Shown are the award recipients and presenters of the 2022 Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Awards.
Seated in front, from left, are Dr. Steve Troyer, Wawasee Community School Corporation, Organization of the Year; Brad Harris, Al Grossnickle, Nathan Jackson and Tracie Mausar, Miller’s Merry Manor, Large Business of the Year; Kathleen and David Johnston, Volunteer’s of the Year.
In the second row are, presenters Rich Haddad, K21 Foundation, Mike Murphy, Bowen Center and Brittany Kuhn, Lake City Bank; Cassandra Poirier, BrewCity Roasting Company, New Business Award; and Heather Davidson, former owner of Davidson’s Auto, Small Business of the Year.
In back are Kim Strawbridge, Lake City Bank presenter; Mason Slabaugh, Ambassador of the Year; Derek Poirier, BrewCity Roasting Company; Travis Davidson and Jordan Owens, formerly of Davidson’s Auto; presenters Gabe Ritter Ritter EHCP Inc., Dr. Richard Brungardt, Lakeland Animal Clinic; and Renae Salyer, chamber executive director.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The 2022 Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration recognized large, small and new businesses, an organization of the year, volunteer of the year and an ambassador of the year Thursday evening, March 24.

Miller’s Merry Manor, Davidson’s Auto, BrewCity Roasting Company, Wawasee Community School Corporation, Dave and Kathleen Johnston and Mason Slabaugh were recipients of the awards presented. The evening also included several announcements in efforts to make Syracuse a year round destination.

Guest line up to get samples of appetizers from local restaurants.

Miller’s Merry Manor, recipient of the Large Business of the Year Award, was recognized as being health care heroes in every sense of the word. “Taking care of our most prized generation in the later stages of life, we’re so fortunate to have a nursing care facility like this in our community,” said Michael Murphy of Bowen Center, award sponsor. It was noted Miller’s provides short and long term care; rehabilitation care; physical, occupational and speech therapies; hospice care; and adult day care. “Miller’s Merry Manor does it all … deeply invested in Syracuse.”

Travis and Heather Davidson, now owners of Peterson’s Fish, were recognized for the efforts they did as owners of Davidson’s Auto, which is no longer in business. Amy Rensberger, Key Bank, sponsor of the Small Business Award, noted the efforts of the Davidsons in giving back to the community with free give aways and the veterans banners. The banners placed around town last year, included names, photographs and years of service of veterans in the community. There were 50 banners placed last year and another round will be displayed by Memorial Day.

The New Business of the Year Award was presented to BrewCity Roasting Company, Cassandra and Derek Poirier, owners. The company was recognized for bringing urban flavor to Syracuse and its grand lake themed coffee shop and pastries along with its roasted coffee and teas. Their efforts to assist nonprofits raise funds was also noted.

Dr. Steve Troyer, Wawasee Community School Corp., superintendent, talks with Dennis Pressler, chamber board president.

Wawasee Community School Corporation was awarded the Organization of the Year Award by award sponsor Rich Haddad, K21 Foundation. “Wawasee School Corporation is the largest employer and has the important job of teaching and caring for our children,” he said. COVID shocked the school corporation to the core, but it has returned “taller than before.” The corporation’s efforts to revamp the system, resources and change the tide was noted. “Wawasee Community School Corporation is an important organization that we need to see continue grow and succeed. The community relies on a good school system.”

David and Kathleen Johnston were recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Lakeland Animal Clinic. Dr. Richard Brungardt presented the award. He noted the Johnstons have “energy beyond their years,” and spring into action in a variety of areas. “They care about syracuse and make a difference in all they do,” he noted. David Johnston serves on the Syracuse Park Board and Kathleen Johnston serves on the Teen Parents Succeeding board.

A new award was created and sponsored by Ritter EHCP Inc. The Ambassador of the Year recognized a chamber ambassador who stood out among the others. In this case the recipient, Mason Slabaugh, was noted as a humble person. It was stated Slabaugh steps up to the plate when asked, even when he’s not asked and when he sees a need for help he does it without hesitation. “He loves his community,” Gabe Ritter stated.

Each of the award categories, except the Ambassador Award, had two nominees for the chamber board to choose winners. Other nominees were The Papers Incorporated, Channel Marker, Uptown Beauty, Knights of Columbus and Roxann Arnott.

A Year Round Destination

Could Sherm Goldenberg and Ron Baumgartner be talking about the newspaper businesses?

Renea Salyer, executive director, announced “Experience Syracuse” or the Syracuse Experience will be the new slogan. She noted this new marketing source will focus on the many things Syracuse has to offer for a great experience throughout the year. She noted the great assets the town has that can lead people to want to live, work or relax here. More details on the new slogan will be announced later.

News was also announced by Mark Richards owner of ProWake. He noted how the business started out as a boat dealership until COVID, then the idea of a Ron Jon type store came to life. However, he stated it is time to do something different. Taking a leap of faith, he has purchased the park property to the north of the existing building and the property to the south. Plans are to make Syracuse a year around destination.

The next phase for the business is to add a 30,000 square foot building on the north side that will include a splash pad, restaurant, arcade and outdoor pavilion. Renderings of the plans were on display.

His plans coincide with the efforts of Jeff Dyson and Nate Scherer, owner of South Shore Village. Both talked of their plans for the property — making it a destination place based on four pillars – housing, youth activities, commercial/retail and activities.

This year’s event was held at ProWake Surf Shop with approximately 225 attending. Appetizers were provided by Tippecanoe Country Club, Channel Marker, Main Cave, Huntington Street Bar, Roll N Smoke, Louies Bar and Sleepy Owl and The Owl’s Nest.