New Chamber president: Jane Delligatti took the reins of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at Saturday’s annual banquet. Here Delligati (right) accepts congratulations from outgoing president Greg Fox. Delligatti, who is Marketing Director for Arnell Auto Group, came to the Duneland area in 1988. She previously ran Millenium Marketing in Chesterton. She has served on the Chamber Board for three years and is also a member of the Chesterton/Porter Rotary.

Duneland Chamber Board: Members of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are pictured here. Left to right are Laurie Wehner-Evans, Suzanne Philbrick, new president Jane Delligatti, secretary Jamie Juarez, vice-president Bonnie Gaston and Linda Ramsey. Back row, Roy Krizek, Joel Sutlin, immediate past president Greg Fox, treasurer Laurie Wickberg, Chuck Lukmann, Miles Tucker, Scott Carpenter and Jim Anton. Not pictured are board members Dirk Baer, David Canright, Mark Chamberlain, Colleen Gallagher, Tom Godfry and James T. Read. (Tribune photos by Dana Gilbertson)

Duneland Chamber of Commerce members and friends gathered Saturday, Jan. 27, at Sand Creek Country Club.

The theme of the evening was Casino Royale, with gaming tables and dancing following a buffet dinner.

Music was provided by the Scott Pazera Trio.

After hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail hour, attendees were welcomed by outgoing president Greg Fox.

Election of officers followed, with Jane Delligatti, of Arnell Auto Group elected the new president.

Bonnie Gaston, Duneland School Corporation and Gaston’s Towing, is the new vice-president, with Lorri Wickberg, of Centier Bank serving as treasurer and Jamie Juarez, Meridian Title, secretary.

Linda Ramsey, Horizon Bank and Miles Tucker, Sand Creek Country Club, are members-at-large.

A gift was presented to the outgoing president, the evening’s sponsors were introduced and incoming president Delligatti offered her vision of the future of the Chamber.

Athena Award winner for 2006, Ellen Firme, presented the Duneland Distinguished Woman award to Vickii Brock. The Award is sponsored by Arnell Auto Group.

Linda Handlon, presented the Senior Citizen Award to Charles and Lillian Swickard. The award is sponsored by Ashley’s Jewelry by Design.

The Duneland Chamber Board of Directors includes Jim Anton, Anton Insurance; Dirk Baer, Duneland School Corp.; David Canright, Chesterton Tribune; Bob Capehart, Mittal Steel USE; Scot Carpenter, Harris Bank; Mark Chamberlain, Lakeside Financial Group; Colleen Gallagher, PC Community Foundation and Tom Godfrey, Lake Erie Land Co.

Also, Roy Krisek, Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques; Chuck Lukmann, Harris Welsh and Lukmann; Kathy Milano, Applebees Neighborhood Grill and Bar; Suzanne Philbrick, Attorney at Law; James T. Reed, Ark of the Dunes, Joel Sutlin, Signature Products and Laurie Wehner-Evans, Porter Hospital.

Board members elected to a first three year term are Bob Capehart, Coleen Gallagher, Kathy Milano and Miles Tucker.

Elected to a a second three year term are Jane Delligatti, Scott Carpenter and Mark Chamberlain.

Retiring Board members are Janice Custer, Duneland School Board and Glenn Wagner, The Waters of Duneland.

Chamber Committee chairperson for this year are Donette Heinze, Ambassadors; Linda Ramsey, Finance; Monte Moffett and Tracy Constantine, Partners In Education.

Also, Public Policy, Chuck Parkinson and Special Events, Kathy Harris.

Chamber Corporation Partners are the Chesterton Hometown Improvement Project, with Eric Kroeger chair and Duneland Economic Development Co., with David Lasser, chair.

Posted 1/29/2007