Chamber celebrates 100 years at annual dinner

Shown above are members of the Sweetwater All Stars band. In the foreground is Chuck Surack performing a saxophone solo for the crowd. Pictured below is State Senator Andy Zay presenting a framed proclamation from the Indiana General Assembly and the State of Indiana to Steve Kimmel, executive director of the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce, as the Chamber celebrates 100 years of serving Huntington County.

The Sweetwater All Stars helped the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce celebrate 100 years of serving the community at the Chamber’s annual dinner Tuesday evening, March 19, 2024. The event began a year of remembering all the Chamber has contributed since its inception, March 20, 1924.

Over 140 people attended the celebration held at Huntington’s PAL Club. They were greeted by a room decorated in the Chamber’s official colors of teal, black and gold. Mazie’s Flowers & Gifts in Markle contributed a balloon archway for taking pictures. Dinner guests received a wine goblet inscribed with teal letters designating the Chamber’s 100 year celebration.

Steve Kimmel, executive director, began the evening detailing the Chamber’s history and thanking everyone who contributes to Huntington and Huntington County. Brock Zehr, outgoing Chamber board chairman, then introduced incoming Chamber board chairman, Todd Latta. Latta thanked Zehr for his years of service to the Chamber and presented him with his outgoing chairman plaque.

State Senator Andy Zay surprised everyone by approaching the podium and congratulated the Chamber. He presented a framed proclamation from the Indiana General Assembly and the State of Indiana detailing the Chamber’s importance, and for serving Huntington County over the past 100 years.

The Sweetwater All Stars then entertained the crowd with an evening of R&B music. Talented musicians and singers presented over an hour of spirited selections for the enjoyment of all.