Jasper Chamber expands annual President’s Community Excellence Award; Names first youth recipient

Phil Mundy went through a myriad of emotions at his table near the stage in the dance hall of the Calumet on Wednesday afternoon at the annual Jasper Chamber of Commerce Luncheon as his friends began celebrating him.

Similarly, a few moments later, Maleah Dearing’s 18-year-old expressions belied teenage realization, surprise and acceptance at her table as her mom beamed beside her.

Both were honored at the luncheon. Phil was named this year’s recipient of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce President’s Community Excellence Award. And in its first year, Maleah was named the first youth recipient of the new category for the award.

Mundy’s natural attributes and commitment to the community he and his wife, Karen, call home were extolled in several letters of recommendation from his friends and son, Ben.

He currently serves on the Jasper Common Council and, in retirement, now works at St. Joseph Catholic Church as the property manager (a project on Tuesday nearly kept him from attending the luncheon, he mentioned in an interview after receiving the award).

He operated Adventures Outdoors in Downtown Jasper for many years and, understanding the impact small businesses have on a community’s success, was a consummate supporter of local small businesses, purchasing local whenever possible.

Mundy extends that support to other areas of the community. He serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in need of service through the court system and volunteers extensively at the church. He’s also organized the Strassenfest Bike Ride for many years.

But as noted in the letters and confirmed by Mundy, he typically likes to remain behind the scenes, filling in needs where he sees them.

“The real story is not the impressive number of areas in which he shares his talents, but rather the willingness to do so,” a nominee stated in a letter of support. “I cannot recall a time when Phil refused to help anyone.”

Ben said he grew up under his father’s commitment to the community. “Dad taught us about community involvement from an early age,” he wrote, pointing out how much his father included the family in those volunteer activities. “Those early experiences impacted us. They are a big reason our family continues to volunteer at events, serve on local committees, and assist with local youth organizations.”

“Dad showed us that generosity is not only about giving money. It is also about giving your time, energy and experience in the community.”

Mundy was emotional as he thanked the chamber and crowd for the award, tearing up as he mentioned that his brother, Dan, was also honored with the same award.

Afterward, he said that the values and support for the community he lived out were passed down by his parents.

“My parents always taught us that we need to be responsible for our community and involved in our community,” he explained. “And I’ve always tried to do those things. And again, I did it for one reason because I love doing it, and I felt it was the right thing to do.”

Mundy is the most recent in a long list of winners of the award that include Bob Siebert, Anne Heeke, Jim Stenftenagel, Ed Rumbach, Bob Gramelspacher, Patty Cox, Bob Steffe, Rich Eckerle, Norbert Eckerle, Leon Fleck, Dave Buehler, Dan Mundy, Lynn Krodel, Ken Sendelweck, Ken Sternberg and Maureen Braun, Donnie Lichlyter, Dr. Nancy Otte, Gervase Schwenk, Joe Rohleder, Bernie Vogler, John Siebert, Becky Beckman, Mike Jones, Mike Ackerman, Dan Fritch, John Seng, Dean Vonderheide, Bob Bleemel, Kim Lottes, Dr. Dean Beckman, Laura Grammer, Christian Blome, Jim Siebert and Jason Nord.

Maleah, a senior at Southridge High School, has been actively involved in her community since 2023, when she worked to turn a middle school project into the area’s first special needs festival, The Sky Is the Limit, and created the nonprofit that supports it, Differently Abled, Inc.

Since then, she has served on the Huntingburg Mayor’s Youth Council, Dubois County CARES, and a core group working to bring an inclusive playground to the county. She also received the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s Brilliant Firefly from Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch in 2023.

“Maleah Dearing has built an extraordinary record of community service at a young age,” one nomination letter stated. “Through her leadership of Differently Abled, Inc., her dedication to youth leadership, her advocacy for individuals with special needs, and her commitment to strengthening her community, she continues to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of others.”

Maleah has found that the community supports its youth and their ideas. Along with that support, she’s had a group of people in her life that have supported her as she’s taken on new challenges.

“I’ve just met so many great people that have encouraged me to kind of go with what I want to do,” she said.

Through this support, she’s been able to learn a lot and grow. Though she hasn’t chosen a college yet, she will complete a degree in special education and plans to return to Dubois County.

“When I walked in, I saw so many amazing people in our community, and it’s so great to be considered for this award,” she said when the award was announced. “My mom wrote me a speech, but I’m a little too nervous to even read or think, for that matter. But thank you so much. I appreciate it, and I couldn’t do it without any of you guys, and thank you for even considering me.”

Outgoing board president Pedro Mendez used his remarks to look back on the chamber’s 2026 programs. He said the Health and Lifestyle Expo was expanded this year to include health-related products and services. The chamber also kept running the Dubois County Small Business Resource Center, which offers counseling to new and existing businesses.

Mendez said the chamber held four “time out from business” networking events and 22 ribbon-cutting events so far this year. It launched ChamberCare, an affordable health insurance option for small businesses. It also hosted four Women Empowering Women sessions and supported community efforts, including paper shredding days and beautification projects. Seminars covered human resources, technology, small business development and starting a business. In June, the chamber celebrated Indiana University’s National Championship.

Brian Schutt, the first Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, was the keynote speaker. His talk covered the large number of businesses owned by people over 50 and the impact their retirement will have on communities.

They also held a panel with several business owners: Brad and Sandy Smith of Tell City Pretzel, Zach Graber of Zax Creamery, Bryce Morrison of Mom Water and Ruger Kerstiens of Huntingburg Mechanical.