Jasper Chamber Hosts Mayor Vonderheide’s State of the City Feb. 18

The Jasper Chamber of Commerce will host Mayor Dean Vonderheide for a luncheon-format State of the City presentation on Wednesday, February 18, aimed at updating residents and businesses on municipal priorities for 2026. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the VUJ CTIM Building Auditorium and is intended as a compact, civic update during the workday.

"The Jasper Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to attend the 2026 State of the City of Jasper presentation on Wednesday, February 18th, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the VUJ CTIM Building Auditorium," organizers said. The Chamber set the fee at $20 per person; "The cost to attend is $20 per person, including lunch, and can be paid at the door." Organizers emphasize that advance registration is required: "RSVP is required and must be made by Thursday, February 12th. To make your registration, contact the Jasper Chamber by phone at 812-482-6866 or by email chamber@jasperin.org."

The event arrives amid an active municipal calendar. The City of Jasper has a Redevelopment Authority meeting scheduled for the morning of Feb. 18 and a City Council meeting that evening, underscoring a full day of public business for those following local policymaking. Recent council discussions have flagged priorities such as economic revitalization area designations, infrastructure investments, and efforts to attract employers and housing - themes likely to surface in the mayor’s remarks.

For residents and business leaders, the noon-hour briefing offers an opportunity to hear municipal direction on development, public investments and Chamber-led small-business supports without committing to a full evening meeting. The Chamber’s decision to include a paid lunch and set a modest attendance fee may broaden attendance among small-business owners and working civic leaders who rely on lunchtime events for updates and networking.

Organizers list the VUJ CTIM Building Auditorium as the venue; reporters and attendees may want to confirm venue naming or details with the Chamber. The announcement does not list additional speakers, agenda items or the lunch menu. It also does not indicate whether advance online payment is available; the Chamber’s directions state payments "can be paid at the door."

What comes next: residents planning to attend should RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 12, by calling 812-482-6866 or emailing chamber@jasperin.org. Expect Mayor Dean Vonderheide to present municipal priorities and for local economic development items raised in recent council sessions to feature prominently in the conversation.