Two Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Presented Last Night

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce last night awarded the second annual Business of the Year award and the Henry F. Schricker Award during a ceremony held at the Bass Lake Property Owners Association Building. Dr. Ron May, president of Ancilla College, began the ceremony with an invocation, before Dorothy Osinski, chairman of the membership committee, handed out 10-year consecutive member certificates to 15 members who have been with the Chamber of Commerce for ten years continuously.

This year’s distinction of Business of the Year was given to Osinski Auction Service for serving the community in various ways since 1983, benefiting nonprofit organizations and holding a viable business in the community for many years.

The prestigious Henry F. Schricker Award was given to Joan Haugh after a few words from her son David. Chamber member and former award recipient Ted Hayes presented her with the award, saying it was the first time he’s “had the honor of introducing a saint,” and said Haugh has always displayed service before self.

Haugh was a driving force in creating the local Habitat for Humanity, and was instrumental in the creation of the Starke County Food Pantry. He said Haugh is “the type of person I’d like to be like when I grow up.”

Haugh said it was an honor to receive the award and thanked the Chamber and former award winners, saying her late husband, a former recipient, would be proud.