Zionsville Monthly-December 2023

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Kevin Sievert: COLLECTIVE PUBLISHING PUBLICATION

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DECEMBER 2023

SHAKING UP HAPPY HOUR WITH BLOODY MARY AND MARGARITA MIXES

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17 COVER STORY

Kevin Sievert: Shaking Up Happy Hour with Bloody Mary and Margarita Mixes This month, we are delighted to highlight Kevin Sievert, a Zionsville resident who serves as the Principal and President of Banyan Foods LLC. Sievert and his team have embarked on a journey of taste and refreshment, offering the finest drink mixes that elevate the art of beverage enjoyment to new heights. From classic cocktails that stand the test of time to innovative and trendsetting blends, the joy of discovering the perfect sip is an exploration of personal preferences and culinary creativity. Join us in unraveling the delightful realm of drink mixes, where every pour becomes a celebration of taste, blending and the pursuit of liquid perfection.

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Cover photo // Laura Arick

ZIONSVILLE MONTHLY

10 Center Presents: Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro: Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret

12 Actors Theatre of Indiana Proudly Presents: Route 66

14 Immerse Yourself in Musical Excellence with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra in 2024!

PUBLISHER / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803 PUBLISHER / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418 DIRECTOR OF SALES / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418

20 Zionsville Community Schools Mid-School

HEAD WRITER / Janelle Morrison janelle@collectivepub.com / 317-250-7298

Year Updates

22 Boone County: A Thriving Community Magnet for New Businesses

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DECEMBER 2023

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CENTER PRESENTS:

ALAN CUMMING AND ARI SHAPIRO: OCH & OY! A CONSIDERED CABARET THE PALLADIUM // SATURDAY, FEB. 3, 8 P.M. Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

with each other. I know that’s what Ari and I both love about this show—that connection that you get. Never mind what we say; it’s the act of coming out and being in a group of people, ready to experience live theater happening right in front of you. That is an important, nurturing kind of thing to do together.

I feel, more and more nowadays, we are so isolated in our homes, phones, screens and pods.

Ari Shapiro: One of the most satisfying things about this show has been getting messages from strangers and audience members after the show who reach out on social media, and they say, “I didn’t realize how much I needed to laugh” or “I didn’t realize how much I needed to forget about what’s going on the world for an evening and just have a great time.” Our show has meaningful moments, but I think the best thing we can do for people right now is to allow them to exhale, sit back, and have a great time.

Alan Cumming (Cabaret, The Good Wife) and Ari Shapiro (Pink Martini, NPR’s All Things Considered) are both known for transporting audiences to other worlds through their stories. Now, they’re joining forces in song. Witness the Palladium debut of their new evening of tunes and tall tales, with musical direction by Henry Koperski.

Don’t miss this collaboration of talent!

Get your tickets at thecenterpresents.org.

Janelle Morrison: Thank you both for carving out time to speak with me about your upcoming show! Getting right into the meat of it, how important is it for people to come together in their communities and come out to support shows such as yours?

Alan Cumming: It is really important for us to come together as human beings in a room, all listening to the same thing, all laughing, and sort of reconnecting

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JM: I read that after a few interviews and encounters between you two, Alan approached you, Ari, about collaborating on a show together. Each of you comes from what on the surface appears to be polar-opposite backgrounds, and yet there is a powerful and authentic chemistry between the two of you, which resonates with your audiences.

Ari: One of the reasons why I love doing the show is because I have a great time with Alan. The two of us have a ball on the stage. We make each other laugh, and we surprise each other every night. We create something new with the audience every time, even though the show follows the same arc from night to night. If we can give people a chance to just be silly and enjoy themselves, I think that’s the best possible use of our talents.

Alan: It’s a very fun evening, but we also talk about serious things, and we come from different points of view.

The show’s called “Och & Oy!” because one of us is Scottish and one is Jewish.

I think the authenticity and vulnerability of our storytelling [are] what people connect to most. It’s two people sharing their lives and experiences, and it’s very heartening. It’s been great and so fun for both us and the audience.

JM: What was the process like when deciding what the show would look like and how you would showcase the myriad of talents you both possess?

Alan: We are sort of an oddball couple because we seem very different, and it was kind of a, “Let’s do a show about opposites and then show people that we have a lot more in common than people think.” We’ve gone through a lot of the same things, and we’re storytellers who tell their stories in different ways. The start of it [creating the show] was us singing songs, throwing out some ideas, and then we got our musical director Henry [Koperski] involved. We’re very different and very opposite in many ways, but that’s what makes the show fun because we are kind of a kooky duo.

Ari: Alan and I have each developed a name for ourselves in different worlds. People tune into NPR, expecting me to deliver an authoritative account of what happened that day, and people go to an Alan Cumming show or watch him in a movie, expecting to be transported someplace else. What we’ve realized is that fundamentally, the two of us are doing the same thing, which is [that] we are telling stories and creating connections. Our show contains the best kind of deep, thoughtful and insightful moments that you might get from public radio, along with the entertaining, escapist musical numbers that you might hope to get from a great Alan Cumming show. When put together, I’ve never seen a show quite like this, and that seems to be what audiences resonate with.

In this show, Alan and I show up as our full selves. We don’t censor ourselves or fade into the background the way that he might fade into a character that he plays or I might take a backseat to the news in my journalism. It is a show for grown-ups, and there are jokes that are not very child-friendly.

JM: Alan, in addition to this show, what are some things you are working on or would like to do that you haven’t done yet?

Alan: I don’t have a bucket list. If you really want to do something, just go, do it, in case you die tomorrow. I think it’s a waste of time if you’re yearning for something in the future. It’s like you’re looking ahead and you’re missing what’s in front of you in the present. So, I don’t look at life like that. I know I’m very eclectic, and I stay open to stuff to see what comes up.

JM: Ari, you have these two lives: entertainer and journalist. You have a serious side to your work, but then you have this creative side where you get to let loose.

How do you balance those?

Ari: Each one feeds into the other. The journalism that I do informs, and the performances that I do with Alan or Pink Martini [refill] the gas tank for me to go back into the newsroom and cover the news every day. They’re different forms of storytelling and connecting with the audience. And even though they seem different on the surface, fundamentally, I think they’re the same project of helping people understand themselves, each other, and the world that we live in.

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Actors Theatre of Indiana Proudly Presents:

Route 66

Take a dollop of Grease, mix in some Pump Boys and Dinettes, and add a generous dose of Forever Plaid, and you’ve got the high-octane fun of Route 66! Beginning with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the “Main Street of America” to the California coast with the surf music of the 1960s, this exciting musical revue features 34 of the greatest “Rock ‘n’ Road” hits of the 20th century. Songs include “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Six Days on the Road,” “Little GTO,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and many more. Get your kicks on with this coast-to-coast hit musical!

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of ATI

D

on’t wait! Put the pedal to the metal and get your tickets at atistage.org.

ship, the Carmel-based theater company things that will attract new people while has shifted into high gear and is cruising remaining true to our patrons. We open into the new year with gusto, already our doors to everyone and hope to increase planning its next full season. We spoke with our attendance going forward.” two of ATI’s cofounders, Judy Fitzgerald While it’s exciting to jet off to New York ATI’S COMMUNITY-WIDE IMPACT and Cynthia “Cindy” Collins, about how ATI City to see a show, Hoosiers are fortunate Actors Theatre of Indiana (ATI) is a is part of Carmel’s economic engine that to have the Center for the Performing professional, not-for-profit theater orgaattracts people and companies to the city, as Arts campus in Carmel and its resident nization of local and national artists dediwell as an integral contributor to the local companies, including ATI, to see extraorcated to excellence in theatre production arts and culture. dinary talent and equity theater. for a diverse patron base in Carmel ATI Artistic Director Judy For example, patrons of ATI may recall and central Indiana. ATI enriches Fitzgerald shared her thoughts when the company produced Stephen the culture of the community on going into the new year and Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical and uses theater as a tool for the upcoming season.

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet educational engagement.

“Finally, in 2024, ATI’s going Street in February of 2020.

Please join us in continuing back to the way it used to be,” Fitz“I think that was a turning point for to support local arts organizaATI because it showed people who we are tions such as ATI, which play a Judy Fitzgerald gerald shared. “The support has been overwhelming, and the community and what we do,” Fitzgerald said. “We sold pivotal role in shaping and enhas been behind us. We’ve seen that out the two nights at the Palladium, and riching the cultural landscape of [support] since the beginning of that show was something to be proud of.” a community and contribute ATI and even more now, getting Collins added, “Richard [J. Roberts] significantly to the vibrancy through this transition. It feels directed that for ATI. He’s brilliant and of arts culture and education. like we’re getting back to ‘normal’ one of the best directors that I’ve worked Organizations such as ATI while we’re freshening things up, with anywhere in the country. The serve as the lifeblood of creative especially with our 2024-25 season. collaboration between the director and expression, fostering an environWe are doing exciting the musical director, the choreographer, ment where artists can thrive and Cynthia Collins and the actors is what made that audiences can engage with diverse [production] great.” artistic experiences.

When asked how Collins Beyond entertainment, local arts switches hats from actor to direcinitiatives often play a crucial role in edutor so effortlessly, and how the cational outreach, providing valuable rerelationship changes between sources that enhance learning in schools her and the cast as the director, and communities. The impact of ATI she replied, “Anytime you are directreaches far beyond the stage or gallery, Brett ing or choreographing, it is a different leaving an enduring legacy that nurtures dynamic when you are not a performa love for the arts, fosters cultural pride, er. You’re not in that little troupe of and stimulates a dynamic and interconactors [who] are in a show; you’re nected community spirit. on the artistic team. So, you’re talking with the stage manager PRODUCING “HIGH-OCTANE” more and collaborating with the PRODUCTIONS musical director more. As a director, In the wake of ATI’s announceyou really have to know your stuff ment and transition of leaderCraig

12

going into rehearsal and begin staging [by] the accordion, and another who’s playing working through all of the bits and pieces the cello.” going through the entire production.”

The music performed throughout Route Collins shared that the four actors 66 goes with the times, featuring classic in Route 66 will only be using their first songs from a variety of genres such as names. The original four actors in the “King of the Road,” “Dead Man’s Curve,” stage production of Route 66 used “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” only their first names: Scot, Andy, “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and many more.

Brandon and Michael.

Patrons are sure to take a trip Collins said, “The guys are down nostalgia lane with this playing themselves, using only smash-hit musical revue! their first names and bringing Collins and Fitzgerald empha[to the stage] their personalities, sized the importance of audience which is always fantastic. They all and cast engagement during the Eric have incredible personalities. We’ll have show. For them, it’s not only about the a band feature, and the guys will ticket sales, but the experience for join them, playing instruments, the cast, crew and audience. [which is] a little different [from] “Route 66 is written in a way how that section is usually that makes it more engagdone.” She added, “Another fun ing and fun,” Fitzgerald said. aspect of Route 66 is the old “There’s something about the commercials that come with the way the show is written that’s just Kieran show. There are old Chevy and Texaso funny, and you feel like you really co commercials, and there is great music! know the performers and their personaliThese guys are four powerhouse singers, ties. They all have different personalities, and there are some really pretty songs and and all four of them are incredible and ballads in this [show], too. We wanted the funny.” She added, “I’m really excited for guys to be more engaged instrument-wise 2024. We’ve been in full rehearsal mode with this production, [so] there’s one actor and full production meetings, and it’s like, who’s playing the guitar, one who’s playing ‘Okay…let’s go!’”

Brandon Vos Musical Director

Cast List

Brett Mutter Craig Underwood Eric Olson Kieran Danaan

Director/Choreographer Cynthia Collins

Musical Director Brandon Vos

Scenic Design

P. Bernard Killian

Lighting Design Quinten James

Sound Design Zach Rosing

Costume Design Alexander Stearns

Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald

Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell

Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald

FEB. 2-18

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Center’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office at the Palladium, call 317.843.3800 or visit atistage.org.

13

Immerse Yourself in Musical Excellence with the

Carmel Symphony Orchestra in 2024!

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Provided by CSO

As we stand on the threshold of a promising new year, anticipation builds for an exhilarating second half of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra season. The air is charged with the promise of captivating performances, melodic enchantment, and the shared joy of musical exploration.

A

s the orchestra embarks on this musical journey, patrons can look forward to a symphonic experience that transcends expectations, ignites the senses, and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who join us in celebrating the power of orchestral artistry. Get ready to be swept away as we usher in a dynamic and unforgettable chapter in the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s extraordinary musical odyssey.

CSO NAMES COMMANDAY AS MUSIC DIRECTOR David Commanday was recently named CSO’s Music Director, and his initial appointment will continue through the

2024-25 season. Maestro Commanday captured the hearts of CSO audiences and musicians upon his arrival, which is a testament to his brilliance and leadership.

CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain is pleased with the momentum that has been and continues to be generated by the organization since Commanday filled the vacancy.

“We are extremely honored and pleased to have made this appointment,” Chastain stated. “The musicians of the CSO fell in love with Maestro Commanday at their first rehearsal, and the results of this positive engagement have resonated at our Palladium performances. Audiences are responding, and we can’t wait to see how the Carmel Symphony Orchestra evolves

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under Maestro’s Commanday’s leadership.”

Renowned on three continents, Commanday has earned a reputation as a remarkable conductor with his ability to elevate his musicians in each of his performances. Commanday currently serves as Artistic Director/Conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, an innovative ensemble now celebrating its 15th season, as well as Director of Orchestral Activities and Instructor of Cello at Eastern Illinois University.

Commanday expressed, “I am deeply honored by this appointment and the opportunity to work with the wonderful musicians of the CSO in the seasons ahead. Carmel has a treasure in this orchestra and in the Palladium, the truly world-class concert hall that is their home. I can’t wait to get to work!”

EXPERIENCE THE EXCEPTIONALISM THAT IS CSO Witness the convergence of two art forms that will leave you inspired and uplifted when CSO performs with the talented performers throughout “Cirque Goes to the Symphony,” a Jan. 27 concert at the Palladium. In this thrilling program, six members from Cirque de la Symphonie, a touring group based in Athens, Georgia, will perform magic, strong-man acts, ribbon dancing, juggling, spinning shapes, cyr wheel and hula-hoop artistry while Commanday leads the orchestra through music by Bizet, de Falla, Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Strauss, Rimsky-Korsakov, Sibelius and John Williams.

“The idea was to bring a group to Carmel [who] would showcase lighter symphonic repertoire and be community and family-friendly, as well as provide a great date-night experience,” Chastain said. “The Palladium is a majestic theater, and bringing this kind of act to the stage really takes advantage of the show-stopping atmosphere of the hall.”

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are extremely limited and available at carmelsymphony.org.

“STAR-CROSSED LOVERS”: A VALENTINE’S WEEKEND CONCERT Mark your calendars and be sure to purchase your tickets for CSO’s “Star-

Crossed Lovers” concert on Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. This concert will be a treat for classical fans and romantics of all kinds. The Romeo and Juliet story, told musically by Sergei Prokofiev and Leonard Bernstein, is paired with Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto, played with passion and virtuosity by guest soloist Francisco Fullana.

Come early to enjoy the pre-concert romantic surprises in the Palladium side lobbies and atrium from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.! “’Star-Crossed Lovers,’ of course, fits and resonates with Valentine’s Day,” Commanday said. “We have two pieces on this program [that] have lots of meaning for

me. [First is] the Romeo and Juliet Suite by Prokofiev. If people haven’t had a chance to see or hear this music, they will be blown away by its power and its romanticism. I think this is one of the greatest scores ever written for the stage…bar none. I’ve had the privilege of performing the entire ballet at a world premiere in Boston, and I adore this score. The psychology and everything that goes into it musically and emotionally is fabulous.”

Commanday continued, “Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story Symphonic Dances, I’ve performed many times and always with great joy. It is so brilliant, and it’s

always a delight to come back to it. And then the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto is such a romantic, gorgeous piece, and it all fits into the overall aesthetic. I won’t give it away now, but we also have an additional musical treat that will be a delight on that program, too!”

Guest soloist Francisco Fullana included his thoughts on the upcoming program and performing with the CSO. “I am so looking forward to my trip to Carmel very soon,” Fullana shared. “It is extremely exciting to perform alongside my friend Maestro David Commanday, and we are thrilled to share the stage.

Mendelssohn is not just only a classic of the violin repertoire, but a piece that I am sure will bring energy and move the audience at the Palladium with its amazing melodies and virtuosic passages. Truly one of my favorites to share, alongside a great group of talented musicians from the CSO! See you very soon, Indiana!”

Tickets for these upcoming performances are selling quickly, so don’t wait to purchase yours! Visit carmelsymphony.org for more information.

Welcome Maestro David Commanday to the CSO! BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY

1.27.24

Cirque Goes to the Symphony

2.10.24

“Star-Crossed Lovers” over Valentines Weekend

3.16.24

Bohemian Masterpieces & The Firebird

Drama & Opera: Verdi’s Requiem 4.13.24 www.carmelsymphony.org

COME HEAR THE CARMEL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S NEWLY APPOINTED MUSIC DIRECTOR | LIVE IN CONCERT | AT THE PALLADIUM 15

Banyan Brands, LLC

Kevin Sievert: Shaking Up Happy Hour with Bloody Mary and Margarita Mixes Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and submitted

This month, we are delighted to highlight Kevin Sievert, a Zionsville resident who serves as the Principal and President of Banyan Foods LLC. Sievert and his team have embarked on a journey of taste and refreshment, offering the finest drink mixes that elevate the art of beverage enjoyment to new heights.

W

hether you’re crafting invigorating concoctions at home or indulging in the creations of skilled mixologists, the world of Bloody Point and Bella Sun Luci drink mixes beckons with their symphony of flavors, textures and aromas.

From classic cocktails that stand the test of time to innovative and trendset-

ting blends, the joy of discovering the perfect sip is an exploration of personal preferences and culinary creativity. Join us in unraveling the delightful realm of drink mixes, where every pour becomes a celebration of taste, blending and the pursuit of liquid perfection.

ABOUT BLOODY POINT Nestled along the sun-kissed southern

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tip of Daufuskie Island, SC, Bloody Point stands as a cherished and historically significant locale, once a battleground for its coveted hilly dunes.

Bloody Point Bloody Marys are premium all-natural mixes designed for discerning consumers who prioritize quality and complexity over simplicity. Honored with awards, these mixes eliminate the need for additional enhancements—just shake

We are lucky enough that our bloody mixes have won international awards every time we introduce them”

vigorously, open the bottle, mix with your preferred spirit, and savor a flavor profile that will undoubtedly leave you craving more. Gluten-free, low-sodium, and with no added MSG or artificial preservatives, Bloody Point sets a new standard in the world of Bloody Mary mixes. The next time you peruse the store shelves for a bottle of Bloody Mary mix, take a closer look at the ingredients, which might be a revelation to you.

Based on a masterful and precise fusion of natural ingredients—fresh tomatoes, whole peppers, and ground spices— Bloody Point’s distinctive mixes promise a delectably layered symphony of flavors that reign supreme. Bloody Point Mixing Co. products have triumphed in blind taste tests, outperforming major competitors by an average ratio of 7 to 1. Its product line is among the most versatile and creative in the market, a testament to its commitment to excellence.

Having sampled the entire Bloody Point liquid mix collection, we are providing an honest endorsement of these products and invite you to experience the layers of flavor firsthand. The blends truly speak for themselves.

A COLLECTIVE OF EXPERTISE IN RELATED INDUSTRIES Sievert detailed his extensive background in the grocery industry and food product manufacturing while describing Banyan’s multifunctional team as individuals leveraging their core competencies and skill sets to provide their customers with services from product ideation to consumption. Sievert also expressed how each individual brings vast connections and resources to the “party.”

“My background has been in the grocery industry, on the periphery or otherwise,” Sievert said. “I have been on staff with the largest of grocery retailers based in Cincinnati. I have been with the largest sales agencies, the largest manufacturers of food products, and also the largest North American ingredient supplier and formulator, and that’s why my resume looks a little different than most people’s. I retired approximately four years ago and became bored within six weeks, [though] I do volunteer for the SBA and SCORE programs.”

After retiring, Sievert decided to jump back into the food and beverage game but in a smaller and more intimate capacity

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than his former positions. He started Banyan Brands, which boasts award-winning product lines that include Bloody Point mixes and Bella Sun Luci mixes.

Sievert said, “We are lucky enough that our bloody mixes have won international awards every time we introduce them. We produce [what] other [authoritative bodies] are validating [as] high-quality products.

Under Banyan Brands, we have a large portfolio and have introduced a margarita [Daisy Point Margarita Mix] and a tropical drink mix [Limonita Point Tropical Mix].”

Having relocated from Hilton Head, SC, to Carmel, IN, Sievert’s head mixologist Justin Johnston is the renowned and award-winning formulator for the majority of Banyan’s mixes.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY AND BOASTING WITH FLAVORS Sievert explained that he and his team are competing at a very low level against infinitely resourced larger companies, and that’s where they are comfortable.

“This is no David and Goliath battle where we have any premonitions about suddenly beating the big boy,” Sievert stated. “We want our niche [to be] a quality one, and we want to be in specific demographic areas. We’ve only highlighted about 18 markets around the country to penetrate in, and they tend to be the resort communities where affluence comes in and leaves, carrying the message [of our products] with them, and they tend to purchase [our products] online or somewhere else. We are in Phoenix, AZ;

southern California, New Orleans, LA; Florida, New York, both coasts, and up the eastern coast to Maine. We’re also in Michigan and, just out of vanity, Indiana because I live here.”

In addition to the website, Bloody Point can be purchased in Carmel at Market District. Sievert shared that they are finalizing an agreement with selective Costco stores throughout the U.S., in which they will be selling their Bella Sun Luci mixes.

For a complete list of distributors, resorts, retailers and distilleries, visit banyanbrandsllc.com.

Banyan Brands also offers delectable accoutrements such as pickles and pearl onions under the Grateful Gourmet label that feature three levels of heat: spicy and sweet, fire, and inferno. These products are available for purchase through the company’s website.

“Our Bella Sun Luci Chipotle Bloody Mary Mix has a very distinct chipotle flavor, and that won the ‘Best New Item of 2023,’” Sievert revealed. “We also have

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a [Bella Sun Luci] salsa mix that is a little spicier and a little more viscous. We have our Limonita Point, which is also all-natural, is 40% coconut, and is meant for things like piña coladas and tropical drinks like that. We use a special agave that is grown between the border and Tucson. It has a flavor profile that is a point of differentiation.”

Sievert continued, “People ask, ‘Why Daisy? Daisy translates to ‘margarita’ from English to Spanish. We were all surprised that nobody had ever leveraged that, so we went with Daisy Point Margarita Mix, and it’s something fun for people to think about.” He added, “Bella Sun Luci is the largest brand of sun-dried tomatoes in the country currently in grocery stores, and they are based in California. The sun-ripening process brings a certain sweetness to the tomatoes that you wouldn’t get [through] normal processing. We also buy a packet of sundried tomato powder from them to mix into the formulation to ensure that it

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Mid-School Year Updates Z i o n sv i l le C om m un ity S c h o ol s

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and submitted

As the calendar year was wrapping up, I sat down with Zionsville Community Schools’ superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman to discuss the highlights of the first semester and topics of interest going into 2024.

ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF A GROWING COMMUNITY

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here are 60-plus languages, in addition to English, spoken primarily in homes throughout the Zionsville community. Coffman and members of the ZCS administrative team are pleased to have introduced ParentSquare to the district.

“One of the things that I appreciate about switching to ParentSquare is that I can see the languages that people have selected, especially for emergency communications,” Coffman said. “I feel confident that we are doing better daily at getting information out to all of the ZCS families throughout the community.”

Another way that Coffman and ZCS administrators have been identifying the

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needs and concerns of the school district is through the feedback of the ZCS Eagle Ambassador Academy. The program is designed to take participants inside ZCS to gain in-depth knowledge of how the school system operates. Participants also have an opportunity to connect with district and building-level ZCS team members as they work alongside other community leaders for the children in

Eagle and Union Townships. Information on the academy is available on the ZCS website at zcs.k12.in.us.

Coffman shared, “Our Eagle Ambassador Program has gone really well. We have 50 participants [currently] participating.

I truly appreciate that we have people [in our community] who want to learn about our school [system]. We meet every month and have focused topics. We’ve talked about school safety, facilities operations, school transportation and cyber security. Every session, we’ve had a feedback survey, and participants can provide feedback and ask questions. It’s been a positive experience.”

Coffman added that ZCS has restarted its “Strong in Every Way” speaker series after taking a hiatus during the pandemic.

She is hoping to build up attendance for these presentations as they discuss current issues such as artificial intelligence, parenting in a digital age, child abuse prevention and training, and other important topics relating to the safety and educational experiences of ZCS students.

Visit the ZCS website for a current schedule of upcoming speaker presentations.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS AND BENCHMARKS Coffman listed some of the district’s highlights and benchmarks for the first half of the 2023-24 school year.

“We had the opportunity to sit with our teachers’ association, and we landed on a two-year contract that is attractive not just in compensation but also in benefits,” Coffman stated. “That will be beneficial for us, as we are recruiting new graduates and recruiting next spring for open positions. I feel that we will be competitive with some of the other contracts in the metro Indianapolis area. We had some thoughtful conversations with our teacher leaders, and that was a very positive opportunity for us.”

Coffman continued, “There’s a lot of excitement that’s occurring with some of the different businesses and [industries] that are coming to Boone County, and we’ve been trying to expand connections [that] are providing additional opportunities for ZCS. We met with the leadership [at] INvets to learn more about the transition period [when] individuals leave military service and begin civilian life.

We’ve been able to introduce folks from INvets [to] various veterans [who] are in our organization, both in operations and transportation, so we have a couple of new opportunities and new relationships that have been forged.”

Coffman was pleased with the most recent budget season.

“We were able to maintain a stable tax rate again, and we’re in year ten of having a stable tax rate while still accomplishing our goals. We did a ‘ratings’ call with Standard and Poor, and we were able to affirm our strong credit rating to be, again, one of the highest in the state for all school corporations. Our rating helps our taxpayers significantly when [ZCS] has to borrow bonds to finance different needs. We can take advantage of a very low interest rate by having that strong rating. That is [a] huge success because we saw neighboring [school] districts not fare as well.”

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024 This past September, ZCS was awarded the AI-Powered Platform Pilot Grant through the Indiana Department of Education to use an artificial intelligence “personalized tutor” program dubbed Khanmigo.

Coffman stated, “Our high school math students who are taking Algebra 1 and 2, Finite Math and maybe one other course can take advantage of this grant offering.

It is a pilot [program], and we’re pleased to be awarded that. We’re excited to see how

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Our high school math students who are taking Algebra 1 and 2, Finite Math and maybe one other course can take advantage of this grant offering.

It is a pilot [program], and we’re pleased to be awarded that. We’re excited to see how successful students feel [about it] as a tool as they navigate their courses.” successful students feel [about it] as a tool as they navigate their courses.”

Coffman continued, “Some other things on the horizon as we enter 2024: our fourth-grade families will begin hearing from our middle schools on what we are offering students, and Lynn Kissel, who is John Maxwell-certified and does a lot of our work with residency and enrollment, is offering some ‘Transition Strong’ sessions for fourth-grade families to consider ways in which they’ll be connected not just with their student(s) but to one another’s families as their children transition into middle school.”

As the major ZCS facilities’ construction and renovation projects wrap up with minor finishing touches, Coffman shared that besides ensuring that they provide a quality space for students and staff, Coffman and her team will conduct a “refresh” of the ZCS full facility study.

“Union Elementary and Zionsville West Middle Schools are close to that 20-year mark,” Coffman said. “We are constantly evaluating [our facilities] to make sure that we are being good stewards of the resources taxpayers have afforded the school corporation. We are revisiting that study now, and then we will overlap that [study] with our finances to make a financial plan, [again] with the goal of maintaining our tax rate stability so that we’re not increasing taxes for the community members.”

Coffman concluded, “There’s a lot to celebrate. We’ve done a nice job of trying to maintain our promise to our community of maintaining lower class sizes.

We watch the [area] developments very carefully because we want to maintain small class sizes.”

BOONE COUNTY:

A Thriving Community Magnet for New Businesses

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

A strong and attractive county often possesses a combination of economic, social, and environmental factors that contribute to its overall appeal. Boone County earned the prestigious title of “2023 NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year” and was awarded that honor by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce on November 14, 2023.

This accolade reflects the county’s remarkable growth, quality of life, and business-friendly environment.

T

he award ceremony, held in downtown Indianapolis, showcased Boone County’s achievements in economic development, workforce initiatives, and community engagement. This recognition is a testament to the county’s commitment to sustainable growth, attracting investment, enhancing its residents’ quality of life, and providing a business-friendly environment.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND PLACE Boone County’s most recent notable achievements include securing nearly $800 million in business expansions over the past five years. Significant investments include Ken’s Foods, NewCold, REGO-FIX, GR Brands, FTIC, and Eli Lilly.

Small businesses contribute to more than 80% of the county’s economy, and Boone County currently ranks highest in the state for employment growth at 10%.

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Molly Whitehead Executive Director of the Boone EDC

Mike Hanlon Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

Amenities contribute not only to residents’ comfort and enjoyment but also to the county’s economic development.

By enhancing the overall attractiveness of an area, amenities can contribute to increased property values, business growth, and a positive community image.

These factors lead to a more vibrant and sustainable county.

The six communities located throughout Boone County offer their own unique and impactful amenities that enhance quality of life and continue to attract new businesses to the county.

Molly Whitehead, executive director of the Boone EDC, said, “The Boone Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) nominated Boone County for this award. We wanted to acknowledge—and obviously, the Indiana Chamber [of Com-

merce] wanted to acknowledge—not only the county’s tremendous growth but also the communities that we are building. It’s not just about the economic development; it’s also about the quality of ‘place.’ It’s acknowledging the parks and the amenities that the county offers its residents. It’s about the quality of life that the county provides, no matter what lifestyle someone is looking for, and it’s about making sure that we’re telling that story because we’re doing some pretty amazing things here in Boone County.”

When asked about the county’s greatest strength that continues to attract new businesses, Whitehead said, “One of the biggest assets that we have going for us is having Interstate 65 and even I-74 going through Boone County. That I-65 connection from Indianapolis to Chicago brings 90,000 vehicles through our community every single day. One of the major reasons that companies choose to locate in Boone County is because of where we are geographically located. They want to be close to the major metropolitan areas, air transport and the access to workforce.”

Whitehead shared that even before the LEAP project was on anyone’s radar, Boone County was experiencing exponential growth. Based on the 2020 census, it is the second fastest-growing county in the state and 63rd in the nation.

“There is a lifestyle for anybody here in Boone County,” Whitehead emphasized.

“That’s true from a residential standpoint as well as an industrial and commercial standpoint. Each [Boone County] community needs to adopt their best version of themselves and work together to be successful as a [county] community.

Being the ‘Best Community’ is about us collectively working together and what we’re able to accomplish together. The Indiana Chamber Award was meant for Boone County. It wasn’t meant for Boone

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County Government; it was meant for all of us collectively. Lebanon, Whitestown, Thorntown, Advance, Jamestown and Zionsville—we are all part of Boone County.

Let’s all celebrate this [accolade], as it is something to be proud of.”

The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mike Hanlon shared his thoughts on the designation on behalf of the local chamber.

“The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to share that Boone County has been designated as the Indiana Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. This honor is a testament to the collective efforts of our community, with special acknowledgment to the Zionsville Chamber and its devoted members who played a key role in achieving this esteemed recognition.”

Hanlon added, “The designation of Indiana Community of the Year highlights the resilience, innovation, and community spirit defining Zionsville. It underscores the remarkable accomplishments of Boone County, showcasing the commitment of the Zionsville Chamber and its members to cultivate an atmosphere of excellence, growth, and prosperity. With a longstanding commitment to championing economic development, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall quality of life for Zionsville residents, the Zionsville Chamber sees this statewide recognition as validation for our collective initiatives. It emphasizes the positive impact that our unified business community, in collaboration with the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, Boone County Chamber, and Boone County Convention and Visitors Bureau, can have on the broader region throughout Boone County.”

For more information on the Boone EDC’s initiatives, visit BetterInBoone.org.

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