Hoosier State Today

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce hosted its 35th Annual Awards Dinner at the Indiana Convention Center, featuring a keynote address by Chuck Todd, NBC chief political analyst and former moderator of Meet the Press. Sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, the event celebrated four individuals and one city for their contributions to the state.

Allison Barber received the Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year award. Known for her role as president of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, Barber played a significant part in capitalizing on attention surrounding Caitlin Clark. She now chairs the Marvella Foundation, which is developing a sports complex for young women and girls in Indiana.

Mayor Tom Henry was posthumously honored with the Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year award. Henry served as Fort Wayne's mayor five times before his passing earlier this year. He was remembered for his commitment to economic development and improving quality of life.

Christopher Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures, was named Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year. Day has been instrumental in advancing Indiana's tech and entrepreneurial sectors through innovation and venture capital.

Madison was recognized as Community of the Year for its unique charm and ongoing business resurgence. The city is integrating artificial intelligence software to foster strategic growth.

Patricio Daneri received NextEra Energy Resources Young Professional of the Year honors. An immigrant from Argentina, Daneri founded Energy Harness Corporation in Zionsville, specializing in LED lighting.

Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO, stated: “It was a great evening to celebrate some of Indiana’s most impactful contributors – those who have helped shape the state and those who will in the future.”

Earlier that day, Gerry Dick, Tim Higgins, and Shelley Jackson were awarded the 2024 Samuel C. Schlosser Volunteer of the Year award for their service to the Chamber.

Feature stories on all winners are available in BizVoice® magazine at www.bizvoicemagazine.com.

Zimmer Biomet sponsored Chuck Todd's speech while PNC sponsored the opening reception. Corporate sponsors included AT&T Indiana and Eli Lilly among others.