Trinity Hall named for New Construction Award: Chesterton Duneland Chamber of Commerce Managing Director Heather Ennis presents Fr. James Meade of St. Patrick Catholic Church a New Construction Award for Trinity Hall banquet facility, which is where the annual Chamber luncheon was conducted Wednesday.

(Tribune photos by Alexandra Newman)

DQ Grill and Chill gets Chamber business award: Scott and Michelle Pendleton, owners of Chesterton’s Dairy Queen, accept a Business Renovation Award from Jim Anton, Chamber executive board member. The new DQ Grill and Chill located on Indian Boundary Rd, is the second location for the popular soft frozen cream treats. The new store also offers an extensive “grilled menu”. (The original store is on Broadway’s east side).

Hopkins Ace Hardware honored by Chamber: Mark and Michelle Hopkins, owners of Hopkins Ace Hardware, accept an award for Business Renovation at the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce summer awards luncheon Wednesday. Having moved across the street from the old location, the new building offers 18,000 square feet of floor space, going from 6,500 square feet on the west side of Calumet Rd. More photos are in today’s printed Chesterton Tribune.

The ChestertonDuneland Chamber of Commerce conducted its annual State of the Chamber luncheon Wednesday at Trinity Hall in Chesterton.

Bonnie Trout, executive director of the Chamber welcomed members and guests.

In addition to recognizing businesses and community volunteers, President Mark Chamberlain reviewed the accomplishments of the Chamber for the 2007-08 year.

The Chamber established a new position of Managing Director with Heather Ennis effective July 14. She will direct the overall operations of the Chamber, with specific emphasis on increasing membership, member retention and encouraging economic development in the Duneland area.

It launched the Duneland Today quarterly magazine distributed to every household and business in the Duneland area. Established an aggressive Economic Development committee whose goal is to develop a zoning map and identify available property and advertise sites on a website.

It organized, scheduled and hosted Chesterton’s European Market for the sixth year, plus was nominated three years in a row by the Tourism Bureau for a R.O.S.E. award. It partnered with Chesterton High School Special Education Department by offering students work experience.

The Chamber promoted the Chamber Gift Certificates to fellow members and the public keeping $14,915 in revenue for the local economy. Also, the Chamber delivered over 450 Welcome Bags to new residents containing nearly 100 items donated by member businesses.

Also, the Chamber prepared a Calendar of Events and list of 2007 Holiday Open Houses to help retailers and community attend festivities.

In addition the Chamber welcomed 38 new members and hosted 11 after hours events.

Two volunteers were recognized as Volunteer of the Year: Tricia Howe and Theresa Edwards.

Dan Johnston was named Humanitarian of the Year and Ann Howard received the Distinguished Woman Award.

New Construction awards went to Trinity Hall, Standard State Bank, and Ludington Nissan and Pizza Hut/Wing Street.

Dogwood Park received a Renovation Award. Also Business Renovation Awards were presented to DQ Grill & Chill and Hopkins Ace Hardware.

Posted 7/24/2008