Shown are the winners and presenters of awards at the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet. In front from left, are Cheryl VanLaeken, educator of the year; Holly Tuttle and Brandi Niles, representing Women of Today that received the organization of the year; Trevor Ritter, volunteer of the year; Leticia Howell, Wee Warriors Academy, new business of the year; Patty Richards, Pro Wake large business of the year; Tom Tuttle, presenter. In back are Erick Leffler, Rich Haddad and Doc Brungardt, presenters; Marlies West, Ambassador of the Year; Mark Richards, Pro Wake business of the year; and Amy Rensberger, presenter.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

Individuals, businesses and a local organization were honored at the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce annual Awards Celebration Thursday, March 23.

Rich Beauty Parlor, Pro-Wake and Wee Warriors Academy were respective recipients of the small, large and new business of the year awards.

The Women of Today was honored as the Organization of the Year and Trevor Ritter was the named Volunteer of the Year.

Leticia Howell, owner of Wee Webster Academy, is shown on the left, after receiving the new business of the year award. Staci York, chamber executive director is on the right. In back is Rex Howell.

A new award, Educator of the Year, was presented to Cheryl VanLaeken and Marlies West received the Ambassador of the Year award.

Close to 200 chamber members and guests attended the annual banquet to hear the accomplishments of the award winners and hear updates on the chamber by Staci York, executive director, and a special announcement by Jeff Dyson, chamber president.

Amy Rensberger, KeyBank, presented the Small Business Award. She stated there were a lot of small businesses in the community worthy of the award and they were all winners for the hard work they do. Rich Beauty Parlor owner was noted as working in the community in various ways, including collaborating with other businesses, hosting food trucks in the parking lot, hosting events and serving with others beside her. She is involved in education and empowering others, including youth with a commitment to the cosmetology class at Fairfield High School.

The Large Business Award was presented by Tom Tuttle of Team Tuttle Mortgage. He noted Pro Wake is involved in helping make memories, providing a perfect lake experience and enhancing the area beyond the water. Among the company’s various community involvements was participating in the Huddle Up For Hostetler’s event, which raised over $200,000 for a local family who was dealing with cancer. “This is just one example of their commitment to make the area a better place,” said Tuttle.
Wee Warriors Academy, the New Business of the Year Award recipient, was opened last year after a need was seen for child care. The academy provides a safe and reliable service that started in Leticia Howell’s home.

Women of Today, recipients of the Organization of the Year Award, has been serving the community since 1982. It started with 25 members and has grown to be a driving force, taking care of children in need in the school corporations and the needs of the school.

Brandi Niles and Holly Tuttle accept the organization of the year award for Women of Today. Rich Haddad, right, was the presenter of the award.

One of its projects was taking the Warrior Closet at Wawasee High School and and rebranding it as The Hanger with high-end used clothing. “They help with fees for camp, reading projects and aid where they are needed. … Women of Today support the opportunity to give back,” stated Rich Haddad, president and CEO of K21 Foundation, who sponsored the award.

Dr. Richard Brungardt presented Trevor Ritter the Volunteer of the Year Award. Brungardt noted Ritter began as a Cub Scout, then went on to become an Eagle Scout. He now is the leader of Cub Scout Pack 3828 and has made a positive impact. Ritter has also been involved in food drives and donations for the Salvation Army, has raised money for Riley and more. Ritter has a full-time open door to help anyone in need.

Cheryl VanLaeken, a fifth grade teacher at Milford, was recognized for her involvement in KeyClub, LatchKey program and the creation of a telephone hotline to bring joy to other people. The hotline, overseen by students, has over 28,000 followers: “When Life Gives You Lemons Just Call A Fifth Grader.” She has also helped raise funds for Riley.

President and CEO of The Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana Bill Konyha presented the Ambassador of the Year Award to Marlies West. West was noted as going above and beyond the call of duty. She attended every ribbon cutting, even while going through a personal health issue. She helped with the golf outing and was consistently providing help to the community.

The “fun” announcement came at the close of the evening. Dyson announced the chamber is further enhancing its assistance promoting the Syracuse-Wawasee area. The chamber will be working a lot more networking events, business building seminars and educational series. To help local businesses promote themselves, a push will be focused on a new website: mywawasee.com. The site will include all chamber members’ information, promote events and post job openings. Each business will also be able to maintain its own listings.

Prior to the awards, York reviewed events of the chamber during the past seven months. She noted a luncheon for women, which was a success, tours of various businesses and upcoming tours.

It was announced there will be a fun summer event for which details are still being worked out and encouraged members to keep a watch for more details in the chamber newsletter.