The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce held its 106th Annual Meeting and Community Awards this afternoon. This year the Chamber used a hybrid model for the celebration, with sponsors, board members, and award recipients attending in-person at the Monroe County Convention Center and Chamber members participating virtually. 

The Chamber recognized several honorees during the awards portion of the event. The 2021 Community Award honorees included:
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New Business of the Year – Switchyard Brewing Company
Lloyd Olcott Community Service Award – Bethany Penrod, Middle Way House
Success School Golden Key Award – Jerry Hays, Owen County State Bank
Nancy Howard Diversity Award – Big Brothers Big Sisters South Central Indiana
Community Anchor Award – Downtown Bloomington, Inc.
Morgan Hutton Visionary Award – Jane Kupersmith, City of Bloomington
Diane Breeden-Lee Catalyst Award – Emily Pike, New Hope for Families
Lifetime Achievement Award – Melanie Walker, TASUS and Mick Renneisen, City of Bloomington
Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Pamela Boswell-Dike

​The Chamber would like to extend a special thank you to the event and table sponsors of the Annual Meeting. Event sponsors included Cook Group, Indiana University – Government Relations and Economic Engagement, IU Health Bloomington, Markey’s Rental & Staging, Duke Energy, German American Bank, The Herald Times, BKD CPA’s & Advisors, Bloomington Health Foundation, Building Associates, Inc., Bunger & Robertson, Cassady Electrical Contractors, The City of Bloomington, Hoosier Energy, IU Credit Union, Nature’s Way, the Monroe County YMCA, Baxter BioPharma Solutions, Bill C. Brown Associates, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, Blue & Co., CFC Properties, Choice Realty, Community Foundation, F.C. Tucker/Bloomington Realtors, First Financial Bank, Hurlow Wealth Management, ISU/The May Agency, Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington, Mallor Grodner, Owen County State Bank, Peoples State Bank, ProBleu, RE/MAX Acclaimed Properties, and Smithville.
 
The Chamber would also like to recognize Elite and Chairman members, who have chosen to invest further in the Chamber: Cook Group, IU Credit Union, IU Health Bloomington, Catalent Biologics, First Financial Bank, Indiana University – Government Relations and Economic Engagement, and Old National Bank.

All videos are provided by Smithville. 

Listen in as DJ Jim Webster of Sprit 95.1 interviews Phillip Walden from Integrity First Insurance Services. Integrity First Insurance was founded in 2018 utilizing an array of different companies that offer the best possible coverage with the best possible prices, including Erie Insurance. Integrity even offers companies who insure high-risk clients. They strive to make sure their clients are taken care of, as well as, making customer service our number one priority. With 5 experienced agents, they are ready to help you take care of all of your insurance needs. Visit them online at www.integrityfirstinsuranceservices.com for more information.

Congratulations to Dr. G and PopKorn Kernels With A Twist on their ribbon cutting celebrating their new location and remodel! The open and airy space is a delight to visit with its delicious popcorn smell. Flavors of gourmet popcorn include caramel, cheddar, chocolate, hot & spicy, dill, vegan, and more! The popcorn is perfect to give as a gift, take to a party or keep it all for yourself! Shop online at popkorntwist.com or visit in person at 122 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404.

​Congratulations to Specialized Recruiting Group, a division of Express Employment Professionals, on their ribbon cutting. As a division of Express Employment Professionals, Specialized Recruiting Group works with employers and employees to find the perfect match for the skills and experience needed. Contact Lawrence Hammer, Managing Director, for more information. 

Listen in as DJ Tony Kale of WCLS 97.7 talks with Cancer Support Community's Stephanie Shelton. Cancer Support Community provides psychosocial support to complement medical treatments for cancer patients and their family members. Their goal is to make sure no one has to face diagnosis and cancer treatment alone. Services are now offered in Bloomington, which are free of charge to all people impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Support Community also facilitates the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer event which is a community celebration of life and loved ones, happening this Saturday, September 25th. For those not already registered, come early for day-off registration.  Visit cancersupportscin.org for more information.

Congratulations to Morgenstern Books on their ribbon cutting! Bloomington’s beloved independent bookstore from the 1990s re-opened in the former Pier 1 space. The new Morgenstern’s features all the amenities of a modern, comprehensive bookstore, including a wonderful café (with wine, local Brown County Coffee and Scholar Inn baked goods); dedicated sections for local authors, children’s books, and periodicals; author signings; live music events; and handmade artisan goods. Go find a good book today at 849 S. Auto Mall Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401.

​Congratulations to Bloomington Affordable Self Storage on their ribbon cutting! Bloomington Affordable Self Storage serves the community by providing the best storage solutions possible with state of the art facilities and exceptional customer service. Visit them at 5050 State Rd 46, Bloomington, IN 47404.

​Congratulations to Kadampa Meditation Center Bloomington on their ribbon cutting celebrating their new location! Kadampa Meditation Center Bloomington offers Modern Buddhism classes and events to help those who attend increase their inner peace, their compassion, and their wisdom. The focus of each class is on practical instructions on how everyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, can apply this timeless wisdom in our challenging times and busy lives. Visit the center at 234 N. Morton St.

​Congratulations to Berkshire Hathaway on their ribbon cutting celebrating their move to a new location! Visit them at 116 S. Madison, check out the beautifully remodeled building and find out how they can help with buying and selling homes in Bloomington! 

Listen in as Tony Kale of WCLS 97.7 talks with Donetta Held of Crisis Cleaning. Crisis Cleaning is a full-service decontamination and inspection service company with trained professionals ready to completely remedy environmental issues: Meth Lab Cleanup & Fentanyl Cleanup, Mold Remediation, Asbestos Abatement, Biohazard Contaminants, Death And Crime Scene Cleanup, MRSA, C-diff & other diseases. Donetta talks about representing her client's best interests with proven decontamination practices to resolve any residual safety and health issues. Crisis Cleaning even sells meth test kits for use when buying a property - visit their website for more information www.crisiscleaning.com.