DATE: December 10, 2024
START TIME: 11:45 a.m.
LOCATION: Westminster Village
5801 W Bethel Ave, Muncie IN 47304
Agenda:
11:30 a.m. Doors open/drinks served
11:45 a.m. Call to order/Pledge of Allegiance
Introduction: Members-Question of the Month: Marissa
Question: What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Attendance: We had 50 people in attendance
Chamber Business:
Presentation of last month’s Minutes: Erin Ailstock-approved as submitted
Treasurer Report: Kat Blankenbaker filled in for Tony Coston: budget will come out in January. The audit should be completed by the 2nd quarter.
Lunch Buffet Open
Installation of Officers: Ed Armantrout
President: Kat Blankenbaker
Vice President: Mark Goodpaster
Secretary: Erin Ailstock
Acknowledgment of Committees: Kat Blankenbaker-Thank you to these people for all that they do:
Membership Chair: Marissa Earls
Ambassador Chair: Katadyn Connerley (Katadyn is stepping down as the ambassador chair for 2025. Kat is looking for someone to take on this role)
Awards Chair: Tyler Ewing
Lunch-N-Learns: Brendon Comp
Concerts on the Green: Amy Spangler and Christiana Mann
Buffy Grieves for always being there and helping Kat
By-Laws: Bonita Armantrout
Town of Yorktown: Kat thanked the town of Yorktown and the street department for their help with the Concerts on the Green.
Presentation of Awards:
Spirit of Small Business-Presented by: Marta Guinn
Bree isn’t the typical business owner, and I believe that is truly why her employee culture is so strong. Bree is passionate about providing the utmost best and compassionate care. However, the same care she demands for her clients, she provides for her employees. No matter what title Bree holds, she is a nurse through and through. She doesn’t hesitate to stop what she is doing and go aide a client with a shower if we don’t have a caregiver available. As Senior Helpers continues to grow, Bree’s passion and compassion for being more involved in community organizations like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, YWCA, Youth Symphony Orchestra, Dog Tags and Go Bags, Rock Steady Boxing, Knights of Columbus 560, Secret Families of Madison County, Soup Kitchen, Operation ShoeBox, Toys for Tots, YPD National Night Out and YFD Fire & Ice. Bree Hill chose Walk to End Alzheimer’s as her non-profit organization to make a $250 donation. Please visit their website and learn more about this non-profit: https://www.alz.org/about
Outstanding Contribution to Education-Presented by Kelly Turner
Mrs. Austin has devoted almost 30 years of her professional career to teaching at the elementary level, where foundational skills and knowledge are crucial for student success. Mrs. Austin fulfills her role as the high-ability 1st-grade teacher at Pleasant View Elementary. As both an administrator and a parent, Kelly has personally witnessed Mrs. Austin’s unwavering dedication to her students. Her ability to meet students where they are and foster their growth and love for learning throughout the school year is truly remarkable. Mrs. Austin empowers her students to take risks, find solutions, and collaborate. Mrs. Austin’s teaching philosophy is centered around inclusivity and personalized learning. She excels in creating an environment where each student feels valued and understood. Her innovative teaching strategies and compassionate nature inspire students to reach their full potential. Her contributions have significantly enriched the high-ability programs across multiple schools, making her an invaluable asset to the educational community. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in professional development workshops and mentors new teachers, sharing her wealth of experience and innovative practices. Mrs. Austin chose First Presbyterian Pre-K as her non-profit organization to make a $250 donation. You can learn more about this non-profit by visiting their website: https://firstpresprek.org/
Excellence in Public Service-Presented by Chase Bruton
As the Utility Clark for the Town of Yorktown, Debra Marlow has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism in a role that requires a unique combination of skills and qualities. The position demands attention to detail, as Debbie is responsible for managing our town’s utility accounts, ensuring accuracy in billing, and maintaining detailed records. Debbie also excels in delivering outstanding customer service. The ability to navigate difficult situations with patience and professionalism is essential in her role, as our utility office often serves residents who may be frustrated or stressed. Debbie has proven time and again to be a calming and effective communicator, resolving concerns with care and tact. Moreover, Debbie is adept at coordinating with multiple town departments, ensuring seamless communication and workflow between various teams. This level of interdepartmental collaboration is vital to keeping our operations running smoothly, and Debbie consistently exceeds expectations in this area. In short, Debbie embodies the spirit of public service, making a positive impact on the lives of the residents and contributing to the efficiency and success of the town. The non-profit that Debbie chose to donate to Daleville American Legion Post 446. To learn more about this non-profit, check out their website: https://www.dalevilleindiana.org/directory/daleville-american-legion-post-446/
Community Impact-Presented by Kat Blankenbaker
Hometown Heating and Cooling has been open and operating in Yorktown since 2021. In that time they have grown from a rented space to building their 4,588-square-foot building right here in Yorktown. In 2023 Jaron Freed, owner and operator, kicked off the first Free Furnace giveaway. He installed a new furnace in a local resident’s home and created service plans for the top five finalists. He is doing that same giveaway this year. Hometown Heating and Cooling has gone from one man with a goal to five employees and they are still growing. Hometown Heating and Cooling is always supporting and sponsoring local teams and the school. Jaron’s non-profit that he picked to get a $250 donation is the Muncie Mission. To learn more about this non-profit, check out their website: https://www.munciemission.org/
President Announcements: Kat Blankenbaker
The Yorktown Chamber has partnered with the Yorktown Community School students to create a new logo for the Chamber. This will be a contest and it will be kicking off next week. The Lunch N Learns are free for all members to attend. There will be an Ambassador and Ambassador Plus meeting at El Rancheros in Yorktown on December 11th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. The 3rd Annual Concerts on the Green dates are set and all on the calendar. Sponsorship opportunities will be available.
Member Announcements:
January 9th will be the first After Hours of the year. It will be held at Destination Muncie from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Ed Armantrout- The Yorktown Kiwanis are selling Abbotts Caramels for their annual fundraiser, they are $15 a box. They will be doing tax returns again this year for low to moderate-income families. If you or your business would like to donate items to them, they will pass them out to the people they help with their taxes. They will start tax returns at the beginning of February.
Katadyn Connerley- Minnetrista hosts a Hospitality brunch every month, it is $30 per person and you can make reservations online. Minnetrista is having an indoor farmers market on December 21st from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Pack 303 is looking for service projects that they can do for 2025.
Carolyn Grieves- Please nominate people and businesses for these annual awards. We have so many deserving businesses and individuals in the community that we should be nominating!
Marta Guinn-The Yorktown Fire Department is doing their Santa gift deliveries December 14th-16th. Marta is looking for door prizes for the town’s Christmas party. If you would like to donate an item, contact Marta.
Jeff Neff-Destination Muncie is having their Holiday Open House on December 20th from 1-4 p.m.
Holiday thoughts/tips: Mark Goodpaster
Mark told a story regarding 2 very bad accidents that he had come upon recently. He gave kudos to the Yorktown police for arriving at the first accident that he witnessed in 3 minutes. It took EMTs and the police 26 minutes to arrive at the second accident that he had witnessed…it wasn’t in Yorktown. Tomorrow is never promised for us. Go visit the ones you haven’t seen for a long time. Appreciate the days as much as you can!
Next Meeting is on January 21st, 2025 with Tisha Gierhart presenting: “Mindset Matters: Starting 2025 with Clarity and Confidence” at the Town Hall. Doors open at 7:45 a.m., meeting is from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Adjournment: Promptly at 1:00 p.m.