Starke County Young Professionals Choose to Remain a Committee through the Chamber of Commerce

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

When the Starke County Young Professionals Group met earlier this month, they covered a few different organizational matters.

For instance, members discussed whether they should remain a committee under the Starke County Chamber of Commerce or if they should branch out and go through the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

There was a consensus among the members in attendance that it would be more beneficial to remain a committee under the Chamber for the time being. Continue reading →

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce ‘Shop Local Bingo’ Game Starts This Friday!

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

As the Holiday shopping season kicks off, the Starke County Chamber of Commerce is encouraging citizens to check out some local establishments before going straight to big department stores or perusing online options.

In order to get people excited about what the community has to offer, the Chamber will be sponsoring a “Shop Local Bingo” game during the peak holiday shopping days. Continue reading →

Dedicated Community Members Honored at Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
Brenda and Van Janovic, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessica Craig and Chamber President Jerry Gurrado

The Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center was teeming with community spirit Thursday evening during the annual Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.

The event was attended by local leaders, state representatives, former award recipients and a plethora of caring community members. It was led by Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Gurrado and Executive Director Jessica Craig.

The man of the hour was the owner of Territorial Engineering Van Janovic, who was presented with the Henry F. Schricker Service Before Self Award. Continue reading →

Starke County ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Above and Beyond’ Award Winners Announced

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

This week, a number of vital people and organizations will be recognized for the important impact they’ve made on the community during the annual Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.

At the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center this Thursday, the Henry F. Schricker Service Before Self Award will be presented to Van Janovic, of Territorial Engineering. The Business of the Year and Above and Beyond awards will also be presented at this time.

The 2019 ‘Business of the Year’ is Traffic Control Specialists, Inc located in Knox. In a social media post, Chamber of Commerce representatives congratulated President Tracy Triska for the amazing contribution her company has made to the community by donating time, labor, signs and much more. Continue reading →

Join the Starke County Chamber of Commerce at their Annual Awards Dinner

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Tickets are currently on sale for the annual Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.

This dinner will be held on Thursday, November 8th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center.

During this awards ceremony, the Chamber will recognize the recipient of the Henry F. Schricker Service before Self Award, the designated Business of the Year as well as the winners of the Above and Beyond Awards.
Continue reading →

There’s a Chance You Could Qualify for a Free Mammogram

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women worldwide. To help draw attention to the disease, every year, the month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

WHO representatives report that since there are currently no definitive answers about the cause, early detection of the disease is the cornerstone of breast cancer control. Starke County residents who meet certain qualifications are eligible to receive mammograms and subsequent testing and procedures, free of charge. Continue reading →

Nominations for Henry F. Schricker Award Due this Month

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
Henry F. Schricker Throughout the Years – Photo Source: Starke County Public Library

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to serve the community and help others? If so, you should consider nominating them for the Henry F. Schricker “Service before Self” Award.

For more than three decades, a local community member has been awarded this honor for exemplifying the giving spirit and showing major motivation in a way that mirrors the philosophy of Indiana’s former governor. Continue reading →

Knox Parks 5-Year Master Plan Public Hearing Tonight

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Knox Mayor Dennis Estok will be holding several meetings today as a part of the process for amending and renewing the 5-year Parks Master Plan.

The purpose of today’s meetings is to gather community input about the various concerns and any recommendations that people have about the parks in Knox.

The first meetings will be conducted with stakeholders. Mayor Estok said that at 1:30 p.m. he will meet with Starke County Youth Club representatives. Then starting around 4:30 p.m. representatives from Moving Starke County Forward, the Starke County Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Group will meet with the mayor to discuss individual group concerns.

At 6 p.m. a public hearing will be held at City Hall, where community members can weigh in on what they’d like to see at Wythogan Park, Sandy Acres and Heritage Park. Everyone is encouraged to attend to have their voice heard and their suggestions considered. Continue reading →

Starke County Chamber of Commerce Announces Award Recipients

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Members of the Starke County Chamber of Commerce met earlier this week to officially decide the winners of Business of the Year, the Above and Beyond Award and the Henry F. Schricker “Service Before Self” Award.

Starke County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessica Craig reported that the winner of Business of the Year is the North Judson-based company First Choice Insurance owned by Carrie Block.

The winner of this year’s Henry F. Schricker Award is Jim Kersting. Craig said that Kersting was a recipient of the Business of the Year award back in 2015 but he has been nominated for the Schricker award three years in a row. Henry F. Schricker Award Committee members, as well as past winners, decided to grant Kersting with the award this year for his continued service to the community.

The winner of the Above and Beyond award is Starke County A.B.A.T.E. This award can go to an individual, a business or an organization. This year the award when to the Starke County American Bikers Aimed Toward Education for their countless fundraising efforts and immersive community involvement. Continue reading →

Starke County Chamber of Commerce Coffee With a Cop Event

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

Today from 7:30 until 9 a.m. the Starke County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Coffee with a Cop event at the Downtown Depot in Knox.

Whether it’s to ask questions, voice concerns, or to simply chat and listen, the Chamber of Commerce encourages Starke County residents to spend a few minutes conversing with Sheriff Bill Dulin, Police Chief Harold Smith and other local authorities over a cup of a joe.

Coffee with a Cop is a way to connect law-enforcement officials with members of the community directly. The event provides a casual platform for residents to share their voices and feel that they’re being heard. To learn more about the program that started as a grass-roots initiative and developed into a world-wide movement, visit coffeewithacop.com.

Nominate Someone Now for the Henry F. Schricker Award

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

Nominations are now being accepted for the Henry F. Schricker Award.

The members of the Starke County Chamber of Commerce will review all nominations of those Starke County residents who exemplify the former governor’s motto of “service before self”. This is the 30th Schricker Award to be given to a worthy Starke County resident.

The chamber is also accepting nominations of the Business of the Year.

Continue reading →

Starke County Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing Coming Soon!

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

The annual Starke County Chamber’s Golf Outing is coming up soon and it isn’t too late to get involved. Join the Chamber on Friday Sept. 15 at the Hamlet Golf Course. The event is not limited to members only, anyone can play.

The day will start off with at 11 a.m. with a lunch. The outing will also feature more than golf; other games, drinks and door prizes will be available throughout the day until 5 p.m. CT. Continue reading →