Chamber Magazine, Fall 2022

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Our community functions like a strong family

Two

themes connect the articles in this edition of Chamber Magazine. Family and community - two inextricably linked ideals that are the most significant social institutions in the development and daily lives of individuals. Together they shape who we are, how we interact, and often define for us what is possible.

In this issue, you’ll read about the support structures within families that have buoyed their communities and vice versa. For example, you will read about the Davissons, a family that includes four doctors who practice at Henry Community Health. That strong family history connects to the same values held by two of the companies that are planning expansions: Boar’s Head Provisions was founded in 1905 and the parent company is still owned by the founding Brunckhorst family. On a more local level, Draper Inc. in Spiceland is led by CEO Chris Broome, the greatgreat grandson of Luther Draper, the company’s founder.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Speaking of Spiceland, we are featuring another company in that community, Spiceland Wood Products. The company’s emphasis on personalized service has developed an impressive global reach. These connections are not surprising. At the Chamber, we are very aware of the fact that our community functions like a family: By depending upon each other and helping each other, we get stronger, and our actions are more meaningful.

The viability of family as a social institution relies on the support of the local community while vibrant communities are characterized by active and engaged families. At the Chamber, we understand the relationship between family and community often is the difference between flourish or flounder.

At the Chamber, I’m proud to say we are flourishing. To date, we’ve added 48 new members this year. For comparison, over the past two years, new memberships were about 20 each. In 2019, our new members numbered 16. Our emphasis on providing value to our members through upgraded programs and networking opportunities has attracted attention. Some examples:

l We have more than doubled the number of e-newsletter recipients and Facebook followers. We use these platforms to promote our members and create awareness of Chamber news.

l We invited all members to be part of planning committees, roles that were traditionally filled by board members. The strong response had important results: Members feel more valued and are more engaged, and board members aren’t spread as thin.

l We retooled the annual meeting into an awards gala that quadrupled the number of yearly awards. This created awareness that all businesses can find their place in the Chamber.

In our Chamber family, we’re doing more than ever to put community at the heart of our work. We are excited about what the future holds, and we appreciate the continued support from you – our family.

Shonda Kane is Executive Director of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

FALL 2022

Volume 12, Issue 2

PUBLISHER

Shonda Kane, Executive Director, New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce info@nchcchamber.com

DESIGN AND EDITORIAL DIRECTION

The JMetzger Group Juli Metzger | John Metzger thejmetzgergroup@gmail.com www.thejmetzgergroup.com 765.744.4303

CONTRIBUTORS

Writing: Brenda Morehead, John Metzger, Courtney Schmoll

Photography: Kurt Hostetler, Jeff Morehead

Design: Tammy Pearson

To advertise, contact The JMetzger Group: 765.744.4303 | thejmetzgergroup@gmail.com

For subscription information, contact Shonda Kane at 765.529.5210.

Chamber Magazine: The voice of New Castle-Henry County Chamber businesses. It is a product of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group. These materials are the sole and exclusive property of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group, and may not be used without written consent.

Copyright 2022: The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group.

The JMetzger Group specializes in branded content, custom publishing and social media solutions.

Learn more: www.thejmetzgergroup.com

‘At the Chamber, we understand the relationship between family and community often is the difference between flourish or flounder.’ SHONDA KANE

contents

SPICELAND WOOD PRODUCTS

THE COVER: 10

8Downtown renaissance & renewal

SPECIAL REPORT: Meet three local home grown companies that are expanding: • Draper, Inc. • Boar’s Head • TS Tech

COVER PHOTOS:

Josh Lloyd prepares music stand pieces for cutting.

Inset: Ryan Kilgore adds felt lining to guitar racks.

Above: Jacob Appleby with lacquered guitar rack parts. Photos by Jeff Morehead

14Cash Bonanza 2022: A photo story of the successful event

Meet the Davisson family

‘Our familyfriendly Christmas Walk is an annual favorite and offers tons of activities for all, young and old.’ CINDI KINER

Cindi Kiner is New CastleHenry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors President. She is a human resources consultant and owner of The HR Connection, LLC.

It’s been a busy year at the Chamber, and we aren’t finished yet. Here are just a few of the highlights of Chamber activities:

The Meeting Point: Our all-day professional conference last February, sponsored by Henry Community Health, featured 15 speakers who sought to educate, engage, and empower business community members. The inaugural event was a success, with more than 250 in attendance.

Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade: In recognition of Henry County’s bicentennial, this year’s Chamber-led event carried a theme: “Remembering 200 Years of Henry County Service Men and Women.” The annual community-wide celebration continued its upward growth, with 200 parade entries and five food vendors. It was recently confirmed by the Indiana State Festival Association that this is the largest Memorial Day parade in Indiana!

Cash Bonanza: Our yearly fundraising event was a huge success. The net proceeds were $29,000, almost tripling the 2021 total, and doubling that of 2020. An updated sponsorship structure offered more options for this year’s event, which carried a Mardi Gras theme. Also new was a cocktail hour

with several new games and live music by Gordon Brooks. We also added new features and games throughout the evening. If you couldn’t join us, you missed a great time. In fact, many attendees said this was the best Cash Bonanza ever. Hope you can join us next year. In the meantime, be sure to check out the photo spread pages 14 and 15 for some of the evening’s highlights.

We are quickly approaching the holidays and are excited for the annual Christmas Walk, set for the evening of Thursday, Dec. 1. This familyfriendly event is an annual favorite and offers tons of activities for all, young and old. Downtown New Castle will be decked out with lights, luminaries, and decorations, and local downtown businesses will open their doors offering specials and activities. Street vendors, carriage rides, caroling and holiday characters offer something for everyone. Santa will be there … you should be too!

Sponsorships and vendor registrations will wrap up soon, so make sure you reserve your slot. To learn more and to sign up, go to our website: nchcchamber.com.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Christmas Walk.

BOARD PRESIDENT

what’s ahead at the chamber of commerce Christmas Walk: Sights and sounds of the holiday season

Adam Lingle, director of manufacturing at Boar’s Head Provisions. Photo provided.

The condition of our downtowns matter

In 1965, Petula Clark released the hit song Downtown: “Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city. Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty. How can you lose?”

The 1960s could be described as the heyday of downtown New Castle and countless others across the country. America’s downtowns, like ours, have experienced much change over the years. In the early 1990s, Henry County historian and author Darrel Radford wrote, “perhaps no other part of town symbolizes the struggle to adapt in a changing world than Broad Street. It has been tested by fire, snowed under by blizzard conditions, ‘malled’ by an ill-advised concept; torn apart and reconstructed.”

EDC DIRECTOR

COREY MURPHY

Regardless of the times, the condition of our downtowns matter. Jeff Siegler of Revitalize or Die, writes, “a wellmaintained downtown is appealing to all. It is built into our DNA to flock to these places. They provide us with what we crave as humans. A scale that feels familiar and safe, an opportunity to socialize with other humans and activity and excitement…”

Siegler goes on to stress: “Pretty matters…. The appearance of your town is the one marketing tool that is working 24/7/365, announcing 100% of the time what your community stands for.”

Recent years have witnessed a renewed importance and renaissance (re-investment) into our downtowns, especially Knightstown and New Castle. Both communities have the asset of a Main Street organization, a not-for-profit group focused on the vitality of their respective downtowns.

In Knightstown, parking on the square was changed to accommodate growth. Downtown Wi-Fi is on its way and entrepreneurs have access to the Makers Market, moving to the NineStar location in the Spring of 2023. Town stakeholders also worked together to launch the website www.goknightstown.com and the brand “Hoosiers Made Here.” There is also a Welcome

Center / Co-working space open on the Town Square.

The recent New Castle downtown renaissance can be traced, in part, back to the 2014 Vandewalle Downtown Strategy funded by the New Castle City Council. The strategy provided the playbook for public/private collaboration led by New Castle Main Street. Think incremental downtown beautification: flowers, Christmas decorations, banners and Citizens Corner. The investment in the Vandewalle plan demonstrates the importance of planning, community engagement and baby steps (action!) forward.

In 2018-2019, the City of New Castle leadership invested in the construction of 1400 Plaza. It serves as a regular gathering place or “third place” for the community and compliments the existing Arts Park. “A third place” refers to places where people spend time between home and work. Butler and Diaz writing for Brookings describes third places as “locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships.” The Plaza is home to the Farmer’s Market, concerts, Juneteenth celebrations and Donut Hole eating contests.

New Castle Main Street updated their strategic plan in 2021 and in the summer of 2022 issued the first forgivable loans through the Building Renovation Assistance Program (BRAP). BRAP is a partnership between New Castle, Main Street and building owners in downtown. More than $1 million worth of projects are occurring in 10 different buildings downtown, with more than 60 percent of the funds coming from private sources. The forgivable loans de-risk the private investment.

Near the corner of 11th and Broad, in the former Goodwin Bail Bond building, is New Castle “Popped.” This shop is a place where entrepreneurs and small businesses can sell their merchandise for short periods of time. It is a way to promote entrepreneurship and change up the amenities available in downtown New Castle. This project is a partnership between Rose City Partners and Main Street, with design services provided by Peony Poppy Designs.

Like planning, partnerships matter and are important for the continued progress, not only downtown but across all our county.

This discussion about two downtowns in Henry County represent a community investing in itself. That is the best strategy for attracting talent (people) and business.

Corey Murphy, CEcD serves as President and CEO of the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit public/private organization providing economic development and tourism services to all of Henry County.

“Jeff Seigler of Revitalize or Die says: ‘Pretty matters... The appearance of your town is the one marketing tool that is working 24/7/365, announcing 100% of the time what your community stands for.’”

New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Small Business of

across 120 years: One philosophy

QUALITY PRODUCTS SOLD AT REASONABLE PRICES

STORIES BY JOHN METZGER

In 1902, Luther O. Draper recognized that the sun’s glare and heat created problems for students in schools, and he came up with a solution by manufacturing and selling spring-roller window shades in the Henry County town of Spiceland.

Thus, the birth of Draper, Inc., an internationally known manufacturer, and community business leader. Draper’s headquarters remain in its original hometown, just a few minutes south of New Castle. Over the 120 years that passed since Mr. Draper’s unique solution to a community’s needs, the company that bears his name has grown and adapted to an ever-changing marketplace. Through it all, the company remained true to his simple philosophy: Make a quality product and sell it at a reasonable price.

Luther Draper, has been company president since January 2020, and a sixth-generation member of the family started with the company in 2021.

SPECIAL REPORT YRNEHYTNUOCGROWN HOME

The company continues as a family-run business: Chris Broome, great-great grandson of

“Staying true to Luther Draper’s perspective has allowed us to expand, innovate and grow,” Broome says. “Because we are tuned into the marketplace and the needs of our customers, we can offer solutions that other companies might not be able to offer.”

Draper’s impact on Henry County is substantial: With an employee count of more than 700 locally, it’s the second-largest employer in Henry County, and the largest among manufacturers,

Luther O. Draper establishes a company in response to the problems with the sun’s glare and heat encountered in schools by making and selling spring-roller shades in Spiceland.

1922: Draper moves into new building at current location on the southern edge of Spiceland.

1957: Luther Pidgeon, grandson of the founder invents a new and uniquely durable classroom projection screen. Over time, projection screens and visual communications products have grown, and the company offers a wide range of projection screens and equipment, including the unique TecVision® projection screens.

1989: FlexShade® Systems roller shades are added to the Draper line. These shades are designed for the commercial market.

Draper enters the gymnasium equipment market and is now the largest manufacturer of gymnasium equipment in the United States.

2000: Swedish mount manufacturer SMS is acquired by Draper.

2009: Draper named New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

2010: Draper is one of only 70 companies (and one of only two manufacturers) named as one of the “Best Places to Work in Indiana” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Draper introduces the Solar Control Solutions line of architectural shading products. Solar Control Solutions provide precision control over the natural daylight entering the building, energy savings and façade design options.

2014: Draper is named The Healthiest Workplace in the United States by Healthiest Employers LLC.

2016: Draper is an inaugural inductee into the Indiana Manufacturers Hall of Fame.

2017: Draper launches a new range of mounts and structures for displays; works with partners to design and manufacture tailored AV solutions to interface buildings, workspaces, and technology.

2020: Chris Broome, great-great grandson of Luther Draper, is named company president.

2020-2022: Draper receives two Favorite Shade Manufacturer awards and a Favorite Screen Manufacturer award, voted on by A.V. industry professionals.

2021: Draper expands its sales and marketing efforts with Draper@Home, which focuses on window shades and projection screens for residential use. Historically, most of the company’s sales have been in the commercial and educational markets.

Draper announces plans to expand its Spiceland facility with the addition of 100,000 square feet. The expansion, with a projected completion in late summer of 2023, will bring the total square feet of the facility to more than 500,000.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DRAPER INC.

YRNEHYTNUOC

New Castle’s TS Tech expanding operation

TS Tech, a manufacturer of automobile seats, is expanding its local footprint by 167,000 square feet. The addition will nearly double the size of the facility, located on Brooks Drive the New Castle Henry County Industrial Park on the city’s south side. When TS Tech opened in New Castle in 2007, management promised 300 jobs. Today, TS Tech employs more than 450 people and that number is expected to grow with the expansion. “This expansion will have a positive impact the area economy,” says Corey Murphy, president of the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation. “They expect to employ an additional 40 people, with the average hourly wage somewhere around $17.50.” Murphy says the original project included an area for future expansion. “It’s great to see it happening,” he said. “TS Tech is investing $19 million to double the size of the facility and upgrade equipment. That shows a real commitment to the community.” The expansion, which began with a groundbreaking in July 2021, is nearly complete and equipment installation is underway, Murphy says. The Honda manufacturer in Greensburg, Ind., is the local plant’s largest customer. “In fact, Honda Greensburg is the reason TS Tech was looking for an Indiana plant and ultimately chose New Castle in 2007,” Murphy says. TS Tech, founded in 1960, is a privately held, Japanese-owned seat manufacturer for the automobile, motorcycle, and healthcare markets. The company has 47 locations, with 36 of those outside Japan. TS Tech Americas, Inc. has facilities in Ohio, Alabama, Nebraska, Texas, Indiana, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

FROM PAGE 10

according to the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Draper sells its products in all 50 states and in more than 100 foreign countries. Draper’s broad distribution strengthens the company’s financial position, which enhances the local economic community.

“Draper combines corporate headquarters with manufacturing,” says the EDC’s president, Corey Murphy. “They are a fantastic employer for Spiceland, Henry County and Indiana. This is a perfect example where exporting benefits our local community.” And that impact, along with the company’s physical footprint, is expected to grow: In late August, Draper announced an expansion of about 100,000 square feet. While there are details to be ironed out, Broome says ground-breaking is expected to take place in the fall. The plans call for a new building adjacent and connected to the current 400,000-square-foot Pearl Street facility. “The new building will allow us to expand our production capacity, and also provide more storage for components, Broome says. “We feel good about the company’s future, and this expansion will allow us to continue to serve our customers, and to grow our sales.” Broome expects that the expansion will add another 20 to 30 jobs, and that everything to be up and running in late summer 2023.

A company of innovation

Just as Luther Draper’s mind for innovation led to those spring-roller shades 120 years ago, Draper continues to reinvent the industry, based on marketplace needs. “Draper is always looking for new opportunities,” Broome says. “One current opportunity to is expand our residential sales of window shades and projection screens through our recently launched Draper@ Home sales and marketing effort. Historically, most of Draper’s sales have been in the commercial or educational markets. We see residential as one of its best long-term sales growth opportunities.”

The company has three major product lines:

• Window shades and solar control, which takes the roots of the company into today’s world, offer various types of shades to control light from windows. Included here is Draper@Home, which offers various shades for residential use.

• Audio visual and presentation products, which includes various types of projection screens, lifts and mounts for projectors and screens, and structures for display systems

• Gym and athletic equipment, which includes a wide range of products such as basketball backstops, vinyl divider curtains and gym wall pads. Draper is the largest manufacturer of newconstruction gymnasium equipment in the United States.

Employees are key

Over its long history, Draper claims a distinction that most companies can’t: Draper has never laid off a single employee. “Many companies lay off employees during tough times,” Broome says. “We’re proud that we haven’t done that. Our perspective is fairly straight-forward: When the company recognizes the value of its people, employees are happier and more productive, continuing the cycle of success.” Draper also offers connected benefits including an onsite health clinic operated by Henry County Hospital, and a wellness park, complete with a walking track and exercise equipment.

Largely due to that perspective, the company has received numerous awards including 2009 Business of the Year, one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana, The Healthiest Workplace in the U.S. and Indiana Manufacturers Hall of Fame inductee. Draper received two Favorite Shade Manufacturer awards and a Favorite Screen Manufacturer award, voted on by A.V. the industry.

Beyond economics

Draper’s strong community citizenship and global leadership include examples in these areas:

ENVIRONMENT: Draper has long been recognized for its “green” environmentally friendly products and operations. Draper’s products can improve a building’s energy efficiency. It adjusts the production processes to become kinder to the environment by increasing both production efficiency and the quantities of low- and zero-emission materials. Draper has greatly reduced scrap, and increased recycling and reuse. Fabric roll cores are returned for reuse, and shipping pallets are reused at the facility. “We see these efforts as simply another part of being a good neighbor and part of the community,” Broome says. “We were among the first shade or screen manufacturers to make this a part of our company culture, and as consumers have become more demanding in this area, others have followed suit.”

LOCAL CONTRIBUTIONS: A consistent contributor to local charitable effort, Draper consistently supports various campaigns, including United Way, Relay for Life, and Dollars for Scholars. “Some companies choose to move their base of operations to larger cities or out of the country, but that’s just not who we are,” Broome says. “We are proud to be part of the Spiceland and Henry County community, and we want to make it the best place it can be. That’s why we consistently support local causes, especially volunteer and community activities of employees.” Other recent beneficiaries include the public library, volunteer fire department, community center, school corporation and youth organizations.

PHOTO BY JEFF MOREHEAD.

Boar’s Head to grow in 2024 by 120 employees SPECIAL REPORT YRNEHYTNUOCGROWN HOME

An important Henry County community partner and employer is about to increase its impact with a facility expansion.

Boar’s Head Provisions is planning a 136,000-square-foot expansion to its facility on East County Road 400 South, the third expansion since its opening in 2016. This continued growth is indicative of the company’s commitment to Henry County.

“The Henry County community has been very welcoming since our introduction in 2014,” said Adam Lingle, director of manufacturing at Boar’s Head. “We have a solid relationship with the community, and we want to foster it with our investment and support.” Lingle said the expansion for a deli processing facility will add 120 new jobs by June 2024 to Henry County, which would bring the total number of Boar’s Head employees to about 600.

Boar’s Head approached the New Castle site from a fresh perspective from the very beginning: Historically, Boar’s Head has expanded into existing structures, and in New Castle, they built from the ground up. The site was chosen in 2014 and the building was erected specifically to meet the needs of Boar’s Head Provisions. It opened in 2016. In 2017, a distribution center was added, and a Boar’s Head Heritage Hummus facility was added in 2019. Because of this successful track record, New Castle was the logical site for the deli processing facility.

Corey Murphy, president of the New Castle/Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) says the expansion is very welcome news for the community. “Boar’s Head has made an important impression on Henry County in a relatively short period of time,” Murphy said. “And while its impact on the area’s economy is very important, the company’s engagement with the community in other ways is impressive.”

Boar’s Head was named 2019 New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. Chamber board member Kevin Brown was one of those nominating the company for the award. “Boar’s Head took a chance on New Castle and Henry County,” Brown wrote in his nomination letter. “They not only made a very significant investment in infrastructure with buildings and industrial footprint. But maybe more obvious is the support of many community projects, fundraisers and causes for the betterment of Henry County.”

Since its arrival in Henry County, Boar’s Head Provisions has been a generous supporter of many charitable causes, including Habitat for Humanity, various initiatives related to hunger, disaster relief, and education, as well as many local area charities.

Boar’s Head was founded in 1905, by Frank Brunckhorst in the New York City area. In the intervening years, the company grew, and its products are available nationwide. The company, with corporate headquarters in Sarasota, Fla., is still owned by Brunckhorst’s family.

136,000 SQUARE-FOOT EXPANSION

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOAR’S HEAD PROVISIONS.

his year’s Cash Bonanza, the Chamber’s annual fundraiser, has been called the best by many attendees, thanks in part to the festive vibe brought by the Mardi Gras theme.

The Sept. 10 event, held in the historic New Castle Armory, saw substantial program changes.

“We wanted to mix things up this year,” said Shonda Kane, Executive Director of the New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce. “Besides modifying the sponsor structure to provide more opportunities, we made significant changes for the evening itself.”

For example, Kane said, organizers added a cocktail hour preceding the main event, complete with live music by Gordon Brooks and several new games.

During the main game-play portion of the evening, a few surprises were included.

“We had two money launches where money was showered across the room for people to run and grab,” Kane said. “And, in keeping with the Mardi Gras theme we had king cake with the traditional baby hidden inside. The two who found the babies received prize money.”

For the first time, pull tabs were offered at the event, and more than 4,000 were sold. The loser draw has been absent from Cash Bonanza in recent years, and it was added back this year: All losing tickets were placed in a barrel, and near the end of the evening a winner was drawn from the losers’ barrel.

The final five contestants decided to split the $11,000 prize money, for $2,200 each. The winners were: Nick Wilson, Lisa Lovell, Sharon Herbert, Corey Murphy and Bill Webb.

Kaleb Gillock served as emcee for the event, which was sponsored by Henry Community Health.

PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER, THE JMETZGER GROUP.

BIG WINNERS: Streamers drop as the five finalists split the $11,000 prize money, for $2,200 each. Shown, from left: Amber Houser (proxy for Nick Wilson), Lisa Lovell, Sharon Herbert, Matt Huffman (proxy for Corey Murphy) and Cathy Crabtree (proxy for Bill Webb).

Spiceland’s custom innovations grow nationwide leader lumberin

RSTORY BY COURTNEY SCHMOLL |

PHOTOS BY JEFF MOREHEAD

A leading provider of cabinetry, countertops, custom wood products, as well as design and installation services, Spiceland and its products can be found throughout the nation in kitchens, furniture stores, art installations, and even guitar stands for the Zac Brown Band.

Opened in 1902 as Stone Quarry Mill, the business grew from an industrial supplier to a multi-faceted industry serving both commercial and residential clients. The company became Spiceland Wood Products in 1987 when it moved to its current location in Spiceland, where it now serves central Indiana and beyond.

The company, which employs 26 people, conducts about 40 percent of its business through cabinet sales, split between residential and commercial clientele.

Spiceland serves many of its residential customers through brand-name cabinet lines, but it can also

Custom builder Ryan Kilgore adds felt lining to guitar racks at Spiceland Wood Products.

Shop foreman Zach Huls sorts good lumber from bad for music stands.

Custom builder Rusty Collins works on a hospital reception counter.

ob Davis, president and owner, Spiceland Wood Products, has a degree in metal engineering, but a livelihood in lumber. This isn’t the only surprise behind his business.

Rob Davis, owner of Spiceland Wood Products, stands surrounded by examples of the company’s work.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) router operator Josh Lloyd readies music stand pieces for cutting at Spiceland Wood Products.

work with customers on unique items. Some homeowners might assume that a national retailer would be more affordable for a remodeling project, Davis suggests they give his team the opportunity to show the value in working with a local company providing personal attention.

“The perception is that big box retailers are always cheaper and – while sometimes that is true – sometimes you also get what you pay for,” says Davis. “We can guarantee personalized service. We have experienced designers on staff who will work with you. They listen to your needs, work within your budgetary requirements and will advise you along the way. We come to your home and see what the space is. We ask you lots of hard questions about what your vision is and we work together to make it into reality.”

On the commercial side, Spiceland specializes in one-of-akind, built-to-order projects. People see the company’s work in lots of places – they just might not know it. Spiceland’s products may be found when visiting a hospital or in the break room at work. Spiceland’s display racks are seen in retail stores, and its reception counters appear in offices of all kinds.

The business has grown significantly to include industrial sales with a global reach. The company’s roots are in making parts for other manufacturers and Davis has made a strong effort over the last few years to expand that. The team makes furniture for a company in Illinois, music racks for a business in New Jersey, trim for people in Kentucky, speaker stands for a company in New Hampshire, and beyond.

In his 21 years of ownership, Davis has experienced firsthand the trends and changes in the residential, industrial, and commercial sectors of the business. However, the company’s mission has remained the same.

“For us, it’s always been about people: customers, community, and employees,” he said. “Every interaction is the continuing of a relationship. We want to make sure those relationships thrive and that we’re building those relationships every time we interact with somebody. I think if you take good care of people, they’ll take good care of you. That’s really what not just business — but life — is about: the interactions and relationships with people.”

Trey Acres, a high school senior with the New Castle Career Center, runs a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) router cutting side panels for music stands being built in the wood shop at Spiceland Wood Products.

Guitar rack parts packed and ready to ship at Spiceland Wood Products.

David Brock Jon Madison Jim Millikan

PRACTICE Family Meet the Davissons.

Davisson family builds a legacy of service at Henry Community Health

Four members of the Davisson family are physicians with Henry Community Health (HCH). Dad Mark is an internist who has been with HCH for 32 years and is retiring at the end of October. Mom Rebecca (Becky) practices family medicine and has been with HCH for 19 years. Son John has been a hospitalist with HCH since 2017, and son Andrew (Andy) has practiced in physical medicine and rehabilitation with HCH since 2019.

Each of the Davisson physicians took different paths to their careers.

Mark said his interest in medicine started in elementary school when he received chemistry and dissecting sets for Christmas that sparked his interest in science. “I just went through high school and college with that goal in mind and ended up getting placed in Henry County while in medical school.”

Becky began college with the intent to go to medical school, but then met Mark at the end of their freshman year. They were

f you ask whether there’s a doctor in the house at a Davisson family gathering, you might be surprised by the answer: Yes, yes, yes. And yes.

STORY BY BRENDA MOREHEAD | PHOTOS BY JEFF MOREHEAD

Dr. Rebecca Davisson

MOM Family medicine 19 years at HCH

Emily Davisson DAUGHTER Human resources professional Pursuing MBA at Butler University

Dr. Mark Davisson DAD Internist 32 years at HCH

Dr. John Davisson

SON Hospitalist At HCH since 2017

Dr. Andrew Davisson SON Physical medicine & rehabilitation At HCH since 2019

THE DAVISSON FAMILY (PRACTICE) TREE:

Mark and Becky Davisson, at right, with son, John, left. The Davissons are all doctors at Henry Community Health.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

married after their junior year and decided they didn’t want to raise children with two doctors in the family, so Becky taught junior high and high school biology for eight years. When John, Andy and daughter Emily were younger, Becky stopped working for five years to be home with them. But the familiar call to medicine returned, Becky said. “It was a call from God to go to medical school,” she said. “So 13 years after I graduated from college, I started medical school.” With the help of her mother, Pat Nichols, who came every day to help with the children, Becky pursued her medical degree. The family is quick to note that Nichols was the first generation of the family to work for HCH, where she worked as an RN at the hospital for more than 40 years.

Both John and Andy remember their Mom’s school papers spread out on the dining room table and how she managed to balance it all – being their Mom and also a full-time medical student. “I saw how flawlessly Mom made it look when I know what I experienced myself as a medical student was super demanding,” Andy said. “She would take the time to eat dinner with us, get us into bed. And then I know she had to be up until the early hours of the morning making it work.”

Dad Mark also served as a model, Andy said. He remembers his father making his rounds in the morning, working at the office all day, and then answering the phone about patients after the children were already tucked into bed. John remembers as a child tagging along with his dad when he was meeting with families at the hospital. “I remember vividly being there during some heavy discussions and watching how he did it,” John said. “He’s a master. I learned a lot about bedside manner from him even before I knew I was going into medicine.” John initially thought he might pursue a career as a research scientist. Mission trips to Central America during college changed that, he said. Medicine is what he felt called by God to do, he said.

Andy said he had a love for science early on, so he was always pretty certain he would go to medical school. He said he returned to Henry County to practice, to be near family and for the familiarity of the community. “There’s something unique and special about coming back to your home town. In just my short three years in practice, some of my patients who have been on the operating table have been people I grew up with in church

or youth sports coaches, and it really helps connect a purpose to what you are doing on a daily basis,” he said. “You feel like all of this is coming full circle.”

Daughter Emily Poff, who took a different career route, said she never felt pressure to follow the medical school path. “Medicine was never a passion of mine or something I was drawn to,” said Emily, who graduated from Olivet Nazarene and is now working on her MBA at Butler University while working in human resources at Prolific, a strategy growth firm in Indianapolis. “But I was always supported in pursuing my passions, and I am super proud to be part of this family and feel super fortunate to be the fifth member of the Davisson crew.”

The family said that there is occasionally confusion with four Dr. Davissons in the same small community – emails or phone calls directed to the wrong doctor. But the occasional minor mix-up is more than made up for by the comments both parents and sons hear on a regular basis. “It’s really nice to hear patients come through and say, ‘I love your dad, or I love your mom,’ ” Andy said.

And the reverse happens as well. “Every day someone is saying how Andy helped my back, or is near tears about how John helped them through a really hard situation. I try to not get a great big head when patients tell us that,” Becky said.

There’s an element of old school when practicing medicine in a small community like Henry County, John said. “There’s a tradition of really good medicine here,” he said. “It felt right to come home to take care of Mom’s and Dad’s patients in the hospital.”

Mark said he’s looking forward to pursuing non-medical interests after he retires – time with his six grandchildren and maybe reading books to children at the elementary school. He has fond memories of how his staff celebrated his decade birthdays – all of them wearing skull caps and medical coats on his 50th, and a flash mob on the street in front of his house on his 60th, complete with fire trucks. He said it is rewarding to see patients he helped through challenging medical situations decades ago still going strong today.

Becky agreed and knows her sons have that cycle to look forward to as they continue their medical careers. “I love watching my patients’ lives progress,” she said. “Some of them, I treated their babies and newborns, and now the babies are in college. That’s rewarding. It’s nice to have them put their trust in you.”

The Davisson family.

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