The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce held its second annual Business of Excellence Awards to recognize prominent businesses, organizations, and business leaders within the community. This event began last year as a one-time, 10-year anniversary celebration, but will now be continued as an annual event.
“Last year was the 10 year anniversary of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce. Last year, the event came together because we thought we were going to move our gala to this date last year because of COVID, but then we decided to keep the gala at the same time of year. So we ended up coming up with this event,” President and CEO of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Deann Patena said. “We're a business chamber that focuses on business. We decided we should recognize our businesses and our business leaders.”
Shawn Pettit, the Committee Chair of the Business Excellence Awards, emphasized how important the business community is to the area. Recognizing these people and organizations is important to the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“It's great to see everybody. The one thing that I always said what I ran for town council is the business community is critical to the town of Merrillville and the area, and the Crossroads Regional Chamber has been fantastic,” Pettit said. “The people that are involved do an outstanding job, and they're an important part of what we do in town. We’re excited about the business community.”
NIPSCO was the presenting sponsor of this event. Other event sponsors include the bar sponsor, Crow Holdings, the champagne sponsor, Barbara Jean’s Gifts and Gourmet, and The Town of Merrillville sponsoring the Legacy Award.
Eight awards were given out to eight deserving members of the business community. The Young Entrepreneur award was awarded to Mitchell LaRock, owner of Forever Young Sports Cards Inc.
LaRock doesn't only sell sports cards, but he also brings professional athletes to Northwest Indiana, and assists organizations to reach their financial goals through silent auction items and fundraisers.
“We specialize in fundraisers for the local community. That's one thing I wanted to put a big focus on. We offer a consignment based toward fundraisers allowing the community to help events like these and other events, raise money and capital for the needs that they need to make” LaRock said.
LaRock explained what this award means for him moving forward.
“It was a big surprise, really. I joined the chamber last year when they reached out to me about helping them with their fundraisers. It's not just me though, there's a whole team behind me, my parents, my grandmother, my wife, and my best friend who's also my director of operations for my company,” LaRock said. “There's a whole team behind me, but I think this award really, signifies the fact that I did something right by proving myself that I belong. Stay forever young.”
Rich Shields, the Business Development Manager for Chester Inc., has been affiliated with the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce for over 10 years and has served on the board for three years. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between chambers and businesses.
“It's a good partnership to have chambers within businesses. It helps them grow, helps them to achieve, and helps them to sustain,” Shields said.
Last year, this event was attended by approximately 130 people. This year, there were over 200 people in attendance. The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce is eager to continue this event and further this connection.
“It's a great occasion. It's a commitment to excellence for all small businesses and other businesses in Northwest Indiana,” Shields said. “It's really a good time for people to come together that have their own businesses or are involved in business, to celebrate accomplishments, achievements, and so forth.”
