The Knox County Chamber of Commerce celebrated local leadership, service, and business excellence at its 109th Annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday night at Highland Woods Community Center.
The evening honored several individuals and organizations making a significant impact across Knox County.
All of the winners were previously announced.
Vincennes Industrial Supply was named Small Business of the Year for its long-standing service to local industries and continued support of community organizations.
Sunrise Coal LLC received Large Business of the Year. As one of the county’s top employers, the company was recognized for both business leadership and its ongoing community investment.
Kristi Morron, owner of Attic Salt Boutique, was named Business Woman of the Year. Morron opened her downtown shop in 2017 and is an active supporter of the Knox County CEO program.
Educator of the Year went to Parker Newman, a special education teacher at Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary. Newman was nominated by one of his students for his dedication to helping children with special needs.
Chief Aaron Luce of the Vincennes Community School Corporation was named Public Servant of the Year for his leadership in establishing the school district’s new police department.
Dr. William “Tom” Thompson, a family physician in Monroe City for more than 40 years, received the C. James McCormick Community Leader of the Year award. He was honored for decades of service supporting youth, conservation, and education initiatives.
The Nonprofit of the Year award went to the YMCA of Vincennes, recognized for its major facility renovations and partnership with the City of Vincennes on the Vincennes Trolley public transportation project.
“Tonight’s about celebrating the wins for Knox County and these award winners,” said Chamber President Jamie Neal. “We want to highlight what’s going on in our community and show everyone that it’s a great place to live, work, and enjoy. The Chamber is here as a resource for our businesses, and this event is our way of saying thank you.”