Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Meeting – December 13, 2022
Westminster Village
5801 W. Bethel Ave.
Muncie, IN 47304

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Ed Armantrout Sofia Basso, Bonita Ramirez, Greg Hinshaw, Sarah McCord, Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves, Michael Grieves, Erin Ailstock, Steve Stroeh, Mary Ann Stroeh, Amy Spangler, Debbie Gary, Keith Gary, Michelle Tinch, Christi Ingram, Matt Driscoll, Jennifer Gibson, Mark Goodpaster, Lani Richey, Kris Thornburg, Maura Hoff, Scott Jordan, Kat Blankenbaker, Brianne Kelly, Christiana Mann, Joe Retz, Chris Day, Katherine Day, Brendon Comp, Todd Strong, Taryn McKnight, Jeremy McKnight, T.J. Weir, Ryan Gernand, Angie Rogers Howell, Amy Leffingwell, Joel Brumley, Maureen Walby, Tyler Ewing

TREASURER REPORT: Approved as submitted – Balance $35,954.84

SECRETARY REPORT: Approved as submitted.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS: Kudos to Tyler Ewing for handling awards and ceremony.

SPIRIT OF SMALL BUSINESS: Presented to Angie Rogers Howell – Farm House Creative – presented by Mark Goodpaster – Angie started her business ten years ago, with the last paycheck from her previous job. When Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves sold her printing business, Farm House acquired her books, and again grew when Farm House acquired Williams Printing in Farmland in 2021. Matt Howell, Angie’s husband, then joined the business and together they provide marketing solutions and printing services for numerous clients in Muncie and surrounding areas. Congratulations to Angie and Matt Howell for your enthusiasm and hard work.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION: Presented to Mrs. Taryn McKnight – Yorktown Middle School – presented by Yorktown Middle School Principal, Todd Strong – After being hired in the spring of 2019, Mrs. McKnight has emerged as a leader in the school’s English Language Arts (ELA)
Department. She demonstrates compassion and true dedication to her students on a daily basis. Mrs. McKnight serves important roles on both the Academic and Behavior Response to intervention and multi-tiered system of support teams. She also serves as an eight grade study tables facilitator. In addition to her classroom duties, Mrs. McKnight serves as a Yorktown Virtual Academy ELA teacher. She has been an integral part of the growth of this program.

Mrs. McKnight is passionate about her work. She makes intentional efforts to form relationships with the middle school families and prioritizes students’ wellbeing. On a consistent basis she volunteers to help and support colleagues and shows compassion and empathy when help is needed. She is a vital part of the Yorktown Middle School staff and plays an important role in the school’s overall success. Congratulations to Taryn McKnight.

EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE: Presented to Kris Thornburg, Town of Yorktown – presented by Kat Blankenbaker – Kris worked with the Civic Green Committee during the six-month concert season. Blankenbaker commended Kris Thornburg for his efforts during the concert season to assist in making the project successful. Blankenbaker said, “Kris was incredibly patient and kind as we worked through the kinks to find the best way to set up and tear down. The large banner’s cable broke during high winds, and Kris was right there to help find a solution. It’s one thing to do a person’s job but it’s another thing to do it joyfully, and Kris always shows up with a smile on his face. Thank you, Kris for choosing excellence.” Congratulations to Kris Thornburg.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD: Presented to the Civic Green Concert Committee – Kat Blankenbaker, Amy Carroll-Spangler, and Christiana Mann – presented by Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves – This committee raised $27,600, signed 10 bands for the six-month summer season to provide ten free outdoor concerts to the community. They brought many concert goers and diners to the community through their efforts.

Plans are underway for the 2023 season with the number of concerts being increased to 12. They are seeking volunteers for the upcoming season and would welcome new volunteers to work on this fun project. Congratulations Kat, Amy and Christiana for your dedication and hard work.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Presented to Mary Ann and Steve Stroeh for their work with Reach Ministries – presented by Maureen Walby – The Stroehs began their ministry in 2010, when Mary Ann became aware of the issues facing local families while working with children in the school system, as well as serving as a volunteer for Kids’ Hope, a mentoring program for children. Steve became a part of the ministry when he retired ten years ago. The Stroehs have been an important part of the Yorktown community for more than 50 years.

There are several programs that operate under the Reach Umbrella and include the food pantry that provides and distributes food to members of the community, Backpacks for Kids program which provides weekend meals for students in the Yorktown schools, the Kids in the Meadow Program, that offers a Monday-evening ministry to children four years old through fifth grade, during the month of June, and beginning in January, Reach offers the Connect Program that ministers to fourth and fifth graders at Yorktown Community Schools.

Mary Ann and Steve indicated that Reach Ministries is doing the work that God called them to do by building relationships and serving others with the means and opportunities God provides. Congratulations to Mary Ann and Steve Stroeh for your work and dedication to Reach Ministries.

RECOGNITION FOR SERVICE TO YORKTOWN CHAMBER: Plaques of recognition were presented to outgoing president, Keith Gary, outgoing treasurer, Ed Armantrout and outgoing secretary, Maureen Walby. All have served the Chamber for more than seven years and were able to assist the Chamber well during the COVID outbreak and through virtual meetings and calls. Congratulations to the outgoing members of the Yorktown Chamber Board.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The slate of officers for 2023 was presented to the group: Kat Blankenbaker, President, Mark Goodpaster, Vice President, Erin Ailstock, Secretary, Kristi Ingram, Treasurer. The slate of officers for the upcoming year was approved unanimously.

MISCELLANEOUS CHAMBER NEWS: The Yorktown Kiwanis Club is offering Abbotts Caramels for sale as a fundraiser for Riley Childrens’ Hospital. Please see Ed Armantrout or Maureen Walby for caramels. Westminster Village will be hosting Festival of Trees on January 6, 5-8 p.m. This event is open to the public and all are invited to attend.

MEETINGS: Yorktown Chamber meetings will be held at different venues during 2023, with the January meeting to be held at Yorktown Town Hall.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Mark Goodpaster – Mark indicated that he had lost several very good friends during part year, most very suddenly, and that in their passing, he wondered why he had not made the time to keep in touch and to tell them the important role they had played in his life. Mark indicated that the holiday season is a time for remembering and appreciation, and a time to reach out to those we love and revere. Christmas is a time for rejoicing but also a time of reflection about the important things in our lives. Mark wished all the Chamber members a very Merry Christmas!

MEETING ADJOURNED: Next meeting – January 17, 2023 – Bring a guest!