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The Berne Chamber of Commerce gathered on January 17 for the Annual Dinner. Executive Director, Sheree Barkley, expressed gratitude for the unfailing support of all members and the additional investment of Premier Members. The event was held at Swiss Village. The Fireside played host to Social Time as members mingled with each other and enjoyed sparkling drinks and hors d’oeuvres after which the crowd made it way to the auditorium for the meal and Awards portion of the evening.
The Swiss Village staff served up a wonderful meal and dessert accompanied by piano music by Allison Sprunger, daughter of Eric Sprunger of Moser Motors and granddaughter of Kenyon Sprunger owner of Sprunger Shoes. After the meal the program began.
Sheree Barkley, Chamber Executive Director, opened the program with a sincere appreciation to members and the Board for support over the past year. The Chamber also recognized Board members: Matt Henry – President, Floyd Liechty – Vice President, Mark Settlemyre – Secretary, Jason Hilty – Treasurer, Chris Reusser, Andrew Briggs, Jeanne Akins, Sharon Neuenschwander, Jennifer Reusser, Bertie Lehman, Jack Sloan, Ron Habegger, and Mayor Bill McKean. With a round of applause members affirmed and gave appreciation to Board Members.
This part of program was rounded out with 2011 Member of the Month recognition: Subway, Bixler Insurance, Alpine Rose Coffee Shoppe, Westaff, East of Chicago, Boys & Girls Club of Adams County- South Adams, Et Cetera Ecke, Karen’s Treasures, CR Desgin, Family LifeCare, SwissLand Cheese, and Swiss Village, Inc. And recognition of milestones many of our members have achieved:
• 10 Years: Amy’s Photography, LLC., Angel Corps of Bluffton, Berne Trading Company, Miller Maytag and SwissPress
• 15 Years: South Adams Senior Center
• 20 Years: Palmer House under current management
• 25 Years: Adams Co Community Foundation, McDonald’s Swiss Café, United Way of Adams Co, Stoll & Stutzman (now New Look Interiors)
• 30 Years: Decatur Dental Clinic which opened Berne Dental Clinic in 2011
• 35 Years: Berne Community Market (past names include Gerbers), Swiss Meadows Apts.
• 40 Years: McKean’s Barber Shop
• 50 Years: Manley Meats
• 55 Years: Habegger ACE
• 65 Years: Bixler Insurance
• 75 Years: Jay County REMC
• 80 Years: CenturyLink
• 85 Years: Smith Brothers of Berne, NIPSCO, Berne Hi-Way Hatchery
• 105 Years: Indiana Michigan Power
• 115 Years: Berne Tri-Weekly
• 120 Years: First Bank of Berne
The evening then progressed to the special honors the Chamber was pleased give: Lifetime Achievement Award to Delbert and Irene Sprunger and 2011 Business of the Year to FCC (Adams) LLC.
Floyd Liechty, nephew to Delbert and Irene Sprunger, presented the award to Logan Sprunger, brother of Delbert, in the absence of Erick Sprunger who was unable to attend. Floyd recalled many great moments when the Sprungers were instrumental in helping Berne celebrate its heritage and creating a vision for Berne future. Delbert and Irene was the final Executive Manager s of the Chamber to conduct business out of their home. Their vision of Berne included a Chamber and Visitors Center with an attractive business setting for all.
Mark Settlemyre, Chair of the Chamber Economic Development Committee, presented FCC (Adams) LLC with the 2011 Business of the Year Award. FCC (Adams) first began their impact on the Berne Industrial community in 2003. They opened their production operations in 2005 and have completed 3 expansions to date. They began with a workforce of 37 and as of September of 2011 had increased to 185. FCC is an international company and makes clutch assembly units for Ford. The have received several honors from Ford Motor Company and achieve top quality ratings. Accepting the award was Elizabeth Daniel, Administrative Manager, Brent Geesaman- Senior Manager, and Mr. Saruta – President FCC (Adams) LLC.
Logan Sprunger Accepts LIfetime Achievement Award for Delbert & Irene Sprunger FCC (Adams) receives 2011 Business of the Year (Elizabeth Daniels Accepting Award)
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