Success is often achieved by a plan of growth, cooperation, and building relationships.
In 2009, the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce and Merrillville Chamber of Commerce looked into the idea of merging to form a stronger, more unified entity that could bring together the individual strengths of each to more effectively serve their communities. In 2010, Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce was born and that idea became a reality.
Built on a simple idea – that true growth comes from working together – Crossroads has worked to develop a robust business environment and to strengthen the community. Their mission statement is simple and direct: “Serving our region by promoting and advocating for business growth.”
The annual gala is their signature social event. Traditionally held at the Radisson Star Plaza in Merrillville, the gala presents an opportunity for local businesses and community members to meet and celebrate the very best of the area. Each year, the gala features a different theme. This year’s theme was Gatsby, and the venue and participants didn’t hold back, with Golden Age-themed decorations, women decked out in their finest flapper dresses of gold and black in abundance. The men sported hats and suits with suspenders - styles from the 1920s. Even the table decorations evoked the style of that era.
This year’s event – the last at the current Radisson Star Plaza – was their largest ever, drawing in a near-capacity crowd of over 550 attendees.
Open to all, the gala kicked off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner and presentation of awards. The event capped off with live music from Standing Room Only Orchestra, who played as the guests danced the rest of the night away.
Sue Reed, Crossroads President and CEO, was very proud of all the hard work that went into making the event such a continuing success.
“Tonight is, for us, the social event of the season,” said Reed. “This is our premier event. We are here to recognize some outstanding members of our community. We will be announcing our Inspiring Educator of the year award winners, as well as Firefighter of the Year, Police Officer of the Year and of course our ATHENA award. It’s a community celebration; anyone can attend. It’s a wonderful event to come together, network with other community members and business owners, and recognize and acknowledge the people who work to keep us safe and inspire us.”
Receiving awards were Judith Sulka, winner of Crown Point Community School Corporation’s Inspiring Educator of the year award, and Anthony Hofer, recipient of the same award from Merrillville Community School Corp. Other award winners were: City of Crown Point Firefighter of the Year - Gerard Abraham, Town of Merrillville Firefighter of the Year - David Perry, City of Crown Point Police Officer of the Year - Todd Carey and Town of Merrillville Police Office of the Year - Sean Buck.
The 2016 ATHENA award honoring and developing women leaders went to Angie McLane-Crossin, attorney at Crossin Law. The award was presented by 2015 winner Violet Sistovaris, Executive Vice President of NIPSCO.
Karen Lauerman, President and CEO of Lake County Economic Alliance was overcome with excitement at the event.
“This is one of the most exciting events here in NWI. Crossroads is a terrific organization, with over 1,500 members and LCEA resides within that organization. This event supports all the good work that they do. This is a celebration of their membership, their vision and their goals. This year has been a particularly full and festive gala – kudos to Crossroads for putting together such an amazing event,” said Lauerman.
Sean Buck, recipient of the award for Merrillville Police Officer of the Year was humbled by the honor.
“There are a number of very worth officers here in Merrillville,” said Buck. “Each of them are worthy of this award. This couldn’t be possible without all the hard work and cooperation of all the men and women that I serve with. It’s my privilege and my honor to work to keep the people of Merrillville safe, and I will continue to do so.”
Among the hundreds of attendees at the gala was Holly Jamison, owner and operator of Four Seasons Virtual Tours, a real estate photography company. “I heard that this was a wonderful benefit, and a terrific opportunity to come here, network and meet new people. I’m definitely going to be looking into joining the chamber and becoming a member after tonight,” said Jamison.
Ashley Nelson, chiropractic physician and owner of Optimal Chiropractic Family Sports Rehab of Crown Point met Jamison at the event.
“I’ve been a chamber member for some time now. Some friends and I heard about the gala and we felt that it would be a wonderful, fun event and a great opportunity to come out and support the community. It’s a fun night. I met some friends of mine here, and made some new ones,” Nelson said, nodding at Jamison. “Everyone should join the chamber.”
“I’m going to,” Jamison said with a smile.
For more information about Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce, or if you would like to become a member, visit them at http://www.crossroadschamber.org/pages/Home.
Crossroads gives thanks to event sponsors, including:
Franciscan Health
IBEW Local 697 Electrical Professionals
Best Servers
Dyer Construction Company, Inc
Methodist Hospitals
NIPSCO
Chicago Pipefitters local 597
Radisson Hotel
Avalon Springs Health Campus
Five Eight Liquors
Fannie May
Calumet Park Cemetery, Inc
Centier Bank
City of Crown Point
Elite Ambulance
Indiana American Water Co
Lakeshore EMS Ambulance
McColly Foundation
Polycon Industries, Inc
Post-Tribune
Robinson Engineering
Standard Bank & Trust Co
Times Media Company
Town of Merrillville
Town of Merrillville Police Department
Bobb Auto Group
Bryco Services, Inc
Christopher B. Burke engineering, Ltd
CORE Contruction Indiana, LLC
COTG – A Xerox Co
Fifth Third Bank
Hartsfield Village
Health Linc
Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics
Saint Joseph’s College
TradeWinds Services, Inc
VIA Marketing, Inc
Blush Beauty
BMO Harris Bank
Cender & Company, LLC
Commercial In-Sites, LLC
First Merchants Bank
First Savings of Hegewisch
Glass Doctor of Crown Point
Horizon Bank
Johnson Controls
Liss CARSTAR Collision
Markey’s Rental & Staging
Members Source Credit Union
Peoples Bank
Purdue Technology Center
Superior Ambulance Service
Teamsters Local 142
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
First Midwest Bank