Biznet September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 VOL. 32, NO. 9

A Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Publication

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In this issue: Advocacy Update ..........................................................2 Chamber Voices............................................................3 YPB News .....................................................................4 Chamber Briefs .............................................................5 Franklin Initiative Update...............................................6 Chamber Hosts Annual Meeting and Community Awards ......................................................6 Local Education.............................................................7 Meet Your New Chamber Staff ..................................12 New Member Connect ................................................14

Tonya Clark, farm association secretary, poses in front of the mural at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. (Rich Janzaruk / Herald-Times)

Spotlight: Monroe County Fairgrounds

SEPTEMBER

By Kasey Husk

F Coming in October:

Stress & Time Management for Professionals

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

or many in the community, visiting the Monroe County Fairgrounds is just a once-a-year ritual when the county fair brings with it livestock shows, corn on the cob and a riveting demolition derby.

But for the volunteer force tasked with organizing the fair – which dates back to before the Civil War – managing the Monroe County Fairgrounds is a yearround commitment.

While the Monroe County Fair is certainly the biggest event of the year for the Monroe County Fairgrounds – the equivalent of a week-long Super Bowl, perhaps – the fairgrounds are also home to various other events throughout the year in an effort to earn the income it needs to operate. This past weekend, the Monroe County Fairgrounds played host to the Kiwanis Club’s annual Balloonfest.

The Monroe County Fairgrounds is a roughly 40-acre property located just west of Bloomington on Airport Road. It became the home to the Monroe County Fair in 1955, a full 100 years after the first county fair was held in October 1855, according to a history on its website. Before that, the fair was held at a variety of locations over the year, including Bloomington’s Courthouse Square, Dunn Meadow at the Indiana University campus and – to the dismay of

SPOTLIGHT

continued on page 14

19 Business After Hours, College Mall 26 Chamber Annual Meeting, Monroe County Convention Center

OCTOBER 8

New Member Connect, Holiday Inn

15 Bloomington Women in Leadership

UCAT D E L A C O L

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ADVOCACY+Update The Chamber serves as an advocate on behalf of all businesses for the issues critical to the future of our community. For timely updates, check out the Chamber’s Advocacy Matters site at chamberbloomington.org/advocacy-matters.

Navigating the Inscrutable “Although invisible on land and inscrutable on paper, municipal zoning codes have a tremendous impact on the form of cities—and by extension, on Mary Morgan. Courtesy the way people live in them.� photo.

This opening sentence from a recent CityLab University article captures the importance of zoning and is timely as the City of Bloomington moves ahead with its own zoning overhaul.

Much of government is invisible and inscrutable. Part of our job at the Chamber is to provide you with the tools you need to be well-informed and knowledgeable about the work of our community’s elected officials and staff – making that work more transparent and understandable.

Read on for updates and to see how you can stay involved! —Mary Morgan

Nov. 5 Election: Competitive Races for Bloomington Council in Districts 2 & 3 Only voters in the City of Bloomington’s Districts 2 and 3 will be heading to the polls on Nov. 5. That’s because there aren’t competitive races in other districts or

for any citywide offices. When candidates run unopposed, no elections are held in the general election.

District 3 will see the most competitive race. Ron Smith, who won the May 7 Democratic Party primary, will run against two independents: Marty Spechler and Nick Kappas.

In District 2, Republican Andrew Guenther and Democrat Sue Sgambelluri will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Monday, Oct. 7 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election. For information about voting requirements, photo ID regulations, absentee voting and more, check out the 2019 Indiana Voter Registration Guide (indianavoters.in.gov) or Monroe County Election Central (monroecountyvoters.us).

Zoning Matters: Know Your UDO The City of Bloomington has scheduled next steps in its efforts to overhaul the citywide zoning code. The latest draft of the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is posted online at bloomington.in.gov/planning/udo/ update.

How can you give feedback? The city’s Plan Commission has held three public hearings so far and collected online comments. Their next meeting is Monday, Oct. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at city hall council chambers, 401 N. Morton.

The Plan Commission can amend the UDO and will vote to approve a final draft after this latest round of public input. Then, the Bloomington Council will have 90 days in which to vote on the UDO. The council will also provide opportunities for input.

The Chamber has provided input throughout the process. Our most recent comments focused on ensuring that the procedures specified in the UDO are consistent and standardized.

How to Help Get Graffiti Under Control

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Powerwashing graffiti off a building on Morton.

(Courtesy photo)

An uptick in downtown graffiti – on both public and private property – is getting attention from city officials, though in some cases their options for addressing it are limited. It’s important to deal with graffiti quickly, as that’s the best way to deter additional vandalism.

The City of Bloomington sends out crews to clean off or paint over tags on public property. You can report graffiti by calling the city’s Safe and Civil City hotline at 812-355-7777 or using the city’s online UReport system at Bloomington.in.gov/ureport.

What if the graffiti is on private property? Then it’s the responsibility of the property owner, and you need their permission to take action. Bloomington’s Safe and Civil City staff can help with that – contact them at 812-3557777 or safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov.

Check out the city’s “How to Organize a Graffiti CleanUp� site (Bloomington.in.gov/graffiti) for graffiti-removal tips.

Graffiti is unlawful conduct under Chapter 14.36.050 of the City of Bloomington code. It’s a violation of Indiana Code 35.43.1.2, punishable as a Class A misdemeanor if property damage is more than $750 and less than $50,000, or a Level 6 felony if damage is over $50,000.

Application Process Begins for Community Impact Grants With priorities on quality of place and workforce attraction, the 2020 grant cycle for the Community Impact Funding Initiative is now underway.

The initiative, administered by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, funds projects that are “forward thinking, community changing in their implementation, practical in their application and unique to the community.� Typically, grants are awarded in the $10,000 to $50,000 range.

The current cycle will emphasize projects identified as priorities in the recent Monroe County Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan. These priorities were shaped with input from an advisory team of 35 that included Erin Predmore, CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and Christopher Emge, the Chamber’s Manager of Talent and Education.

Examples of the plan’s priorities: • Dramatically increase affordable housing supply for low- and moderate-income homeowners and renters. • Cultivate county connections and countywide identity. • Increase public transportation options. • Support the transition to the modern economy.

ADV0CACY UPDATE

continued on page 15

Local Education

CHAMBER VOICES

An Investment in the future

Erin Predmore.

Courtesy photo.

lives. The back-to-school time is a great Dear Members, opportunity to support parents and I’m frayed at all the ends lately. This children as they kick off a new school time of year comes around annually (duh!), but every year at this time I seem year, and I’m hopeful that employers and co-workers leave space for needed surprised that I am exhausted, mentally parenting activities during this intense dulled, and looking for a break. My family has just completed the school year time. With that support, we can all settle start-back sprint with evenings filled with into our fall routines, children can begin school supplies shopping, life organizing, learning important things like reading, laundry, teacher meetings, back-to-school history, chemistry and teamwork, and parents can partner with the education open house nights, starts of new sports seasons, tears (generally of my children), system in positive ways.

This month’s issue of BizNet dives yelling (sometimes them, sometimes me), and a general need for a deep breath and into education in our community and is a chance to publicly acknowledge peace. My husband and I feel like two the impact our kids have on all of us. ships passing in the night, and I have no From childcare idea where my to higher left running shoe education, the is hiding. first couple I’m sharing of decades of this picture our lives are of chaos with filled with you all for two professionals reasons: first, who help if you see me educate us and looking around shape our future. like my mind 7 e g a In Monroe is somewhere p See County, we have else, know that two institutes of it probably is, and second, some of your co-workers and higher learning, four high schools, four middle schools, 18 elementary schools, employees probably feel the same way.

From parents who just navigated the first and countless preschools and childcare days of kindergarten to those parents who centers. We have amazing teachers moved their children in to their dorms at and staff that support our children’s IU, we cover the continuum. And we have learning throughout their journey, and our support for them is critical for best all had moments in the past few weeks outcomes. that have taken our breath away.

Here’s to all the teachers, faculty, staff, Children are an important part of students, and parents – may your year be our community that as adults we rarely publicly acknowledge. Yes, we are known filled with learning, laughter, insight and personal growth. We are all cheering you to show cute pictures and proud parent on! moments, but we don’t always discuss Best, Erin the impact family life has on our overall community or its impact on our work

ATION C U D E L A LOC

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/ChamberBloom

/ChamberBloom

/ChamberBloom

Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce 400 W. 7th St., Suite 102 • P.O. Box 1302 • Bloomington, IN 47402 Phone 812-336-6381 • ChamberBloomington.org

STAFF, PARTNERS & BOARD MEMBERS The Chamber invites its members to contact these individuals with comments or questions regarding Chamber activities.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DIRECTORS

Erin Predmore, President and CEO Stacy Bruce, Events Coordinator Thomas Curry, Public Policy Specialist Serena Duke, Member Services Coordinator Christopher Emge, Manager of Talent and Education Charley Jackson, Franklin Initiative Specialist Rachel Levy, Marketing & Communications Coordinator Mary Morgan, Director of Advocacy & Public Policy Jim Shelton, Government Relations-County Tammy Walker, Director of Member Services

Tony Armstrong, Indiana University Bruce Calloway, Duke Energy Lauren Dexter, Bloomington Health Foundation Pat East, Hanapin Marketing Amy Somers Kopp, RE/MAX Acclaimed Properties Cullen McCarty, Smithville Vanessa McClary, Kiwanis Club of South Central IN Dan Peterson, Cook Group Scott Shishman, Old National Bank Brian Shockney, IU Health Bloomington Donna Walker, Hoosier Energy Jim Whitlatch, Bunger & Robertson Andy Williams, Rogers Group, Inc.

OFFICERS Ron Walker, CFC Properties, Chair Jennie Vaughan, Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington, 1st Vice Chair Mike Richardson, Midwest Color Printing/FASTSIGNS, 2nd Vice Chair Cindy Kinnarney, First Financial Bank, Secretary/Treasurer Tony Stonger, Edward Jones, Immediate Past Chair

CONTACT BIZNET If you are a Chamber member who would like to announce promotions, expansions, community events, or other news in the “Chamber Briefs” section, please contact Rachel Levy at rlevy@ChamberBloomington.org or 812-336-6381.

To advertise in BizNet, please contact Chad Giddens at 812-331-4292 or cgiddens@heraldt.com. Be sure to ask about discount rate packages for Chamber members!

For subscription information or customer service, please contact info@ChamberBloomington.org or 812-336-6381.

Please send press releases to Rachel Levy at rlevy@ChamberBloomington.org. Thank you for your interest in BizNet!

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BIZNET • F3

The Importance of Good Networking Skills for YPs Marketing focused her talk on “The Year You Finally Update Your LinkedIn Profile.” She encouraged YPs to not only update their profile but to stay connected. You should be commenting and even posting something once a week, she advised. Other tips included only putting relevant material in your profile. For example, you should omit older part-time employment that is not indicative of your current professional status.

John Senac spoke about “Networking in a Professional Setting.” His talk was about making connections, “to have a

By Christopher Emge, Manager of Talent and Education

T

he Young Professionals Bloomington (YPB) spent last month enjoying the final days of summer at the beautiful Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina for Networking 101. This was a TEDx-style event with three distinct speakers discussing key points of human interaction within the context of LinkedIn, professional situations, and simply making a great first impression.

Jessica Viviano from Hanapin

MEMBER RENEWALS • Abell Nursery • Arthur Murray Dance Center • Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington • Biolife Plasma Services, LP • Bledsoe Riggert Cooper & James

• BMG Aviation, Inc. • Bucceto’s Pizza & Pasta (East) • BuffaLouie’s • Building Associates, Inc. • Candlewood Suites • Carpets Plus ColorTile • Century Suites Hotel • Children’s Organ Transplant Association • Deckard Land Surveying, LLC • Fairfield Inn & Suites

guy.” This entails assisting individuals he runs across while networking by providing them referrals to address their specific issues. John stressed that he was driven by goals and discussed how networking can make that a reality.

“Professional networking is an intentional effort driven by professional goals,” states Mr. Senac. “Getting in with others and building relationships can advance your career, improve your set of skills, make supporting connections between others in your network and ultimately help accomplish your professional goals.”

Finally, Helene O’Leary – Indiana

• • • • •

Gibson Teldata, Inc. Goldin Appraisal Group Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn Express Innovative Financial Solutions, Inc. • IU-Department of Intercollegiate Athletics • IU-Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel & Conference Center • Jamar Property Management LLC

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80/20 Agency 116 E 3rd Street Suite 301 Bloomington, IN 47401 Contact: Kelly King (812) 369-6199 Bounds Flooring Inc 5005 N State Road 37 Business Bloomington, IN 47404 Contact: Stephanie Bounds (812) 332-6555

YPB NEWS

continued on page 12

IU’s Helene O’Leary talks about the finer points of hobknobbing in everyday situations. (Courtesy photo)

• Schmidt Associates • Sherwood Oaks Christian Church • Singota Solutions • Skin Aesthetics Medical Spa • State Representative Peggy Mayfield • The Stratum At Indiana • Tommy D’s Windows, Doors & More Inc. • Trico Surveying & Mapping, Inc.

• Union Savings Bank • Uptown Cafe • Urban Air Adventure Park • Vanished Aesthetics • Weddle Bros.

Construction Co., Inc. • Whole Sun Designs Inc. • Wooden McLaughlin LLP • WS Property Group • WTTS/WGCL - Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. • Youth Services Bureau of Monroe County

Color Theory 1023 S Walnut Street Bloomington, IN 47401 Contact: Allan Buhr (812) 668-2113

La Quinta Inn & Suites 3380 W Runkle Way Bloomington, IN 47404 Contact: Robert Patel (812) 727-0205

Paycor 11595 North Meridian Street Suite 310 Carmel, IN 46032 Contact: Brady Flora (855) 551-2019

Conner’s Taproom 313 E Winslow Road Bloomington, IN 47403 Contact: Penny McQueen (812) 287-8533

My Sports Locker 1917 S Walnut Street Bloomington, IN 47401 Contact: LeeAnna Powell (812) 333-2339

• • • • • • • • • •

Lentz Paving, LLC Miracle-Ear My Sister’s Closet Oakdale Square Apartments OEI, Inc. Panacea Pharmacy ProBleu, Inc. Ray Wealth Management Riley SIP Properties, LLC Safe Place of Monroe, Owen, and Greene County

The Historic Tivoli Theatre 24 N Washington Street Spencer, IN 47460 Contact: Jane Rubeck (812) 714-8069

VET Environmental Engineering, LLC 2335 W Fountain Drive Bloomington, IN 47404 Contact: Justin Helmer (812) 822-0400

CHAMBER BRIEFS

Opportunities & Events Conner’s Taproom and Upland Brewing are hosting a fundraiser for the Monroe County Humane Association. Hot Dogs and Hops, a family/kid friendly event on Sept. 22 in Winslow Plaza from 4-6 p.m., will feature animals from MCHA, special beers and games for adults, and free hot dogs. For more information, check out the MCHA website at monroehumane.org.

BCT Management Inc. (BCTM) the private non-profit which manages the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on behalf of the City of Bloomington, is seeking a new Executive Director following the resignation of founding Executive Director Danielle McClelland, effective Dec. 20, 2019.

Please see the organization’s website at https:// buskirkchumley.org/get-involved/join-our-team/ for details about the position.

Hoosier Hills Food Bank Book Fair will take place Oct. 3-8 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The 36th annual event features over 100,000 items including movies, music, stamps, comics and books of all genres including rare and collectible. Programs, activities and food trucks also take place each day. Opening Day is $10 admission, all other days are free admission. All proceeds benefit HHFB’s hunger relief programs. Schedule and more information available at hhfoodbank.org.

No Frye Zone was Bloomington’s first airbrush tanning salon, opening over 7 years ago. Our certified technicians spray customers by hand using natural, organic, and vegan products.

NFZ offers all natural and organic tanning products from scrubs to moisturizing lotions. CBD oil and sunburn treatments are also available! Our mission is to help our customers look and feel their best while avoiding the dangers associated with tanning! We want everyone to feel comfortable knowing their custom tan is designed just for them! Visit 421 E. 3rd St., Suite 6 or call (812) 333-3119 to make your appointment today.

Support a local business! Located in historic downtown Bloomington, Indiana, Posh Boutique carries several trendy and affordable clothing lines, for fashionable individuals of all ages. We are also your stop for unique accessories, including one-of-a-kind jewelry creations, many from Indiana, and stylish handbags. Posh’s extraordinary customer service will make your shopping experience even more rewarding. Visit Posh Boutique today at 118 S. College Ave. or call (812) 822-2690.

CHAMBER BRIEFS

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Here at Brookdale Bloomington, an assisted living community, we can help you answer that question. We’ll help you redefine your independence, pursue your passions and live your life your way. Whether that’s connecting with new friends or learning something new like tai chi, you have choices for how you want to spend your time. With our pet-friendly apartments, you’ll typically have several floor plans to choose from, plus you get to choose how to make it your own with your style. For more information, visit us at 3802 S. Sare Road or call (812) 330-0885.

Southern Indiana Family Practice Center and Rejuv Spa provides expert medical and aesthetic care in Bloomington, Indiana. Karen Reid-Renner, MD, and her team of professionals have made patient health, wellness, and beauty their top priorities. For general medical needs, Southern Indiana Family Practice Center and Rejuv Spa provides care for the entire family, including men, women, and children. Dr. Reid-Renner and her team specialize in the medical management of a number of health conditions. Southern Indiana Family Practice Center and Rejuv Spa is a full-service medical clinic that can meet both medical and aesthetic needs. Call (812) 339-6744 today, or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool at www.sifpchealth.com

continued on page 13

Congratulations to Urban Air Adventure Park on celebrating their 3rd anniversary with a Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, August 10. The park features all-new next level attractions!

The first 200 guests that purchased an Ultimate Pass got a free year of basic access. Stop by 3603 W. Ind. 46 or call (812) 727-8309.

Congratulations to Rush Bowls on their ribbon cutting! Rush Bowls serve all-natural and healthy blended fruit smoothies and acai bowls. The business is located at 1421 N. Dunn St., Suite 3 right across from the IU Memorial Stadium.

For pick-up or delivery, visit online at www.rushbowls.com/ bloomington.

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The Franklin Initiative Update

Volunteer for “Career Introductions” to Help Students Explore Job Options

By Christopher Emge, Manager of Talent and Education

T

he Franklin Initiative (FI) is engaging a multitude of professionals for our Career Introductions program to speak with students in junior high and early high school classrooms. Exposing students to career opportunities will allow them to witness the relevance of what they are learning in the classroom. It also furnishes them with informed decisions on high school course selection and post-secondary requirements to achieve their goal.

FI is hoping to secure volunteers from a wide variety of professions.

Specifically, there is high demand for people working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). These fields within STEM include nurses or any healthcare professionals, video game designers, or videographers. Other areas of student interest include professions in the arts or law enforcement.

Career exploration is a vital step to provide these students with a pathway to a related career. With a better understanding of the working world, young people can more easily envision how they fit successfully into that workforce.

Beyond academics, volunteers will have an opportunity to inspire students by describing why they chose their given career. The hope is that with a sense of excitement and attainable goals, students will more likely work toward their

FRANKLIN INITIATIVE UPDATE continued on page 12

Michelle Seidenstucker discusses her career and the opportunities afforded to her at Smithville Fiber at last year’s Career Day hosted by Edgewood Junior High. (Courtesy photo)

Chamber Hosts Annual Meeting and Community Awards September 26

T

he Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce will host their 104th Annual Meeting and Community Awards on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Monroe Convention Center.

The Chamber invites its members to attend the meeting to learn about initiatives, progress and membership over the last year. The Chamber’s president and CEO, Erin Predmore, will be speaking at the event.

There will be a variety of Community Awards also presented during the Annual Meeting.

Nominations were accepted for awards in several categories, and the honorees will be announced and recognized during the luncheon.

Tickets for reserved seating may be purchased on The Chamber’s website – ChamberBloomington.

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F6 • BIZNET | SEPTEMBER 2019

(Courtesy photo)

org. Individual seats for Chamber members are $50.

Sponsored tables of eight (8) guests are available for $600. Event sponsorship opportunities, which include a table of eight (8) guests and additional advertising options, are also available.

Local Education

An Investment in the Future

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an investment in the future. These kids are the next generation, so what we give to them weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get back 10-fold in the future.â&#x20AC;?

By Kasey Husk

A

n old saying goes that it â&#x20AC;&#x153;takes a village to raise a child.â&#x20AC;? And in Monroe County, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the exact approach local educators, business owners and community volunteers are taking to help prepare the students of today to be the workers and leaders of tomorrow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an investment in the future,â&#x20AC;? says Stacy Jones, site director at the Compass Early Learning Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These kids are the next generation, so what we give to them weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get back 10-fold in the future.â&#x20AC;?

Whether they are working with the children just starting their education or with â&#x20AC;&#x153;big kidsâ&#x20AC;? nearing the end, a wide variety of programs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both inside the schools and extracurricular activities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are seeking to help students prepare to excel in whatever path they take. For some, that means pushing back against traditional gender stereotypes when it comes to various fields of study. For others, it has meant giving children skills they need for the job in the future, particularly in the vaunted â&#x20AC;&#x153;STEMâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; science, technology, engineering and mathematics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fields.

For all, however, one thing is clear: the goal is to help all students create the future they want for themselves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and fill the roles that the community will need. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our kids are going to be serving in careers that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even been created yet,â&#x20AC;? says Jamie Miller, district readiness coordinator for Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Stacy Jones, site director, Compass Early Learning Center

Stacy Jones, site director at the Compass Early Learning Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown location.

(Courtesy photo)

An emphasis on early education Some people look at a room of 2-year-olds and just see toddlers. At the Compass Early Learning Center, Jones sees â&#x20AC;&#x153;little people who are going to be the big people who run our country and our businesses.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a responsibility that Compass leaders takes seriously, Jones says.

Teachers at the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two locations, both of which provide early childhood education for children ages 1 to 6, receive continuous professional development and training, adjusting their techniques to reflect new research and best practices during those critical early years, Jones says.

This can be especially vital because Compass, a program of Monroe County United Ministries, offers childcare and preschool on a sliding-scale to low-income families, as well as accepting vouchers through two government programs. This means that children whose economic circumstances might have prevented them from obtaining early childhood education now have that option available.

It is a way of leveling the playing field, Jones says, setting them up for success in the rest of their educational careers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you have a kid who hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had any kind of school at all before they hit kindergarten or first grade, it is really hard to acclimate into that environment,â&#x20AC;? Jones says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being able to give them that foundation is being able to help them keep growing and moving forward and wanting to learn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think people discount early childhood education as babysitting, but it is so much more,â&#x20AC;? she adds.

Monroe County United Ministriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stated goal is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;create lasting solutions to economic, educational and social injustice in our community through LOCAL EDUCATION continued on page 8

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BIZNET â&#x20AC;˘ F7

LOCAL EDUCATION

director for United Way of Monroe County. (Monroe County Community Schools also has a Real Men Read quality services, collaboration and program, though separate from the innovation,â&#x20AC;? she says. In particular, it United Way program). Each mentor visits seeks to eliminate generational poverty in his kindergarten class at least five times Monroe County. throughout the school year, Compass can help each time reading a book to with this in two ways: the class and providing each both by helping provide kindergartener with a copy parents with a costof that book for his or her effective option for child personal library. care so they can earn Mentors model a living or continue interactive reading best their own education, practices, engaging the and by helping to set children in a dialogue as up children for success they read through the books, in their educational Leyenbeck says. The goal careers, which will help of the program, she says, (Courtesy photo) ensure they can seek is to increase literacy skills well-paying jobs in the and instill in children a future. love and excitement about â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is 100% where reading, which is especially â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are hoping that it starts,â&#x20AC;? she says. important as student that excitement and love â&#x20AC;&#x153;These little minds advance in school and the of reading helps propel running around are so focus shifts away from them to get into reading active and willing to learning to read and into so they are learning learn.â&#x20AC;? reading to learn. everything they need to Meanwhile, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are hoping that learn to be on track.â&#x20AC;?

Monroe County United that excitement and love of â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Amy Leyenbeck, community Wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real Men Read reading helps propel them initiatives director, program seeks to do to get into reading so they United Way of Monroe County its part in molding are learning everything young minds by not just they need to learn to be on promoting literacy, but track,â&#x20AC;? she says. making it fun.

As the name of the The Real Men program suggests, another Read program brings male volunteers significant goal of Real Men Read is from the community into each of 21 to show children from a young age kindergarten classrooms in the Richlandthat â&#x20AC;&#x153;men care about reading as well,â&#x20AC;?

Bean Blossom, Eastern Greene and LOCAL EDUCATION Spencer-Owen school districts, says continued on page 9 Amy Leyenbeck, community initiatives Continued from page 7

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LOCAL EDUCATION

schools and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never know what you find. Glue sticks? Robots? A toilet-paperand-cotton-ball prototype of a prosthetic Leyenbeck says. Women make up the vast device for a pet? All possible. majority of primary school teachers, and The â&#x20AC;&#x153;maker space,â&#x20AC;? Miller says, gives in many homes are responsible for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;our students a place to create and design majority of childcare, including and fail gloriously.â&#x20AC;? reading and homework help.

In this space, â&#x20AC;&#x153;failing Showing children, particularly is not only accepted, boys, that men love reading too but encouraged.â&#x20AC;? can make a big impression on Such spaces are 5- and 6-year-olds. central to Edgewood The program, which was schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; heavy launched seven years ago, has emphasis on the been wildly popular with the science, technology, children, who still hail visiting engineering and mentors as celebrities when mathematics they spot them in the halls even â&#x20AC;&#x201C; commonly years after leaving kindergarten abbreviated STEM (Courtesy photo) themselves, Leyenbeck says. For â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fields. These fields, their part, volunteers from the school leadership â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to train our community have found it so believes, will prepare kids to be independent rewarding that some choose to students for the wellthinkers and dynamic make additional visits during paying, high growth thinkers and doer. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the year, and the organization the whole foundation jobs of the future, on which STEM learning has a waitlist of people who while new teaching is building: giving them want to get involved. methods will help opportunities to be curious The program is sponsored them develop the and get their hands on by a variety of local businesses, adaptability theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll what they are doing and who note the importance of need to adjust to learn in tactile ways, creating a solid educational an ever-changing not just memorizing and foundation for students at an landscape. consuming information.â&#x20AC;? early age by promoting reading, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sentiment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jamie Miller, district readiness Leyenbeck says. Programs like shared by coordinator, Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp.

Real Men Read, in conjunction other schools with the work of educators and and nonprofit parents at home, are â&#x20AC;&#x153;puzzle organizations alike, pieces to building an intelligent work many of which are increasingly seeking to force for the future.â&#x20AC;? focus on STEM fields. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to train our kids to be Continued from page 8

A future in STEM

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LOCAL EDUCATION continued on page 10

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LOCAL EDUCATION

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;They get a lot of hands-on experience that other students donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get, so when they get to college, they are head and shoulders above.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cindy Kvale, earth science and physics teacher, Bloomington High School South

Cindy Kvale, earth science and physics teacher, Bloomington High School South. (Courtesy photo)

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independent thinkers and dynamic thinkers and doers,â&#x20AC;? Miller says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the whole foundation on which STEM learning is building: giving them opportunities to be curious and get their hands on what they are doing and learn in tactile ways, not just memorizing and consuming information.â&#x20AC;?

For the past four years, Miller has worked as one of three instructional coaches hired as part of a grant-funded project to start a STEM program at Richland-Bean Blossom schools. Through this program, the group has trained more than 50 percent of staff in the district on project-based learning techniques, an approach that â&#x20AC;&#x153;gives the kids ownership back over their learning and gives them choice and voice.â&#x20AC;?

Rather than seeking to memorize and regurgitate facts, Miller says projectbased learning empowers students to learn how to identify problems and come up with solutions using cross-curricular skills. One primary school class, for example, created extenders for white board erasers when they realized they were too small to clean the entire white board themselves, she says.

This year, Miller takes on an ambitious new role as district readiness coordinator thanks to a one-year grant, which will allow her to spend the year planning a program that will help ensure RBB students are graduating prepared to â&#x20AC;&#x153;find meaningful work right here in the community.â&#x20AC;? Miller will spend the year meeting with stakeholders â&#x20AC;&#x201C; educators, parents, students, local business leaders and civic leaders â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in hopes of crafting a program that will prepare students to work in the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing fields, including biotechnology, sustainability, engineering and more. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To have employers and teachers at the table together designing those (programs), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a game changer,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are redefining the workforce.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, teens at Bloomington High School South have plenty of opportunity to hone their STEM-related skills through various extracurricular activities led by longtime earth science and physics teacher Cindy Kvale. Among these are the highly popular Robotics teams, in which groups work together to create a 120-pound robot that can perform a specific task, which changes each year. In January, teams from different schools pit their robots against each other in competition, Kvale says.

Those hours of work in the robotics lab at school give students wanting to go into that field an advantage, Kvale says â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and experience backs her up.

Some of her past students are now working for companies like Tesla or Apple.

One helped design the drive-train for NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lunar rover, she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They get a lot of hands-on experience that other students donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get, so when they get to college, they are head and shoulders above,â&#x20AC;? she says, adding that the national Robotics program also gives out about $80 million in scholarships each year that can help fund studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; higher education.

Other students participate in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Solar Racing Team, where students use a solar-powered battery motor to convert a normal bicycle into an electric bike, then race them competitively. Two of Kvaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students raced the bike in Japan in August, earning third place overall and first place among high school teams, she says.

Kvale, who also coaches the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Science Olympiad team, says this year the school may be starting its own GEMS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Girls Excelling in Math and Science â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Club, an organization geared toward encouraging girls to pursue study in those fields.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a task that after-school program Girls Inc. of Monroe County has also LOCAL EDUCATION continued on page 11

LOCAL EDUCATION

Continued from page 10

taken up as well. Executive Director Amy Stark notes that while women make up more than 50 percent of all people graduating with a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from college, the numbers of those getting such degrees in the lucrative STEM fields remain disproportionately low.

Girls Inc. encourages girls to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;strong, smart and boldâ&#x20AC;? through its programming, particularly its after-school programs for students throughout Monroe County who come to its center each afternoon. Girls in the 6- to 8- and 9- to 11-year-old age brackets can take part in two programs, one of which focuses on computer science and coding and one of which works on science, engineering and math. Older girls, meanwhile, are offered a summer â&#x20AC;&#x153;coding camp,â&#x20AC;? as well as coding-related workshops throughout the year.

These programs both teach girls useful skills for the future, but also introduce them to other women in the community in those fields, â&#x20AC;&#x153;supporting them to break down those gender barriers that are keeping them out of STEM fields,â&#x20AC;? Stark says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a big thing for a lot of girls still, struggling with the idea that it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;girl thingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to be interested in science and math,â&#x20AC;? Stark says, adding â&#x20AC;&#x153;we want those girls to see that â&#x20AC;Ś being smart and strong in those areas is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;girl thing.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

In the coming year, Girls Inc. is working to establish a new teen program, heavily influenced by a core group of middle-school age girls who are essentially designing what they want from such a program. Those students have said that computer coding and STEM education are important to them, Stark says. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see such a program taking the girls out into the community more, including perhaps field trips to local businesses like Cook, Baxter or Boston Scientific.

It is in the entire communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interest to get girls in the community engaged and aware of the possibilities that are open to them in Monroe Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest-growing fields like biotechnology, healthcare, engineering and sustainability, Stark says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a county, we want to help all people build that workforce that is going to stay in Monroe County and have a good job in Monroe County,â&#x20AC;? Stark says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is one of the ways we can do that, by engaging those girls and young women.â&#x20AC;?

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Amy Stark, Executive Director, Girls Inc. of Monroe County. (Courtesy photo)

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BIZNET â&#x20AC;˘ F11

Meet Your New Chamber Staff

W

e’re excited to introduce you to the Chamber’s two newest staff members – Stacy Bruce and Rachel Levy.

Stacy Bruce joined the Chamber in July as our Events Coordinator. For the past two years she has served as Executive Director of the Monroe County Apartment Association (MCAA), a membership organization. Her previous roles in the business community include working as catering events staff manager for Terry’s Catering, as director of sales and events for Salt Creek Golf Retreat, and as territory sales supervisor for Pepsi Americas.

Stacy graduated from Indiana State. Except for her years in college, she has lived her entire life in Bloomington. She’s a true townie and the proud mother of a 10-year-old daughter.

Her affiliations include the Arlington Heights Elementary Stacy Bruce.

PTO, Tri Kappa, Gamma Phi Beta, Auxiliary to Boys & Girls (Courtesy photo) Club.

Rachel Levy is our new Marketing and Communications Coordinator and joined the Chamber in August. She recently graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a degree in Marketing and co-major in Digital and Social Media Business Applications. She spent the past two years working at Monroe County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) as a Marketing Assistant where she managed social media, planned events, and assisted with fundraising efforts.

During her undergraduate career, Rachel served as the President of Willkie Residence Center and later as the President of the National Residence Hall Honorary, representing students on campus and at the regional and national levels. She was also an active member of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, serving as the Housing Chairman and as a member of the Membership Selection Committee. She also is very active in her parish community at St. Paul’s Catholic Rachel Levy.

Church. In her free time, Rachel likes to explore new places in (Courtesy photo) and around Bloomington and visit her family in Lake Village, Indiana on the weekends.

Please join us in welcoming Stacy and Rachel to the Chamber!

Walmart celebrated their Grand Re-Opening on Friday, August 2. This store (#1991) employs nearly 400 people and has been at this location since 2006. Congratulations and thank you for being a part of our community! Stop by 3313 W. State Road 45.

F12 • BIZNET | SEPTEMBER 2019

FRANKLIN INITIATIVE UPDATE

Continued from page 6

career goals.

Our volunteer speakers provide advice to students for their college plans and inform students how to prepare for success in the field. Each panel is focused around a specific career field, such as medical, STEM, arts, public safety, social work, culinary arts, management and more.

Upcoming volunteer opportunities: • Career Day at Edgewood Junior High on October 3rd • STEM/Makers Fair at all three area high schools on October 16th • Reality Store® at TriNorth Middle School on October 18th • Reality Store® at Batchelor Middle School on November 22nd If you are interested in volunteering your time to educate and inspire students on their career path, please email Christopher Emge at cemge@ chamberbloomington.org.

Congratulations to La Quinta Inn & Suites on their ribbon cutting! They celebrated the Grand Opening of their new hotel located on the west side of Bloomington at 3380 W. Runkle Way. For more information on booking, call (812) 727-0205.

YPs chatting it up before the Networking 101 event.

(Courtesy photo)

YPB

Continued from page 4 University’s Assistant Provost for Strategic Campus Advancement – gave an energetic and engaging talk on “How to Network IRL - Making the Right Impression.”

She stressed how to simply come up to strangers at a networking event already involved in a conversation.

On the other side, she gave tips on how to excuse yourself from a conversation that goes on too long.

Join Us! Does your business have young professionals you are hoping to retain? YPB regularly does presentations at workplaces to inform your YPs and entire office on what we do, how you can join, and how to get involved in our wonderful community. Contact Christopher Emge at 812-336-6381 or cemge@ chamberbloomington.org for more information. To learn more about YPB and sign up for our email list, please visit ChamberBloomington.org/YPB. Please join us at these upcoming events: • Lunch & Learn “How to Avoid Burnout”: Wednesday, September 18th at Meadowood, 2455 N. Tamarack Trail. Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the program running from noon-1 p.m.

• YPB Morning Networking: Wednesday, October 9th at The Hive, 2608 E. 10th St. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 8 a.m. This will provide YPs a chance to test their networking skills and get a professional headshot.

CHAMBER BRIEFS

Continued from page 5

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater is pleased to present Gregory Alan Isakov on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019 at 8 p.m. Tickets for this show are $35-45 and can be purchased at BCTBoxOffice.org, 812323-3020, or the BCT Box Office & Downtown Visitors Center at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. The Colorado-based indie-folk artist is a full-time farmer who sells vegetable seeds and grows various market crops on his three-acre farm, while also tending to a thriving musical career.

The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department invites local and regional artists to submit an application for consideration for vending space at the annual Holiday Market, Saturday, Nov. 30 at Showers Common, next to City Hall at 401 N. Morton St. The 17th annual Holiday Market, with booth spaces both inside City Hall and outside on Showers Common, takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

LIFEDesigns will host a “Job-A-Palooza” event, granted by Duke Energy, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at The Warehouse. Community businesses and organizations looking for employees are invited to participate and attend. For more information contact LIFEDesigns CEO Russell Bonanno, 800-875-6551.

Monroe County United Ministries would like to send a giant THANK YOU to all those who helped with their annual Each One, Feed One food drive. Thanks to the support of the area grocery stores and MCUM’s amazing volunteers, the organization was able to restock their shelves with 11,719 pounds of food, cleaning, and hygiene products. This generous support allows MCUM to continue to provide services to neighbors in need. For more information about MCUM’s work check out their website at mcum. org.

Hoosier Healing Innovation. We promote our clients’ health by using proven and efficient therapeutic machines such as our Whole-Body Cryotherapy chamber and Red-Light Therapy (Photo biomodulation) units. We acquired our Cryotherapy chamber from Impact Cryotherapy because their unit has been rated the safest in the United States. Our Red-Light equipment is FDA approved for alleviation of joint and arthritis pain and is beneficial in countless anti-aging and general wellbeing areas. Call (812) 698-1695 or visit us online at www. hoosierhealinginnovation.com

VET Environmental Engineering, LLC (VET), is an environmental engineering and consulting firm specializing in permitting, and environmental and safety compliance. VET provides due diligence services, investigative services, and remediation/site closure services for commercial and industrial developers, lending institutions, insurance agencies, and government agencies. Certified as woman-owned, service disabled veteran-owned, and HUBZone small business. VET implements innovative, cost-effective, and result-driven strategies, on a site-specific basis, to mitigate environmental issues. Visit us online at www.vet-env.com

The Chocolate Moose has been serving delicious homemade ice cream concoctions to Bloomington and surrounding communities since 1933. This local staple also serves coffee and espresso based beverages using locally roasted beans from Brown County Coffee Company. When looking for lunch or dinner don’t forget about the Turkey Pesto sandwich, Spanish Burger, All day breakfast sandwiches, or coney dogs with homemade coney sauce. Stop by 405 S. Walnut St. today!

We’re your neighborhood gathering place, and we’re good neighbors! Whether it’s a craft beer after work, snacks and appetizers, community events, trivia, live music, or just a place to be known and share time with friends, Conner’s Taproom is your place to be. We believe in the power of locally owned small business, and we know it’s vital to be a positive contributor to our community in order to be successful.

Located at 313 E. Winslow Road. Come on in, we’d love to see you!

The 72-Unit, Dual Brand Hotel, is conveniently located on 231 South just off of I69/Exit 87 at WestGate. The Sleep Inn will cater primarily to guests planning shorter stays, and a MainStay with fully equipped Kitchenettes for our extended stay guests. Both facilities will share common areas such as the indoor pool, lobby, fitness center, picnic area and parking lot. Both will also feature a meeting room, business center, free WiFi and a Complimentary Hot Breakfast. Call (812) 863-2520 to make your reservations!

Congratulations to Volonte on their ribbon cutting! If you’re fighting low energy, weight gain, muscle loss, or a lower libido, you may be one of the millions of men that struggle with symptoms of low testosterone. Stop by 899 S. College Mall Road or call (812) 269-1084 to schedule your free testosterone screening!

Awards Curt Durnil, Financial Professional with Bill C. Brown Associates, has been awarded the Fast Track Award by OneAmerica, Inc. for a second month. This award recognizes financial professionals who have achieved strong productivity and exceptional sales activity at the start of their career. Durnil started working with Bill C. Brown Associates in 2018.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BIZNET • F13

New Member Connect

N

ew Member Connect is the perfect opportunity to meet Chamber staff, and to learn about our cost-savings programs and the many opportunities that the Chamber provides member businesses.

Appetizers and cocktails will be available, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have the opportunity to share information about your business and network with other Chamber members.

This is a complimentary event designed for new Chamber members and new employees of a Chamber member business. Please bring business cards and/or flyers to share with others, and be prepared for a fun, engaging evening!

Join us on Tuesday, October 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holiday Inn, 1710 North Kinser Pike.

Check out ChamberBloomington.org for details and registration info. We look forward to meeting you!

Join the Chamber today!

For more info, email: info@Chamber Bloomington.org

The Draper-Earles Auditorium at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. (Rich Janzaruk / HeraldTimes)

SPOTLIGHT

Continued from page 1 the IU athletic director at the time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the IU Fieldhouse.

Throughout the years, the property has grown in size, said Tonya Clark, the farm association secretary. Today, the property includes 16 buildings, about 10 of which are barns used primarily during the Monroe County Fair. During the rest of the year, Clark said, the property can be rented for weddings, reunions or other special events, such as Balloonfest. From November to April, the Fairgrounds also leases spots for boat and recreational vehicle storage.

The fairgrounds are also home to a Veterans Memorial Plaza, created to honor â&#x20AC;&#x153;those men and women who have served in our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military â&#x20AC;Ś those from Monroe County who answered the call to service,â&#x20AC;? according to the Monroe County Fairgrounds website. Donors can purchase a 3-by-3

plaque honoring a fallen veteran an to â&#x20AC;&#x153;It rewards them for their be installed at the park for $25..

Still, there can be little doubt bt hard work theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done that the busiest time of year throughout the year to get for the fairgrounds is when ready for that day. It is amazing the Monroe County Fair â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how many businesses come out held this year from June 29 to support the 4-H program.â&#x20AC;? to July 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; comes around.

For Clark and her fellow â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Tonya Clark, farm association secretary, volunteers on the Monroe Monroe County Fairgrounds County Fair Board, that week is the culmination of â&#x20AC;&#x153;52 weekss of planning,â&#x20AC;? she said. In fact, preparations are already underway way way for the 2020 Monroe County Fai Fair, ai she air, he notes. the community,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Organizing every detail of the fair The fair, which kicks off every year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the carnival rides and food sales, with a large fireworks display that had demolition derby, at least two musical previously been held annually on July performances per day, a huge variety 4, is somewhat unique because of how of 4-H and other competitions, booths large its agricultural 4-H program is for a variety of local businesses and for being in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;non-ag community,â&#x20AC;? organizations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can be daunting. she said. Every year, the fair has large The payoff, however, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;seeing how everything comes together at the SPOTLIGHT end, and that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re giving back to continued on page 15

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SPOTLIGHT

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FEBRUARY

By Kasey Husk

or Terryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catering co-owner Andrea catering is about Cockerham, more than just providing food an event. for Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about playing occasion just right, a role in making someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special gala or a business whether it be a wedding or a funeral, a meeting.

For more than 30 owned by Andrea years, Terryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catering â&#x20AC;&#x201D; jointly Cockerham and Lillie Cockerham, founders Terry and her parents-in-law just that. A fixture â&#x20AC;&#x201D; of the local catering has been doing Catering prides scene, Terryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s itself exceptional service, on providing excellent food and all Andrea Cockerham. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want everybodywith a family touch.

Photo by Chris Howell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re family-operated to be happy,â&#x20AC;? Cockerham said. and we cater We care, basically.â&#x20AC;? tremendously to (our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) The business dates needs. back to at least Lillie Cockerham the mid-1980s, â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a musician when founders and seamstress respectively at that Terry and time â&#x20AC;&#x201D; continued on page 14

13 Opioid Lunch-and-Learn Series, The Pourhouse CafĂŠ 18 Federal Focus Luncheon Hollingsworth, Alumni with Rep. Trey Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union 5

MARCH

18th Annual Educators of the Year Award Ivy Techâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shreve Dinner, Hall

Rejuvenate your business, home and community

See page 7

Be part of

EQORDD EQO 61 .'#40 /14'

Chamber of Commerce

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Update ...............................

Advocacy Update.................. .3 ......3 ...... .............................3 ................................ ........................... ...............................

Chamber Voices .....4 ............................... hYPe News ...............................

5 ...............................

Chamber Briefs ..............................

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A Greater Bloomington

In this issue:

A century of better business, better community

1915-2015

A Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Publication

Call to advertise: (812) 331-4291

SPOTLIGHT

Continued from page 14 numbers of entrants in its livestock classes, in particular.

A 4-H livestock sale is held at the end of the fair every year, and Clark said she is always impressed with the response from the community to it.

“It rewards them for their hard work they’ve done throughout the year to get ready for that day,” she said of the sale. “It is amazing how many businesses come out to support the 4-H program.”

It would be a mistake to think the county fair is geared only toward those with the land for or interest in agricultural or livestock projects, however. There’s “something for just about everyone” who wants to enter a project in the Monroe County Fair, Clark said, everything from embroidery to welding and photography to Legobuilding.

“We do try to add some different events just to try to change it up,” she said. Every year, members of the fair board attend a fairs and festivals trade show in January, where they see all kind of performances and events they can consider booking for their own fair. “That’s how we get ideas to add new stuff.”

The 64-person Monroe County Fair Board is made up of representatives from 24 community organizations and 40 elected at-large volunteers from the community, Clark said.

She herself got involved about nine years ago – becoming secretary two years after that – after years of working with her children on their 4-H projects.

Her involvement in the fair has proven to be a hefty time commitment, Clark said, noting that just about every member of the fair board spends the week on site camping

ADVOCACY UPDATE

Continued from page 2 Full proposals are due Oct. 30, with grant awards to be announced in December. Get details on the Community Impact Grant Initiative at https://www.cfbmc.org/lastingimpact/apply-for-a-grant/community-impact-grants.

It’s All Happening at The Mill: Annual Report, Entrepreneur-in-Residence The Dimension Mill has released its 2019 Annual Report, with highlights of membership, programs and events. This is The Mill’s first report since opening in November 2018.

The Mill is a co-working space and business incubator located at 642 N. Madison in the Cy Megnin. Courtesy city’s Trades District. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, funded photo. initially by the City of Bloomington and the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission. Erin Predmore, the Chamber’s CEO, serves on The Mill’s board and 5-member executive committee.

The livestock barns at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.

(Rich Janzaruk / Herald-Times)

in an RV as they work to bring the 100% volunteer-run event together. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

As to what has given the county fair the staying power to keep going, year after year, for more than 150 years? That’s simple, Clark said.

“It’s the community,” she said. “And the volunteers. We don’t want to see it end, and I’m sure the community wants it to continue, too.”

“It’s the community.

And the volunteers.

We don’t want to see it end, and I’m sure the community wants it to continue too.”

— Tonya Clark, farm association secretary, Monroe County Fairgrounds

One of the newest members of The Mill is Cy Megnin, the entrepreneur-in-residence for Velocities (velocitiesin.com), a partnership between Elevate Ventures, The Mill and the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. Cy, who grew up in Bloomington, will be working to support other entrepreneurs in the Bloomington/Columbus region. You can find Cy at the Mill or on Twitter at @CyMegnin.

Interested in learning more about The Mill? On the third Thursday of each month, you can try out the coworking space for free. The day includes a networking lunch called COLLIDE. Check out The Mill’s website at dimensionmill.org for more events and programs.

the full list and an application form, go to https://www. co.monroe.in.us/boards/.

Affordable Housing Advisory Commission: This group develops policy recommendations related to county housing needs Their next meeting is Friday, Sept. 20 at 8 a.m. at the Nat U Hill room in the courthouse square building.

Animal Management Commission: In addition to making recommendations about the county’s animal management practices and policies, this group hears appeals on violations issued by county staff.

Their next meeting is Monday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the animal shelter, 3410 S Old State Road 37.

Environmental Commission: This advisory group helps educate and engage residents and businesses in supporting initiatives for a healthier and more economically viable community. Their next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Nat U Hill room in the courthouse The Chamber encourages our members to get involved, as a way to give input on local policies that affect square building. our community. Below are a few current board/commission vacancies for Monroe County government. To see

Be an Influencer: Serve on a Monroe County Advisory Commission!

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BIZNET • F15

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