Family, friends and co-workers of Chris Francis came to congratulate and share in his recognition as the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year.
In front, from left, are Piper, Kennedy, Reagan and Caden Francis; and Brian Sand.
In the second row are Alyssa Schmucker, Ken Cripe, Lisa Strombeck, LeAnne Francis, Francis and Nick Francis.
In back are Sheriff Kyle Dukes, Mark Francis and Rhonda Francis.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — “Welcome Home” to North Webster, was the theme for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Monday evening at the organization’s annual banquet. The banquet provides an opportunity for members to gather, hear the latest chamber news and to honor three individuals and two businesses.

Emily Shipley is shown with Chris Francis, the 2022 North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year.

Chris Francis was named the Person of the Year; North Webster Church of God, the large business of the year; J & M Roberts Farms, the small business of the year; Paula Miller, Volunteer of the Year; and Mindy Scaggs was honored as outgoing president.

Francis, a man with many hats, was honored as the “Person of the Year.” Emily Shipley, chamber president, didn’t get far in reading a biography of Francis, before he recognized he was the recipient. The real surprise came when family, friends and co-workers appeared to help celebrate the honor.

Francis is the Tippecanoe Township Trustee, a fireman, EMT, and a sergeant and public information officer with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office. His introduction was he could often be seen driving around town in his big truck, cruising Main Street checking in on everyone and everything North Webster, visiting the elementary school and stopping at Ace Hardware about 80 times per week.

But the clincher to Francis was he started arresting loved ones wearing his grandfather’s uniforms armed with a dart gun at the age of 5. “Pops” was the town marshal and fireman at that time. “Pops” and another grandfather were credited with influencing Francis’ career path. Growing up, Francis was a regular visitor to the fire station, dreaming about riding a fire truck someday.

His mother, Lisa Strombeck, was also given credit for influencing Francis. She not only bought him every toy associated with police and fire, but also instilled the best values in life in him. “A conversation with him can leave one feeling excited about the day and also wondering how he has this much energy,” stated Shipley.

Chris Francis gives his mother, Lisa Strombeck, and his wife LeeAnn, a knowing look after realizing he is the Person of the Year.

His career with the sheriff’s department, fire department and serving on the township advisory board and trustee were noted.

“He is a selfless man and has dedicated his life to North Webster. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. He is a proven leader and family is his life,” Shipley read from his nomination.

North Webster Church of God was recipient of the Large Business of the Year and J & M Roberts Farms was named the Small Business of the Year. Both were recognized for their work in the community.

North Webster Church of God was recognized for its ongoing community outreach initiatives and support of community organizations. Their nomination stated they were nominated for their “dedicated service to the community. The chamber recognizes that their mission is a continual work, they truly strive to accomplish this and their actions speak loudly to the community.”

Roberts Farms was noted as not a “traditional” business, but “they’ve expressed repeatedly they love the community and show it when and how they can.” Shipley said their nomination read, “This family are community supporters through service clubs, school activities and 4-H programs. Nobody works harder than those in the farming occupation … .”

Miller was chosen by her fellow board members for the extra things she does to benefit the chamber. She is often the spokesperson for the chamber, visiting new members, delivering festival and community guides, chaired the Dixie Day Car and Truck Show, delivers the Member of the Month signs and is known as the chamber’s handyman. “This person has gone above and beyond the call of duty,” said Shipley, noting it is believed she likes to work behind the scenes.

Emily Shipley, chamber president, welcomes everyone home to North Webster.

A lot of fun was had honoring Skaggs, who served as president during the COVID-19 pandemic. She fielded phone calls and never gave up. “Because of her tenacity she really set up the current board for success,” said Shipley. Presented with a glass pitcher, Shipley stated “Mindy, I want to thank you for everything you did for the chamber. Please accept this gift. We want to thank you for ‘pouring’ yourself into this board and this community.”

Welcome Home

Noting the banquet was actually a board meeting, Shipley stated even the meal of fried chicken, green beans and buttered noodles, had the home town feeling. She presented a video featuring the township trustee, Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory, community center, library, food pantry and police department and how they serve the community. All welcomed people home to North Webster.

Shipley highlighted accomplishments of the board since January — new website, co-hosting the LeadHership Luncheon, donated to the upcoming Kid’s Business Fair, updated by-laws, hosted a community guide cover contest and setting July 30 as the date for the 2022 Dixie Day.

Scott Kuhn gave an update on the Main Street Committee that started just over one year ago. He encouraged members to join in and help, which is mostly beautifying North Webster, or help with ideas.

Nichole Nabinger, special events committee chair, announced an upcoming event. A fun lip sync challenge is being created, with a starting date yet to be determined. Businesses will be encouraged to lip sync to any song that would promote their business and at the end challenge another business. The submission will be featured on the chamber’s Facebook page for two weeks followed by the next competitor. More details will follow.