Crossroads Chamber Approves 2016 Board During Monthly Luncheon

Once each month, the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce gets together to discuss new business and new members during its networking luncheon. On Tuesday, October 20th, their gathering covered another more personal matter: planning for the unexpected.

The chamber luncheons are a platform each member uses to promote his or her business. “We use this opportunity to network and to meet new members,” Bill Barnes of the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana explained. “We want to be visible.”

Visibility is key for every company, as is building connections. That is what the chamber is all about, helping every business in the community grow.

The Chairperson of the Ambassador Committee, Shirley Dunn, could be seen browsing the tables for new members to welcome into the fold. She coordinated the other ambassadors so that each table had one. This is a vital part of every meeting.

“We embrace [our members],” she said. “We bring them in so that they feel welcome, and a part of the chamber.”

October’s meeting was not just about welcoming new members, but new leaders as well. Next year’s board member nominees were announced and approved. Most of the nominees have already served on the board but four candidates, Chris Mahlmann of Ideas in Motion Media, Candace Shaw of Contour Media, Jolanta Moore of McMahon & Associates, and David Lassar of Commercial Insight Real Estate, are fresh faces.

“It’s an honor,” said Lassar. “It’s a very large organization serving a large part of the market.”

“We are busy with business, busy with family,” explained Rick Dunnett. “We think we have done everything so we are the least prepared [for the unexpected.] You have families suffer the price for lack of planning. Beyond wills and life insurance there are other things that can help.”

Dunnett introduced guest speaker Cheri Brooks, a financial advisor based in Chicago. She came to discuss the meeting's theme: A Family Love Letter. Her presentation went over the different ways a person can prepare his family and finances for the worst. She told the crowd: “We’re going to talk about you, your family, your story. This is an opportunity to think about the homefront and how to keep it in order. And the impact if you do not.”

Chamber Head of Communications Jane Powers expressed the importance of the Family Love Letter discussion. “It’s great that they are able to help people work these things out. It’s uncomfortable to think about but it is important.”

The unexpected happens. The Crossroads Chamber of Commerce wants its members, new and seasoned, to be prepared because they care.