Dedicated Community Members Honored at Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner

Posted on November 9, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center was teeming with community spirit Thursday evening during the annual Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.

The event was attended by local leaders, state representatives, former award recipients and a plethora of caring community members. It was led by Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Gurrado and Executive Director Jessica Craig.

The man of the hour was the owner of Territorial Engineering Van Janovic, who was presented with the Henry F. Schricker Service Before Self Award.

Brenda and Van Janovic, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessica Craig 

and Chamber President Jerry Gurrado

Chamber President Gurrado shared a bit about the man behind the award before he was welcomed onto the stage, “People like Van are why our communities are so inviting and he’s truly deserving of this award.”

He added, “I don’t know that there could be a more fitting tribute to someone that he actually has to step out of the shadows and be our man of the night.”

Mr. Janovic was recognized for his involvement in the community, the numerous projects he has donated his time and services to and his incredibly humble personality.

Since Van was celebrating his birthday on Thursday, the entire community center erupted into the Happy Birthday song after he received his award.

The Chamber also presented two Above and Beyond Awards.

Kid’s Closet Director Linda Lewandowski

Both recipients are based out of North Judson. The director of the Kid’s Closet Ministry Linda Lewandowski, as well as Nan Wellman and her team from O.T.E.S Signs and Graphics, were honored for the impact they’ve made on the community.

O.T.E.S Owner Nan Wellman and her team

Before presenting the Business of the Year Award, Chamber President Gurrado highlighted that the selection process can be difficult when there are so many promising organizations in the area.

Gurrado shared, “Honestly, we could have given out four ‘Business of the Year’ awards easily this year and still left a lot of people out. That’s what kind of growth we’re starting to have.”

Traffic Control Specialists President Tracy Triska

Ultimately, Traffic Control Specialists out of Knox was determined to be the 2018 Business of the Year. President Tracy Triska accepted the award on behalf of her company.

Downtown Depot catered the event, Silver Leaf Florist provided the centerpieces and every attendee received a takeaway bag from Poppin’ Off Popcorn.

You can hear more from the Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner during this week’s Kankakee Valley Viewpoints program which airs every Sunday at noon right here on K99.3 WKVI.

Starke County Chamber of Commerce Announces Award Recipients

Posted on October 25, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Members of the Starke County Chamber of Commerce met earlier this week to officially decide the winners of Business of the Year, the Above and Beyond Award and the Henry F. Schricker “Service Before Self” Award.

Starke County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessica Craig reported that the winner of Business of the Year is the North Judson-based company First Choice Insurance owned by Carrie Block.

The winner of this year’s Henry F. Schricker Award is Jim Kersting. Craig said that Kersting was a recipient of the Business of the Year award back in 2015 but he has been nominated for the Schricker award three years in a row. Henry F. Schricker Award Committee members, as well as past winners, decided to grant Kersting with the award this year for his continued service to the community.

The winner of the Above and Beyond award is Starke County A.B.A.T.E. This award can go to an individual, a business or an organization. This year the award when to the Starke County American Bikers Aimed Toward Education for their countless fundraising efforts and immersive community involvement.

The annual dinner to honor the award recipients will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 2nd. This year, the Bass Lake restaurant Sporty’z Bar and Grill will be catering and the Portage-based business All About the Selfie will be on site, taking green screen photos as souvenirs for dinner guests.

In order be sure there is enough space and food, attendees are asked to RSVP by Friday, October 27th. To RSVP, contact Executive Director Jessica Craig by calling 574-772-5548. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased before hand or the day of with cash or check but in order to pay in advance with a credit or debit card, visit the Henry F. Schricker Awards Dinner page on eventbrite.com.

Nominate Someone Now for the Henry F. Schricker Award

Posted on September 30, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Nominations are now being accepted for the Henry F. Schricker Award.

The members of the Starke County Chamber of Commerce will review all nominations of those Starke County residents who exemplify the former governor’s motto of “service before self”. This is the 30th Schricker Award to be given to a worthy Starke County resident.

The chamber is also accepting nominations of the Business of the Year.

Both awards will be presented during the annual awards dinner on Nov. 2 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $35 and can be purchased through the chamber office and online through www.eventbrite.com.

Nominations for both awards will be taken until Tuesday, Oct. 10. Email your candidate to info@starkecountychamber.com or mail it to 400 N. Heaton Street, Knox, IN 46534.

Nancy J. Dembowski Accepts Henry F. Schricker Award

Posted on November 4, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

A lifelong Knox resident who has made a career of community service is the recipient of the 2016 Starke County Chamber of Commerce Henry F. Schricker Award. The honor is named after the former governor and is given annually to someone who embodies his credo of “service before self.”

Nancy J. Dembowski worked at WKVI for 25 years, served on the Starke County Council and was mayor of Knox for 11 years. During that time the community center, named in her honor, was built, and the historic Gateway Depot at the north edge of the city was restored. The city also received two prestigious Achievement Awards from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns during her tenure.

In 2002 Dembowski was elected to the Indiana Senate to fill an unexpired term. She narrowly lost a reelection bid in 2005 but returned to the statehouse a year later after winning election to the Indiana House of Representatives.

Dembowski describes her foray into public life as “accidental leadership” and says it began over a lack of money for Christmas decorations in downtown Knox several years ago. That’s when the Candy Cane Committee was formed.

“We decided maybe we could step up and see what we could do. In the end, we got donations of materials, and a crew to help us make over 100 candy canes. It was pretty cold in some of those garages, but we did it, and many of the candy canes I think are still in use today.”

Dembowski says she was told that in politics people get the kind of government they deserve. She adds the same is true of the community.

“Don’t complain and say it will never change. Find others who feel as you do, and work together to change it. Work together to make it better, to make it the way you want it to be. Don’t leave it to others. It’s your community. Stand up and work for change. You’d be amazed at what you can do.”

Dembowski retired from the legislature in 2012. She’s since formed the nonprofit group Moving Starke County Forward to address negative local health statistics.

“We’ve made some real progress, even without a funding source, and we mainly rely on some small grants from local organizations. We would certainly welcome anyone who wants to work to change these statistics. We really can make a difference, and it truly will change lives in Starke County. Starke County is our home. If we won’t work to make it better, who will?”

Dembowski’s longtime friend and former WKVI colleague, Ted Hayes, had quite a bit to say about her career as well. We’ll share the entire presentation Sunday at noon on Kankakee Valley Viewpoints, as well as the recognition of Fingerhut Bakery as Business of the Year. We will have a complete story on their award and community contributions tomorrow.

Starke County Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Mix and 

2016 Henry F. Schricker Award Winner Nancy Dembowski

Ted Hayes and Nancy Dembowski

Starke County Chamber Accepting Henry F. Schricker Award Nominations

Posted on October 5, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the annual Henry F. Schricker Community Service Award. It’s given to a local resident who embodies the former governor and North Judson native’s credo of “service before self.”

Schricker served as Indiana governor from 1941-44 and from 1949-52 and is the only individual in state history to have held the office two separate times. His granddaughter, Susan Schricker, will represent her grandfather during Friday’s Bicentennial Torch Relay through Starke County.

Schricker Award nominations are due to the Starke County Chamber of Commerce by Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. They should include a nomination form with a resume and cover letter outlining the qualities and deeds of the candidate or candidates which demonstrate significant voluntary contributions and benefits to Starke County.

A selection committee made up of previous winners and chamber representatives will choose the honoree, with an announcement by Oct. 26th.

The recipient will be honored during the Starke County Chamber of Commerce Annual Henry F. Schricker Award Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. The 2017 Business of the Year will also be recognized, and Above and Beyond Awards will be presented as well.

Contact Starke County Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Mix at 574-772-5548 for more information. Resumes may be mailed to the Starke County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 5, Knox, IN 46534 or delivered to the chamber office in the Gateway Depot at 400 North Heaton Street in Knox. All submissions will be kept private and confidential.

Chamber Dinner Honors Top Business, Schricker Award Recipient

November 6, 2015AuthorTyler Maffitt, WKVI 

It was a Who’s Who of Starke County Leadership at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center, Thursday night.

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Award Dinner. The gathering recognizes chamber members, but also honors community servants and top business performers.

Last night’s event saw the Henry F. Schricker Award bestowed to Melba Shilling for her service to the community. Shilling served as both Starke County Historian, and is a member of Tri Kappa, taking up the award’s credo “service before self.”

Due to the recent passing of Schilling’s husband Jim, she will accept the award at a small gathering in the spring.  Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Mix accepted the award on Shilling’s behalf.

“Jim had always said that he always believed that when he received his [award] in 1998, he really believed that Melba should have been a part of that time because there’s nothing that he did that she wasn’t a part of. It was decided that it was time to give Melba her own award,” says Mix.

The presentation of the Henry F. Schricker Award, however, was not the only accomplishment being celebrated. This year, the Starke County Chamber of Commerce recognized Kersting’s Cycle Center as its Business of the Year.

The company’s humble beginnings were highlighted next to what has become a major motorcycle name and tourism draw for Starke County. Owner Jim Kersting said he was overwhelmed to receive the honor.

“The motorcycle business has been extremely good to me and my family,” says Kersting.

Following the dinner, with dozens in attendance, the Chamber of Commerce recognized members who have been part of their efforts for the past 15 years, which included 30 organizations.

The Chamber of Commerce stated during last night’s festivities their desire to meet with members and improve their efforts.

Starke County Chamber Announces Shricker Honoree

October 26, 2015AuthorMary Perren, WKVI

Melba Shilling

A longtime Starke County Extension Home Economist is the winner of the 2015 Henry F. Schricker Award. Named for the former governor and Starke County native, the award is given annually to a resident who embodies Shricker’s credo of service before self. This year’s committee, comprised of Starke County Chamber of Commerce representatives and former Schricker Award winners, selected Melba Shilling as the honoree.

She was born in Ridgeville, Ind. and graduated from Jefferson High School and Purdue University. Melba married her husband, Jim, on April 1, 1956. They have two children, Bradford and Brenda, and two grandchildren, Kaylee and Carson Krom.

Melba was an Extension Home Economist in Starke County in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. She was honored by the Indiana Home Economics Association for outstanding contributions in her career field, and is listed in Who’s Who of American Women and Community Leaders of America. She is also a member of many organizations.

Melba and Jim were notified of the selection in early October. Both expressed humble gratification at the committee’s selection. Due to Jim’s death on Oct. 17th, the award presentation and celebration of Melba Shilling’s life will take place in the spring.

Nominations Open for Schricker Award

Published: September 30, 2015 By: Michael Gallenberger, WKVI 

Henry Schricker

Nominations are now being accepted for the Henry F. Schricker Award, presented each year by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber director Debbie Mix says it honors those who help the community, “The Henry F. Schricker Award is a very prestigious award. It’s named after Governor Schricker, who really lived his life with the mantra ‘service before self’ and so we celebrate that, and it is a lifetime achievement award for a volunteer putting oneself behind and doing service within the community.”

She says winners cover the full spectrum of volunteer work, “Many of our inductees have done quiet things. They drive people to the doctor and they go and clean their homes or do any kind of volunteer stuff very quietly. Or it can also be somebody who’s a little bit more celebrated and known throughout the community, who has done a lot for the community and is well-known because of that.”

To nominate someone, you can fill out a nomination form, or send a letter to the chamber telling what the nominee has done to deserve the award. Once a person is nominated, that nomination stays active, but Mix says it’s always nice to get fresh nominations. After the chamber receives the nominations, this year’s winner will be chosen by a committee made up of past winners as well as some chamber members. The winner will be formally inducted during the Starke County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner November 5.

The deadline for nominations is this Friday.

Habo Runkle Named Senior Volunteer of the Year

Published: April 21, 2015
By: Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Community Services of Starke County Board of Directors recently named the Senior Volunteer of the Year for 2015.

Habo Runkle of Knox was honored for her lifetime of service to help improve the quality of life in her community and her country.

Runkle recently retired from working as a nurse at the Golden Living Center in Knox. She helped residents at the facility for 18 years. Prior to that, Runkle served as a babysitter for many community families and drove a school bus for the Knox Community School Corporation for 16 years.

Habo Runkle is also an active member of the Knox United Methodist Church where she serves on many committees. She has volunteered her time at Community Services of Starke County where she delivers meals to those participating in the Meals on Wheels program. Runkle offers her time to transport Community Services of Starke County clients to doctor appointments and other locations.

In addition to this honor, Runkle is also a past recipient of the Henry F. Schricker Award that is given to a Starke County resident who embodies the former governor’s motto of “service before self.”

11/6/2014 Skronski Honored With Henry F. Schricker Award

Published: October 21, 2014
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

A longtime Knox High School teacher and farmer is the 2014 Starke County Chamber of Commerce Henry F. Schricker Award winner. The honor is given annually to a resident who embodies the former governor’s credo of “service before self.” Frank Skronski moved to North Judson from Chicago with his family as a young man. He joined the Navy, which is where he met his wife of 51 years, Evelyn Lippelt. After leaving the service he attended Elmhurst College and earned a degree from Northern Illinois University.

Skronski taught biology for 33 years in Knox and continued to farm. He also put his skills as a barber to use by frequently giving haircuts to the homeless. In the 10 years since he’s been retired from teaching Skronski has been active in numerous organizations, including Starke County Community Services, the Northwest Indiana Services, SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and many other organizations. One of his most notable contributions is helping to found the St. Vincent DePaul organization in North Judson and recently helping to establish a second chapter in Knox. The organization focuses on helping those in need by providing services ranging from financial aid to furniture and rides to distribution of Christmas gifts.

Skronski will be honored on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Starke County Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. Contact the Chamber at 574-772-5548 to make reservations for the dinner.

1/17/2014 Two Starke County Chamber of Commerce Awards Presented Last Night

By: Ben Haut
Published: January 17th, 2014

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce last night awarded the second annual Business of the Year award and the Henry F. Schricker Award during a ceremony held at the Bass Lake Property Owners Association Building. Dr. Ron May, president of Ancilla College, began the ceremony with an invocation, before Dorothy Osinski, chairman of the membership committee, handed out 10-year consecutive member certificates to 15 members who have been with the Chamber of Commerce for ten years continuously.

This year’s distinction of Business of the Year was given to Osinski Auction Service for serving the community in various ways since 1983, benefiting nonprofit organizations and holding a viable business in the community for many years.

The prestigious Henry F. Schricker Award was given to Joan Haugh after a few words from her son David. Chamber member and former award recipient Ted Hayes presented her with the award, saying it was the first time he’s “had the honor of introducing a saint,” and said Haugh has always displayed service before self.

Haugh was a driving force in creating the local Habitat for Humanity, and was instrumental in the creation of the Starke County Food Pantry. He said Haugh is “the type of person I’d like to be like when I grow up.”

Haugh said it was an honor to receive the award and thanked the Chamber and former award winners, saying her late husband, a former recipient, would be proud.

Joan Haugh Named Schricker Award Winner

By: Anita Goodan

Published: December 30th, 2013

Joan Haugh

The 2013 Henry F. Schricker Award winner was recently announced.

Joan Haugh was selected as this year’s winner. Haugh has been the director of Community Services of Starke County for 30 years and has been involved in many volunteer projects in the county. Some of those volunteer efforts include working with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Habitat for Humanity, Moving Starke County Forward, Starke United and the Salvation Army. She is active in her church, the SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, and has previously taught CCD classes there as well as marriage preparation classes.

She sees the lack of a homeless shelter in Starke County as a major void in the area. A recent effort to identify those who are homeless resulted in 81 people in desperate need. She worries about these individuals, especially those exposed to the winter elements.

Haugh has the qualities of a true Henry F. Schricker Award winner. The former governor of Indiana and resident of Starke County used as his motto, “service before self,” and Haugh has proved to be a member of the community to look up to in this regard. Her late husband, Mike, was also a Schricker award winner in 2005.

Joan Haugh will be honored during the Starke County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet on Jan. 16 at the Bass Lake Community Center. To get your ticket, call the Starke County Chamber office at (574) 772-5548.

Nominations for Henry F. Schricker Award Due Friday (12/13/2013)

By: Anita Goodan

Published: December 11th, 2013

Henry Schricker

You have until this Friday, Dec. 13 to submit a nomination for the prestigious Henry F. Schricker Award.

This award is given to a Starke County resident who has exemplified the former governor’s attitude of “service before self.”

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce will review all submissions and a committee of former award winners will select this year’s recipient. You may nominate a candidate for consideration for this award by submitting a resume along with a cover letter outlining the qualities and deeds of your nominee. The resume should include the person’s voluntary contributions and benefits to Starke County.

The information should be submitted to the Starke County Chamber of Commerce no later than Friday, Dec. 13. Mail entries to the Starke County Chamber, P.O. Box 5, Knox, IN 46534. Entries may also be delivered to the chamber office in the Gateway Depot at 400 N. Heaton St. in Knox.

The winner of the Henry F. Schricker award will be announced by Dec. 26 and that person will be honored at the chamber’s Annual Henry F. Schricker Award Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 at a place to be determined. The 2014 Business of the Year will also be awarded. To make your reservation, call (574) 772-5548.

Send in Nominations for the Henry F. Schricker Award

By: Anita Goodan
Published: November 11th, 2013

It’s time to submit your nominations for the prestigious Henry F. Schricker Community Service Award.

Henry F. Schricker was a Starke County native who lived by the attitude of “service before self”. This is the foundation for the Schricker Award and nominees should share that attitude.

You may nominate a candidate for consideration for this award by submitting a resume, along with a cover letter, outlining the qualities and deeds of the candidate. Resumes should be delivered to and received by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce by Dec. 13. The entries will be reviewed by the selection committee which is comprised of former award winners.

The name of the winner will be released by Dec. 26. The recipient will be honored during the Chamber’s Annual Henry F. Schricker Award Dinner to be held on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. The location of the dinner has not yet been decided.

For more information, call Debbie Mix at (574) 772-5548.