Chamber of Commerce hosts annual banquet
By Chris Fortune
St. Joseph residents and members of the business community gathered for a throwback party at the Civic Arena.
The theme was “St. Joe 24,” which was a spin on Studio 54, and the arena was decorated in a 1970s disco theme. Attendees got into character with their colorful attire for a banquet that included A presentation by 2023 Chairman of the Board, Don Tolly.
“This is a time for us to go over what has happened in 2023 and the good things that have happened within the chamber,” he said. “And then we also look forward to 2024 — things that we’re working on that are going to make a difference in this community.”
The chamber’s 2023 annual report included highlights, such as more than 55 companies adopting a block near their facility as part of the Adopt-A-Block Program and the Housing Initiative partnership between the St. Joseph Community Alliance.
“We have people — every business that supports the chamber — they’re here, and they’re here because we’re celebrating the good things going on here in Saint Joseph. We have many good things, like the 2040 plan Adopt-A-Block. We’re making a difference in this community.”
Another project expected to make a difference in the community is Mosaic Life Care’s Children’s Discovery Center, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
“We’re thankful for Mosaic and everything they’re doing — their foundation,” he said. “We are just blessed to have everybody in this community rallying together to make this a great place to live.”
Tolly stepped down from his position, as each chairman does at the annual event. He said Ashley Albers of Nor-Am Cold Storage will take over as Chairman of the Board in 2024. This is the tenth chamber event Tolly has attended, and he enjoyed everyone bringing disco fever to the arena.
“It seems like every year when we have this chamber event in the winter, it’s the coldest day and we got snow,” he said. “Here it is again. But we’re going to have over 800 people here enjoying this event together tonight.”
