Three panelists representing different aspects of Bloomington's performing arts sector shared their views at an Aug. 13 Chamber Speaker Series event.

​Speakers were:

• Kate Galvin,  artistic director for Cardinal Stage
• Linda Pisano, chair of the Indiana University Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance
• Sean Starowitz, assistant director for the arts with the City of Bloomington Economic & Sustainable Development Department

Topics in the wide-ranging discussion included the impact of COVID-19 on performing arts organizations, how groups are adapting in creative ways, infrastructure needs, ways that new collaborations are forming, and the need for ongoing support during these challenging times.

​According to a 2019 study commissioned by Cardinal Stage, the Bloomington/Monroe County performing arts sector adds over $4 million annually to the local economy and supports more than 160 jobs here.

Click here to view a recording of the Speaker Series discussion.

At a July 31 event featuring leaders of Bloomington's Black business community and city officials, the Chamber led a ceremony  to install an Indiana historical market in Peoples Park. The maker commemorates the Black Market, a Black-owned business that was firebombed in 1968.

This ends a process that officially began in the summer of 2019 with an application to the Indiana Historical Bureau, in partnership with the Chamber's Black-Owned Business Affiliate Group and the City of Bloomington. 

Peoples Park was originally the location of the Black Market in Bloomington, opened by Rollo Turner in 1968 on land owned by Larry Canada, a businessman and antiwar activist. This was a peaceful gathering place for citizens of Bloomington as well as Indiana University students where LPs, books, artwork, and African imports were sold. On December 26th, 1968, the Black Market was firebombed by the local members of the KKK. Ultimately, the Market was forced to close after all inventory was lost. Not long after, the building that housed the Black Market was razed, leaving an empty plot of land. In the early 1970’s, Indiana University students started plantings flowers and vegetation in the area, eventually naming it Peoples Park in honor of a park at UC-Berkeley.

Click here to watch a video of the event.

State legislators representing parts of Bloomington/Monroe County met over lunch on Feb. 11 with Chamber members as part of the Chamber's Statehouse Drive-In.

Representatives Peggy Mayfield (District 60), Matt Pierce (District 61), and Jeff Ellington (District 62) joined the Chamber for an informal lunch in the 3rd floor atrium of the statehouse. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch also dropped by to greet the gathering.

The day included a tour of the historic building and viewing of the Indiana General Assembly in session.

Four state legislators shared their insights about the current Indiana General Assembly Session and answered questions from residents at a Jan. 25 Legislative Update forum. The event was organized by the League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. 

Legislators in attendance were Sen. Mark Stoops (District 40), Rep. Peggy Mayfield (District 60), Rep. Matt Pierce (District 61), and Rep. Jeff Ellington (District 62). 

​Upcoming forums will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, March 21. Each forum runs from 9:30-11 a.m. at Bloomington City Hall, 401 N. Morton.

Click here to watch the Jan. 25 forum on CATS.

Read the Herald-Times coverage here (paywall): "Area lawmakers discuss healthcare, redistricting and more at forum."

​Read the B Square Beacon coverage here: "State legislator to Bloomington redistricting advocates: 'Show us on a local level.'"

At the Chamber's 2020 Legislative Preview luncheon, six of the seven state legislators who represent parts of the Bloomington/Monroe County area were on hand to provide updates on the current Indiana General Assembly session, which began Jan. 6. The event was held Jan. 17 at the Bloomington Country Club.

Legislators on the panel were: Sen. Mark Stoops (District 40), Sen. Eric Koch (District 44), Rep. Bob Heaton (District 46), Rep. Peggy Mayfield (District 60), Rep. Matt Pierce (District 61), and Rep. Jeff Ellington (District 62).

Click here to watch the event on CATS.

Click here for the Herald-Times report: "Legislators discuss economic development challenges at chamber luncheon."

Listen to the discussion in a special episode of the Chamber's 3 Things Podcast: "Local Legislators Sound Off."

Three forums to hear updates from state legislators during the 2020 General Assembly session have been scheduled by the League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County. This year, the Chamber is partnering with the League for these events.  

The forums will run from 9:30-11 a.m. on the following Saturdays: Jan. 25, Feb. 15 and March 21. All forums will be held at the Bloomington City Hall, 401 N. Morton.
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The Chamber is tracking legislation as it moves through the General Assembly. Click here for weekly updates.

U.S. Senator Mike Braun was the featured speaker at the Chamber's Nov. 15 Federal Focus Luncheon, drawing about 200 people to Ivy Tech's Shreve Hall.

During a Q&A with Chamber CEO Erin Predmore, Sen. Braun discussed his views on the federal deficit, tariffs, climate change, the current impeachment process and ... mushroom hunting!

The event was recorded live for the Chamber's 3 Things Podcast , available on Nov. 20.

 Click here for the Herald-Times coverage of this event.