The Tipp City Area Chamber of Commerce threw their annual Holiday Gala this past weekend and as always it was a night of glitter, sparkle and friendly conversation.
The event took place for the 3rd year at the Crystal Room, Miami County’s gorgeous new banquet center located just north of Tipp City on State Route 55.  Unexpectedly, the Crystal Room was tasked with handling  24 guests that did not RSVP for the event, and to the Chamber’s surprise and pleasure, the Crystal Room was able to roll in more tables, more chairs and had plenty of food for all. “We usually have a few members that arrive without reservation, but this year’s number was unprecedented, it’s all good, The Crystal Room was prepared to serve 172 very special members and their guests!” beamed Matt Owen, President of the Chamber.
Outgoing Chamber Chairman Phil Cox shared the long list of accomplishments the Chamber had over the past year, the most important of which was a super high retention rate 91% combined with a record high number (30) of new members joining the Chamber. Cox shared with Chamber members, city officials and friends, “Business leaders understand the real value of the Chamber of Commerce and even in a shaky economy felt the importance of being a part of such a valuable organization”. Over the past 4 years the Tipp City Chamber or Commerce has experienced a 43% growth in membership.
The incoming 2011 Chairman of the Board Tony Greene was present to receive the gavel from Phil Cox as Mayor Dee Gillis swore in the new board members of the Tipp City Area Chamber of Commerce.
2011 TCACC Board of Directors:
- Tony Greene, Monroe Federal – Board Chairman
- Robin Shafer, Springmeade – Chairman Elect
- Phil Cox, Philip G. Cox Agency – Immediate Past Chairman
- Pam Catalano, PNC Bank – Treasurer
- Michelle Hertz, Proforma Vision Marketing
- Simon Patry, Dysinger & Associates, LLC
- Chris Wampler, AO Smith
- Larry Lemonds, RE/MAX Professionals
- Mike van Haaren
New Board Members:
- Cara Muhlenkamp, The Crystal Room/Club 55
- Kristen Bayliff, Better Business Bureau of Dayton/Miami Valley
- Steve Rebernak, US Bank
Outgoing Board members: Mayor Dee Gillis, Zach Jacobs, Fifth-Third Bank, Matt Wrhel, Spring Hill/Gardens Alive.
Each year, the Tipp City Area Chamber of Commerce awards several businesses and individuals for their exemplary work and service to the community. This year was no different.
2010 Chamber of Commerce Award Winners
Citizen of the Year: Gordon Honeyman
Young Professional of the Year: Mike McDermott
Business of the Year: Hickory River Smokehouse
Small Business of the Year: Tipp Cyclery
Quote from the Chamber
Matt Owen, Chamber President had this to share with us:
“The Holiday Gala is such a great community event for everyone. I want to thank all of our members for supporting the chamber and our mission to keep the Tipp City businesses environment vibrant and healthy. I want to thank Robin Shafer and Michelle Hertz for all their work on this years Gala. Thanks to the Crystal Room for hosting our event and the chamber board for all their hard work in 2010.
I want to thank our outgoing board members for their years of work on the board. We will miss Mayor Gillis, Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Wrhel.”
*Photo courtesy of Tippecanoe Gazette
