 The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a new partnership with the Indiana Chamber, the Indy Chamber, and SIHO Insurance Services to bring ChamberCare, a high-value health plan designed specifically for small and mid-sized businesses, to employers in the Bloomington community. Available exclusively to members of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, ChamberCare provides competitive pricing, expansive statewide provider access, and enhanced customer service features aimed at addressing one of the most persistent challenges facing small businesses: affordable, high-quality healthcare coverage.
ChamberCare is a MEWA (multiple employer welfare arrangement) available to employers with 2–50 employees, offering advantages such as expedited claims, zero- or low-cost medications, more affordable outpatient procedures, and access to every major hospital and health system in Indiana through the TruConnect provider network. Many employers are already receiving quotes up to 20% lower than comparable competitor rates. “Providing affordable, high-quality healthcare options has been an important initiative for us, and our recent member survey made clear that this was a top priority for local employers,” said Eric Spoonmore, President & CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. “We heard our members and we delivered—ChamberCare is a meaningful solution that supports small businesses, strengthens our workforce, and helps companies attract and retain talent.”
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 The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of John Skolak as its new Member Services Coordinator. In this role, Skolak will serve as the first point of contact for Chamber members, prospective members, and the public—ensuring a welcoming, professional, and highly engaged experience for the business community. He will support membership growth and retention efforts by coordinating onboarding, ribbon cuttings, member outreach, volunteer committees, and key relationship-building initiatives. Skolak will report directly to Katie Sensabaugh, Vice President of Operations & Membership.
“To meet the needs of a growing and increasingly engaged membership, it was essential to bring on a dedicated Member Services Coordinator,” said Sensabaugh. “John brings an incredible blend of relationship-building talent, operational experience, and genuine care for people. His ability to listen closely, connect authentically, and make others feel supported made him a perfect fit for this role.” Skolak first came to Bloomington in 1992 to complete his degrees at Indiana University, earning a double major in Criminal Justice and Photography along with a certificate in Underwater Resource Management. He later earned an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. His early work in restaurants evolved into a nearly 40-year career spanning restaurant operations, food service distribution, and restaurant-technology innovation. Throughout his career, he has been known for helping people and businesses tell their stories, building strong connections, and improving customer and client experiences. Outside of the Chamber, Skolak is developing a culinary workforce nonprofit, Best Food Forward Bloomington, and creating restaurant-tech tools through his startup, 812 Labs. A lifelong foodie, he believes—as Anthony Bourdain once said—that “travel is not a reward for working, it is education for living.” Originally from Portage, Indiana, he now lives in Bloomington with his wife, seven cats, two dogs, and what he affectionately describes as “a kitchen that’s rarely quiet.” “John’s deep connection to Bloomington, his creative mind, and his passion for helping people succeed make him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Eric Spoonmore, President & CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. “We are thrilled to welcome him and look forward to the impact he will have on member engagement and community support.” Skolak’s role with the Chamber was effective November 10th, 2025.  The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of this year’s prestigious community and business awards, to be celebrated at the 110th Annual Meeting & Community Awards, presented by Old National Bank, on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, at the Monroe Convention Center.
This year’s awards and winners are: New Business of the Year: Heartwork Brewing Recognizes a business or organization that has existed for less than five years. Business of the Year: Stonecroft Health Campus Recognizes a business or organization that has existed for five years or more. Community Anchor: Master Rental Recognizes a business or organization that has contributed positively to the local community over a sustained period. 4 Under 40 Awards: Anne Bono Lloyd (Indiana University), Jordan Davis (The Chocolate Moose), Melanie Vehslage (Youth Services Bureau), and Sydney Zulich (Bloom Magazine) 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: Kristina Cowden (Edgewood Intermediate School), Angie Evans (Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship), Dee Minnick (Edgewood Early Education Center), Ashley Sotomayor (Summit Elementary School) Recognizes an individual teacher, program director, counselor, administrator, or staff member at Monroe County Community School Corporation or Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation that impacts students in a positive way and works to advance the profession. Ambassador of the Year: Sandra McGow (Bell Trace Senior Living) Recognizes a Chamber Ambassador who goes above and beyond to champion the Chamber’s mission by welcoming new members, strengthening member engagement, and serving as a vital link between the business community and Chamber staff. Lifetime Achievement: Cary Curry (Curry Auto Center) Recognizes individuals who have had a measurable impact on our community over a sustained period.  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 2025 awards slate includes:
 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:
“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. 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.  The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Hannah Hutton has been promoted to full-time Program Coordinator. In this role, Hutton will support the Chamber’s growing event portfolio by managing the planning and execution of more than 60 programs and events annually. She will report directly to Kaytee Lorentzen, Director of Communications & Events.
“To meet the rising demand for high-quality programming and event execution, we created this new full-time position,” said Lorentzen. “Hannah has already proven herself as an invaluable asset in her part-time role. Her strong work ethic, creativity, and attention to detail have enhanced our events tremendously. I’m excited to see her thrive in this expanded capacity.” Hutton joined the Chamber in Spring 2023 as the Events & Program Intern while studying Tourism, Hospitality, & Event Management with a minor in Media & Creative Advertising at Indiana University. She was then hired part-time at the Chamber while pursuing her studies full-time. During her tenure, she has contributed significantly to Chamber initiatives including Showcase Bloomington, the Women Excel Bloomington Awards, and the Chamber’s Member Appreciation campaigns. She also played a key role in redesigning the Chamber’s Impact Report and elevating the Chamber’s visual branding and marketing collateral.  This year marks the second year of the Valor Awards, a distinguished ceremony brought to you by the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington in partnership with the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony is dedicated to honoring the bravery and selflessness of our first responders. Set to spotlight these everyday heroes, the Valor Awards will recognize one individual from each sector for their exemplary service. The event, proudly presented by Old National Bank and Weddle Bros. Construction Companies, will unfold at the Monroe Convention Center on Tuesday, May 6th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Nominations were solicited from Monroe County entities in five categories: law enforcement, fire, correctional center, dispatch, and emergency medical technicians, with an outside selection committee tasked with reviewing submissions. The winners of each category will be announced during the awards presentation. The following individuals have been nominated in recognition for their outstanding service:
Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation – The Success School, Monroe County Community Schools, and Richland-Bean Blossom Community Schools have announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening the regional talent pipeline in the Uplands region. This collaboration focuses on providing students with opportunities for success after high school through various career exploration and skill-building initiatives.
The partnership comes at a crucial time as local employers seek new ways to develop a skilled workforce while offering high school students hands-on experience in various fields. "By working together, we are ensuring that students are well-equipped with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation, while also addressing the ongoing workforce needs of our local businesses," said Christopher Emge, Senior Director of Government & Community Relations of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Through a variety of opportunities, local businesses are invited to get involved and help shape the next generation of talent. These opportunities include job shadowing, mock interviews, mentorship programs, company tours, career discovery meetings, and more. Employers will have the chance to directly engage with students through in-person or virtual events such as career fairs, panel discussions, and internships. Additionally, employers can collaborate with students through mentorship opportunities or by participating in student-run business initiatives.  The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce it is now accepting nominations for the 15th Annual Women Excel Bloomington (WEB) Awards. Each year, several women are recognized for their outstanding leadership in influencing the growth of others in the community and/or in their professional organization. WEB has a history of recognizing local, civic-minded women from various backgrounds and professions who mentor others and lead by example. Through their actions and initiatives, these women serve as an inspiration and demonstrate outstanding leadership in all they do. These prestigious business leadership awards will be presented at the WEB Awards reception scheduled for Thursday, July 10th at One World at Woolery Mill.
WEB nominees serve as an inspiration, helping others to excel as they lead by example. They may be employed in either the business sector or a non-profit organization. Other criteria include:
“We encourage our community to help us recognize the remarkable women who lead with purpose and inspire others to grow,” said Eric Spoonmore, President & CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. “By nominating someone for the Women Excel Bloomington Awards, you’re not only honoring their contributions—you’re uplifting the values of leadership, mentorship, and community impact that make Bloomington thrive.” Nominations may be submitted on the Chamber’s website (chamberbloomington.org/webnominations). A nomination form is also available online or by calling the Chamber at (812) 336-6381. All nominations should be submitted to the Chamber on or before Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 5:00p.m. |
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