Maximum Business April/May 2012

business maximum

April/May 2012

The Voice of Business in the Whitewater Valley

Palladium-Item Advertising Product

VISIaTndORS Whitewater Valley

VENUES the economic effect

Candid Carberry shines light on success pg 3

Make a healthier, more profitable workplace pg 17

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• Maximum Business • Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

Tax revenue good indicator of tourism performance

Focus on culture and venues that draw visitors In this issue of Maximum Business you’ll read about businesses that, as locals, we all enjoy. But as fun, entertaining or inspiring as they may be, they are still serious businesses and their combined efforts act as a magnet that pulls substantial outside consumer spending into our local economy. That allows for the creation of more jobs, more tax revenue and more infrastructure investment than we might afford otherwise.

It’s impossible to list every economic-draw resource here, and there are many good ones that are not included. But all are important in producing a great visitor experience. What struck me as we were pulling this issue all together, is how much higher our boat might float if each venue visited suggested just one more venue that the visitor might add to their list before leaving us. Maybe it’s a meal after the show, or an auction after breakfast; what an impact that would have on this economy we’re working so hard to rebuild.

Wayne County has seen steady increases in lodging revenues.

2011

$464,071.08

2010

$460,494.12

2009

$456,252.18

$400,000

$420,000

$440,000

$460,000

Thus far, Wayne County has experienced a 17% increase over previous year’s revenues. $90,000 $80,000

$72,959

$85,079

Q1 2011

Q1 2012

$70,000

$60,000

$50,000

$40,000

Source: Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau, Inc.

Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

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Wayne County Inn Keeper’s Tax Revenue

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The numbers are in and they look promising for both tourism and employment rates in the Wayne County area.

“We were really pleased to see that we’re seeing an increase in the innkeeper’s taxes which means more people are spending the night in lodging establishments,” said Mary Walker, executive director of the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau. “We really feel good that the economy is improving slightly.”

In the first quarter of 2012, Wayne County generated approximately $85,000 from inn-keeper’s tax revenues, a 16.61% increase from the same period in 2011.

Walker said this is great news, considering the winter months are the slowest when it comes to tourism.

“We are very pleased about the increase,” she said. “It will be interesting in the next three to six months to see how that translates, because spring, summer and fall are typically higher visitation seasons than winter.”

Over the past few years revenues from inn-keepers taxes have increased every year, signifying increased patronage at hotels in Wayne County.

Tax revenue totaled near $464,000 in 2011, almost $8,000 more than in 2009.

The number of people in the workforce in Wayne County also looks to be making a comeback according to recent statistics. After a drop in July 2011, the number of people employed

increased by nearly 3% between then and December of 2011. Between November and December alone in 2011, nearly 300 more people gained employment.

David Frantz, dean of the school of Business and Economics at Indiana University East attributed these increases to seasonal employment during the holidays but also a generally improving economy.

“I really think that the majority of that increase is due to a change of the employment environment. There’s cautious optimism,” said Frantz.

The number of people unemployed also dropped between 2010 and 2011, and between July 2010 and July 2011 unemployment in Wayne County decreased by nearly 19%. Frantz predicts 2012 will look even better.

“Just based on the conversations I’ve had with people both from the service and manufacturing sectors, their businesses are doing better in the first quarter of 2012 than they’ve done in some time,” he said. “There is a sense in which the economy is improving so I think that’s clear.”

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$$$ E C O N O M ic T R E N D S

We hope you enjoy the read!

Cathleen S. Cline Advertising Director Palladium-Item ON THE COVER: Background photograph by Charles Webb, Honorable Mention/Judges’ Favorite, 2011 Wayne Co. Tourism photo competition. Courtesy of WCTB.

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SUCCESSFUL WOMEN

Big dreams and experience have opened doors for Warm Glow owner

Jackie and Alan Carberry launched their original candle business from their basement.

start a candle company and the places to start wholesaling our products.

Q: How tough was it at first and how Determination, confidence, remuch did you sacrifice personally to get sourcefulness, ambition and skill are Warm Glow off the ground? among the many attributes that disA: You know “they” say if it was easy, tinguish Whitewater Valley women everyone would do it. I believe that to in business. In each issue of Maxibe true. In the early years, I very literally mum Business, we highlight just one worked 18 to 20 hours day and missed a of the many local successful women. lot in life. However, the payoff is it very In this issue, we speak to Jackie Carmuch enriched my life. And anything berry of Warm Glow Candle Outlet. you do with your whole heart makes a Q: How did you and your husband, difference in your soul.

Alan, start the company?

Q: You have to be really committed to A: We were following a dream when something like this. Are you still as busy we started the company out of our base- as before? ment 15 years ago. We’d been talking A: It takes a lot of determination to sucabout it for many years before that. It’s ceed. The days are still demanding but in been an amazing journey to get here. a much different way. Now after fifteen Q: Did being a woman help you have years, Warm Glow is the only life I know. the confidence to start your business?

Q: What do you believe your main A: I think what made the difference strengths are? is that I had 16 years of management A: Planning and coordinating and background. I feel either gender could also being creative in our products. have the insight to design colors and After we started to need other people fragrances that appeal to a wide market. to work with us, the managing aspect Q: How did management experience help? became a strength.

A: It was a big help to know how and Q: What are Alan’s strengths? where to get the resources we needed to A: He is an electrical engineer. He

By Mike Bennett For Maximum Business

The Warm Glow Candle Outlet: www.warmglow.com • (765) 855-2000 Located off I-70, at exit 145, Centerville Road. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

brings engineering and mechanical abilities to the table. He is very much more task driven than I am. So, we work well together; I come up with concepts and he makes them happen.

Q: Would you start something like this again?

A: We did make a lot of sacrifices.

However, I would do it again in a New York minute.

Q: How has Warm Glow benefited you in a personal sense?

A: It has made me a much better person and has helped me become much more aware of the world and the gives and takes.

Q: Did you intend to help put Wayne County on the map as a travel destination?

A: We hoped it would work out, but it really took off. We have so much to offer in this area. So many great things are happening that will attract people here. The county has been so generous in working with us.

Q: How far does your target market reach?

A: That’s about 30 to 50 miles, but expanding. Visitors stop here from around the country. We are seeing more buses.

Q: What is one of the biggest chal-

lenges that consumers don’t see?

A: The cost of petroleum can really put the squeeze on. It’s really high, so we have to adjust in other areas.

Q: What’s one of your secrets to pleasing your customer base?

A: We are always bringing on new fragrances. We are always trying to make things better for our customers. We’re in the business of memories.

Q: You are starting your biggest expansion ever, right?

A: Yes. We’re nearly doubling the size of the current outlet center to about 21,000 square feet. We’re very excited.

We’ve been talking about it for years.

Q: What else is involved in the project?

A: We are adding a garden and farmer’s market area. We’ll offer lots of things for the yard and fresh products such as free-range eggs, herbs and vegetables.

Q: What will be the cost, and will you be hiring?

A: Nearly $1 million. There will be about six to 10 new positions.

Q: How do you view your success?

A: I truly feel we have been blessed.

This company is a gift to us and what it takes to run a company is also a gift.

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BUSINESS FINANCE

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Banks offer cash management solutions, increase merchant profit

By Pam Tharp For Maximum Business

Businesses that need

help with today’s cash management challenges may find help from area banks.

Managing credit and debit card transactions, tax payments, payroll, credit lines and bill payments are just some of the cash management needs for which many banks offer support, said JoAnn Spurlock, Wayne Bank and Trust Co. electronic banking and card services manager.

Various online services are available and typically are user-friendly, but if a problem arises, live, local help is also available at banks to guide merchants

through the program.

“It’s often difficult for merchants to Convenient cash management wrap their heads around all of the fees services can be so comprehensive a involved in processing credit and debit business will only need to make a card transactions,” said Spurlock, who trip to the bank to physically deposit works individually with businesses on cash and checks, those issues. “The which can be fee infrastructure done as a night of the card processdeposit after ing industry is very work hours. complex.”

Managing Online busicredit and debit ness banking also card transactions offers advantages is an area where a in managing cash little knowledge flow. Merchants will enhance can see all of their revenues, Spuraccounts, including lock said. Credit loans and available card companies credit in real-time. charge merchants Bank statements lots of fees, some can be reconciled ranging from 1 to online and printed.

JoAnn Spurlock started her career with 4 percent of the Wire transfers Wayne Bank in 2003. Today she develops done online are transaction. programs for local merchants.

Processing immediate. Finantransactions daily, instead of several cial information may also be easily times a week, reduces those fees, Spur- exported into the company’s accountlock said. Cash management experts ing program, Spurlock said. available at area banks help business Online banking allows small busiclients wade through the fees and senesses to use the power and global curity issues, to ensure the lowest fees accessibility of the internet. A busiand least risk. ness may handle virtually all of its

basic cash mangement tasks with the click of a mouse. Most systems also provide alert notifications.

Payroll services designed to fit an employer’s size provides another opportunity to manage efficiently. Even the smallest business can offer employees the convenience of direct-deposit for their paychecks, so they don’t have to make a trip to the bank, Spurlock said.

Some business owners might be uneasy with online banking, but at local banks, employees often are watching their business customers’ activities and notice if something unusual occurs.

“We process every day and we’re used to their schedules. If their payroll usually comes on Tuesday and we don’t see it, we check with them. We do risk management with our own eyes. We try to catch anything unusual that happens,” Spurlock said.

Many financial institutions offer cash management services, so it’s important to ask about costs and services. Fees and services provided vary, based on size and needs.

“Fees vary across the realm. Businesses should definitely explore those before making a decision,” Spurlock said.

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M A k I N G T E C H nolog y wor k

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Richmond Art Museum celebrates film technology with world class festival

By Mike Bennett For Maximum Business

Technological advances are helping drive Richmond Art Museum forward as an attraction at the same time the institution pays homage to the past.

The annual Phantoscope Film Festival is a great example.

New equipment has blended with a refurbished theater and historical film-making significance to make it a statewide draw.

The film festival was designed to pay homage to Richmond ’s groundbreaking history of arts and entertainment. Charles Francis Jenkins invented the Phantoscope film projector and showed it for the first time in June 1894 in Richmond. That’s the earliest documented projection of a filmed motion picture.

The Phantoscope Film Festival, which takes place April 28, often attracts a larger crowd from out of town than the one from Richmond and Wayne County.

“People are driving from South Bend, Indianapolis and Muncie to attend,” said museum director Shaun Dingwerth. “We really want to see more local people come.”

RAM is growing as a tourist destination and is definitely in the economic-development mix.

“We know that cultural institutions are a great way to promote tourism

and bring in dollars. We can help by having programming that people want,” he said.

Companies looking to locate in the area look for quality of life, and the depth of arts here can help in that cause, local leaders say.

“Wayne County has a multitude of great arts institutions. Our future depends on these institutions,” Dingwerth said.

The word also travels each time students and adults come to the festival and go home to talk about it.

Thus far, every top winner in the Phantoscope Film Festival for highschoolers has gone on to attend film school.

Thirty six films were submitted for this year’s event. The top films will be displayed during the 90-minute program, which will be preceded by a panel discussion that includes the judges.

The movies draw many oohs and ahhs from the audience. “Kids are so adept at technology,” Dingwerth said.

“Every year I am just amazed by the quality.”

In today’s YouTube instant video world, the display “is so different because we provide actual theater experience and a live audience,” Dingwerth said.

Jenkins’ device is an illustration of how important the arts were in early Richmond.

“The founding fathers of our community understood that building cultural institutions would be an important fabric,” Dingwerth said. “We’re building upon our history to provide programming that’s entertaining and educational for everyone.”

The museum’s commitment to adding high-tech equipment helped lead to the popular festival. More special events could be on the way.

“We just wrote a grant to purchase more,” Dingwerth said.

Visitors come to Richmond to view its extensive art in the museum attached to Richmond High.

RAM offers one of the top permanent collections in the state. “We get inquiries from scholars from all over to access our paintings and archived materials,” Dingwerth said.

Shaun Dingwerth, Richmond Art Museum director, encourages locals to participate in regular museum activites.

Richmond Art Museum: www.richmondartmuseum.org • (765) 966-0256

Located at 350 Hub Etchison Parkway. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday, 1 - 4 pm. Closed Mondays, Saturdays, national holidays.

MANAGING PEOPLE

Employee recognition key to retention, customer loyalty at Meijer year,” Mathews said.

The store also recognizes individuals for positive actions such as friendliness and speed of checkout.

Those are garnered from customer feedback. “We are No. 1 in our market this week,” Mathews said. “That’s our customers telling us that we do what we should do.”

Meijer encourages its employees to be involved and they are in dozens of volunteer capacities.

“We’ve got to give back to those that support us,” Mathews said.

“I’ve always felt I was part of a team in the community. That’s big and it’s a great character attribute that Richmond and the county share,” she said. “I’ve never felt like an outsider. I feel like I am making a difference and so is my team.”

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Sandi Mathews sees it every day.

Meijer has become more than a big store with a customer-friendly atmosphere.

It’s become a destination point, an economic-development engine in a hot-growing part of Richmond.

Shoppers come regularly from all around the region -- from Union City and from Union County, from western Ohio and western Wayne County.

There’s a rising flow of students and teachers stopping by as the collective enrollments of nearby IU East, Purdue and Ivy Tech soar above 10,000.

Hundreds of tourists also stop each week during their travels along I-70.

Mathews has served as store director since Meijer opened 12 years ago this April. “The north side has really evolved. It’s just transformed,” she said. “When we built, there wasn’t a lot around here.”

Now, there is a medical complex that surrounds the brand-new Reid Hospital. “I see it as a whole hub,” she said, offering a connectedness with some of the most visited places in Richmond.

The store’s appeal is regional, but Mathews and her managers believe in keeping it local with their staff of 220.

“Our goal is to reflect what our community is,” she said. “That’s how you connect. We hire people from

right here.” corporate newsletThose people ter. have diverse inProbably the terests and backstrongest effort, grounds, but they Mathews said, share several comcomes from sales mon traits. They huddles held three are positive people times a day. “The who are engaged leadership talks in pleasing customto their team and ers. shares the day’s “We hire goals and hot Sandi Mathews, Meijer store director in friendly. It’s what Richmond, recognizes Meijer is one of the topics,” Mathews Meijer stands for,” area’s regional shopping magnets. said.

Mathews said. “Be“We’ll say: ing customer-centered is the core our ‘Here’s how we did, what our goals business. The rest falls into place with are and what it all means to you,’” our team, no matter where they work Mathews said. and when they work.”

What it often means is a celebration.

Meijer works three shifts in 25 de“We win a lot of (corporate) contests partments around-the-clock on every here. We’ve had five celebrations this day except Christmas. “We have pretty much every kind of job for everyone,” Mathews said.

There are full-time meatcutters, pharmacists and managers.

There are a lot of folks of all ages working second jobs and students.

“It’s a very flexible environment,” Mathews said. “We have a really good retention rate for a retailer. That’s reflective of our city and our jobs that we offer.”

Meijer maintains a strong system for communicating with employees.

Information is posted throughout employee areas. There’s also a regular

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E conomic vitalit y

www.pal-item.com Mary Walker, WCTB

By Mike Bennett For Maximum Business

There’s more than

one major river flowing through Wayne County.

It’s a river of visitors and consumers who spend dollars with us in a variety of ways, says Mary Walker, executive director of the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau.

They are interstate travelers or destination tourists who might be checking out the Depot District, or the historic Gennett Records site that sits atop the gorge of the Whitewater River.

They’re college students and parents, mall shoppers and health care patients.

They create a ripple effect that feeds our economy – that feeds our future.

Wayne County gets a major boost from this imported consumer spending.

In general, the visitors can be placed in three categories: Destination tourists: They are likely to spend time and money here while attending events and visiting

attractions.

Drive-by travelers: They tend to use the services, such as lodging and restaurants, near Interstate 70 or along U.S. 40 or U.S. 27. They might be enticed to check out more attractions.

Our good neighbors: They are from surrounding towns and counties of Indiana and Ohio. They come to eat at restaurants, use health-care services, attend college and shop along National Road.

The state’s most current report (2006) on Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism in Indiana showed that visitors spent $71.5 million dollars in a year in Wayne County.

That included $20.5 million on shopping, $19.1 million on food, $17

million on transportation and $7.1 million on lodging.

The multitude of cultural attractions in Richmond and Wayne County act as beacons to visitors as well as enriching the lives of locals and registers of local merchants.

Money flows into our economy from the attractions that range from entertainment, education and recreation to shopping and dining These cultural amenities act as selling points that help us attract talent to major employers, such as Reid Hospital, the four local colleges and area manufacturers.

New businesses and new residents then give a boost to our economy as they buy homes, pay taxes and continued page 14

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c i m o n o c E e Th t of Visitors c e f f E

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The Power of Culture

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E conomic vitalit y

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Performing Arts

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Richmond Civic Theatre employs one part-time and two full-time workers. “The majority of our patrons are fairly local here in the Richmond area, but they extend into our surrounding counties and certainly into Ohio and from Indianapolis,” said office manager Bill Strauss, who said shows draw audiences of up to 1,000 people a weekend.

Tourism is music to the Richmond Symphony’s ears.

Executive Director Marcie Asher-Whalen said most of the symphony’s patrons come from Wayne County, but people from Connersville, Greenville, and even from Kentucky make up some of the 549 season tickets and 200-300 individual tickets sold annually. The symphony employs one full-time and one part-time employee, and also has interns and an active board.

Civic Hall Performing Arts Center is owned and operated by Richmond Community Schools. The venue is capable of seating an audience just shy of 950, serving east central Indiana and west central Ohio. CHPAC hosts high quality, commercially popular acts such as the Texas Tenors, Rythmn of the Dance, and the upcoming Oakridge Boys concert.

Open since 1898, the Richmond Art Museum draws 15,000 visitors a year from far and wide. The museum showcases a variety of fine art with collections from impressionists and many regional artists. Free admission makes it an accessible tourist attraction.

The Hagerstown Museum and Arts Place in Wayne County logs approximately 1,200 visitors a year with features such as a wraparound mural by Charles Newcomb, a stage, and a large meeting space.

Cambridge City’s Antique Alley enjoys popularity with visitors from all over the U.S., including places such as Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut and Wisconsin.

Building 125 owner Norma Bertsch estimates her store pulls 300-400 visitors a weekend, and said advertising through the Tourism Bureau helps boost the number of customers she sees on a daily basis.

The New Paris Antique Mall located in Antique Alley employs three people part-time and draws about 100150 customers on an average weekend. “We get a lot of travelers and they’re from coast to coast,” said coowner Keith Kelley, who added he’s greeted customers from California, Kansas, and Maine.

Museums

The Wayne County Historical Museum, in Richmond, draws between 12,000-15,000 visitors per year. It employs two full-time and three part-time workers, as well as volunteers and interns. According to Executive Director James Harlan, about 4,000 of those visitors are students and 2/3 of them are from outside of Wayne County. One third of those come from Ohio.

Antiques

Webb’s Antiques – According to manager Velma Longworth, the store employs about 15 people and counts nearly 1,000 visitors on an average weekend. “We get local people from the Wayne County area but we get a lot of traffic off of US-40 and I-70,” said Longworth.

This includes visitors from England, Australia, China, Canada, and Japan.

COVER STORY

Historic Attractions

Indiana University East and Ivy Tech both host several events that draw people from out of town, including concerts and job fairs. IUE campus tours for prospective students draw youth and parents from places like Newcastle, Connersville, Indianapolis and Bloomington. Ivy Tech’s annual car show, in its 19th year, attracts about 200 display vehicles. According to Executive Director for External Relations Nancy Green, car enthusiasts from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky enjoy the festivities.

Reid Hospital & Health Care sees about 60,000 patients a year from seven counties around Richmond, east central Indiana and west central Ohio. Director of Community Relations and Marketing Larry Price said the hospital’s Café at Twelve Hundred, provides restaurant-quality food. “We’ve heard the comment that people think of it as the destination restaurant,” said Price. The hospital also gets visitors at its second floor art gallery and employs about 2,000 people.

Downtown Richmond and the Depot District - Where “old-time” has a bright future, this area stands in contrast to National Road East, with an eclectic mix of boutiques, creative store formats and diverse dining experiences. Blues lovers, train collectors, attentive parents and history buffs are all drawn to this shopper’s playland.

Lodging - Wayne County is host to over 900 hotel/ motel rooms, another 56 B&B rooms and 338 campground sites, all catering to the overnight needs of out-of-towners. The new Holiday Inn Conference Center is expected to open July of this year.

Institutions As an institution with alumni from all over the world, Earlham College counts on international visitors. The college holds between 30 and 40 public events a year.

Maya Angelou brought an audience of 2,000 last fall. According to Director of Events Coordination Lynn Knight, it’s not uncommon for people to drive from out of town and spend the night for events.

Knight said, “We’re intentional in being as international and diverse as we can which reflects what’s going on in the world today.” The campus is also home to the Joseph Moore Museum.

Retail

National Road East - From Chipotle to Best Buy to Kohl’s, all the shopping and dining possibilities found on National Road East bring in regional customers from a variety of cities and counties. According to Julie Dishman, who is with local communications for the Wayne County Tourism Bureau, the district often sees shoppers from Eaton, New Paris, Lewisburg, Greenville, and seven surrounding counties.

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The Levi Coffin House in Fountain City is both a National Historic Landmark and State Historic Site. It is best known for its role in helping over 1,000 Americans escape slavery as part of the Underground Railroad. The home also speaks to the Quaker heritage of the area. Hundreds of children, from schools, scouting and other youth groups visit the home annually, as well as adults from all over the US.

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Donna Geddes, co-owner of the Gennett Mansion in Richmond, said she gets visitors from Cincinnati and Dayton, as well as Indiana, including Indianapolis and Bloomington. The mansion hosts everything from jazz concerts to private wedding receptions to chocolatelovers events. Bob Jacobsen, president of the StarrGennett foundation, added that historical attractions bring tourists from all over the Midwest.

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The Gaar Mansion and Farm Museum was built in 1867 and counts about 400 visitors a year. The mansion accepts tours of up to 10 people at a time by appointment, and can also be rented out for weddings and other special occasions.

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E conomic vitalit y continued from page 11

wines, an Italian market and an active blues club, and Richmond Furniture Gallery that mixes shopping with a nostalgic museum experience have developed a reputation from which the entire community profits.

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spend at local retailers and restaurants.

In fact, Earlham just started a program whereby prospective students and their families are

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taken on a tour of Richmond in all directions.

“All together, we’ve had close to 200 come from all over the country (recently),” said Avis Stewart, Vice President for Community Relations at Earlham.

“They are impressed. People say they didn’t realize Richmond had so much to offer.”

The young people particularly like the Depot District.

“It has the unique shops they like – coffee bars and boutique,” Stewart said.

Stacey Dils of Richmond sees a lot of destination travelers at The Loft in the Depot District.

More than half of the business at her fashion store and spa come from about a 90-mile radius. Visitors regularly travel from Cincinnati, Dayton and Indianapolis.

The Depot District is a strong consumer and tourist draw. The unique blend offered by Ghyslain’s gourmet chocolates, Richmond Hardware’s eclectic mix that includes tools, fine

“People have been appreciative of having unique places to go,” Dils said.

We’re rich in cultural uniqueness – in musical performances, in historic museums, and in art - both inside and out.

National chains continue to be attracted to the “million-dollar mile” that extends along National Road from Hayes Arboretum to I-70. The indoor Richmond Mall, built in the 1960s, was the first of its kind for a small market in the U.S. Few towns the size of Richmond can boast the draw of national brands that includes Dillards and Elder-Beerman, JCPenney and Kohls, Lowes and Menards, Red Lobster and Chipotle, Best Buy and Sears and so many others.

“It’s these things that set us apart,” Walker said. “We have attractions for everyone’s tastes. Once visitors are here, they check out other things.”

Few towns can boast a brand-new hospital, a toy store like Veach’s and a Meijer store that is perennially the

highest-rated in many categories in its region.

Few counties can boast having so many unique cultural and commercial attractions from north to south and east to west.

There’s the Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, which stood tall as the end of the Underground Railroad in the mid1800s.

There’s Abbott’s Candy in Hagerstown, the hometown of the inventor of the gyroscope and of Willie & Reds restaurant (the former Welliver’s – arguably one of largest tourist attractions for the last half-century in Wayne County.)

There are CC’s Candies and the Overbeck House and Pottery Studio in Cambridge City.

Richmond boasts the Wayne County Historical Museum and an art museum. We have an orchestra, an active theater group, a performing arts center and an acclaimed film festival.

We have four colleges that draw students and parents from the state and region and the world to their academic programs, as well as businesses and visitors to their business development and critical issue lectures, museums, performing arts and other events.

Visitors come to a plethora of events at the ever-busy county fairgrounds. They bike the Cardinal Greenway or stroll Earlham College.

These visitors eat here, shop here and sleep here.

In many ways, our past is our future. Our economy depends on everything that we’ve been and where we are going.

Our future is so strong, Dils believes, because so many attractions fit together. “They complement each other, not compete against each other,” she said.

Wayne County also has many niche attractions, which makes it possible to bundle activities that appeal to certain groups.

“We promote four cultural trails,” Walker said, including antiques, chocolates, Tiffany windows and

mural excursions. “They guide people to meandering through the communities,” Walker said.

“Trails make it easier for visitors.

It’s the packaging that helps draw people here.”

Richmond Art Museum is seeing a similar vision.

“Wayne County is unique and the nation is noticing.”

They house an historic collection of artworks, as befits the second oldest institution of its kind in Indiana.

But, it’s also reaching out with new events that play off the unique history of this area. For example, the popular Phantoscope Film Festival is drawing entries and an audience from around Indiana.

The event pays homage to Richmond’s place in the history of film, whereby local area resident Charles Francis Jenkins invented the Phantoscope film projector and showed it locally in 1894.

“We’re taking a piece of history and building upon it,” said museum director Shaun Dingwerth.

That “building upon it” is happening across the county.

“The Levi Coffin House is a national hook. The History Channel rated it as a top travel destination in the country,” Walker said. “That historic place, the trails and so many other places give outsiders so many reasons to come and see us.”

“Wayne County is unique and the nation is noticing,” Walker said. She cited many regional and national publications and televised spots that extolled our virtues, our tourism hooks.

For every attraction that’s been listed, there are many, many more.

As residents we benefit from our own experiences associated with them. But they all have potential to draw in additional dollars, and additional residents, that support our local economy. Thus, our economy benefits, in taxes collected, jobs hired and locally-based businesses supported.

D E S T I N AT I O N M A R K E T I N G

Travel critic gives area high marks in national arena

By Mike Bennett For Maximum Business

• The Wayne County Historical Museum. “Small but mighty, with intriguing out-of-the-ordinary artifacts and fascinating stories behind them.”

• Antiques. “If you can’t find it in Wayne County, you don’t need it. It probably doesn’t exist anymore, anyway.”

• Warm Glow Candle Outlet: “This isn’t a store; it’s an experience.”

• The Mural Trail. “I’ve been mesmerized by murals in several towns over the years (Ashland, Wis., Ludington, Mich., Columbus, Ohio).

Wayne County’s are wonderful.”

• A must-see in Fountain City: The Levi Coffin House and the history of the Underground Railroad.

Sartain also drew praise from Granger for her efforts in promoting Wayne County. “(She) is one of the best sources in the state for information about her area,” Granger said.

• Maximum Business •

“pretty Victorian” in the Millionaires’ Row neighborhood.

Ghyslain and the Pour House are included in a Chocolate Trail for Wayne County. The trail includes Abbott’s Candy of Hagerstown, Building 125 of Cambridge City, Warm Glow of Centerville and Good Life Emporium, J&J Winery, Olympian Candy and Parker’s General Store of Richmond.

Each place offers free samples of chocolate in several ways, from candies to candles, from fudge to ice cream, from teas to wines.

Antiques also are highlighted in two loops that extend into counties of Indiana and Ohio.

“Both start and end in Richmond,” said Nancy Sartain, leisure marketing director of the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau.

Here are some of Granger’s positive observations:

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Several recent stories in magazines and newspapers have showcased Wayne County as a great place for leisure travel.

The reasons are numerous, said freelance travel writer and Women’s Press Club of Indiana president Elizabeth Granger of Fishers: “There’s always something new to see in Wayne County. And reason to revisit old sites, too.”

She has visited several times for stories in AAA’s “Home and Away” and various newspapers.

In 2007, Granger wrote a story about mummies in Indiana that featured the Wayne County Historical Museum as well as Joseph Moore Museum on the campus of Earlham College.

Midwest Living’s annual “Best of

the Midwest” publication last summer listed several worthy stops for leisure travelers through Wayne County.

It has a circulation of about 150,000 and was available in 12 states. More than two-thirds of the magazine’s readers have college degrees and 91 percent own their own homes. They average spending more than $1,800 yearly in leisure travel.

The article noted Ghyslain‘s Bistro for its French cuisine and chocolate treats, Little Sheba’s for its 40 varieties of unique sandwiches and the Pour House of Cambridge City for muffins, scones, sandwiches and fresh-brewed coffee.

Two bed and breakfasts were also noted: Historic Lantz House Inn, Centerville, for its garden, antiques and lemon ricotta cheese pancakes and the Philip W. Smith B&B in Richmond, a

Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

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Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

S M A L L B usiness S U C C E S S

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Mix of beer, chocolate, yoga and fashion lift Loft’s efforts

By Mike Bennett For Maximum Business

A mix of complementary businesses is helping The Loft give a big lift to the Depot District and daytripping tourism.

Every day, dozens of out-of-

towners head to Richmond to sample gourmet food at Ghyslain, shop trendy clothes at Cocos, refresh their souls at Art of Hair, Metamorphosis and more.

The Loft recently added Bea Tree Yoga Studio.

Soon, there will be a New Boswell

Brewing Co. microbrewery, with a tasting room, an outdoor meeting place and rooftop eating area that will have an entrance from the salon on the second floor.

“It all fits. They kind of draw each other’s business,” said Stacey Dils, who owns The Loft.

Here with her husband Jan, Stacey Dils “It will be a nice complement.” welcomes Coco’s visitors.

The mix of tenants in her building year. That continues to grow.” obviously fits well. “We’ve truly run Ghyslain is a major draw with its out of room,” she said. “We’re really gourmet meals and desserts. “He’s lucky to have the tenants we have. been a huge asset for us,” Dils said.

They have made this a success.”

She expects more growth for The She doesn’t see it stopping: “PeoLoft and the Depot District. ple are going to gravitate to our area more and more,” she said.

Coco’s at the Loft The Loft will keep evolving in a 416 N. 10th St., Richmond complementary way.

Hours: M-St 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Along these lines, Ghyslain is some evenings going to provide food for the new Ghyslain brewery. “They will provide a differHours: T-Th and Sun 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. ent menu for them,” she said.

F-S 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

“It’s a tasting room, not a bar. We want people to come out and enjoy New Boswell Brewing Co. the space. We want them to have fun.” www.newboswell.com Dils knows a larger volume of busiShe notes the new Firehouse resness comes from out of town because taurant and what owner Rick Parker she and her employees take the time has done with the variety of busito chat with customers at her stores, nesses and the Fourth Floor Blues Coco’s Boutique and Coco Cooks.

Club in the Richmond Hardware “We always ask,” she said. “We were gauging 60 to 75 percent for out building.

She notes the popularity of Little of town.”

Sheba’s Restaurant and Richmond Most visitors are coming from Furniture, the progress on revivOhio and Indiana. “They’re anying the Depot and the eclectic mix where from a radius of an hour and of other businesses and attractions. an hour-and-a-half,” she said.

“People need some fun and this area “Groups meet here a lot. A lot of is providing it,” Dils said. ladies will come four or five times a

NON-PROFIT BUSINESS

As events return, so does community’s fairground ROI 1

2

3

Wayne County Fairgrounds

Photos from top: 1 Visitors from Michigan enjoy Autumn Oaks Coon Dog show.

2 The fairgrounds hosts many shows from autos to auctions to black-tie balls.

3 The annual 4H Fair has a countywide and regional draw.

wellness wor k S

Bravo! your business You heard all the excitement surrounding it last fall. You saw the incredibly decorated bras displayed all over town. You know it’s the right thing to do. Now it’s your turn to jump on the bandwagon - rather, the Bravo!wagon.

Reid Hospital’s Bravo! Mammogram program is ready to come to your office, to talk with your female employees and get them signed up for their annual mammogram (for women aged 40 years or older).

Save money. Save lives!

Preventative, workplace health initiatives are some of the most effective methods for you to manage health care, disability and workers comp costs, as well as mitigate the costs of absenteeism and lowered productivity, lowering your overall operational expenses. And inexpensive health screenings, like a mammogram, provide easy steps to creating a more health-aware work environment.

An added benefit – They save lives by identifying issues before they become critical and expensive.

But there’s more!

You simply invite Bravo! to your place of business. The Bravo! Team will provide on site educational programs, a web-based registration process, turn key email messages from you, the employer, office signage and fliers and post card reminders sent to the employee’s home.

If your organization signs up at least half of the eligible participants, Reid Hospital will recognize your success through a wide array of media vehicles, including recognition right here in Maximum Business.

So, be a hero and make the call.

You’re employees will appreciate your concern for their health, and your accountant will appreciate the net result.

Contact: Tajuan Stoker, Director of Wellness; (765) 983-3086

Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

861 Salisbury Rd North, Richmond www.co.wayne.in.us/expo 765-935-3464

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A cross-section of America visits Richmond at the Wayne County Fairgrounds and Exposition Center.

Nearly 200,000 people attend a diverse mix of events each year at the fairgrounds.

There’s no exact number, said executive director Don Wampler: “We don’t have turnstiles, so we have to have estimates.”

The visitors come for major annual events, such as the 4H Fair, the Autumn Oaks coon dog event, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce dinner, the Lions Club Home Show and livestock shows.

They come for antique shows, for car shows and for gun and knife shows.

They come for company rallies, for carnival rides and for Relay for Life.

They come for demolition derbies, for fried foods and for Frisbee competitions.

Many of the out-of-towners stay on site in RVs or in tents, but a large number book rooms at Wayne County motels.

Most eat out several times while here. They shop and spend money in other ways.

“We have a very big economic impact,” Wampler said. “At Autumn Oaks, we’ll have folks from 35 states and Canada. This is an economicdevelopment engine.”

It’s estimated that the coon-dog event alone brings $3 million into the Wayne County economy each year.

“We’re fortunate to get folks here for an event, then have them come back,” Wampler said. “You feel good when someone tells us they enjoyed being here and that we have a great facility.”

The Model T celebration four years ago drew tourists from every corner of the nation and from eight other countries. Its success was measured not only in economic impact and national exposure, but also by the hundreds of local volunteers that came out to help make the event a smashing success.

The fairground’s pool of volunteers reflects community pride, Wampler said: “You have to have a core group of people that put in many, many hours,” he said. “We also have a great staff.”

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By Mike Bennett For Maximum Business

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• Maximum Business •

Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

GROWING

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a small business

When life hands you lemons, make entrepreneurs

By Kristin Hoppe For Maximum Business

Dylayna Swallow and Kaylee Smith, right, ran their lemonade stand at Elks Golf Course last year.

In an effort to teach youth the fundamentals of business, Lemonade Day gives children a taste of what it’s like to earn their own money.

Started by Richmond native Michael Holthouse, founder and President of Paranet Inc., Lemonade Day is celebrating its fourth year in Richmond and has attracted over 65,000 participants in 30 other U.S. cities.

The program encourages children to prepare with an adult mentor a month beforehand to look at all the aspects of starting up a business.

After that, lemonade stands open on May 20 this year.

“It’s just great lessons. All kids are going to grow up and at least work for somebody if they don’t own their own business,” said Mike Dickerson, who owns Summit Computers and worked on public relations and advertising for Lemonade Day for three years. “It gives them insight into budgeting and costs of goods and all that goes into running a standard business.”

According to Fonda Wilds, city director for Lemonade Day in Wayne County, the program helps children understand many of the basic steps of entrepreneurship.

“It goes step through step how you set up your business, your expenses,” Wilds said. “Like if you’re going to

build your stand, how much is that going to cost?”

It also teaches them about seeking investors and spending money wisely.

“We do ask that they spend some and enjoy their hard labor, but also save some, and give some to the community. That’s a lesson I wish I would have learned as a child,” said Wilds.

Some children also take out a small loan of $20 or so to learn the value of finding investors and returning payments, though others pay for overhead costs through money saved up from babysitting, for example.

The organization also holds a contest for best tasting, best stand, and top sales. Some lemonade stands made profits of $600 or more in one day, according to Wilds, who added teaching children about the importance of the location of a business also factors into their preparation.

“When you have real money, you have real power and kids know that,” said Wilds. “My dream would be in 10 or 20 years we would see Richmond booming downtown.

Entrepreneurship is a part of our American heritage and we need to continue to inspire that.”

GOING GREEN

Not every museum has a roof

That bodes well for more visitors heading downtown and to the Depot District. “It’s an easy place to just run up there,” Elzemeyer said. “I’ve seen people with bikes out front of Little Sheba’s (restaurant). I think we’ll see growing numbers of people from out of state.”

Attention is growing for Cope Environmental Center, too. That’s being driven in part by social media like Facebook.

Places like Cope get a lot of wordof-mouth referrals.

That reflects in hikers that visit the center.

“We see the numbers increasing a great deal,” Hays-Mussoni said.

But there’s no exact count.

Cope serves around 8,000 local people each year through programs and workshops for students and families and for those interested in sustainability.

The programs attract new visitors.

“People locally are still finding us,” she said.

Hays-Mussoni said a couple from Michigan attended a recent maple syrup program after hearing about the event by word of mouth.

“They just stopped by to see us,” she said.

Cardinal Greenway spans 62 miles from Marion to Richmond via Muncie.

It is used by over 250,000 hikers, bikers, runners and nature explorers.

Mural Trail – This public art creates both a destination activity, plus a delight to more casual visitors that come upon them as a surprise. Artists travel from all over the Midwest to participate in the annual art contest.

Gennett Walk of Fame at Whitewater Gorge - Jazz enthusiasts from across the country have visited the Gennett Walk of Fame at an entrance to the Whitewater Gorge Trail. The gorge itself is a draw for fossil fans, bicyclists, walkers and runners.

Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

Visitors are keen on green attractions.

That’s the case for places such as Cope Environmental Center and Hayes Arboretum, outdoor attractions that see steady numbers of local and out-of-town visitors.

It’s also been the case for the justcompleted Cardinal Greenway, a paved path that allows bicyclists to ride from Marion to Richmond.

“We’re fortunate to have them,” said Stephanie Hays-Mussoni, executive director of Cope Environmental Center, of Wayne County’s recreational and green attractions.

“The amount we have in our area is phenomenal.”

She also cited other outdoors lures such as the Whitewater Gorge trail and Glen Miller Park. “They have a big impact on visitors,” she said.

“Companies that are considering coming here are looking at quality of life for their people. Those are big positives.”

The mission is getting people outside to walk, to ride bikes, to enjoy nature.

That already is happening on Cardinal Greenway.

Besides the use by local and regional riders, there are large numbers who seek out new trails and then ride them. They come from around Indiana, Ohio and the nation.

It helps immensely that Richmond is just off Interstate 70.

“It’s a destination,” said Lee Elzemeyer, president of the Wayne County Cardinal Greenway steering committee. “Having 70 miles of trail is a huge opportunity.”

He said growth numbers is mostly anecdotal now – the trail is busier – because there is no established place to identify visitors.

“It would be great to find out where people are from,” he said.

Elzemeyer said the committee hopes to someday have a guestbook at the end, similar to one that riders can sign at an old railroad station in Muncie that sits along the trail.

It’s estimated the 250,000 ride the trails each year in Muncie. “You’ll see bigger numbers (for Wayne County),” he said.

One reason is that notice is growing through media: “There have been prominent articles in biking and trails magazines,” he said about Cardinal Greenway.

The end point is on Third Street, just north of the county jail.

• Maximum Business •

By Mike Bennett For Maximum Business

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Green resources attract visitors, relocators, jobs

Hayes Arboretum includes 466 acres of wildlife, rock, fossil and plant collections, Adena and Hopewell Indian mounds. Thousands of children and hundreds of autos visit every year. caption

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• Maximum Business •

Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

Accomplishments

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Hairstylists Nila Chibisov and Tracy Fortney Walters have joined Designing Women, 224 S. Fifth St., Richmond.

Anthony R. Gillam, CPA, has been elected the newest member of the Wayne Bank Board of Directors. Prior to forming Gillam & Zetzl Inc. in 2001, he worked for two different large regional accounting firms in the audit and tax departments.

Richmond resident Rocky Vecera has been promoted to warehouse manager at Dot Foods, Cambridge City, Ind. Troy Miley has been hired as a staff accountant at Brady Ware’s Vecera Richmond office. He received a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Miami University’s Richard T. Farmer School of Business in December 2011.

Richmond native John R. Maley, son of Charlotte Maley and the late Robert J. Maley, is ranked third in this year’s Indiana Super Lawyers 2012, a listing that appears in the March issue of Indiana Super Lawyers magazine. John is a partner with Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis.

Dot Foods celebrated another year of safety milestones by giving out $87,000 in prizes to 30 warehouse and garage personnel and support staff across the country including two Cambridge City distribution center employees: Ross Ragan of New Castle, and Landon Dot Foods Miller of Milton, both warehouse order selectors. The Cambridge City distribution center has announced the promotion of Michael Taylor of Connersville to warehouse supervisor.

An employee satisfaction survey was conducted of Preble County Council on Aging, Eaton, Ohio, employees. It is concluded that the agency enjoys favorable satisfaction of working conditions by its employees.

Bowman Bakery of Hagerstown, Ind., has been honored by Noble of Indiana as maker of “Indiana’s best from scratch cheesecake.” Travis Bowman is the master baker.

Indiana’s oldest family-owned and operated bank, Wayne Bank and Trust Co., is celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2012. Founded in 1882 by Abiram Boyd, the bank has continuously served Wayne County communities and beyond through six generations of Boyd family ownership.

Lyn Lafuse has completed 25 years of service with First Bank Richmond.

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Associa-

maximum

WOW!

tion has awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Education to Dr. Sally Osborn of the Greens Fork Veterinary Hospital in recognition of her commitment to excellence in the health care of the state’s animal population.

Information desk volunteer Ronn Berry was selected as Reid Hospital’s April VolOsborn unteer of the Month.

The Fountain City area resident has volunteered for seven years. Ieshsa Engle was been named Reid Hospital’s Ambassador. The registered nurse on 5 East has worked at Reid for

Berry

Engle

eight years and is a Lewisburg, Ohio, resident. For March, emergency room angel Jane Retz was recognized as outstanding volunteer. She received recognition for 1,000 hours of service and has volunteered for six years. Medical lab technician Denise Miller was named March Ambassador at Reid Hospital, Richmond. She has been with Reid for five years.

Richmond’s Harvest Land Co-op has donated $600 toward the purchase of fuel for local men who delivered aid to tornado victims in southern Indiana. The farmerowned cooperative also donated 500 pounds of cracked corn to feed animals affected by the storms.

Amy K. Noe has been named a Rising Star by the publishers of Super Lawyers 2012, an annual list of the top attorneys in Noe Indiana.

Forest Park Health Campus, a Trilogy Health Services community in Richmond, has been named 2012 Best Place to Work in Indiana, marking the fourth time the campus and its

employees have received this recognition.

Duke Energy of Plainfield, Ind., has named Cathy Wenning as its new east district manager which covers Wayne County. She joined the company in 1987.

Allstate Insurance Co. has recognized local agency owners Debra Lanman and Richard Lake, both of Richmond, who have earned the designation of Allstate Premier Service Agent for 2012.

Amy Bray and Wendy Knight joined Birth-to-Five Inc., Richmond. Amy has a CDA certificate in early childhood education from Miami Valley JVS and early childhood education classes at Ivy Tech Community College, Richmond. Wendy is working on an associate’s degree in early childhood education at Ivy Tech Community College, Richmond.

Hobby Lobby Stores, which has a location in Richmond, welcomed its 500th store in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 16.

Karen Beard, vice president/mortgage lending, has completed 25 years of service with First Bank Richmond.

Beard

Events

All phone area codes are 765 unless noted.

Sat/Sun, May 19/20, Relay for Life, Wayne Co. Fairgrounds Monday, June 18, Wernle Coaches for Kids, 939-4574, www. wernle.org Ivy Tech Corporate College, 966-2656 x4104, www.ivytech.edu/richmond/ corporate-college Tuesday, May 10, Supervisory Skills Thursday, May 17, Intro to Project Mgt. May 8, 10, 15, 17, Web Tools for Collaboration and Productivity May 21, 22 OSHA 10/30 Safety Training Throughout May, Corporate College offers a number of programs in Steam Systems, Pneumatic Systems, Pumps, Basic Bearing and Drive Systems.

Call for details.

Saturday, April 28, 19th Annual Car Show, Johnson Hall IU East Center for Leadership All events require registration. 973-8343, www.iue.edu/business/leadership/ programs.php Tuesday, May 1, Family Business Symposium

Thursday, May 3, luncheon, Rethinking Retention: New Rules for Getting and Keeping Top Talent Tuesday, May 15, Management Series: Managing Teams HYPE, 973-8366, www.iue.edu/leadership. Find HYPE updates on Facebook.

Thursday, April 26, Make Your Small Business Bigger than the Superbowl Thursday, May 17, Hype Hangout, TBD Thursday, June 21, Hype Hangout, River Rats game, Richmond Tuesday, May 8, HYPE Lunch Bunch, Yamato, RIchmond Tuesday, June 12, HYPE Lunch Bunch, TBD Earlham College, 983-1474, www.earlham.edu/events Wednesday, Aug 29, Intergalactic Nemesis Purdue College of Technology, 9738228, www.tech.purdue.edu/richmond Saturday, April 28, evGrandPrix (electric vehicles) in W. Lafayette Richmond Symphony Orchestra, 966-5181, www.richmondsymphony.org Sunday, May 6, An Old Fashioned Sousa Concert Civic Hall, 973-3350, www.civichall.com Saturday, May 19, The Oak Ridge Boys Richmond Civic Theatre, 962-8011, www.richmondcivictheatre.org May 18-20, 25-26, The Dixie Swim Club July 30, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown fundraiser Starr-Gennett Legacy Concert, 962-2860, www.starrgennett.org Friday, May 4, Banu Gibson, Lingle Auditorium, Reid Hospital Richmond Art Museum, 966-0256, www.richmondartmuseum.org Saturday, April 28, Phantoscope Film Festival Reid Hospital 12 in 12, 983-3104, www.reidhospital.org Friday, May 11, Dangers of Osteoporosis Tuesday, May 22, Benefits of Massage Therapy Monday, June 11, Just for Men - Men’s Health Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, 962-1511, www.rwchamber.org Friday, May 4, Chamber Golf Outing, Forest Hills Country Club Wednesday, July 18, Network Night at Manpower Cambridge City Chamber of Commerce www.cambridgecityindiana.org Saturday, May 5, Vinton House Anniversary Antique Show May 30-June 3, US 40 Garage Sale Saturday, June 9, Golf Tournament Wednesday, June 16, Festival Queen Contest

CHAMBER VOICES

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from elementary, middle high and high school students. Artwork is on display at the Richmond Art Museum April 22 to May 27. Winning artwork from each grade level was used for this year’s School is Cool T-shirt design.

School is Cool sponsors took on an additional goal this year. Sponsors wanted to be able to provide every senior who achieves perfect attendance with a prize at the final celebration. Chamber members stepped up their efforts by increasing their support. A special CNN fundraiser was held at Hoosier Park Casino and Track. Hoosier Park provided a bus, beverages and appetizers. Fifty-two people attended and over $2,300 was raised with all proceeds going to School is Cool.

School is Cool events and prizes would be not be possible without the generous support of chamber sponsors. A very big thank you goes to Wetzel Family Auto Cruise, First Bank Richmond, Summit Computers, the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau, Ahaus Tool and Engineering , Frontier Communications, Richmond Power and Light, and Hoosier Park Racing and Casino.

Congratulations to all Wayne County students who achieved perfect attendance for this school year. Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce members are proud to support your efforts.

Above: Trenton Toney was a February recipient of a School is Cool cash award of $50, awarded here by Amy Holthouse from the Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Sally Hutton.

Below: Below: The following students, left to right also received awards for perfect attendance: Noah Rich, Shelby Grace Taylor Bryant, Hunter Nickel and Sheridan Inglish.

Cambridge City Chamber offers member benefits In Cambridge City, the chamber’s goal is to further the interests of businesses as they come together to advocate on behalf of the business community. Members develop their contacts and demonstrate a commitment to growing the local economy.

Three of the chamber’s best known events include the 4th of July Fireworks, an hour long show that is sure to be the highlight of your summer. Visitors from the state come back in the fall for Canal Days, always the second weekend after Labor Day, with great food, carnival games, the famous Duck Race down the Canal, and several

booths packed full of hand-made goodies. Christmas Wonderland is in late November and is worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting with the horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, carolers and a moonlit parade down Main street.

Monthly meetings are held at the Golay Center on the 3rd Tuesday @ 7:15 a.m.

Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

It’s been a big year for School is Cool, a county-wide program challenging area students to achieve perfect attendance, sponsored by Wetzel Family Auto Cruise, First Bank Richmond and the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.

New School is Cool events were added this year to include all grade levels and increase motivation to achieve the goal of perfect attendance. Promotional efforts were increased through a billboard campaign, prize cars on display at various school functions and highlights on Chamber Chat.

At the end of the school year, area seniors are invited to a final celebration event at Wetzel Family Auto Cruise. Drawings are held for the grand prize of a new car, or the cash equivalent, with additional prizes including laptop computer bundles, netbooks and gift certificates provided by Richmond Power and Light and Summit Computer.

New to School is Cool this year were three drawings from the pool of students with perfect attendance for $50 Chamber gift certificates, courtesy of Ahaus Tool and Engineering.

The drawings were held in December, February and March, with two winners drawn each time.

Also new this year was a T-shirt design contest. Students from every grade level submitted original artwork. Winners were chosen

• Maximum Business •

Year Long Events Encourage Perfect Attendance

GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED, JOIN TODAY For more information contact Beth Leisure, chamber president, 765-478-9070, bethleisure@gmail.com.

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CHAMBER VOICES

BREAKFAST WITH

ERIN GRUWELL

Educator and Founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation

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Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

Wednesday, May 2, 7:30am -9:00am on the Mezzanine at the Leland

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PREBLE COUNTY AMPHITHEATER TO OPEN THIS SUMMER More than 40 years ago the Preble County Chamber of Commerce helped to start the Preble County Historical Society. On July 1, officials and volunteers of the PCHS look forward to the opening of a new

The primary purpose of the project was to develop a new community resource at a proven site. The amphitheater will highlight the natural contours of the dramatic hillside location into its low-impact design.

Tickets $75 each, includes breakfast, an autographed book by Erin and the opportunity to spend one on one time with her Erin Gruwell has earned an award-winning reputation for her steadfast commitment to the future of education. Her impact as a change agent runs deep. So deep, in fact, that her story attracted Hollywood’s attention. In January 2007, Paramount Pictures released Freedom Writers, starring twotime Oscar winner Hilary Swank as Erin. The film is based on The Freedom Writers Diary, the New York Times bestseller that chronicled Erin’s extraordinary journey with 150 high school students who had been written off by the education system.

By fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, she transformed her students’ lives. She encouraged them to re-think rigid beliefs about themselves and others, reconsider daily decisions, and ultimately re-chart their futures. With Erin’s support, they chose to forego teenage pregnancy, drugs, and violence to become aspiring college students, published writers, and citizens for change. They dubbed themselves the “Freedom Writers” –in homage to civil rights activists The Freedom Riders—and published a book.

Erin founded the Freedom Writers Foundation where she currently teaches teachers around the country how to implement her innovative lesson plans into their own classrooms. Recently, Erin’s teaching methods from her time in Room 203 have been published in the Freedom Writers Diary Teacher’s Guide. Proceeds from the sale of all books directly fund the Freedom Writers Foundation.

Limited to the first 50 people!

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amphitheater after many years of planning. An all day music festival has been scheduled in anticipation of the opening and will coincide with the City’s annual Fourth of July Celebration.

“The excitement in the community is amazing,” says Jane Lightner, PCHS executive director. “When you come down and see the site, you’ll see a change to the entire landscape.

It’s just amazing… It’s beautiful.”

Construction began several months ago and the Center has taken on a new look. The project is expected to be completed by mid-June.

“It’s really opened up,” said PCHS volunteer Jean Bussell. “I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised.”

The site incorporates Preble County limestone seating with environmentally friendly lighting for the handrails, stage, and canopy. The design is lined with the natural forest of the original farm and the site will overlook the 15-acre restored wetland area.

The facility will be available for community events such as outdoor classrooms for hands-on education and demonstrations, a venue for corporate, public, non-profit, and private functions. It will seat more than 350 people (additional lawn terrace seating can accommodate up to 1,000). The Historical Center is a 255-acre site, only one mile from the intersections of Ohio 503, 122 and 725.

Is this for the birds? A better place for this than your garden might be your picnic table, with a layer of ice and cocktail shrimp, or stacked with crackers or chips. Find this unique item at Reid Hospital’s Ginkgo Boutique gift shop.

where did you get that?

Locally Unique Best Picks found here.

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You’ll get a chuckle every time you reach into one of these cookie jars. So you may be a lot more careful about your cookie intake these days, but we suspect you know a four-legged friend that’s happy to pound down those treats. These jars are the perfect place to store them. You’ll find these puppies at Coco’s at the Loft, N. 10th St. in Richmond’s Depot District.

Life can sometimes seem so puzzling... in a good way. This jigsaw puzzle‘s worth a hundred stories as you piece it together with friends and remember the uniquely Wayne County sites pictured. You’ll find this at the Old Nat’l Road State Welcome Center at 5701 National Road East in Richmond.

Spring lives indoors with this beautifully arranged silk flower bird cage. Warm Glow Candle Outlet creates custom solutions to brighten any table or corner of your home with silk flowers for every season. They are truly one-of-a-kind.

(Talk to the chicken above for the address.)

find thousands of unique items at local area LOCALLY retailers.

White HELPING YOU BUILD A BETTER BUSINESS

water

Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012

Here’s a recycled home that’s move-in ready.

Place this beauty in the garden amongst the trees.

This birdhouse made of salvaged materials - such as glass doorknobs and lamp finials - will welcome your feathered friends back for another season.

Each house is uniquely different and can be found at Coco’s in the Depot District.

Sisters in the Garden. These adorable little creatures redefine the whole concept of garden nome. They’ll keep a smile on your face as you dig up one more dandelion. You’ll find them at the Warm Glow Candle Outlet.

• Maximum Business •

This chick can talk. It’s a chalkboard chicken, complete with chalk and red felt eraser. She’s ready to tell your kids where to find afterschool snacks, or remind your husband of his doctor’s appointment. Find her at Warm Glow Candle Outlet, exit 145 off I-70 in Centerville. (BTW, if you read her belly she’s inviting you to the WG Open House.)

Va l l e y

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24 www.pal-item.com

• Maximum Business • Palladium-Item Media Group, April/May 2012