Yorktown Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Meeting – Christmas Luncheon and Awards
December 17, 2019
Westminster Village
OPENING WORDS AND WELCOME: Gay Nation, Westminster Village – Thanked the Yorktown Chamber for allowing Westminster Village to host the annual awards luncheon and provided a schedule of upcoming events at Westminster Village.
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Matthew Anderson, Ed Armantrout, Doug Baim, Leslie Baim, Barbara Baker, Erica Bouse, Brendon Comp, Kristin Comp, Chris Day, Keith Gary, Debbie Gary, Mark Goodpaster, Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves, Michael Grieves, Maura Hoff, Kristi Ingram, Jennifer Logan, Mark Logan, Sarah McCord, Tony Miller, Jenny Hamilton, Pete Olson, Mark Pierce, Jared Price, Many Ann Stroeh, Kallie Sulanke, Michelle Tinch, Lance Turner, Maureen Walby, Tim Williams, Rick Yencer, Bonita Ramirez. Clay Arnett, Lance Turner, Mark Logan, Mandy Williams.
TOWN REPORT: No town report provided until January, 2020 meeting.
SCHOOL REPORT: No school report provided until January, 2020 meeting.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS:
Spirit of Small Business Award – US Architects – Keith Gary, presented by Mark Goodpaster – US Architects is a full-service architectural firm serving clients in the Yorktown and surrounding areas. Having been in business for twenty-eight years, the firm is equipped to provide architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural design on construction projects. Keith Gary, a principal partner in the firm, has served as the president of the Yorktown Chamber for three years and has been involved in many projects that have enhanced development in the town of Yorktown, including the newly completed Town Hall building. Gary and his firm truly exemplify a spirit of leadership and energy in promoting small-town excellence.
Outstanding Contribution to Education – Clay Arnett – presented by Chris Day – Following a successful history as an award-winning band director, Clay Arnett, accepted the position in 2016 as band and choir director at Yorktown High School. In just three short years, the enrollment in high school band and choir skyrocketed to more than 140 members. The marching band, alone, has doubled in size while striving to gain prominence among Indiana band programs through returning to regional competitions.
Arnett serves the community by supporting student engagement in many community activities including performance at fundraisers, running concession stands at school athletic events, coordinating the high school color guard program, hosting state school music association competitions, and much more. Arnett Is also the founder and director of the praise band at High Street United Methodist Church. Arnett inspires others while seeking ways to give back to the local community through his talents, his expertise and his enthusiasm.
Excellence in Public Service – Lance Turner – presented by Pete Olson – Lance Turner serves at the Clerk Treasurer for the Town of Yorktown, after having been elected in November, 2018. Upon receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Colorado State University, Turner threw himself into his new job, working through the bond ratings process for the civic green project, as well as other endeavors. Together with his assistant, Amanda Reinke, a number of issues have been solved including data entry errors and compliance with the state audit board. With Turner’s assistance, the town of Yorktown has been able to continue on a progressive path, working through a number of projects including the finalization of Town Hall, Canal Street, Civic Green, and currently, the refinancing bonds to obtain a lower interest rate as well as the State Revolving Fund, as the town looks to update its Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Turner, who is very active in the community, attends various state-wide official meetings and also finds time to serve as coach of the girls’ basketball team, strives to enhance the community through the office of Clerk Treasurer.
Community Impact Award – Mark Logan, Commander of the American Legion Post #321, Yorktown – presented by Keith Gary. Mark Logan has been instrumental in opening the American Legion Memorial Park, on 2.8 acres along Buck Creek, including at monument depicting the Marines at the battle of Iwo Jima. After Sam Pierce, a local business man and property owner, reached out to the Legion, a plan was presented to Mr. Pierce for the implementation of this project. The American Legion post embarked on the task of clearing the property, now an ideal place for families to fish and enjoy the area together. The Yorktown American Legion Post is constantly striving to acknowledge veterans and to give back to the community. Logan and the American Legion Post #321 have made a positive impact on the Yorktown community, its businesses and its residents.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Al and Barbara Baker – presented by Leslie Baim and Sarah McCord – Al and Barbara Baker have been a part of the Yorktown Community for more than fifty years, with Barbara having chaired the Annual Luminary Festival for fifteen years. The Bakers have conducted several small businesses in the Yorktown area, including the Baker-Finley Warehouse. As supportive members of the Yorktown Chamber, the Bakers have been active supporters of activities for families and family involvement in the Yorktown community.
MISCELLANEOUS CHAMBER INFORMATION: Motion was made and carried to purchase tables for use at the Town Hall Building. Motion was made and carried to participate in a membership for Shafer Leadership Academy Executive Membership Program.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Lunch and Learn programs will be offered beginning January 16, and will continue on February 20 and April 16. The lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will be held at the banquet room behind Mr. Mouse located at 2209 S. Broadway, Yorktown. You may register on the Yorktown Chamber Website or for further information contact Brendon Comp at Brendon@agentsforyou.com or 765-759-5575. The presenter for this series will be Ted Ward, founder of Achieve Onward.
MEETING ADJOURNED
NEXT MEETING: January 21, 2020 – Bring a Guest