Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Barry Lauber, president of the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce welcomed the largest crowd ever to attend the chamber’s 12th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon held May 6. The event was held at the Southeastern Indiana REMC Training Center in Osgood.

Members of the Jac-Cen-Del Eagles 2009 State Championship Team were honored at the luncheon with Lauber saying, “What you achieved that day brought honor and memories to the entire Southeastern Indiana area.” He then introduced Coach David Bradshaw, also presenting him with a check from the chamber for expenses for the team.

Bradshaw thanked the chamber for inviting them, introduced the team, athletic director, assistant coach, and principal. He recapped the team's success story saying it was great to watch young people realize their goal.

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA) was recognized by the chamber as the Business of the Year.

David Baugh, representing the chamber, said the NMLRA is a group that promotes and supports our heritage through living history events and much more. National shoots are held each spring and fall drawing thousands to the Friendship area that usually only has a couple hundred residents.

The NMLRA has been in existence for over 75 years and has grown from 15 members in 1933 to more than 17,000 today. The members are from every state and many countries as well.

Terri Trowbridge, director of publications for the NMLRA accepted the award, thanking the chamber for the recognition. She noted that last weekend the Lore of the Laughery was held bringing to life the time period of 1750 to 1812. She said over 1000 school children were impacted by the event learning about period games, getting to try on costumes of the time, seeing leather workers, candle dipping and more.

The NMLRA also hosts a national women’s shoot and youth shoot yearly. These events promote the historical background of muzzleloading, as well as interactive living history programs. For more information about the NMLRA you can go online: www.nmlra.org or call 1-800-745-1493.

New businesses that have opened n Ripley County within the past year were also recognized at the luncheon. They include: Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Bed of Roses, Champion Automotive, Damm Theatre, Envoy Mortgage, Everyday Gourmet LLC, Friendship State Bank - Batesville Branch, George’s Pharmacy, Hucks, Interface Financial Group, RJE Fertilizer, Short Cuts Hair & Tanning, Signature Designs Floral & Gifts, The Home Town Grill, The Sewing Room, Versailles Farm & Garden, Walhill Farm and Tri County Gold.

The Rolling Pin Catering service catered the luncheon with Krueger-Maddux Greenhouses providing the table decorations of spring flowers.

Amy Thomas, chamber executive director, said the chamber has grown in membership in the past year and thanked all the businesses for their support.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTOS Above: Terri Trowbridge accepts a plaque from Ripley County Chamber of Commerce President, Barry Lauber, left, after the NMLRA was named Business of the Year by David Baugh, center, at the chamber's annual business recognition luncheon held May 6. Pictured below, Barry Lauber, presents a check to JCD Coach David Bradshaw after the team was congratulated on their state win.