Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
HUNTINGBURG – The Dubois County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Anthony Tarullo as its new director in January.
The former Louisville resident grew up visiting family in Dubois County and is looking forward to being involved in promoting the business activities of Dubois County.
“My vision for this organization, as it grows, is to grow all of Dubois County, the smaller communities of St. Anthony and Celestine and the small-to-medium independent business owner,” Tarullo said.
Four years ago, the Huntingburg and Ferdinand Chambers of Commerce merged into a single organization focused on promoting business and community growth in the two communities. The Dubois County Chamber office is located on the second floor of the Old National Bank building in Huntingburg.
Tarullo is currently working on the annual chamber membership drive and schedules and promotes ribbon cuttings.
Tarullo is also in the final planning stages of the Huntingburg Garden Gate Festival, an April 27 wine and jazz event that is a fundraiser for the Dubois County Chamber. Held from noon to 6 p.m., the event is at Market Street Park and will feature performances by three jazz bands. Vendors include several wineries and breweries as well as local food trucks. The event coincides with a car show organized by Huntingburg Kiwanis.
Dubois County also is planning to welcome large crowds for the April 8 solar eclipse. Events are planned at the Huntingburg Airport, Sultan’s Run Golf Course in Jasper and the Monastery in Ferdinand.
“We’re a prime county to visit and experience the eclipse,” he said.
Not being from Dubois County gives Tarullo a unique perspective on the community and he wants the chamber to be a resource for all businesses.
“In today’s business climate everyone wants to work smarter not harder. Whether you’re a farm upstart in Celestine or a wood manufacturer that’s been around 75 years, there should be something our chamber can offer everyone,” he said. “This county prides itself on its manufacturing prowess but I’m seeing an influx of independent business owners having a great idea and going out and executing that idea.”
A ranking of business friendly counties in Indiana by altline found that Dubois County is the No. 1 small business-friendly county in the state. The majority of the large established employers in Dubois County started out as small, homegrown companies.
Tarullo said there are a number of start-up agriculture businesses that are primed for growth. To build on that, he’s working to start a quarterly grant award for independent businesses and an annual scholarship for a young entrepreneur.
Currently, the job of chamber director is part time. Tarullo works full time as director of Dubois County’s Habitat for Humanity, which is about to complete its 20th build.
“I’m looking to grow our membership and grow the position into a full-time role with staff because that’s what our county deserves,” he said.