Crossroads Chamber Recognizes Impactful Individuals of 2014 and Gets Ready for 2015

 Photos from the 2014 Holiday Installation can be seen here! 

2014 is coming to a close, and Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce took the time to reflect and recognize notable people and organizations that stood out during the year at their annual Holiday Installation and Awards Luncheon. 

The luncheon took place at Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake in a lovely banquet room festooned with glittering snowflakes, poinsettias, a grand Christmas tree, and other wintery decorations. It may have had a winter theme, but the room was filled with warmth as guests greeted each other with hugs, hearty handshakes, and wishes of holiday cheer. 

"It's our last time together this year, and I know that 2015 is going to be even better," Sue Reed, President of the Crossroads Chamber said to guests. "We have become the largest Chamber in Lake County if not Northwest Indiana. We are entering the year with over 720 businesses that belong to our Chamber. We have a great board, great committees, great ambassadors, and great members."

Gifts were given to the Chamber's partners. Methodist Hospitals, Horizon Bank, Centier Bank, First Merchants Bank, Peoples Bank, and Avalon Springs Health Campus, and Chamber Board Member David Novak presented he announced landscape and architectural awards.

"Each year we look at new construction here in the area. We look to recognize the work that has gone above and beyond. We believe our winners have done so," Novak said. 

The winners were: Merrillville Stormwater Utility, Tradewinds, and the City of Crown Point.

 A wonderful lunch was served. Steak an potatoes with a fresh salad and a variety of sweets for dessert was on the menu. The staff at the Lighthouse Restaurant diligently took care of the guests and helped to make the event run smoothly. 

In 2014 the Chamber adopted a resolution for the extension of the Southshore Rail, they continue their involvement of the Lake County Economic Alliance, they adopted an aggressive membership campaign and got 151 new members added during the year, and much more. They continue to grow and expand, adding and aiding businesses all over Lake County.

Skip Bosak of Bosak Chrysler Jeep Dodge stood next an announced Chairman of the Board Awards.

Department members Recognized for Their Service:

  • Rosemary De St. Jean - Rosemary's Heritage Flowers
  • Lisa Daugherty - TradeWinds

Chairman of the Board Awards:

  • Shirley Dunn - Allstate Insurance
  • Lisa Gapen - Generate Sales and Marketing
  • Tracey McMahon - First Merchants Bank
  • Bryan Lazorik - Bryco Services, Inc.

And Reed announced the Ambassador of the Year Award: Diane Kania - Aflac

Sister Marlene Shapley, Regional Vice President of Mission Integration Services for Franciscan Alliance performed the Oath of Office to complete the installation of this year's Chamber Board Members.

"Do you solemnly swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the bylaws of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce," Shapley asked the members.

They all said in unison, "I do."

Shapley continued, "I exalt you to uphold the position as officers and Board of Directors in the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce. We charge you with the responsibility of executing your duties with diligence and equality for the benefits of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce and members of the community. I hereby install you as officers and members of the Board of Directors of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce for the year 2015. Congratuations!"

Event Sponsor: Franciscan Alliance

Centerpieces provided by White's Residential & Family Services

Coming up next for the Crossroads Chamber: The first 2015 Membership Luncheon takes place on January 20 at that Avalon Manor.