Chesterton – Duneland State of the Chamber is Excellent

The Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce held their annual luncheon at the Sand Creek Country Club on July 27, 2011. On the menu was a green garden salad followed by chicken marsala with mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes. Kim’s Specialty Chocolates provided everyone with a complimentary Duneland Chamber of Commerce-embossed chocolate for dessert.

Welcoming of the Chamber was Executive Director of the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce, Heather Ennis. Ennis opened by thanking all the members of the Chamber as well as everyone she works with at the Chamber. She also went out of her way to mention the many volunteers, of which she said “we have relied heavily on." Ennis said of the luncheon, “We are so happy to have all the communities here.”

Serving on the Board of Directors for the Chamber are: Jim Anton-President, Mary Fox-Vice President, Tracy Freeze-Secretary, Maribeth Conyne-Treasurer, Brock Lloyd-Past President, Hesham Khalil-Executive Committee Member At-Large, Fred McNulty-Executive Committee Member At-Large, Bob Capehart, Mark Chamberlain, Janice Custer, William Dickey, Jamie Juarez, Wendy Levenfeld, John Marshall, Bert Miller, Scott Mundell, Charles Parkinson, Glenn Wagner, and Laurie Wehner-Evans.

Ennis introduced the President of the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce, Jim Anton, by saying, “Sometimes it can be challenging to find someone to lead. We at the Chamber are very pleased with Jim because he has been doing a wonderful job.

Anton gave the State of the Chamber Address, announcing, “It is my privilege to inform you that The State of the Chamber is excellent. There are now 371 members of the Chamber now and that is up from last years 326. However, this does not mean we can sit back and relax. The Chamber pledges to continue to work hard to enhance our products in an effort to make a stronger impact for our member businesses and the entire community.”

Jeff Freeze, President of Plan Commission, gave the State of the Community Address for the Town of Burns Harbor. Freeze gave a power-point presentation with the recent updates and plans for the Town of Burns Harbor, including an upcoming construction project in the works with ArcelorMittal.

Giving recognition to a local business, Freeze complimented Fast Coffee stating, “Any business that has been around for 30 years deserves recognition.”

Freeze also mentioned the Burns Harbor Parks Department as "one of the jewels of the town.” He also added, “Kim Burton is instrumental with the programs and camps for the Parks Department. There have been several camps run this summer in the Town of Burns Harbor." Freeze wanted people to know and come out for the "Town Picnic" on August 28, 2011 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Speaking for the Town of Chesterton was Town Council President, Sharon Darnell. Darnell stated that she has lived in Chesterton all her life. On behalf of the Town of Chesterton, Darnell accepted the award for Community Improvement Award New Construction presented by Mary Fox from Kramer and Leonard. The award was given for all the hard work during the completion of the Chesterton Municipal Complex at 15th St. and Calumet, which will house the following departments: Building, Parks, Utility Billing, MS4 Storm Water Utility, Engineering, Street Department, Central Services, and Town Manager.

Darnell stated, “This facility is one stop for our residents as well as those interested in developing here. Wth the ability to give and receive information at one location, it made for a first class environment.

There is new business in and coming to Chesterton. Look for the new Octave Grill, celebrating their first year in Chesterton as well as Villanove Italian Bistro located in the downtown on Broadway, not to mention a Holiday Inn Express proposed to be located at Indian Boundary and 49.

Speaking for the lakeshore town of Duneland Acres was John Sullivan, Town Council President. Duneland Acres is located just north of Chesterton along the lakeshore of Lake Michigan. Sullivan stated that “the Town of Duneland Acres is very in tune to the environment. There have been some flooding issues with two roads and the Town of Duneland Acres is currently in the process of funding remediation efforts to fix those two roads that flood constantly.”

The final State of the Community Address was Michelle Bollinger, a member of the Town of Porter Town Council. Opening with a statement made last year, she said “We have a vision; we have a plan; and we are moving forward.”

Today she is humbled by the fact that the Town of Porter keeps moving forward. Speaking of The Gateway Project, in which in 2008 the RDA granted a $19 million grant that is a sub-area plan for the Highway 49 corridor. On July 12, the Town Council Meeting had a unanimous vote of the town’s comprehensive plan, and was amended to include the Gateway Sub-area Plan, laying the groundwork for the complete transformation of the 49 corridor.

There were many things discussed at the luncheon. Heather Ennis stated, “I am excited that positive things are going on in the communities!” then ended the luncheon with the handing out of awards.

Awards included:

Community Improvement Award New Construction: Town of Chesterton, Presented by Mary Fox, Kramer and Leonard

Putting Duneland on the Map Award: Bonnie Trout, Presented by Jim Anton, Anton Insurance

Volunteer of the Year Award: Sue Edds and Janice Custer, Presented by Heather Ennis, Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce

Golden Achievement Award: Alice Perney, Presented by Maribeth Conyne, Regal Rabbit

Ashley’s Jewelry Duneland Distinguished Woman Award: Linda Ramsey, Presented by Jane Delligatti, LARRI

To see photos of the speakers and award winners, click here!