February 17, 2022

        MADISON, IN - The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) held its 98th Annual Chamber Award Ceremony on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, presented by German American Bank. Chamber members, business leaders, and community members gathered virtually to celebrate the accomplishments of the Chamber, its member businesses, and individuals making an impact on the community. The Chamber shared with attendees the highlights of 2021 and things to look towards in 2022. 

        2021 was a year of growth and learning opportunities for the Chamber. We were fortunate to offer our three largest events: Annual Dinner, Golf Scramble, and Soup Stew Chili and Brew. We successfully exceeded our goals for each of those events. We placed connection, retention, and visibility at the forefront of our organization's mission. The Chamber demonstrated success with these goals by accomplishing increased and intentional business visits, an increase in member highlights, and growth in our social media presence. This year was successful in many areas, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the Chamber staff, board members, ambassadors, Chamber members, and the Jefferson County community as a whole.

        The Chamber is starting 2022 on an Executive Director search. Previous Executive Director, Emilee Roberts resigned at the end of January 2022. Emilee led the Chamber for approximately 15 months, beginning in October of 2020. The Chamber's Executive Committee is assembling a search team comprised of members in the community to aid the Board of Directors in the search for its new Chamber Executive Director.   

        During Emilee's tenure, she assisted the Chamber in surpassing event budget goals, an increase in new members, internal documentation, and helped to increase the Chamber's overall presence in the Jefferson County community. 2021's Chamber Board President, Paula Clark stated, "I would like to personally thank Emilee Roberts for all of her work during this past year for our organization and within our community.  I am thankful I had the opportunity to work so closely with Emilee over this past year.  We wish Emilee all the best in her new career venture, and I know I speak for many, when I say that Emilee will be missed." 

        In addition to celebrating 2021’s achievements, the Chamber presented five annual awards: the Small Business Person of the Year, the Business of the Year, the Jeff Garrett Community Service Award, the Nonprofit of the Year,  the second annual Jefferson County Emerging Leader Award. These prestigious awards are given to those who demonstrate leadership, vision, innovation, and dedication to the Jefferson County Community. 

2021 Small Business Person of the Year, Jerry Wade of Mad Paddle announced 2022's Small Business Person of the Year: Beth Lewis from Old Tyme Marketplace