Chamber’s 2025 Annual Dinner & Awards Gala w/ Dessert Auction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Washington County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Community Excellence at Annual Dinner & Awards Gala

 

[Washington County, Indiana] – June 24, 2025 – The Washington County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Dinner & Awards Gala Tuesday evening, celebrating a year of growth and honoring outstanding individuals and businesses for their contributions to the community. The event, held at a Cornerstone Chapel, brought together members, sponsors, and community leaders for an evening of recognition and collaboration.

 

Erik Bush, CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, marked his nearly four-year tenure by highlighting the Chamber's revitalization. "When I first took the reins, our Chamber, to be frank, was on life support," Bush stated, emphasizing the journey from dwindling relevance to a robust organization. He announced the upcoming implementation of a new, next-generation CRM system, promising enhanced member benefits. Bush also clarified the Chamber's mission as a 501(c)6 organization, dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of member businesses within Washington County and fostering economic growth.

 

Ryan Buchanan, the Chamber’s 2025 Board President, underscored the importance of membership, stating, "Our voice is only as strong as our membership". He noted that while the Chamber proudly represents around 170 businesses, a higher membership would significantly amplify their advocacy efforts. Buchanan explained that affordable membership prices are maintained to support as many businesses as possible, especially small businesses, and that higher-tier memberships and event sponsorships help bridge the gap in operating expenses.

 

A key theme of the evening, reiterated by Erik Bush, was "rising tides raise all ships". He urged businesses to support one another, attract tourism, and encourage new households to choose Washington County as their home, emphasizing that collaboration is vital for community prosperity.

 

The gala also featured a lively Dessert Auction. The highest bid of $150 went to Makenzie from Totally Baked Sweets for her Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake, followed by $125 for Homemade Animal Cookies from Angie Mead. Proceeds from the auction were split between the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Washington County Warming Station, supporting the Warming Station's efforts to provide food, shelter, and comfort to the less fortunate. Bringing in over $500 for their operational capital. 

 

The evening culminated in the presentation of three prestigious awards:

 

 * Entrepreneur of the Year: Rebecca Marshell, Salem Apothecary

 

   Rebecca Marshell was honored for her profound community impact, dedication, and entrepreneurial resilience. Her business, The Salem Apothecary, has been a fixture on the historic Salem Square for 40 years, continuing a 150-year legacy of pharmacy at the location. Marshell's extensive community involvement includes a deep family history with 4-H, coaching, sponsoring sports teams, and serving on various civic committees, including the Old Settlers Days Committee, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and the Salem Education Foundation Board. Her numerous accolades include the Indiana State Business and Professional Women's Young Career Woman of 1976, Washington County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1993, and Indiana Pharmacist Association recognition for 50 years of Pharmacy Practice and Excellence in 2024.

 

Entrepreneur of the Year nominees included: Jasmine Bryant, Brandon Cooley, Rita Lincks, Jerald Mangas, Rebecca Marshall, Bobbie Jo Myers, Cameron Stahl, and Shannon Sullivan

 

 * Business of the Year: Totally Baked Sweets

 

   Totally Baked Sweets was recognized for its remarkable success and exceptional community commitment in its first year. The business demonstrated outstanding community leadership through organizing benefit rides and dinners, and initiatives like the Pink Pumpkin benefit and Chili Cook-Off. They were also lauded for their outreach, offering gluten-free and developing sugar-free options, and for championing a strong community vision by collaborating with other local businesses. Their innovation, positive work environment, and exemplary leadership in hospitality and customer service were also highlighted. 

 

Business of the Year Nominees included: Blevins Sanitation, Lisa's Farmhouse Market, Framing the Square, Morning Breeze Cattle Farms, Smokin Hawgs BBQ, Totally Baked Sweets, and the Warming Station.

 

 * Citizen of the Year: Cynthia Bowsman

 

   Cynthia Bowsman received the Citizen of the Year award for her selfless dedication and tangible difference in the lives of others. Bowsman is a powerful voice for the underserved, consistently supporting the Washington County Special Olympics and working with vulnerable populations. Her extraordinary commitment is evident in her tireless efforts to meet critical needs for unsheltered neighbors, providing warmth, shelter, clothing, nutrition, and emergency medical assistance. Notably, she bravely started the Warming Station in Washington County in 2019, an initiative that has significantly grown under her leadership. She also serves on the Outstretch Foundation board, helping homeless teenagers, and actively contributes to diversity and inclusion efforts.

 

Citizen of the Year Nominees included: Cynthia Bowsman, Timber Cleghorn, Brandon Combs, Tom Fultz, Adam Humphrey, Danny Libka, Renee Mather, Bonita Purlee, Steve Purlee, Connie Ray, and Nicolas Weymouth

 

The Chamber extended a special thank you to its event sponsors: First Harrison Bank for the pre-dinner reception, John Jones for the music, Centra Credit Union and First Harrison Bank as Platinum Table Sponsors. Name badges were generously sponsored by Equus Flight Academy and the table decorations were sponsored by Duke Energy.

 

Erik Bush concluded the evening by thanking attendees and emphasizing their role in the Chamber's success. "YOU are the Chamber of Commerce, and it is truly exciting to stand here looking at so many amazing people who help this community grow," he stated.

 

About the Washington County Chamber of Commerce

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 membership-based business resource organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of its member businesses. It serves as a vital resource hub and a unified voice for the local business community, working to foster economic growth and development within Washington County.