By KEITH ROYSDON
kroysdon@muncie.gannett.com
MUNCIE — Using a TV talk show format, local business and economic development leaders on Thursday honored individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community.

The 115th annual meeting and dinner of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, held at the Horizon Convention Center, also saw acknowledgment of the chamber’s role not only in economic development but community improvement.

The annual dinner was the first for Jay Julian, hired last spring as president of the chamber. As the evening began, Julian introduced a visiting group of government and business leaders from the city of Isparta, Turkey, in Delaware County this week to learn about the potential for local economic development by Turkish companies and establish sister-city relations with Muncie.

But the bulk of the evening was overseen by local personality Al Rent, who hosted In the Limelight, a mock talk-show panel discussion featuring outgoing and incoming chamber board chairmen Charles Sursa and Tara Smalstig.

As the three talked about the history of local business, public service and community, the winners of the chamber’s four annual awards were announced.

Chamber officials honored Second Harvest Food Bank with the Spirit of Small Business Award; Vickie Reed with the Excellence in Public Service Award; Juli Metzger with the Outstanding Contributions to Education Award; and Lifetouch Inc. with the Community Impact Award.

Lois Rockhill of Second Harvest talked about the dedication of those who supported the food bank. Reed thanked local judges for adopting her program to reduce overpopulation in the Delaware County jail. Metzger talked about the opportunities for students in the 21st Century Scholars program. Scott Sorenson of Lifetouch traced the history of the photography business, which has grown to more than 800 employees.

Chamber officials thanked the organization’s 677 members and cited substantial growth in the past year.

Before the ceremony began, local business and community leaders mingled in the convention center hall. The large group included Mayor Sharon McShurley, Brevini USA president Sal Spada, officials from Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University and local business owners.

Contact business editor Keith Roysdon at 213-5828.