NORTH WEBSTER - Five people received three awards at the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber Dinner Thursday night.
In a surprise announcement, two persons were named Person of the Year - good friends Mitch Wagner and Tony Croy. Anita and Dennis Wagoner, of Ace Hardware, were presented with the Business of the Year Award. Chris Bruno received the Past Presidents Award.Presenting Bruno her award was Robyn Palmer of Mutual Federal Savings Bank. Palmer read a statement from Lynn Stevens about Bruno. Stevens is the past Community Center executive director who moved recently to Louisiana.
Stevens' letter said Bruno joined the Chamber 10 years ago, helping to grow the membership from 79 to 125 members. Bruno has led many projects, as well as performed many of the day-to-day operations of the Chamber. Stevens said she was proud not only to call Bruno a friend, but also a past Chamber president.
"I'm actually very speechless and trying really hard not to cry," said Bruno upon accepting her award.
She said she appreciates the friendships and relationships she's developed over the years. "Thank you," she said. "I appreciate it very much."
North Webster Town Councilman Jon Sroufe presented the Wagoners with the Business of the Year Award.
"The small business and the businesses of this small community are the heartbeat of the community," said Sroufe.
Sroufe said choosing the business of the year is not an easy task. Some businesses have been around for a long time, others are new. The business award winner is a business that has been around a long time, with one partner being a part of the community for about 50 years. The owners of Ace Hardware have operated the business for a number of years.
Upon receiving the award, Dennis Wagoner said it was gracious of past Ace Hardware owner Larry Teghtmeyer to consider him when Teghtmeyer decided to sell the store.
"It's quite an honor and there's a lot of businesses in town that deserve this," said Dennis Wagoner of the award. "Thank you very much."
Anita Wagoner said, "I think it's wonderful. Denny just loves his work."
Stu Coverstone, who admitted to not being active in the Chamber, presented Wagner and Croy with their awards.
In 2006, North Webster saw new businesses started and existing businesses grow. The programs at the North Webster Community Center grew. It was a great season at the lakes.
"Something else happened along the way," said Coverstone. "A growing sense of pride in our community."
It takes a lot of hard work to make a community as great as North Webster, he said. Wagner and Croy are two examples of longtime residents who believe in North Webster and work hard for it.
Croy said he didn't know what to say. He has lived in the community since he was very little, and through thick and thin.
"I'm just very thrilled with everyone showing up," Croy said. "And I'm just very honored."
Wagner also said he was at a loss for words.
"We care about the community and the town we grew up in," Wagner said. "We had a lot of fun and I hope to contribute to that."
Concluding the Chamber dinner at the North Webster Community Center, Chamber President Monica Wilson said she hoped all those in attendance felt very inspired and proud of the community. So many do a lot to contribute to North Webster, and she said she feels lucky to be a part of the Chamber.
"Keep up the good work you've done here," Wilson said.
During the meeting, Sroufe also said that as of 2 p.m. Thursday, the Mid-Lake Shopping Center was sold and now is under new ownership. "I'm totally pleased with that," Sroufe said.
