(INDIANAPOLIS) — An Indianapolis businessman who has guided the state’s most storied sports venue to new heights, the co-chairs of the Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform who are pushing for a smarter and more effective system, and a growing community with a high quality of life were honored by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce this evening at the organization’s 19th Annual Awards Dinner. View event photos.

More than 1,200 business, civic and political leaders attended the event at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, which featured a thought-provoking message about the status and direction of our country from former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich. View speech.

The awards dinner is presented in partnership with Veolia Water Indianapolis, LLC.

The 2008 Indiana Chamber honorees were:

Business Leader of the Year Tony George became CEO of the family-owned Indiana Motor Speedway Corporation in 1990 and later founded the Indy Racing League. During his reign over the famous two-and-a-half-mile oval, George has added to the event offerings beyond the famed Indy 500, with NASCAR’s Brickyard 400, a stretch of Formula One races and, just this year, Indianapolis’ first MotoGP. He also led efforts in 2008 to unify open wheel racing under the IndyCar Series, allowing the Indy 500 to remain the cornerstone event. In addition to facilities and events at the Speedway, George and his family oversee Terre Haute-based baking enterprise Clabber Girl.

Government Leaders of the Year former Gov. Joe Kernan and Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall Shepard led the seven-member Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform. The effort produced 27 bold recommendations in areas in which Hoosiers could realize better delivery of services and set the stage for Indiana to restructure local government for the benefit of all citizens.  Among the suggestions: eliminate township government, realign county government by reducing the number of elected officials and by creating a single county executive for more accountability, increase countywide coordination of the delivery of emergency response services and encourage joint purchasing among school corporations.

Community of the Year Noblesville saw its population increase from less than 30,000 in 2000 to nearly 40,000 people five years later and with the numbers still on the rise, put together an aggressive plan to supplement its residential growth. An unprecedented 3,600-acre-plus Corporate Campus combines industrial and commercial development – leading to a more diverse tax base and providing job opportunities for community residents – with additional housing opportunities. Downtown is also emphasized, with longtime professional and retail operations joined by a variety of newcomers – all benefiting from city funding devoted to marketing and infrastructure improvements.

“Whether it’s for attendees at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, all Hoosiers when they use local government services or Noblesville residents and businesses on a routine basis, each of our honorees has been motivated by a desire to deliver the best possible experience,” says Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.  “We truly appreciate their vision and dedication to keeping our state moving in the right direction.”

The dinner followed the Chamber’s Fall Board of Directors and Annual Membership meetings.  Recognized during a luncheon ceremony as Volunteers of the Year for their work with the Chamber were Andre Lacy, Patty Prosser and David Swider, all of Indianapolis.

Jim Merten, investment banker and vice chairman of the board for City Securities Corporation in Indianapolis, was elected the Chamber’s 2009 chair of the board of directors.

PAST INDIANA CHAMBER WINNERS:

Government Leader of the Year
Mayor Graham Richard – 2007
Gov. Mitch Daniels – 2006
Sen. Earline Rogers and Rep. Jerry Torr – 2005
Sen. David Ford and Rep. Brian Hasler – 2004
Rep. B. Patrick Bauer and Rep. Brian Bosma – 2003
Sen. Larry Borst – 2002
Gov. Frank O’Bannon and Supt. of Public Instruction Suellen Reed – 2001
Rep. Jeff Linder – 2000
Rep. Bob Behning – 1999
Sen. Teresa Lubbers – 1998
U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton – 1997
U.S. Rep. David McIntosh – 1996
Rep. Michael Smith and Sen. Thomas Weatherwax – 1995
Rep. Paul Mannweiler – 1994
Sen. Morris Mills – 1993
Hon. Thomas Barnes – 1992
Sen. Joseph Harrison – 1991
U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar – 1990

Business Leader of the Year
Niel Ellerbrook, Vectren – 2007
Clarence J. “Mac” McCormick III – 2006
David Frick – 2005
Jerry Semler – 2004
Doug Bawel – 2003
Bob Koch – 2002
Marilyn Moran-Townsend – 2001
Christopher J. Murphy, III – 2000
Bill Cook – 1999
Ian Rolland – 1998
Patricia Miller – 1997
Randall Tobias – 1996
John Hillenbrand II – 1995
Frank Walker – 1994
Don Wolf – 1993
Dane Miller – 1992
Van Smith – 1991
Dick Wood – 1990

Community of the Year
Anderson – 2007
Evansville – 2006
LaPorte – 2005
Muncie – 2004
Warsaw – 2003
Marion – 2002
Greater Lafayette – 2001
Jeffersonville – 2000
Fort Wayne – 1999
Rochester – 1998
Batesville – 1997
Elkhart – 1996
Indianapolis – 1995
Kendallville – 1994
St. Joseph County – 1993
Columbus – 1992
Muncie – 1991
Bluffton – 1990

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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has been the state’s largest broad-based business advocacy organization for over 85 years.  The more than 4,800 member companies employ 800,000 Hoosier workers.