The following is a media advisory written by Kaytee Lorentzen for The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, Amplify Bloomington, The Indiana Uplands Realtor Association, and Building Association of South Central Indiana (BASCI) will host Elect Connect: Monroe County Commissioners Candidate Forum on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Constellation Stage & Screen’s Waldron Arts Center.
Elect Connect is the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s nonpartisan candidate engagement series, designed to connect the business community and residents directly with individuals seeking public office. This year’s event—held in partnership with Amplify Bloomington, the Indiana Uplands Realtor Association, and BASCI—will focus on candidates in the Monroe County Board of Commissioners Democratic primary race for the District 1 seat.
Through a combination of a moderated forum and open networking, Elect Connect creates space for meaningful, face-to-face conversations on the issues shaping our community, including housing, infrastructure, economic growth, and quality of place. The event will be moderated by John Fernandez, CEO of Amplify Bloomington, and is designed to move beyond campaign messaging and foster real dialogue between candidates and the community.
“Strong communities are built on informed and engaged citizens,” said Eric Spoonmore, President & CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. “Elect Connect ensures voters have the opportunity to hear directly from candidates, ask thoughtful questions, and make informed decisions at the ballot box.”
As part of its role as the voice of business, the Chamber hosts Elect Connect to support civic engagement, elevate key issues, and ensure that local leadership decisions are informed by the needs of our business community. The Chamber does not endorse candidates and remains committed to providing a neutral platform for dialogue and information-sharing.
What: Elect Connect is a nonpartisan candidate forum and networking event that connects the community directly with candidates to discuss key issues impacting Bloomington and Monroe County.
Who: Monroe County Board of Commissioners District 1 (2026) Candidates – Trent Deckard (D) and David Henry (D)
Trent Deckard is a ninth-generation Monroe County resident and current at-large Monroe County Councilmember, having served since 2019, including as Council President in 2024. He is a faculty member at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and a doctoral candidate in Global Leadership Studies at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Deckard previously served as a state agency head, district director for Congressman Baron Hill, and chief of staff for the Indiana House Democratic Caucus. Active in several local civic organizations, he is running on a “Community of Care” approach focused on housing, childcare, and strong county services. He lives in Monroe County with his wife and two daughters.
David Henry is an at-large Monroe County Councilmember and a leader in public policy with over 20 years of experience in emergency management, public safety, and government operations at the federal, state, and local levels. He has worked with agencies including FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the CDC, and previously served as Monroe County’s public health preparedness coordinator. Henry also serves on the Monroe County Plan Commission and teaches at Indiana University’s O’Neill School. He is running for county commissioner to strengthen housing, economic growth, and government transparency. He lives in Monroe County with his wife and three children.
When: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (Forum beginning at 4:45 p.m.)
Where: Constellation Stage & Screen’s Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN 47404
If you would like a press seat, please contact the Director of Communications & Events, Kaytee Lorentzen, at klorentzen@chamberbloomington.org to reserve a spot. Seating is limited; an RSVP is required for media.
About the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization serving as our community’s leading advocate for business. We offer unique leadership opportunities, meaningful volunteer activities, and exclusive business-building programs focused on critical economic, civic, and social priorities. Chamber members support each other and community initiatives, sharing information and resources to help create economic opportunity and community well-being. At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, we believe that better business leads to a better community.
Contact:
Kaytee Lorentzen
Director of Communications & Events
812-336-6381
