Franciscan Health Rensselaer Receives Awards From Greater Rensselaer Chamber Of Commerce

RENSSELAER, Indiana - Franciscan Health Rensselaer was recently named 'Business of the Year' by the Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Carlos Vasquez, vice president and chief operating officer for Franciscan Health Rensselaer, was awarded the 'Citizen of the Year' honor by the organization.

The Chamber Business of the Year award is given in recognition of a successful business that has demonstrated ethical business practices, and distinguished themselves with dedicated commitment and energetic leadership, while being active in the community. 

"We are honored to be named the 'Business of the Year' by the Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce," said Vasquez. "We strive each and every day to make a difference in the community. Receiving an award like this is a true testament to all of the hard work and dedication by the great team we have here in Rensselaer."

Terry Wilson, president and CEO, Sister Cheryl Dazey, director of Mission Integration, multiple coworkers and medical staff from Franciscan Health received the award to a large ovation.

Among the accomplishments this year for Franciscan Health Rensselaer was the opening of the Appletree Daycare center in the spring of 2023 on the campus of Franciscan Health Rensselaer, in partnership with Appleseed Childhood Education, Inc. Also, outpatient services expanded into multiple specialties allowing the community to receive healthcare close to home. Franciscan Health Rensselaer has provided numerous services to enhance the quality of business life in the Greater Rensselaer area.

Vasquez was awarded the 'Citizen of the Year' by the Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce for his major contributions to Rensselaer in 2023.

Vasquez holds multiple board seats and engages in numerous civic groups, including: Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus, Jasper County Economic Development Organization, the Indiana Chapter of NAHLE and the IHA Council on Rural Health. He is often spotted behind the scenes at fundraisers barbecuing porkburgers, frying fish, serving porkchops and preparing Thanksgiving feasts for the hospital's coworkers. 

"I am very humbled to have this honor bestowed on me," said Vasquez. "I am fortunate to get to work with the amazing folks at Franciscan. We live our mission every day and being able to give back to the community in the small ways that I do is a true blessing."

Vasquez was a committed driver and partner to Appleseed Childhood Education and together, they were the recipients of the Critical Access Hospital Partnership Award sponsored by the Indiana State Department of Health and its State Office of Rural Health, earlier this year.

For more information on Franciscan Health Rensselaer, visit www.franciscanhealth.org/find-a-location.