Blog Archives - WAYNE COUNTY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

It's Time to Really Start Talking Cybersecurity

4/6/2022

At the risk of sounding like Chicken Little (you know the one who runs around talking about the sky falling) the current global “go-ings on” are the closest we’ll ever get to advanced warning that cybersecurity is something every business needs to worry about. Big or small, selling globally or just in your tiny town, if you do anything online, your data is in (potential) jeopardy. Here are the things you need to do now. Seriously.
Invest in Protection

While there are many articles out there that will tell you small ways businesses are at risk, it’s important to know that cybersecurity is something you will now have to consider as part of your business’ annual budget. Running updates as soon as they come out isn’t enough protection. Storing data in the cloud, isn’t enough if those cloud companies get hacked. Making sure your virus protection is in place…while all these things are good, they aren’t enough anymore. You need to speak with a cybersecurity expert. Rest assured a good expert will offer a customized plan for your business and work within your budget. But cybersecurity is now something you will have to budget for as a line item. Move toward that now.

Don’t Ignore Warnings

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and FBI have issued warnings over the past two months about the imminent threats of destructive malware aimed at organizations with dealings in the Ukraine. However, the agencies believe it is only a matter of time before American businesses (with no connections to that area of the world) are targeted too.

The actions that CISA/FBI urge companies to act on as soon as possible (meaning today, start these things today) include:
Set antivirus and antimalware programs to conduct regular scans.
Enable strong spam filters to prevent phishing emails from reaching end users.
Filter network traffic.
Update software.
Require multifactor authentication.
Use strong passwords, single use only (not the same ones across every site you access), and change them often.
Set your machines to require it.
Regularly backup data offline. Yes, a few years ago we were told cloud was everything. Now we stress redundancies. Do both.
Implement network segmentation. You don’t want to give access to everything through one “door.”
Work with a professional to draft a recovery plan. Require credentials to install software.
Configure access controls with “least privilege” in mind. If your employee doesn’t need it, don’t give them access.
Consider a VPN. Over the last several years, it’s become increasingly easy to access machines and log in to work from home. It was essential to work during COVID. But now that easy access can cause big problems.
Disable hyperlinks in emails.
Train your employees on cybersecurity and potential threats. Even savvy employees can be tricked by coincidences.

For instance, an email from “Federal Express” when they’re expecting a package can cause a lapse in judgment. While they may not normally click on something suspect like an attachment in an email, in this example it seemed legitimate because it fit into their world/expectations at that moment. If you’re not sure where to turn to start working on these things—and you don’t have an IT department—check with your local chamber. They often know of resources in the area and cybersecurity experts who can walk you through what you need to know. Also, read the Cyber Essential Resources for Small Business from CISA. It will help you decide where to start and how to begin cyber security implementation to keep you and your customers safe.

Don’t wait for something terrible to befall your organization (and this goes for nonprofits, too. Your lists could be very valuable). If you conduct any sort of business online or have any lists or data on your computer or in the cloud, you need to investigate the necessary level of protection and begin a plan for implementation. Once malware strikes, even large companies with huge budgets are helpless.

This is a business threat that you need to be proactive about. Being reactive to this threat is the same as doing nothing and that just won’t do.

Christina R. Metcalf (formerly Green) is a marketer who enjoys using the power of story and refuses to believe meaningful copy can be written by bots. She helps chamber and small business professionals find the right words when they don’t have the time or interest to do so.  Christina hates exclamation points and loves road trips. Say hi on Twitter or reach out on Facebook.

Root 13

4/6/2022

Written by: Lindsey McClain, Chamber Intern

Debbie Dalbey is a stylist, a mom, and most recently the owner of Root 13 Salon. This salon is a new, trendy and chic business that is attracting young hairdressers with its bohemian decor, modern curb apparel, and some of the best salon parking in Richmond. Opening just a few months ago in October of 2021, the building had to go through immense remodels to get it ready for new clients. This church-turned-dance-studio-turned-salon is now home to five hairdressers, including Debbie, and two lash technicians, all of whom can appreciate the time and care that went into the remodel of this building. Many community members also reached out to compliment the building’s remodel and thank her for bringing business to the southside of Richmond. Debbie found this community support to be some of the most rewarding parts of her journey.

Debbie has been doing hair for 24 years, but it wasn’t the path she always followed. She received a scholarship in high school that allowed her to pursue an education for free, taking both hair and nursing courses. When her side hobby of doing hair really took off, Debbie decided to drop those nursing classes and instead pursue hair styling full time. Now with so much experience behind her, owning her own business seemed like the best next step in her career. She said, “It was always a dream of mine to own my own business.” Social media played a large role in attracting new talent to Root 13 and in scheduling appointments. Many clients call and schedule appointments, but now more than ever clients are booking their appointments online. Not only are new customers excited to experience all the upgrades of Root 13, but also a myriad of Debbie’s lifelong clients.

Debbie is now able to help young professionals in her building by providing them with the resources they need to succeed in their respective careers. Ally Shepard, Sidney Williams, Logan Saylor, and Ashley Morales are the hair stylists there, and Jozey Wilmoth and Ali Bailey are the lash technicians, all of whom specialize in their own variety of services such as waxing, hair extensions, faux freckles, and tooth gems. Even with this variety, Debbie still has spaces for more professionals, which she looks forward to seeing filled.
Root 13 is unique in a number of ways. From private color mixing stations for the stylists, to the hidden cords and ample space, Debbie's knowledge of salons assisted greatly in her remodel. Young hairdressers are excited to work there with the variety of amenities offered to them and their clients. Inclusivity is also an extremely important part of Root 13. The building features gender neutral bathrooms and product marketing. Amika, the line of hair products sold at Root 13 are cruelty free, vegan friendly, and quality products for hair health. Customers can be confident that these products are the best ones for their hair and the environment.

Debbie appreciates her ability to be creative in her line of work and the opportunity to be flexible with her schedule. In the future she hopes to become an educator for other salons and stylists, offering advice on hair products, trusted techniques, and even the business aspects of being a stylist. The passion Debbie has for hair styling and running her business is evident; it is shown through her customer care, her detailed renovation, and her lifelong clients. Debbie is bringing new life to the hair styling industry and with it fresh stylists, better products, and a fully renovated salon.

A Big WIN for the "Wayneopoly" Annual Dinner & Awards

4/5/2022

The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 32 businesses, individuals, and organizations with more than 600 members in attendance for their Annual Dinner Friday night. In addition to awards and entertainment, the group heard from 2021 Board Chair Katie Alyea of 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union as well as incoming 2022 Board Chair Brian Ballenger of Whisenhunt Construction.

This year’s Wayneopoly theme took a local spin on the popular game of Monopoly. “It was a pleasure to serve as the 2021 Chamber Board Chair and be a part of the great work that led to a ‘Community Chest’ full of achievements last year,” said Alyea. From the Chamber’s state recognition as one of the top 10 Chambers in Indiana to the first Flavor of Wayne County on top of the parking garage, the work in diversity and inclusion by the Issues & Advocacy Committee, and the first Chamber Business Summit in the fall, Alyea was elated by the overall success of the year. “We zoomed right ‘past go’ and banked 37 ribbon cuttings and 80 new Chamber members!” she added, keeping with the theme of the night.

Ballenger focused on 2022 in his speech. Already achieving success with the Chamber Career Fair that hosted nearly 1,000 high school juniors and seniors, he says the Business & Education Committee will turn their attention to boosting internships in Wayne County. “This gives us an excellent chance to attract and retain our young talent,” he said.

Another area of focus will be supporting small businesses with their surprise “Chamber Pop-Ins” which take small groups of members to a business to spend a few dollars for food, drinks, or gift items.
“And tonight, for the very first time, we will present a new award – the Champion of Diversity,” Ballenger added. Named later that evening was the nonprofit Amigos, The Richmond Latino Center, as the first recipient of this award.

“Lastly, one of the programs I am most proud of that began in 2021 and wrapped up in January is our first WC Leads cohort,” concludes Ballenger. The program was aimed at young professionals under the age of 40 and brought 10 professional development workshops on topics like leadership, community involvement, overcoming obstacles. Each member was partnered with a mentor who met with them during the program and will likely remain a mentor afterward. The recognized graduates were:

Cierra Bailey, Richmond Parks and Recreation, mentored by Lindsay Sankey from Co-Alliance and Sankey Angus Abby Clifton, Indiana University East, mentored by Robin Henry from 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union Gabby Davis, Eastern Indiana Works, mentored by Acacia St. John from Forward Wayne County Kimmie Davis, Natco Credit Union, mentored by Stasia Veramallay Roxie Deer, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, mentored by Senator Jeff Raatz Angel Groves, Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau, mentored by Mary Jo Clark Heather Hall, BradyWare RKN, mentored by Cindy Duke from Natco Credit Union Andrew Hoover, Reid Health, mentored by Angela Cline from Reid Health Alex Painter, Wayne County Foundation, mentored by Jason Troutwine from Reid Health Ava Reed, 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union, mentored by Kim Tanner from Earlham College Cody Short, BradyWare RKN, mentored by Marty Van Der Burgt from Belden The Art Vivian Distinguished Community Leader award went to newly retired Boys & Girls Club (BGC) executive, Bruce Daggy. “Bruce Daggy is the epitome of executive directors around the country,” said BGC board member Richard Peterson. Daggy significantly grew the organization over his 29 years of service. The club now serves students across the county with the newest site opening at the Western Wayne Administration Building in Pershing.

Club member Mika Parks said the staff “made me the person I am today.” Garry Kleer, also a BGC board member, touted Daggy’s ability to mentor his staff, many of which went on to lead clubs around Indiana.
“It is humbling to be recognized for striving to achieve your personal mission of improving the lives of the children in our community,” said Daggy. Daggy follows his father, Dr. James R. Daggy, who was named the Art Vivian Distinguished Community Leader in 2008. “To be recognized for the same honor that was presented to my father makes the recognition so much more meaningful.”

Also a big winner for the evening was SugarCreek, the 2021 Corporation of the Year. Sugarcreek currently employs 600 and has invested $28 million in Cambridge City. Their creativity assists employees with housing, transportation, and childcare.

“Cambridge City is known as a childcare desert,” says YMCA Executive Director Misty Hollis. Hollis worked together with SugarCreek to apply for a grant that helped fund necessary equipment to open a Y-Care facility in the Western Wayne Elementary School. The program serves children of SugarCreek employees with additional openings available for area residents.

“The thing that I applaud SugarCreek for is the tenacity to make sure that the needs of their employees are being met,” Hollis said. “The challenge laid out to the leadership team will create a more empowered and engaged workforce,” said Michael Richardson, SugarCreek President. “Any way we can be a steward to make it a better place to live, we’re all in.”

LifeStream Services took home the Nonprofit of the Year award. The group serves older adults and helps people with disabilities live at home. During the COVID pandemic, the organization couldn’t gather their clients together in the same ways they had previously done, so they got creative. They held their health fair as a drive thru. Jenny Hamilton, LifeStream President/CEO said, “It may seem kind of strange for a health fair, but it worked.”

“We have about 1,000 volunteers, …so we started a friendly caller program,” said Hamilton. “That program paired up a volunteer with someone who just needed someone to talk to.” The program helped with those who were socially isolated.
“If we don’t value all of the people in our society, if we start to forget about people as they age, everybody suffers,” added Ray Wagner of 101.7 The Point. The programs offered by LifeStream help to address this critical need.

Other winners for the night include:
                Volunteer of the Year: Rick Duncan, G101.3 and Vox Vestra Productions
                Bob Rosa Buy Local Award: Ed DeLaPaz, CityLife FYI
                Emergency Professional of the Year: Anna Osborn Brown, Reid Health
                Partner in Education: Junior Achievement
                Outstanding Service to Agriculture: Sankey Angus
                Achievement of Excellence – Small Business: Phillips Tube Group, Inc.
                Achievement of Excellence – Large Business: First Bank Richmond
                Educators of the Year – Josh Amyx and Stephanie Baker, Richmond Community Schools
                Excellence in Higher Education – Dr. Oi Lin Cheung
                Outstanding Young Professional of the Year – Lori Current, Bethany Theological Seminary

Each of the Chamber’s six committees named outstanding members as well:
                Awards, Celebrations & Events Committee: Jessica Guth, Richmond State Hospital
Business & Education Committee: Sarah Mitchell, Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County
Buy Local Committee: Karin Hostetter, Cope Environmental Center
HYPE Wayne County: Lyndsey Hobson, Individual HYPE member
Issues & Advocacy Committee: Tamara Brinkman, United Way of Whitewater Valley
Member Outreach Committee: Cathy Hillard, Smiley’s Pub and Beer Garden

The event, typically held in January, was postponed to April 1 due to the high number of COVID cases in Wayne County at the time. However, the Chamber projects returning to its original timeframe next year on January 20, 2023.