Article Provided by the US Chamber

​Now is a good time to take stock of where the economy stands overall, as well as what is going on with the three main issues we have been watching: inflation; supply chain issues; and workforce shortages.

January 6, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniel Arthur, Communications
Daniel@WCAreaChamber.org
(765) 962-1511

​Richmond, Ind. - In consideration of the health and safety of the community and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, Indiana University East and Richmond Art Museum (RAM) have mutually determined the best course of action is to postpone their respective upcoming public events, the Chamber Annual Dinner and Palate to Palette, until a later time.

The three organizations considered the size of the events, with regular attendance of hundreds of guests, and that the events are held in indoor venues. Additionally, Wayne County is experiencing a rise in coronavirus cases putting a strain on the health care system. With these considerations in mind, the boards and university determined the best course of action was to postpone the events.

Article provided by the US Chamber of Commerce

A new poll shows many unemployed workers are not actively looking for work. From offering hybrid work schedules to investing in reskilling and upskilling training, here are four ways employers can improve their recruiting and retention practices.

Are you participating in Small Business Saturday—or better yet—Small Business Season, where you encourage people to shop small throughout the holiday and not just on the day after Black Friday? If so, you might be scrambling right now trying to put together last-minute touches on what you hope will be a hot time of year for your business.
 
If you’re wondering how you should spend your hours leading up to Small Business Saturday and what you need for the biggest shopping season of the year, we have a checklist to help.

Story by Lindsey McClain, RHS Intern

​On the outskirts of Wayne County between Hagerstown and Centerville lies a quaint town with historical murals, landmark houses, and mom and pop shops fit for everyone's needs. Each shop is just as thoughtful and distinct as the next. Children ride their bikes and play tag, and all the while there's the smell of coffee coming from King’s Cafe down the street. Cambridge City has a cottage town vibe complete with quaint, aesthetically pleasing shops, and friendly, smiling faces. It’s no wonder this Hallmark-esque town has such a homegrown feel and so many lifelong residents.

Article provided by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce
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NOTE: Indiana Chamber, Wellness Council of Indiana to Host Webinar Next Week
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 vaccine rule mandate for employers with 100 or more employees is now final. The White House released a fact sheet this morning. The good news is that some of the most pressing concerns by the business community were favorably addressed.

by Lindsey McClain, RHS Intern

​Snickerdoodle, hot apple butter, creamy vanilla bean, and northern pine are just some of
the delectable smells wafting through the air. An ambiance of reds, greens, and browns welcome
you as you walk into one of the largest candle stores in the Midwest. Just off I-70 at the
Centerville exit is Warm Glow Candle Co., home of their famous American-made candles and
decor. The store boasts an impressive array of merchandise, from rustic signs and home decor, to
garden pieces and handmade chocolates. The sister store here, Artisans & Java, features booths
for over a dozen independent artisans. They do everything from wood carving, to jewelry
making, to pottery and home decor. Any aesthetic can be found represented in one of these
booths; This is why variety is such a special quality of Warm Glow and its combined sister
stores.

Supplied by Whitewater Community Television
September 15, 2021

​With the delta variant of COVID-19 continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in our community many local residents are looking for information on how they can keep themselves and their families safe.  On Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6pm, Dr. Thomas Huth, VP, Medical Affairs, Reid Health and Dr. David Jetmore, Wayne County Health Officer are again making themselves available to answer community members questions with an appearance on Whitewater Community Television’s weekly public affairs program, IN Focus.  Joining Dr. Jetmore and Dr. Huth will be local retired pediatrician and Wayne County Health Board President, Dr. Paul Rider.  

Story Provided by Christina R. Metcalf on behalf of Frank Kenny Marketing

​On social media you need interaction. Without it, your content won’t get seen by your audience. But getting people to interact can be a challenge. But not anymore!
 
Here are 50 conversation starters for your business. That’s about two months of work-week posts already done for you!

Story by Lindsey McClain, RHS Intern

​Her vision and love of fashion drove her, and in 2019 she started selling merchandise from her grandmother's shop. It was only two years later on January 26, 2021 that she had opened her own space where JaeMae Boutique was officially rooted. What Julia believes sets her business apart is the care she has for her customers stating, “I just want to be here to brighten people’s days.” A part of this she believes is making cute clothing accessible for everyone. This is why she takes great care filling her store with both petite and plus sized options. Julia said she's had times when she’s gone into a store and felt defeated that nothing would fit her, so it's extremely important to her that her store is inclusive for everyone.
 
 
Julia Allen is somewhat of an anomaly among residents of Richmond. People are intrigued by her young age and maturity, as well as her commitment to the community. Since starting her business, Julia has offered discounts for shopping small at other local businesses; Her website invites members of the community to park clean ups-- organized by JaeMae boutique seller Yahairi Patoja, founder of Diverse Curls. To Julia and the women she works with, Wayne County is home. She said that her favorite things about Wayne County are its mix of history and newness as well as the close-knit sense of community she feels here. 

You will find JaeMae Boutique located at 191 Fort Wayne Ave, Richmond, IN and at local events such as Archway Days and Octoberfest. You can also stay up to date on new products through the JaeMae Instagram, Facebook, and website. Julia has big plans for the future of her boutique. Besides just expanding, she wants to create a business template modeled after her own. She hopes that women would be able to use this and the information she provides to pursue their own business endeavors--pushing others to follow their dreams just as she has. Julia’s passion and drive show through in every aspect of her business. This is truly a place to feel welcome and inspired. I encourage everyone to stop by and see for yourself just how special JaeMae Boutique really is.

Connect with JaeMae Boutique!
 
Website:http://www.jaemaeboutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaemaeboutique/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaemaeboutique/?hl=en