Ferdinand Chamber names two new board members

The Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce has named Ed Talucci and Chris Welp as its two newest board members. They join Frank Gessner, Alan Hoffman, Diane Hoppenjans, Jim Mehling, current president Pat Miller, Sr. Barbara Lynn Schmitz, executive director Marc Steczyk, Luke Tieken, Brian Tretter, and Olivia Uebelhor on the board of directors.

“Ed and Chris bring two distinct view points, skills, and opinions to our board and we are very happy to have them join us in our efforts to promote the community and, particularly, the business climate in Ferdinand,” said chamber president Pat Miller.

Talucci was born in Philadelphia, grew up in Indianapolis, and received his BA from Indiana University in Bloomington. He moved to Ferdinand in 1993 after the view of the town astonished him while on a leisurely drive through southern Indiana.

Talucci retired in May after 25 years of public service for the Indiana State Department of Health where he did contract and grant administration for various state- and federally-funded programs. He enjoys gardening and devotes time to the Ferdinand Historical Society, St. Ferdinand Parish, Convent Immaculate Conception, Crisis Connection, and the Ferdinand Endowment.

Welp is a graduate of Forest Park High School and Indiana University and recently returned to Ferdinand with his wife Sally (Lueken) and their two young children. He is employed as a System Architect for CIC Plus, Inc., a company that provides employee self-service solutions to large organizations. Chris also serves as a Challenge Master for Indiana Destination Imagination, and he was active in his former church, St. Michael the Archangel, in Indianapolis.

“I am glad to be back in the area to take advantage of the excellent schools and recreational activities. I am also looking forward to becoming more involved in the community and promoting the merits of Ferdinand.” Welp said.