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HEALTH IN MIND
SEPTEMBER 2023
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6 CHEERS TO FIVE YEARS Traders Brewing Company Has Made Beer a Family Business
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DOWN TO A SCIENCE Research Scientist Brews Up Coffee Concept
14 WAVE OF THE FUTURE Zionsville Residents Revolutionize the Pool Industry With TRESSS Aquatectural Designs
AMY
Mr. Zionsville Show Highlights Local Talent While Helping to Destigmatize Mental Health
21 ISLAND INSPIRED
Tipsy Mermaid Conch House & Cocktails Offers a Key West-Inspired Menu and Atmosphere
24
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT Boone County Convention & Visitors Bureau
26 THE THIN LINE SPOTLIGHT Travis Sutphin
30
COMMUNITY CATALYST
Sean Reaves Looks to Energize Boone County Chamber as Executive Director
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
HEITGER-EWING
When Dale Hockel began brewing beer at home more than 15 years ago, he had no idea that his hobby would someday turn into a family business. He and his wife, Laura, and their daughters, Sarah and Krissy, just enjoyed coming together to sample the latest batch.
“I wasn’t really a big beer drinker,” says Krissy’s husband, Bart Hensley.
That all changed when the Hockels gave their son-in-law a beer-making kit for his 21st birthday.
Helping friends start a craft brewery in Massachusetts in 2015 convinced the family that they wanted to establish a similar venue here in Indiana.
They opened Traders Brewing Company on Saint Patrick’s Day in 2018, and just celebrated five years of beer in March.
Each member of the family has worked hard to build and grow the brewery. Sarah Hockel-Beall manages the finances of the company, and her husband, Chris Beall, plays live music in the taproom. Krissy Hensley serves as hiring manager and head
of promotions. Hensley’s father, Bart Hensley, Sr., and his uncle, Scott Johnson, tend bar periodically. Dale and Laura Hockel provide support.
“We love what we do,” Hensley says. “We’re a small mom-and-pop shop, and we definitely take pride in that. We feel very fortunate that we have had a successful business, especially through difficult economic times.”
By June of 2021 business was booming, to the point that Hensley realized he needed to step away from his years as a specialeducation teacher in Brownsburg and move into his role as head brewer and taproom manager full time.
Running a three-and-a-half-barrel brewhouse means that Hensley brews two to three times a week to meet the demand of the taproom.
“I think people have this thought that beer is such a mystery,” Hensley says. “How is it made? What goes into it? Really, it is such a simple thing. I love the process behind it.”
Traders Brewing features four core beers
that are always on draft. Belgian Blonde Patersbier is an older-style Pilsner. Building 1 Pale Ale blends Simcoe and Mosaic hops to create its signature aroma and drinkability. Badass IPA began as a recipe that Hensley used to brew at the Hockels’ home, and a neighbor’s comment inspired its name. Marlo Amber Ale pays homage to “Chief Tasting Officer” Dale, whose middle name is Marlo.
Other beers, like recent offerings Northwest Sider and Guava Gulp, rotate on a regular basis, so that 10 to 12 beers are on tap at a time.
“We try to keep up with brewing trends but brewing good beer is always our ultimate goal,” Hensley says.
Carry-out options include four-packs of 16-ounce cans in select brews, as well as
32-ounce crowlers and 64-ounce growlers of the full tap list.
As of July 1, in accordance with updated state regulations, minors may now accompany adults into the recently rearranged dining area. Leashed, wellmannered dogs have been welcome since the brewery opened.
The co-owners make it clear that they run a family business, and they want people who come to Traders Brewing Company to feel welcome, like they are home.
That’s one reason the taproom is a BYOF (bring your own food) establishment and provides free, all-you-can-eat popcorn. A small menu also offers soft pretzels, hot dogs and other snacks for purchase.
Local food trucks such as Taco Boss, Oasis Taco and Taste Budz Indy park on the patio for events that pack the house, like Taco Tuesdays with Naptown Trivia and Thirsty Thursdays with SINGO (music BINGO).
For a one-time fee, Mug Club members enjoy permanent perks. With around 275 members currently enjoying the benefits, member numbers continue to rise. Traders “beertenders” serve a couple dozen regulars seven days a week, and twice that number come in on a weekly basis. With nearly five stars on Google and Yelp reviews, customers keep coming back.
“Beer can be a simple thing that brings us joy when life is hard,” Hensley says.
In the words of the brewery motto, “Life is complicated, beer is simple.”
Traders Brewing Company is located at 8587 Zionsville Road in Indianapolis. Visit tradersbrewingcompany.com, give them a call at 317-280-7505, or follow @ tradersbrewing on social media to find out about specials, live music and the return of the CCA Sports euchre league.
N e w M e m b e r s o f t h e M o n t h
C h e c k o u t o u r M e m b e r D i r e c t o r y b e l o w t o f i n d w h a t y o u ' r e l o o k i n g f o r !
Leonard Winneroski, owner and founder of Mad Scientist Coffee, has taken his love for coffee and his background as a scientist, and combined his two passions into some delicious coffee.
“I got interested in coffee roasting in 2014 and bought a small roaster, and started roasting green coffee beans from around the
Winneroski’s background as a scientist and medicinal chemist helped him discover a more delicious taste.
“I have been a research scientist for 34 years, and when I learned that the bitter taste of coffee is caused by the organic acids that are extracted during the brewing process, I wondered if I could reduce the
bitterness,” he says. “I did this by formulating freshly roasted ground coffee with safe, food-grade minerals.”
Winneroski’s hypothesis led to the discovery of Mad Scientist Silk Coffee, and the name of the business, Mad Scientist Coffee.
Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Krystal DaileyWinneroski adds that Silk Coffee was invented to also reproduce the taste of cold brew coffee, in a faster and more convenient way than traditional methods.
Winneroski says he has a lot of repeat customers and many of them have their favorite coffees.
“We also offer several whole-bean coffees, but our low-acid Silk coffees are the most popular,” he says. “There is nothing else on the market like it. We are also now offering our Silk coffees in convenient pods too.”
Winneroski has his own personal favorite coffee. “My wife, Ann, and I drink the regular Silk coffee every day,” he says.
bag or box of coffee, because science has reinforced my belief that there is a creator, and this Bible verse speaks of this,” he says. “The more I learn about science, the more I see that life is a miracle. I don’t see a conflict between faith and science because I see the fingerprints of God all around us in DNA, proteins, photosynthesis and even coffee.”
Winneroski loves what he's doing. “I’m very blessed,” he says. “I’m combining all of my passions and working with something I really enjoy.”
To find out more, call 317-3745846, and order from their website at madscientistcoffee.com.
Customers can also buy Mad Scientist Coffee at the Lebanon City Market on Tuesday evenings, the Whitestown Farmers Market on Thursday evenings at Main Street Park, and Cedar Tree Kitchen in Lebanon.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3
ZIONSVILLE TOWN HALL
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT COMMUNITY ROOM 207
DOORS OPEN AT 8AM WITH BREAKFAST AVAILABLE
PROGRAM STARTS AT 8:30AM
PRESENTED BY
BREAKFAST SPONSORED BY CORPORATE PARTNERS
In the world of innovation, there are ideas that enhance the way we live. One such visionary concept, spearheaded by local couple Cecilia Alvarez-Heard and Andrew Heard, transformed the traditional pool cover industry. Their venture, TRESSS Aquatectural Designs, introduces an innovative approach to pool covers.
Based out of Zionsville, TRESSS is the designer and manufacturer of race-carinspired pool covers and plunge pools. Launched in 2019, the moving pool floor company offers a combination of convenience, style and safety features that can enhance the pool ownership experience.
The journey of TRESSS began 10 years ago when Andrew and Cecilia set out to create a unique solution for their own personal swimming pool.
“My wife and I started building our own home and we wanted to have a swimming pool with a pool cover, but we didn't like any of the pool covers that we saw at the
time,” Andrew Heard says. “We also knew we wanted the pool to be integrated into the house so we became familiar with moving pool covers.”
Unsatisfied with the options available in the market, the couple explored the moving pool floor concept. This concept involves a platform that moves up and down within the pool, allowing it to be flush with the surrounding deck when not in use. This design transforms the pool area into usable space, eliminating the need for a separate pool cover.
“What we did with the existing concept was create a version of the moving pool floor that brings other benefits above and beyond anything that's on the market right now,” Heard says.
At the core of TRESSS's innovation lies the functionality of a pool cover. The platform, when in its highest position, seamlessly integrates with the existing pool deck, creating an aesthetically pleasing and practical space. When the pool is in use, the platform can be adjusted to the desired
depth, catering to various activities. The ability to customize the pool's depth adds a new dimension to pool enjoyment, whether it's shallow water play for children or deeper waters for swimming.
“At the highest position, the pool is completely hidden and you wouldn't know it's there until you press the button and open it,” Heard says.
His background as a mechanical engineer in car racing and his passion for design set the foundation for TRESSS.
“My background offered the ability to design a pool cover,” he says. “When I started designing, I wanted the pool cover to be done in a way that it could be commercially viable as a potential business for the future.”
The couple's desire to become entrepreneurs was inspired by Heard’s English upbringing.
“I grew up working on my family-owned farm,” he said. “My wife and I wanted to create that same environment and to leave a
legacy for our three children.”
The company's name, TRESSS, pays tribute to their three children, Sophia, Stephanie and Sabastian. The Spanish word for three is “tres,” and the name is also a nod to Cecilia’s Mexican heritage.
The innovation behind TRESSS not only lies in its design, but also in its construction. Heard drew inspiration from his mechanical engineering background and the techniques used in race-car manufacturing. The pool cover's structure is a compositebased approach, eliminating the need for traditional frameworks. This results in substantial durability and structural strength of the pool cover.
“Top-level race cars that I work on are built out of composites, where the strength comes from the form of that composite shape,” Heard says. “I used that technique to build the platform for the moving pool floor. The floor can be used for any activities that you would do on the surrounding deck.”
TRESSS’s composition-based structure provides R-30 insulation, allowing for yearround pool usage.
“R-30 is similar to the insulation of a roof of a home,” Heard says. “What that means is customers will have a very insulated swimming pool that they can now use all year, instead of only three months out of the year. We’ve used our pool in the winter, even when it's snowing.”
TRESSS also addresses the need for special accessibility requirements. Its platform design allows for easy lowering of a person into the water, making it a safe and convenient option for individuals with special needs. Moreover, the pool cover's design enhances safety, preventing accidental access and potential hazards.
As TRESSS continues to enhance the pool cover industry, its unique design, benefits and versatile functionality continue to pave the way for the future of pool enjoyment.
Visit tresss.com for more info.
Back in 1987, the junior class at Zionsville Community High School decided to raise funds for prom by putting on a talent show called Mr. Zionsville. The show, which involves a choreographed dance, talent portion, and Q and A, has gotten popular through the years.
“Now we sell out our performing arts center, which seats over 1,000 people,” says Chelsea Whitaker, Spanish teacher at the high school and staff sponsor for the show.
In 2020 Whitaker thought that since they usually raise around $15,000 in ticket sales, and they don’t need that much to put on a prom, they should donate a portion of the proceeds to a nonprofit, to be chosen by the directors and contestants of that year’s show.
In November 2021, tragedy struck when Tate Eugenio, a former Mr. Zionsville contestant, lost his life to suicide. Tate, a college sophomore at the time of his death, was a talented, thoughtful, tenacious young man who was always willing to offer a helping hand.
“His goofiness and playfulness were a big part of his relationship with his sister and friends,” say his parents Angie and Randy. “From a young age he was a deep thinker, asking questions about experiences of life that continued into early adulthood.”
This year, when students began discussing which charity to support, they agreed unanimously to select one that would honor Tate. Therefore, they donated $3,350 to the Indianapolis chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
“It’s critical to support mental health, particularly for teenagers and young adults, because this is a time of constant change, socially, emotionally, physically and mentally,” says Molly Zucker, a senior director of Mr. Zionsville 2023. “Understanding and processing these changes can be difficult. It’s important to have support when it becomes hard to carry on on your own.”
What’s great about Mr. Zionsville is that the students who participate come from different social and activity circles.
“Through Mr. Zionsville, I became close friends with students I never would have known otherwise,” says Ben DeBaltzo, winner of Mr. Zionsville 2023. “We become an unlikely web of support for each other. You can never have too many webs of support in your life. To me, it symbolizes how important every person and every touchpoint might be in suicide prevention. Support on many levels saves lives.”
Whitaker recalls how, when Tate died, it
shook everybody’s world.
“He was sweet, genuine and respectful,” Whitaker says. “When you hear of someone who dies by suicide and those who knew them say they never would have expected it, he’s the epitome of that.”
DeBaltzo understands that when it comes to mental health, it’s not black and white.
“The performing arts community saw Tate as an energetic, inspiring, and positive force of good,” DeBaltzo says. “However, many of us never knew the internal battle he was fighting. Tate was a role model and musical prodigy who had his life taken by mental illness.”
Whitaker notes that high schoolers are in a unique season of life as they learn to grapple with so many emotions and situations.
“They’re starting to enter into all the things that make adulthood very heavy,” says Whitaker, who feels that it’s not uncommon for people to turn a blind eye to this demographic. “Sometimes we lack compassion and empathy for people in that stage of life. I think it’s important that there are lots of adults caring for teens and watching their backs. Teens need to know that we’re here to listen to them no matter what. Teens need to be sought out in that
way, because sometimes they want to appear like they have it all together.”
DeBaltzo, Zucker, and their fellow contestants and directors are passionate about raising awareness for mental health.
“Groups like the AFSP are invaluable because oftentimes students struggle silently, fearing that talking to others and getting help is weak or burdensome,” DeBaltzo says.
The Eugenios are grateful that Zionsville students continue to remember their son and shine a light on mental health.
“We hope to destigmatize mental health by allowing others to see it as an illness, just like diabetes or cancer, and that it should be openly addressed,” say Angie and Randy. “We love what AFSP is doing to support those who have lost someone to suicide, but also provide guidance for those families who are struggling with resources and advocacy.”
For more information on AFSP, visit afsp.org/chapter/indiana.
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We are looking for your favorite local businesses to feature in our Towne Post Network magazines, website, and social media. Each month, we will acknowledge Townies’ Top Local Award recipients and list them in our monthly print publications. There is no cost to be recognized, we’re just looking for the businesses that locals feel are the best!
Online Ranking 4.5 Stars or Higher
Listing on TownePost.com
Supports Local Charities
Locally Owned
OWNERS:
DRS. BRANDON & SHELBY
WAGNER
ADDRESS:
7149 WHITESTOWN PARKWAY
ZIONSVILLE, INDIANA
WEBSITE:
PURELIFEZIONSVILLE.COM
PHONE: 317.750.8583
RATING:
GOOGLE - 4.9 STARS
Pure Life Chiropractic is a neurologically based chiropractic clinic in Zionsville, Indiana. Whether your health goal is to remove pain, restore feeling, decrease headaches, run a marathon, sleep better, or increase concentration - we tailor your care to YOU and your goals. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of vitalistic health care by treating you - the whole personand finding the CAUSE of your problem, not just covering up symptoms.
I’ve been to my fair share of chiropractors and nobody has been as thorough as Dr. Brandon and Dr. Shelby have been! The attention to detail they have when it comes to care is top notch. After being dismissed by many doctors in the past, it’s nice to finally have someone listen and care about your well being... I can’t recommend them enough! — Audrey L.
Writer / Natalie Platt
Photographer / Krystal Dailey
If you’ve been to Key West, you’re likely familiar with some of the bungalowstyle restaurants and bars tucked away off a sidewalk or charming side street - many of them housed in former residences. And if you’ve been to Zionsville, you’re familiar with…well, very similar concepts.
While Key West and Zionsville may share equal amounts of charm, there are two things they don’t share often - the weather, and a good conch ceviche.
Enter Tipsy Mermaid Conch House & Cocktails. The hot spot may be new, but the owner, Shari Jenkins, is a longtime restaurateur and resident of Zionsville. Jenkins owns noah grant’s grill house & oyster bar, along with Salty Cowboy Tequileria, all within steps of each other in downtown Zionsville’s business district.
This has been a long-term project for Jenkins (six years in the making to be exact, with several trips to Key West for inspiration), who describes the last year as chaotic, exciting, exhausting and creative. She
graduated from Zionsville Community High School and has worked in the restaurant industry since she was 14 years old. Her first job was at the former Proffitt’s Emporium, where the first Noah Grant’s opened.
Jenkins says Tipsy Mermaid, which is now open, will be all about good vibes…and good conch ceviche.
“My son, Noah, and I started traveling to Key West over 10 years ago and we both fell in love with the tiny island,” Jenkins says. “Over the past decade we’ve traveled there with friends to share our love for the culture of Key West, aka the Conch Republic.”
In return, Jenkins decided to bring the love, culture and cuisine of Key West to Zionsville. You’ll see many cultural influences, like Bahamian and Cuban, throughout the menu
“Every single menu item is inspired by our favorite menu items from our favorite restaurants in Key West,” she says. “The ‘our’ is my group of friends who travel together, and now two of them are the managers at
Tipsy Mermaid, Calvin Reynolds and Mark Hagan. We have spent literally years eating our way through the island, sampling flavors and recipes. It’s been a fabulous process, bringing those flavors home to create the recipes for Tipsy Mermaid.”
Miss Key West Drunkin’ Shrimp, Ana’s Cubano Mix, Hemingway’s Fish ‘n Chips, and of course Key Lime Pie, are a handful of the items you’ll see on the tropical-inspired menu.
In addition to the menu full of Key West infusions, the atmosphere at Tipsy Mermaid has a lively vibe and an island feel - a nod to Ernest Hemingway, with art from Key West and music throughout the restaurant.
“Our music is a playlist we’ve been working on for years,” Jenkins says. “We’ve been adding songs that remind us of the island while traveling together. So far the weekends have been jumping with lots of fresh, tropical cocktails.”
Looking back on her career, Jenkins is most proud of three things - raising her son, Noah
Grant, into a kind and hardworking young man, the culture she built at noah grant’s with the help of her many employees’ dedication and love, and the wonderful past and current employees who have made all of this possible.
“I have employees who treat the restaurants as their own, and I owe them for the success,” Jenkins says.
Zionsville has gained more than just a new restaurant with Tipsy Mermaid. It now has a fun oasis that is bright and tropical, different than anything else lining the picturesque brick streets, that makes you feel like you’ve escaped to a beach vacation, even for just an evening.
Tipsy Mermaid is located at 135 South Main Street in Zionsville. The restaurant is open Tue. through Sat. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with brunch hours to come. You can visit tipsymermaid.com, or their Instagram page, for more information, or email info@tipsymermaid.com. Also call 317-973-8795. (317)
JOIN US FOR OUR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR! ENJOY EXCLUSIVE EVENT PRICING, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD, DRINKS, GIVEAWAYS, AND RIDE THE MECHANICAL BULL! WE WILL ALSO BE REVEALING FEW NEW EXCITING THINGS WE’VE BEEN WORKING ON JUST FOR YOU!
SEPTEMBER 23 rd 11:00-3:00 PM EVENT
Beginning the weekend after Labor Day, communities all over Boone County celebrate the fall season with a full calendar of family-friendly festivals and events.
“Boone County comes alive in the Fall with places to go and fun times to experience.” Says Boone CVB Executive Director, Allyson Gutwein, “Whether it’s a classic car show, a day filled with carnival rides and fair food or reliving our nation’s history, this is the time of year when visitors from all over come and enjoy our many Boone County festivals and events.”
“That 70s Party” is the theme for the 70th annual Lions Club Fall Festival that kicks off September 8th with amusement rides in Zionsville’s Lions Park. The Saturday morning parade on Main Street welcomes all for two great days of family festival fun that includes arts & crafts vendors, great food, kids bounce houses, pet pavilion and safety zone. Saturday night is an adults-only dance with The Impalas, and the American Dream Car Show on Sunday.
“As Boone County’s oldest festival, Zionsville’s Fall Festival still continues to
add additional activities every year.” Says Gutwein, “This keeps Fall Festival fresh with more fun for returning visitors.”
The sights and sounds of 18th century America come alive during the Colonial Market Days & Encampment at Lebanon’s Abner Longley Park on September 16 & 17. Jugglers and street performers mix with colonial era craftspeople working on their wares for sale as Revolutionary War militia reenactors share their life stories at their encampment, with battle reenactments each afternoon.
“Colonial Market Days & Encampment is a historically educational experience.” Says Gutwein, “It’s fascinating to talk with the reenactors about their lives during the first days of our nation’s beginning.”
Lebanon’s Back to the Fifties Festival takes place at the 4H Fairgrounds on September 16th with a huge classic car and bicycle show along with live music, arts & crafts, the Festival ‘50s Costume Parade, and live music all day long from the entertainment page – including a mini concert by “Elvis”.
“With all the costumes, dancing and hundreds of classic cars to check out, Back to the Fifties is just plain Hoosier fun!”, said Allyson. “This year I’m planning on wearing my Barbie pink poodle skirt!”
Thorntown’s classic hometown Festival of the Turning Leaves celebrates its 50th anniversary this September 22-24 as they welcome visitors to enjoy a variety of activities, entertainers, craft and food vendors, a parade, a unique children's area, museum tours, and big Saturday night concert.
The Jamestown Apple Cider Festival on October 7th has added a live bluegrass concert with three different bands playing through the afternoon along with a cornhole tournament, kids’ sack races and, of course, antique apple cider presses.
“Boone County has something going on every weekend that’s fun for the whole family.” says Gutwein, “There’s going to be a Little Bit of Boone for everyone to discover this fall.”
Travis Sutphin, a bloodhound handler deputy with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, is always ready alongside the K9 he works with, to help people in need.
It’s a job that keeps Sutphin busy with a lot of different responsibilities, and it’s also a career he values highly. He loves being able to help people when they need it the most.
He says he and his fellow officers have a busy daily schedule.
“The day-to-day care vet visits, exercise and so on are our department’s responsibilities,” Sutphin says. “Our department assists with our K9 partners in finding missing
endangered children, endangered adults, and criminal suspects.”
Sutphin notes that his job also involves going to different places to help people. He appreciates that part of the job.
“We have traveled to various counties to assist in finding people,” Sutphin says. “We also train with our dogs weekly with different scenarios that we could have in real life.”
Sutphin started with the department in October of 2014 as a reserve, and transitioned to full-time work in April of 2018. “My duties involve taking calls for service, taking care of vehicle accidents on our roads, and traffic enforcement, while also being on call for needs with my
bloodhound,” he says.
Bloodhounds have an excellent sense of smell, and help the police find missing or injured people in need of assistance. They are committed to the tasks they are assigned.
Sutphin has high praise for the K9 he works with.
“I work with one dog, Justice,” he says. “She is a one-and-a-half-year-old bloodhound that we got from South Carolina when she was five months old.”
Sutphin says working with Justice and other dogs has been a wonderful experience.
“Being a bloodhound handler is a great job,”
he says. “The dogs are amazing to work with, and the people I have been able to meet and work with have also been great.”
Sutphin has been able to observe Justice get better at her job every day.
“I love getting to watch my dog progress in her skills in trailing,” he says. “I get to see how excited she is to be out there working hard to find someone’s family member or a suspect.”
Sutphin notes that it’s a satisfying feeling to aid people when they need it the most. He never forgets how great of a feeling it is.
“I get to help people in the community when they are having what could be the worst day they have ever had,” Sutphin says. “It’s great when we can be a part of getting someone back to their family safely. It is very rewarding knowing that I get to do that as a part of my job.”
Sunday, Oct. 1 st 11 am - 4 pm
Hub & Spoke, Fishers
holistichubwellbeingfest.com
BOGO code TownePost
Speakers, Holistic Health
Practitioners, Natural Living, Complimentary Therapies, Healing & Creative Arts, Gifts, Food, and more!
The Boone County Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new era of leadership on July 24 as Sean Reaves assumed the role of executive director, following the esteemed board of directors’ announcement on July 19.
With an impressive background and a fresh perspective, Reaves brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new position.
Reaves, previously associated with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis for a decade, helped open the Witham YMCA in 2010, showcasing his ability to initiate and manage community-driven initiatives. His commitment to community development and connection is evident as he returns to Boone County after working at the Hickory Treatment Center, where he served as the regional
operations director for the state of Indiana.
Reaves says his return to Boone County has been greeted with excitement and warmth, and he expresses his anticipation to reconnect with the community.
“To get back to Boone County is really exciting,” he says. “I love the people, and to re-establish some of those connections, and to see some of those folks has just been really rewarding.”
In his new role, Reaves emphasizes a strong commitment to serving businesses of all sizes within the county. Recognizing that each business has unique needs, Reaves says he aims to advocate for their growth, offering tailored support to small, medium and
large enterprises.
“The Chamber is there to help businesses connect the dots, and really be there to advocate for them and help them grow their business and find success in those communities,” he says. “That should be our end goal for all of our partners.”
With a focus on collaboration, Reaves plans to engage actively with Chamber members, seeking their input on how the Chamber can best support their aspirations.
“I’m really excited about being able to talk to all of the businesses,” he says. “I’m visiting our members and asking them how the Chamber can better serve them.”
Apart from his professional commitment, Reaves has been married for 25 years to his wife, Sarah, a speech and language pathologist for Franklin Township schools. He has two daughters, one who recently graduated from Indiana State University and embarked on her journey as an art teacher, while his youngest just started her freshman year of high school.
Reaves also serves as a travel softball coach within the Indiana Shockwaves organization, showcasing his dedication to youth development and mentorship.
As the executive director of the Boone County Chamber of Commerce, Reaves’ vision for the future is one of inclusivity, growth and unity.
“My focus is to provide high-quality programs and to connect business leaders, and to create a more unified Boone County business community,” he says.
With his extensive background, passionate approach and collaborative mindset, Reaves says he hopes to guide the Boone County Chamber of Commerce into a promising future of community engagement, business support, and growth.
Visit boonechamber.org for more on the Boone County Chamber.
