Bill and Jackie Blasdel owners of Blasdel Enterprises and Jay Hatton, former President and current board member of the Decatur County Community Foundation and local agricultural leader, were honored with the county’s highest award Thursday evening, the Community Service Award presented at the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.
The meeting was held on Veteran’s Day at A2Z Occasions in Greensburg, where Veterans were also honored during the evening and Col. Barry Richmond of the Indiana National Guard concluded the night with a captivating presentation honoring those who have served the country.
For their efforts as community volunteer leaders, Bill and Jackie Blasdel were extremely surprised when the announcement was made by nominator David Fry of the Decatur County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“Bill and Jackie are consummate volunteers who have not just served the community but have immersed themselves in it, sharing their time and talents in numerous ways” Fry said. “They have given selflessly to countless efforts, with joy and even a bit of levity, all of which is rooted in contagious compassion that inspires and supports those around them. Such consistent, inspirational effort across a broad spectrum of causes is certainly worthy of being honored with the Community Service Award.”
Together, the Blasdel’s have given back to the community by leading and assisting various organizations including the Greensburg Wesleyan Church, Greensburg United Methodist Church, Greensburg Kiwanis Club, Tree County Players and Singers, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Greensburg Chamber of Commerce, New Directions, Decatur County Park Board, Girl Scout Tulip Trace Council, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, Decatur County Republican Party, Decatur County YMCA, Decatur County Schools Scholarship committee to name a few. Bill Blasdel has been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash presented by Gov. Robert Orr, and Jackie has been honored with the Distinguished Hoosier Award presented by Gov. Mitch Daniels.
The couple accepted their award and then Bill lead those in attendance in a rousing version of God Bless America as requested by members of the audience.
The second recipient honored with the Community Service Award was Jay Hatton.
“Our community is very lucky, because we have many people who deserve to be recognized for their service to the community. Jay Hatton is one of those people,” Sharon Hollowell of the Decatur County Community Foundation said. “His name should rise to the top not only because of the number of things he does, but more importantly the extent to which he does things. Jay never does anything half way.”
Hollowell, who nominated Hatton, told the story of the extreme lengths that Jay went to in order to help the Decatur County Community Foundation establish a program recognizing individuals who chose to work with the DCCF and make a planned gift. “As the plan developed, it was decided to create an entrance to the Decatur County Park that included a rock,” Hollowell said. “Jay spoke up, believing he could find an appropriate rock. His trek to find a rock turned into an adventure with him trekking through northern Decatur County, involving driving and walking through fields and streams of many farms. Jay was not thinking of a rock in the terms I was thinking – he was thinking of a boulder.”
Hollowell said that once Hatton located the appropriate size boulder, he handled the negotiations, and arranged for semi tractors and fork-lifts to move it to the Decatur County Park as its permanent home. “The Board of Directors had a vision, but as President, Jay made sure the project created a true legacy that will benefit our entire community.”
Hatton is an active member of St. Mary’s Church and is co-chair of the on-going capital campaign as well as being instrumental is other efforts of the church. He has also served on the Decatur County Fair Board and is a member of the Decatur County Area Plan Commission, volunteer for Hospice of Decatur County and South Central Indiana, volunteer for the Cheer Fund, 4-H and North Decatur FFA. He has been instrumental in raising awareness for the agricultural community of Decatur County.
“When Jay puts his name with a project, you know that it will be done well and will be something that will make the community proud,” Hollowell said. “It is that dedication to our community that is worthy of the Community Service Award.”
Also honored during the evening ceremonies was Bill Obermeyer of the Obermeyer Agri Group and Vinyl Solutions Unlimited as the Entrepreneur of the Year in Decatur County.
Sheila Kirchoff made the nomination and announcement. “Bill’s spirit and determination have opened up many opportunities for himself as well as many others including his employees,” she said. “The business grew from a small gas station hub to a 45,000 square foot building it is housed in today. It grew from five employees to 29 full time employees today and he has managed to keep all employees working despite having seen slow times in business. He does not lay off employees. Rather he finds things for them to do if it is slow. He is a very determined, hard working and honest employer.”
The final award of the evening was the Small Business Grant awarded to a local business under the following criteria: Business is located in Decatur County and is not owned by an out-of-town corporation; Business has been in operation at least 1 year; Business has less than 100 employees; Business is a member of the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce.
The business owner must submit plans on how the money will be used to benefit growth and the selected business must complete its project and turn in appropriate receipts and documentation before the money is distributed.
The 2010 Small Business Grant recipient was Adamo’s Pizzeria and Italian Grill, located at 117 N. Broadway St., in downtown Greensburg. The money will be used for the purchase of a beverage cooler as well as development of adverting and marketing campaigns including the development of a website.
Also during the evening, the Chamber’s general membership voted on two new board members.
Dr. Dan Roach, Superintendent of Decatur County School Corporation will begin his first year of his first term in January, 2011.
Nick Obermeyer, Obermeyer Agri Group, will fill the remainder of a term which recently became vacated.
Jenni Hannah, First Vice President, presented Tom Hunter with a President’s and Board Member plaque for his service to the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce.
