KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Two local businesses, a nonprofit, a local leader, and a longtime area educator will be honored with awards during the upcoming Knox County Chamber of Commerce annual award dinner.
The chamber announced the recipients of the Large business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Educator of the Year, and C. James McCormick Community Leader awards this week.
Each will be honored during the 108th Annual Chamber Awards Dinner on May 1 at the Highland Woods Community Center.
2024 C. James McCormick Community Leader
A Bicknell native and North Knox High School and Purdue University alumna Susan Brocksmith has been named as this years recipient of the C. James McCormick Community Leader Award. Brocksmith has spent 30 years as an educator at Vincennes University, where she serves as the Dean of Business and Public Service College in addition to her roles as an educator, program, and department chair.
Beyond academia, Brocksmith actively engages in community service, reflecting her commitment to the guiding principle, “Service is the price you pay for your space on Earth.”
Outside of the University, Brocksmith serves on the Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Directors and the Knox County Economic Development Board.
“Susan is very deserving of this award,” Knox County Chamber Board Chair Scott Utt said. “She is a great community leader who wants to see Knox County thrive. Her commitment to service is evident in her tireless efforts to make our community a better place for future generations.”
2024 Educator of the Year
Having worked in education for 36 years, Kelley J McCarty has been selected as this year’s Educator of the Year by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.
Graduating from both Vincennes University and Indiana University, McCarty has worked in many roles within local schools. McCarty has been the Title I Reading teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, and principal for various local schools.
Currently McCarty is the principal of Francis Vigo Elementary School. McCarty was recognized as the Elementary Principal of the Year for IASP District 11 in 2012.
In addition to her roles in schools McCarty also serves on the Knox County United Way Education Committee and the Knox County Community Child Protection Team.
“Recently, she embraced the role of early childhood director, spearheading the establishment of the VCSC-licensed preschool, the Little Alice Learning Center, slated to open in August 2024,” a news release reads.
“Kelley McCarty is an exceptional educator devoted to her students, colleagues, and community,” Knox County Chamber President Jamie Neal said. “Her depth of knowledge, passion for education, and unwavering commitment to our community are truly remarkable.”
2024 Nonprofit of the Year
Established in 1999, The Blue Jeans Community Center has been named the Nonprofit of the Year by the Knox County Chamber.
The BJC was created out of the repurposing of the former Monroe City high School and South Knox Elementary School. A team led by Kerry Dean Teverbaugh turned the building into a multifunctional community hub.
“With pillars of community, recreation, and history guiding its endeavors, the center, under the stewardship of a dedicated volunteer board, has become an indispensable asset to the region,” a Chamber release reads.
Currently the BJC includes a low-cost thrift store, food distribution, and houses numerous recreational facilities and historical exhibits.
“The Blue Jeans Community Center is a great asset to our community and very deserving of this award,” Utt said. “The improvements that have been made and volunteers that are involved are truly making an impact.”
2024 Small Business of the Year
Hometown Hearing Incorporated is being recognized as this year’s Small Business of the Year. Organizations eligible for the award must have fewer than 25 employees.
Established in 2013, Hometown Hearing was founded by Karin and Tim Schmidt. The company has also been recognized by organizations like the International Hearing Society and the Starkey Hearing Alliance.
“Hometown Hearing is an incredible asset to our community and certainly sets a shining example,” Utt said. “Karen and her team consistently deliver outstanding customer service, embodying the values of honesty, integrity, and compassion.”
2024 Large Business of the Year
The AME Group will be recognized as this year’s Large Business of the Year by the Chamber. Organizations eligible for this award must have more than 25 employees.
The AME Group was established in Vincennes in 1985 under the name Advanced Micro-Electronics Incorporated. In 1998 the company transitioned into an Employee-Owned Stock Ownership Plan and become 100% employee-owned in 2008.
“The AME Group is a leader in providing comprehensive IT services, from project implementation to advanced security and full information technology outsourcing. Their portfolio of managed service offerings supports businesses of any size, aiming to provide flexible, one-stop IT support and services,” the Chamber release reads.
The company’s headquarters is currently located at 619 Main Street in Vincennes. AIM Group operates six additional offices in Indiana, with five out-of-state offices as well and employs approximately 200 people.
“The AME Group is a pivotal asset to Knox County, exemplifying dedication that extends beyond business excellence,” Neal said. “Their decision to relocate their headquarters to Downtown Vincennes in 2023 is a testament to their enduring commitment to our community’s growth and prosperity.”
The Knox County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 1 at the Highland Woods Community Center. For more information visit the Chamber’s website here.
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