Chairperson Marcy DeShong and CEO Kyle Morey honor Purdue University Barb Alder with Ambassador of the Year Award

“Kyle, you know why I have these sunglasses on?” asks Purdue University's Barb Alder after being honored as the Ambassador of the Year 2010. “Because the future is soooo bright!”

So set the theme for the 2011 Annual Gala. Honors were bestowed. Messages of hope offered. A joyful noise was made.

MCC’s president, Kyle Morey, outlined three immediate priorities for growing the economy: make some noise regionally with an extensive public affairs campaign; position Madison County as a great place to live, work, and play; and link up Madison County leaders to improve the circulation of commerce.

“We are preaching the good word of commerce,” Morey said. “It’s time to share it regionally.”

Both Kyle Morey and newly appointed chairperson Marcy DeShong read in the new board of directors, honored Nardco Sheet Metal Co., Madison County Federal Credit Union, and Surbaugh & Son for tenure in business, awarded Barb Alder as Ambassador of the Year, and awarded Mike Austin with the Chairman Award. The Character in Business Award was renamed the Keith J. Pitcher Character in Business Award and presented posthumously to his wife and family.

“Keith Pitcher will be missed,” said Keith Trent with Community Hospital Anderson. “But his impact on this community will be felt for a very long time.”

Bill and Gloria Gaither offered inspiring words of hope and even got a crowd of 250 to sing “Thank God for the promise of spring.”

Close to $5,000 from the silent auction was raised to support the newly formed Education Coalition.

A heart-felt thank you to CarDon for making the “joyful noise” a reality as well as gold and silver sponsors, Herald Bulletin and WQME, our musicians, board members, BluFalls, and of course, Bill and Gloria Gaither. Let’s make some noise, Madison County!

Testimonials

This was one incredible event. Great job! – Dennis Ashley, D Ashley Design & Events

Congrats to the Chamber staff for an awesome event! Thank you for all your planning, hard work and vision. – Barb Alder, Purdue University

We had such a fun time. What a great turn out; more people than ever before! – Judy Zinszer, Owner of Zinszer Bakery

What a great evening we enjoyed!!! Congrats to the honorees, the Chamber, BluFalls and many thanks to the Gaithers for their inspiration. – Brenda Murr, Owner of Mermaid Pools

The Gala was a great success! It was so fun to get dressed up and have an elegant night out. We need more of that in our area. – Tammy Rimer, CEO of CN Design & Marketing

Really enjoyed the event, the networking, and the inspirational message. We want to get more involved. – Cameron Weeks, CEO Weeks Network, Inc.

Thanks for the wonderful event last Thursday. You and the staff did an excellent job. I was even able to make a new business contact at the meeting! That is what the Madison County Chamber is all about, right? Connecting business, creating commerce. – Pat Storm, PR & Marketing Unified Group Services

Photos by Dale Pickett

Annual Gala 2011 | MCC

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