Maggie Hickman is the current President for the Chamber. She currently works at Rensselaer Central Middle School. Maggie is a current board member for the Rensselaer Art Walk. She is originally from Dyer, Indiana and moved to Rensselaer in 2017 when marrying her husband Hunter. In her free time you can find her watching Bomber sports, spending time with family, or walking her dogs Lena and Cael.
2020 Executive Officers
Vice President
Stephen Eastridge started with JCEDO at the end of 2017. He began his career in Michigan city with the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC). During his time with the EDCMC, he helped create the Michigan City Promise Program and develop tools for fast and efficient incentive analysis. From Michigan City, Eastridge went on to work in the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the City of Cincinnati, as a member of the Major Project Teams. Eastridge worked on many types of projects, but primarily focused on downtown real estate development, corporate attraction, and office relocation. It was his experience with DCED that allowed him to join JCEDO as the Executive Director.
Secretary
Karri Morris is the current Secretary for the Chamber. She is a graduate of Purdue University and works for Conagra Brands. Karri is also a Sunday School teacher and a Trustee for Trinity United Methodist Church, and a Treasurer for the Eta Nu chapter of Psi Iota Xi.
Treasurer
Julie Evers is a hometown girl. She works at Alliance Bank and has over 30 years’ experience in banking. She has been a Chamber member for over 10 years. She is passionate about helping members of the community with their banking needs.
Past President
Samantha Joslyn is the past Chamber Board President, leading the chamber through the end of 2019. She is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and Valparaiso School of Law. She is a local attorney, opening her practice in 2009. She has been married to husband David for 17 years, they have one daughter together. She is also on the Jasper County Bar Association, Bethany Church Board Member, Girl Scout Leader, AWANA Leader, Jasper County Community Corrections Board, and an Adjunct Professor for Indiana Wesleyan University.
Why be a part of the Chamber?
- Business After Hours
- Community Shred Day
- Golf Outing
- Christmas Parade
- Email Connections with Members
- Ribbon Cuttings
- Monthly Luncheons
- Advertising Opportunities
- Business Seminars
- County Fair Presence
- Promoting Members thru Welcome Bags for new residents
- Kid’s Night at Farmer’s Market
- Member Referrals
- Seasonal Promotions by Retailer
- Civic Awards & Celebrations
- Website Opportunities
2019 Business Anniversaries
Teen Mission Jasper County – 10 years
Ci Insurance – 65 years
ConAgra Brands – 25 years
Steve’s Specialized Service – 30 years
DeMotte Carpet – 45 years
Claussen Equipment – 60 years
Jackson Funeral Chapel – 75 years
American Legion Post 29 – 100 years
Jasper County Fair Association – 95 years
Strack & Van Til – 90 years
St John Lutheran Church – 125 years
Cooperative School Services – 50 years
White Castle Rensselaer – 30 years
Ron’s Barber Shop – 55 years
Fountain Stone Theaters – 15 years
Name | Company | Position |
Maggie Hickman | Rensselaer Central Middle School | President |
Vice President | ||
Karri Morris | ConAgra Foods | Secretary |
Treasurer | ||
Samantha Joslyn | Samantha Joslyn Law | Past President |
Name | Company |
Vicki Steffens | Steffens Jewelry |
Susie Benner | First Merchants Bank |
Steve Clapp | Steve’s Specialized Services |
Patti Lindahl | Jasper County REMC |
Elizabeth Hartmann | First Christian Church |
Pat Fox | Brookside Florist |
Name | Company |
Mike Ruble | WIVR |
Marc Maguran | Little Coffee Shop on 231 |
John Bryant | Cooperative School Services |
Debbie Riley | Franciscan Health-Rensselaer |
Matt McAdow | MacAllister Equipment |
Ray Seif | Jasper County Airport |
Year(s) | President |
1956 | Philip Valade |
1957 | Melvin DeWees |
1958-9 | Donald Tonner |
1960 | James Cravens |
1961 | Herbert Earl Arihood |
1962 | George Zacek |
1963 | Wayne Erickson |
1964 | Howard Harris |
1965 | Edward Hartman |
1966 | Claude Grow |
1967 | Edson W. Murray |
1968 | Ralph E. Childs |
1972 | G. Keith Moore |
1973 | Arlan Mangas |
1974-5 | Jim Hoover |
Year(s) | President |
1977 | Steve Winters |
1979 | O’Ryan Rickard |
1980 | Fred Steinkamp |
1981-2 | Dave Smith |
1983-4 | Stan Haines |
1985-6 | Greg Whaley |
1987 | Art Bridgeman & Edson W. Murray |
1988-9 | G. Robert Kasky |
1989-91 | William E. Ney |
1992-3 | James H. Flickner |
1994-5 | Randy R. Morris |
1996-7 | Linwood Brown |
1997-8 | Glenn Allie |
1999 | Maureen Egan |
2000 | John Balvich |
Year(s) | President |
2001 | Deana Black |
2002 | Scott Heuring |
2003 | Nan Albright |
2003-4 | Thomas Grzesik |
2004-5 | James Staton |
2006-7 | Deb Schrum |
2008 | Howard Marshall & Deana Rule |
2009 | Deana Rule |
2010 | Kim Emshwiller Dewees |
2011 | Steve Clapp |
2012 | Jessica Chapman |
2013 | Kathy Wilcox |
2014 | Kyler Laird |
2015 | Cindy Teeter |
2016 | Steve Clapp |
2017 | Beth Graf |
2018-19 | Samantha Joslyn |
2020 | Current President - Maggie Hickman |
Beautification: New Construction/Refurbishing of Business
Year | Winner |
2014 | Harley Houghton, DDS |
2013 | Steinke Funeral Home & Embers |
2012 | Jasper County Hospita & The Ritz |
2011 | Strack & Van Til |
2010 | Slice of Pie Pizza & Verizon Wireless |
2009 | Prairie’s Edge & Auto Works |
2008 | Jasper County Sheriff’s Dept |
2007 | Demotte State Bank & Consolidated Insurance |
Quality of Life:
Year | Winner |
2011 | Sisterhood Cut-A-Thon honoring Merlin Klopp |
2010 | JC Cruisers |
2009 | Jasper County Youth Center – CASA Program |
2008 | Jasper County Sheriff’s Dept |
2007 | Community Service: Oktoberfest |
2007 | Support: Ritz Theater |
2007 | Children: Fountain Stone – Summer Film Festival |
Business of the Year/Economic Impact:
Year | Winner |
2014 | IBEC: Iroquois Bio Energy Co |
2013 | Carpenter Creek Cellars |
2012 | The Willow Switch |
2011 | Con Agra Foods |
2010 | Jasper County Hospital |
2009 | Auto Works |
2008 | Jasper County Hospital |
2007 | Donaldson Company |
Non-Profit of the Year:
Year | Winner |
2014 | RAMA: Rensselaer Area Ministerial Association |
2013 | Jasper County Historical Society |
2012 | Main Street |
Citizen of the Year:
Year | Winner |
2014 | Norris Barnett |
2013 | Karen Youngs |
2012 | Chief Jeff Phillips |
2011 | Pat Fox |
2010 | Coach Chris Meeks & 2010 RCHS Football Team |
2009 | Judy Kanne |
2008 | Connie Graham-Luthi |
2007 | Carole Beaver |
Meritorious/Community Service:
Year | Winner |
2014 | Carole Beaver |
2013 | Steve Roberts |
2012 | Linda Reiners |
2011 | Deb Schrum & Arnold Braasch |
2010 | Orville Perry& Deana Rule |
2009 | Larry Jenkins & Martha Langley |
2008 | Mayor Herbert Arihood & Deb Schrum |
2007 | Bill & Debbie Brown |
Retail Spirit Award:
Year | Winner |
2007 | Gazebo |
Meritorious/Community Service:
Year | Winner |
2014 | Julie Evers |
2013 | Jessica Chapman |
2012 | Linda Comingore |
2011 | Martha Langley |
2010 | Julie Evers |
2009 | Devon’s Family Restaurant |
Through the years, award names have changed, been combined, added, etc.