DATE: August 19, 2025
START TIME: Meeting 8:00 AM
LOCATION: Town Hall {Council Chambers}
9312 Smith St, Yorktown, IN 47396

Agenda:
7:45 a.m.-8:00 a.m.: Doors open/Coffee served
8:00 a.m.: Call to order/Pledge of Allegiance

Introduction: Marissa Earls-Question of the month and introduction of members.
Question of the month: How long have you been in your current industry?
Attendance: 37 people were at the meeting

Breakfast Bonus: Breakfast Sponsor LifeStream Services: Kim Gillenwater stated that LifeStream’s is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. They service 12 counties, and are 1 of 15 agencies for the aging. Some of the services that they provide are: transportation, meals, guidance with area resources, caregiver programs, etc. They have service guides that are free to anyone in the community that is a tool for anyone taking care of others.

Presentation of last month’s Minutes: Erin Ailstock-didn’t meet in July.

Treasurer Report: Kat Blankenbaker- the report was sent out to members prior to meeting. Balance at 62,875.42 as of 8/6/2025.

School Report: Dr. Greg Hinshaw-It has been a great start to the school year so far. Yorktown Community Schools is fully staffed and are all licensed teachers. Construction update: football project is running behind schedule; turf is going down this week. The Yorktown Chamber monthly meeting will be touring the school in October. School board is currently working on a strategic planning project and should be finished by the end of 2025.

Town Report: Chase Bruton-the town is currently dealing with a water problem at Park 1. Working at Cammack Station/Jackson on a storm water project. Due to the loss of property tax revenue, they town has implemented a wheel tax ($25.00 per vehicle) that will help with the loss of revenue. There is a new mural going up by bridge on State Rd. 32 (West Smith Street near the bridge over Buck Creek).

Program: Nanci Sears presents “Dementia Friends” (Includes Q&A)-Nanci talked about Dementia Friendly Yorktown and what it means. Dementia Friends Indiana is part of a global movement transforming how communities understand and support individuals living with dementia. When communities become Dementia Friendly, it helps raise awareness, reduce stigma and foster an inclusive environment. Yorktown became a Dementia friendly community in 2023. Ways to get involved as an individual: attend a workshop in person or watch a few videos online at the Dementia Friends Indiana website. What is a Dementia Friend? A dementia friend is someone willing to make a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia through increased awareness and support. Even small actions make a big difference and help people and their care partners stay connected to their community. Ways to get involved as a business: Attend or host a one-hour training delivered by a dementia friendly trainer. At least 50% of staff/volunteers must attend (goal is 100%), agree to discuss and implement dementia friendly changes, and support people with dementia and caregivers as much as possible. For more information, you can reach out to Nanci Sears.

President’s report: Kat Blankenbaker-Kat gave an update on the strategic plan and that there is a lot to do to complete it. Time line for new board members: September-slate proposed, October-slate to membership, November-members vote on slate, and December-install new board members. Mark Goodpaster spoke to the members regarding the need of a Concert Coordinator. It will be a paid 1099 position that will be paid through the chamber. This will be an annual contract. Motion to create a 1099 position to be paid through the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce (Chamber will pay $5,000 and the Town of Yorktown will pay $15,000)- The Board moved to approve the 1099 position, and all members voted in favor. Mark stated that Kat’s not done yet but is willing to resign at the end of the year.

Lunch and Learn/ Shafer Leadership News: Ted Ward- The next Lunch & Learn will be on Wednesday, October 1st at town hall. The topic is: “Volunteerism: Leading with Purpose in Your Community” Cost (Includes Lunch): $10 for current YCC members, $25 for non-members. Check out other available programs to our members at: https://www.shaferleadership.com/yorktown-chamber/

Annual Awards: Tyler Ewing-Committee includes: Tyler Ewing, Marissa Earls, Alexis Dishman, and Michael. The descriptions of each award are listed on the website. October 31st is nomination deadline. You can make reservations on the website; deadline is December 1st. They are going to be working on getting catering bids for this event.

2-minute Tip of the day: Mark Goodpaster-Tips of the day.

Member Announcements: Members gave updates on business and upcoming events.
Adjournment: Promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 16th at Town Hall located at 9312 Smith St., Yorktown.