Pictured, from left, Joy Lavender and Ron Truex.

WINONA LAKE — Local businesses and individuals who have made a significant impact on our community were honored at the 106th Annual Chamber Awards Dinner, hosted by Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb was the keynote speaker. Topics such as the opioid crisis, education and Indiana’s unemployment rate were reviewed in a question and answer format with moderator Curtis Smith from Parkview Health.

Before touching on more serious topics, Smith brought up the popularity of Holcomb’s dog, Henry.

“Henry has his own Twitter account with thousands of followers,” said Smith. “What’s the fascination with First Dog Henry across Indiana?”

“Well, obviously we’re a dog-loving state,” Holcomb replied, “When I set sail on this endeavor, Henry is always there. He gets a lot of attention.”

“Henry has done interviews. He gets invited to events – they don’t care if I show up,” joked Holcomb.

Holcomb described the opioid crisis in Indiana as, “An individual crisis, a family crisis and a business crisis,” adding, “We have to attack this from three angles: prevention, education and enforcement.”

The Chamber’s Lauren Klusman presented the Ambassador of the Year Award to Doug Hanes from First Federal Savings Bank and Nola Hudson from Beacon Credit Union.

“Their performance has made it nearly impossible for us to pick just one winner- so we’re not going to,” said Klusman, before announcing the names of the 2017 co-ambassadors.

Brian Peterson of Brian Peterson Group presented and sponsored the Young Adult Professional of the Year Award. Kelsi Griffith from Grace College & Seminary was the recipient of the award.

Monica Kendrick presented the Government Excellence Award, sponsored by Zimmer Biomet, to State Senator Ryan Mishler. Kendrick described Mishler as, “A passionate and gifted communicator who is well respected among his peers.”

The Making a Difference Award, sponsored by Old National Bank and presented by Sandra Parra, was given to  Baker Youth Club for their positive impact on the youth in our community.

Zimmer Biomet received the Health and Wellness in the Workplace Award, sponsored by PNC Bank and presented by Angie Robbins.

The Rising Star award, given to Kosciusko County’s highest performing new company, went to Owl Manor Medical. The award was sponsored by Horizon Bank and presented by Lindy Breeden.

Washington STEM Academy received the 2017 Environment & Sustainability Award, sponsored by Key Bank and presented by Yolanda Hedington.

“Washington STEM is the first elementary school in Indiana to get this award,” said Hedington. “They deliver authentic learning through STEM. They believe children learn best through experiences that have meaning in their life.”

The Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Lake City Bank, was presented by David Findlay to Splendor Boats. Findlay said the positive comments on the company website regarding the people and culture at Splendor are, “A testament to the Heckaman family.”

The final awards of the evening were the highly anticipated Man and Woman of the Year Awards. These awards were co-sponsored by 1st Source Bank and Times-Union.

Doug Baumgardner of 1st Source Bank presented the Man of the Year Award to Ron Truex. Baumgardner discussed how Truex, a former commissioner in Kosciusko County, has served on numerous boards, including Kosciusko Drainage Board, Lakeland Regional Sewer District, Solid Waste Management District, Kosciusko Crime Stoppers, Board of Directors for Lake City Bank, Citizens Action Committee and the American Egg Board.

Baumgardner read excerpts written by those who had nominated Truex, which included statements such as, “He cares deeply about the communities in Kosciusko County and the people who live in them,” “His qualifications and character are well-known,” and “He was a true representative of the people he served and treated the position with that attitude.”

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the group of people who have received this award,” said Truex.

Gary Gerard, Times Union, presented the Woman of the Year award to Joy Lavender, described by one nominator as, “One of the most selfless, compassionate people I know.”

Lavender has served on numerous boards, including Lakeland Christian Academy Executive Board, Kosciusko County Healthcare Foundation and Lakeland Christian Academy Parent-Teacher Fellowship Board. Now retired, Lavender has formerly worked for the Indiana State Unemployment Office and as Development Coordinator for Warsaw Christian Schools.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Lavender, “It’s a privilege to live in this county and work in this county.”