Recognizing Those Who Improve Our Community

The Portage Chamber of Commerce held an exquisite banquet to honor the individuals and businesses that work toward strengthening the city. A great deal of the Portage community came out to recognize and celebrate these individuals.

With categories like Best New Construction and Humanitarian of the Year, you can see why these individuals deserve some recognition by the Portage community. All of the recipients were those unsung heroes who make the city a little brighter everyday.

“An event like this is important because it enhances the city, much like the people we are recognizing here tonight,” said Nancy Simpson, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

What an exceptional way to enhance the city! The crowd that gathered at Woodland Park to recognize these wonderful individuals were also treated to an incredibly entertaining night.

The entertainment for the night was Wolfgang, the girls singing group from Hobart High School. Just before the award ceremony, these talented young ladies sang a wide variety of songs for everyone.

Then, the main event of the night began. The individuals and businesses that work toward a better Portage were honored one by one. As these special few were announced, standing ovations were not uncommon.

“These are the people who work behind the scene, not looking for visibility, but we give them that,” said Terry Hufford, Executive Director of the Chamber.

These individuals definitely deserve this visibility and recognition. Without them, Portage would not be making the strides that it is every day.

Click here to see more photos from event!

New Construction Awards

• Texas Roadhouse
• Construction Advancement

Community Improvement Awards

• Meijer Town & Country Market
• Grace Church of the Nazarene
• McDonald’s – 6075 US Hwy 6
• Burger King – 2575 Willowcreek Road
• 1st Source Bank – 6043 Central Ave Woodland Park – (new elevator)
• Firehouse Subs
• City Point Church
• The eState
• Tri Corp. Wireless/Sprint
• Shay Furniture
• Porter Pool and Spa Supply

Quality of Life Awards

• Backpack Program
• Porter County Pet Project-Kibble Kitchen Program

Special Event

• Portage Community & Business Night – 10 years

Business Service Award

• Chase Bank – Willowcreek Road

Humanitarian of the Year

• Tim Sullivan

Putting Portage on the Map

• Portage High School Gymnastics Team
• Portage High School Softball Team

Outstanding Educator

• Scott Hufford

Chamber Volunteer of the Year

• Cindy Colvin

Outstanding Public Citizen

• Mike Sarver