Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Honors 2016 Legacy Award Recipient

Al Rent. File photo.Al Rent. File photo.

Muncie, IN—The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce honored J. Allan Rent with their 2016 Legacy Award. The Gala Event held at the Horizon Convention Center, had over 300 guests.

The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Award is presented annually to an individual or couple who has made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community, and who has provided leadership in the development of programs, events, and/or new traditions that promote goodwill and community pride.

Among those who spoke at the Gala were:  Hank A. Milius, President/CEO of Meridian Health Services; Cathy Schrecongost, Former Radio & Television Personality; Jay Williams, Co-Founder/Chairman/CEO/ of Legion of Creatives; Thom Huge, Director of Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale in Cody, Retired; Michelle Kinsey & Angie Rapp, WBST/Indiana Public Radio and Jim Davis, Creator of Garfield.

“Al Rent has been an important part of this community and it’s only fitting that the community honors him with the Chamber’s Legacy Award. Al’s contributions haven’t only touched Muncie-Delaware County, but numerous others across the country.” said Chamber President Jay Julian.

J. Allan Rent graduated from Ball State University with a BS degree in 1967. He currently works for Ball State University as the Executive Director and General Manager of Public Broadcasting. He is married to Linda and they have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

J. Allan Rent’s civic contributions include: current Chairman of the Meridian Health Services Board of Directors, Board member of Muncie Symphony Orchestra Board Chair of Minnitrista. Founding Board Member of WIPB-TV (PBS), Huffer Memorial Children’s Center and Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society, Ball State University Chapter, Indiana Arts Commission: Commissioner, Chairman of Programs, Grants and Services Committee, member of Executive Committee and the 2016 Governor’s Arts Awards Committee.

During the event, J. Allan Rent was presented the Sagamore of Wabash award. On behalf of Governor Mike Pence, Senator Doug Eckerty presented the Award.

Open Door Health Services CEO Bryan Ayars began the evening by greeting guests as the presenting sponsor of the event.  Chamber Chairman of the Board of Directors John Littler presented the award to Rent on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

Past recipients include: Dr. Jo Ann Gora, Immediate Past President of Ball State University; Van P. Smith, Techsmith, LLC; Stefan Anderson, Retired CEO of First Merchants Bank, and community activists Cornelius & Mary Dollison and Dr. George Branam.

The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has been serving the community since 1894.

For more information, contact Erin Ailstock at 765-751-9102 or eailstock@muncie.com.