The Indiana Chamber of Commerce held its 35th Annual Awards Dinner last night, Nov. 13 at the Indiana Convention Center, featuring a keynote speech from NBC Chief Political Analyst Chuck Todd, where numerous awards were presented to Hoosier counties, businesses and business leaders, including a member of the Zionsville community.
Zionsville’s Patricio Daneri was presented with the NextEra Energy Resources Young Professional of the Year award. Daneri was highlighted for his inspiring story where he immigrated to the United States from Argentina as a teenager before launching his own successful business when he was only 25-years-old. Just over a decade later, Daneri has a stable of successful enterprises to his name that are led by Energy Harness Corporation in Zionsville, which specializes in LED lighting.
Honorees:
- Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year:Allison Barber – The WNBA’s Indiana Fever made a global splash in the sports world after drafting superstar Caitlin Clark. But much of the franchise’s overall ability to capitalize on the unprecedented attention and activity surrounding Clark was made possible by the vision of its then-president Allison Barber. She’s now chair of the Marvella Foundation, which is behind Indiana’s pioneering Marvella sports complex for young women and girls that is currently in the works.
- Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year: Mayor Tom Henry – Having been elected five times, Tom Henry was Fort Wayne’s longest serving mayor before he passed away earlier this year. Known as “the people’s mayor,” Henry leaves a legacy that includes his dedication to enhancing economic development and quality of life. He led with compassion and an unwavering commitment to helping the city grow.
- Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year: Christopher Day – A push is underway for Indiana’s tech and entrepreneurial scene to be viewed among the nation’s best. Christopher “Toph” Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures, is a key catalyst in that effort with his leadership in innovation, venture capital and more. Over the years and today, Day has excelled at making his and other entrepreneurs’ dreams become reality.
- Community of the Year: Madison – Madison possesses a unique charm. The southern Indiana city is a tourist attraction known for its scenic beauty, historic attractions and local shops. But there’s more to Madison, which is in the midst of a business resurgence that includes a variety of new investments and expansions. As part of that, Madison is embracing the future. Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence software, city leaders are striving to grow the area in a more strategic way than ever before.
- Earlier in the day, the Indiana Chamber also presented the 2024 Samuel C. Schlosser Volunteer of the Year award to three individuals who helped the organization better serve its members.Honorees were Gerry Dick, president of Inside INdiana Business – a division of IBJ Media; Tim Higgins, vice president of business development for Keramida, Inc.; and Shelley Jackson, partner at Krieg DeVault LLP – for all they’ve done for the Indiana Chamber this past year and beyond.
“It was a great evening to celebrate some of Indiana’s most impactful contributors – those who have helped shape the state and those who will in the future,” says Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO. “It was especially gratifying to have Mayor Tom Henry’s family and friends from Fort Wayne in attendance to help honor his legacy.”
