Chamber's Non-Profit Business of the Year

Chamber's Business of the Year & Peoples' Choice Business of the Year

The Chamber’s Non-Profit of the Year Award was presented to Pulaski County Human Services. Hanson noted that “this non-profit has possessed an unwavering commitment to serving the community and making a positive impact through selfless efforts and dedication. The work they do has greatly contributed to the betterment of Pulaski County for 50 years.”

Winamac VFW Post 1728 took home both the Peoples’ Choice Business of the Year and the Business of the Year awards. Hanson said the VFW was recognized for “outstanding achievements, dedication and contributions to the community. Your commitment to excellence has set a high standard and has positively impacted Pulaski County.”

During the past year, the Chamber recognized four deserving businesses with its Business of the Quarter award. They were One-Eyed Jacks, the VFW Post 1728, Riverside Rentals and The Montgomery Mercantile.

Hanson noted the following businesses the celebrated milestones in 2024 and at the beginning of 2025:.

• One-eyed Jacks celebrated 10 years of business in 2024
• Frain Mortuary of both Francesville and Medaryville celebrated 20 years of business in January
• H&R Block is celebrating 20 years of business
• Pulaski County Human Services is celebrating 50 years
• The Budd Agency celebrated 100 years in business in 2024

 The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are:

• Amy Cantu – vice president
• Amy Miller – secretary
• Aaron Paulsen – treasurer
• Nora Schamber – membership liaison
• Rachel Spanley
• Marsha Reimbold
• Jacki Frain
• Brian Ledley
• Jeremy Bridge

Also new board members are Kathi Thompson with the Pulaski County Historical Society, Lisa Weigand with Ace Hardware and Nicole Earp with Good Oil.

It was reported the Chamber has recently updated its bylaws to remove the CDC seat and add the Non-Profit Outreach Committee.

In 2024, the Chamber adopted the motto “Pulaski County: Better Together” and fully embraced it. Hanson asserted that collaboration among organizations in the county is vital for achieving greater things together.

To emphasize this philosophy, Hanson shared the following quotes:

• “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
• “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working
• together is success.” – Henry Ford
• “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb

In the spirit of “Better Together,” Hanson has joined Main Street Winamac, Nora Schambers joined the Historical Society, Aaron Paulsen joined the VFW, and Don Darda from Pulaski County Tribe joined Main Street Winamac. Hanson explained these are just a few examples of the many collaborations happening in Pulaski County.

Darda shared a few words about “Pulaski County: Better Together” with the annual meeting gathering. Brandi Larkin of Pulaski County Tribe also shared about the work of the organization.

Hanson paid tribute to Darlene Mellon of Francesville who recently passed away. “I would like to honor someone who truly embodied the mission of “Better Together,” she said. “I had the privilege of getting to know Darlene this past year through the Women in Business meetings. Darlene was a dedicated resident of Francesville and made significant contributions to her community through her unwavering commitment to public service and local development. As an advocate for educational initiatives, she enhanced the local school systems at West Central Schools. Her leadership in various community organizations fostered collaboration among residents, promoting civic engagement and volunteerism. Her efforts in organizing events strengthened community ties and boosted local businesses. Darlene had a passion for improving the lives of those around her and was a driving force for change in Pulaski County. Her absence will be deeply felt.”

Chamber of Commerce activities

In 2024, the Chamber was active with ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and retirement parties for Pulaski County business retirees. The organization held “Coffee & Commerce” conversation sessions at Chiro-Coffee, and paired up with a local photographer to offer professional corporate headshots. The Chamber sponsored its annual business window decorating contests and its annual scarecrow contest. The group also held two successful after-hours networking events.

The Chamber started a Women in Business group a year ago, and it has been very successful, Hanson reported. “The collaboration and support among the women of Pulaski County have been truly inspiring.”

The Chamber honored Ray Michau as the 2024 H.J. Halleck Award recipient. His celebration was held at the VFW. “If you haven’t had the chance to attend one of our Halleck Award events, or even if you have, I encourage you to join us,” Hanson said. “It is a prestigious award given to individuals who exemplify the spirit of working together in Pulaski County.”

It was announced the Chamber has a new Facebook page, and those attending the meeting were encouraged to follow the page, and “like” and share its posts. (5) Facebook

Hanson reported on an “amazing” RiverFest in 2024. It was the Chamber’s third RiverFest, and it has grown each year. “In 2024, it truly felt like a real festival. The town park was filled with vendors, businesses offering free crafts for children, popcorn, face-painting, balloons, business giveaways, food trucks, pumpkins and mums for sale, The PAC was there walking dogs around for adoption, the PCT had a memorial walk in honor of Sharon Breyfogle and also a Children Bike Parade. We ended it with the River ball Race. It was a beautiful day – thank you to all of the businesses who sponsored the event, I can’t wait to see it grow even bigger this year.”

The Chamber ended the year with its longtime Winter Wonderland. Despite facing challenges like the cold weather, the event provided free hot cocoa, and a chicken and noodle dinner inside the fire station. Though it was dark downtown (due to a streetlight construction project), Winter Wonderland brightened the night with its lighted parade, horse carriage rides and a visit from Santa.

The Chamber finished 2024 with 57 business memberships, and the organization aims to grow this number in 2025.

The meeting concluded with an update from Rhonda Blacker-Wilson, chair of the Pulaski County America 250 committee which is organizing the county’s participation in the celebration of the U.S, 250-year anniversary.

Leslie Hanson, president of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, is a long-time resident of Pulaski County and has been employed at BraunAbility for 23 years. She has served on the Chamber board for two terms and recently committed to a third term.