Chamber seeks Citizen of the Year nominations

The Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce is asking local citizens to take time to nominate someone they believe has gone above and beyond for our community for its annual Citizen of the Year Award.

Chamber Executive Director Brian Cox said the only requirement for the nominee is that he or she be a resident of Putnam County.

This is a chance to say thank you to the ones who give without asking for a thank you.

Last year’s winner was veteran Banner Graphic editor Eric Bernsee.

Along with 2017 Citizen of the Year, the Chamber announced it will also be looking for nominations for the Non-Profit of the Year award.

The Business of the Year award winner will also be named during the Chamber annual meeting on Saturday, Jan. 27.

The idea is to take some time during the annual dinner to recognize groups and people who work to help make the community a better place.

Anyone wanting to make a nomination should write up a one-page letter about why a nominee is worthy of the award.

To nominate someone or a group or organization for these awards, email briancox@gogreencastle.com or mail or drop off the nomination at the Chamber office, 2 S. Jackson St., Greencastle IN 46135.

Anyone who has any questions may call the Chamber at 653-4517. All nominations need to be turned in by Jan. 15.

Previous winners of Citizen of the Year include Hazel Day Longden, the inaugural recipient in 1982; Hubert Clodfelter, 1983; Howard Williams, 1984; Bessie Rector, 1985; Mace Aker, 1986; Bobby G. Albright, 1987; Gerald E. Warren, 1988; David Barr, 1989; Jim Harris, 1990; Dr. James Johnson, 1991; Charles Chandler, 1992; Bob Evans, 1993; Julia “Judy” Johnson, 1994; Jerald D. Calbert, 1995; Harold Spicer, 1996; Jinsie Bingham, 1997; Dave Young, 1998; Barbara Lane, 1999; Ellen Sedlack, 2000; the trio of Lynn Wilson, Denise Sigworth and Rachel Seipel in 2001; Mike Rokicki, 2002; Joy Marley, 2003; Charles Miles, 2004; Judge Sally Gray, 2005; Dr. Donald “Doc” Brattain, 2006; Charles “Chuck” Schroeder, 2007; Lynn Bohmer, 2008; Ken Heeke, 2009; Becky Brothers, 2010; Judge Diana LaViolette, 2011; Judy Miller, 2012, and Dr. Perry Wainman, 2013;. Emily Knuth and Suzanne Masten, 2014; Sue Murray, 2015; and Bernsee in 2016.