Chamber Magazine of New Castle-Henry County Indiana

New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine Spring 2021

CHAMBER HONORS CITIZEN & BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Destination:

Henry County

From the Wright Brothers to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, local tourism promises new opportunities HENRY COMMUNITY HEALTH:

WOMEN SOAR IN HEALTH CARE INSIDE: 2020 Heroes of Henry County

Our COmmunity. yOur Career.

Henry Community Health has openings for the following positions:

+ register nurses

(full and part time).

+ Licensed Practical nurses (full and part time).

+ respiratory therapists. + medical assistants. + Social Workers. + Phlebotomists. + Physical therapists. + Pharmacy technicians.

We offer flexible scheduling, competitive compensation, opportunities for advancement and a generous benefits package.

For more information and to apply online, visit: www.hchcares.org/careers/

Henry Community Health 1000 n. 16th St. new Castle, in hchcares.org Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

HealtH + Healing.

Henry Community Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Henry Community Health cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

Committed to community.

1,000+ PPP Loans. $80+ Million in Support. And counting...

You’ll often hear us say our mission is to help our clients, co-workers, and communities succeed.

They aren’t empty words. To date, we’ve helped over 800 area businesses, farmers, and nonprofits receive over $80 million from the Paycheck Protection Program.* When “big banks” in the area wouldn’t answer their clients’ phone calls, our bankers stepped up to help as many as possible. That’s because we understand those businesses make up the backbone of our local economy. In addition to their dedication, our bankers have the knowledge and real-world experience needed to help clients reach their financial goals.

To learn more, call 529-5450 or visit www.mycsbin.com and request a free financial review.

Discover the difference a local bank can make.

765-529-5450 • www.mycsbin.com • . .

Carmel • Dunkirk • Fishers • Hartford City • Knightstown • Montpelier • New Castle • Pendleton • Rushville • Union City

*These numbers are accurate as of 3/31/2021. Citizens State Bank is approved to offer SBA loan products under the SBA’s Express Lender program.

NMLS 135463 Member FDIC

chamber’s steady presence

2020 Heroes of Henry County pays tribute to all who persevered through COVID-19 pandemic

L

ike so many of our traditions, the long-held Chamber annual meeting was derailed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the needed restrictions to keep us all safe.

As weeks turned into months and now, a full year later, we were delighted to finally celebrate our 2019 Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year while also giving special recognition for the work by the “2020 Heroes of Henry County.”

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shonda Kane

‘Your Chamber remains ready and able to assist you and your employees in whatever way you need us.

We’re here to serve you.’

Annual awards were announced March 16 during a virtual celebration. In this edition of Chamber Magazine, you will read more about the 2019 Business of the Year, Boar’s Head Provisions and the 2019 Citizen of the Year, Olene Veach.

Although we are seeing hopeful signs of an eventual return to normalcy, restrictions continue to linger, and we decided early in the year to do something special in place of the 2021 Annual Meeting.

The result was a special presentation, “2020 Heroes of Henry County,” which paid tribute to all the determined people and businesses of Henry County, the individual shopkeepers and big business that continued to operate, though in modified forms, throughout the pandemic.

If you were able to join us online for the awards presentation, you have seen “2020 Heroes of Henry County.” But if you missed it, or would like to see it again, please go to our YouTube channel (@nchcchamber) or the Chamber website (nchcchamber.com).

We look forward to once again meeting face-to-face and interacting in bigger groups. In fact, we’re working on a special event that’s right around the corner. Henry County will celebrate its bicentennial birthday in 2022. A special committee has been formed to recognize this milestone, and some plans are already taking shape. I’ll share more in the months ahead.

In the meantime, your Chamber remains ready and able to assist you and your employees in whatever way you need us.

We’re here to serve you.

Have some ideas we should consider? Contact me: (765) 529.5210 or by email: Shonda@nchcchamber.com n Shonda Kane is Executive Director of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

4 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021

New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine Volume 11, Issue 1 PUBLISHER Shonda Kane, Executive Director, New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce info@nchcchamber.com DESIGN AND EDITORIAL DIRECTION The JMetzger Group Juli Metzger | juli@thejmetzgergroup.com John Metzger | john@thejmetzgergroup.com www.thejmetzgergroup.com 765.744.4303 CONTRIBUTORS Writing: Brenda Morehead, John Metzger Photography: Kurt Hostetler, Jeff Morehead Design: Tammy Pearson To advertise, contact The JMetzger Group: 765.744.4303 | john@thejmetzgergroup.com For subscription information, contact Shonda Kane at 765.529.5210.

Chamber Magazine: The voice of New Castle-Henry County Chamber businesses. It is a product of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group. These materials are the sole and exclusive property of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group, and may not be used without written consent.

Copyright 2021: The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group.

The JMetzger Group specializes in branded content, custom publishing and social media solutions.

Learn more: www.thejmetzgergroup.com

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New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine TABLE OF CONTENTS

chamber benefits

Chamber offers new business-building tools for members

Y

Women in health care

10

14 Branding

Henry County

19-21 Chamber awards

Business/Citizen of the Year

22

Heroes of 2020

ON THE COVER:

Summit Lake State Park is a popular and relaxing spot for visitors, and has been ranked by USA Today among the top 25 fishing and boating spots nationwide. The park’s campground saw a record number of COVID-weary visitors during the summer of 2020.

Photo: The JMetzger Group/Chamber Magazine archives INSET: Olene Veach is awarded the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year. Photo: Kurt Hostetler 6 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021

our New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce has added even more benefits to help business members succeed! Be sure to take advantage of these cost-saving and business-building tools, new this year:

BOARD PRESIDENT

Cara Huffman

‘We’re excited to announce our partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. ... You may opt-in to receive benefits of U.S. Chamber Small Business Membership at no additional cost to you.’

SHAFER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: An exceptional

value for small businesses, Chamber business members with fewer than 25 employees will receive a membership to the Shafer Leadership Academy, which provides leadership development and continued education.

SLA offers a wide range of programs geared to increasing the impact of your business by engaging, empowering and educating employees.

Visit the website to learn about the program offerings that are included with your membership: shaferleadership.com

E-COMMERCE: Your business may sell gift cards/certificates via the Chamber website. This benefit allows businesses without available e-commerce to serve their customers wishing to purchase online. Businesses will be provided a link to their item hosted on the Chamber website.

NEW PARTNERSHIP: Finally, we’re excited to announce

our partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce! Through the Federation Partnership Program, you may opt-in to receive benefits of U.S. Chamber Small Business Membership at no additional cost to you, including: resources with howto information on topics ranging from health care to taxes, legislative alerts for notifying you of pressing policy initiatives based on issue interest, and access to webinars, guides and other resources to help you access funding and support available to you amid the pandemic.

To opt-in to receive your U.S. Chamber benefits, please contact Chamber Executive Director Shonda Kane: shonda@nchcchamber.com/765-529-5210 for your membership number which you will need to create your U.S. Chamber website log-in.

NOTARY SERVICES: Unlimited notary service is available to Chamber members. Notary service is available to nonmembers at $10 per document. n

Cara Huffman is the president of the Board of Directors for the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. She is a broker/owner of FC Tucker/Crossroads Real Estate.

LIVE LOCAL DREAM BIG Solar Energy: A Brighter Future for Us All Privately funded solar projects create millions of tax dollars for our communities and for farmers. In some Indiana counties, solar projects help provide high-speed internet for the first time.

Solar projects help: •Fund schools and libraries •Improve local roads •Support first responders and more Sign up with Hoosiers for Renewables to learn more about how solar energy can support your community’s growth:

www.HoosiersForRenewables.com/Indiana

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021 | 7

You have friends in high places!

When you find yourself in the dark, we’ve got your back.

economic development

Talent Region: Collaboration is key to our success

E

arly in 2021, Henry County, as part of East Central Indiana’s Forge Your Path coalition, was named a 21st Century Talent Region, a statewide designation awarded to Indiana communities focused on working collaboratively to attract, develop and connect talent.

The Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee was instrumental in Henry County’s participation in this important long-term work necessary for our community’s prosperity.

EDC DIRECTOR

More about 21st Century Talent Region n Watch the EDC website for updates: growinhenry.com

n To learn more about ECI Forge Your Path, please visit: forgeeci.com Corey Murphy Our commuting patterns confirm that Henry County’s prosperity is tied to the success of our surrounding counties.

Collaborating with our neighbors and sharing best practices is very helpful.

The Talent Region includes Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush and Wayne counties, and at its heart is the goal to reverse the trends of population loss and generational poverty.

Long-term goals for the Talent Region

Providing the cooperative difference since 1936.

3400 S. State Road 3 n New Castle, IN 47362

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The Talent Region has set lofty goals, working to: • Leverage our quality of place assets to reverse negative population resulting in a net 0% population change by 2030.

• Mobilize our learning system to increase educational attainment to 35% by 2025.

• Build upon equitable economic opportunities to boost median household income and earnings to $49,530 by 2025.

Plans for the immediate future

To do this we have set four goals to reach by 2022: 1. Increase integration of East Central Indiana’s Forge Your Path lifestyle marketing initiative across stakeholder marketing and talent attraction efforts by December 2021.

2. Establish regional coalitions to develop plans to increase achievement in early childhood, K-8, high school, and adult/ higher education by December 2021.

3. Lay the groundwork for industry-specific networks to participate in regional implementation plan and develop talent pipelines in manufacturing, trades, education, health care, and technology by early 2022.

4. Define and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all talent attraction, development, and connection efforts through and beyond 2022. n Corey L. Murphy, CEcD, EDFP, serves as President of the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation.

WHAT MOVES BUSINESS FORWARD? I N N O VAT I O N , L E A D E R S H I P, H A R D W O R K .

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Email us today: askmuncie@ivytech.edu CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021 | 9

WOMEN IN HEALTH CARE Leadership roles grow within the medical industry

T

STORY BY BRENDA MOREHEAD PHOTOS BY JEFF MOREHEAD

|

he role of women in health care is an everchanging landscape, and helping shape that landscape locally are five women who are part of Henry Community Health. They recently shared their thoughts about the vital role women play in the field.

Women account for three-quarters of full-time, year-round health care workers today, according to the U.S. Census.

“We hear so much about issues in health care that need attention,” said Cori Morris, who is Chief Regulatory Officer for Henry Community Health. “I think women are drawn to solve problems. It’s an opportunity; a challenge. We see ways to nurture people and improve the current system.”

And while the number of women who are doctors has lagged behind other positions in health care, such as nursing, that is changing. In 2019, women, for the first time, comprised the majority of enrolled students in U.S. medical schools, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Data from the AAMC shows that the proportion of women students has been rising in recent years, from 46.9% in 2015 to 50.5% in 2019.

Dr. Lisa Grooms, a family medicine physician, said she sees change happening as more and more women choose to enter health care. While doing her medical school rotations, Grooms said it was common to be first identified as a nurse, rather than a doctor, because she was female. “That’s something we’re going to continue to work on in medicine. I don’t think we’re quite at a point where we have a perfect equality yet,” said Grooms, who joined Henry Community Health in 2020.

Dr. Sara Kovacic, a general surgeon with Henry Community Health since 2018, said even though female enrollment was trending upward when she was in medical school, her residency and training was very male dominated. But she said her colleagues and patients welcome a female perspective.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

10 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021

Dr. Megan Ash, left, and Dr. Lisa Grooms.

‘

I think women are drawn to solve problems. It’s an opportunity; a challenge.

— Cori Morris, Chief Regulatory Officer

’

FRONT: Dr. Sara Kovacic.

BACK: Shelley Wilson, left; Cori Morris, right.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021 | 11

What is your favorite part of working in health care?

‘

I love the opportunities that nursing provides, but I love the people I work with even more. You are literally serving your family, your neighbors.

’

Shelley Wilson, Chief Nursing Officer

‘

It’s gratifying when you can be there for a family during the hardest days of their life, such as when a spouse passes.

They appreciate you being there, and when they show that appreciation, it is the best feeling.

Dr. Lisa Grooms, a family medicine physician

’

‘

I like being able to educate patients to make changes on their own to prevent chronic problems, then having them come back and say they’ve made those changes and feel great.

’

Dr. Megan Ash, a family practice physician

FROM PAGE 10

“Both my partners are men, and we work great together, and there are times a patient even prefers a female for a sensitive health issue,” she said.

Growing up, Dr. Megan Ash, a family practice physician who joined Henry Community Health in 2020, said she knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a physician. It helped, she said, that her doctor growing up was a female. She had that role model, as well as an uncle who was a doctor in emergency medicine. Both of those examples drove her decision to pursue medicine, she said.

Shelley Wilson, Henry Community Health Chief Nursing Officer, said she is seeing increased opportunities for women in leadership roles. She said young women interested in health care need to investigate all their options – to job shadow and determine where their interests are.

One of the challenges for women in health care is being assertive, said Dr. Kovacic. “I think we’re expected to be softer and nicer in our personalities,” she said. “It can be difficult to be assertive because it can be seen as having a bad attitude, rather than being assertive to be a leader.”

Dr. Grooms agreed.

“I think society pressures us to soften our requests, to go with the flow, to not make waves to some extent, and leaders sometimes have to do those things,” she said. “When we push back against those societal expectations, it can be interpreted as being difficult or hard to get along with, which are not great in a leader.”

Another challenge, as in many professions, is finding worklife balance – trying to raise a family while meeting the demands

’

Cori Morris, Chief Regulatory Officer

‘

It makes me so happy when a nurse comes in and tells me that my post-op patient is doing great after surgery, or during a follow-up appointment when a patient says they are feeling better than they ever have.

’

Dr. Sara Kovacic, a general surgeon

of your profession. Determining when or if to start a family can be different for each woman, all five women agreed.

“It just works differently for each person, but it can work if you choose to have a family and a career,” Dr. Ash said.

Wilson said that it is critical that women find a workplace that supports a strong work-life balance, and doesn’t force them to choose between work and family.

“This particular facility is just excellent with that,” Morris said. “That’s one of the only ways that women are going to continue to grow in health care is if all our health care systems support that balance.”

All the women interviewed agreed that in the near future – 10 to 20 years from now – women will continue to advance in health care and likely take on more leadership positions.

“As I go to conferences, you see more groups and dinners to expand the female networking dynamic,” Dr. Kovacic said. “It all comes down to supporting each other. We have to support each other instead of doing the opposite.”

Morris said she hopes to see more women promoted into leadership positions, and not just in nursing. “I think we can get that false sense in health care that we’re doing a good job because women are directors in nursing roles. I hope we can continue to break that barrier and have women leading health care systems, not just clinical units,” she said.

Dr. Grooms said competition between men and women will decrease in future years, and that expectations in the field of health care will be less gender-focused. “I really do think we’ll get to the point where our young, female doctors and nurses will not feel there are barriers,” she said. n

Wilson said it is critical that women find a workplace that supports a strong work-life balance.

12 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021

‘

I like the people I work with and serving my community. I was born and raised here. It really is fulfilling to serve the people you go to church with, your co-workers, your families.

Partnering to Help Henry County Businesses

Working alongside community partners including the City of New Castle, Henry County Government, and New Castle Main Street, your Economic Development Corporation helped facilitate grants for 83 businesses and organizations in the past year.

$516,400

519

Total Impact

$458,400 Grants

23

Restaurants Impacted

Employees Affected

$58,000 ELF Loans

14

57

Retailers Impacted

New Castle Henry County

Service-based Businesses Impacted

GrowInHenry.com 765.521.7402

Economic Development Corporation

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021 | 13

Destination:

Henry COUNTY

The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, a popular site for visitors, has recently undergone extensive interior renovations. Photo: The JMetzger Group

The Economic Development Corporation.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau.

And a new outlook for tourism.

Summit Lake State Park is a popular destination for Henry County visitors.

Marketing local tourism A

STORY BY JOHN METZGER

|

PHOTOS: THE JMETZGER GROUP

rea visitors and residents will soon have a new resource for everything related to tourism in Henry County. In late 2020, the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) joined forces with the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau (HCCVB).

EDC President Corey Murphy says that the idea of merging the two entities is nothing new.

“Over the past year or so we have explored the possibility of collaborating,” he said. “When we consider tourism as a key component of economic development for the area, it makes sense to pool limited resources to create a greater positive impact.”

But before marketing and development can take place, Henry County must determine its brand.

Christy Ragle is the owner of Whole Heart Communications in New Castle, a public relations consultancy company specializing in small businesses. “It’s essential that we establish Henry County’s identity before we go about CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Sites that draw visitors to Henry County include, from left: Robert Indiana Arts & Culture District, New Castle Motorsports Park and the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021 | 15

}

Henry County tourism: A look to the future

In late 2020, the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) joined forces with the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau (HCCVB).

Transition team members offer a glimpse of what’s next.

Organization name • It’s likely that the name of the organization will change, Ragle says. “The name of the organization should reflect who we are, which is being determined in the branding process,” she said. “While it’s true that we have visitors and hope to have conventions, the name ‘Convention and Visitors Bureau’ doesn’t fully describe the tourism efforts taking place in Henry County. We want to foster the assets and attractions that not only make Henry County a great place to visit, but a great place to live, work, and even locate a business.”

Organization Makeup • “The members of the CVB, non-paid volunteers, are still involved,” LeCrone said. “We each received seats on the EDC, and with other members of the EDC team, serve as the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC). We meet monthly.”

• “Ultimately, however, the Henry County Tourism Commission will continue to serve as the overall head of tourism in Henry County,” Murphy said. “The Commission has contracted with the EDC to carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of destination development.”

Branding & Marketing for Henry County

Christy Ragle, Whole Heart Communications

Nicole LeCrone, Summit Lake State Park

Corey Murphy, Economic Dev. Corporation

Physical Location • “The Murphey Building in downtown New Castle would be a premier location for a visitor information site,” LeCrone said. “It is basically the epicenter of the county’s high-attendance events like the Memorial Day parade, Broad Street Cruise-Ins, Farmers Market, the Arts Association events and Library concerts.”

• The Murphey Building, at 100 S. Main St., also called the New Castle Community Center, is owned by the City of New Castle. It houses the EDC and Chamber of Commerce. “We are exploring an update to the lobby and common areas on the first floor to offer a positive first impression, Murphy said. “And that will be a little tricky: It’s one of the oldest buildings in New Castle. We need to respect the historical significance and still provide for the needs of the public, all at an affordable price.”

• Ragle added that the tourism efforts for Henry County will no longer be housed in just one location but will be multiplied into various “kiosk” locations throughout the county. “Additionally, the EDC team is working with regional partners to deliver a robust and comprehensive event calendar and website, she said.

“The website will be the ‘hub’ of information related to Henry County as a destination.”

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The Hoosier Gym in Knightstown is popular among visitors. It was a filming location for the 1986 basketball movie Hoosiers as the home court of the movie’s Hickory Huskers. Photo: The JMetzger Group.

FROM PAGE 15

marketing the area,” Ragle said. “We need to determine exactly what and who we are before we go about spreading the word.”

To build the brand, the EDC is following the lead of an established international company that specializes in helping towns and cities with branding. Destination Development Association, in tandem with downtown and tourism expert Roger Brooks, has a proven branding process for use by communities like Henry County.

According to Destination Development Association, “Branding is the art of setting yourself apart from everyone else, and making you the destination of choice for investment, business opportunities, and as the place to live and visit.”

“Through the branding process, we will determine who we are as a community, and what story we want to share to attract people here,” Ragle said.

Nicole LeCrone, manager of Summit Lake State Park, is tied closely to Henry County tourism. She is a member of the Tourism Advisory Committee, which is a subcommittee of the EDC. She is also the secretary of the Henry County Tourism Commission and former secretary of the HCCVB.

LeCrone said tourism is an important part of the community’s economic picture. “Everything is tied together,” she said. “Once we know who we are, we can market ourselves effectively. Tourism brings visitors and new residents to the area, and they bring money with them. That new money leads to more business and more community income, which leads to a better life for people who are here.”

Beginning in February, the EDC, in partnership with the Tourism Commission, sought community input by conducting two public surveys, Ragle said. “Additionally, our brand development committee represents individuals from throughout the community,” she said. “We are only in the beginning stages of brand development. This is important, and we need to take the time to do it right.”

But there has already been one obvious change affecting the HCCVB. The house, which served as the organization’s office, was sold early in 2021.

“The house on Highway 3 served the HCCVB well in an era when people liked to go somewhere personally to get tourism information,” Ragle said. “The world is now digital, which opens up so many possibilities for Henry County.” n

IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY AND TOMORROW You can provide for the people and causes important to you by taking simple steps now.

Create your plan for the future.

Call or go online to request your Estate Planning Guide and learn about other tools we can offer to make your planning easier.

P.O. Box 6006 New Castle, IN 47362 I Phone: 765-529-2235 I www.hccfgift.org/

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Community Foundation

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021 | 17

Our New Castle Attorneys and Staff will be happy to assist you with all your legal needs.

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Boar’s Head has invested in the New Castle community through an industrial and philanthropic footprint.

CONGRATULATIONS — Susan Faulk-Neal, owner of 2018 Business of the Year ERA Integrity Real Estate, presents the 2019 award to Cory Bennett, plant manager of Boar’s Head Provisions.

Boar’s Head honored as Business of the Year T STORY BY JOHN METZGER

|

PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

he Chamber’s 2019 Business of the Year is Boar’s Head Provisions, and the company attributes its success to its employees.

“We’re very proud and honored to accept this award,” said Plant Manager Cory Bennett. “This award doesn’t happen without a tremendous team.”

“When we opened April of 2016, we were relying on the Henry County workforce to provide the country’s leading delicatessen product,” Bennett said. “Drawing on that workforce has exceeded our expectations. As the demand for our products grew, so did the demand for hardworking employees – committed team members from right here in Henry County.”

Boar’s Head, a fifth-generation family-owned company that was founded in New York City in 1905, has made an important impact on the Henry County community.

The Chamber’s immediate past president, Chris May, was the emcee of the recorded presentation, which was posted online on March 16.

“New Castle is honored that Boar’s Head chose to put their resources in our community,” May said. “They’ve embedded themselves in Henry County, creating jobs and economic growth initiatives. They’ve provided well-paid salaries, benefits and scholarships and continue to add jobs as they expand.”

Beyond the important economic impact, Boar’s Head

has helped improve the lives of Henry County citizens in various ways. Chamber board member Kevin Brown was one of those nominating the company for the award.

“Boar’s Head took a chance on New Castle and Henry County,” Brown said. “They not only made a very significant investment in infrastructure with buildings and industrial footprint. But maybe more obvious is the support of many community projects, fundraisers and causes for the betterment of Henry County.”

The “Chamber Business of the Year” has been an established award since 1999. Criteria to be considered for this award include longevity, financial responsibility, commitment to employees and customers, community involvement and company image.

The 2018 Business of the Year was ERA Integrity Real Estate, and its owner, Susan Faulk-Neal, presented the award to Bennett. n

MISSED IT? OR WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN? To see the full award presentation, visit the YouTube channel (@nchcchamber) or the Chamber website (nchcchamber.com).

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021 | 19

Olene Citizen of the Year

20 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021

‘Olene Veach is one indefatigable octogenarian who continues to give and give and give.’

She worked a 54-hour work week — all as a volunteer O STORY BY JOHN METZGER

|

PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

lene Veach has spent a lifetime in service to others. While in college, it was necessary for her to assume guardianship of her eight siblings. They lived under her protective wing as they struck out on their own. Later, she became the guardian for other youth, carefully and lovingly guiding them into adulthood.

It’s no surprise, then, that her six-page resume lists countless experiences relating to the teaching and training of others, with a special emphasis on the young and disadvantaged.

Veach is the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Citizen of the Year.

The Citizen of the Year has been a distinguished award since 1942, and the recipient is chosen from nominations submitted by Henry County residents.

In his nomination letter, Richard S. Bouslog wrote, “Olene Veach is one indefatigable octogenarian who continues to give and give and give.”

Bouslog goes on to point out that New Castle’s Dr. Ray Pivy, a retired educator, provides to the state a list of volunteer hours from the Retired Teachers Association in Henry County. “Olene, individually, provided more than 2,800 volunteer hours in 2019, or the equivalent of a 54-hour work week!” Bouslog wrote.

Susan Lightfoot, chief probation officer with the Henry County Probation Department, also nominated Veach as Citizen of the Year, describing her current volunteering service at the Henry County Jail and Work Release Center.

In her letter, Lightfoot wrote that Veach “Often spends 60-plus hours each week teaching various classes and programs to the inmates.”

The award was presented to Veach during a recorded presentation posted online on March 16.

The Chamber’s immediate past board president Chris May emceed the award presentation. While the list of Veach’s volunteer activities was a long one, May said it barely scratched the surface of her impact on the community.

The 2018 Citizen of the Year, Jerry Cash, presented the award to his friend of more than 45 years. “It’s a pleasure to present this award to you,” he said.

In true character of a volunteer, Veach said she volunteers because she likes to do it. “A lot of people helped me during hard times and through college, and when you see a need it’s just easy to say ‘yes,’ ” she said. “It’s easier to say ‘yes’ than ‘no’.” n

MISSED IT? OR WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN? To see the full award presentation, visit the YouTube channel (@nchcchamber) or the Chamber website (nchcchamber.com).

CELEBRATION — 2018 Citizen of the Year, Jerry Cash, presented Olene Veach with the 2019 New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award as family and friends celebrated her legacy and giving spirit.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021 | 21

2020 Heroes of Henry County

From health workers to educators to everyday heroes, the Henry County community responds to COVID-19 with sacrifice and hope.

MISSED IT? OR WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN? To view “2020 Heroes of Henry County” please visit the YouTube channel (@nchcchamber) or the Chamber website (nchcchamber.com).

22 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2021

Member Benefits 2021 BOARD Executive Board President Cara Huffman F.C. Tucker Crossroads Real Estate 1st Vice President Cindi Kiner The HR Connection 2nd Vice President Latina Masters Citizens State Bank Treasurer Melissa True Henry County REMC Secretary Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, IVY Tech Immediate Past President Chris May Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

Ex-Officio Members Shonda Kane Executive Director: New Castle - Henry County Chamber of Commerce Corey Murphy President: New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corp.

Greg York Mayor: City of New Castle Linda Link Chamber Ambassador

DIRECTORS Ric Barr Castle Pawn Shop Kristen Bennett ERA Integrity Real Estate Kevin Brown Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service Mary Campbell Purdue Extension Cathy Crabtree McGowan Insurance Group Kevin Davenport Clean N Simple Commercial Cleaning Rebecca Gonya Big O Tires Jeff Jaco The Sanctuary Paulette Lees First Financial Bank Vickie McIntosh First Merchants Bank Doug Meier State Farm Insurance Christy Tompkins Individual Marka Sonoga The Courier-Times Myra Strobel GEO Group Luci Welch Henry Community Health

NEW IN 2021!

Shafer Leadership Academy:

Chamber businesses with fewer than 25 employees receive a membership to the Shafer Leadership Academy, which provides leadership development and continued education. Visit the website to learn about the program offerings included with your membership: shaferleadership.com

E-commerce:

Sell gift cards/certificates via the Chamber website! Businesses without available e-commerce can serve customers wishing to purchase online.

Businesses will be provided a link to their item hosted on the Chamber website.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

Through the Federation Partnership Program, you qualified members may opt-in to receive benefits of U.S. Chamber Small Business Membership at no additional cost.

To learn more, contact Chamber Executive Director Shonda Kane: shonda@nchcchamber.com 765-529-5210

Notary services:

Free, unlimited notary service is available to Chamber members!

Notary service is available to nonmembers at $10 per document.

New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine marks a milestone!

Our very own Chamber Magazine made its debut in Fall 2011 with the edition shown here. We will celebrate this anniversary with special coverage in the Fall 2021 edition, taking a look back at the past 10 years.

Chamber Mag azine Premiere Issue ■ Winter 2011

S teak your Claim

Montgomery’s Steakhouse has just the dish for you

To include your advertising message in the special anniversary edition, HALLofl please contact John Metzger for advertising rates, sizes and deadlines! FAME Basketbal

draws thousand s of visitors to town

thejmetzgergroup@gmail.com | 765.744.4303 HENRY COUNTY

Hospital

High-tech oxyg en therapy heal ing

MUSIC LIFE

of For Kevin Brown it’s about giving , back

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MUNCIE, IN PERMIT NO. 860

100 South Main Street, Ste. 108 New Castle, IN 47362

UNITED WAY:

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HENRY COUNTY! $151,913 in COVID-19 RELIEF granted to Henry County

by United Way.

400 HENRY COUNTY CHILDREN enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through United Way.

38 HENRY COUNTY FAMILIES

have received personalized financial coaching and support through United Way’s THRIVE network.

You can make a difference!

Please donate:

InvitedToLiveUnited.org/give

United Way of Delaware, Henry & Randolph Counties

InvitedToLiveUnited.org | P.O. Box 336, New Castle IN 47362