Yorktown Chamber of Commerce

Awards Luncheon Meeting

Monthly Chamber Meeting

December 15, 2015

Mellott Family Center

 

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Ed Armantrout, Doug Baim, Leslie Baim, Al Baker, Barb Baker, George Ballard, Kayla Ballard, Marty Ballard, Ashley Bandy, David Boone, Lela Boucher, Melissa Bucur, David Cox, Chris Day, Michelle Deaton, Cindy Dunn, Karl Fettig, Keith Gary, Debbi Gary, Carolyn Grieves, Michael Grieves, Brian Haughn, Jerry Hoffman, Marsha Huston, Bob Huston, Jay Julian, Sholin Keeney, April Kemper, Heather Lucas, Starr Manning, Niccole Mansker, Sarah McCord, Patrick O’Connor, Pete Olson, Steve Perry, Bonita Ramirez, Shanan Riegle, Adam Riegle, Diana Smiley, Katie Smith, Kevin Spaugh, Cindy Spears, Mary Ann Stroeh, Ben Strunck, Brooke Wagner, Maureen Walby, Roger Walby, Maggie Walker, Whitney Warner.

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2016: Slate of officers presented, motion made and seconded to accept and ratify slate for coming year. Approved.

 

LUMINARY REPORT: Very successful event with great attendance. There were long lines for carriage rides and to visit with Santa. Food was good with a great variety of merchandise vendors.

 

TOWN REPORT: Council meeting scheduled for 12/21, although very little business on the agenda. Pete Olson wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the town of Yorktown. All relieved that there has been very little snow.

 

AWARDS PROGRAM: The Spirit of Small Business Award was presented by Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves to US Architects, represented by Keith Gary, Jerry Hoffman and Karl Fettig, partners in the business. The award was presented to a business owned and operated in Yorktown that has been active in the community. The firm moved to Yorktown in 2011 but has been serving clients for thirty-two years providing design for industrial, commercial, retail, automotive, medical, financial and religious buildings.  US Architects has taken an active role in Yorktown by serving on the Board of Zoning Appeals, Redevelopment Commission, Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, and Yorktown Council for the Arts.

 

The Outstanding Contribution to Education Award was presented to Shanan Riegle, a teacher in the Yorktown Community Schools, for excellence exhibited in the classroom. Reigle teaches fifth grade and has been an educator for fifteen years. Riegle has been involved in the Indiana Council for Economic Education as well as the Ball State University Economic Council in directing student participation in economics competitions. As a Yorktown resident, Riegle has two children who attend Yorktown Community schools. Riegle believes that new technology used in the teaching field contributes significantly to the learning experience. Reigle, a passionate and dedicated educator, was presented the award by Jennifer McCormick.

 

The Excellence in Public Service Award was presented to David Boone, Yorktown Fire Chief. Beginning his career with the Yorktown Fire Department in 2002, Boone moved up through the ranks to achieve his current position as Fire Chief and has served on various task forces to provide specifications for purchase of new and more efficient firefighting equipment. He has been instrumental in the training of volunteers with whom he maintains almost daily contact.  In addition to his responsibilities as Fire Chief, Boone works in the field of computer technology. Boone has clearly demonstrated his understanding of his role in protecting the people of Yorktown through his leadership, his ability to compromise, and his willingness to give back to its citizens and visitors. The Excellence in Public Service Award was presented by Pete Olson.

 

The Community Impact Award for an individual or business that has made a positive impact in the community was presented to the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene and accepted by Marty Ballard, pastor. As a member of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, the church has been an active participant in many activities that have benefited the town including providing meeting space for the Chamber, sponsorship of Cub Scout Troop 303, active participant in Four for the Fourth, active participant in the Luminary Festival, participant in the Yorktown homecoming parade, sponsor of Little Bloomers Childcare Ministry, sponsor of Christmas needs tree for Yorktown Manor Healthcare, participant in Secret Families Charities, and much more. The church also provides a Christmas Eve dinner for those who are working to serve the community on that day and includes nursing home personnel, EMS, firemen and police officers. Through the support of Yorktown Church of the Nazarene, town efforts have been enhanced.

 

SCHOOL REPORT: The school is still working through I-Step and has had a great first semester now ending with finals week. A number of federal changes will be implemented soon. Chamber support of the Yorktown Community Schools is greatly appreciated.

 

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Yorktown Manor is adding a memory care unit with provisions for accepting those with Medicaid Insurance. The facility is under new management with many positive changes to come in the community. The Fire and Ice Run sponsored by the Yorktown Fire Department, as part of the Luminary Festival, had 153 registrants with 139 racers. The fire department will be making the Santa delivery with Santa on the firetruck. The Fire Departments needs volunteers and will provide classes, and gear-training. There are currently fourteen openings for volunteer fire fighters. Muncie Delaware Chamber of Commerce supports the Yorktown Chamber and will partner in activities for mutual community benefit. Morrison Woods will be sponsoring an event on February 12, which will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank and will include a silent auction. The Christmas Day Harvest Soup Kitchen needs food contributions for the meal. Go to their website for further information. Potential fund raising event scheduled for September for Community Foundation to increase amount of foundation award benefits to deserving recipients.

 

TIP OF THE MONTH: Please take the opportunity to be kind to others when making comments on social media. Remember that differences of opinion can be expressed with respect to others.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED

 

NEXT MEETING:  January 19, 2016 – Bring a Guest!