Published: October 27, 2009 04:30 pm      

Danville Chamber announces 2009 Community Award winners

The Greater Danville Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its annual Community Awards.

Each year the chamber gives awards to one winner in each of six categories: Public Servant, Senior Citizen, Community Servant, Chamber Member, Educator of the Year, and Business Leader, at their annual dinner. This year’s award ceremony was Oct. 22 at the Royal Theater.

The award recipients were treated to a reception and presented with a plaque. A permanent display will hang in the Chamber of Commerce office.

Taking honors were Megen Morgan, as public servant; Rose Clark, as community servant; Mary Monts, as educator; Father John Roof, as senior citizen; Hendricks County Arts Council’s Gallery on the Square. , as business leader; and North Salem State Bank, as chamber member.

All nominations were made by the general public and narrowed down by the chamber’s nominating committee. The voting in all categories, except Chamber Member of the Year, were also open to the public. Chamber Member of the Year was decided by chamber members only.

Greg VanLaere, president of the Danville Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and Edward Jones Investments representative, presented Jerry Vornholt with the President’s Award, which honors the person who helped most to make the year as president a success.

Suzanne Whicker, executive director of Leadership Hendricks County, was presented with the first Spirit of the Community Award following a roast by friends, family, and co-workers.

“We took our awards event in a different direction this year,” said Amanda Jensen, executive director for the Greater Danville Chamber of Commerce. “This was the first year for a roast, but it will not be the last. It was quite entertaining for the crowd. Many thanks to Suzanne for being such a good sport and congratulations to all nominees and winners. These are the people who make our community so wonderful.”

For more information on this and other events in the area, visit the website at www.danville-chamber.org.