Sara Patrick
We made it! It’s officially the last day of the year, and for us, it brings all the feels– a bittersweet cocktail of joy, eagerness, sadness that another year passed, and, well, exhaustion. The last day of the year is a pivotal moment for all of us to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next one with anticipation and strategy. Of the triumphs and defeats, the highs and the lows, and everything in between that we encountered this past year, what will 2026 bring?
As the calendar turns and we prepare to welcome a new year, this moment invites reflection. For us at the Chamber, it’s just not about what has passed, but on what has been built, strengthened, and set in motion for the future. For the LaGrange County Chamber, 2025 has been a year defined by connection, momentum, and purpose.
Throughout the year, the Chamber served as a convener–bringing people together around ideas, opportunities, and shared goals. We hosted networking events that created meaningful business connections, professional development opportunities that equipped leaders and teams, workforce and education conversations that shaped long-term solutions, and community facing events that welcomed residents into the work we do. Each event and program was designed not simply to check a box, but to create value–for business, for individuals, and for LaGrange County as a whole.
That commitment to relevance and impact was recognized beyond our county this year. The Chamber was honored by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association with the Innovative Excellence Award for the third consecutive year, and named a finalist for the Indiana Chamber of the Year for the second year in a row. While awards are never the goal, they do matter– because they affirm that the work happening here is forward-thinking, effective, and worthy of being modeled across the state.
Closer to home, we celebrated the people who make this community exceptional. Our annual Legacy Awards recognized individuals and businesses who are investing in something bigger than themselves– leaders who are shaping the future through service, innovation, and commitment. These moments matter because they remind us that progress is personal, and that lasting impact is built by people who show up day after day.
Behind the scenes, the Chamber also spent intentional time preparing for what comes next. Strategic planning conversations with our board and partners helped sharpen our focus, clarify priorities, and ensure that our efforts remain aligned with evolving needs of our community. Looking ahead, our work will continue to center on workforce development, strong local commerce, and thoughtful advocacy– all while remaining nimble enough to respond to new opportunities and challenges.
If there is one takeaway from this year, it is this: the Chamber is not a building, a logo, or a membership list. It is a tool, and one that belongs to the entire community. It is a mechanism to be leveraged for growth and sustainability across all of our communities.
That is why this is an important time to talk about membership. Did you know that, while many people associate the Chamber strictly with business, individuals can also join? Individual membership is a way to invest in the future of LaGrange County, to support community-building efforts, and to be part of something that creates real, visible impact. You do not have to own a business to believe in strong leadership, a prepared workforce, and a thriving local economy. To learn more about Chamber membership, simply visit our website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or give our office a call at (260) 463-2443. (We’ll be back in the office starting Monday, January 5.)
As we step into the new year, many of us will set goals or resolutions–personally and professionally. This is a season of looking ahead, of asking what matters most and how we want to show up in the months to come. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be writing more about vision, purpose, and the power of knowing your “why.” For now, I’ll simply say this: progress does not happen by accident. It happens when people choose to engage, invest, and believe in what is possible.
Thank you to our members, partners, volunteers, and supporters who made this year meaningful. The work continues–and the best is still ahead. Happy New Year!
Sara Patrick is the Executive Director of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce. For the most up-to-date information on all things related to the Chamber, or to learn more about how to grow the success of your business or organization, visit their website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or phone the office at (260) 463-2443. Sara can be reached by email at sara@lagrangechamber.org.
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