T
P C N SINCE 1882 Successor to The Poseyville News & New Harmony Times POSEY COUNTY’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NEWSPAPER
Volume 139 Edition 19
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
$1.00
Chamber touts accomplishments, boldly faces challenges By Dave Pearce A full complement of Southwestern Indiana businesspeople as well as representatives from many Posey County businesses were on hand Wednesday evening for the Annual Southwestern Indiana Chamber meeting. The Annual Business Report meeting was held at the New Harmonie Inn and Conference Center. The tone of the meeting was set early when long-time Posey County Committee Chair Beth McFadinHiggins handed over the torch to Mount Vernon investment broker Drew Heckert. While the mood and the tone was positive and most indicate that things are good in Posey County, there is always room for improvement. In this case, in the area of drawing more people to the area and finding a way to get more and better housing in the area so workers can live the lifestyle they desire inside the county. Randy Owens, a long-time employee of Mead Johnson, Bristol Myers, and Astrazenica, was introduced as the new head of the local Chamber office. Tara Barney, the President and CEO of the Southwest Indiana
Chamber of Commerce then talked about some of the things going on in the area. Barney touted the work of Mount Vernon Mayor Bill Curtis for his role in the new Trail Project, now being constructed in Mount Vernon. However, Barney did point out that there are a lot of folks retiring in important positions in Posey county companies and the number of incoming elementary students in the county has been moving slowly downward, not a trend the organization likes to see. “We are working on that every day,” Barney said with a smile. Following a delicious meal served at the outing, the announcement of special awards highlighted the evening. The first award was presented to Mount Vernon band director Joe Stone. Stone was selected as Teacher/Administrator of the year. Among his accomplishments was Mount Vernon band’s highest-ever finish in the State Band contest. Also, Stone indicated that when he took over the Mount Vernon band program, there were 47 students enrolled at the junior high level. This year, 97 students are participating in band. The high
school band is also up in numbers from 49 to 65. The Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Rachel Rainey, the sole proprietor of Three Chicks Fudgery in Mount Vernon. Although Rainey did not speak at the meeting, she later posted the following on social media: “Thank you to my awesome family and extended that supports me in everything I do. Thank you to my friends who always are willing to jump in and help me when I need an extra hand, and thank you God for blessing my family with so much we can only keep giving back.” Next, Matthew Nix was presented with the Businessperson of the Year Award. Nix spoke with both humility and pride as he explained that Nix Metals is a fifth-generation family business that emerged from a single blacksmith business to what the company does today. “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” Nix said, crediting his family who was in attendance and all employees of the company. “I’ve always said it takes a
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Employees of Warehouse Services, Inc., receive their award from Drew Heckert. All photos by Dave Pearce
Joe Stone accepts his award from Drew Heckert.
Matthew Nix receives his award from Drew Heckert.
Rachel Rainey accepts her award from Drew Heckert.
MV student injured in Sat. wreck Alka joins Posey Chamber By Dave Pearce A Mount Vernon High School student was seriously injured in a Saturday accident on Highway 66 between New Harmony and Wadesville. According to the accident report, Megan Simpson was north-bound on Harmony-Springfield Road when she attempted to make a left turn onto State Road 66. When she did, she turned into the path of a Ford F150 being driven by Stephen Hatch of New Harmony. Hatch had no time to slow and
struck Simpson’s Nissan. Hatch’s vehicle came to rest in a field on the north side of State Road 66. The vehicle driven by Simpson came to rest in the east-bound lane of State Road 66. A witness who was following Simpson told police that Simpson pulled out in front of the Hatch vehicle when attempting to make the left-hand turn. Simpson was transported to Deaconess Hospital where she is reported to be in serious condition. Hatch indicated he would have
himself checked out but refused medical treatment at the time of the accident. The accident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on Saturday. Simpson remains hospitalized. *In another unrelated weekend accident, Elizabeth Howery of 4400 Midway Lane in Mount Vernon was involved in an accident involving Donald Reinitz of 805 Smith School Road in Mount Vernon. The extent of injuries was not available at press time.
The scene of the accident on SR 66 at Harmony-Springfield Road. Photo submitted
Special to the News The Posey County Economic Development Partnership (PCEDP) is pleased to welcome Jenna Alka as its new Executive Director. Alka will begin her role with the organization on May 9, 2019. Alka comes to Posey County having previously served as the Executive Director for Ancillary Services for St. Vincent Warrick. “After a thorough and multiphase search process that included our Executive Board, Public Partners and assistance from our Southwestern Indiana Economic Development Partners, Jenna was our clear choice to lead ‘next level growth’ for Posey County,” stated Joseph Neidig, President, PCEDP. “Her experience in building successful private public partnerships and growing services to meet the needs and challenges of the Community will serve Posey
Jenna Alka County well as we work together to grow business, implement vocational programs to improve workforce preparedness and create a vibrant community with a high quality of life for all.”
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Let go and let God Long-time Posey resident finds complete retirement not a good fit By Pam Robinson As a boy, long-time Mount Vernon resident Byron Sanders learned a strong work ethic from his father. The command, “Never quit,” drove Byron to excel and to build a stellar career. When he was only 57 years old, he could retire at the top of his game, financially secure, from Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2007. Facing life without a full-time career led Byron into unfamiliar, uncomfortable territory. He dropped into unhappiness despite a relaxed routine his friends envied. He needed more than training his prize bird dogs for their new homes. “Every day can’t be Saturday,” he explains. In his retirement as in his prime, Byron depended on his work to provide him with an identity. “I didn’t know how to disengage,” he states. “I didn’t know how not to work.” He lunged ahead at warp speed and contracted his services to Bris-
(USPS 439-500)
tol-Myers Squibb for two significant new construction projects. Afterward, he became the Director of Operations for the new Ford Center for one year. At the same time, he started coaching and teaching for the MSD of Mount Vernon, where he had taught construction technology for the first eight years after he graduated from Indiana State University, Terre Haute. He added another teaching assignment for the continuing education department at University of Southern Indiana, or USI. He spent several years—until 2015—as a workaholic retiree
The Golden Years
Byron Sanders
and, needless to say, still hadn’t found happiness. A balance between purposeful activity and peaceful relaxation had eluded him. When, by happy chance, he listened to the audio version of Richard Rohr’s book, “Falling Upward,” he found a new measure for his success. “The book changed my life,” he insists. Byron learned to let go and let God. “Successful retirement means letting go,” he stresses. At 69 years old, Byron still holds on to part-time employment. He teaches management leadership at Berry Plastics and in continu-
ing education classes at USI. As a consultant, he works with jails across the state of Indiana—including Posey County and Vanderburgh—as a project manager at their facilities. He has, however, let go of the significance he once attached to work. Work no longer defines him as a person, but declares his purpose. “You’ve still got to have a meaning,” he comments. The meaning he finds in his work matches the tranquility and joy he finds in his family, his dogs, and in music. He and Bev treasure their time together and their time with his children and grandchildren (Sandy and Frankie). Byron is very grateful also for the success of his two daughters (Sarah and Chelsea), both living in nearby Bloomington. On a different note, Byron contin-
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