(Batesville, IN) – The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated success and presented awards at its Annual Awards Dinner that was held at The Knights of Columbus Hall on Tuesday evening.
The theme of the event was “Celebrate a Night Full of Stars.”
Summer Food for Kids was named Volunteer Organization of the Year.
Oldenburg Academy Director of Innovation Jason Walke was presented with the Educator of the Year Award.
“I know it’s not just an award for me, that this is something working with the faculty at Oldenburg Academy and with our community partners, all of that made this happen,” Walke said. “It’s a very rewarding experience to receive this.”
Clem and Bertie Schmidt received the Distinguished Service Award.
“We feel very privileged and honored, never realized we’d ever get something like this,” Bertie Schmidt said. “We’re just very happy that the community recognizes us and all of the hard work we’ve done all of these years. So yes, we’re really happy and thankful.”
And the Organization of the Year is One Community One Family.
The organization recognized outgoing board members Clarice Gordon and Don Mobley for their service, and welcomed incoming board members Mary Ellen Rippe and Amy Fryman.
The Batesville Chamber brought in 30 new members in 2025. Total membership now stands at 365.
“Tonight, it’s all about honoring our 360-plus members and just really unifying the chamber, who we are as an organization, and just continue to advocate for those who do the great work here in Batesville to make Batesville the special place that it is,” said chamber board president Kyle Laker.
For more information about the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.batesvillein.com.
