Johnson County and Southern Indy News

Four Johnson County Residents Receive Governor's Distinguished Hoosier Award

Four Johnson County Residents Receive Governor’s Distinguished Hoosier Award December 28, 2016 – Greenwood, Ind. – Four Johnson County residents were honored with the Distinguished Hoosier Award, one of the highest honors given by the State of Indiana to its citizens, during a private reception Wednesday evening. The award is granted at the discretion of the governor to outstanding residents for their accomplishments and contributions to their communities.

“Our awardees are very deserving of this award for their work with economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, charities, churches, service clubs and other organizations,” said former Indiana State Representative John Price (District 47). Price, who nominated the awardees, noted that it was difficult to choose among the several exceptional people in the area.

“Since our high-powered governor, Mike Pence, is now Vice President-elect, I think this award will have special meaning for the recipients,” he added. Price presented the awards at the ceremony on behalf of the governor.

Honored were:

• Jeff Goben, retired banker and co-founder of Heartland Community Bank which merged with Horizon, member of the Sertoma Club of Greenwood, and former chairman of the Greater Greenwood Chamber board of directors

• Steve Bechman, Market President of Horizon Bank in Franklin and also a co-founder of Heartland Community Bank which merged with Horizon, and former member of the Greater Greenwood Chamber board of directors

• Tom Thompson, Part Owner and General Manager of Fletcher Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Franklin and member of Rotary, the Johnson County Development Corp. board of directors and past board member of the Johnson Memorial Hospital Foundation

• Jennifer Tennell, Executive Director of the Johnson Memorial Hospital Foundation in Franklin and member of the Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County board of directors and of Rotary

“All of the awardees are current members of the Greater Greenwood Chamber and work hard to advance the goals of our organization,” observed Chamber CEO Christian Maslowski, “and we are proud of their accomplishments and their contributions to the Johnson County community. We congratulate them on achieving this impressive recognition.”

The four awardees are among an elite group of Hoosiers across the state so honored by the governor this year, Price said.

About the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Greenwood Chamber, incorporated in 1954, is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit business membership and advocacy organization. Its 700 members represent small organizations, big corporations, and self-employed entrepreneurs doing business in northern Johnson and southern Marion Counties. Members collectively employ more than 22,000 Hoosiers. The Greater Greenwood Chamber delivers business networking, education and marketing opportunities, and serves as the leading advocate of local business interests. Member listings, program information, and resident/business relocation information is available GreenwoodChamber.com.



Photo Courtesy of Nicole Davis, Southside Times