​Richmond, IN — April 25, 2025 — On Friday, April 25, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the local round of the National Civics Bee® for the second year in a row. The event, held at Whitewater Hall on the campus of Indiana University East, brought together 20 middle school students and two alternates to showcase their civic knowledge and leadership ideas.

Melissa Vance, President and CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, shared her thoughts on the event:
"During a time with a heightened political climate, we more than ever need to teach the next generation how to engage in civics in a healthy way.  These middle school students have learned more about the foundation of our government and used critical thinking skills to identify ways they can impact the community around them. That's a win."
 
Students competed in two fast-paced rounds of multiple-choice questions testing their understanding of civics, government, and community issues. The top five scorers advanced to the final Q&A round, where they presented the topics, they had explored in their submitted essays. This year's finalists were:

• Taytem Rivera, Hibberd
• Brielle Moody, Northeastern Middle School
• Hadley Nutty, Northeastern Middle School
• Elliott Gray, Hagerstown Middle School
• Bella Mitchell, Hagerstown Middle School

In addition to the student competition, the audience also had a chance to test their civic knowledge. The top three scorers received prizes provided by IU East, Purdue Polytechnic, and Ivy Tech Richmond. Taking first place was Mark Blevins, a history teacher from Northeastern. Dr. Matthew Hicks, Northeastern Superintendent, claimed second place, and Matt Hokey, a student participant from Hagerstown, came in third.

By: US Chamber of Commerce, April 18, 2025

They face higher costs and lost customers.
Small businesses are struggling from higher tariffs—the biggest tax increase in America in 50 years. They tell the U.S. Chamber about rising costs, while inflation remains a top worry , losing customers, and struggling to stay competitive and expand. 

Why it matters: We all want a strong economy to improve the lives of Americans and their communities. A pro-growth agenda, instead of imposing tariffs, can raise workers' wages and support families. 

What they’re saying: 

• "Due to the tariffs and hostile attitude towards Canada, our Canadian customers are no longer interested in working with us,” said Chris Pence, president of porcelainware maker Haand in Burlington, North Carolina. “We have lost all of our market share in Canada and had to downsize our business as a result." 
   

• “We have put a halt on our facility upgrade plans and have also stopped the imports. We will not be able to meet our customer demand without an outside supply source, but we had to put a stop to our normal business plan due to the trade war,” said Michele Derrigo-Barnes, president and CEO of Plattco Corporation in Plattsburgh, New York. 
   

• “We have just shipped a container of Sonic Alert products that we paid around $250,000 that will arrive in the U.S. in the next week or so. We have no idea how much tariffs we will have to pay. The current rate of 100% is more than the profit we will make from selling the product,” Adam Kollin, owner of Sonic Alert in Troy, Michigan, told the U.S. Chamber. 

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Bottom line: Rather than imposing tariffs, Washington policymakers should focus on economic growth, including:  

• Making the 2017 tax reforms permanent 

• Rebalancing regulations 

• Harnessing American energy 

• Expanding markets for U.S. businesses and workers 

Dig deeper: 

• What Small Businesses Need to Know About Tariffs 

Tell us how tariffs are impacting your business, your workers, and your community. 
Learn More

 

Richmond, Ind. – More than 2,800 alumni, friends and partners across Indiana donated $483,813 on April 8 to support Ivy Tech Day – the third annual day of giving that supports scholarships and programs for Ivy Tech Community College’s more than 200,000 students across its 19 campuses. The Ivy Tech Richmond campus received 227 donations totaling $37,691.

This year’s total exceeded the 2024 results and brings the three-year cumulative giving to more than $1 million since the first Ivy Tech Day in 2023. The contributions fund the greatest needs at each campus supporting student success and powering Indiana’s economy – including pharmaceutical manufacturing, early childhood education, cybersecurity, and Ivy Tech’s nationally leading two-year nursing program, which awards more associate degrees than any other institution in the country.

“Ivy Tech is committed to delivering higher education at the speed of life, and our alumni, students, and partners once again showed their belief in our mission,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president, Ivy Tech Community College. “Their generosity empowers our students and alumni to thrive in an ever-evolving workforce, and their success strengthens communities across Indiana.”

The day was filled with energy as campuses turned “Ivy Green” and hosted events that celebrated over six decades of Ivy Tech’s service to Indiana. The momentum speaks to the College’s growing impact:
• More than 4 in 5 Ivy Tech graduates stay in Indiana to live and work • The College contributes nearly $4 billion annually to Indiana’s economy
• 84% of graduates finish without student loan debt
• Ivy Tech awarded more than 46,000 credentials in 2023-24 – nearly half (49%) of all postsecondary credentials earned by Hoosiers
• Student completion rates have more than doubled (up 119%) since 2016

​ “We are grateful to our alumni and friends for their support of Ivy Tech Day 2025, which will have a real and lasting impact on students right here in Richmond,” said Chad Bolser, chancellor, Ivy Tech Richmond. “It will make a real difference for thousands of students who are working to build better lives for themselves while supporting Hoosier communities. We are grateful for every donor who is helping open doors for our students to pursue their dreams and better our community.”

Centerville, Indiana — Get ready for a night of epic fun, mouthwatering flavors, and unforgettable experiences at Cope Environmental Center’s Birds, Brews & BBQ on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00-10:00 PM! This 21+ event is your ticket to an evening packed with live music, drinks, incredible food, and a chance to get up close with stunning live bird ambassadors. Presented by Advanced Duct Cleaning and Earlham College, this is one event you don’t want to miss!

Start the evening with appetizers and drinks as you explore our vendor “nesting spots” and try your luck in the exciting silent auction. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to meet live bird ambassadors up close—it’s the kind of experience you’ll be talking about for weeks.

Then, get ready to feast! Radfords will be serving up a delicious dinner that’s guaranteed to hit the spot. Enjoy yard games, mingle with fellow guests, and let the evening vibes take over.

As the sun sets, settle in for an incredible night of live music from not one, not two, but three talented local artists—Craig Wynne, Aaron Nell, and Brian Elstro. Whether you’re swaying with a drink in hand or kicking back under the stars, the music will set the tone for a magical night. Expect soulful vocals, catchy guitar riffs, and a setlist that will have you humming along long after the night ends.

​Tickets are expected to go fast, so grab yours now at visitcope.org and get ready for a night of Birds, Brews, and BBQ you won’t forget!

WAYNE/UNION COUNTY, Ind. – Starting next week Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct daily closures on U.S. 27 between Richmond and Liberty for multiple pipe replacements.

U.S. 27 will close at the following locations (one per day) from 9 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. Work is anticipated to continue for up to two weeks depending on weather conditions.
·     U.S. 27 south of S.R. 227 (Wayne County)
·     U.S. 27 south of Esteb Road (Wayne County)
·     U.S. 27 north of County Road 200 N. (Union County)
Drivers are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and avoid distractions in and near work zones. All schedules are subject to change.
​

Stay Informed
Motorists in East Central Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts any time via:

• Facebook: facebook.com/INDOTEast
• X (formerly Twitter): @INDOTEast
• TrafficWise: 511in.org
• Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android

​Richmond, IN – March 21, 2025 – The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce hosted Indiana Chamber President & CEO Vanessa Sinders at the Forest Hills Country Club for the first of its three-part Legislative Series. This event gathered local business leaders and Chamber members for an insightful discussion on key economic and policy issues affecting the state and region.
 
Sinders spoke on several key priorities of the Indiana Chamber from a strategic standpoint, addressing important issues such as energy policy, workforce development, and economic growth. Her presentation underscored the Chamber’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and addressing the challenges that impact local and statewide industries.
 
Additionally, Sinders engaged in a dynamic Q&A session with Chamber members and business leaders, providing valuable insights and addressing concerns relevant to Wayne County’s business community. The open dialogue allowed for meaningful discussions on the future of Indiana’s economic landscape and how local businesses can collaborate to drive progress.
 
The Legislative Series will continue with two more events later this year, featuring additional key policymakers and industry experts. These sessions provide Chamber members with direct access to influential voices and the opportunity to advocate for the interests of Wayne County’s business community.