Chamber Magazine: New Castle-Henry County, Indiana. Fall 2011.

New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine Premiere Issue ■ Winter 2011

Steak your Claim

Montgomery’s Steakhouse has just the dish for you

Basketball of

HALL FAME

draws thousands of visitors to town

MUSIC of LIFE For Kevin Brown, it’s about giving back

HENRY COUNTY

Hospital

High-tech oxygen therapy healing

Advanced Wound Center • •Advanced Wound Center • •Antolin, Benninger & Benson Antolin, Benninger & Benson Obstetrics and Gynecology Obstetrics and Gynecology • •HealthRidge Wellness Center HealthRidge Wellness Center • •Henry County Anesthesia Services Henry County Anesthesia Services • •Henry County Cardiology Henry County Cardiology

s u c o u f c o r f Ou r s . u o y u o n o y is on .

• •Henry County Center for Henry County Center for Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine • •Henry County Hospice Henry County Hospice • •Henry County Home Care Henry County Home Care • •Henry County Radiology Henry County Radiology • •Henry County Henry County Rehabilitation Services Rehabilitation Services • •Henry County Sleep Center Henry County Sleep Center

• Henry County Sports Medicine • Henry County Sports Medicine • Neighborhood Pharmacy •Three Neighborhood Convenient Pharmacy Locations Three Convenient Locations • New Castle Clinic • New Castle Clinic • New Castle Family & •Internal New Castle Family & Medicine Internal Medicine • New Castle Pediatrics • New Castle Pediatrics • New Castle Walk-In Care • New Castle Walk-In Care • Strong, Brunck & Barrett •Surgical Strong,Specialists Brunck & Barrett Surgical Specialists

1000 N. 16th St., New Castle, IN 47362 · 521.0890

1000 N. 16th St., New Castle, IN 47362 · 521.0890 www.hcmhcares.org caring · compassion · community · commitment · continuity www.hcmhcares.org caring · compassion · community · commitment · continuity

The more things change, the more they stay the same. . .

In 1908, we established a tradition of adapting our service to suit your needs. Today, we offer Express Lane, a more convenient way to get your car serviced.

With Express Lane oil-change service, there is no need to call ahead. Simply drive in, park in one of the designated parking spots and check in with our Service Advisor.

Plus, our highly trained technicians perform a complete preventative maintenance check of major components. It’s fast, convenient and helps prevent costly breakdowns.

The tradition continues.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

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LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITY? LOOK CLOSER. You don’t have to look far to find the banking partner that’s right for your business. In fact, the farther you look, the more you may be missing out.

What you need is a partner that is close at hand.

Strong enough to serve you, and local enough to serve you better.

BUSINESS CHECKING BUSINESS SAVINGS CASH MANAGEMENT COMMERCIAL LOANS LINES OF CREDIT REAL ESTATE LENDING EQUIPMENT FINANCING CASH RECEIVABLES MERCHANT CARD PROCESSING TRUST SERVICES ONLINE BANKING & BILLPAY TELEBANKING MOBILE BANKING

NMLS# 135463

6 Henry County locations www.csb-nc.com 888.529.5450

Member FDIC

NEW CASTLE & HENRY COUNTY welcome

Crown Equipment Corporation President Jim Dicke III, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and New Castle Mayor Jim Small announce the relocation of Crown to New Castle.

Crown Equipment Corporation, a global manufacturer of forklifts and hand-pallet trucks, is joining the New Castle-Henry County business community. The company is investing $15 million to renovate and equip the former Metaldyne factory, a one millionsquare-foot facility, and will create 150 new jobs. The private family-owned company employs 8,000 worldwide.

765.521.7402 ♦ 866.521.7402 ♦ bgrewe@nchcedc.org ♦ www.nchcedc.org

Premiere issue showcases why we can be proud

Y

ou’re holding the premiere issue of Chamber Magazine, the new voice for New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce members. Volume I. Issue I. In it, you’ll read about one of the community’s most endearing family EXECUTIVE businesses – Hinsey-Brown Funeral DIRECTOR Service. Kevin Brown could have taken any number of paths but he Missy chose to stay here in his hometown and grow a business that has become Modesitt a fixture in our community.

There is so You’ll read about the latest investment at Henry County Hospital - the much to be Advanced Wound Center’s oxygen proud of in therapy treatment and why it is another reason for New Castle residents our business to feel secure about their choices to community keep their health care local. that it There are newcomers to get to know, too, like John Montgomery, became clear who has opened Montgomery’s Steakwe needed house near the interchange of Ind. 3 and I-70. a new way There is so much to be proud of to tell your in our business community that it became clear we needed a new way to story. tell your story. I invite you to spend some time with Chamber Magazine and tell me what you think. The Chamber is here to serve you, our members, and part of that service is telling your story. Enjoy.

New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine Volume 1, Issue 1

PUBLISHER Missy Modesitt, Executive Director New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce info@nchcchamber.com EDITORIAL DIRECTION The JMetzger Group Juli Metzger John Metzger www.thejmetzgergroup.com thejmetzgergroup@gmail.com 765.744.4303 CONTRIBUTORS Design: Tammy Pearson Writers: Janet Spaulding and Cathy Shouse Photography: Maria Strauss www.mariaclarestrauss.com COVER STORY photography by: David Nantz, Nantz Photography www.nantzphotography.com 206 S. 14th St., New Castle, IN 765.521.8888 PRINTING by: Printing Creations, P.O. Box 3, 2204 S. Vine St., Yorktown, IN 765.759.8585 To advertise, contact The JMetzger Group at 765.744.4303.

To request additional copies, contact Missy Modesitt at 765.529.5210.

Chamber Magazine: The voice of New Castle-Henry County Chamber businesses.

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

The JMetzger Group specializes in custom publishing, corporate communications and social media solutions.

Learn more: www.thejmetzgergroup.com Copyright 2011 The JMetzger Group and The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE

The Region’s Premiere Steakhouse

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Carryout Banquets Specialty events Family/Class Reunions Wedding/Rehearsal Dinners

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New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine TABLE OF CONTENTS

10

AMERIANA

CHAMBER BOARD 13

14

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WOUND CENTER 16

18

HINSEYBROWN CITIZENS STATE

NEW MEMBERS

23 25

MONTGOMERY’S 26 STEAKHOUSE HALL OF FAME 8

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

33

Chamber Magazine offers opportunity to tell your stories

Y

our Chamber has been working on your behalf, and I’m proud to say that we have more than 30 new members in the last six months as we’ve built partnerships across the community.

We know our job is to bring BOARD value to you – our member.

And we strive to do that by PRESIDENT creating more opportunities for you. The debut of ChamSteve ber Magazine is one example Wolfrom of the kind of value you can expect from your Chamber. In today’s business environment, there is no room for complacency. We understand that we must try new methods of communication and use new tools The debut of discovery.

It’s what sets your Chamber of Chamber apart. We continue to host Magazine is ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. We offer Chamber one example discount cards and a range of the kind of networking opportunities throughout the year. We pro- of value you vide educational lunches and can expect workshops. We offer marketfrom your ing opportunities through the Chamber website, newsletters Chamber. and member-to-member referrals. Whether you’re a veteran Chamber member or new to our business family, I invite you to learn more about this organization that can help you grow your business.

Chamber Magazine is a great reminder of what we can do for you – provide a business-to-business communications platform where we can tell our story, and our story is all about you.

IN 1752, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DISCOVERED ELECTRICITY IN A FIELD. IN 1935, WE WERE CALLED UPON TO GET IT THERE. Supplying electricity to rural America didn’t happen overnight.

It took vision, cooperation and determination. Today, as a member of an electric co-op, it’s your turn to influence the future by saving energy.

Learn how at TogetherWeSave.com.

201 N. 6th St., P.O. Box D • New Castle, IN 47362 • Ph: 765.529.1212 • Fax: 765.529.1667 www.HenryCountyREMC.com

Ameriana Insurance founder Mike Thalls with his son and Senior Vice President Todd Thalls.

HOMETOWN

PHOTOS BY MARIA STRAUSS.

personal service

Inside New Castle’s business of the year

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE

BY JANET SPAULDING

W

hen it’s time to invest in home ownership, think garage.

Some of the country’s greatest entrepreneurs started there.

Think Microsoft. Think Apple.

Think Ameriana Insurance.

Think Todd Thalls.

The senior vice president and agency manager of New Castle’s own family-run Ameriana Insurance was a garage-born business. Nurtured from humble beginnings, Thalls was

named Henry County’s 2010 Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year recipient.

What a tale this Taylor University educated, energetic, enthusiastic, people-oriented man has to tell. It began in 1960 when he was just old CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Stoops Buick GMC is proud to be a part of the New Castle Chamber Randy Stoops, Owner STOOPSAUTO.COM

765-288-1903 • 4055 WEST CLARA LANE • MUNCIE, IN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

enough to remember his “Pop” – Mike wearing out his shoe leather selling one policy at a time (the first to Granddad); and Mom, playpen beside her desk in the garage, preparing and mailing insurance Like his father forms to close the sale. before him, the “And so it began,” says Thalls, emphasis then with a touch of nostalgia in his voice. and now is on As a 22-year-old college graduthe hometown ate, he returned to his beloved Henry County and joined his people. father at Thalls Insurance Agency. Besides the management partnership he has equally shared with his father for more than 30 years, what gets him excited about coming to work every day, is simple, he says: The people are his passion. Like his father before him, the emphasis then and now is on the hometown people; many of whom the family has done business with for years and now considers friends.

Thalls doesn’t view it as a job but rather a 12

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

service to people of the community.

True to his word, Thalls emphasizes the good works with which his business is proud to have been associated. Among the beneficiaries are Westminster House, Christian Love Center, Optimist Little League and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Partnering with Ameriana Bank in 1987, they have retained that small business attitude with personal service. Ameriana Insurance is large beyond their 5,000square-foot office. He employs five agents and five customer service agents.

Thalls can be found most mornings, greeting his father, who in recent years has reduced his work to part time, but whose able mind, is still relied upon heavily. Just as “Pop” wore through his shoe leather in the early 60s, the junior Thalls continues the tradition today. He’ll no doubt wear out another set of tires in service to his hometown community.

And to think it all began for Todd with him and his siblings in a playpen at his mother’s side ─ in the garage. ■

2012

Board of Directors SECRETARY Ron Anderson / Anderson Systems Integration

New Castle Correctional Facility

Ric Barr / Castle Pawn Shop

Kevin Brown / Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service

Kathy Denney / Citizens State Bank

Dee Dorr / Chamber Ambassador

Rebecca Gonya / Big O Tires

Allison Gerstler / GEO GroupNew Castle Correctional Facility

Joel Harvey / Hayes Copenhaver Crider

2012 PRESIDENT Bill Kindig / Hillcroft Services, Inc.

Creating job wealth and future opportunities for employees With the addition of the 512-bed annex currently under construction, GEO Group is in the process of hiring an additional 60+ employees within the next few months.

To join our team or for future opportunities, please contact the New Castle Correctional Facility: 765.593.0111.

TREASURER Debbie Malone / Main Source Bank

Jamey Marcum / Henry County Hospital

Dental Services are provided by Mid-America Health, an Indianapolis-based company.

2012 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Vickie McIntosh / Ameriana Bank

Doug Meier / State Farm Insurance

Scott Murphy / CMH & Associates

Mayor of New Castle / City of New Castle

Leslie Shaul / WorkOne

Food service and offender jobs: Since making the transition to the new service provider, Aramark, on July 1, 2011, the cost per meal dropped from $1.41 to 99 cents, which will result in an average savings of approximately $11 million each year.

2012 1st VICE PRESIDENT Betty Stickler / STAR Financial Bank

Christy Tompkins / Heritage House of New Castle

Tina West / The Courier-Times

PAST PRESIDENT Steve Wolfrom / Henry County REMC

Offender education and skills: Paving the “Road to Re-Entry.”

Mike Ehringer / Metronet

Jackie Brayton / Henry County Convention & Visitor Bureau

Bob Grewe / Henry County Economic Development Corporation

www.geogroup.com CHAMBER MAGAZINE

13

GOOD

works Henry County Community Foundation awards $11 million in past 26 years.

Henry County Community Foundation Executive Director Beverly Matthews.

U

BY JANET SPAULDING

pon graduating New Castle High School in 1924, senior Theodore Dann and his classmates gazed into the future and set their sites on what could be.

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE

PHOTOS

BY MARIA STRAUSS.

Donate If you’d like to donate, apply for a grant or learn more about the Henry County Community Foundation, go to www.henrycountycf.org

But they did something most others did not. portunities they would pursue in their futures.

They combined their resources and acted out Other donors – nearly 5,000 of them - are of a sense of responsibility and philanthropy. investing in the future of New Castle and Henry Dann encouraged his class to offer an endowCounty through the HCCF. ment to be used toward the betterment of the Foundation scholarship winner Andy Cumcommunity. That single act of kindness led to mings is grateful, too. ”Thank you for all the what today is the Henry County scholarship money you have The same mission given me over the past four Community Foundation (HCCF) nearly a century later. years,” he wrote in a letter to the has remained – “The HCCF serves the needs of foundation. “It was nice to know to stay committed people in the county, existing for that my community was willing the benefit of the common good,” to the community and able to make an investment said Executive Director Beverly in me." and its citizens Matthews. Its endowment was at This is the heart of the HCCF’s $26 million in 2010, according to usings its dollars work and puts them at the center Matthews. of so much that is right in this where the most The endowment funds make small, proud community. good can be annual gifts. Since 1985, it’s Donors – nearly 5,000 of them awarded $11 million to commu- are investing in the future of accomplished. nity organizations, she said. More New Castle and Henry County than 130 organizations received through the HCCF. gifts in 2011, Matthews said.

It was no surprise when Gov. Mitch Daniels, Over time, the mission has remained the same seeking to highlight the activities of nearly 1,400 – to stay committed to the community and its community foundations scattered throughout citizens using its dollars where the most good the state earlier this year, singled out Henry can be accomplished.

County. “The Henry County Community FounAshley Huffman, Director of Big Brothers and dation is part of Indiana’s private, corporate and Big Sisters of Henry County, said her organizacommunity foundations which make a signifition is indebted to HHCF, which provides fund- cant impact on our state’s economic, education, ing for monthly gatherings. "Without the grants environment and people in need.” ■ awarded to us by the HCCF, we could not provide this vital service to our youth," Huffman said.

This is the heart of the HCCF’s work and puts them at the center of so much that is right in this small, proud community.

Among those who have contributed to the foundation are Charles and Rosalie Riley, who found their compass for life in the rural setting of Henry County.

Much like the first donors, this couple had an appreciation for their upbringing in a community that embraced all its citizens and set the stage for opCHAMBER MAGAZINE

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Hospital’s advanced techniques help patients with lifethreatening wounds.

OXYGEN THERAPY promotes healing

W

BY CATHY SHOUSE

hen Stephanie Taylor talks about recent changes and improvements in her workplace, her enthusiasm is contagious.

Taylor is director of Henry County Hospital’s Advanced Wound Center.

In October, two hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers arrived offering Henry County residents a high-tech treatment that, until now, was not available locally.

The technology speeds healing of wounds through oxygen therapy.

“I am so excited about this project and the services we will be able to offer to our patients,” Taylor said.

“The investment that is being made in technology to provide greater healing

Dr. Matt Barrett is the medical director of the Advanced Wound Center at Henry County Hospital.

PHOTOS

BY MARIA STRAUSS.

16

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

in patients is remarkable.”

Dr. Matt Barrett is the medical director of the Advanced Wound Center and is in his fifth year with the hospital.

“These chambers increase the oxygen content in and around the wounds,” he said. “Most wounds that are chronic have some degree of low oxygen levels. This treatment delivers pressurized oxygen and creates a 100 percent oxygen environment to increase the oxygen levels in the wound and surrounding tissue.”

Patients struggle with wounds and healing for many reasons.

“There are people who have dealt with their wounds for months or years. There are diabetic patients with limb-threatening wounds,” said Barrett, “whose only hope of healing is with some of these advanced techniques. By using this treatment, they might be saved from an amputation.”

When necessary, the treatment can be frequent and lengthy.

“Having these here, easily accessible in the community, is a huge benefit,” Barrett said.

Henry County Hospital is

Stephanie Taylor is director of Henry County Hospital’s Advanced Wound Center.

licensed for 90 beds, provides a wide array of services and is continually adding new programs to serve the community. A critical care unit, a joint replacement center, and a sleep center are offered in addition to the Advanced Wound Center.

“We try to be on the cutting edge of technology,” said Ricci Atchison, public relations and marketing director for the hospital. “We pride ourselves on that.

We want our community to have the best,” Atchison said. ■

A critical care unit, a joint replacement center, and a sleep center are offered in addition to the Advanced Wound Center.

Serving Central Indiana since 1906

Attorneys, Business Counselors and Neighbors

David Brock

Business Law • Employment • Real Estate Tax • Estate Planning and Administration Medicare/Medicaid Planning Personal Injury • Litigation • Mediation Education • Government • Health

Jon Madison

1484 S. Memorial Drive, Suite 102 New Castle, IN 765.521.0656

www.defur.com

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

17

Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service Director Kevin Brown.

Notes

IN THE KEY OF

M

life

usic. Community. Love of people.

For almost two decades, New Castle’s Kevin Brown has discovered a way to blend all three of his life passions in his quest to make the world a better place.

STORY BY CATHY SHOUSE PHOTOS BY DAVID NANTZ, NANTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

COVER STORY

New Castle’s MUSICMAKER

K

evin Brown counts himself fortunate to blend two of his favorite activities into his life’s work. Brown’s desire to help people and his talent for music are in perfect harmony in his more than 15-year-old family-run business.

Brown is funeral director and owner of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service. When he isn’t helping a local family through loss, he is likely to have a trumpet in his hand or be tickling the ivories, or singing in a quartet.

It seems Brown is involved in music at every turn. He’s even recorded a solo album of trumpet music, sings in a vocal group, and plays in an instrumental quartet.

Profits from the endeavor go to one of his favorite charities.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds from my CD go directly to the Haitian people,” Brown said. “Our church supports a Haitian missionary whom I have met.

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE

Every penny goes to the Haitian people.”

As passionate as he is about people of Haiti, he is equally energized about giving back to his community whenever he can and however he can.

In 2009, Hinsey-Brown was a finalist for Small Business of the Year by the Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The annual award is based on employer growth, employee commitment and community impact.

Brown is active in the New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce and has been on the board for several years. In 2009, he was president.

Brown, 43, and his family attend First Apostolic Church in New Castle, where he is a fourthgeneration member. His greatgrandmother attended the church in the early ’40s.

On most Sunday mornings Brown is seated at the piano or organ playing during the service.

When he is not overseeing his business or sharing his music, Brown’s own family takes center stage. Married for 16 years to Cindy, who drives a bus for New Castle Community Schools, they have a son, Evan, 15, a sophomore at Anderson’s Calvary Academy and 12-year-old daughter Olivia, who is in the seventh-grade at

Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service Director Kevin Brown plays the trumpet in the children’s room in the funeral home.

New Castle Middle School.

“My musical style is jazzy gospel. My entire life has been centered around church and gospel music,” he says. “My mom has been a church organist and pianist for many years and we always had a piano and organ in the living room at our house growing up. Needless to say, we have a piano and organ in our house now and my children are growing up with the same appreciation for gospel music.”

Brown’s brothers, David and Andy, work at Hinsey-Brown with him. The brothers all are in a band together and performed at the company’s first Community Ap-

preciation Days event held in June on the six-acre Hinsey-Brown grounds. Andy plays trombone and other instruments and works part-time at the funeral home. David, who plays saxophone, joined the family business full time three years ago after a career at a factory in Spiceland.

“It’s rewarding to be able to give back to people who gave to me as I was growing up through my adolescent years,” David says. “We have always been a very close-knit family and it’s nice to be able to work well together.”

From the time he was young, Kevin Brown developed an interest in what would become his life’s

career. But he took a winding path getting there.

“My great uncle was in the business and knew I was intrigued with it,” Brown said, “so he talked to me about becoming a funeral director.”

After graduating from New Castle Chrysler High School in 1986, he headed to Ball State University in Muncie.

“I was studying accounting and hated it so I visited the funeral home my family had used for family services. The owner gave me a part-time job. I was in my early 20s. I knew once I worked there what I wanted to do. I quit CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 CHAMBER MAGAZINE

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

BSU,” he said.

By 1991, Brown graduated with a degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, while working part-time for a local funeral home. With degree in hand, he faced a crossroads. His father Dwain and mother Anna Ruth were in New Castle, where they and many of his family and friends remain today.

“I had worked with Phil Hinsey at Main & Frame Funeral Home of New Castle,” he said. “I thought about staying in Cincinnati but decided to come home.”

New Castle Henry County Chamber Executive Director Melissa Modesitt has known Brown since they were in high school together and she says his level of commitment to the community has grown stronger over time.

“Kevin is one of the most caring and considerate people I have ever known,” she said. “He believes in the Chamber and gives of his time and resources anytime there is a need. I am so proud of what he has accomplished in his business.

That he and his family chose to stay in New Castle and invest in our community speaks to his level of commitment and belief in his hometown.”

In 1995, Brown and Hinsey built the funeral home at 3406 Memorial Drive, where Hinsey is semiretired but remains active in the business. Brown has 21 full- and part-time staff on his payroll.

“By far, my favorite part of the business is working with families,” Brown says. “I like helping the family. It’s the most difficult time in their lives. I feel like I have the ability to help families in all different situations. I give them permission to express themselves and share their feelings.”

One of Hinsey-Brown’s greatest strengths is family assistance.

“We have a very active after-care service,” Brown says. “After the service, we don’t forget the family. What we pride ourselves on is

being supportive of the person or people left behind.”

That means Hinsey-Brown holds regularly scheduled memorial services. They also offer grief support sessions at the Woodlands of Forest Ridge because people preferred not to come to the funeral home. The company website, www.hinsey-brown.com also offers online grief support through videos and includes 365 days of inspirational messages.

By 2004, Brown had built a second location in Knightstown.

Both offer extensive options for pre-planning funeral services and pet funeral services. Since 1997, the business has been a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, a prestigious designation by invitation only and has strict guidelines for qualification.

Brown is aware of the emotions involved in coming to a funeral visitation and he or a staff member greats every visitor.

“People feel welcome here. That isn’t always easy to do in a funeral home. People don’t really want to be here,” he says. “We want to make them feel welcome and at ease.” ■

More than $11 Million Granted to community organizations since 1985 Connecting People Who Care With Causes that Matter.

Henry County

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps local youth succeed.

New Castle Little League has more than 100 volunteers.

TM

Community Foundation

701 South Memorial Drive ♦ New Castle, Indiana ♦ 765-529-2235 ♦ www.henrycountycf.org 22

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

Zirkle’s rules

OF MARKETING

A

BY CATHY SHOUSE

test of Greg Zirkle’s DNA would show he has marketing in his blood, if such a thing were possible.

In about a year as marketing director for Citizens State Bank’s eight branches, he already is making a difference.

“What typically happens is we will have a car loan promotion or some other special event. I will go and meet with the manager to get the information and tailor the marketing plan to that location,” he says. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Greg Zirkle is marketing director at Citizens State Bank.

PHOTOS BY MARIA STRAUSS.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

ZIRKLE’S PHILOSOPHY CUSTOMER CENTERED. It’s key to anticipate what

will help customers the most, and look at things from their perspective.

SPEED. Uncover opportunities quickly and respond immediately, beating competitors to the market.

ADAPTABILITY. One size does not fit all. Recognize

opportunities that are market specific and adapt accordingly.

RESULTS ORIENTED. Marketing isn’t an expense. It’s an investment. Measure outcomes and expect accountability.

BRANDING. Every business tries to project a certain

image or reputation but ultimately your brand is whatever customers say it is. The key to corporate branding is the customer experience itself.

MEDIA. Direct marketing is an essential starting point

because it’s a one-to-one conversation. Only when you have that established should you get into mass media.

By watching for changes in the banking industry, Zirkle capitalizes on marketing opportunities for the bank.

“Right now, some of the big banks are charging fees for debit cards,” he says. “That’s the best marketing angle we could have. They have fees for a service and we don’t.”

Prior to coming to Citizens, Zirkle was an entrepreneur who created dozens of marketing plans for small businesses. At Citizens, he has updated the logo and website and started a Facebook page.

“I take an ownership attitude to my work; it’s not just the bank’s marketing program. It’s mine,” he says.

He grew up in neighboring Delaware County and is no stranger to Midwestern values. He is on-the-move in leisure time with wife Nicole and two children, ages 11 and 13, going kayaking, camping, “and a lot of things outdoors.”

Lisa Day of WMDH Radio experienced this first-hand when she worked with Zirkle on New Castle’s first daylong July 4th celebration. “Greg took it upon himself to stay all day and brought his family. He went around on a golf cart, seeing that everyone had what they needed,” Day said. ■

Heritage House offers: • Rehab to Home • Occupational, physical, and speech therapy • Long Term Care

529-9694 • 1023 N. 20th St. • heritagehouseIN.com 24

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

NEW MEMBERS Melissa Jo Hawkins, (Thirty-One) 510 N. East St. Greenfield, IN 46140 Melissa Hawkins 765-969-4536

The HR Connection, LLC 6294 W. Heaton Drive Knightstown, IN 46148 Cindi Kiner 765-445-6294

Hostetler Bins 3238 S. Wilbur Wright Road New Castle, IN 47362 Jerry Hostetler 765-332-2793

Usborne Books & More P.O. Box 206 Kennard, IN 47351 Renee Seats 765-586-0958

The JMetzger Group 6905 St. Andrews Ave. Yorktown, IN 47396 Juli Metzger 765-729-1391

Bethany Cares Home Health Agency 2020 S. Memorial Drive New Castle, IN 47362 Bethany Whybrew 765-521-2001

Amanda Pottle, (lia sophia) 536 Van Buren St. Greenfield, IN 46140 Amanda Pottle 317-507-9107

Henry County Builders Association 531 S. 11th St. New Castle, IN 47362 Judy Underwood Snap Creative P.O. Box 173 New Castle, IN 47362 Snapper Cridge 765-624-8045 Village Profile 33 Geneva St. Elgin, IL 60123 Daniel Nugara 847-468-6800 Stoops Buick GMC 4055 W. Clara Lane Muncie, IN 47304 Randy Stoops 765-288-1903

Rains Plumbing Inc. 2155 E. Ind. 38 New Castle, IN 47362 Rob Rains 765-521-3922

Good’s Candy P.O. Box 41 Kennard, IN 47351 Kevin Vickery 765-785-6776

Becky Branham, (Silpada) 507 Hosier Drive New Castle, IN 47362 Becky Branham 765-529-1624

Patriot Restoration of New Castle 201 N. Main St. New Castle, IN 47362 Richard Moghadam 765-524-0759

Superior Truck & Trailer Services Inc. 1503 S. Memorial Drive New Castle, IN 47362 Anthony Roberts 765-529-4888

New Castle Skate Park 517 S. 14th St. New Castle, IN 47362 Tom Nipp 765-529-3418

LJ Enterprise 100 N. Winter Drive New Castle, IN 47362 GL Hall 765-529-4942

Window Depot USA of Indiana 536 N. Memorial Drive New Castle, IN 47362 Les Radford 765-575-8169

Lisa Coy, (Mary Kay) 1115 Audubon Road New Castle, IN 47362 Lisa Coy 765-524-1013

I’ve Been Framed!

LLC 3408 Roberta Lane New Castle, IN 47362 Dawn Baker 765-465-6318

Switzer Logistics Inc. 404 W. Main St. Mt. Summit, IN 47361 Angela Switzer 765-836-2914

American Pest Professionals 600 E. Centennial Ave. Muncie, IN 47303 Arthur Todd 765-529-4617 Little Red Door 401 W. Jackson St. Muncie, IN 47305 Julie Hankins 765-521-4200 Asset Consulting, LLC 7495 N. Orchard Drive Springport, IN 47386 Jeshua Morgan 765-749-0082 Montogmery’s Steakhouse 5800 S. Ind. 3 Spiceland, IN John Montgomery 765-987-8000 Cinergy Metronet 200 S. 14th St. New Castle, IN 47362 Mike Ehringer 765-520-2509 Greg York P.O. Box 433 New Castle, IN 47362 Greg York 765-545-0111 Clay Morgan 515 N. 12th St. New Castle, IN 47362 Clay Morgan 765-465-5124 Loretta Wray Pottery 2747 S. C.R. 600 E New Castle, IN 47362 Loretta Wray 765-518-6565 CHAMBER MAGAZINE

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g

Montgomery's Steakhouse Bar/ Service Manager Jamie Cross.

THE NEW

athering PLACE

PHOTOS

BY MARIA STRAUSS.

Montgomery’s Steakhouse serves food and entertainment

BY CATHY SHOUSE

J

ohn Montgomery is the kind of guy who wants to know everybody’s name.

Montgomery's Steakhouse co-owner John Montgomery with his wife, Elizabeth.

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE

Since July, Montgomery has co-owned Montgomery’s Steakhouse, a 12,000 square-foot restaurant and banquet hall, south of I-70 on Ind. 3. His business sits on 90 acres and also has an outdoor concert venue where up to 20,000 people can enjoy entertainment.

“I appreciate it when someone comes in to eat and gives me an opportunity to know who they are and what they are interested in,” he said.

The restaurant and property had been empty for three years when the 45-year-old Montgomery and his partner - Indianapolis resident - Don McSwain purchased it. Montgomery, who grew up in Scottsburg, was living in Cincinnati with his family.

“We initially got involved with the property as an investment,” Montgomery said. “It’s the last undeveloped interchange in about a 40-mile radius. It seemed to us that it was the next growth opportunity in Indiana.”

When a third partner dropped out, Montgomery decided to run the restaurant himself. He’s renting a place in town and looking for property so his wife Elizabeth, and their two teen-aged sons, eventually can join him.

“The past few years, I found myself saying, ‘I’m so tired of the big city,’” he says. “It’s down-to-earth here. It’s a little slower pace. People take the time to be friendlier.”

His business decisions reflect his interest in making Henry County his home.

“The difference in us versus somebody else is that we’re going to be absolutely community focused. We’re working with athletics departments and school bands. We’re going to work with all the schools,” he says. “I’ve already been out and met school officials. We’re going to discount meals for school functions. For example, if the cheerleading team came in, we might offer a buffet style meal at an affordable price.”

Montgomery's Steakhouse General Manager Dwight Wise.

He’s hosted a country music concert, had a wrestling event and is “kicking around” putting in an ice skating rink and serving hot chocolate.

“This is your gathering place,” said Montgomery, who is new this year to the New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce. CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Committed to caring service when it’s needed the most.

Honoring your loved ones and celebrating the life you shared are the cornerstones of healing after loss.

New Castle (765) 529-7100 Knightstown (765) 345-7400 www.hinsey-brown.com

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

27

Event/Media Manager Paul Fabrick.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

“The focus is on hospitality, having a great experience, and being given the extra time to socialize, more than at some other restaurants. You will get a great meal and something will be going on.”

Whether someone wants a Frisco melt and steak fries or the popular New York strip steak, Montgomery’s will accommodate. They’ve catered for a company of 80 and have a wedding party scheduled. Montgomery’s also is serving lunch and

they deliver.

“All our steak is certified Angus beef. We’re the only restaurant in the area to offer all cuts certified,” he says.

Bob Grewe, executive director of the New CastleHenry County Economic Development Council, has been an encouragement to Montgomery.

“It’s a delightful place to eat and it provides food, entertainment, and amenities that rural communities are always happy to support,” Grewe said. ■

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT TAXES Don’t overlook these requirements, especially if you are a growing business just starting with new employees: •

•

•

Withholding taxes: FICA/ Social Security – the 4.2 percent rate for 2011 will revert to 6.2 percent in 2012.

Withhold Medicare at 1.45 percent gross wages, along with federal and state income taxes.

Employers must match employee FICA and Medicare tax.

•

Employers must pay unemployment taxes – state and federal.

•

All these amounts have to be remitted along with special reporting forms and deadlines.

•

Substantial penalties may result for non-compliance and late payments.

QUARTERLY ESTIMATED PAYMENTS •

To avoid IRS penalties, businesses must pay estimated tax bills on time April 15, June 15, Sept. 15 and Jan. 15.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS •

Only contributions to IRS qualified organizations are permitted.

•

Contributions greater than $250 must have a letter of receipt.

•

The value of volunteer time or services cannot be deducted nor can that part of a contribution that benefits you.

•

Pledged contributions don’t count until they are paid.

TAX tips

for growing small businesses

WRITE-OFFS •

Ordinary and necessary business expenses may be deducted to reduce taxable income. Often called write-offs such expenditures include rent, equipment, operating supplies, and salaries.

•

Business losses: If losses exceed a business owner’s personal income, the losses may be used to reduce business taxes and even taxable income in future years.

•

Pleasure/business trips: If more than half of a trip is spent doing business, travel costs and other business-related expenses may be deducted.

BY Deborah Davis

N

o one likes paying taxes but all successful business people know that it is wise to stay on top of your financial situation and understand your tax position.

Here are some tips and reminders that may be useful to ensure that your company is realizing every opportunity to reduce taxes and avoid penalty costs.

BUSINESS LOANS •

These are not considered income unless a negotiation occurs to reduce a debt: Taxes are owed on any amount forgiven. Principal and interest paid on loans are business expenses and may be deductions.

DOCUMENTATION •

Keep tax returns, licenses and capital equipment expenses indefinitely.

•

Keep tax-related documents a minimum of seven years.

SALES TAX •

Does your company sell products or services subject to sales tax? You must register with the state and track and remit these taxes, usually on the 20th of the month. If you sell across state lines, Indiana offers a streamlined sales tax initiative.

FILING EXTENSIONS •

When filing an extension, pay estimated tax owed to avoid additional penalties and interest.

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES •

Check out www.irs.gov for valuable information and small business resources.

•

See www.in.gov for requirements, data and area demographics.

Deborah Davis is owner of H&R Block, Rural King Plaza, 113A S. Memorial Drive. Contact her at 765529-5249 or dedavis@hrblock.com.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

29

2012

Providing Behavioral Health Services to Central Indiana for Over 35 Years.

Calendar of Events Lunch with the Chamber Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Raintree Center 3637 S. Ind. 3, New Castle.

The only exception to this location is the July lunch which is at the New Castle Motorsports Parks, 5816 S. C.R. 125 W., New Castle.

Dates: Jan. 19, Feb. 24 (Third House Forum), April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, Aug. 23, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Dec. 20.

Lunch & Learn Dates

Time: Noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch.

Where: Chamber Conference Room, 100 S. Main St., New Castle.

Dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 28, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 30, Nov. 27.

Annual Meeting

When: 6:30 p.m., March 27.

Where: Raintree Center.

Memorial Day Parade When: 10 a.m., May 28.

Where: Downtown New Castle.

Golf Outing

When: 10 a.m., June 28.

Where: Westwood Golf Course.

Henry County Summer Fest When: 6 to 9 p.m., July 21.

Where: Downtown New Castle.

Featuring: Wine, Beer & Art Gala.

Cash Bonanza

When: 7 p.m., Sept. 15.

Where: Raintree Center.

Business Expo & Taste of Henry County When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 8.

Renewing Lives with Compassionate Care

765-521-2450 866-306-2647 (All Locations) www.meridiansc.org New Castle • Muncie • Richmond • Winchester • Portland 30

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

Where: WG Smith Building.

Business Reception When: 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6.

Where: To be determined.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE

31

Big

Photos provided by Basketball Hall of Fame.

NAMES. BIG GAMES.

BY JULI METZGER

CLASSIC STATS In 34 years of the boys’ tournament, there have been:

21

Indiana Mr. Basketball winners

All21 McDonald’s Americans Draft picks 13 NBA (including a pair of

No. 1 overall picks)

of Fame 25 Hall inductee coaches

T

he week between Christmas and New Year’s holds a grand tradition in New Castle and draws tens of thousands into the area to celebrate perhaps the single event that inextricably weaves together both city and state: The Cities Securities Hall of Fame Classic.

“Our motto in our promotion and marketing material is: Big names. Big games,” said Executive Director Chris May. “It’s the best players; the best coaches; the best fans.

This tournament brings them together to battle it out.”

This year’s tournament is Dec. 29-30. Tip off is 11 a.m. at New Castle Fieldhouse.

May, who’s held his post since June 2009 and has a background in broadcasting, is passionate about the event and the job.

“To work in basketball in the state of Indiana is a perfect pairing; Indiana is a basketball state; be involved with and help oversee this event in New Castle – a basketball CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 CHAMBER MAGAZINE

33

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

‘Artie’ Floyd Ratliff: Servant.

Grandfather.

Eagle Scout.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

By Juli Metzger

F

loyd Ratliff or “Artie” to his friends is the 2010 New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. He was honored at the annual Chamber dinner in March.

“He truly has a servant’s heart, a generous spirit and reflects grace in all he does,” wrote one of his supporters, Rev. Tom McGilliard.

Nominator Kent Wisecup wrote: “Artie can be described as a man with never ending enthusiasm and energy for Habitat for Humanity, his church and Boy Scouts of America. Artie serves as president of Raintree Habitat for Humanity and is the construction coordinator. He spends endless hours planning, organizing and working on the construction of homes for Henry County citizens who have a need for adequate housing but who could never qualify for a home with a traditional mortgage.”

Ratliff is married to Gayle and they have five grown children, nine grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

Boy Scouts is among Ratliff’s passions. Artie is an Eagle Scout. He served 12 years as Scout Master for Troop #78. He’s also known for organizing and supervising 20 Scouts on a weeklong adventure trip, canoeing and backpacking Minnesota. Artie led another group of 20 Scouts on several 300mile bicycle trips to Kentucky and back, riding by day and camping at night. He’s active in the First United Methodist Church, where he is a member of the trustees committee, an organization that he has chaired in the past. He is a member of the choir and participates in group and solo performances.

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE

city – it’s a dream job,” said May, who grew up in Rushville and attended DePauw University in Greencastle.

“I don’t know the dollars and cents that it will bring in but we’re talking tens of thousands of people from all over the state. Some come year after year whether their team is playing or not. I talked to a family last year from Minnesota who were 2011 Girls’ City Securities Hall of baffled by how big high Fame Classic school basketball is in New Castle Fieldhouse Indiana.”

– Thursday, Dec. 29.

The classic is hosting 11 am (ET) its 35th boys event this Roncalli vs. Norwell year and it will be year to follow Penn vs. Mt. Vernon (Fortville) 28 for the girls’ tournament, which started in 6 pm Consolation game Indianapolis. In 1990, to follow Championship when the Basketball Hall game. of Fame relocated to New Castle, the tourna2011 Boys’ City Securities Hall of ment came, too.

Fame Classic “It’s been more than New Castle Fieldhouse 20 continuous years in – Friday, Dec. 30.

Henry County,” May 11 am (ET) said.

Hamilton Southeastern The caliber of players vs. Pendleton Heights to follow Kokomo vs. in the tournament conNorth Central tinues to climb. “There (Indianapolis). are a handful of guys in 6 pm the NBA and six women Consolation game who play in the WNBA to follow Championship who played in our tourgame. nament,” May said. “It’s no exaggeration that these are the best players.”

While the economic impact and prestige of the tournament is enough for any community, one of the biggest reasons the Hall of Fame is successful in New Castle, Mays says, is the people themselves.

“It’s New Castle’s love of basketball,” he said.

When the Basketball Hall of Fame decided to relocate, 13 communities made bids. Besides boasting the biggest basketball field house in the country, New Castle had its people.

“We’ve got 80 volunteers on staff now that work with us,” he said. “A good majority of those people have been here the whole time the museum has been open. That’s commitment.” ■

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