New Castle | Henry County
It’s a sweet life! Kim Dickerson inspired to bake
Chamber Magazine Spring 2013
New IVY TECH campus for Henry County
Meet Chancellor Andy Bowne ‘It’s all about creating tomorrow’s workforce.’
Meridian Programs focus on whole person health
Annual Meeting Chamber honors community members
St.VInCent: RAnKeD #1 AND #2 In HeARt CARe.
2013, IndIana
PARtneRIng FoR tHe BeSt HeARt CARe. RIgHt HeRe In HenRy County. Henry County Hospital has reached a new level of Heart Care thanks to the cardiology partnership with St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana. Henry County Hospital has reached a new level of
Indiana’s leading cardiology group right here at Henrywith County Hospital Heart Care thanks to theiscardiology partnership providing a wide range Heart of cardiac services, including diagnostic heart St.Vincent Center of Indiana. catheterizations in the Cardiovascular Center, which also is staffed by St.Vincent Indiana’s leading cardiology group is right here at Heart Center of Indiana. For patients who need more complex cardiovascular care, Henry County Hospital providing a wide range of cardiac they now haveservices, a seamless transition St.Vincent HeartinCenter of Indiana. including diagnosticto heart catheterizations the Cardiovascular Center, which also is staffed by St.Vincent
St.Vincent Heart Center Street andmore 106th Street campuses were Heart Centerof of Indiana’s Indiana. For 86th patients who need complex cardiovascular care, they now have a seamless transition recently ranked the #1 AND #2 heart care programs in the to state by HealthGrades, St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana. the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization. St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana’s 86th Street and 106th were recently ranked the #1 AND #2 heart To learn more,Street visitcampuses hcmhcares.org. care programs in the state by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization.
To learn more, visit hcmhcares.org.
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Chamber awards celebrate local commitment
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he Chamber has been giving out the Citizen of the Year award since 1942, and has been naming a Business of the Year since 2000. It’s an honor to be selected and an even bigger honor for the Chamber to be a part of it. The process for selecting the Citizen of the Year has remained the EXECUTIVE same from the award’s inception with DIRECTOR the previous winners selecting the succeeding winner each year. The winners are kept a secret until the Missy night of the event with a lot of behind- Modesitt the-scenes work done to get the family and friends of the recipient to attend the annual meeting without tipping off the winner. We hope that it is a surprise each year. The 2012 Citizen of the Year is Nancy Dietz, a long-time advocate of the arts, friend of the community, and devoted board member at the Henry County Saddle Club. “She is indispensable to the Art Association and takes care of the Arts Park as if it were her own,” wrote Angela Dishman, who serves with Dietz on the Board of Directors of the Arts Association of Henry County. “Not only has she taken on the New Castle’s Arts Park as her pet project, she has taught horseback riding to handicapped individuals, fosters dogs for the animal shelter, and has been instrumental in building the Henry County Saddle Club and show grounds into the major tourist attraction it has become.” The selection committee agreed. Nancy was a natural choice. The 2012 Business of the Year is D.L. Couch, a local wall covering company in business since 1985. Despite its national appeal, the company is committed to a local presence. The recent purchase and updates to the corporate headquarters at 499 E. County Road 300 South is a testament to that. In addition, Couch supports various local charitable organizations and sponsored a team and a car show for the Henry County Relay to Life. We had a great turnout in March at the Chamber Annual Meeting to announce these winners and to celebrate what they do for our business community. If you see them in town, give them a nod or handshake and thank them for a job well done! ■
New Castle | Henry County
Chamber Magazine Volume 3, Issue 1
PUBLISHER Missy Modesitt, Executive Director New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce info@nchcchamber.com DESIGN AND EDITORIAL DIRECTION The JMetzger Group Juli Metzger | juli@thejmetzgergroup.com John Metzger | john@thejmetzgergroup.com www.thejmetzgergroup.com 765.744.4303 CONTRIBUTORS Writing: Darrel Radford Photography: Maria Strauss | www.mariaclarestrauss.com David Nantz, Nantz Photography www.nantzphotography.com 206 S. 14th St., New Castle, Indiana 765.529.8888 PRINTING Printing Creations, P.O. Box 3, 2204 S. Vine St., Yorktown, Indiana 765.759.8585 To advertise, contact The JMetzger Group: 765.744.4303 | john@thejmetzgergroup.com For subscription information, contact Missy Modesitt at 765.529.5210. Chamber Magazine: The voice of New Castle-Henry County Chamber businesses. It is a product of The JMetzger Group and the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. These materials are the sole and exclusive property of The JMetzger Group and the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and may not be used without written consent. Copyright 2013 The JMetzger Group and The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.
The JMetzger Group specializes in branded content, custom publishing and social media solutions. Learn more: www.thejmetzgergroup.com
4 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013
New Castle | Henry County
Chamber Magazine TABLE OF CONTENTS
8
HEART HEALTH
MERIDIAN HEALTH 12
16
THE ANNUAL MEETING
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS 19 IVY TECH 20 FACILITY MEET COREY MURPHY 24 SWEET LIFE CAKES BY KIM
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HENRY COUNTY 28 BY-THE-NUMBERS MEMORIAL FESTIVAL 6 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013
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Community forums work together to move forward
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e are experiencing BOARD some of the most exciting times in PRESIDENT recent memory at the New Castle Henry County Chamber Vickie of Commerce. In concert with initiatives McIntosh implemented by our predecessors, we are in the process of updating the New Castle Henry County strategic plan for the long-term benefit of our communities. To that end, your Chamber’s Community Involvement Committee has aligned with “We are in other entities in the community: city government, county the process of government, the Economic updating the Development Corporation, and Hope Initiative, in conjunction New Castle with representatives from Knightstown, Middletown Henry County and Spiceland, along with various leaders from non-profit strategic organizations to recognize and formulate the plan for achieving plan for the common goals. long-term We are also organizing meetings and facilitating benefit of our discussion in partnership with Sharon Canaday of Ball State’s communities.” Building Better Communities Program while concurrently either monitoring or participating with more than 150 community activists in the five public forums presented by Hope Initiative. We perceive our role is to assimilate all of the thoughts into a cohesive path forward. Certainly, there are many and varying opinions regarding approach but we are confident that collaborative input will keep us on the right track. At the Chamber, honoring previous endeavors and accomplishments is paramount to our efforts moving forward. We pledge our best to represent the interest of the membership and will keep you abreast of our progress. ■
Affairs of the Heart Henry County Hospital’s
8 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013
‘Our biggest turnout to date’
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record crowd of nearly 600 attended the fifth annual Affairs of the Heart, sponsored by Henry County Hospital and St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana.
Affairs of the Heart celebrates its fifth year with ways to be healthy.
Besides browsing dozens of exhibitors, listening to inspirational speakers and catching performers like New Castle’s own Cornfield Cloggers, those who came to the February event were looking for direction on how to live healthier. “My brother died last spring of a heart attack,” said Janet Miller, who added that the evening marked her third Affairs of the Heart. “I come to honor him.” Tamera Ankrom was named “Henry County’s Sweetheart,” an inaugural honor designed to celebrate a renewed commitment to fitness. The Henry County Hospital solicited nominations from a population whose medical history and current physical condition made them likely heart disease candidates. Ankrom’s personal essay was chosen as the best. “I want to be healthier. They’re going to work with me and follow my progress,” Ankrom said of the Affairs of the Heart program. “I don’t have a weight goal in mind or a particular number. I just want to be healthy.” Organizer Ricci Atchison, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Henry County Hospital, was thrilled. “The evening was a huge success,” she said. “I loved seeing our biggest turnout to date. The speakers were exceptional, the refreshments were delicious, the vendors pulled out all the stops all working together to create a memorable event of both fun and learning. What a wonderful way to spend an evening.” ■ PHOTOS BY MARIA STRAUSS CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013 | 9
AFFAIRS OF THE HEART Healthy choices
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BOUT 600 PEOPLE attended the fifth annual Affairs of the Heart event sponsored by Henry County Hospital and St. Vincent Center of Indiana in February.
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Meridian Health Services changes health care and lives at the same time
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STORY BY DARREL RADFORD
PHOTOS BY DAVID NANTZ
or the mother who has diabetes and suffers from depression. For the child who has never spoken a word outside of home because of abuse. For adults and teens battling drug addiction. For senior citizens with psychiatric issues who need hospital care. Once known primarily for its mental health treatments, today’s Meridian Health Services strives to be Central Indiana’s “whole person” health expert. It employs a team of medical professionals determined to integrate all aspects of health care under one systematic umbrella. In New Castle, Meridian Health Services, located at 930 N. 14th St., offers a wide range – including counseling, therapy and drug abuse treatment. The local facility has six therapists and 11 behavioral clinicians among its 21person staff. Therapists here are on call and often assist emergency room personnel at Henry County Hospital if mental health issues arise with patients. The emphasis is on “holistic health,” meaning that the physical, mental and social aspects of a patient are all considered – and treated – in attempts to solve lingering issues. “Meridian Health Services understands the powerful connection between body and mind and is creating a new approach to healthcare,” said Hank Milius, the organization’s chief executive officer. “Treating the whole person and integrating treatments to address the well-being of an individual can be far more successful than trying to solve a health concern with separate
New Castle Meridian manager CJ Johnson
healthcare providers, medical records, medication and appointments.” Brent Webster, Meridian Health Services’ board chairman, said the organization thought it was particularly important to make sure patients have access to a primary care physician. “We found many times patients don’t have a regular doctor, a major obstacle to a person’s complete health,” Webster CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013 | 13
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Last year, Meridian served more than 14,000 clients through its 10 primary locations serving more than 26 counties in Indiana.
said. “Studies show life expectancy of people with a chronic mental illness is 25 years less than the average person due to the lack of primary medical care.” Meridian’s programs are as diverse as the age groups that come through the doors. From a child who has been abused to the war vet suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome to the senior citizen trying to give up smoking, Meridian Health Services knows no generational boundaries. At Meridian, a person can: Overcome a traumatic experience Break free from addictions Learn money management and how to develop a budget to live on their own Receive treatment for anxiety disorders For teens having trouble with drugs or alcohol, the staff at Meridian is often able to have more influence than parents. “It’s good for teens to talk with mom and dad, but they don’t always want to tell their parents everything,” New Castle Meridian manager CJ Johnson said. “Here, nobody judges them and everybody tries to help them through their situations.” When defined, the name Meridian translates to “high point.” Certainly the organization has lived up to that description over the past decade and the New Castle facility has been a part of that success. Consider: Meridian has one of just four nationally accredited Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) in the state. Through the work of the CAC, rates of cases accepted for prosecution went from 25 to 80 percent. “The bad guys are being dealt with,” Milius said. “The victims are being treated.” Revenue and job creation for the organization has tripled in the past ten years. New clinics have been added in Richmond, Winchester, Rushville and Indianapolis, joining those in Muncie, Portland and New Castle, including opening a specialty center for children and families
– the Suzanne Gresham Center – and the primary medical clinics and hospital care. Last year, Meridian served more than 14,000 clients through its 10 primary locations serving more than 26 counties in Indiana. But statistics, even as good as those are, can’t compete with the appreciative looks on the faces of those patients as they benefit from Meridian Health Services. “We serve caring communities,” Milius said, “and we see the difference that kind of commitment makes in the lives of our patients.” Meridian’s staff is talented, experienced and diversified, according to Milius. Staff numbers here have grown from 200 to 675 in the past 10 years, a statistic that reflects both the depth of what Meridian Health Services offers and the ever-changing needs of this area. Staff members include licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical therapists, and social workers who provide evaluations, therapy and medication reviews tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Medical services also include an after-hours clinic, full-service pharmacy and in-patient care. Not only does Meridian’s spectrum of services connect medical and behavioral health, but it also delivers social health programs focused on human services such as independent living support, job skills training, foster care for special needs children as well as counseling and support for child abuse victims. Troubled kids have benefitted from the “magic box” used by therapists here. When opened, the box bursts out in loud applause. Theatrical-like masks on the wall reveal emotions and help some of the youths understand how to deal with them. Many agree that while the applause from the “magic box” is needed by the kids, it’s also much-deserved by Meridian, which bravely changed the way it served patients – and is now changing more lives for the better because of it. ■
Meridian staff numbers have grown from 200 to 675 in the past 10 years, a statistic that reflects both the depth of what Meridian Health Services offers and the ever-changing needs of this area.
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ANNUAL MEETING
inspiration Walking
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nspiration filled the room at this year’s New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting when the guest speaker walked to the podium. The mere fact that Greenfield native and Marine Corporal Josh Bleill was able to walk at all spoke volumes for his courage and determination before he said a single word. On Oct. 15, 2006, while conducting combat patrols in Fallujah, Iraq, the Humvee Bleill and three others were in was struck by an improvised explosive device, known in the military as an IED. Two Marines were killed, another severely injured and Bleill lost both of his legs. Such a traumatic event would be enough to make even the most optimistic person want to give up. But the determination and courage Bleill displayed during his time as a Marine suddenly became refocused as he fought new battles and a new enemy. As Bleill told his story, there was a hush in the room. “There are reasons that things happen,” Bleill said, a story he’s shared countless times with Indy television stations and other media. “There are reasons that this happened. And I have a new mission at hand.” Determined to walk again, Bleill underwent numerous surgeries, therapies and fittings for prosthetic legs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
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ANNUAL MEETING Community members recognized D.L. Couch, (above) a company founded by New Castle native Dennis Couch in 1985, was selected the 2012 Chamber Business of the Year. Nancy Dietz, (right) longtime community volunteer, was named Citizen of the Year. Photos by The JMetzger Group and Nantz Photography
CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013 | 17
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BOARD MEMBERS
FROM PAGE 16
Having lost two good friends in the attack that took his legs, Bleill was determined to carry on for them. Today, he is not only walking the walk, but also talking the talk, giving speeches, encouraging youth and writing about his experience. He is now a community spokesman for the Indianapolis Colts and recently authored a book entitled “One Step At A Time.” His message would have been appropriate for any audience, but seemed particularly useful for a Chamber audience that is continuing to rally from a sluggish economy and give Henry County renewed momentum. “I could have hidden from the world forever,” he says. “I don’t hide. I still fall. When I fall down, I get back up.” And as the man some thought would never stand again walked back to his seat, everyone at the Chamber meeting was standing and applauding in his honor. ■
Lori Brown MainSource Bank Kevin Davenport Clean N Simple Kathy Denney Citizens State Bank Tom Fisher Chamber Ambassador Laney Gauker GEO Group Joel Harvey Hayes Copenhaver Crider Cindi Kiner The HR Connection Jamey Marcum Henry County Hospital Doug Meier State Farm Insurance Kelly Miller The Courier Times Corey Murphy EDC President Scott Murphy CMH & Associates Dave Nantz Nantz Photography Leslie Shaul WorkOne Lee Stacey Henry County Convention & Visitors Bureau Christy Tompkins Heritage House Greg York Mayor, City of New Castle CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013 | 19
Ivy Tech campus promises sharpened workforce & affordable college
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here is a growing sense of economic momentum here. As a new season nears, higher hopes spring with it, in large part to what’s being built along Ind. 3 South in New Castle.
“From a chamber standpoint, a business and economic development standpoint, it’s all about creating tomorrow’s workforce. I think it’s a wise investment in the community.”
What once was an auto dealership has been transformed into a place many feel will help accelerate the local economy; a place where young people can find a more economical start to their college careers; a place where middle-aged workers in transition can get a new start; a place where future nurses and respiratory therapists will learn their craft and, as a result, start to help many people in the years to come. Former Ivy Tech Chancellor Gail Chesterfield said she’d never seen a community rally around a project so quickly. Henry County invested about $2.2 million worth of food-and-beverage tax money in this facility. The Henry County Community Foundation and hospital foundation each contributed $250,000. Six couples in the community pooled their own resources together to raise $500,000 more. Dr. Andy Bowne, Ivy Tech’s new east region chancellor, believes it will be worth every penny. “From a chamber standpoint, a business and economic development standpoint, it’s all about creating tomorrow’s workforce,” Bowne said as he toured the new campus. “I think it’s a wise investment in the community.”
Dr. Andy Bowne
STORY BY DARREL RADFORD
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
PHOTOS BY MARIA STRAUSS
More than 340 Henry County students are taking Ivy Tech classes. That number could triple once all three phases of the new facility are finished.
CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013 | 21
IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE: THE PRICE IS RIGHT
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URING A TIME WHEN TUITION AT MAJOR colleges and universities continues to rise, Dr. Andy Bowne, Ivy Tech’s new east region chancellor, believes Ivy Tech becomes a bargain – an economical way to achieve dreams to a better life. Bowne said he wants to build upon Ivy Tech’s efforts at reaching out to future students in addition to serving current needs. In that regard, he envisions a link to high schools as important as the connection with business and industry. Bowne said currently 78 percent of all East Central Indiana high schools have dual credit arrangements with Ivy Tech, meaning students receive credit for a class not only toward their high school graduation, but also for the
Some classes to be offered this summer Construction of the 14,000-square-foot Phase I is expected to be wrapped up in April, about a year after they broke ground here. Bowne said a few classes might be offered at the new facility for the summer semester in May and June. “Come fall, we’re full stride,” Bowne said. Currently, Bowne said about 340 Henry County students take Ivy Tech classes. That number could triple once all three phases of the new facility are finished. “When we get all the way through all three phases, we will be able to serve about 1,200 students here,” he said. Phase II will be a health care wing, made possible by generous local donors. A walk into the area feels like a real hospital setting, with four bed stations already in place for nurse and respiratory care training. Phase III will add another 6,000 square feet for more generalpurpose classrooms. While there are three phases to the project, the students who eventually use them will be multifaceted and represent a cross-section of generations. It’s the beauty of what has become the nation’s largest community college. In the east region, there are about
college route they plan to take. “Last year, dual credit programs with Ivy Tech saved families $14 million in tuition costs across the state,” Bowne said. “That’s a huge savings for families. This year, we will serve about 1,700 students who are taking dual credit courses at Ivy Tech in this region.” Likewise, students who begin their careers by taking Ivy Tech classes also save. With college expenses rising and four-year colleges rapidly pricing themselves out of the middle class market, Ivy Tech becomes one of the best bargains available – and the most flexible – for people to get back on their feet. “The savings start to add up over time,” he said.
8,600 students who take Ivy Tech classes. “Some are coming to us to get an associate degree,” Bowne said. “Some are going to start their college careers with us, then transfer to another college and get a bachelor’s degree. Many are going to come to Ivy Tech and take a one-year technical program, complete it, then go right to work.” Michigan roots Bowne took over for Chesterfield in October, bringing with him an enthusiasm for the community college concept and a team-building approach he believes is necessary for success in the future. He wields a double-edged sword of experience to combat the issues Ivy Tech’s diverse student population faces. At Grand Rapids Community College, he led a workforce training and economic development group. “We worked with area employers and developed short-term training programs for people who had lost their jobs or weren’t interested in the traditional college approach. They were intense six-month training programs that met five days a week to help people get employment skills.” Bowne later was asked to lead the Grand Rapids
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Community College Foundation, where he became known as a “prolific fundraiser.” Through his leadership, about $32 million in gifts came the college’s way, with an equal amount received in local, state and federal grants. Working on a stronger workforce Recently, Bill Stanczykiewicz, president of the Indiana Youth Institute, told a New Castle Rotary Club audience that there are as many as 40,000 to 50,000 jobs available in Indiana but not nearly enough skilled workers here to fill them. “It’s not your grandfather’s factory anymore,” Stanczykiewicz said. “It’s not even your father’s robot.” Bowne believes strongly that Ivy Tech can be an answer to so many questions as employers and job seekers try to find their way in a changing economic world. “The skill shortages that exist today aren’t necessarily four-year skills,” Bowne said. “They are often technicianlevel skills needed to run and maintain equipment, to problem solve. Regardless of the industry, whether we are talking about health care, manufacturing, a call center, you name it, that’s where we excel as a community college.” One example of how Ivy Tech can work with business and industry, according to Bowne, is the development of specialized courses for the industrial maintenance technician. “The industrial maintenance technician has a combination of skills – electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics, welding and problem-solving – that so many manufacturers are screaming for right now,” Bowne said. “That is something we can and are responding to here at Ivy Tech.” A roadmap to changing the ‘social fabric’ During public discussions about whether Henry County should dedicate a large chunk of food-andbeverage tax money to the Ivy Tech project, there was some debate over where such a campus should be located. Some believed an Ivy Tech campus downtown
would revitalize the long-suffering area. But Bowne said what was ultimately decided Ind. 3 - would prove to be a wise location choice. “Being close to the highway gives easy access to this facility from all directions. It’s our goal to have an Ivy Tech presence every 20 miles or so. This fits right into our plan.” Other skeptics have fears that Ivy Tech will, indeed, improve the workforce here – and that workforce will leave the area for greener pastures. His experience tells him that’s not necessarily true. “Community college students – 85 to 90 percent of them – stay in the community,” Bowne said. “Typically, community college students go back to their roots.” Ultimately, Ivy Tech means more than degrees or jobs filled. Bowne said he agreed with a recent assessment by another former Ivy Tech chancellor Dr. Rob Jeffs, who told a New Castle group recently the new facility under construction could help shape a better future. “As they complete these classes, people begin to get better jobs with full benefits and health care,” Jeffs said. “Relationships are stabilized because of improved financial stability. It begins to turn around the social fabric of the community.” ■
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Corey Murphy New EDC director says county’s impressive 3-point play makes it a contender in business recruitment
INSPIRATION “Five players on the floor functioning as one single unit: team, team, team — no one more important than the other.”
— Coach Norman Dale from the movie ‘Hoosiers’
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STORY BY DARREL RADFORD
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PHOTOS BY DAVID NANCE
ot long after he was hired as director of the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp., Corey Murphy sent his parents a postcard from his future new home county. It was of the Knightstown gym where parts of the movie “Hoosiers” were filmed. “This is in the county I’m going to work!” Murphy wrote. Like basketball, economic development is a team sport and it was that kind of spirit that made Murphy excited to come to Henry County and keep the momentum rolling that was started by predecessor Bob Grewe. Murphy said the current ‘spec’ building now under construction
at the industrial park, the new Ivy Tech facility and the collaboration he sees here are an impressive three-point play that makes the city a contender for new business. “A lot of communities say they want higher education and more job opportunities,” Murphy said. “Then there are communities like New Castle and Henry County who take the steps necessary to make these things happen. There’s a big difference between saying ‘we want this’ and making it actually happen. When I learned what this community was doing with the spec building and Ivy Tech, I said ‘this is the place I want to be.’” After he was hired in January, the former Madison, Ind. Chamber & Economic Development executive director said the ‘spec’ building now under construction in the industrial park speaks volumes about the direction things are headed here. “It certainly holds the flag up and says Henry County is open for business,” Murphy said. Meanwhile, the Ivy Tech facility shows the business world that Henry County cares about its people, as well. “It communicates this community is serious about education and supporting its workforce,” Murphy said. “Ultimately, it is up to the individual to take advantage of these opportunities, but the Ivy Tech facility does remove barriers for them.” Just as important as the construction activity in Murphy’s view is the team that’s been built here. He likes the cooperative relationship between city and county officials. “It really is a team environment,” Murphy said. “I see true collaboration here.” A self-described “news junkie” and “public policy nerd,” Murphy is eager not only to draw new business but help the ones already here grow. “Business retention and expansion is really the bread and butter of economic development,” Murphy said. “I’m excited about working with local business here.” Murphy’s previous experience, particularly at the state level, impressed current EDC board members. Murphy has been directly involved in economic development since
Specialists in all facets of real estate: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Farms, Land/Lots
2007. Before serving as executive director for the Madison Chamber & Economic Development, he spent five years as executive director of the Economic Development Partners of Madison and Jefferson County. What impressed board member and Henry County Council President Nate LaMar was Murphy’s connection to the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs. Murphy was a community liaison for that group from December 2005 to December 2006. “It’s an organization that helps communities access funds for economic development projects,” Murphy explained. “I’m excited to have an opportunity to further connect this community to that process.” Local EDC board members were impressed by Murphy’s enthusiasm – and the fact that he had done his homework. “He’s young and he’s very enthusiastic,” EDC board member and county councilman Mike Thalls said. “And he really wanted this job.” “I took him on a tour and couldn’t believe how informed he was about Henry County already,” out-going EDC chair Mike Broyles said. Coming to New Castle had, in some ways, a ‘meantto-be’ feeling for Murphy. He had known Grewe since 2007. A big basketball fan, he now works in the county that not only has the iconic Hoosier gym, but also the city that boasts the world’s largest and finest high school gymnasium. His wife, Nicole, is an adjunct professor for Ivy Tech in Madison, so the new Ivy Tech facility here may fit perfectly for the family. Murphy said his family would join him in Henry County following completion of the 2012-13 school year in southern Indiana. He and his wife, Nicole, have two boys. In the meantime, Murphy will strategize just like Norman Dale and the Hickory Huskers. He firmly believes Henry County has the team to compete in the economic development game. He dreams of the days when new business executives are sending postcards of Hoosier Gym to others proclaiming “this is in the county where I’m moving my business.” ■
Serving Henry County 765.529.2211 and East-Central Indiana www.eraintegrity.com Suite 101, for more than 25 years. 1484 S. Memorial, New Castle CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013 | 25
Sweet Life For Kim Dickerson, it’s been a sweet life. Being a wife and a mother was priority number one. A career? Well, that was icing on the cake. Literally.
STORY BY DARREL RADFORD 26 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013
PHOTOS BY DAVID NANTZ
The mother of two, rapidly approaching a silver wedding anniversary with husband, Mike, is now running her own business - making and baking cakes for all occasions. Appropriately, her business is called “The Sweet Life…cakes by Kim.” For the past two and a half years, she’s made cakes of all shapes, sizes and colors to celebrate everything from birthdays, weddings and anniversaries to business grand openings and Valentine’s Day. A daughter of well-known JuMa tour directors Max and Judy James of Mooreland, Kim’s inspiration came straight from her grandma’s kitchen. “Grandma inspired me,” she said. “Now she’s my biggest fan. She always says ‘I knew you’d be successful.’ ” For years while Kim was growing up, Charline James made and decorated wedding cakes. It became as much of a family endeavor as doing farm chores. “We all helped,” Kim remembered. “When my daughter was married, I did the reception,” Charline recalled. “People started asking me to do it after that.” Kim said her grandmother made much more than the traditional cake at times in her 27-year career. One of the most memorable ones helped local residents celebrate a sesquicentennial in 1972. Charline James somehow made a cake that looked like the Henry County Courthouse. “It took time. I went to the lawyer’s office across from the courthouse, sat there in front of the window and sketched it,” Charline said. In the years that have followed, it was Charline’s turn to admire cakes Kim was designing. Roman columns, fancy staircases, five-tier wedding cakes transported to Nashville, Tenn. and assembled in a hotel room, icing-rich suitcases and vintage automobiles are just a few of the interesting shapes Kim has made. A visit to The Sweet Life Facebook page – which has more than 1,100 “likes” – is a tantilizing rainbow of icing creativity. The variety of cakes there ranges from flowers to baseballs and footballs; crayons to ribbons and bows; Minnie Mouse to Toy Story characters. The cakes on display celebrate everything from the birth of a baby boy
to the achievement of Eagle Scout and the field of nursing. Like her grandmother, in the beginning, Kim baked for family and friends. But as her children grew older and less dependent, she reached the proverbial fork in the road – and decided to take the cake in a new direction. “I always knew I wanted to be a wife and a mom,” she said. “But when the kids grew older, it was like, ‘well, now what do I do. I’ve been a mom all my life.” Her friends answered the question. “You know, Kim,” she recalled them telling her, “God gave you this talent. You have to use it.” And so, The Sweet Life…cakes by Kim, was born. In addition to the flour, eggs and sugar used, Kim tries to add faith, hope and love with each cake she bakes. The biblical passage in Psalms 34:8 is more than just scripture. It’s a mission statement. “Every cake I send out the door, I try to pray over it and ask God to bless the people and the occasion it’s made for,” she said. Just as Kim’s grandmother inspired her, she wants to encourage others. The 1986 Union High School graduate says she sees a low self-esteem in some young women and wants to show them that dreams can, indeed come true. “I’m one of those people who doesn’t believe in luck,” Kim said. “This business is such a God thing. God inspires everything I do.” While birthday, wedding and anniversary celebrations are fun, one of Kim’s favorite cake-baking assignments comes when she can participate in the “Icing Smiles” program for children who are battling serious illness. The expression on a 12-year-old girl named Antoinette was sweeter than the cake itself. Recently, Charline James celebrated her 95th birthday and the young lady that used to watch over her shoulder in the kitchen was the one who made the cake. “It was beautiful,” Charline said. “I’m so proud of her.” As the candles were blown out, no wishes were necessary. Surrounded by a loving family, Charline simply smiled at Kim in the realization that they had already come true. ■
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CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013 | 27
HENRY COUNTY By the numbers Total Henry County population in 2011: 49,264 Other: 4.5%
Non-family Households: 6,057 31.8%
Living alone: 27.3%
Households in Henry County in 2010. Total: 19,077.
Age 65+ 16.4%
Other: 7.2% Single parents: 9.0% Married with children: 18.2% Married, no children: 33.8%
Age 45 to 64: 29.1%
FamilyHouseholds: 13,020 68.2%
Age 0 to 4: 5.3%
Age 5 to 17: 16.8% Age 18 to 24: 7.9% Age 25 to 44: 24.5%
Henry County population over time.
Infographics by:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Henry County population distribution in 2011. Total: 49,264 Source: U.S. Census Bureau
44.4%
19.3% 5.2% Less than ninth grade
11.3% 9th to 12th, no diploma
Education attainment in Henry County among population age 25 and older in 2010. Total: 34,189. 6%
H.S. graduate (incl. equiv.)
Some college, no degree
Assoc. degree
9.2% Bach. degree
4.6% Grad./ profess. degree*
*Includes doctorate degrees. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
28 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Spring 2013
HENRY COUNTY By the numbers
Hancock 14%
25,446 people work in Henry County, 91% of them Henry County residents. Shown are the top five counties sending workers into Henry County.
Madison 17.2%
Hancock 20.4%
Wayne 25.9%
30,449 people live in Henry Coun
Wayne 7.8% Delaware 19.7%
Delaware 28.1%
Rush 14.8%
30,449 people live in Henry County and work. 76% of them work in Henry County. Shown are the top five counties receiving workers from Henry County.
Marion 29.4%
Madison 22.7%
Source: Indiana Department of Revenue
Shown are the number of Henry County business units by size in 2011. Total business units: 858.
100+ 50-99 Employees: Employees: 2% 20-49 1.7% Employees: 9.2%
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Note: Included are business units with zero employees and federal government employees.
Sour
Top 5 Employers in Henry County
1. Henry County Hospital
10-19 Employees: 13.1% 5-9 Employees: 19.1%
2. Draper Inc.
0-4 Employees: 54.9%
3. New Castle Community School Corporation 4. Geo Group: New Castle Correctional Facility 5. Walmart Supercenter Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development
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MEMORIAL DAY
Festival added to parade this year
T
he Chamber is excited to announce a new festival following this year’s annual Memorial Day parade on Monday May 27, 2013. As the state’s largest Memorial Day Parade, we expect well over 100 entries. Parade goers are invited to follow the procession to Main Street beside Baker Park where the festival will be held and promises to have something for everyone. “The festival is something new. It’s going to be good for families and a great opportunity for businesses to showcase what they have to offer,” said Betty Stickler, treasurer of the Chamber’s Executive Board and chairperson of the Events Committee. Stickler, who has been on the board about six years, is the branch manager at STAR Financial Bank. At the festival, there will be food and craft vendors, bands, a sand volleyball tournament, a kids’ zone with games and a dunk booth. WLBC will broadcast live and the New Castle police and fire departments will have activities and a booth where parents can pick up DNA kits and have their children’s fingerprints taken. The Babe Ruth League will also be celebrating opening day of their 2013 season. One lucky festival-goer will have the opportunity to ride off in a hot air balloon sponsored by The Courier Times. The traditional ceremony, which honors veterans, starts at 9 a.m. on the courthouse lawn. All veterans are welcome to join us. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will head south on Main Street all the way to Baker Park. Plan to come out and enjoy the day at the ceremony, the parade, and the festival as we honor our heroes for their service and commitment to our country.
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