Development Center luncheon set Feb. 10

Thursday, February 2, 2017
Rollie Helmling

Welcoming an executive from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to Greencastle as keynote speaker, the Greencastle/Putnam County Economic Development Center will host its annual luncheon on Friday, Feb. 10.

Rollie Helmling, vice president of business development for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), will be the featured speaker at the 11:30 a.m. event at the Prindle Institute for Ethics.

Helmling will speak on the role of local economic development within the larger framework of state and national affairs, such as how the local economic development center can partner with the IEDC.

The discussion is also likely to emphasize new administrations in both state and national government and how that could have an effect on economic development.

Besides Helmling’s speech, the meeting will be a chance to highlight the successes of the Development Center since Director Kristin Clary took over on Feb. 28, 2016.

These have included the addition of a new USDA loan program for small businesses to create new jobs, the creation of a new workforce committee and partnerships with Main Street Greencastle, the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce and the Putnam County Convention and Visitor Bureau ­— all of which have gone through leadership changes in recent years.

The meeting will also feature the election of the 2017 executive committee, with a proposed slate of Liz Cheatham as president; Laura Elsbrock, vice president; Rod Earley, secretary/treasurer; and committee members Bill Dory, Brad Kelsheimer, Bob Jedele, Todd Lewis and June Pickens.

Retiring board members Matt Howery, Beth Tharp and Dennis Weatherford will also be recognized.

Following Helmling’s keynote speech, the meeting will conclude with closing comments from Clary.

Helmling is a lifelong grocer, growing up in the family business, which was started by his father in 1956 in Vincennes. He became the president of Harold’s Supermarkets upon graduation from Indiana University School of Business in 1973.

Besides his nearly 30 years at the helm of Harold’s, Helmling also including owning a group of auto parts stores, serving on the boards of two banks and serving as president and board member of the Indiana Retail Grocer’s Association.

In November 2000, Harold’s stores were sold to the Kroger Co.

Having retired from the grocery business, Helmling became the president and CEO of the United States Auto Club. The USAC was a good fit, considering Helmling’s business background and history as a USAC car owner dating back to 1978.

As a racing owner, Helmling also serving as chief mechanic for drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, John Andretti, Mel Kenyon, Larry Rice, Kenny Schrader, Johnny Parsons and the late Stan Fox.

Retiring a second time, from USAC in 2007, Helmling again found himself back at work a short time later when Gov. Mitch Daniels established the Motorsports Initiative within the IEDC. Helmling was appointed director of the initiative, getting his start in the IEDC.

Rollie and his wife Carol reside in Carmel and have three adult daughters and two granddaughters.

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