Chamber director to seek Jasper Council seat

Nancy Eckerle, Executive Director of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, has announced her intention to seek the Republican nomination for one of two at-large seats on the Jasper City Council in 2015.

Current at-large council member Ray Howard has announced he will not seek re-election in 2015.

Eckerle previously served on the common council representing District 5 from 1996-1999.

“I have worked very hard in any job that I have undertaken,” Eckerle said in a press release. “The Chamber of Commerce position has given me the opportunity to serve my community in many ways. When I see a need, I am able to develop goals and objectives, seek collaborators and see the task to its realization. Jasper is moving forward in a progressive way. We are a true business center and a hub of activity.  I want to be an active part of this growth and development and I know that I can help accomplish goals in a positive way.”

Eckerle is the President of the Jasper Strassenfest, Inc. Board of Directors, a Board Member of Redevelop Old Jasper Action Coalition, and a Board Member of Dubois Strong, the county’s economic development organization.  She is the Co-Chairman of the Dubois County Substance Abuse Council, a group she co-founded. Eckerle organized the Summer Riverwalk Concert Series, Jasper’s O’Tannenbaum Days, and the Patoka 2000 Beautification Project.

Nancy Eckerle is a member of the Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center Mission Committee, Jasper Strassenfest Committee, Greater Downtown Jasper Business Association, Freedom Reins Therapeutic Riding School Board, Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executives Association Board, Cathedral Health Care Center Advisory Board, and City of Jasper Zoning Ordinance Steering Committee.

She is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Eckerle is a 1976 graduate of Jasper High School.  She earned degrees in Social Work from Vincennes University and Indiana State University.

She has been with the Jasper Chamber since 1987.

Eckerle received a Young Hoosier Award from the Indiana Jaycees in 1993.  In 2012, she was nominated for the Athena Award sponsored by the Rotary Club of Jasper. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Association made her a Certified Professional in 2013.

Nancy Eckerle, 57, and her husband Gil have three adult children and live on Jackson Street.