Good News Southeastern Indiana: DCCF and Tami Wenning jump into action during heal...

Good News Southeastern Indiana: DCCF and Tami Wenning jump into action during heal...: If you are from Greensburg and Decatur County, then you are not shocked and surprised at the efforts of many, especially in times of crisis...

DCCF and Tami Wenning jump into action during health crisis

If you are from Greensburg and Decatur County, then you are not shocked and surprised at the efforts of many, especially in times of crisis. This won’t surprise you either, but I am going to tell you about it anyway.

In her sixth year as the Executive Director of the Decatur County Community Foundation, my friend Tami Wenning wasted very little time in stepping up to the plate during the current COVID-19 health crisis.

The Decatur County Community Foundation quickly put together plans for a Rapid Response Grant consisting of $25,000 and they established the Decatur County Community Disaster Relief Fund. The Foundation put in $20,000 to use as a dollar-for-dollar match meaning any dollar donated into that fund is matched and it goes back into the community providing much needed assistance during this crisis.

Within one week of rolling out the RRG, the Foundation sent out checks for nearly $22,000 to provide additional funding for Meals on Wheels, Human Services, Gleaner’s Food Bank, Carousel Play and Learn Center, AGAPE, Letts Ambulance Service, the Decatur County Family YMCA and others providing immediate and tangible relief to the community.

And how about this – the Disaster Relief Fund received $30,000 from First Financial Bank and $9,000 of that went immediately to assisting the Decatur County School Corporation to implement mobile hot spots to facilitate e-learning, a critical asset for the school year since school instruction as we have known changed in an instant.

The DCCF is also discussing ways to help small businesses in our community and planning continues with that project. Of course, all of this has the blessings of the DCCF Board of Directors lead by retired banker Daryl Tressler as President of the Board. I am told that Daryl just gets things done and I believe it, having seen him in action many times since I came to this county in 1995.

And all this good doesn’t happen just because of one person. While Tami Wenning is in the big chair, she has built an excellent staff including Jenny Nobbe Schebler who keeps the bills paid and continues to work with the scholarship committee so graduating seniors can plan for their continuing education. Also, Daniel Fayette keeps up the website for the DCCF including the correct information on applying for grants and how to donate to the COVID 19 Disaster Relief Fund. That website can be found at https://dccfound.org/

Then there is public relations guru Alex Sefton who keeps things flowing by cutting checks for the RRG and by being the tech expert for Zoom video meetings, while Darin Miley continues checking in on regular grant applications and keeping the scenes moving behind the scenes. Last and most certainly not least is the ever-fun loving Sue Feaster who is waiting in the wings for any assignment Tami can give to her.

As a side bar, many moons ago, I hired Tami to be a stringer writer (this means part time with very little pay, if any) for the Greensburg Daily News. Knowing she lives near the Westport area, I asked Tami to be my southern connection to the community and provide good news happening in that area. Her column, Southern Comfort, was responsible for dramatically increasing our circulation numbers and subscriber base in the Westport area.

Tami also saved me one ice-covered day, when my boys and I made a Cheer Fund deliver near her home and could not get out of a steep driveway due to the ice. Of course, Tami had a small hand in coming to my rescue and it did not surprise me

Keep your eye on Tami Wenning and the Decatur County Community Foundation as they continue to review what works and what doesn’t, so they can be even better prepared for future events impacting our Decatur County community.

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EDCGDC responds to health crisis

Imagine sitting in the big chair at the Economic Development Corporation when your phone rings and you find out that a major corporation such as Honda Manufacturing is interested in land in your county, bringing 2,000 plus jobs to Southeastern Indiana. The work begins, and you suddenly find yourself in the spotlight of the biggest news story your county has seen in say - forever.

There are phone calls, incredible planning sessions, countless meetings, negotiations, media interviews, the ground-breaking, speeches, etc… Life is busy, but good. You feel pride because now you are bringing the recognition to your county that you worked hard for the entire world to know about. The fact that your community was finally being known as the place to be. More jobs and more opportunities will follow as you gear up for the economic expansion in the years to come. Hard work has paid off - finally.

Now imagine sitting in that same chair when the largest health crisis the world has ever seen hits your community and the rest of the world. Suddenly, your 2.3 percent jobless rate skyrockets to numbers not seen since – ever. Life as it is known comes to a virtual standstill. Factories and businesses are ordered closed. Goods are not being made or shipped. The economy is coming apart at the seams. Workers are laid off and executives at the factories and other businesses are scrambling for answers, advice and help.

Greensburg’s Bryan Robbins was not in that Executive Director chair when Honda announced it would build in Decatur County, however, he is in that big chair right now, facing the most stressful and difficult time I would image any of us have ever seen.

My shout out today goes to the Economic Development Corporation Greensburg Decatur County and its staff, Bryan Robbins and his rock star assistant Amy Cook Borns. Do not think for one minute that Bryan and Amy have slowed down just because there is a stay-at-home order and they are adhering to it like everyone else. No siree Bob. Absolutely not.

While I continue to applaud those local folks on the front line of this pandemic, let me tell you I know for a fact that the local EDC is not getting much sleep these days either. Bryan remains in constant contact with the local industrial base. Discussing their plans and seeing how his office can assist them. He has spent hours staying on top of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program so he can help businesses the best he can. One must also realize that in the beginning, these programs and plans by our Federal Government seemed to change by the hour. In fact, there was and still are, many things that seem to change by the hour. It can be difficult to stay on top of it, especially when you have other responsibilities such as Bryan and Amy.

I know Bryan is in communication almost daily with the Decatur County Commissioners President Rick Nobbe, Mark Koors, and Jerome Buening, Greensburg Mayor Joshua Marsh, Decatur County Memorial Hospital CEO Rex McKinney, and many others. His cell phone doesn’t get much of a chance to cool down. His email is being blown up from local business leaders, to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Administration and most likely many more. Like those on the front line, his office did not take the weekend off.

Rest assured Greensburg and Decatur County, Bryan Robbins and Amy Borns are very aware of the pangs you as unemployed fellow citizens and your business leaders and owners are experiencing. They do not take it lightly. There is not much rest for that staff. And neither do the Board of Directors for the EDCGDC, giving Bryan full support. That shows confidence in the efforts of that office.

Our group remains in constant daily communication, many times a day, so I know what they are going through. Perhaps not as much as your unemployed family or ill family members, but that boulder on their shoulders is more like a mountain and they are preparing for better times ahead in our return to what will be the new normal as we make an economic come back. Stronger than ever.

Thanks, EDCGDC.
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United Fund exceeds goal

Decatur County United Fund set out to raise $330,000 for thre 2012 campaign. During Tuesday's annual meeting it was announced that funds raised did not stop there --- the total announced was $432,746 by UF Executive Director Joane Cunningham and Campaign Co-Chair Lizette Bell. Greg and Lizette served as co-chairs for the campaign.

GDN provides info on braving cold

With snow flurries and freezing temperatures eminent, the Decatur County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) offered some safety advice to brave the cold earlier this week.
EMA director Rob Duckworth, implores residents to exercise caution and common sense when using alternate heating sources such as space heaters.
- Space heaters should be kept at least three feet from flammable materials such as draperies, blankets, clothing and bedding.
- Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or surge protector.
- Turn off space heaters when abandoning a room for an extended time.
- The correct grade of fuel should be used for liquid-powered space heaters, and never use gasoline.
Caution should be used when choosing wood and burning material for fireplaces.
- Be sure that firewood does not have creosote, an oily, easily flammable deposit that is the cause for most chimney fires, and the largest share of home heating fires.
- Artificial logs should not be used in wood stoves.
- Do no use flammable liquids to start a fire, only use paper or kindling wood.
- Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen to prevent sparks.
- Ash should be allowed to cool before being deposited into a metal container.
- Fuel-burning equipment should be allowed to vent clearly and unobstructed to the outside.
GetPrepared.IN.gov, where Duckworth took his information, also offers advice on how to drive safely in the winter weather and what to do in the event of wrecking and becoming stranded.
The first bit of advice before driving in winter weather, is always make sure your car is in order. Check your vehicle’s wheels, engine, antifreeze, windshield wipers and blades and brakes.
- Carry extra supplies such as blankets, and spare clothes such as mittens, boots and hats.
- Carry nonperishable food and drinks such as water, granola bars, nuts or crackers.
- Bring a car cellphone charger.
- Have a tire repair kit and pump.
- Don’t pour hot water over frozen locks, the water will refreeze.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full, and fill the tank before parking for lengthy periods. Having gasoline in the tank will prevent the fuel line from freezing.
- Always be aware of driving conditions before leaving home.
- Do not leave the house if there are severe weather warnings in place.
- In the event of a power outage, try to keep cash on your person, as ATMs will likely not work.
- In the event of wrecking in a deserted area, remain calm, and remain in your vehicle while waiting for rescuers.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your car so rescuers may see you.
- Run the heat in your car once an hour for 10 minutes. An idling car uses about one gallon of gas per hour.
- Never eat snow for hydration. The snow will make your body temperature lower.
- Move around to keep your blood circulating.
- If you are stranded in your car, do not leave your car unless help is immediate.
Humans aren’t the only critters who need help fending off the cold.
Additionally, Laura Johnston, manager of the Greensburg/Decatur County Animal Shelter, offered some advice on how to care for animals kept outside.
- Make sure dog houses or shelters are facing east or south. The cold winds normally come from the north and west.
- Do not use cotton blankets for outdoor shelters. Cotton is extremely cold when wet. Instead, use straw, but make sure the straw doesn’t get moldy.
- Outdoor animals need water more than ever in the dry, cold weather. Make sure the water is fresh daily, and isn’t frozen.
- Outdoor animals need extra food for the winter to help keep warm with extra padding.
Johnston added that if anyone is need of straw, people can come to the animal shelter to obtain some. The animal shelter can be contacted at 812-663-9081, and is located at 1635 West Park Road.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has also given some advice for protecting pets.
- Keep your dogs on leashes. If the dog gets loose, they can lose their sense of smell in the cold weather more easily than any other season, and become lost.
- Never shave your animals during the winter, they need their full coat more than ever.
The EMA also provided an explanation of all the jargon used when describing weather advisories:
Winter Storm Advisory - Cold, ice and heavy snow are expected.
Winter Storm Watch - Heavy snow and ice are very possible over the next couple of days, so finalize preparations and listen to a weather radio or forecasts.
Winter Storm Warning - Severe winter weather is in the area. Heavy snow and/or ice will begin soon.
Blizzard - Strong winds over 35 miles per hour that reduces visibility.
Sleet - Rain that falls and turns into ice before it hits the ground.
Freezing Rain - Rain that falls and turns to ice once it hits a surface.

Running a second test

This is a second test before relaunch.

If successful, relaunch will not be far behind.

Test

This is a test. Test only.

MainSource Bank finds downtown Indy location

From Indianapolis Star: A high-profile Downtown location, once filled by Borders bookstore, will soon be home to MainSource Bank. This former Borders building has sat vacant for more than a year. Photo by The Indianapolis Star The Greensburg-based bank will fill 9,500-square-feet on two floors of the building at 11 S. Meridian St., which is 22,000 square feet. The remaining space has yet to be leased, but MainSource’s Chris Harrison says he would like to see his bank grow fast enough that it could eventually fill the entire space. “This is a prominent site for us because it’s on one of the busiest corners in both foot traffic and car traffic in the city of Indianapolis,” said Harrison, senior vice president of branch admininstration. The full-service bank, which will open in the fall, will provide an array of offerings, including commercial, wealth management, mortgage and a retail branch. Borders closed its doors on that location more than a year ago, and since has gone out of business shuttering all stores nationwide. The Downtown building has been a tough space to fill because it’s large and on two levels. “It’s a little bit of a funky layout,” said Eric Hillenbrand, a local commercial real estate broker. But for a bank? It’s a perfect location, he said. “It’s prominent and would be just great for a bank,” he said.

THE RECOVERY BASH A CELEBRATION OF HOLTON, IN

HOLTON COMMUNITY PARK- HOLTON, IN.: - Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 11th ! The Napoleon State Bank is teaming up with the Holton community to coordinate “The Recovery Bash…A Celebration of Holton.” The celebration will be held in the Holton Community Park. The money raised from the event will be given to assist the Holton Community in its rebuilding efforts from the March 2nd tornado. The day will be filled with a free music concert coordinated by Keith Swinney beginning at Noon and ending late in the evening. There will be great bands like The Keith Swinney Band, 650 North, DV8, Hot Wired, Over the Edge, Centerline, and more. There will be solo performances by Clint Jivoin, Micah McFarland, Lora Parks, Michael I. Tetrick Jr., and more. The music celebration will tailor to Genre from Country Gospel, Country, to Rock. It will be a time to visit with neighbors, meet new friends, and give back to the community. Come enjoy great food, fantastic music, and much more! Mark Comer, Executive Vice President of The Napoleon State Bank, said, “We are proud to have been a part of the Holton Community for the last 50 years. Sponsoring this event is a great opportunity to help the community continue their recovery efforts and plan for the future. Please plan on attending as we will have something for everyone.” You can follow event details on www.napoleonstatebank.com under the “news” section. An account is open at the bank for those wanting to make a monetary donation (mail to: The Napoleon State Bank Attn: Holton Recovery Account P.O. Box 9 Napoleon, IN 47034). Any Company or individual wishing to be a sponsor or donate items can contact Christy Sutton, event coordinator, at 812.852.4002 ext 230, or csutton@napoleonstatebank.com, or 812.756.1535.

26th Annual Summer Day of Golf

All Chamber members and their guests are invited to participate in this fun event. This is a MAJOR fundraiser to support the efforts and programs of your Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce.

The format for the day will be a Captain's Choice Scramble. Form your team or we will match you with a team.

Your registration fee includes green fees, cart fees, a mulligan, 1 string per team, lunch, 2 beverage tickets and a registration gift.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

We will also have a putting contest, Beat the Pro contest, the driving range will be open prior to the start of the day, closest to the pin, longest drive and several opportunities to win big prizes with our Hole-in-One contests.

Mark your calendar for this fun event. More information, includiing sponsorship opportunities, will be released soon.

Call 812-663-2832 or email info@greensburgchamber.com for more information.

Women in Business Conference July 29

The business meal has taken on all forms from succinct breakfast meetings and power lunches to leisurely dinners and cocktail parties.

The purpose of a business meal is always the same…to develop a relationship with your client or potential employer. Consequently, our skill set as a business professional must be expanded so that we are comfortable in all dining environments.

A strong comfort level allows us to fully focus on the business at hand rather than worry about, "Where should I sit?" or "Should I order first?" or "What should I do if my client orders liquor?"

When we execute a business meal with style, savvy and sophistication, we create a strong business presence and are much more likely to be remembered favorably among our clients and colleagues.

To give yourself a competitive edge, join Corporate Image Coach, Starla West, as she discusses how to navigate a business meal with grace and sophistication.

Starla West will be the keynote luncheon speaker at the fourth annual Women in Business Conference, scheduled for Friday, July 29, 2011 at the Greensburg Elementary School.

The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Chambers of Commerce from Batesville, Ripley County and Brookville/Franklin County for this annual event.

Indiana Downs will be providing the lunchtime meal along with Starla West who will show you proper techniques for navigating your way around a business meal.

Many break-out sessions are planned throughout this day-long event. Watch for more information in the near future.
Our Mission is to: Build a Positive Business Environment by providing Strategic Leadership, Advocacy, and Resources for Our Members.

The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce takes pride in supporting our membership. We serve a growing, enthusiastic group of members interested in networking, information, growth and providing services to meet the needs of our wonderful community.

We encourage you to use this site as a means to find the services, businesses or information about Greensburg and Decatur County that interests you. And by all means, if you can’t find what you are looking for or if you need additional information, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 812-663-2832. You may also email your questions to: info@greensburgchamber.com.

The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce is a valuable resource in meeting the needs of businesses including those entrepreneurs considering starting a business. We can help.

Please check back often for community events and updates.

We look forward to making your experience a remarkable one. After all – Greensburg and Decatur County Indiana and the local Chamber of Commerce is Open for Business.

Decatur County Safety Council meets at Honda

The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Safety Council were guest of Honda Manufacturing of Indiana today. Honda presented the program about efforts to "go green" at the Greensburg facility. Pictured is Jennifer Andrick making the presentation to those in attendance. The Chamber appreciates the efforts of Honda and its support to the community and environment.