The Wells County Chamber of Commerce has recognized Steve Higgins of the Anthony Wayne Area Council, Scouting America, as the November Member of the Month. This honor reflects Higgins’ decades of leadership, mentorship, and heartfelt service to young people and families throughout Wells County and beyond.

Higgins’ Scouting journey began more than 35 years ago, sparked not by a lifelong plan but by a meaningful friendship during his college years at Ball State University. After helping a neighbor whose car had broken down, Higgins developed a close bond with the family—dedicated Scouters who invited him on a camping trip to Michigan. There, surrounded by campfire stories about adventure, growth, and leadership, Higgins made a quiet promise: when his own son was old enough, he would make Scouting a part of their lives.

Years later, when his son entered first grade, Higgins attended a recruitment meeting—only to learn the Cub Pack needed a Cubmaster. Wanting his son to have the opportunities he had heard so much about, Higgins raised his hand. That single moment ignited a lifelong passion for shaping character in young people and strengthening the community around him. What began as volunteer service has now become more than three decades of dedication.

In 2008, after a corporate headcount reduction ended his career with Verizon, Higgins chose to turn his passion into his profession. Two weeks later, he joined the staff at the Anthony Wayne Area Council, Scouting America. This December marks 17 years of his full-time leadership in the Scouting movement, where he has played a key role in outreach, program development, and community partnership building.

Throughout his years of service, Higgins has mentored countless young people on their journey through Scouting’s ranks. Many of his most cherished memories involve standing alongside Scouts as they achieve the rank of Eagle Scout—the highest honor in the program. The Eagle process, which requires years of advancement, leadership experience, merit badge work, and the completion of a significant community service project, represents the culmination of a young person’s growth. Higgins says watching a shy first grader evolve into a confident leader is what inspires him to continue year after year.

Higgins has witnessed the real-world impact of Scouting. Eagle Scouts, he notes, often receive college scholarships, military rank advancements, and unique opportunities in higher education and the workforce. He regularly hears from adults who credit their success to the leadership skills and values they developed in Scouting. For Higgins, these stories affirm that the program’s influence reaches far beyond troop meetings, campsites, and merit badge sessions.

Beyond his formal role, Higgins is deeply invested in the communities he serves. He believes in showing up, getting involved, and being a reliable resource wherever he is needed. His parents modeled active community engagement, and he carries that example forward today. Whether assisting at local events, forming partnerships with businesses and schools, or helping coordinate youth activities, Higgins is known for his willingness to step forward without hesitation.

“This is an exceptional community, and I feel blessed to be part of it,” Higgins said. “There’s so much to do here and so many people working hard to make Wells County a great place to live. Being able to contribute, especially in ways that help young people grow into strong leaders, is an incredible privilege.”

For additional information about Scouting opportunities or to learn more about the programs of the Anthony Wayne Area Council, Scouting America, community members may visit their website at www.awac.org.

Pictured left to right:
Ben Renkenberger, United Way of Wells County, Chamber Ambassador
Kevin Pritchard, Ruoff Mortgage, Chamber Ambassador
Erin Prible, Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Erica Lehman, Lehman Appraisals, Chamber Ambassador
Kira Lee, 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, Chamber Ambassador
Steve Higgins, Anthony Wayne Area Council, Scouting America
Kylie Tomlin, Helping Hands, Chamber Ambassador
Doug Brown, The News Banner, Chamber Ambassador
Jacob Duncan, Farm Bureau Insurance, Chamber Ambassador
Rory Antrim, First Bank of Berne, Chamber Ambassador
Jessica Beste, City of Bluffton, Chamber Ambassador

See photos here