NOTE: This news article featuring President & CEO, Eric Spoonmore, was originally published by WRTV 6 by Taj Simmons on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025.

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for community awards that recognize and honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have distinguished themselves through outstanding volunteerism, accomplishments and contributions in the community. The awards will be presented at The Chamber’s 110th Annual Meeting & Community Awards on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
 
Anyone in the community may submit nominations. The online forms are available by visiting www.ChamberBloomington.org or by contacting The Chamber at 812-336-6381 or [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 28th, at 5:00 p.m.
 
Award Criteria:

• The nominee must be a member of The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce or employed by a member organization/business. ‘4 Under 40’ nominees are exempt from this. 
• A person/organization may be nominated in more than one category. However, each nomination must be submitted separately.
• Please provide as much detail as possible for the nomination. The independent selection committee solely uses the nomination form for selecting the award winners.

 
The 2025 awards slate includes:

• Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Recognizes individuals who have had an immeasurable impact on our community over a sustained period.
• New Business of the Year
  • Recognizes a business or organization that has existed for less than five years.
• Business of the Year
  • Recognizes a business or organization that has existed for five years or more.
• Community Anchor Award
  • Recognizes a business or organization that has contributed positively to the local community over a sustained period. 
• 4 Under 40 Awards
  • Recognizes young professionals that make a significant impact within their organization through their leadership and work ethic, while also giving back to the community through civic involvement. 
• Outstanding Educator Awards
  • Recognizes an individual teacher, program director, counselor, administrator, or staff member at Monroe County Community School Corporation or Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation.

​The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Women Excel Bloomington (WEB) 2025 award winners. These distinguished women were chosen for their exceptional leadership, business acumen, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. The 15th Annual WEB Awards celebration will take place on Thursday, July 10th, from 5:30 – 8:00 pm at One World at Woolery Mill.
 
Those to be honored at the 2025 Women Excel Bloomington Awards are:

• Ann Harrison – Owner of Elder’s Journey/Comfort Keepers Bloomington, Columbus, Wabash Valley, Terre Haute
• Maggie Mobley – Executive of Ministries, Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Sharr Pechac – Director of Human Resources, City of Bloomington
• Amanda Shettlesworth, SHRM-CP, PHR – Benefits & Compliance Manager, Monroe County Community School Corporation
• Vicky Sorensen – Board of Trustees Chair, Monroe Fire Protection District
• Gladys DeVane – Mae Cassady Lifetime Achievement Award

 
“Each of these incredible honorees embodies the strength, vision, and compassion that drive our community forward,” said Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Eric Spoonmore. “Their impact is felt not only in their workplaces, but across Bloomington through their service, mentorship, and leadership. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and recognize the many ways they enrich our community.”
 
The WEB Awards celebrate the achievements of local women leaders who inspire through their actions and initiatives. These women serve as mentors, excel in their professions, and demonstrate outstanding leadership and community service. The WEB Awards is the highlight of the Bloomington Women in Leadership's annual calendar and honors women who balance professional success with a commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement.
 
To learn more about the 2025 WEB Awards, please visit The Chamber’s website at ChamberBloomington.org or call the Chamber at (812) 336-6381.

​The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has been named a finalist for the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA) 2025 Chamber of the Year Award. This distinguished honor places the Chamber among the top eight chambers in Indiana and recognizes its outstanding leadership, innovation, and service to the business community.

"This recognition as a finalist for Chamber of the Year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and members," said Eric Spoonmore, President & CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. "It reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthening the business climate in Bloomington and supporting our members through advocacy, connection, and opportunity."

The Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award is one of ICEA’s highest honors and celebrates chambers that demonstrate excellence across core areas such as member services, community leadership, advocacy, and organizational development. Finalists undergo a rigorous review process that highlights strategic impact, measurable results, and overall member engagement.

Being named a finalist comes at a time of continued growth and impact for the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, which recently expanded programming, deepened its advocacy efforts, and launched new initiatives to support workforce development and local entrepreneurship.
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The winner will be announced during the ICEA Annual Conference at the Awards Luncheon on June 5th. The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is proud to stand alongside Indiana’s leading chambers and looks forward to celebrating the shared accomplishments of chambers across the state.