Yorktown Chamber of Commerce

Monthly Meeting – Annual Awards Meeting

December 18, 2018

Westminster Village

 

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Melissa Acton, Matt Anderson, Ed Armantrout, Andrea Bruno, Brendon Comp, Chris Day, Deb Evans, Keith Gary, Debbie Gary, Mark Goodpaster, Carolyn Grieves, Michael Grieves, Jenny Hamilton, Erin Hill, Greg Hinshaw, Erin Hurley, Rich Lee, Starr Manning, Rajae Marable, Misty Marrs, Sarah McCord, Tony Miller, Pete Olson, Bonita Ramirez, Mary Ann Stroeh, Steve Stroeh, Kallie Sulanke, Heather Taylor, Mark Taylor, Wes Thornburg, Maureen Walby, Tim Williams, Leslie Baim, Doug Baim, Mike Baker, Cathy Stagge

 

TOWN REPORT:         Pete Olson – The town has gone through bond rating process and is rated A+ with street development bonds at par, 3.54%. The downtown project has been awarded to 3-D, for $3,332,020.15 which is below the engineer estimate. Town Hall project expected to have a July, 2019 completion.

 

SCHOOL REPORT:       Greg Hinshaw – Construction continues on Pleasant View project with work underway on the transportation area. Pleasant View planning is ongoing with fiscally responsible goals. Hinshaw expressed appreciation to the town for its work on the bridge project. In view of the attempted violence in Richmond, Hinshaw indicated that there is ongoing discussion about student safety. The school has employed a school resource officer, and has implemented a safety plan that meets compliance guidelines.

 

AWARDS PRESENTATION:

 

Spirit of Small Business – Erin Hill – Lois Pearl – presented by Bonita Ramirez –

Lois Pearl began in the home of Erin Hill in 2009, as she made baby items for her own infant daughter. Friends began asking Hill to make items for their babies, as well, and Lois Pearl was born. Hill traveled to craft shows and boutique events until she moved to Yorktown in 2012. She moved to her current location on Smith Street as a sewing studio. As friends began coming to the shop, Hill began carrying items created by other women who owned similar businesses. Hill continues her on-line business, as well.

 

Hill now partners with Ball State University’s fashion design program, currently employing two part-time students in her shop.

 

The store is named after her two grandmothers who were both life-long Yorktown residents.

Hill, a Yorktown High School graduate, embodies the true Spirit of Small Business. Congratulations to Erin Hill of Lois Pearl.

 

 

 

Outstanding Contribution to Education – Kathy Stagge – Yorktown Elementary School – presented by Greg Hinshaw

Mrs. Cathy Stagge has been a long-time teacher at Yorktown Elementary School, starting her teaching career in 2002. Mrs. Stagge is a Delaware County Native, graduate of Ball State University, and mother of three.

 

During her time at Yorktown Elementary, Mrs. Stagge has taught all three grades in the school and is currently teaching third grade. She has been active in professional development and committee work, including recently serving on the school corporation’s evaluation committee as a building liaison. She has further served as a middle school volleyball coach.

 

Stagge is an excellent role model for her students, as well as positively influencing her colleagues. Her principal described her as an ideal teacher who always goes above and beyond and who frequently uses her class preparation time to assist struggling students and to mentor new teachers. Congratulations to Cathy Stagge who represents true excellence in education.

 

Excellence in Public Service – Erin Hurley – Town of Yorktown – presented by Pete Olson

 

Erin Hurley, a graduate of Greenwood High and Indiana University, began her Yorktown career in 2007, when she began working for the Yorktown Town Court. When her role expanded in 2009, to include responsibilities at the Town Manager’s office, Hurley then joined the staff as a full-time employee in 2010.

 

Hurley’s role includes many areas including rental of the Morrows Meadows pavilion, answering zoning questions, trash-toter repairs, complaints, and preparing the bi-monthly email newsletter, as well as serving on the wellness committee and taking notes for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Park Board, Redevelopment Commission and Redevelopment Authority.  She further assists with human resources functions, insurance and payroll. Hurley is the friendly and pleasant person who greets those who visit the Town Offices. Together with her side-kick, Khaki, a stray dog who was dropped off at the street department and adopted by Erin and her family, Hurley and Khaki wear many hats as public servants.

 

Congratulations to Erin Hurley (and Khaki) for their excellence in serving the people of Yorktown.

 

Community Impact – Mark and Heather Taylor – 5 Tool – presented by Chris Day

 

Mark and Heather Taylor opened 5 Tool, five years ago in a downtown Yorktown space, previously occupied by LifeStream Services transportation.  The building hosts more than 25,000 visitors a year and their sports fields see an additional 25,000 visitors annually. More than 30 teams utilize their facility in the winter off-season, utilizing their cage rentals and batting lessons. More than 20 instructors work from the building year round.

 

The business reach extends to all neighboring counties beyond Delaware County, proving to be a destination for baseball hopefuls of all ages. Partnerships are established with many entities including JAA, Yorktown Sports Park, Yorktown schools and BSU softball. The BPA League will host their world series in Yorktown in the summer of 2019.

 

5 Tool helped to form the CHALLENGE LEAGUE, a summer program designed for special needs athletes, in partnership with JAA.

 

The level of community involvement, engagement and mentor-ship, provides experiences for youth in Yorktown and the surrounding areas. The 5 tools are as follows: 1. Hitting for Power; 2. Hitting for Average; 3.Defense; 4. Speed; 5. Throwing.

 

Congratulations to Mark and Heather Taylor of 5 Tool, for their outstanding contribution to Yorktown athletes.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: BRE Lunch and Learn will be held on the third Thursday in January, 2019, at the Mr. Mouse Catering Room, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Thank you to Westminster Village for providing both the meeting space and delicious luncheon.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED

 

NEXT MEETING:                     January 15, 2019 – Mellott Family Center – Bring a Guest.