Yorktown Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Monthly Meeting

February 19, 2019

Mellott Family Center

 

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Keith Gary, Steve Perry, Ryan Ballard, Maureen Walby, Tony Miller, Tom Chiudioni, Leslie Baim, Doug Baim, Evan Shroyer, Chris Day, Mark Goodpaster, Brandon Marks, Barb Baker, Al Baker, Brendon Comp, Doug Sturgeon, Erica Bouse, Carly Acree-King, Kallie Sulanke, Sarah McCord, Mitch Isaacs, Patti Decker, Ed Armantrout, Pete Olson

 

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do you have Google Pay or Apple Pay on your phone? Most responded that they do not.

 

BREAKFAST SPONSOR:          The Town of Yorktown – Pete Olson

 

SECRETARY REPORT:             Approved as submitted.

 

TREASURER REPORT:             Approved as submitted.

 

LUMINARY REPORT:              Barb Baker reported that the festival went very well. There were 400 luminaries placed. Vendors were very pleased with the event as there was steady attendance throughout the day. The Yorktown Band Boosters sponsored a soup and sandwich event and will be having longer hours for the 2019 event. Advertising was done in the Anderson Herald Bulletin in 2018 and would expand advertising base in 2019.

 

SCHOOL REPORT:                   Dave Sturgeon reported that Emily Weiss had won her fourth state title in swimming with possible Olympic potential. Winter sports are winding down. Recent study showed that in terms of salary, Yorktown schools were 15th out of 287, offering the highest salaries in East Central Indiana. Work continues to move forward with the school renovation projects.

 

FOUR FOR THE 4TH:               Registration is open with registrations ahead of last year by 22%; at the current rate of registration, there could potentially be 1,400 participants. The committee initiated a three-year partnership with Indiana University Health although additional sponsorships would be appreciated.

 

TOWN REPORT:                     Pete Olson – Demolition of previously purchased properties is on schedule. Projected date of occupancy for the new Town Hall slated for July 15 – August 1. The architectural review board is looking at the final downtown development plan.

 

BRE LUNCH AND LEARN:       Brendon Comp – 2 p.m. 2-19-19, final opportunity to register for Lunch and Learn to be held at Mr. Mouse Annex, 2-21-19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

 

PROGRAM:                 Brandon Marks – EXCEL Center – The EXCEL Center, funded through Goodwill Industries, provides an opportunity for adults who have not received a high school diploma to work toward that goal. EXCEL Centers have been in operation for about ten years with the first center opened in Marion County. The program is outcome-driven, by what comes next after graduation. The program consists of five, eight-week terms covering remedial needs to college needs for each student. The program is currently working with Delaware County work providers to encourage employers to see the potential in hiring students upon completion of this program. Enrollment is strong with twenty new students just introduced to the program in the past week. The average age of students is 27, with the oldest student 71 years old. Teacher/student ratio is 1:20. The program also provides the assistance of a life coach and guidance counselor so that all educational needs of the students will be supported. Free in-house daycare is provided. Classes are conducted 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday –Thursday. The goal of the program is to provide job placement with a living wage.

 

MISCELLANEOUS CHAMBER NEWS:             Community Endowment Fund application opens March 1, with deadline May 1. Also funds are available for scholarships for Yorktown High School graduates.

 

TIP OF THE MONTH:  Mark Goodpaster – Thanked the Town of Yorktown for breakfast. Place your cell phone under a bottle of water to produce more light. To chill a bottle of liquid, place wet paper towels around the bottle and place in the freezer for 15 minutes. Use a large “S” hook to carry in multiple plastic bags of groceries at one time. For cat lovers, take the lid from a paper box and place near your desk area. Cats love sitting in box lids. Use a toilet paper roll to make a speaker for your phone.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED:

 

NEXT MEETING:                     March 19, 2019 –BRING A GUEST!