TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Honoring those for a collective vision for the Terre Haute community.
The Terre Haute convention center accompanied nearly 500 members. This year’s theme was “A Collective Vision Forward”, standing for the great things that have happened in Terre Haute and what is yet to come.
“The convention center itself is one of our, you know, brightest accomplishments as a community, so there’s a lot of enthusiasm. We have a lot to be excited about as a chamber and our programs, but the community has a lot to be excited about too,” said President and CEO of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Kristin Craig.
People who make their vision for the community a priority are important to recognize.
“It’s just really an entirely nice evening of recognition for people on all ends of the spectrum. You know, those individuals who are just getting started in the business community, at the beginning of their career and those individuals who have been doing this for a long time,” said Craig.
An evening of excitement, recognition, and reflection on Terre Haute’s accomplishments.
The winners are included below:
Building Businesses– Sponsored by CenterPoint Energy
- This year’s honorees embody the entrepreneurial spirit of those who take risks and make investments of time and money in their business. This year’s recipient is O’Laughlin Hospitality.
- Cheyne and Nikki O’Laughlin, owners of Charlie’s Pub & Grub, The Terminal Public House and Ladybird Cafe, have been shaping Terre Haute’s restaurant since 2013. They preserved Charlie’s as a family legacy, transformed The Terminal into a Downtown hotspot, and most recently opened Ladybird Cafe, adding even more energy to Downtown Terre Haute.
- Beyond their successful restaurants, the O’Laughlins are active community partners, supporting events from Indiana State University basketball rallies to Downtown Terre Haute’s Haunted Haute, always lending their time and efforts to strengthen the community.
Building Community– Sponsored by Indiana State University
- This year’s award was presented to the Goodwill Excel Center of West Central Indiana. The Goodwill Excel Center of West Central Indiana is a tuition-free program that allows adult learners the opportunity to earn their high school diploma.
- The benefits include a tuition-free education, on-site childcare, transportation assistance, life coaches and a flexible schedule for students. In June, 15 students earned their high school diplomas. Currently, the Excel Center has more than 200 enrolled students, exceeding first-year expectations.
Leading Tomorrow– Sponsored by RJL Solutions
- This year’s award was presented to Andy Volkl.
- Since 2003, Andy Volkl, Chief Operating Officer of Saturn Petcare inc., has called Terre Haute home and become one of its biggest cheerleaders. Since 2021, Andy has propelled Saturn Petcare inc into a leading manufacturer or private-label wet pet food products.
- Andy is also a dedicated husband and father, always finding ways to support this community. Whether that is supporting Chances And Services for Youth by raising funds as a Dancing with the Terre Haute Stars participant or stepping up as a vocal advocate for a proposed facilities plan within the Vigo County School Corporation, Andy is a strong supporter of the community and is laying the foundation for our children.
12 Under 40– Sponsored by the West Central Indiana Partnership
- This year’s honorees were: Rebecca Bercich, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Kyle Crockett, Duke Energy; Jonathan Eilbracht, West Central Indiana Partnership; Caleb Fleschner, Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos and Newlin; Kierra Jones, Kierra Josette Artistry; Justin Kunz, Sycamore Engineering; Allie Lark, Providence HealthCare; Kara Lovell, Kara Lovell Ceramics; Forrest Lowery, First Financial Bank; Anne-Therese “AT” Ryan, City of Terre Haute, Human Relations Commission; Chris Switzer, Vigo County Commissioner; Brett Taylor, Vigo County School Corporation.
