Jim Smith, president of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, presented the honors to, from the left, Large Business of the Year Metcalf, Payne & Bell, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning represented by Tyler Bell, son of owners Wes and Ann Bell; Person of the Year Sue Ann Mitchell; Smith; and Small Business of the Year Dixie Haven Resort represented by owners Tammy and David Waliczek.

NORTH WEBSTER — Nestled in the trees, the Owl’s Nest, on the north side of North Webster, provided an idyllic setting for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce awards dinner Monday evening, March 11. Chamber members and guests enjoyed a catered meal after a social time while bidding on many silent auction items donated by local businesses.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the three award winners. Chamber President Jim Smith gave a brief summary of each winner before the announcement was made. He and Vice President Amanda Meerzo presented.

Dixie Haven Resort owned by David and Tammy Waliczek took the honors as Small Business of the Year while Metcalf, Payne & Bell Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, owned by Wes and Ann Bell were Large Business of the Year. North Webster Person of the Year was Sue Ann Mitchell, volunteer for many local organizations and president of the Kosciusko County Council.

Dixie Haven Resort offers family fun at Webster Lake. Besides rooms with kitchenettes, the resort provides a swimming pool, boat rental for fishing or enjoyment and information about area attractions. The Waliczeks have owned the property for eight years and are active in the community.

One of the oldest businesses in the area, Metcalf, Payne and Bell has been owned by the Bells for more than 20 years, purchasing it from former employers. The company has a sterling reputation for quality workmanship at reasonable prices. Always willing to pitch in to help others in the community, the couple recently postponed a vacation to be available during the recent polar vortex. Their son Tyler Bell accepted the award.

Mitchell has lived in the area for decades and is known for her active participation in many community events and organizations. An Anderson native, she has dedicated herself to her adopted hometown and county through both volunteerism and by holding public office. She has served as Tippecanoe Township assessor, Kosciusko County auditor and treasurer and is currently president of the Kosciusko County Council, the financial arm of county government.

A presentation was given by Clear Vision Business Services on a program members can use with a discount to advertise the area and their businesses on the internet. The discount comes about because the chamber has bought into the program on members behalf. A video of samples of the product was shown.

After introducing the 2019 chamber board of directors, Smith thanked Stacey Cox, Jen Ducey and Terry Frederick, who had recently completed board service. He also reviewed the year noting the services the chamber provides to its membership including North Webster Community Guide listings, ability to post information on the chamber website and Facebook page, town beautification through the benches, planters and banners and holding the Dixie Day Festival.

The 2019 festival will be Saturday, July 27, and feature extra Dixie boat cruises, art and crafts fair, car, truck, and tractor show, vintage snowmobile show, 5K walk and race, direct sales and food vendors. It is held in downtown North Webster along SR 13 and West Washington Street and at the Mermaid Festival grounds. Admission is free.

Dinner was catered by chamber member The Sleepy Owl. Alan Frank gave the invocation.