PORTAGE | John Diederich, a former chairman of the Northwest Indiana Forum and former regional president of Chase bank, has received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.

The designation is considered the highest honor bestowed by the Indiana governor. It was presented to Diederich by Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville, on behalf of Gov. Mitch Daniels during a recent Forum meeting.

"I have known John for many, many years," Dobis said. "He touches the lives of so many that our region, and indeed our state, is a better place because of him."

Mark Lopez presented Diederich with a flag that flew over the Capitol and a letter from Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., that was read into the Congressional Record.

In the letter, Visclosky stated that Diederich is "one of the most giving and selfless individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing."

Vince Galbiati, the Forum's president and chief executive officer, said Diederich's commitment to Northwest Indiana "has both depth and character."

"In a region challenged by steel industry bankruptcies and ensuing consolidations, multiple tax reforms and policy changes and bank mergers and acquisitions, John's ability to continue to finance businesses large and small, and municipalities deeply affected by a diminishing economic base, is truly heroic," Galbiati said.