North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Shipley, left, presents the “Person of the Year” award to Lori Mark during the Chamber’s annual banquet, held Monday, March 13. InkFreeNews photos by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Local businesses were well represented at the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet, held Monday, March 13, in the Culver Wellness Center Room at the North Webster Community Center.

Approximately 200 people were in attendance to celebrate the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2022 and enjoy a preview of what was planned for 2023.

During the meeting, Lori Mark was named the chamber’s “Person of the Year.” Among her responsibilities, Mark sits on the Shoop Foundation board, North Webster Community Center board and is president of the Tippecanoe Township food pantry.

“She’s involved with the community in many ways, so I’m sure there is not one person in this room who hasn’t been touched by her,” said Chamber Executive Director Emily Shipley.

“Year after year, Lori gives to the community yet deflects any recognition, regardless whether it’s at the food pantry or community center,” Shipley read from one of the forms nominating Mark for the award. “Lori pours her heart into everything she does and the rest of us.”

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on numerous silent auction items donated from local businesses and individuals. The dinner theme for the event was “A Taste of Webster,” and included a variety of appetizers, food and dessert provided by The Owl’s Nest, Roll-N-Smoke BBQ, Chubbies Catering and The River.

Following the buffet style meal, Shipley led the Chamber’s 2023 annual business meeting, which provided an overview of accomplishments. Some of the numerous highlights Shipley noted included putting together a community guide that reached 7,000 members, gaining 10 new members to raise the total to 127 and implementing a new storefront decorating contest to add festivity to the town for the holidays.

“Not bad for a group for volunteers,” she concluded. “I am happy to say that we are well on our way to making 2023 another successful year.”

Other awards presented during the event went to Chamber Board Director Paula Miller, who was named volunteer of the year; The River, small business of the year; and North Webster Ace Hardware, large business of the year. Additionally, Jaclynn Worrell was named as the 2022 chamber scholarship recipient.