Seventy five years ago the year was 1948. The average price for a new house was $7,700. Today it is $348K in the US.

A gallon of gas was 16 cents while today the national average is $3.99 per gallon.

The year 1948 was particularly significant for the Shelby County business community, as this was the year Shelby County Chamber opened its doors.

“Seeventy-five years of supporting each other and celebrating the achievements of those in our community calls for a truly memorable Diamond Jubilee 75^thAnniversary celebration at the 2023 Chamber Awards Gala,” said Stephanie Amos, the 2023 Chamber Board of Directors President.

She went on to say, “Anniversaries are an important part of life. They remind us of memorable events and keeps our culture in place. Any type of anniversary puts a pin on the calendar to remind us of something that matters to us and in this case, it’s our community where we call home.”

“This is no ordinary year for the Shelby County Chamber. It will be a year of celebration, reflection, growth and new beginnings as we reenergize our business community,” said Donna Christian, Executive Director of the Shelby County Chamber. 

The Diamond Jubilee 75^th Anniversary Gala will be on April 13 at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino.

“We need the entire county to think about the businesses and people they know and nominate a business or person to earn these prestigious awards. This year I’m excited to announce two new categories – the Maverick Award and the Sustainability Award that we like to call “Big Green,” said Past President Nathan Runnebohm.  “I’m thrilled about the Maverick Award. This award will be presented to a community leader who has shown tremendous leadership and community support who is under 40 years of age. It highlights our local, young professionals and celebrates their accomplishments,preparing them to be emerging leaders in Shelby County. The award also honors those that are rocking the business world through professional achievement, leadership and civic involvement."

The “Big Green” Sustainability Award will be presented to the person(s) or business that has made contributions to future sustainability of Shelby County and goes beyond day-to-day practices to protect our environment. The Shelby County Chamber takes pride in acknowledging companies, organizations, individuals or groups who put sustainable economic growth, green development, innovation, risk management and social welfare at the forefront of their values.

This new award category is thought to a be a "home-run" to new Gala Committee member Noah Henderson.

“There are so many reasons why this category is vital in our community.  Simply put, a business that practices high levels of sustainability sees many rewards. Companies are becoming more sustainable as it improves their bottom line, lowers risks, gives companies access to new markets, boosts the company brand while making a better Shelby County where there is little waste and pollution, fewer emissions and creates more jobs,” said Henderson. “I support sustainability because I have a baby at home that is less than a year old. What will our climate look like when she grows up? This is a big challenge for our business community in Shelby County.”

Stephanie Amos said guests can expect the traditional categories too.

Go to shelbychamber.net and make a nomination for a business or person for these awards: Non-Profit Champion; Shelby County Community Lifetime Achievement; Golden Apple Outstanding Educator; John A. Hartnett Sr. Business Person of the Year; and Outstanding Citizen.”

Two of the traditional categories have had changes.

“This year, we are combining the Small Business Champion and Large Business Champion into Business of the Year. The Golden Pineapple Customer Service award is now called the Hospitality Award. It will continue to honor a person or business that goes above and beyond to make customers feel our Hoosier Hospitality, which this great state is known for,” said Christian.

Deadline for nominations is Jan. 31. You are welcome to nominate in as many categories as you wish. You can nominate a business, individual or even yourself or your business. A description of why the nominee should be awarded is required. All nominations are kept confidential.

Go to http://shelbychamber.net/for information.

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