The Stair Step Plan was unveiled at the Monday meeting of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce meeting by Ben Ashpole, board member. It is five step vision for the future of the chamber and area businesses to promote success but retain the small town charm and character of North Webster and the surrounding area.

The first step had already been announced by the chamber. It is the shoe collection drive, detailed elsewhere in this newspaper. Funds raised from it by the chamber will assist the North Webster Community Center in joining the Dixie Sternwheeler in utilizing grants from Google for online advertising. These tens of thousands of ads will brand the area increasing tourism and job opportunities.

The advertising from these non-profit chamber members will direct viewers to a community newsletter. The newsletter would spread the word about North Webster’s businesses, job openings and events. Each member of the chamber will be able to post one free job listing each month.

Newsletter sponsorship will generate income for the chamber to hire a business development consultant to create partnerships, distribution deals and new sales channels for member businesses. It should also allow for a part-time position for the chamber to help with administration.

Ashpole noted, “Even if we accomplish just one or two steps, it will have been a success, but the future of the proposal looks promising for the community.”

Other Business

The annual chamber awards dinner will be held Monday, March 3. Nominations for person of the year, small business of the year and big business of the year are being accepted. Forms were passed out to those in attendance and are available on the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Nominations can also be called to the chamber office, 574-834-7076.

Anyone in the community who has served with a passion by volunteering and supporting local causes is eligible to be nominated as person of the year. Small businesses of the year is awarded to a consistent and active five year chamber member with five or less employees while big business of the year will go to a company or organization with six or more employees and meets the same criteria.

Membership dues deadline is Feb. 14 for a member to be listed in the North Webster Community Guide. President Sue Ward announced Bourbon Street Pizza and Pasta is the January Business of the Month and Jen Ducey has been appointed secretary of the chamber by the board. Committee lists for 2014 were passed around for members to volunteer to serve.

The next general meeting of the chamber will be noon Monday, Feb. 10, at the North Webster American Legion Post 253, 759 SR 13.