Summer is a great time to consider the advantage of temporary labor. You know that project you’ve been putting off? How about the organization structure you wanted to build? What about that technology trial? Or maybe there's something you’ve been doing that could easily be managed by someone else so you can free up your time for things that require your attention?

As vacations loom and customer buying patterns shift, it’s an ideal time to explore temporary hires or interns. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, businesses expect to hire 3.9% more interns than in the previous year, and 81% say they plan to increase or maintain intern hiring.

But if you think you can just bring in an intern, hand over a pile of small tasks, and call it a program, you’re missing a bigger strategic opportunity.

The smartest businesses do something different. They don’t use interns just to fill a chair or display them to the community to look like a business that’s worried about the future workforce.

They use them to tackle work that matters.

Don’t think your business could use an intern? Think again. Here are a few ingenious ways to get things done with the “summer help”:

Process Detective
One of the best ways to use an intern is as a process detective. Every business has systems that have grown messy over time. Maybe your onboarding is inconsistent. Maybe client files are stored in three places, and no one knows which version is right. Maybe your front desk, inbox, or quoting process depends too much on tribal knowledge. An intern can document workflows, identify bottlenecks(they provide fresh ideas because they don’t know the history), and help organize procedures in a way that saves your team time long after summer ends. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s high-value work and the intern can learn a lot about process, efficiencies, and operations.

Customer Experience Reviewer
Interns can also be incredibly helpful as customer-experience reviewers. When you’re inside your own business every day, it becomes hard to see friction points. An intern has fresh eyes.

​Ask them to walk through the experience as if they were a customer. Could they find the right information on your website? Was the contact process clear? Did your social media tell them what you do? Was your location easy to navigate? In almost every industry, there are blind spots the employees stopped noticing years ago.

Content Miner
Another strong use for interns is content mining. This is especially useful for businesses that know they should be marketing more consistently but never seem to have the time.

An intern can help turn existing knowledge into usable content. They can gather frequently asked questions, interview staff, organize customer success stories, pull together blog topic ideas, or help sort photos and video clips you already have. They may not be your final decision-maker, but they can absolutely help uncover the raw material your business has been sitting on. Put them to this task and you may uncover six months’ worth of content that no one can produce but you—an excellent way to standout on social media.

Researcher
Summer interns are also well suited for research projects that tend to get pushed aside. Maybe you want to understand what competitors are doing, what events are worth attending, what partnerships might make sense, or what new audience segments you should be reaching. Maybe you want a clearer picture of local market trends or customer reviews. Interns can gather and organize that information(or use AI to do it)so leadership can make smarter decisions without spending hours chasing data.

Internal Knowledge Organizer
Another overlooked role is internal knowledge organizer. In many small and midsize businesses, important information lives in emails, sticky notes, shared drives, and one very loyal employee’s head. That isn’t a system. It’s a problem waiting to happen. What becomes of your operations if something happens to that employee? At some point every employee leaves. What information would walk with them?

An intern can help create shared resources, update templates, build simple reference guides, and make day-to-day information easier for everyone to find. That kind of clean up can be the difference between having information at your fingertips or having to leave countless messages for past employees.

Event Planner or Worker
If your business hosts events, supports the community, or depends on local visibility, interns can help there too. They can assist with planning checklists, event follow-up, sponsorship tracking, guest communication, and post-event recaps.

They can help your business show up more professionally and more consistently. As we head into a season when networking, festivals, community programs, and business events often increase, that kind of support can make a noticeable difference.

But none of this works if the internship is built around filler. Interns don’t need to run your business, but they do need real assignments, some context, and a sense that their work matters. It’s good for them and for you. NACE notes that organized internship programs are linked to better conversion outcomes, and interns who are satisfied with their experience are far more willing to accept an offer from that employer later on.

​If you’re bringing in summer help, think beyond the 2026 version of coffee runner. Think about what your business needs that your team never has time to tackle. Consider the projects that improve efficiency, strengthen visibility, and make future growth easier. That’s where interns can shine and that’s a much better use of a summer and a desk.

For the team at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, banking isn’t about transactions, it’s about people.

That mindset is rooted in a simple philosophy: people helping people. It’s been at the core of 3Rivers since its founding in 1935, but in Richmond and Wayne County, it shows up in a way that feels especially personal. Here, the people behind the desks aren’t just financial professionals, they’re neighbors, friends, and familiar faces in the community.
“We’re committed to being more than just a financial institution,” their team shared. “We want to be a trusted partner and an active part of the community.”

That idea shapes every interaction that happens inside their branch. Conversations aren’t rushed, and solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, the focus is on understanding where someone is coming from and where they want to go. “In our day-to-day work, that means taking the time to truly listen,” they explained. “To understand each member’s unique situation and offer guidance that’s in their best interest.”

For some, that might be opening their first account. For others, it’s navigating a financial challenge or planning for something bigger down the road. Whatever the situation, the approach stays the same, meet people where they are, and help them move forward with confidence. That commitment is what sets 3Rivers apart as a member-owned credit union. Without shareholders to answer to, their focus stays local, centered on the people and businesses right here in Wayne County.

“Our teams live and work here, so we understand the needs of our members,” they said. “It allows us to be more flexible, more responsive, and more community-focused.”

Sometimes, that difference shows up in quiet, everyday moments. And other times, it becomes something more memorable. Recently, a member came in with their heart set on what they called their “dream car,” unsure if it was actually within reach. Instead of offering a quick answer, the 3Rivers team sat down with them, walking through their budget, talking about long-term goals, and exploring options that would truly work. “We were able to structure a loan that fit comfortably within their budget,” they shared. “They were ecstatic, not just about the car, but about knowing it fit into their long-term plans.” Moments like that are what make the work meaningful, not just for the member, but for the team behind it. “Our team members were equally excited at the opportunity to make a difference,” they added.

Outside the branch, that same sense of purpose carries into the community. 3Rivers is deeply involved in supporting organizations like Girls Inc. of Wayne County, Amigos, Communities in Schools, and the Richmond Art Museum, each one playing a role in strengthening the fabric of the community.

“By investing in these organizations, we’re helping create a more vibrant and resilient community,” they said. “We want to see it thrive.”

That investment also shows up in the way they build relationships over time. For 3Rivers, it’s never about a single interaction, it’s about consistency, trust, and showing up when it matters. “Building long-term relationships starts with getting to know our members beyond a single transaction,” they explained. “It’s about being a trusted resource at every stage of life.”

Through their involvement with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, those relationships continue to grow. It’s given them the opportunity to connect with other businesses, collaborate on initiatives, and stay closely tied to what’s happening locally.

“For us, it’s about being a visible, trusted presence in the community we serve,” they said.
Looking ahead, that presence isn’t slowing down. 3Rivers is focused on continuing to expand its impact in Richmond and Wayne County, strengthening partnerships, growing its services, and finding new ways to support financial wellness for individuals and businesses alike. Because at the end of the day, their mission hasn’t changed. It’s still about people helping people.
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And in a community like Wayne County, that’s what makes all the difference.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Every Child Can Read (ECCR)
Patti Peterson, Executive Director
(765) 966-READ (7323)
[email protected]

RICHMOND, Ind. — Every Child Can Read (ECCR) invites the Wayne County community to rediscover the joy of a childhood favorite at the Community Scholastic Book Fair, April 24–25, at Lotus Hall & Events in Richmond’s Depot District.
Designed for parents, grandparents, children, and nostalgia-seekers alike, the event encourages attendees to “Feel Like a Kid Again”—bringing back the excitement of browsing book fair shelves, discovering new stories, and sharing that experience across generations. The fair is open to the public and not affiliated with any school district.
Proceeds from the event support Every Child Can Read, a Wayne County nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy access and outcomes for local children.
“For many adults, book fair day was one of the most anticipated moments of childhood,” said Patti Peterson, Executive Director of ECCR. “This event brings that feeling back—while making a real impact for children right here in our community.”
Community Support Makes It Possible
The 2026 Community Scholastic Book Fair is presented with the generous support of local sponsors, including Ahaus Tool, Bader Mechanical, Brewer Broadcasting (Kicks96, 101.7 The Point, 95.3 The Legend), and Reid Health. Their commitment helps ensure access to books and literacy resources for children throughout Wayne County.
Event Details
Community Scholastic Book Fair
Friday, April 24, Noon – 6 and Saturday, April 25, 10 – 4.
Books for ages newborn to young adult
Location
Lotus Hall & Events
185 Ft. Wayne Ave., Richmond, IN
Every Child Can Read serves Wayne County exclusively, partnering with community organizations and supporters to help children build strong reading skills and a lifelong love of learning.
For more information visit the website, Every Child Can Read | Readers are Leaders!, or follow Every Child Can Read on social media.

​Richmond, IN — April 10, 2026 — On Friday, April 10, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the regional round of the National Civics Bee® for the third 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. This year’s event was emceed by Rick Duncan of Duncan Media.

“We are proud to host the National Civics Bee and celebrate the incredible students in our community who are passionate about civic engagement,” said Melissa Vance, President/CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. “This event not only highlights the importance of understanding our government but also empowers the next generation to take an active role in shaping the future of Wayne County.”

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:

• Arianna Stevenson
• Elliot Gray
• Calin Ledgerwood
• Emily Meeker
• Candice Jasso

Each finalist shared a brief overview of their essay topics covering issues from clothing insecurity to nature preservation and explained how their chosen problems and proposed solutions connect to the broader definition of civic responsibility. Following their presentations, the judges — Mayor Ron Oler, County Commissioner Jeff Plasterer, and County Council member Cathy Williams — asked thoughtful questions to each student before making their final decision.

After a close competition, the top three students moving on to the Indiana State Civics Bee on June23, 2026 in Indianapolis are:

• 1st Place – Arianna Stevenston, abandoned homes
• 2nd Place – Calin Ledgerwood, stopping abortion
• 3rd Place – Emily Meeker, clothing insecurity

Arianna Stevenson was named the overall winner of the Wayne County Civics Bee after excelling in both the quiz rounds and the essay presentation. Arianna spoke on the importance of revitalizing abandoned homes and the need for proper maintenance. As part of her first-place award, Arianna will also have the unique opportunity to serve as "Mayor for the Day" in the City of Richmond.

“I’m always inspired by the passion these students bring to understanding how our government works,” said Mayor Ron Oler. “Welcoming the winner as ‘Mayor for the Day’ is a special opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experience and show how they can make a difference right here in Richmond.”
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The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce extends sincere congratulations to all participants and finalists, and thanks to the judges, families, and community partners who helped make this event a success.
Thank you to the 2026 Local Civics Bee Sponsors:
Red
101.7 the Point
DOT Foods
Merchants Bank
White
Earlham College
Primex Plastics
Blue
Centerstone
Cochran & Associates
IU East
Reid Health
 
 
 
Transcendia

​Richmond, IN – The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it will host the Regional National Civics Bee for the first time, marking its third consecutive year participating in the program. The event will take place on April 10 at 6:00 PM at IU East’s Whitewater Hall with guest speaker, IU East Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Brian Thomas.

This year’s regional competition format was determined using finalists’ ZIP codes and a geo-location process to best position students across host sites. Wayne County is honored to serve as a regional host under this new structure.

The National Civics Bee offers students grades 6-8th a unique opportunity to showcase their knowledge of civics, history, and government while deepening their understanding of the role they play in shaping their communities and the nation. The Chamber is proud to provide a platform for these young scholars to demonstrate their commitment to civic engagement and to highlight the importance of being informed, active citizens.

The following 20 students, along with two alternates, have been selected to participate in the 2026 Regional National Civics Bee Competition (listed in no particular order):

Centerville Jr High School:
Lily Kaehr
Charlie Soper
David Worth Dennis Middle School:
Phoebe Duncan
Jeremai Avila-Gaytan
Candice Jasso
Hagerstown Jr/Sr High School:
Chloe Morris
Anistyn Stapleton
Karlee Koontz
James Bruce
Elliott Gray
Briella LaMar
Calin Ledgerwood
Heritage Hall Christian School:
Phoebe Stein
Eden Lobdell
Landynn Shields
Northeastern Wayne Schools:
Jeremiah Lawson
Tillie Crownover
Chloe Powell
Richmond Friends School:
Emily Meeker
Lexi Johnson
Alternates:
Addison Davis - Northeastern
Arianna Stevenson - Centerville

“We’re excited to once again host the National Civics Bee and recognize the outstanding students in our community who are passionate about learning how our government works,” said Shawntel Baker, Director of Employer Engagement at the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. “This event not only showcases their knowledge but also inspires young people to stay engaged and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
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The event is free to attend and open to the public. Supporters, family members, and friends are encouraged to come out and cheer on the participants as they compete for the title of Regional National Civics Bee Champion.