BROWNSTOWN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS & INFORMATION
2011
SEPTEMBER CHAMBER CHATTER
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce met on September 13, 2011, for its monthly board meeting. The Chamber continues to reach out to its members and community with valuable events and programs.
The New Years Eve Bash will be held at Pewter Hall on December 31, 2011. Prices and details will be posted at brownstownchamber.org. Tickets are going on sale now. The night will include dinner, a DJ, and more.
Hometown Christmas is now set for December 2, 2011, at the Courthouse from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The event will entail Santa’s arrival, along with cookies and drinks, and several groups singing Christmas carols.
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce, along with JCB, Seymour Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Bank & Trust Company, and Seymour Jackson County Indiana, is supporting the Maverick Challenge program. The program is designed to encourage high school students to participate in a unique opportunity to learn how to develop new business ideas. Students will explore entrepreneurship, and will need businesses to be student mentors to provide assistance in developing their ideas. Please contact the Chamber if you are interested in being a volunteer for this program.
A soup kitchen named “Five Loaves and Two Fishes” is being provided by the Brownstown Community Church, along with Michie’s Diner and Miss Lucke’s. It offers a meal to those in need on Wednesday nights from 5:30-7:30pm at the Brownstown Community Church. Volunteers and donations are also needed. Please contact Mike Patton, 812-498-4935 if you are interested.
The deadline to purchase a brick for the “Yard of Bricks” has been extended. If you would like to purchase a brick for the new walking trail, please contact the Chamber of Commerce (812-358-2930).The Chamber is an array of businesses, organizations, and individuals who work together to build a better Brownstown community. It is excited to announce that the Jackson County Learning Center has joined the membership list. The chamber grows stronger with each new member. Thank you to its members and its supporters.
AUGUST CHAMBER CHATTER
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce met on August 9, 2011, for its monthly board meeting. Mark Combs, representative from John C. Groub and executive director of marketing, attended the meeting to educate the board about the local Jay C store. The board asked several questions concerning the size of the store, products that are available, and prices compared to other stores. Mark Combs informed the board they provide the best store Brownstown can support. He has committed to adding Udis gluten free white bread, whole grain bread, and snicker doodles to the bakery department display by the donut case, along with some additional produce items. He will visit the Brownstown store to look for out-of-stock ad items, and will continue to try to add a variety of healthy foods to the store. He encourages customers to visit www.kroger.com to attach coupons to their JayC card. The discounts will automatically be applied when they use their card at the store during the dates of the coupon.
The Chamber of Commerce is supporting the Maverick Challenge program. The program is designed to encourage high school students to participate in a unique opportunity to learn how to develop new business ideas. Students will explore entrepreneurship, and partner with business mentors. Prize money is given for outstanding projects.
The celebration for the “Back Home again in Indiana” contest took place at the fairgrounds on July 25, 2011. The president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway attended to congratulate our town. The celebration consisted of face painters, autographs sessions with drivers, a singing contest, raffles, and free hand outs. The Chamber thanks all those who attended to support Brownstown. We need your help in completing the walking trail. The $25,000 grand prize will be used to build a walking trail from the county park to the fairgrounds. After generous donations from local businesses, we still need $15,000. You can help by purchasing an engraved brick for the “yard of bricks” to be placed on the trail. Contact the Chamber office (358-2930) by September 10, 2011, if you are interested in information.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Chamber and our community.
JULY CHAMBER CHATTER
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met for its monthly meeting on July 12, 2011. This was the first meeting for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The board organized committees for the upcoming year, and discussed upcoming fundraisers and events. The budget committee will meet to prepare the budget for the next term.
The Chamber has seen positive changes in the past year, and wants to thank its members and the community for their support. The Chamber has added many new members, including Once Upon a Family. A ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted to promote their grand opening on July 1, at East Walnut Street in Brownstown.
President Debbie Hackman updated the board on the progress of the walking trail to be constructed from the $25,000 won in the “Back Home Again in Indiana” contest. She presented a view of the trail, and expressed a positive outlook on getting the funds necessary to finish the project.
The board also discussed events planned for the next few months. The Chamber will have a walking unit in the 2011 Melonfest parade, and a booth set up to sell “Chamber Chow Down” cookbooks produced by its members. A “Dancing With the Stars” night with local celebrities will occur in September, and a New Year’s Eve Bash will be held at Pewter Hall on New Year’s Eve. Hometown Christmas will again be a highlight in December. Continue to check our website, www.brownstownchamber.org for details.
The Chamber wants to keep serving its members, and wants to continue to grow. If you need information on becoming a member, or would like to offer positive suggestions, feel free to call our office at 358-2930.
JUNE CHAMBER CHATTER
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce has been very active in the past few months. It recently added Deck’d Out Photography, Bob Thomas, and Bane Logging to its membership list. The Board of Directors is excited to see its membership reach well over one hundred members this past year. The Chamber also held its Annual Dinner Meeting on June 9, 2011, at Pewter Hall. The dinner was a huge success thanks to the support of our members. The Chamber recognized several businesses during the meeting: Outgoing Board Member Susie Glasgow, Chamber Member of the Year The Peoples Bank, Teen Citizen of the Year Samantha Bane, Website Utilization Jackson County Community Theatre, Most Spirited Chamber Member Brownstown Hardware, Newest Member Jackson Jennings Co-op, New Businesses Designs by Alli, Deck’d Out Photography, Father & Son Pre-Owned, and Knotts and Tangles. The Chamber would like to thank everyone who donated items to the auction, everyone who participated in the auction, and all those who had a part in the putting on the dinner.
The Chamber held its monthly board meeting on June 21, 2011. Paul Borden was welcomed to the Chamber Board of Directors. The board established Debbie Hackman as President, Daniel Blann as Vice-President, and Jeri Burbrink as Treasurer for this next year. The board discussed the Chamber’s interest in the Maverick Challenge, a high school entrepreneurship program. The Maverick Challenge encourages students to learn how to develop a business plan, and encourages businesses to be mentors to the high school students. Debbie Hackman attended a session on making Jackson County Healthier. The board plans to support this mission and work on ways to contribute.
The Chamber Board of Directors would like to take the opportunity to thank the community for their participation in the “Back Home Again in Indiana” decorating contest. We express our gratitude to everyone who participated. We have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. It has provided the opportunity for our community to pull together to work for a common goal. While we are ecstatic about the $25,000, the community service that was seen from small children to senior citizens was a much bigger prize. Brownstown’s entry into the contest all started with our President of the Chamber of Commerce saying, “I think we can do this.” That “we can do this” spirit filled our town within in a few days, and our town was turned into one of the “Greatest Spectacles in Racing Spirit!” Our biking/walking trail is in the development stage. The Indy 500 will always be a big part of Brownstown’s history. We will have a display placed in our Jackson County History Center. We are most proud that someday our members will be able to take their kids and grandkids to show them they played a part in this community service project, and hopefully winning this contest will encourage everyone to continue working for other causes as an involved citizen. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We have truly been impacted by this project.
The Chamber has more upcoming events scheduled. A New Year’s Eve Bash is planned, and a “Dancing With The Stars” event is in the works. Be checking our website www.brownstownchamber.org for more information. We love Brownstown and the people who work hard to see our community thrive.
MAY CHAMBER CHATTER
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce met on May 10, 2011 at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for their monthly board meeting. The meeting produced a positive outlook for events and projects the Chamber has planned for the upcoming months.
The Legislative Breakfast was held May 14, 2011, at W.R. Ewing. A question and answer session was held with Congressman Young, Senator Steele, Representative Davisson, and Representative Goodin. Thank you to all who attended and participated.
The Annual Dinner Meeting will be held June 9, 2011, at Pewter Hall. Social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner following at 6:30 p.m. The Chamber will give special recognitions to individuals and businesses, with a live auction following.
The Brownstown Chamber would like to welcome new members Jackson Jennings Co-op and Jackson County Soil & Water Conservation District. The Chamber continues to expand and offer more support to its members. It appreciates the dedication of businesses and individuals that make up Brownstown.
Brownstown made the Top Ten! The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce and Brownstown/Ewing Main Street offered an opportunity for the town to pull together and participate in the Indy 500 “Back Home Again in Indiana” decorating contest. They were overwhelmed by the town’s support. Individuals, schools, churches, groups, and businesses participated; doing an outstanding job of showing what Brownstown is all about. Thank you to everyone who helped in this project. Many people from all over have now had the chance to see Brownstown, and the great community we have.
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is working hard to promote Brownstown as a healthy, strong community that continues to thrive. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the Chamber Office at 358-2930. Membership applications can be found online at www.brownstownchamber.org.
APRIL CHAMBER CHATTER
The Brownstown Chamber continues to grow, and the board continues to help Brownstown prosper as a community. They would like to welcome Jackson Jennings Co-op and Fairfield Inn, the official hotel of the Brownstown Speedway, as its newest members.
The Chamber of Commerce is excited to have Eric Diblasi become a member of its Board of Directors. Eric is currently employed at the Jackson County Banner, and will begin his role on the board immediately.
The Legislative Breakfast will be held May 14, at W.R. Ewing at 9:00am. Those attending will be Rep. Terry Goodin, Sen. Jim Smith, Congressman Todd Young, Sen. Brent Steele, and Rep. Steve Davisson. The breakfast is open to the public.
Invitations to the Annual Dinner will be sent soon. The Dinner is June 9, 2011, at Pewter Hall. Nominations for “Outstanding Community Member” are being accepted. You can download the form at www.brownstownchamber.org.
The Chamber would like to thank all of those who participated in the “Chamber Chow Down” Cookbook. Thecookbook is in the print stage, and will go on sale to the public very soon.
The Chamber would also like to thank the community for their overwhelming response and support for the “Back Home Again in Indiana” decorating contest. We are proud of our community for pulling together and working hard to accomplish our goal. The grandprize winners will be announced on May 25, 2011.
The Chamber works to keep our community members involved and aware of events happening in our area. Continue to send in any event you want posted on our website. The Chamber’s email address is chamber@brownstownchamber.org.
MARCH CHAMBER CHATTER
Spring is on its way! With spring will come better weather, and lots of exciting things happening in our community. You don’t want to miss out, so keep checking our website, www.brownstownchamber.org, and our Facebook page. The Chamber is looking forward to all it has planned in the months ahead.
The Chamber is continuing to grow each month. American Legion Post 112, Brownstown Family Medicine, the Lions Club, and Ewing Uniques have recently become members. The Chamber thanks them for their membership and looks forward to serving them as part of our growing community.
The Chamber’s monthly board meeting was held on March 8, 2011, at Dairy Queen. The fundraising committee reported the “Chamber Chow Down” cookbook will be on sale in Chamber Office very soon. They are still accepting free recipe submissions and paid advertisements from their members until the end of the month.
President Debbie Hackman has confirmed a list of local legislators that will be attending the Legislative Breakfast on May 14, 2011. Congressman Young, Senator Steele, Senator Smith, Representative Goodwin, and Representative Davisson will be at W.R. Ewing at 9:00am for a public question and answer session.
The Chamber is accepting nominations for an “Outstanding Community Member” in order to recognize the efforts of those who perform at a superior level of commitment, partnership, positive attitude, and have the ability to embrace the beauty of Brownstown. The winning nominee will be recognized at the Annual Dinner Meeting on June 9, 2011, at Pewter Hall. Nomination forms are posted on our website and are available in our Chamber office.
The Indy 500 celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year. The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce and Brownstown/Ewing/ Main Street are joining to bring our town together to enter a contest put on by theIndianapolis Motor Speedway. The contest will recognize towns who are promoting the Indy 500. A grand prize of $25,000 will be awarded to the winning town for the betterment of their community. Our town will participate by offering a business and resident decorating contest, by incorporating our Speedway’s dirt track, by holding a celebration on April 30, 2011, at the Jackson County History Center, and by accepting videos and photos of how Brownstown ties to the Indy 500. The Chamber office will also accept videos, photos, or documentation of 100 of something (100 minutes of reading, 100 minutes of prayer, 100 cans of food donated to a local pantry, 100 laps around the track, etc.) to be posted on their blog. Details are posted on our website.
The Chamber strives to continue moving in a positive direction. If you would like to be a part of this movement to enhance our community, please contact our office. Brownstown is a wonderful place to live,and we want to promote it as such.
FEBRUARY CHAMBER CHATTER
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce is booming with excitement over its new memberships and the many events it has planned for the remainder of the year. January was spent basically redirecting goals and planning the future of the Chamber, February is the beginning of the Chamber working together with its members and other organizations to create the unity that will help Brownstown prosper.
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting for its new member, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, on February 3, 2011. The business recently moved to a beautifully remodeled building on 123North Main Street in Brownstown. Thrivent offers insurance and financial services for its customers.
The Chamber Board of Directors met on February 10, 2011, at Azteca Restaurant for its monthly board meeting. President Debbie Hackman reported legislators are confirming their attendance at the Legislative Breakfast on May 14, 2011. The Chamber invites the public to attend this question and answer session with local legislators at W.R. Ewing at 9:00am.
The fundraising committee announced its “Chamber Chow Down” project, a cookbook with a twist, is underway. The committee encourages Chamber members to continue to send in recipes and advertisements to be placed in the cookbook. The cookbook will go on sale to the public very soon.
The Chamber website (www.brownstownchamber.org) is overflowing with information and upcoming community events. We continue to encourage you to visit this site often and contact the Chamber with anyevent you want to advertise. We want people to see what is happening in our town and to see that Brownstown is a great place to live. We have an active Facebook page also.
The Chamber Annual Dinner is set for June 9, 2011. The Chamber is planning to take nominations for people who service our community, or are outstanding members of our community. The Chamber wants to honor the people who have contributed to this town. Brownstown is beautiful in many ways and provides an environment that is safe and comfortable. It’s the people of this town who have built this feeling. We want to thank them for their dedication. If you feel someone has contributed to the beauty and success of Brownstown, please contact the Chamber Office or visit our website.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Many organizations in our town are contributing to a celebration of this anniversary. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will recognize our town for its involvement. More information will be released on this celebration at the end of the month, but be thinking and getting excited. We want everyone involved.
The Chamber is working hard to benefit its members and to promote our community. It encourages its members to continue to suggest improvements and take an active role in what their membership means to them. It also encourages those who are not members to join. There are so many exciting things happening in our Chamber, we want everyone to be a part of it. Contact our office, 358-2930, if you are interested.
JANUARY CHAMBER CHATTER
The Browntown Chamber of Commerce has a positive outlook for 2011. The board is develooping new directions and goals, and is excited to enhance our community by continuing to serve local businesses, organizations, churches, and the people of Brownstown. The new Board of Directors is energetic and ready to promote the purpose of the Chamber of Commerce. New members of the Board of Directors are President Debbie Hackman, Vice-President Daniel Blann, Treasurer Jeri Burbrink, Kimberly Cooper, Susie Glasgow, Sandy Hackman, Brittany Strahl, Steve Weaver, and Brian Wheeler. Jennifer Shade is the new Office Manager.
The Board of Directors would like to welcome Brownstown Greenhouse and Gifts Inc. to the Brownstown Chamber of Commerce. This business has served Brownstown since 1890. The current owners, Wayne and Judy Gilbert, have been dedicated since 1986 providing a retail floral, greenhouse, and gift shop. The Chamber is excited to have new memebers join for the opportunity to provide support to them. If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of commerce you can visit our website www.brownstownchamber.com or contact our office at 358-2930. The Chambers new office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30-2:30pm.
The Board of Directors met on January 13, 2011 for its monthly board meeting. Linda McCormick with Brownstown/Ewing/Main Street attended as a guest to share the community group's purpose and need fo rthe Chamber's support. The vision is to see all groups, organizations, committees, etc. to work together for the betterment of Brownstown.
Also at the meeting, President Debbie Hackman confirmed May 14, 2011 as the date for the Annual Legislative Breakfast. The breakfast will be held at WR Ewing and will allow a public question and answer session with local legislators.
The fundraising committee for the Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a New Year's Bash has been for 2011. Mark your Calendars and watch for details of this event in upcoming newsletters and on the Chamber website.
The Chamber wants to use its website as a service to the community. It is accepting dates and times of events happening thoughout the community. If you have information you would like posted on our website contact the Chamber Office.
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce thanks its members for their support and patience through its many changes. The Chamber will continue to grow and support the basis for which it was formed.
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2010
OCTOBER CHAMBER CHATTER
Brownstown Chamber of Commerce board members toured the Jackson County Learning Center on Oct. 14 to find out about programs that may benefit their members.
Director Amy Heideman took the board members through the community room, classrooms and office area, stating that the rooms are all equipped with LCD screens and hook-ups and can be reserved by business and community groups. Several classrooms have pull-down screens and one has two-way video and Macromedia Breeze web conferencing technology, she said. The center also has an internet café, Wi-Fi and vending machines.
Students may attend face-to-face classes with IUPU Columbus, Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana Wesleyan and there are over 3,000 classes that are delivered by internet, two-way video, CD-rom, home study or other mediums. The learning center provides guidance through the college application process, registration, financial aid application and assistance with placement testing and career information.
Heideman said that the chamber could poll its members about business classes they would be interested in taking through Ivy Tech at the learning center. Once a minimum number of participants have committed, the classes could be arranged. Chamber members may be able to utilize their Ivy Tech discounts as well. The educational services committee will research the types of classes available and inform the members in the near future.
During a short business meeting, the board discussed Hometown Christmas which will be held on Friday, Dec. 3, at the courthouse in Brownstown. Chairperson Sandy Hackman announced that there will be vendors in the courthouse lobby all day, free refreshments will be offered at the Senior Citizens Center across the street and Santa will arrive at 5:30 p.m. for photos with the children. Free horse-drawn wagon rides also will be available.
Several board members agreed to speak at the Seymour Rotary luncheon at noon on Monday, Nov. 8, at Dakota Ridge.
The board learned that a new business, Sweet Stop Bakery, will open this month at 416 N. Main. Owner Jessica Mullis plans to sell cookies, donuts, muffins and cakes as well as party supplies.
For information about chamber activities or community news, call 358-2930 or go to www.brownstownchamber.org.
SEPTEMBER CHAMBER CHATTER
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce learned about the Corporate Mentoring Program at their September meeting. Kendra Harris and Terrye Davidson, representing Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Jackson County, spoke to the board about the program which matches up volunteers from the community with students in grades six through eight. The mentor and student meet during the child’s lunch hour, once per week, throughout the school year. The goal is to provide mentoring, guidance, friendship and support to the student.
Davidson said that eighth grade achievement is the biggest factor in whether students succeed in high school and continue on to post-secondary education. Less than two out of 10 students are ready for college by the time they graduate high school and 25 percent of Jackson County residents don’t read above the fourth grade level, they noted. This program gives the students more confidence and helps them get along better with their teachers, peers and families. For about 40 minutes a week and the cost of lunch, volunteers will be able to make a huge difference in these students’ lives, Davidson said.
To volunteer for the Corporate Mentoring Program at Seymour or Brownstown, call 522-9699 or e-mail Kendra@bbbssi.org.
In regular business, the chamber board officially approved Brittany Strahl of Covered Bridge Health Campus to fill the seat of Marty Stuckwisch who resigned due to time constraints and conflicts with work. Strahl, community services representative at Covered Bridge, was on the ballot for 2010-11 and held the next-highest number of votes at the annual dinner. She will serve a three-year term and fill the vacant seat as well as chair a chamber committee.
Four new chamber members were announced – Thrivent Financial Services, Once Upon a Family, Father and Son Pre-Owned and Employment Plus. The board agreed to reach out to the smaller communities in Western Jackson County with an invitation to join the chamber.
A financial audit was performed on Aug. 18 by Jack Montgomery, Caroline Swartwood and Trish Butt and no discrepancies were found.
Debbie Hackman, education committee chairman, reported that Microsoft has offered to do a free training session for the Windows 7 program. A minimum of seven people is required for the class and a location has yet to be determined, she said. Chamber members interested in this training session should call Hackman at 358-4277.
The board will meet at the Jackson County Learning Center at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, to discuss programs which will benefit Brownstown residents and business owners.
AUGUST CHAMBER CHATTER
The 2010 Melonfest was discussed at the Aug. 12 meeting of the Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
The Melonfest float committee, chaired by Susie Glasgow, is planning an Olympic-themed float which will promote Brownstown businesses and feature this year’s Chamber Member of the Year – the Jackson County History Center. Local business owners and their employees and family members are invited to ride on or walk alongside the float.
The chamber will have a booth at the festival to hand out informational material and will be selling Brownstown, Indiana promotional yard signs made by Custom Printing Co. A wooden Radio Flyer car from Brownstown Hardware will be raffled off for $1 per ticket or six tickets for $5. The car will be displayed on the chamber float during the parade and in the chamber booth.
The chamber’s 2010 Teen Citizen of the Year, Victoria McKinney, will be riding in the parade as the 2010 Fair Queen but her chamber award will be acknowledged with a magnetic sign on the side of the car.
The budget committee presented the 2010-11 budget and a committee from the chamber membership was chosen to perform an audit on Aug. 18.
Memberships are down from last year, but the board is optimistic that as the economy recovers, more businesses will be able to support the chamber’s efforts to promote Brownstown’s economic growth.
New memberships were received from Father and Son Pre-Owned LLC, Once Upon a Family and Employment Plus of Bloomington.
For information about chamber initiatives, local businesses and the Brownstown community, go to www.brownstownchamber.org.
JULY CHAMBER CHATTER
Chamber Board and Committees Reorganize
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce reorganized for 2010-11 on Thursday, July 8. Vice-Pres. Bob Gillespie agreed to serve as president, Debbie Hackman as vice-president and Jeri Burbrink as treasurer. New board members Scott Shade and Daniel Blann were introduced and welcomed.
Committees also were reorganized with a board member serving as chair for one and as co-chair for a second committee. Jeri Burbrink will chair the annual dinner committee with Kimberly Cooper as co-chair, Cooper and Scott Shade on fundraising, Sandy Hackman and Susie Glasgow on Hometown Christmas, Debbie Hackman and Daniel Blann on the legislative breakfast committee, Glasgow and Marty Stuckwisch on the Melonfest float committee, Shade and Debbie Hackman on the member educational services committee, Stuckwisch and Burbrink on membership communications and Blann and Sandy Hackman on recruitment.
It was agreed that the chamber president will serve as liaison to the Brownstown Community Enhancement Partnership and attend their meetings. The executive board will serve as the budget committee and agreed to meet on July 19 to create the chamber’s 2010-11 annual budget.
The chamber board agreed to serve as a support agency on the Jackson County Long Term Recovery Committee’s comprehensive emergency management plan and to add their names as supporters on Brownstown / Ewing Main Street’s application for a grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson County.
For more information about chamber committees or initiatives, go to the website, www.brownstownchamber.org. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at the chamber office, 119 W. Walnut St., in Brownstown.
JUNE CHAMBER CHATTER
BROWNSTOWN CHAMBER THANKS MEMBERS FOR A GOOD YEAR
The Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to thank its members for 2009-10 and welcomes local businesses, organizations and churches to join the chamber family for the new year beginning July 2010. Annual dues of $150 go toward funding chamber activities which are geared toward the promotion of local businesses and the betterment of the community.
At this year’s annual dinner, held on June 10, at Pewter Hall, Pres. Doug Hanner recapped highlights of the past year including the board’s work with Ball State’s Building Better Communities to create a community plan, ongoing involvement with Brownstown Community Enhancement Partnership and JCIDC, offering discounts on business and personal insurance for chamber members through Auto-Owners Insurance, the legislative breakfast, golf outing and Hometown Christmas events and support of the new farmer’s market.
Hanner noted that the chamber board held ribbon cuttings for new businesses Awe the Details, Stahl’s Café and Deli, Johnson Appliance and Repair, Kneading the Dough Bakery and Fleetwood’s Pizza along with a new home built by Pauley Construction and the new concession stand at the town park. The year ended with a total of 94 regular memberships and 21 non-profit memberships for a total of 115 members.
An auction was held during the dinner this year with items donated by Covered Bridge Health Campus, Marion Kay Spice Co., Happy Herman’s Package Store, the Jackson County Banner, John Mellencamp, Indiana Bank and Trust, Tiemeyers Farm Market, Clotheshorse Consignment Shop, Jay-C Food Store, Ewing Uniques, Bob Gillespie, the Hitch’n Post, Café 58, Sandy Hackman, Jackson-Jennings Farm Bureau Co-Op, Monroe Bank, and Jackson County Recycling.
Floral centerpieces provided by The Brownstown Greenhouse were given as door prizes to David Hackman, Cindy Terry, James Driscoll, Tammy Dye, Bill Lewis, Donna Wessel, John Spurgeon and Blake Fish. Dennis Sterling won two tickets for the Taste of Wines, Brews and Blues festival, donated by the American Red Cross.
The board thanks all those who participated in this year’s dinner meeting and invites anyone interested in learning more about the chamber of commerce to attend monthly meetings or join a committee such as educational events, recruitment, legislative breakfast, annual dinner, Melonfest float or Hometown Christmas. For information about the chamber and its activities, go to www.brownstownchamber.org.
