Chamber presents awards At Monday night's annual banquet of the Delphi Chamber of Commerce, special awards were presented to the following (l-r): Krista Watson, Samuel Milroy Award; Carolyn Pearson, Making a Difference Award; Kevin Kologinsky and Hank Ivey of Times Past Restorations, Community Appearance Award. Comet photo

Award winners were announced at the annual Delphi Chamber of Commerce Banquet held Monday evening at the Wabash & Erie Canal Center.

The prestigious Samuel Milroy Award for entrepreneurial or philanthropic contributions to the City of Delphi was presented to Krista Watson. Delphi Chamber president, Watson was cited for "all she does to better Delphi."

"It's her main focus," said Belinda Weatherwax, Chamber vice president who presented the award to a surprised Watson.

Watson and her husband, Jeff, own several businesses in Delphi and the surrounding area.

The Making a Difference Award went to Carolyn Pearson, long-time Delphi City Council member and current president. The award honors someone who unselfishly gives of their time for the betterment of the community and the school system.

Times Past Restorations LLC partners Hank Ivey and Kevin Kologinsky were awarded the Community Appearance Award for the restoration and facelift of the old Masonic Temple building on South Washington Street that they own.

Kologinsky praised the city for its efforts to restore its old buildings. "You have a gem of a town here," he said.

Mayor Randy Strasser reflected on the past year and looked to the city's future in his State of the City address. He commented that "the financial status for the city is great."

Strasser said restructuring central dispatch and solid waste pick up have taken a lot of time and effort but will save taxpayers money.

"We want to make sure that we are providing quality service for the least amount of tax dollars," he said.

Strasser said that the city is working closely with the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation for opportunities and chal- lenges that the Hoosier Heartland Highway will bring.

"We will kick off a downtown revitalization project later this year and use the Canal Association as a model to garner public and private partnerships," he added.

"We want to build off of our great parks and the increased traffic to the city that the new canal boat should bring this fall. We have hope," he concluded.

Guest speaker was Larry Francer, a business owner in Farmland. He shared some of Farmland's successes in its revitalization efforts.

He suggested making lots of affiliations with folks in Indianapolis; bringing groups and organizations together; planning parties; having a gimmick; looking at the big picture; and thinking big, thinking crazy.

"Everybody loves these little towns," said Francer. "Everyone has memories. Little shops and restaurants, that's what everyone wants to experience."

Outgoing Chamber director Dr. David Krause was recognized.

Musical entertainment was provided by The Entertainers from Delphi Community High School. Pastor Dan Fisher of the Delphi Wesleyan Church gave the invocation and benediction.

Other Chamber officers are Rick Curts, treasurer, and Anita Hartman, secretary. Board members are: Weatherwax, Janice Roe and Sandy Flora, class of 2009; Watson, Dan Noonkester and Aaron Nacke, class of 2010; and Lisa Perry, Curts and Randy Myers, class of 2011.