SEYMOUR — A spirit of resilience and community pride filled the room as the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 95th Annual Awards Dinner. Held at the Jackson Live and Event Center on Thursday night, the event celebrated the businesses, educators, and volunteers who drive the county’s prosperity.
The evening was punctuated by the induction of new members into the Business Hall of Fame and the recognition of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service to the region.
Business Hall of Fame Inductees
The Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame awards are divided by size to ensure that impact is recognized at every level of the local economy. This year’s honorees included:
- Small Business: Meraki Massage & Wellness. Owner Mackenzie Ritchison was praised for her dedication to holistic health and wellness in the Seymour area.
- Medium Business: First Financial Bank. The local branch was recognized for its consistent community involvement and financial leadership.
- Large Business: Cerrowire. Based in Crothersville, the manufacturing facility was honored for its significant economic footprint and workforce contributions to southern Indiana.
Individual Excellence Awards
Beyond corporate success, the Chamber celebrated the individuals whose personal “spirit” defines the organization’s mission:
- Spirit of the Chamber: Sehrish Sangamkar. A branch development manager at Centra Credit Union, Sangamkar was recognized for her extensive support of organizations like Girls Inc. and Anchor House.
- Young Professional of the Year: Abigail Wheeler of The Engraver in Seymour. In a lighthearted moment, Chamber Director Dan Robison revealed that the Chamber used Wheeler’s own shop to engrave her surprise award.
- Committee Member of the Year: Lance Gentry of Beatty Insurance, who serves as the Chamber’s treasurer and holds multiple leadership roles in local non-profits.
Celebrating Educators: Teachers of the Year
In what has become a cherished tradition, the Chamber honored outstanding educators who are shaping the next generation of Jackson County citizens:
- Elementary: Jennie Chase (Emerson Elementary) and Tina McClure (Brownstown Elementary).
- Middle School: Alicia McCrary (Brownstown Central Middle School).
- High School: Sara Bane (Seymour High School), with over 26 years of dedicated teaching in biology and environmental science.
Hospitality and Tourism Impact
Partnering with the Jackson County Visitor Center, the evening also featured three awards for excellence in the local tourism industry:
- Heart of Hospitality: Kaylee Holt, owner of Kay’s Kafe in Brownstown.
- Small Town Impact in Hospitality: Conner Barnette.
- Smalltown Hospitality Excellence: Sam Patel with Fun Blast.
“To be a membership organization connecting, building, and growing our members is our core mission,” Director Dan Robison noted during the presentation. “These winners represent the very best of that mission in action.”
