About Northern Indiana
Our History
The Northern Indiana Chapter was founded in the fall of 2008. Brenda Houtz, Vice Chair, received the chapter charter during the 2008 International Conference in Roanoake, Virginia. The chapter's first officers were Sheryl Edwards, chair; Brenda Houtz, Vice Chair; Carmon Swinson-Lake, International Board Representative; Mary Fernanders, Secretary, and Sandi Schlemmer, Treasurer. The 21 founding members all worked for American Electric Power's Indiana Michigan Power operating company.
The chapter quickly organized two major events -- the well-attended professional development session whose topic was "Best Practices for Conflict Management" and the multi-site, multiple-day bake sale that put nearly $650 in the chapter's new bank account.
The chapter encountered a membership decline in 2010 when members' employer had a major corporate restructuring. The chapter, however, persevered under the leadership of 2010 Chapter Chair, Brenda Houtz, and 2011-2012 Chair, Gail Buhr.
The chapter had a "Believe-Achieve-Inspire" luncheon to recognize and toast retiring members and roll out the Helen J. Murray Program fund. The fund was founded to recognize the contributions and strong support provided by Helen J. Murray, former Indiana Michigan Power president and chief operating officer. The fund assists a member with costs to attend the international conference.
The chapter has an annual Chapter Executive Committee (CEC) retreat where leadership reviews past performance and sets goals for the coming year. The Friend-to-Friend program was created to assist members during times of need...because everyone needs a friend! From cards celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and new babies to providing support to a member during an illness or death in the family, the program has been used often.