Record-Breaking Crowd Attends Jasper Chamber's Annual Meeting Friday, Sen. Braun Speaks

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR / E-MEDIA MANAGING EDITOR 

JASPER -- A record crowd packed the Calumet Friday for the Jasper Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.

"Not only were people here because they support the Chamber; they were here because they are very proud of Mike Braun being our U.S. Senator," says Nancy Eckerle, executive director of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce.

She added, "We've had about 35 new members so far this year.  Most of the people joined because they walked in the front door of the Chamber and asked for a membership application.  They came in because they see the Chamber as being an active and integral part of our community."

During the meeting, chamber president Tom Moorman honored our very own Bob Bleemel with the President’s Community Excellence Award for his active role in our community.

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U.S. Sen. Mike Braun of Jasper was the keynote speaker for Friday’s event.

"You look at all of the enterprisers out here, all of the people who have given to this community, and it does take hard work, perseverance, patience, sticking your neck out and taking a risk.  That's the old fashioned way, but I'm trying to impart some of that in my new job so, hopefully, that can change our country over time."

Organizers say this year’s annual meeting was the best attended ever in its 66 year history.