Chamber Of Commerce Awards

Wren Ferguson, Maggie Cooper, Ian Owen 11/10/22

Every year, the Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce hosts an award ceremony, and this year they awarded three special People. They awarded Jiffy Treet, Darby McCarty of Smithville communications, and Heather Niehoff from the high school(EHS), with different awards. The ceremony was hosted at the Ellettsville Christian Church Family Life Center on October 26, from 6:30 to 8:00. This was an emotional night for everyone, and we would like to thank Edge-Media for producing video profiles for the winners.

Jiffy Treet-

Jiffy Treet was the proud winner of the Chamber Award of Excellence- Small Business award. Jiffy Treet is a local ice cream shop run by sisters, Danelle Clark, and Laura Leleune. This year Jiffy Treet was presented with the Chamber Award of Excellence- Small Business for their good work ethic and their perseverance. “It makes sense. It is pretty popular for only really being in Ellettsville,” says Dorothy Hamilton. Jiffy Treet has been scooping ice cream since 1948. Recently, they expanded by adding a new location in Bedford! They “treet” their workers with kindness and try to teach them values to use in life.

Heather Niehoff- 

Heather Niehoff won the Educator of the Year award at the Chamber of Commerce awards. She is a math teacher at EHS. She came to EHS in 2015. Before she came to EHS, she worked at Ivy Tech, where she taught paralegal studies, as well as mathematics. This year, Mrs. Niehoff earned her Master’s degree in Mathematics from IU or Indiana University. Mrs. Niehoff enjoys her time in our school district and is Edgewood proud. “Edgewood is a great place to teach because they allow students to learn!” Heather Niehoff said during the awards. Mrs. Niehoff is also the sponsor of EHS’s National Honors Society and is Co-sponsor for the Junior Class. In a small interview with Mrs. Niehoff, she said, “I feel much more calm now that I’ve given my speech,” 

Darby McCarty-

This year, Darby McCarty won the Spirit of Maurice E. Endwright Award, which is an award given to 1 person. Established in 2014, the Spirit of Maurice E. Endwright Award recognizes a person who demonstrates outstanding vision, dedication, service, and leadership resulting in all citizens' well-being. Also Once an individual receives the award, they are ineligible to receive it a second time.  

This award is established to recognize the contributions to the community of an individual over a period of time.  A one-time action without continued involvement in the community would not make an individual eligible.  The actions of an individual in the community should be considered a part of the individual’s service and leadership to the community. But, there are some criteria for this award, these include: 


Darby Is the head of Smithville communications which probably provides you with your tv and internet connection.

During the meeting, the committee members brought up some other ideas, but the meeting was mainly for celebration. All the winners of the awards were so thankful. Edge Media’s videos were shown and there were some tears. Mrs. Niehoff was so proud of the video she bought the period that interviewed her doughnuts! The Chamber of Commerce plans to have another meeting before the new year, but the date is undecided. 

Contributor Bios


Wren Ferguson is a 7th grader at EJHS schools. She is a proud Slytherin and a huge Potterhead. She enjoys Math, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Journaling, Media Production, Robotics, and clogging. She is a new member of Velocity, a competition clogging team.

Maggie Cooper is a 12 y/o female who likes teacups, writing, and the color green. Her favorite animal is a butterfly, and she has a strong dislike for asparagus.

Ian Owen is a 7th grader at EJHS. He loves to play video games and hang out with friends.