Starke County Development Foundation Holds 25th Anniversary Celebration

Back Row: Charles Weaver, Bill Sonnemaker and Terry Kimmel. Front Row: Chris Madsen, Matt Swanson, Marvin Peters, Steve Spaw, and Jack Lynch. Picture by Jayme Goetz

Dignitaries from throughout the county and Northwest Indiana attended the 25th Anniversary celebration for the Starke County Development Foundation Friday afternoon at the Knox Community Center.

Emcee, Ted Hayes, brought a number of people to the microphone during the program. They included State Representative Nancy Dembowski, State Senator Ed Charbonneau, Northwest Indiana Forum President, Mark Maassel; Starke County Development Foundation President, Bill Sonnemaker; Foundation Director, Charles Weaver; and former Foundation Director, Terry Kimmel.

Charles Weaver addresses the crowd. Also pictured: Terry Kimmel, Bill Sonnemaker, Mark Maassel, Ed Hasnerl, State Senator Ed Charbonneau, and State Representative Nancy Dembowski. Picture by Jayme Goetz

Presented with special remembrances of the occasion were original board members Jack Lynch, Chris Madsen, Steve Spaw, and Marvin Peters. Original members who were not in attendance were Spencer Grover, Charlie Rowe, Melba Shilling, and Bob Hamilton. Also presented with an award was Matt Swanson, who Weaver honored for his behind the scenes assistance throughout the years.

In his address, Weaver extolled the accomplishments of the Foundation over the past 25 years. Many manufacturers in the county provided displays of their products.

Nancy Dembowski was acknowledged as being the longest serving board member.

Richard Negrey discusses his business with Father Spanley. Picture by Jayme Goetz
Craig Dulworth and Gordon Shank greet John Hensler during the event. Picture by Jayme Goetz
John Hensler and Terry Kimmel
WKVI's Ted Hayes was the emcee for the event
A good crowd was on hand for the Development Foundation's celebration