Chamber Annual Dinner also marks the changing of the guard for the organization’s Board. Outgoing Chairman, John Velasquez (Miller’s Merry Manor), passed on the Chairman’s gavel to the 2019-2020 Chairman, Mark Storey (Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service). The men also recognized incoming and outgoing members of the Board. Joining the Board is Rob Keisling (Indiana Michigan Power), Michelle Doyle (Halstead Architects), and Cindy Kohlmorgen (VIA Credit Union). Rolling off the Board is Dave Abernathy (VIA Credit Union).

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