Al & RuthAnn Schlitt, Naragon & Purdy, Inc., CPAs, Wampler Jewelers and Debbie Chinworth Honored at North Manchester Chamber of Commerce 64th Annual Dinner

Over 250 business and community leaders gathered in the Manchester College Student Union, Thursday, January 24 for the 64th Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner, sponsored by levels, "Marshall" - Manchester College, "Sheriffs" - Abresist Corporation, Beacon Credit Union, Duke Energy, First Merchants Bank, MSKTD Architects Engineers Interiors, NIPSCO, Peabody Retirement Community, Strauss Veal Feeds, Inc., Timbercrest Senior Living Community. "Deputies" - Bippus State Bank, Car Recyclers, Inc. DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary, Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Services, HF Group, LLC, Key's Gifts & Photo Shop, Lances New Market, Manchester Clinic, LLC, Midwest Eye Consultants, Scott's Landscape Services, Schutz Brothers, Inc., Riverbridge Electric, LLC, Wabash County Hospital and Wetzel Insurance. The evening centered around the theme "Night of the Western Stars" as a celebration to the stars of North Manchester.

At 6:00 pm social hour began upstairs in the lobby area of Gallery G with members and their guests watching a power point presentation as they network and socialize. As social hour ended, guests were ushered down to the Union Commons dining area where they were welcomed by Karen Fawcett & Laura Rager as emcees. The Invocation was given by Sabine Thomas, of Zion Lutheran Church.

Chartwells, of Manchester College catered the three-course meal, which consisted of romaine and spinach salad, flame broiled New York strip with cowboy butter and onion straws, smashed sweet and red potatoes, snap peas sautéed with red peppers, honey buttered roll and for dessert, floating island w/seasonal berries.

The awards program, was also held in the Union Commons, which immediately followed the meal. Executive Director, Kathy Roberts, gave a short speech to welcome and thank the North Manchester Chamber members and their guests for their attendance and support. Followed by the ceremonial passing of the gavel, from 2007 Board Chair, Glenda Christiansen to 2008 Board Chair, Tim Taylor.

Paul Sites - Award of 17 years of Service & Membership to the NM Chamber of Commerce w/Kathy Roberts, Exec. Director

Kathy Roberts then gave a short speech to thank a certain North Manchester Chamber member for his 17 years of service and membership to the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce - Paul Sites. Mr. Sites then gave an inspirational speech to all in attendance of why the North Manchester Chamber is important to the town and to each and every business located in North Manchester. Mr. Sites is retiring from the Insurance business as of February 1st, 2008.

2007 Commerce of the Year - Naragon & Purdy, Inc., CPAs (Dan Naragon & Gary Purdy)

The 2007 Commerce of the Year Award was presented to Dan Naragon & Gary Purdy of Naragon & Purdy, Inc., CPAs, by last year's recipient, Elden E. Stoops Jr. of Law Office of Elden E. Stoops, Jr.. Elden proceeded to give a very informative and humorous speech to Dan and Gary for their distinguished reputation, consistent financial success, and commitment to the community.

2007 Citizens of the Year - Al & RuthAnn Schlitt

Laura Rager, the 2006 Citizen of the Year presented the Citizen(s) of the Year. Al and RuthAnn Schlitt were announced the 2007 Citizen(s) of the Year. This award is presented to an individual(s) with a genuine love of the community and provides leadership to community organizations and events. The recipient has earned the respect of the area's businesses and its citizens. They have likely labored or given unselfishly for the welfare and benefit of the community and its residents.

2007 Founders Award - Ernest Wampler - Wampler Jewelers

Introducing The 2007 Founder's Award was Byron Kauffman of Wetzel Insurance, 2006 Founder's Award winner. Byron gave an informative speech to introduce the 2007 Founder's Award winner, this award is targeted to honor those entities and institutions whose long-term presence has made significant contributions to the character and economy of the community. And this year's winner, Wampler Jewelers, was accepted by owner, Ernest Wampler.

2007 Spirit of the Community Award - Deb Chinworth

Gilbert Weldy of North Manchester Shepherd's Center had the honor of giving an enlightening and entertaining speech to help introduce our Spirit of the Community Award. Vision, fortitude, and commitment to the town are the primary criteria for the Spirit of the Community Award. And the winner of the 2007 Spirit of the Community Award was given this year to Debbie Chinworth.

Dinner Committee Co-Chairs, Karen Fawcett and Laura Rager concluded the evening by thanking all for their attendance.

2008 North Manchester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

North Manchester 2002 – 2012 - A Community Vision and Strategic Development Plan
LOCAL FACTFINDER REPORT for North Manchester, Indiana
North Manchester Community Forum #2 - Manchester High School - May 8, 2002