A century of operation is always an impressive accomplishment. The Munster Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 100th year of connecting people and businesses in 2025, marking the occasion with a special celebration at the Chamber’s annual gala on January 25.
Munster’s small business community formed a Chamber of Commerce in May 1925 during an open meeting chaired by William Terpstra. A month later, the newly established Chamber invited the general public to discuss local problems and potential civic projects at its first formal gathering. In 1927, Henry Daugherty presided over the formation of a Junior Chamber of Commerce. By 1928, nearly 300 guests attended the Chamber’s annual dinner meeting at Town Hall.
The Chamber, an open community organization, initially focused on town-related affairs but also participated in county-wide efforts, including the good roads movement. Munster representatives joined committees from larger cities, endorsed road improvements, assisted the struggling North Township Trustee’s road construction program, and lobbied for increased highway funding.
Over the past century, technologies, communication methods, and business practices have changed immensely, but the Chamber’s mission to connect Munster businesses with each other and the community remains steadfast. Katie Sannito, Chairman of the Board, emphasized the Chamber’s ongoing dedication. “The Chamber offers numerous opportunities for our members to connect and build new relationships,” she said. “We are committed to nurturing small business growth and working closely with civic partners to create a vibrant community.”
Currently, more than 250 businesses are part of the Munster Chamber of Commerce. Members meet on the second Tuesday of every month for networking, mentorship, and entrepreneurial education. In 2024, the Chamber hosted five small-business workshops, covering topics from crafting effective elevator pitches to leveraging artificial intelligence for sales growth.
The Chamber’s focus has expanded to include extensive community outreach. Recent initiatives have supported organizations such as the Munster Education Foundation, Munster High School, Munster Junior Women’s Club, Munster Police Department, Purdue Northwest Women on the Rise, Heroes Helping Heroes, and the Munster Firefighters Association.
The Munster Chamber of Commerce hosted Light the Night at Town Hall in Novmber
Karen Mashura, Executive Director of the Munster Chamber of Commerce, expressed pride in the organization’s longevity and community impact. “One hundred years of service is a real accomplishment and a reason to celebrate,” Mashura said. “We’ve worked hard to meet the changing business needs of our members, and they continue to bring us new, great ideas.”
Join the Chamber in marking this momentous milestone by attending the 100th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster. The event will honor Citizen of the Year Phil Potempa and Volunteer of the Year Sherry Sink, with live entertainment by Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland band Mr. Funnyman.
For more information about becoming a Munster Chamber of Commerce member or attending the annual dinner, email info@chambermunster.org, visit munsterchamber.org, or call 219-836-5549.
