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.

Chamber of Commerce Announces Winner of Henry F. Schricker ‘Service Before Self’ Award

Posted on October 25, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce has announced the winner of the Henry F. Schicker ‘Service Before Self Award’ and it’s Civil Engineer Van Janovic.

Van is a graduate of Grovertown High School and the founder of Territorial Engineering.

According to the nomination application that was submitted on his behalf, Mr. Janovic has been active in projects all over the county, with many of those being on a volunteer basis.

For instance, during Nancy Dembowski’s term as Mayor of Knox, Van worked closely with her on the Phoenix House project, which is a facility that provides a safe haven for domestic violence victims and their families.

Demobowski was quoted saying that Janovic never billed the organization for any of the professional work that went into the home which helps so many abused women and families. She added that he has always been a person who puts community ahead of self and that his work over the years is an example of that.

It was also noted that he designed the ramp which is to be built at the depot in the Knox Gateway Area, with no charge for his professional services. Other volunteer work includes projects for the Starke County Historical Society, the public library and the Missionary Church, just to name a few.

The individual who nominated Van also included that he is active in the Koontz Lake Lions Club and noted that he took over as president when others declined leadership positions.

He has also served on multiple boards where he’s made a difference including the Historical Society and Knox Gateway, Inc.

In addition to providing assistance to Starke County and the surrounding area, Van spends several weeks each year doing volunteer work in developing countries.

Janovic will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center on Thursday, November 8th.

Tickets for the event are $35 each. They’re available on eventbrite.com or at the Starke County Chamber of Commerce Office, located at 400 N Heaton Street.