Westfield Lantern Awards light the way

By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com

With ties to the Underground Railroad, the symbol of the lantern has come to represent the hope and possibility that light the way to the future of Westfield. Since 2007, the Chamber of Commerce Lantern Awards have recognized the best of the best in leading Westfield forward.

This year, the Chamber of Commerce received more nominations than ever in the past.

“Tonight, we celebrate not only our successes but also the relationships we have built along the way,” said Chamber President Courtney Albright. “It is through these connections that we find inspiration and new opportunities.”

Perhaps Westfield Mayor Scott Willis best summed up the spirit of the evening.

“What a year for the City of Westfield!” he exclaimed. “We’re going to take a victory lap tonight and celebrate the successes.”

Westfield Washington Schools Superintendent Paul Kaiser presented the WWS Award of Distinction to Jean Jackson.

“She’s got such a kind soul and a kind heart,” Kaiser said. “She goes above and beyond, and there’s no one better than her to represent Westfield Washington Schools.”

Westfield Police Department Chief Shawn Keen presented the First Responders Award of Distinction to Detective LeeAnn Carter.

“Detective Carter’s work exemplifies the very best of law enforcement, reflecting dedication, compassion, and service,” Keen said.

Last year’s Young Professional of the Year recipient, Rachel Nelson, presented this year’s award, recognizing an individual under 40 for their significant contributions to bettering Westfield.

“I know firsthand what it means to stand here,” Nelson said.

She then presented the award to Westfield Welcome Senior Community Events Coordinator Kristen Mix.

Mix also accepted the award for Community Event of the Year, the Total Solar Eclipse at Grand Park, on behalf of the City of Westfield and Westfield Welcome. In addition to the eclipse event, Mix also played an integral role in Colt’s Training Camp, the Mayor’s Grand Gala, and other city-wide events in 2024.

The mayor presented the award for City of Westfield Employee Award of Distinction to Janell Fairman, director of economic development.

“Not only in this 12 months has she built a staff of five people, but she brought in almost a billion dollars of commercial investment commitments into our city in the first year,” Willis said. “This woman works tireless hours to bring good to our city, to improve the quality of our city, and to diversify our tax base to make it a better place for all.”

Janelle Campbell, past-president of the Chamber board of directors and last year’s recipient of the Individual Award of Excellence, presented the award for Westfield Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award to Birch Dalton, managing director of EdgeRock Development. Campbell told a story of a hot afternoon at football practice for the Westfield High School Shamrocks when Dalton paid for all the team members to get a Gatorade.

“That is just an example of his generosity,” Campbell said. “Beyond his professional successes, Birch’s character is what truly sets him apart. He is a man who leads with kindness and integrity, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.”

Danielle Carey Tolan accepted the award for Westfield Citizen of the Year. In the last year, she has made the transition from Westfield Washington Township Trustee to City of Westfield Deputy Mayor.

“Everybody in this room also deserves this award because it’s about you, and we can’t serve and commit to this community as one,” Carey Tolan said. “It’s a group effort.”

Other winners of the evening included Community First Bank of Indiana for Community Volunteer Award of Distinction, The Cabin Counseling and Resource Center for Healthcare Award of Distinction, Humane Society for Hamilton County for Outstanding Service Organization of the Year, HNTB as New Partner of the Year, Becky the Bakester as Small Business of the Year, Boundary Consulting as Mid-Size Business of the Year, and Church Church Hittle + Antrim as Large Business of the Year.

“We’re experiencing a time of transition and growth, but through collaboration and innovation, we have emerged stronger than ever,” Albright said. “Our commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth has never wavered. Together we will continue to champion the interests of our members and drive positive change in our community.”