Yorktown Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Monthly Chamber Meeting

May 20, 2014, 8:00 a.m.,

Mellott Family Center

 

INTRODUCTIONS and WELCOME:   25 attending:   James Dalton, Leslie Baim,  Barb Baker, Al Baker, Bonita Ramirez, Kayla Hall, Ed Armantrout, Marty Ballard, Susan Orebaugh, Carolyn Grieves, Brian Couch, Maureen Walby, Katie Smith, Maggie Walker, Marcie Minton, Kelly Shrock, Kelly Wittman, Jennifer McCormick, Steve Smith, Susan Waymire, Vicki Vaught, Briana Price, Pete Osborn, speaker Pete Lembo and wife Jan.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Minutes approved as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Financial report was approved as presented. Treasurer Ed Armantrout recognized for his problem-solving with new member software. “You can teach an old dog new tricks” recognition.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE REPORT:  Plan being conducted by town Manager Pete Olson. President Dalton said board is working with him for a plan on where Chamber is and wants to go, how Chamber can help businesses, etc. Plan to be shared with membership when completed.

4 FOR THE FOURTH REPORT—Fourth year for 4 for the 4th race which has raised $25,000 for construction of trails during those 4 years, according to report by committee member Olson. Ultimately River Road trail construction will move from the north to southside at Nebo to join up with federal trail project that will hook up with Cardinal Greenways. Also extend trail to Lone Beach from Sports Park. He also thanked Chamber for their sponsorship of paying for 1/3 of the bags—450 bags for $900. Other 2 partners are the Town and the 4 for the 4th race.  Hoping for 700 runners this year.  Reminded members that sponsorship is still available.

TOWN UPDATE—Olson said Gill Brothers applying for tax abatement. 2 projects: 27,000 sq. ft. distribution center at Park One, doubling of current location and adding 30 employees in 3 years.

Working on 2 gateway signs for Exit 241 on I-69 with INDOT.  Wayfinding signs and signs at 600 and 332 are still in the works. Post holes being dug for wayfinding signs now.  Roundabout at Jackson and Nebo is set to start August 2015 and will be a 3-5 month project to be finished and open by December, 2015.  Stoplight at 500 and 332 will be installed this summer.

 Because of all the children and previous parking issues at Sports Park, the town will issue $135 tickets and fines to those parking illegally. Overflow parking is available at the school, a short ¼ mile walk away.

SCHOOL REPORT—Superintendent Jennifer McCormick said US News & World Report selected Yorktown Schools as one of top 4 schools in the nation.  Yorktown was selected as 1 of 30 districts in the nation to work with Purdue on STEM efforts.  She also discussed the YHS Art Show and immersive learning project with BSU students and Steve Smith. One item that came out of that marketing initiative was that 300 turnover yearly at the hospital and university. That gives Yorktown an opportunity to capture the new ones in that turnover.  Yorktown’s 10 retirees have a combined 293 years of service in education, 36 students were inducted into National Honor Society, and DECA in its first year made it to nationals in Atlanta.  June 8 is graduation. 36 languages are spoken by students attending Yorktown schools.  Tonight a new athletic director and new assistant principal will be hired.

GUEST SPEAKER:   Ball State University football coach Pete Lembo. He discussed his mission statement and how and what type of results are measured. Areas touched on included the summer bridge program, strength and conditioning program, retention, academics, creative funding, playing one big money game each season.  How can Chamber members help? Come to a game, get involved—hire summer help, participate in Cardinal cooks program in July and October, Sign up for coach’s newsletter, and or stop by the stadium when you see lights on to watch practice.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Yorktown Grant Committee for Community Foundation will meet June 2.  Yorktown Farmers Market will move back to Morrow’s Meadow May 23.  LifeStream’s Legacy Golf Outing is May 21.

MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:20 a.m.

Ongoing List of 2014 Recognitions – Luminary Festival Committee for Luminary Festival; Yorktown Street Department for snow removal; YMS Custodians for help with vendor space; Yorktown Wrestling Team; Kelly Shrock, Riley Dance-a-thon committee, Carolyn Grieves for help with town appreciation lunch, Arrick Garringer for website redesign,

BRING A GUEST TO OUR NEXT MEETING:  June 17 at 8:00 a.m. at Mellott Family Center