Columbus Chamber recognizes community investments with awards

The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce recognized community residents with awards at its annual meeting including the prestigious Community Service Award which went to a local couple.

The chamber held its 117th annual meeting at The Commons Wednesday.

Among those recognized with awards were Mark and Wendy Elwood with the Community Service Award, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Columbus with the Business Excellence Award. The Edna V Folger Outstanding Teacher of the Year went to Rock Creek Elementary’s Krea Hill.

Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon announced the Elwoods, saying “… what truly sets Mark and Wendy apart is how intentionally they have invested their success into this place they call home. Through board service, philanthropy, and hands-on engagement, they have strengthened organizations that support the arts, architecture, education, economic development, and the wellbeing of families across our region.”

“In every sense, Mark and Wendy reflect the spirit of this award: Leadership with humility; Success paired with service; A belief that strong communities are built by people who choose to give back.”

John Burnett introduced The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Columbus at the ceremony, explaining that Coca-Cola’s roots here in Columbus started in 1912, when A. E. “Junie” Schumaker began producing flavored sodas here. Four years later the Coca-Cola bottling company was launched and it continues into its third generation under Hutch Schumaker and even an upcoming fourth generation.

Burnett said that the company “continues to be an engaged and generous community partner.” He said the “company and its employees contribute meaningfully to the vitality of this community, supporting local initiatives and strengthening the place they have called home for more than a century.”

Hill is a 4th grade teacher at Rock Creek and previously taught at Taylorsville.

According to the IU Center for Teaching and Learning which sponsors the Folger award, “Hill is selfless, compassionate, and radiates joy. With her unique ability to connect with people, she inspires and engages students, colleagues, and families across the community.” Her students praised her calm and making them stretch themselves. They said she uses creative ways to make learning fun – like studying spelling words using shaving cream, making food in class and bring in baby pigs after finishing a reading of “Charlotte’s Web.”