In lieu of its monthly member lunch, the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast to celebrate the recipients of their annual scholarship. Previously, the organization has only awarded one high school senior every year, but with the increase in membership and funds this year, three students were given the scholarship to aid with tuition.
Education Division Chairman Michael White has worked alongside other chamber members for over six years to provide young Indiana students with scholarships to brighten their future, as well as the future of the state. This year’s recipients were Claire Patena, Marianna Broton, and Colin Gingerich.
“We found an interest in investing in the future of the Northwest Indiana community, trying to enhance and keep it a great place to live, work, and play. We chose to make an investment in the youth, like those graduating from high school and going into their college careers,” White said.
Competition for the scholarship this year was the highest it has ever been, making the award particularly notable. Broton is a recipient of the award and plans on using it for her electrical engineering studies at Purdue University West Lafayette.
“It was completely unexpected. I was super excited to win the scholarship. I did not expect to win anything, but it is going to go towards my future college,” Broton said.
In past years, Crossroads Connect, the nonprofit wing of the chamber, has provided $1,000 to only one deserving student every year. This is the first time the chamber had the opportunity to offer multiple seniors the award. Gingerich, another recipient, plans on using his scholarship to attend Indiana University Bloomington to study medicine.
“I think it's fantastic that kids who work really hard in schools are recognized in front of local leaders – people who run businesses in the area. Everybody here is very focused on helping others make their business something that can make life better for everyone here. I’m hoping I can come back to this community after school and actually set up in one of the nearby hospitals,” Gingerich said.
The chamber is composed of community members, leaders, and business owners, many of whom come to events like these to build relationships and strengthen their network. Tammy Oliver, co-president of the Schererville and Merrillville locations of Nothing Bundt Cakes, recently joined the chamber to expand her business and its community, while also supporting her counterparts.
“It's important to build relationships with other businesses in your area to find out how you can network and work together to help one another to build your businesses since you're in the same community,” Oliver said.
After the scholarship presentation, the chamber welcomed a panel of marketing professionals to discuss strategies of social media to increase business and boost sales. The Region has proven itself to be a hub of creativity and innovation, with plenty of opportunities for growth both culturally and economically. White believes that this constant betterment of the area will make it suitable for future generations to prosper.
“Northwest Indiana is a great place to live, work, and play, and we’re excited to be able to invest in the youth and hope they will get educated, come back, and continue making this area a great place to live, work and play,” White said.
To learn more about the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce, visit https://www.crossroadschamber.org/.
