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The Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting featuring Franklin’s State of the City Address on February 11 in collaboration with the City of Franklin with a capacity crowd of 350 attendees at Garment Factory Events in downtown Franklin. This annual meeting celebrates the City of Franklin and recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations.

Franklin Chamber of Commerce Past Board Chair Todd Shuck

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recognized Todd Shuck for his service as the 2025 Board Chair. Known for his deep love of community and genuine Franklin spirit, Shuck provided steady leadership to the Chamber’s Board of Directors throughout the year.

This marked Shuck’s second term as Board Chair, having previously served in the role during the 1980s. He will continue his involvement with the Franklin Chamber as Past Board Chair, serving on the executive team and supporting the organization’s ongoing mission.

Franklin Chamber Community Service Award: The Elks Lodge 1818
The Community Service Award recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed significantly to the Franklin Community, serving selflessly without intent for personal or monetary gain.

This year’s recipient embodies the Genuine Franklin spirit through a steadfast commitment to charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. Since its founding, the Franklin Elks Lodge 1818 has raised and distributed more than $10.8 million in charitable support.

In the past year alone, the Lodge contributed approximately $170,000 to cancer research, awarded $19,000 in scholarships and donated nearly $22,000 directly to local charitable organizations.

The Franklin Elks’ Veterans Committee has been especially impactful, supporting veterans through initiatives such as coat donations, household goods assistance, housing support, meals for returning service members, participation in Indy Honor Flight and numerous additional veteran-focused programs.

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the Franklin Elks Lodge 1818 and its Exalted Ruler, David Endris, for their outstanding service and lasting impact on the Franklin community.

Franklin Chamber Community Impact Awards: Wild Geese Bookshop

The Community Impact Award recognizes a business or organization that has demonstrated outstanding business success in the areas of growth, stability and commitment to quality of life and overall contribution to the community.

Founded in 2016, Wild Geese Bookshop is an independent bookstore dedicated to bringing people together through a shared love of stories.

Hosting more than 50 events each year, the bookshop partners with international bestselling authors, local venues and Indiana vendors to create memorable literary experiences in Franklin. In 2025, Wild Geese established the READ GROW FLY Fund through the Johnson County Community Foundation, expanding access to authors and free books for students across Johnson County.

Wild Geese Bookshop is the recipient of the Great Lakes Bookstore of the Year Award and a winner of the Hoosier Hospitality Award. Strengthened by meaningful community partnerships, the shop has gained national recognition and has been featured by the Daily Journal, NPR’s Morning Edition, The New York Times, Forbes, Indiana Business Journal, IndyStar, Publishers Weekly and USA Today.

Through multi-day readers’ camps and a measurable tourism draw, the shop and its owner, Tiffany Phillips, have become among Franklin’s strongest community ambassadors.

Franklin Chamber Business Hall of Fame Award: Industrial Controls & Automation
The Business Hall of Fame Award recognizes organizations who have been in business for at least 25 years and is presented based on their success in growth and stability, commitment to quality, and overall contribution to the community.

This year’s Business Hall of Fame Award is presented to Industrial Controls & Automation. Established in 1994 in the home of Tony and Heather Daily, the company has grown to a team of 30 employees and has spent the past three decades helping manufacturers and industrial partners operate more efficiently through innovative control solutions and automation expertise.

As a family-owned business, ICA is built on long-standing relationships, technical excellence and a commitment to doing things the right way. Beyond its business success, the company is deeply invested in the future, supporting students through summer internships, scholarship development and involvement with local robotics programs. The company also gives back generously by supporting several local nonprofit organizations.

The longevity, leadership and lasting impact of Industrial Controls & Automation on both the industrial sector and the broader community make it a deserving recipient of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame Award. The Chamber proudly recognizes Tony and Heather Daily and their son Barrett Daily for their leadership and commitment to excellence.

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce congratulates Mayor Barnett on a successful State of the City Address and is proud to work alongside the City for the continued betterment of the community. As Franklin grows stronger, so does the Chamber, which closed 2025 with a record 478 member businesses and retention rate of 92%.

In 2026, the Chamber is partnering with the City of Franklin on an information and marketing campaign to support businesses along the U.S. 31 corridor. Through collaboration and a shared spirit of cooperation, the Chamber and its community partners remain proud to help make Franklin a place to live, work, play and belong—truly Genuine Franklin.

About the Chamber

The Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice for business and community growth since its founding in 1910 by creating a community of genuine relationships where businesses connect, grow and thrive. For more information go to www.franklincoc.org