New Chamber president: Glenn Wagner (left), of the waters of Duneland, has turned over the gavel to the new Chesterton Duneland Chamber of Commerce board of directors president Charles Lukmann. Lukmann will preside for 2005. (Tribune photo by Margaret L. Willis).

New Chamber Board Members: Two new members of the Chesterton Duneland Chamber 2005 board of directors were named at Friday’s banquet. Pictured are Jim Anton, of Anton Insurance and Joel Sutlin, of Signature Products. (Tribune photo by Margaret L. Willis)

Special recognition: In a year of transition for the Chesterton Duneland Chamber of Commerce, many people stepped forward to volunteer their time and expertise. One in particular was recognized at Friday’s awards banquet for “service above and beyond.” Jane Delligatti, of Arnell Auto Group, volunteered countless hours and provided her organizational expertise through a difficult time for the organization. Her time and energy were duly noted with a Special Recognition award. Delligatti is pictured here (left) receiving her award from Chamber executive director Bonnie Trout.

Chamber executive board: The Duneland Chamber Executive Board members were announced at Friday evening’s chamber banquet, held at Sand Creek Country Club. Left to right are treasurer Linda Ramsey, of Horizon Bank; member-at-large Greg Fox, Kramer and Leonard; immediate past president Glen Wagner, the waters of Duneland; incoming president Chuck Lukmann, Harris Welsh & Lukmann; vice-president, president-elect Tim Winey, Winey Insurance and secretary Jane Delligatti, Arnell Auto Group. (Tribune photo by Margaret L. Willis)

By MARGARET L. WILLIS

While change can be traumatic and difficult, said outgoing Chesterton Duneland Chamber board president Glenn Wagner, it can be positive.

“This last year, we asked people to get involved,” Wagner told Chamber members gathered Friday at Sand Creek County Club, “and they have.”

Wagner said he sees a revitalized Chamber, with more interest and involvement. “The groundwork has been laid,” for progress he said, “through hard work.”

After a sumptuous meal at Sand Creek Country Club, both the outgoing and incoming chamber presidents spoke, followed by awards and honors.

Wagner said his year as president was “interesting, challenging and a learning experience.”

Of it being over, he said “Wow. Now it’s back to the real world.”

Incoming president Charles Lukmann told those gathered that the Chamber mission is something he believes in and he urged more local business people to get involved.

“We should take pains not to lose sight of those goals,” Lukmann said.

The chamber is charged with serving its members, stimulating business growth and enhancing the quality of life in the community.

There are tangible benefits from involvement, he said; noting particularly the Public Policy Committee, which maintains regular communication with state legislators and the Partners in Education committee, which strives to improve the quality of life through educational improvement.

Lukmann said helping others also enhances the quality of life and noted the current tsunami relief and sister-city effort to aid tsunami victims in India.

“There’s a lot we can do,” he said, urging every business person to become a member and every board member to become active on a committee. “We can grow through working with each other.”

Delligatti Honored

The transition from one executive director to another, while maintaining membership interest, committee work and daily office functioning, was successful this year at the Chesterton Duneland Chamber, due in large part to one volunteer.

Many Chamber members volunteered and helped during the months of change. One in particular went “above and beyond,” said new executive director Bonnie Trout in awarding a Special Recognition Award to volunteer Jane Delligatti.

Delligatti gave a great deal of her personal time, Trout noted, and her employer Arnell Auto Group was supportive of that.

“We thank them.” Trout said.

Delligatti, obviously surprised and a bit overcome, said she enjoyed working with her fellow chamber members and was surprised by the special recognition.

Trout, as executive director, told the gathered members she plans a new “Feet on the Street” campaign, to visit and talk with all Chamber members and survey their needs. She hopes to meet with each member by July.

Trout also said she’d like to see a Chamber Member Advantage program to encourage members to do business with one another.

This year being the Chamber’s 50th anniversary, Trout said she hopes the Chamber can host a party in Thomas Centennial Park. “Let’s have some fun and enjoy that beautiful park,” she added.

She thanked all those in attendance for coming and said she is looking forward to the coming year. “I hope it is our best year ever.”

Posted 1/24/2005