Syracuse Lauds K Of C, Allen, Wappes
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
SYRACUSE -ÊSeveral awards were presented to Syracuse businesses Thursday by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce at their annual dinner.
The chamber's community service award was presented to the Knights of Columbus. Chamber director Shelly Bickel said the Knights have given more than $51,000 back to the community over the last year.
"They are the type of organization that if you ask them to be there, they will," she said.
The growth and commitment award was presented to Dr. Larry Allen of Syracuse Family Practice. "He came back to this community to give back," Bickel said.
Sande Wappes, Picket Fences, received the entrepreneur of the year award. Wappes moved to Syracuse in 1979 and started her own salon in 1987. She recently retired to help her husband with his business.
Retiring chamber board members were recognized. Members retiring include Steve Ehle, Century 21; Mark Stock, Wawasee School Corp. superintendent; Joyce Selvey, The Country Mouse; Don Strouse, Colbin Tool; and Don Tatman, accountant.
The new members of the chamber are Bonnie Martin, Lakeland Community Services; Gene Hill, Pizza Hut, who will serve as treasurer; Randy Hollon, Wawasee Tee Pee; and Brian Rensberger, Lakeland Youth Center.
Out-going chamber president Tim Yeager presented incoming president Dr. Richard Brungardt with the gavel.
In his last remarks as chamber president, Yeager said five or six years ago, several chamber members met at Oakwood Inn for a retreat to set a course for the chamber that would result in something happening in the community. They came up with a mission statement and a list of beliefs.
"I think we're on course," Yeager said. "But in a small town, it takes a while to make changes."
He said Syracuse is a great place to live but the chamber can continue to work to make it even better. "Quality of life is important to us," he said. The chamber is working to bring people together and the task is sometimes difficult, he said.
He recognized Syracuse town manager Brian Redshaw. "This is the first time in my recollection that a representative of the town has been at one of our banquets," he said.
The chamber is also working on trying to "bury the hatchet" between Syracuse and Warsaw, he said, and both chambers of the respective towns are working to bring the two communities together.
He thanked previous chamber presidents for their work and Bickel for her interest in the chamber and the work she has done.
The annual dinner was held at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. [[In-content Ad]]
SYRACUSE -ÊSeveral awards were presented to Syracuse businesses Thursday by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce at their annual dinner.
The chamber's community service award was presented to the Knights of Columbus. Chamber director Shelly Bickel said the Knights have given more than $51,000 back to the community over the last year.
"They are the type of organization that if you ask them to be there, they will," she said.
The growth and commitment award was presented to Dr. Larry Allen of Syracuse Family Practice. "He came back to this community to give back," Bickel said.
Sande Wappes, Picket Fences, received the entrepreneur of the year award. Wappes moved to Syracuse in 1979 and started her own salon in 1987. She recently retired to help her husband with his business.
Retiring chamber board members were recognized. Members retiring include Steve Ehle, Century 21; Mark Stock, Wawasee School Corp. superintendent; Joyce Selvey, The Country Mouse; Don Strouse, Colbin Tool; and Don Tatman, accountant.
The new members of the chamber are Bonnie Martin, Lakeland Community Services; Gene Hill, Pizza Hut, who will serve as treasurer; Randy Hollon, Wawasee Tee Pee; and Brian Rensberger, Lakeland Youth Center.
Out-going chamber president Tim Yeager presented incoming president Dr. Richard Brungardt with the gavel.
In his last remarks as chamber president, Yeager said five or six years ago, several chamber members met at Oakwood Inn for a retreat to set a course for the chamber that would result in something happening in the community. They came up with a mission statement and a list of beliefs.
"I think we're on course," Yeager said. "But in a small town, it takes a while to make changes."
He said Syracuse is a great place to live but the chamber can continue to work to make it even better. "Quality of life is important to us," he said. The chamber is working to bring people together and the task is sometimes difficult, he said.
He recognized Syracuse town manager Brian Redshaw. "This is the first time in my recollection that a representative of the town has been at one of our banquets," he said.
The chamber is also working on trying to "bury the hatchet" between Syracuse and Warsaw, he said, and both chambers of the respective towns are working to bring the two communities together.
He thanked previous chamber presidents for their work and Bickel for her interest in the chamber and the work she has done.
The annual dinner was held at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. [[In-content Ad]]