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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.” 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.
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Press Release - Jiffy Lube Richmond Richmond, Indiana — February 17, 2026 — Jiffy Lube of Richmond has announced a new partnership with The Salvation Army to support local families and strengthen outreach efforts throughout the Richmond area.
As part of the partnership, Jiffy Lube of Richmond is donating Oil Change Vouchers valued at $24,000. The Salvation Army will utilize the Oil Change Vouchers in a manner that best advances their local programs, whether by incorporating them into fundraising efforts or providing them directly to those they serve and support. The program is designed to create meaningful impact while providing a practical benefit. Reliable transportation plays an important role in daily life, and this initiative helps ensure that more individuals have access to essential vehicle maintenance while also supporting The Salvation Army’s local programs. “We believe in supporting the communities we serve,” said Mark Vanhorn, Director of Operations for Indiana Jiffy Lube. “Partnering with The Salvation Army allows us to contribute in a way that is both practical and impactful. Reliable vehicle maintenance matters, and we are proud to support their work in Richmond.” This initiative marks the beginning of what both organizations hope will be a long-term partnership focused on serving residents throughout the Richmond area. For more information about the program or how to support The Salvation Army, please contact: Indiana Jiffy Lube Josh Custer Director of Marketing 317.601.9082 [email protected] The Salvation Army – Richmond Major Charles Pinkston 765.966.7791 [email protected] Press Release: Cope Environmental Center Cope Environmental Center (CEC) is excited to announce two empowering outdoor experiences
this spring sponsored by REMC: EmpowerHER Outdoors: Empowering Women in Nature 2.0 on Saturday, April 18, 2026, 12:00-7:00 p.m. for women ages 16 and up, and EmpowerHER Together: Empowering Women and Girls in Nature on Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1:00-4:00 p.m for women and girls ages 8-15 to attend together. Both events provide safe, women-only spaces led entirely by experienced female instructors, designed to build confidence, independence, and connection with nature. EmpowerHER Outdoors 2.0 invites women to engage in a full-day program of hands-on workshops, including Camping Basics, Wildlife Tracking and Navigation, Wilderness First Aid, Mindfulness in Nature, and Fire Craft & Outdoor Cooking. The day emphasizes practical skill-building, personal growth, and forming supportive connections with like-minded participants. EmpowerHER Together extends the experience to families, offering interactive stations where women and girls explore Camping Basics, Walking with Awareness, and Outdoor Safety & First Aid side by side, fostering resilience, teamwork, and shared confidence in the outdoors. Both programs emphasize empowerment, skill development, and community, giving participants the opportunity to strengthen bonds, embrace adventure, and create lasting memories in a supportive environment. Tickets are $50 per participant for EmpowerHER Outdoors 2.0 and $25 per pair for EmpowerHER Together, spots are limited. Register today at www.VisitCope.org. Join us for these EmpowerHER experiences and discover a day of adventure, learning, and empowerment, where women and girls can learn, grow, and thrive in nature together. Press Release: Natco Credit Union  Richmond, IN, March 2, 2026. Natco Credit Union announced the appointment of Tim Frame as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, marking an important leadership transition for the organization. Frame succeeds Cindy Duke, who will retire after 39 years of dedicated service to the credit union and the communities it serves.
The Board of Directors’ decision follows a thoughtful and comprehensive search process and reflects confidence in both Natco’s strong foundation and its future direction. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are proud to announce Tim Frame as the next President and CEO of Natco Credit Union,” said Mike Helms, Chair of the Board. “As we celebrate Cindy Duke’s extraordinary 39 years of service, we are deeply grateful for the growth, innovation, and stability she has brought to our members and communities. Because of her leadership, Natco is strong and well-positioned for the future. Tim’s strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to community-based financial services make him the right leader to build on that foundation and guide Natco into its next chapter.” Frame brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the financial services industry, having served as Chief Lending Officer and President and Chief Executive Officer of West End Bank, and most recently as Regional Market President at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union. Throughout his career, he has combined strategic vision with operational expertise to strengthen lending performance, support disciplined growth, and guide organizations through evolving market conditions. His leadership reflects a deep alignment with the credit union philosophy and a belief in financial services as a catalyst for long-term community impact. Frame holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Indiana University and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He has also completed advanced executive education through the American Bankers Association and the Central States Conference of Bankers Association, demonstrating his continued commitment to leadership development and industry excellence. As Natco prepares for this leadership transition, Duke reflected on the organization's strength and the team she has helped shape over nearly four decades. “I am incredibly proud of what our team has built together over the past 39 years,” said Cindy Duke. “Natco Credit Union’s strength has always been its people and its culture, and I am confident Tim will honor that foundation while bringing fresh perspective and leadership as the credit union moves forward.” Frame expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Natco into its next chapter and serve its members and communities. “I am honored and excited to join Natco Credit Union as its next President and CEO,” said Frame. “Natco is an invaluable local financial institution dedicated to empowering members and uplifting communities. Together, we will build upon this strong foundation, embrace new opportunities, and remain focused on delivering the highest level of service, convenience, and value to every member.” Under Frame’s leadership, Natco Credit Union will continue advancing its mission to improve communities by serving people, one person at a time. His experience and forward-looking approach position the organization for sustained growth and measurable impact in the years ahead. The search was completed in partnership with Humanidei. Humanidei brings decades of credit union system experience to the recruiting process, ensuring executive placements that will carry organizations forward in fulfillment of their mission. www.humanidei.com Contact: Karen Houser [email protected] Press Release: Fountain City Forward Fountain City, Indiana — Fountain City Forward is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hometown Heroes Banner Program, an annual initiative honoring local veterans and first responders who have served our country and community.
The program recognizes individuals who have served or are currently serving in any branch of the United States military, as well as those who have served in law enforcement, fire service, or emergency medical services. Honorees may be living or deceased. Commemorative banners will be displayed throughout Fountain City from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. Each banner includes a QR code directing viewers to a dedicated profile page on the Fountain City Forward website, highlighting the individual’s service and legacy. Sponsorship for a 2026 banner is $100. Space is limited to 32 banners, and applications will be approved in the order they are fully completed and submitted. Fountain City Forward hopes to honor new individuals each year, and priority for 2026 will be given to those who have not previously been recognized through the program. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026. Sponsors must submit a completed application, sponsorship payment, high-resolution photo, and a 150–300 word biography (or detailed biographical information). To view past honorees, access the printable application form, or complete registration and payment online, visit: https://fountaincityforward.org/fchometownheroes For additional information, contact Fountain City Forward at [email protected].  The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce has introduced Student Future Success (SFS) as the new umbrella brand for its Work-Based Learning (WBL) initiatives, creating a clear and consistent identity for student workforce development efforts across Wayne County.
Student Future Success brings together programs that support career exploration, job shadowing, internships, and hands-on learning experiences under a unified framework. The branding is designed to help students, schools, employers, and community partners more easily understand and navigate opportunities at each stage of a student’s development. “This new branding helps us tell a clearer story about how students engage with career and workforce experiences over time,” said WCACC Director of Employer Engagement, Shawntel Baker. “Student Future Success is intended to support the great work already happening in our schools while providing a shared identity that strengthens communication and collaboration with employers.” The SFS brand introduces a new visual system designed to reflect trust, growth, and long-term opportunity for students, while remaining aligned with existing Chamber branding. The branding is intended to complement, school-led programs and does not change program requirements or district autonomy. By aligning program language, structure, and visual identity, the Chamber aims to strengthen employer engagement, improve clarity for students and families, and support long-term workforce readiness across the county.  RICHMOND, Ind. — The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the people, partnerships, and progress shaping the community during its 2026 Annual Dinner, themed “Wayne’s World: Party On, Wayne County!” The high-energy evening brought together business leaders, elected officials, educators, and community partners to recognize excellence across service, business, and individual leadership. Emceed by Derric Watson, the event blended entertainment with purpose — opening with Wayne’s World–inspired tributes to what makes Wayne County unique, while spotlighting the individuals and organizations driving real momentum across the region. “The Annual Dinner is our opportunity to pause, celebrate, and shine a spotlight on the people who move Wayne County forward,” said Melissa Vance, President & CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s theme reminded us that while we work hard, we can also celebrate boldly — and our award recipients truly represent the heart, creativity, and commitment of this community.” Celebrating Leadership & Impact The evening began by recognizing outstanding volunteers from each of the Chamber’s five Action Committees, highlighting the behind-the-scenes leaders who support Chamber programs year-round: Outstanding Chamber Committee Members
“The theme we kept coming back to was momentum,” said AJ Sickmann, 2026 Chamber Board Chair. “Momentum in education, momentum in workforce development, momentum in business growth and momentum in how we tell Wayne County’s story.” The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner remains one of the organization’s premier events, celebrating collaboration, leadership, and the shared belief that when businesses and community partners work together, the entire county thrives. Check out all pictures on the Chamber Facebook
Funding supports 14 local history organizations across 12 Indiana counties through Project and Impact Grants INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Nov. 19, 2025) — The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) has announced the recipients of its latest round of Heritage Support Grants, awarding $50,642.97 to 14 local history organizations representing 12 Indiana counties.
The Heritage Support Grants program, provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc., offers critical funding to local, county and regional historical societies, museums and sites. These grants support projects that address high-priority needs in collections stewardship, capacity building, sustainability and planning.  Richmond, Indiana – September 5, 2025 – The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the third installment of its 2025 Legislative Series this afternoon, welcoming U.S. Representative Jefferson Shreve for an in-depth conversation on legislative priorities in Washington and their impact on businesses, families, and communities in Wayne County and across Indiana.
The discussion was moderated by Melissa Vance, Chamber President & CEO, along with Tony Foster, Chair of the Board of Directors, and touched on issues central to both national policy and local business needs. Topics included tax policy, tariffs, energy costs, artificial intelligence, inflation, infrastructure, and rural healthcare, all areas where decisions in Washington have direct implications for Wayne County’s economy and quality of life. Shreve represents Indiana’s 6th Congressional District. Prior to his election to the 119th Congress, he built his career in business. Today, his legislative priorities draw on that experience, focusing on policies that encourage economic development at both the district and national levels. He has emphasized his commitment to reining in federal spending to address the nation’s debt crisis, while also working to advance border security and safeguard conservative Hoosier values.  Sept. 4, 2025 -- Ben Wells is the new President/CEO of Reid Health.
Wells had served as Reid's Acting President/CEO since February after Craig Kinyon, the organization's President/CEO for nearly 17 years, requested an indefinite leave of absence. "It's an honor to be given the opportunity to continue to serve the Reid Health team, our patients, their families, and our communities in this role," Wells said. "Our staff works incredibly hard each day to be our best, providing you with the compassionate, high-quality care you expect and deserve from us. It's a privilege to serve those who entrust us with their health and the health of their loved ones." The Reid Health Governing Board chose Wells to be the next President/CEO after an extensive process to find the health system's new leader. "Ben was the ideal candidate," said Mark Harrington, Chair of the Reid Health Governing Board. "He's done an outstanding job over these past six months, and we're confident his leadership will take us where we need to go into the future." Wells said during his time at Reid Health, he's been impressed by the engagement from providers, the quality of Reid's staff, and the health system's potential to impact the communities served by Reid. "As an independent rural health system, we play an extremely important role in elevating the communities we serve. In playing that role, we understand we're part of the community and people and relationships matter. We will continue to work hard to earn your trust." |
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