Bloomington Chamber Announces 2024 Annual Meeting & Community Award Recipients

BLOOMINGTON– The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce announced the individuals and organizations that will be honored at this year’s 109th Annual Meeting & Community Awards celebration.

The award ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Monroe Convention Center. At the Annual Meeting, the Chamber’s President & CEO, Eric Spoonmore, will provide a year in review, highlighting accomplishments and member news with attendees and sharing future plans.

The Chamber will also recognize and honor several members who have been nominated for a variety of awards.

This year’s awards and winners are:

  • New Business of the Year: Farm Bureau Insurance – Barrett Agency

This award recognizes a business or organization that has existed for less than five years.

  • Business of the Year: Weddle Bros. Construction Companies

This award recognizes a business or organization that has existed for five years or more.

  • Community Anchor: Constellation Stage + Screen

This award recognizes a business or organization that has contributed positively to the local community over a sustained period.

  • 4 Under 40 Awards: Cortnie Jamison (Village Caregiving), Kate Kamel (Boston Scientific), Rish Naran (Andy Mohr), and Michael Waterford (Ivy Tech Community College)

This award recognizes young professionals who significantly impact their organization through their leadership and work ethic while also giving back to the community through civic involvement.

  • Outstanding Educator Awards: Tyler Abel (Summit Elementary School), Marcus Debro (Bloomington High School North – Retired), Molly Giddens (Batchelor Middle School), Lindsey Owen (Edgewood Primary School)

This award recognizes an individual teacher, program director, counselor, administrator, or staff member at Monroe County Community School Corporation or Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation that positively impacts students and works to advance the profession.

  • Ambassador of the Year: Terri Horne (Callie & Co. Entertainment)

This award recognizes a Chamber Ambassador who goes above and beyond to promote the role of The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce in the community by welcoming and building relationships with new members, aiding in the retention rate of new and existing members through the Chamber benefits and creating a positive image for the Chamber by acting as liaisons between members and the Chamber staff.

  • Lifetime Achievement: Jeff Baldwin (Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington)

This award recognizes individuals who have had an immeasurable impact on our community over a sustained period.

An award will also be given for the “Best of the Best” Business After Hours host, who will be voted on by Chamber members who attended events from September 2023 to August 2024. The “Best of the Best” will be announced at the Annual Meeting.

Erin Spoonmore

“The Chamber is incredibly proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these businesses and individuals,” said Eric Spoonmore, President & CEO of The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. “Their remarkable contributions not only enhance the vibrancy of our community but also embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and collaboration that makes Bloomington and Monroe County thrive. We look forward to celebrating their successes and continuing to build on the strong foundation they have helped create.”

The 109th Annual Meeting & Community Awards celebration will include time to network among attendees before the annual meeting and awards presentation. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:00 p.m. For more information about the 109th Annual Meeting & Community Awards, contact The Chamber at (812) 336‐3681 or visit The Chamber’s website at ChamberBloomington.org.