Chamber’s EDGE group hosts elected officials

Shown above are the elected officials who participated in today’s discussion with members of the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce’s Leaders EDGE group. From left are Mayor Richard Strick, State Senator-Elect Chris Parker, State Representative Lorissa Sweet, U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman, Steve Justus, regional director for U.S. Senator Jim Banks; Kendall Mickley, County Council president and Charles Chapman, City Council president.

The Huntington County Chamber of Commerce and its Leaders EDGE group hosted their annual meeting with elected officials this morning at Parkview Huntington Hospital, bringing together representatives from city, county, state and federal government for a discussion on issues affecting the community and the nation.

Participating in the conversation were U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman; Steve Justus, regional director for U.S. Senator Jim Banks; State Representative Lorissa Sweet; State Senator-Elect Chris Parker; Mayor Richard Strick; County Council President Kendall Mickley; and City Council President Charles Chapman.

The meeting provided an opportunity for those attending to hear about accomplishments from the past year, discuss current challenges and learn about initiatives and priorities planned for 2027. Discussions covered a wide range of topics at the local, state and national levels.

Among the local issues discussed were projects the City and County of Huntington is currently undertaking or planning for 2027, new housing developments, affordable housing, childcare and education. State-level discussions included priorities of the Indiana General Assembly as legislators prepare to convene in January.

National and broader issues also played an important role in the conversation. Topics included data centers and the electrical grid, the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workplace, healthcare, tariffs, the national deficit and the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The Chamber felt this was an important opportunity to bring elected officials from all levels of government together to encourage communication, collaboration and problem-solving. By working together, local, county, state and federal leaders can better address the challenges facing residents and businesses while helping move the community forward.

“The goal is to create opportunities for our elected officials to come together, share information and discuss how we can work together to address the issues affecting our communities.”

The Leaders EDGE group is an initiative of the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce that brings business and community leaders together to discuss important issues, share ideas and encourage leadership and collaboration throughout Huntington County.

Anyone interested in learning more about Leaders EDGE is encouraged to contact Steve Kimmel at skimmel@huntington-chamber.com.