It's Your Business: Ellettsville Chamber honors area's unsung heroes

Ellettsville thrives because of caring and dedicated community members who strive to improve the quality of life for all. Those who go above and beyond and selflessly dedicate themselves often slip by under the radar. They work tirelessly in the background, their contributions frequently unnoticed or unacknowledged.

The Ellettsville Chamber has officially recognized these individuals since 1998, first with the Maurice E. Endwright Community Leadership Award and now with the Spirit of Maurice E. Endwright Award.

Ellettsville is proud of the legacy left by Maurice. He co-founded the Ellettsville Journal in 1939. In 1973, he was appointed executive director of the Indiana Commission on the Aging and Aged, where he made significant contributions. He helped establish the Monroe County Fall Festival, The Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Brotherhood and was a charter member of the Ellettsville Lions Club.

The Spirit of Maurice E. Endwright Award honors individuals who, like Maurice, passionately commit to our community and showcase integrity, philanthropy and compassionate care. Nominees for this award are distinguished by their active investment in the community's growth and dedication to its prosperity. They support and provide services to uplift the community.

Endwright cabin moved: A big move: Log cabin in Ellettsville transitions to new location

The Chamber also seeks out extraordinary businesses or entities that characterize exceptional vision, dedication, service and leadership while improving the well-being of all our citizens. These businesses demonstrate creativity and innovation in job creation, product development and service provision. They champion environmental awareness and foster employee growth opportunities. To qualify for recognition, nominees must be active and engaged Chamber members in good standing over the past year, with an established presence as businesses or organizations serving the Ellettsville community.

The Educator of the Year Award was established in 2014. This prestigious accolade honors those who have made exceptional contributions to the field and left an indelible mark on students' lives and the educational sector. Whether teachers, administrators, board members or community figures, nominees are celebrated for their unwavering commitment to excellence. To be eligible, candidates must demonstrate a history of transformative contributions to education, showcase a tangible impact on student learning, cultivate a shared vision for academic excellence and serve as a source of inspiration for students and educators.

The Chamber's Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner will be on Thursday, Oct. 24. Visit the Chamber events page on at ellettsvillechamber.org for more information and to submit a nomination. Nominations will be accepted from Chamber members and the general public until Aug. 23, 2024.

Jill Thurman is an administrator with the Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: It's Your Business: Ellettsville Chamber honors area's unsung heroes