Crossroads Chamber Northwest Indiana’s Chamber hosts sixth annual Business Excellence Awards

On Thursday, March 12, the sixth annual Crossroads Chamber Business Excellence Awards took place at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville. The event honors businesses, non-profits, volunteers and individuals whose leadership and service strengthen the Region’s economy and communities.

More than 300 people attended the event for a night of networking and celebration. Guests mingled and enjoyed food and drinks before the awards ceremony began.Ryan Peterson, board member for Crossroads Chamber of Commerce, said the awards celebrate the dedication of leaders and volunteers across Northwest Indiana.

“This event means a lot to me because we celebrate the hard work of some of the most important volunteers and business leaders in our community,” Peterson said. “We have wonderful representation from across the Region, and this event brings everybody together. We get to celebrate not only the winners, but the nominees as well, who are recognized for everything they put into what they do.”

Peterson said he hopes attendees leave feeling appreciated for their contributions.

“I hope people leave here feeling a good sense of fulfillment for their accomplishments,” Peterson said. “I hope they feel recognized for the hard work they do and appreciated by their peers and the community.”

The town of Merrillville sponsors one of the awards every year, which Rick Bella, Council President for the town, said they are always happy to do. He believes the event also helps strengthen collaboration among businesses and local government.

“Businesses and local government need to work together and support each other. We’re all connected, and everybody needs to work together to make things work. I hope when people leave tonight, they feel like they can reach out to some of the people they met here and try to collaborate. It’s a way to bring everybody together; it’s nice to see people here who all work together to make the Region work,” said Bella.

Among the honorees was Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center, recognized for its work supporting survivors of sexual violence in the community.“Winning an award is about recognition for survivors of sexual violence in our community, and it means the world because no one should have to stand alone,” said Shana Robertson, Community Impact Director at Fair Haven.

“Winning an award is not about my work, but about the opportunity for survivors to be seen and heard, and that’s what advocacy is all about. It’s important that survivors have a place at the table where laws are being made and communities are represented.”

Kristina Fry, Vice President of Development at United Way Northwest Indiana, was recognized as this year’s Business Leader. Fry said the recognition reflects the collective effort of nonprofit leaders across the Region.

“It means the world to me because I’ve been able to leverage my network throughout the community to do the greatest good for those who need it most,” Fry said. “Whether it was in my previous roles with the MAAC Foundation or my current role with United Way, it’s all about making our community better than it was when I found it. It’s all about supporting others. At the end of the day, that’s what I do, and I’m honored that work was recognized tonight.”

This year’s Business Excellence Award winners included:

• Kristina Fry — Business Leader
• Crossroads YMCA — Business Success·    Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center — Non-profit
• Saturday Sangria Bakery and Cafe — Minority Business
• Franciscan Health — Corporate Responsibility
• Jess Martinez-Garcia — Community Volunteer
• Regional Health Systems — Legacy Business
• Amy Sexton Stanislavski — Young Entrepreneur
• Danielle Crowder — Rising Star

To learn more about Crossroads Chamber Northwest Indiana’s Chamber, visit crossroadschamber.org.