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Bret Hurley assumes reins of Chamber of Commerce
By ERIC BERNSEE
Editor
When the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce sprang to life 60 years ago, the highlight of the year was the arrival of IBM Corp. in the community.
In 1954, a new car cost $1,700; gasoline was 22 cents a gallon and you could purchase a new home for $10,000.
Trains stopped at The Monon. Greyhound buses rolled through town and shoppers could get a new dress at Prevo's, a new suit and Mac's or a soda at Fleenor's.
"When I started to think about what Greencastle was like 60 years ago -- that was way, way before my time," new Chamber President Bret Hurley assured the annual dinner gathering Saturday night at the Dixie Chopper Business Center.
"Our predecessors saw a need to have a community organization where fellow local business owners could unite together and work to help each other," Hurley said. "And so, the Chamber was formed."
Its goal, he reminded, was to promote local business and bring owners and proprietors together to network for ideas and ways to prosper.
"It must have been a good idea," Hurley offered, "because it has stayed and proven successful."
Hurley went on to enumerate the many ways the Chamber interacts with local businesses, from special events to ongoing publications to ribbon cuttings and local gift certificates.
"For me," the new president added, "one of the most valuable things is that I have been able to meet other local business owners to make new friends and share ideas.
"The Chamber does so much to help our businesses grow," Hurley noted. "The question is: Are you taking advantage of the many opportunities offered?"
Addressing an audience of nearly 300, Hurley stressed that "as president, I want to know what you think."
"It is truly an honor to be the 2014 president of the Greencastle Chamber or Commerce. Let's make it a great year."
Meanwhile, in summarizing 2013, out-going president Scott Herrick said local community spirit has been "shown in all walks of life."
"It's been a year filled with memories of the past and dreams of the future," he said. "Businesses are rebuilding, reopening and new ventures are making dream become reality."
On the Chamber 2014 executive committee, Hurley is joined by Beth Flint, vice president; Amy Trusty, secretary-treasurer; Scott Herrick, past president; and Tammy Johnson, executive director.
Trusty was honored with the annual Director of the Year Award.
Welcomed as new Chamber directors for 2014 were Phyllis Rokicki, City of Greencastle; Rick Alexander, Walmart Distribution; Tiffany Deer, DePauw University; Brooke Trissel, Millpond Health Campus; Lee Fordice, HBG Insurance and Bonds; Jackie Hopkins, Moore's Bar; Susan Lorimer, Big Bounce Fun House; Lori Lucas, Putnam County Hospital, and Jeff Hubble, Greencastle Community School Corporation.
They join holdover directors Jenny Sullivan, Eitel's Florist; Michael Clampitt, North Salem State Bank; Marci Hefley, Endeavor Communications; James Knoebel, At Home Realty; Curt Krominaker, Pershing and Co.; Josh Richardson, First National Bank; Jennifer Edwards, United Way of Putnam County; Steve Jones, Collins-Evans Real Estate; and Rick Burger, Duke Energy.
Retiring Chamber directors acknowledged were Beau Battin, Scorpion Protective Coatings; Laurie Hardwick, City of Greencastle; Therese Cunningham, Cunningham Insurance; Dawn Puckett, Greencastle School Corporation; Pam Lage, Teachers Credit Union; Jenny Bradshaw, Monical's Pizza; Chris Ford, Walmart store; and Carrie Thompson, Crown Equipment.
It was pointed out during the program that nine Chamber members have been a part of the organization since it was founded in 1954.
Although several businesses have changed names and locations over the years, remaining Chamber members throughout the 60 yeas have been Black Lumber Co., Cash Concrete Products, DePauw University, Duke Energy, Eitel's Florist, Headley Hardware, Old National Bank, PNC Bank and Vectren.