Chamber Chatter August 2012

a publication of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

501 North Harrison Street | Shelbyville, IN 46176 | (317)398-6647 | www.shelbychamber.net

Shelby County Chamber Debuts New Website

In July, the Chamber debuted their new website. The new website is very user friendly with access to the Community and Chamber calendars from the home page. Also, on the home page are links to local communities. Want to know where to live, work, or play in Shelby County? Those links are available as well.

Visit www.shelbychamber.net to view our new website!

Interested in sponsoring the new site? Call the Chamber today at (317)398-6647 for more information!

Board of Directors Scott Asher, President....................................................Boys Club-ShelbyvilleAaron Wine, President Elect...................................................Knauf InsulationTarah Kirschbaum, Treasurer..........................Builders Lumber and HardwareDoug Cassidy, Past President.............................................Bishopp Appliances

Directors: Ryan Claxton..................................................................Major Health PartnersTreva Cunningham.............................................................................Walmart* Scott Gabbard...........Shelby Co. Ag Promotion Committee/Purdue ExtensionGreg Gerline..................................Sandman Bros./Shelby County Pantry Pals Ron Harrison.................................................................................O’Neal SteelAmy Larrison.................................................................First Bank Shelbyville Chris King.................................................................Runnebohm ConstructionGena Linville.............................................................................Major HospitalTony Long.............................................................................MainSource BankCathy Wenning..............................................................................Duke Energy

Staff: Julie Metz, Executive Directorjuliemetz@shelbychamber.net

Courtney St. John, Executive Assistant courtneystjohn@shelbychamber.net

Founder’s Club: Colour Palette RushShelby Energy, Inc. Shelbyville Paint and Wallpaper

Newsletter Sponsors:

Job Opening

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is seeking applicants for the position of Executive Assistant. This position performs a variety of tasks that are pertinent to the daily operations of the Chamber of Commerce office and in support of the Chamber of Commerce members, the board of directors, volunteer committees and the community. Position requirements include: Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential detailed records, learn new software, organize daily office activities, communicate clearly and professionally both in writing and in person, and to provide a high level of customer service. In addition, this position will handle all accounts payable, accounts receivable, and monthly financial statements using QuickBooks software. We are looking for a self-starter – someone who has the ability and desire to learn, who can successfully handle and coordinate a multitude of tasks in a professional business environment. If you are efficient, personally well organized, and enjoy working with others please submit your resume and salary history to: The Shelby County Chamber of CommerceAttention: Executive Director501 North Harrison StreetShelbyville, IN 46176(317) 398-6647 The mission of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is: “Providing value added services and programs, creating opportunities for our members and improving the quality of life in Shelby County”.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Welcomes

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Advanced Manufacturing or Hospitality. Funding may be available for tuition support in some of the programs. �is initiative is the result of our e�ort to help ensure that Shelby County has a pool of skilled employable citizens for companies currently located in

Shelby County or considering relocating to the area.BRCP is located in Economic Growth Region 5. �e BRCP ABE program consistently ranks among the top performers in the region. In 2011, roughly 24% of the student population successfully completed the GED. In 2012, the percentage rose to approximately 34%. BRCP has 3% of the regions enrollment, but due to its superior performance, the ABE program will receive 8% of the regions allocated GED

funds in 2012-2013. �e program is led by Joan Mohr, ABE Coor-dinator, and Sandy Bostic, GED Instructor. To learn more about our services or to �nd a current class schedule and location, please call 392-4191, x1115.

GED students representing Blue River Career Programs (BRCP) in Shelbyville, along with the Indiana Literacy Association (ILA) recently helped bring awareness to the statehouse regarding the adult illiteracy issue in Indiana. �ey met with the governor for a luncheon and were able to advocate for adult literacy services across the state. �e ILA estimates that between 800,000 and 1.5 million adult Hoosiers have literacy skills below the necessary level for life in the U.S. today.

BRCP currently meets the needs of Adult Basic Education (ABE) students by o�ering GED & Eng-lish As a Second Language (ESL) classes at its career center location and in the local Ivy Tech facility. �e program utilizes two teachers for the GED classes, 1 teacher for ESL, along with an ESL assistant. We o�er free instruction for adults ages 16 and

Did you know that St. Joseph School has been in existence since 1873? Father Francis Rudolph bought the property where St. Joseph Church presently stands in 1873. Father Francis converted the property into two school rooms with living quarters for the nuns who would be teaching at the school. Sixty children attended the �rst school with three Sisters of St. Francis in charge.

In 1902, the school was moved to make way for our church as it now stands. Father Alderich Kaelin had the old church remodeled into three classrooms. In 1923, land was purchased for a new school, the cost being $7500. �is part of the school is what we call the “old part” of the school (Hendricks Street). �is building suited the needs of everyone, the parish for the auditorium, Sisters’ dwelling, and a social center. In 1925, St. Joseph School added a high school which continued until it was closed in 1940 due to a lack of students. �e �rst high school class had a championship basketball team, and the team was invited to the National Tourney at DePauw University. �e 1950’s found St. Joseph needing more classroom space and the “new part” (Broadway) was built. �e “new part” would add eight more classrooms to the school.

Here it is 2012! St. Joseph School has seen many changes in its 139 years in existence. Our last Sister of St Francis was Sister Jonette, our librarian, who retired in 1999. Preschool was added in 1987. All-day kindergarten became part of our program in 1991. In 1995 sixth, seventh, and eighth grades were added and continued successfully until 2000.Presently St. Joseph School serves three-year-old preschoolers through ��h graders. St. Joseph School is an accredited school where students consistently do well on standardized tests and become leaders at the schools where they attend a�er ��h grade. St. Joseph School is very fortunate to have not only a dedicated faculty and sta�, but also supportive parents, parishioners, and members of the community.

�ree words express the focus of St. Joseph School: FAITH, FAMILY, and FUTURE. To contact St. Joseph School, call (317) 398-4202.

Blue River Career Program Students Bring Awareness to Adult Literacy Issueolder, learner support services, and experienced teachers in the area of adult learners and needs unique to them. �e adult education program plans to expand their program next year by o�ering an additional satellite location within the community.

Last year, the ABE and ESL programs served 221 students.BRCP is also in the process of establishing numerous GED + Pathways. �ese are programs for the training of employed or displaced workers that may result in an earned certi�cation such as

St. Joseph School Rooted in History

If you would have told me that by the time I was 24, I would have my master’s degree in business, I would have laughed at you. Not because I didn’t want to go to graduate school, but because I never imagined I’d have a degree that had anything to do with business. However, living in a high-stress, academically-challenging environment for one year with 18 other people who were all going through the same process, I learned a thing or two about this thing called life.

10. Almost everything functions like a business. 9. Every now and then, you have to rest. If not, you may crash. 8. There will be many times that you don’t agree with others about how to get something done. It doesn’t mean that other people are wrong; it just means you see the world differently. Compromise, continue on and work to accomplish the greater task at hand. 7. Maintaining integrity in your principles and values may not get you to the top, but it will build your charac ter and the long-term effects outweigh any sort of short-term reward. 6. Nineteen people living in the same building, in the same classes, under the same amount of stress can create potentially hostile situations. Even extroverts need time to step back in solitude. 5. There will always be more that you could have done to do better, but be careful what you sacrifice to get there. Often times, perfection isn’t worth missing valuable time with people who impact your life. 4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It reaps more benefits than pretending like you understand, when you don’t. 3. Just because someone appears different than you on paper, doesn’t mean you have nothing in common. Opening up to others is one of the best decisions you can make. 2. Hard work pays off. 1. Don’t get stagnant in life. Never stop learning about the world around you: meet new people, explore new places and experience different cultures. Let it change you for the better.

I learned so much about myself by living and working with others. I learned about how different males and females really are and I learned that laundry baskets break when you pull them in the snow behind a truck. All the while, I learned the concepts of business and took the steps necessary to walk away with my MBA. While my education is invaluable, even more so is what I didn’t learn in the classroom.

The Anderson University MBA Program is the MBA Program that makes a difference. This program is a broad-based management program with an emphasis on practical application. The Professional MBA program is a traditional MBA program designed for the working individual. Classes meet in the evening and mostly one night each week. Most students complete the program in 22 months. The entire program is offered on the Anderson campus and in five locations in Indianapolis. Also, the Residential MBA Program at Anderson University is an innovative program designed for individuals who desire graduate-level studies immediately following completion of their undergraduate program.

For more information about the AU MBA Program, call (888) MBA-GRAD or e-mail mbagrad@anderson.edu. You can also visit us on the web at www.anderson.edu/mba.

–Shana Clatterbuck, Assistant Director of MBA

Anderson University MBA Program Teaches Students Life Lessons

The Celebration continues . . . . Live Standardbred racing returned on Tuesday, July 24th!! Monday ~ Tuesday ~ Wednesday post time at 4:55 With 4 Thursdays thrown in as well July 26th, August 2nd, 9th and 16th

Friday and Saturday post time at 6:55

www.indianadowns.com

317-421-0000

317-713-RACE

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Saturday, August 18th - the all area Chamber Challenge • Week of August 20th -- join us in welcoming the Budweiser Hitch

to the paddock of Indiana Downs ( special events all week - watch website for updates )

• September 8th - Million Dollar night of racing $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ • October 20th - 3rd leg of the wiener dog racing series, in

conjunction with DOGTOBERFEST!!

For more information . . . .

Dining Room Specials on the 10th of every month!!

My intention with this short piece is to draw attention to an aspect of the adult education marketplace which is not spoken of too much with all of the news about tuition increases, student loan default rates, and the unethical tactics sometimes employed by entities selling adult education. This article has everything to do with objections we hear in the industry but don’t generally speak too much about to large audiences. I have found that objections are important and offer good feedback for offering services that consumers want to buy. So here are my top five reasons that adults see as barriers to advancing their education which you may not have thought of:

1) I don’t have time – Many colleges and universities have classes set up to meet once per week live or anytime online. This makes the balance of family, work, and academic obligations as easy as possible. 2) My credits are too old to transfer – I have personally dealt with transfer credits as old and the late 1960’s. While each school has policies in place about this, generally old credits can be accepted provided that they originated with an accredited school and that a course description is either on file or can be obtained. 3) My degree will take too long – Simply put, this is all up to the student. There are adult programs out

there with built-in flexibility which allow for transfer credits from prior higher education, testing out of classes, and credit for professional experience and training. These options should be explored

thoroughly before enrolling. 4) I’m too old to go back to school – This comes up more often than we would think, but colleges catering to adults have an average student age that is much higher than traditional day school programs and are filled with working adults from all walks of life. 5) I’ve been out of the classroom for too long – Academic counselors are prepared for this and can “ramp up” a student’s classes appropriately without overwhelming them. Immediate success and topical interest is also critical to keeping a student motivated to stay in school.

Indiana Tech has been providing quality adult education for over 20 years that addresses these objections and others. We strive to offer flexible programs that are relevant and have immediate utility. Areas of study include business, information technology, engineering, and organizational leadership, and more from the associate through the PhD levels. Personal attention with prompt and quality service continues to be the cornerstone of how we treat our customers.

It’s interesting to see how adults think. If you know an adult who is considering going back to school, don’t just encourage them about the value of attending for the sake of education. Let them know that many colleges and universities have truly adapted over the years to provide offerings which dovetail nicely with their existing obligations in life. Your support is more and more important than ever as the economy continues to favor those with knowledge-based skills.

-Andy StashEnrollment Manager, Indiana Tech, Greenwood Campus

To contact Andy, call (800)288-1766.

Indiana Tech Seeks to Attract More Adult Students

Southwestern Consolidated Schools Looks at Changes for Growth in the Upcoming School Year

There will be changes at Southwestern Consolidated Schools when the 2012-13 school year begins. The district had the highest

growth rate on ISTEP in the county in 2011-12 and changes will be necessary to continue academic growth. The changes will include a new principal, new programs, new costs, and new attendance policies.

Southwestern Jr./Sr. High School will have a new principal, Mr. Curtis Chase. Previously, Mr. Chase served as an assistant principal at Edinburgh. He has been working throughout the summer to prepare for exciting changes for students, parents, and staff that will occur under his leadership. Students and staff can look forward to increased technology use as Mr. Chase has a vision for growth in this area. Students will also have time in their schedules where their individualized academic needs can

be met. An increase in intervention and acceleration are planned for those students who have these needs.

Other changes will be happening campus wide. Southwestern students and parents will be introduced to a program called Safe Talk that will provide a means to report bullying and threatening behaviors anonymously. This program is be-ing made possible through funding by the Shelby County Aspiration Team. Some families may also see an increase in costs. To meet state requirements, the lunch prices will increase to $2.40 at the elementary and $2.60 at the jr./sr. high school. However, with the addition of a Food Service Director to oversee the menu planning and preparation campus wide this year, meals are anticipated to be healthier and will utilize less prepackaged food. The district will also be asking students on free and reduced meals to pay their fees. The state covers textbook rental to free and reduced lunch recipients, but the state does not cover fees. Fees provide students with things like science lab materials,

headphones and flash drives for technology use, art supplies, PE equipment, and much more. Although free and reduced meal recipients have not been asked to pay fees in the past, in order to continue to provide these items, all students will be asked to pay their fees.

Changes in the attendance policies are being made to comply with current state law. Vacation days will be unexcused absences so parents will need to work around the school calendar as they plan vacations. Additionally, students missing more than seven days for any reason, including those covered by a physician, may be turned over to Children’s Services and/or the county prosecutor for educational neglect.

Southwestern Consolidated Schools desires to continue to increase student academic growth by meeting the needs of every student. Southwestern has the ability to do this because of its small, caring environment and willingness to change to meet those needs. To contact Southwestern, call (317) 729-5746.

On April 25, 2012, the Northwestern Consolidated School District Board of School Trustees approved hiring Dr. Shane Robbins to �ll the position of Superintendent. Dr. Robbins began his duties on July 1.

Prior to coming to Triton Central, Dr. Robbins served for four years at Monroe Central Schools as their superintendent. Before working at Monroe Central, he served as the assistant principal at Huntington North High School, Principal at Madison-Grant High School and Assistant Principal at Blackford High School. Robbins received his doctorate in educational leadership from Ball State University. In addition to his Doctoral Degree, Robbins also earned his Educational Specialist Degree from Ball State University as well as Master’s Degrees in K-12 Administration and Secondary Education. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Allied Health/Athletic Training from Franklin College.

Dr. Robbins has been honored being named as a “Distinguished Hoosier” by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels in 2010, “Who’s Who Among Top Executives” in 2009, and“Who’s Who in American Education” in 2003. He was awarded the United States Army Bronze Star for his work as the Education O�cer with the Indiana 3-19th Agribusiness Development Team while deployed to Afghanistan in 2010-11. Dr. Robbins is married to Heather “Miller” Robbins and they have two boys, Bryce age 13 and Brandon age 10. To contact Northwestern Consolidated Schools, call (317)835-7461.

Northwestern Consolidated Schools Announce New Superintendent

Thank you Renewing Investors!

Welcome New Investors

*Denotes Presidential Member

*Denotes Presidential Member

Want to be in the Chamber Chatter Newsletter? Contact Courtney by email at

courtneystjohn@shelbychamber.net or call (317)398-6447 for more information!

24 Outdoor, LLC AccuPay-Your Professional Payroll People*

Blue River Bowl Boys Club-Shelbyville*

Business and Professional Women Kentucky Fried Chicken

Key Bank* Ryobi Die Casting*

Shelby County Public Library Sister’s Sanitation Services, LLC

Stage Door Graphics* Today’s Dental Care

Vectren Gas Company Waldron Health and Rehab

Nerds on Site* offers computer repair, technology services, software, hardware monitoring, disaster recovery for business or home systems, and complete customer set up. To contact Nerds on Site, call David Sly at (317)512-8208

21st AnnualGolf

Shelby CountyChamber of

Commerce

August 9, 2012Outing

Bear ChaseGolf Club

Upcoming Chamber Events

Membership Showcase Networking LuncheonWednesday, September 12th 11:00am-1:00pm

Occasions Banquet Hall & Catering 415 East Hendricks Street This luncheon will be our membership showcase! Call today to reserve your FREE table to show off your business to Chamber members. There are only a limited number of tables available so please call early to reserve your spot. Please note that this luncheon will be starting early at 11:00 a.m..

If you do not wish to set up a table, you are still able to enjoy the luncheon portion of the program. Cost of the lunch is $10.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please call the Chamber (317) 398-6647 to RSVP.

Chamber News Where You Belong

In this issue: Anderson University Indiana Tech Blue River Career Programs St. Joesph School Southwestern Consolidated Schools Northwestern Consolidated School

August 2012

501 North Harrison Street Shelbyville, IN 46176