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The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2024 Annual Meeting award recipients. These recipients were announced during the February 8 Franklin Chamber Annual Meeting which featured the Franklin State of the City Address by Mayor Steve Barnett.

Franklin Chamber Community Service Award: Carol Phipps

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.

The recipient of the Franklin Chamber Community Service Award is Carol Phipps. Carol, a retired executive from Lilly, is a passionate community volunteer who dedicates her time to several organizations including: The Rotary Club of Franklin, Interchurch Food Pantry, Bridges Alliance of Johnson County, United Way of Johnson County and is a founding member of 100 Women Who Care – just to name a few. Carol added, “I feel blessed by seeing the giving side of our community... the caring people who want to make a difference, whether it be through monetary support, in-kind support or volunteering”.

Franklin Chamber Community Impact Award: Franklin Zeta Chapter of Tri Kappa

The Franklin Chamber 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. Tri Kappa, a service organization with chapters in Indiana, brings women into close, unselfish relationship for the promotion of charity, culture, and education. Tri Kappa, Franklin Zeta Chapter currently has 77 familiar faces and are comprised of women throughout the community. During the past five years, they have contributed more than $94,000 to organizations strengthening the community. That amount includes $6,844 in classroom grants for Franklin School teachers, $10,500 in scholarships to support Franklin youths in college adventures and $76,656 to various not for profit organizations in our community. Accepting the award on behalf of Tri Kappa, Franklin Zeta Chapter was President Jennifer Wilson.

Franklin Chamber Business Hall of Fame Award: Generation Art & Frame

The Franklin Chamber 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 over all contribution to the community. 

Generation Art & Frame started when mural artists Doug and Jeannie along with their son David Hendrickson took notice of Franklin’s growing need for an art supply and framing store. They opened their original location at Northwood Plaza in 1994 where they remained until 2018 when they decided to relocate to Franklin’s downtown. They are now located in the heart of downtown Franklin and continue to provide the community with custom framing, art classes, shows, and artwork by local artists. David’s son, Joshua, joined 18 years ago and the business continues to be family run, now operated by David, Joshua and his wife Tasha and will celebrate 30 years in March.

“We are honored to recognize these local organizations who truly exemplify excellence and the cooperative spirit we value in our business community”, Rosie Chambers, Executive Director.

“2023 was an explosive year of growth for the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. The Genuine Franklin marketing campaign will be an area of focus for the coming year. This campaign was created to highlight the authenticity of Franklin, its businesses and its people. We invite all businesses to participate in this initiative,” she added.