December 2013 newsletter

Chatter Chamber

December 2013 A Publication of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

In this issue: -Mach 1 PC

-Crystal Clear Window Cleaning -Tilson HR

-Shelby County Drug Free Coalition -ATHENA Celebration

-Whitney Wagoner

Beau BrowningBrowning|Pike Financial Management

Ryan ClaxtonMajor Health Partners

Treva CunninghamWalmart*

Scott Gabbard-Shelby Co. Ag PromotionCommittee/Purdue Extension

Greg Gerline-Sandman Bros./Shelby County Pantry Pals

Mary HarperShelbyville Central Schools

Ron HarrisonO’Neal Steel

Amy LarrisonFirst Bank Shelbyville

Gena LinvilleMajor Hospital

Cathy WenningDuke Energy

Julie Metz, Executive [email protected]

Courtney Chapella, Executive Assistant [email protected] Whitney Wagoner, Executive [email protected]

Colour Palette RushShelby Energy, Inc. Shelbyville Paint and Wallpaper

Chamber Chatter December 2013 2

Board of Directors

Scott Asher, President Boys and Girls Club of Shelby CountyTony Long, President ElectMainSource BankChris King, TreasurerRunnebohm Construction

Directors

STAFF

FOUNDER’S CLUB

Newsletters printed by:

Dear Chamber Member:

This is an exciting time of year with the change of seasons and the level of activity going on in our community. For many of us, it is also the time of year we begin our budgeting processes, determining what changes need to be made for the upcoming year.Let us help stretch your dollars by using your Chamber member benefits to supplement the things you are already doing.

For example, if you are placing an advertisement on the radio or in the newspaper, please also contact the Chamber. We will put the information in our weekly e-mail broadcast. If you are using a coupon, let us place the coupon on our website.

Looking for a new employee? The Chamber will post your job opening on our Employment page on the website.

Health insurance is a hot topic. It is on the minds of many business owners and individuals. The Chamber has several options for our members to consider as renewal rates are being discussed. Contact the Chamber for details on how you can get competitive quotes on your business health insurance coverage.

The Member-2-Member program is being utilized by your employees to shop locally and save money. Individuals are enjoying discounts from many of our Chamber businesses and, better yet, participating businesses are gaining new customers and enjoying increased sales through this program. If you have not signed up as a participant, please do so now…..don’t get left behind.

Our billboard program continues to offer our members cost-effective billboard advertising. We have many options offering various locations throughout the community. If this is a good marketing tool for you, please contact us to find out how to take part in this program.

These are just a few of the many benefits offered to our Chamber members. If you have ideas to share with us please do so. We are always looking for ways to increase the value we provide to you.

We appreciate your membership in the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Sincerely,

Julie Metz, Executive Director

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK

From everyone at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, we would like to wish you and yours a very Merry

Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!


WHAT ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM SHOULD I USE?Written by: Vinny Polston, IT Manager of Mach1 PC, LLC

Being in the computer repair business for over 15 years, we have seen all types of anti-virus programs come in on infected computers. Wait, you can get an infection even though you’re protected? In this article I will tell you about the top 5 most popular anti-virus programs we see installed on computers and how they all have the same downfall. We will be going through the following: Norton AntiVirus, McAfee Antivirus, AVG Free, Avast Home Edition, and

finally Microsoft Security Essentials

Member Insight

5. Norton Antivirus - It used to be our favorite out of the pack. It was a lightweight program that offered new virus ‘definition’ updates constantly and did not slow down your computer. For those who don’t know, virus definition updates are the updates that are done periodically throughout the day to keep you protected from the ever increasing wave of new virus, trojans, worms, and malware. The problem is, starting in about 2005, Norton started to try to become an all-in-one computer suite. This is bad because they add so many features that it effectively would slow down any computer you installed it on. Not good!

4. McAfee Antivirus - This is one of the most direct competitors to Norton. McAfee shares a lot of the same features and history as Norton does, both the positives and the negatives. What I do like about McAfee is that it doesn’t seem to slow down computers as bad as Norton does. The updates are released frequently to keep you protected; however, they do have the same agenda as Norton on wanting to be a one-stop-shop for all your protection needs, so much to the point that it can be restrictive with your day-to-day use of your computer. So far, we have talked about the two largest anti-virus companies. I’m sure you have heard, and we have always informed our customers, that there are free alternatives out there that do as good a job of protection without costing you $40-$80 dollars a year to renew (both Norton & McAfee cost annually to stay updated ). Now we get down to the three most popular free anti-virus program we see.

3. AVG Free - This is first on our list of free antivirus programs we are going to review. It is not my favorite nor what I personally use, but it does a decent job. What I do like about this product is that it is not as bad about trying to be feature heavy as the previously mentioned anti-virus programs. We do still see computers come into the shop that are infected and use this for protection, but that stands true for all anti-virus programs.

2. Avast! Free home edition - From the years 2010 - 2012 we installed this on well over 300+ computer systems. Avast had the same benefits of AVG Free with it being a lightweight program that didn’t bog down your computer. Unfortunately, over the recent year and a half they have been really pushing their Professional and Internet Security versions on customers. We heard a horror story about the sales division of this company. One of our customers had purchased the Internet Security version of Avast! and for some reason it had not registered on her computer. She proceeded to call Avast customer support only to be told that her computer had “major security update flaws” as well as it was running “abnormally slow”. They then told her it would cost roughly $180 dollars to get everything fixed. She told them she had computer guys (Hey that’s us!) that she would have take a look. Long story short: She dropped off the computer and we registered her Avast professional on her computer as well as did a system tune up - I believe her bill came to about $85 for everything.That’s nearly $100 less than what they told her was needed.

1. Microsoft Security Essentials - As most of our customers know, Microsoft is notorious for releasing products before they are really ready to be released. What did Microsoft do to try to make things right? They released a FREE anti-virus program that is registered as long as your Windows is genuine. And guess what? It works. It’s what we use on our business computers as well as personal computer to protect us. It doesn’t slow down your computer like Norton & McAfee do. They are not trying to sell you on some “better” version of Microsoft Security Essentials. Is it perfect? No way! But it does work just as well as any of the others and it is 100% free.

Well that was fun, thank you for reading through! We hope you found this article helpful!

For more helpful information and technical help visit www.mach1pc.com.

Chamber Chatter December 20134


Leading Women to Reach Their Full Potential: 2013 ATHENA Celebration

On November 13, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce held the Annual ATHENA Celebration. This year’s event was a success with over 100 attendees. We were very pleased to honor Mary Jo Phares as the 2013 ATHENA award recipient. Mary Jo has been an active citizen of our community for many years. Whether it be her role as the first female Police Officer in Shelby County or her volunteer activities with the Salvation Army and Shelby Senior Services, Mary Jo has set a great example for all Shelby County residents. Congratulations Mary Jo on this prestigious award!

Thank you to all of our sponsors who helped make the ATHENA Celebration and Luncheon possible:

ATHENA Sponsor: Major Health Partners/Major Hospital

Luncheon Sponsor: Indiana Grand Racing and Casino

Celebration Sponsors: Girls Inc and PNC Bank

Chamber welcomes new Executive Assistant Whitney is a 27 year-old native of Shelby County and is a

graduate of Waldron Junior Senior High School. Residing on her family farm, she is the proud parent of a two year-old little girl, Claire. Hoosier life is all she has ever known, and she is passionate about our heritage. In 2010, she graduated from Indiana University of Columbus, Indiana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She enjoyed learning experiences as well as the effort she put forth in her work during college. In 2004, she was honored

to be the Miss Shelby County Fair Queen. From an adolescent to a young adult; she still feels the desire to represent herself in a positive manner in all that she does. In addition to being honored as the Shelby County Fair Queen in 2004, she also competed in the Miss Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant 2005 and the Miss Indiana USA pageant 2006. From proper interview attire to public speaking and positive representation, these influences have allowed success in her career opportunities and community awards such as scholarships.

Her hobbies include playing with her daughter, Claire; painting pottery; ZUMBA, listening to music, cleaning, and cooking. She is looking forward to working with the staff, the Board of Directors, volunteers and the members of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber office is pleased to have Whitney as our new Executive Assistant. Please stop by the Chamber office to say hello. Whitney can be reached at (317)398-6647 or by email at [email protected] .

Chamber Seeks Nominations for Annual Dinner

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Denim and Diamonds Annual Awards and Banquet will take place on February 18, 2014. The Annual Awards Program is an opportunity for the Chamber to

show its appreciation to all of our members. This is a chance for members to network with other members, the Board of Directors, and the Chamber staff. Awards are presented throughout the evening to honor and recognize outstanding individuals in our community. The program also is an opportunity for Chamber members to learn the Chamber’s initiatives for the upcoming year.

There are five awards that the Chamber is seeking nominations for. These awards include: the Lifetime Achievement Award; the John A. Hartnett, Sr. Business Person of the Year Award; the Golden Pineapple Customer Service; the Golden Apple Outstanding Educator Award; and the Outstanding Citizen of the Year. If you know someone who fits the criteria for these awards, please nominate them.

Visit www.shelbychamber.net for a nomination form, or call the Chamber office at (317)398-6647 to have a form mailed, emailed, or faxed to you. There is also a link to the nomination form in your weekly broadcast. If you have any questions about the Annual Dinner, please call the Chamber at (317)398-6647.

Attendees enjoying the ATHENA event.

Mary Jo Phares


Stop by for a candy cane & see our holiday window!

46 E Washington St., Suite 1 Shelbyville, IN 46176

317-825-0820

Carolyn, Mona Laurie, Gretchen & Sherry

Jesse MarcumBusiness Account Executive

24 East Hendricks Street Shelbyville, IN 46176

(812)577-7001

[email protected]


20% off retail price on safes purchased or ordered

Now through December 31st

Visit our booth at the US 44 Flea Market in

Booth 31 !1205 East State Road 44

Shelbyville, IN 46176


Hig’s Locksmith, LLC (317) 392-7441

Visit our booth at the US 44 Flea Market in Booth 31 !

1205 East State Road 44 Shelbyville, IN 46176


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Member Insight

Allow Us To Introduce Ourselves For starters, Tilson is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and provider of Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) and consulting services for small to mid-size businesses.

We are passionate about HR and what it can do for a company. Human Resources is more than just a bi-weekly paycheck or a health insurance card. If managed correctly, HR can help you navigate countless regulations and legal pitfalls; it can reduce overhead, increase profitability and improve productivity. And it can be used as a pivotal, strategic business tool that helps you recruit better employees and motivate them to achieve more, while building an invaluable sense of loyalty and trust.

At Tilson, we have firsthand experience with how HR can transform a company, protecting its present, while laying a foundation for a much stronger future. It is why so many companies choose to work, grow and achieve with us.

Our Services Employment Administrative Services

Government & Regulatory Compliance

Employer Risk Management Services

Benefits Plans& Administration

Employee and Client Online Service Centers

Tilson: Your center of informationKnowledge is power. And Tilson wants to make sure you have plenty of it. Which is why we have so many ways to keep our clients up to speed and on the forefront of the latest and most effective business and HR practices.

- Tilson Blog- Video Blogs- Quarterly Newsletter- Website and Social Media- Seminars and Webinars- Approved Provider by the Human Resources Certification Institute

We, too, never stop learningPractices, requirements and technologies are constantly evolving. In order to stay abreast of every change and to constantly be improving our own systems and knowledge base, we:

- Utilize Lean Process Management methods to improve processes and procedures.- Provide training to our staff, such as customer service training.- Provide monthly cross-training to help our staff become more knowledgeable beyond their own areas of expertise.

For more information contact: Chad Collier, VP of Sales

[email protected] direct317-457-7738 cell

http://www.tilsonhr.com

© 2013 Tilson HR, Inc | 800.276.3976


Don’t forget you can do your holiday shopping at the

Chamber!Chamber Checks is a gift certificate program through the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Like a gift card,

Chamber Checks are equivalent to cash; but unlike a gift card, there are no fees. Through a partnership with Harvester Financial Credit Union, the Shelby County Chamber has

established a checking account and offers Chamber Checks that are accepted at various businesses throughout the community.

Contact the Chamber to purchase Chamber Checks. By using Chamber Checks, you are keeping local dollars in your

community, supporting your local businesses, and providing the recipient of your gift the convenience of using their gift close to

home and at the business of their choice.

Chamber Checks are accepted at over 50 participating businesses. Visit our website at www.shelbychamber.net or scan the QR

code to view participating members.

Call the Chamber today at (317)398-6647 to order your Chamber Check!

2013 Holiday Gift Certificate Specials

Offers Expire December 31, 2013

**Massages are therapeutic, integrating an array of modalities based on individual needs.

All therapists are state certified. Estheticians, also called skin care therapists, are state licensed. Reflexology session is by trained & certified professionals.

$ 25 ½ hour Massage $ 40 Reflexology Session with Ionic Foot Bath

$ 45 Reiki session with Chakra balancing

$ 50 3 - Ionic Foot Detox Bath

$ 50 1 hour Massage

$ 55 Raindrop Technique Massage

$ 60 X’Tract, release toxins from the body's lymphatic system

$ 65 1 hour Massage with Express Facial

$ 65 Body Wrap (weight/inch loss or detoxify)

$ 75 Spa Hot Stone Massage

$ 75 3 - Reflexology Sessions

$ 75 Facial Peel: Resurface & Repair(TCA)-for non-sensitive skin

$145 3 - 1 hour Massages

$980 Lypossage® (one zone)

Renew Body & Spirit, llc Massage Therapy, Reflexology & Skincare

2404 East State Rd 44, Shelbyville 317-398-7488

http://www.renewbodyspirit.massagetherapy.com

11Chamber Chatter December 2013

Starting in 2014, everyone will be required to have healthcare coverage for themselves and

their family members.

Like many Americans, you might have questions about the law, your responsibility,

available coverage, or cost.

Kestone Insurers Group is a network of health insurance

agencies, serving both individuals and companies.

A health insurance professional is a one-stop source of information on the healthcare reform act and can help you obtain the insurance you need.

You need a professional that can share multiple options with you, so you can choose the plan that best serves your medical needs and budget.

Using a professional insurance broker does NOT cost you any more than if you obtained insurance on your own.

The world of health insurance is about to change, due to the

Healthcare Reform Act.

We’re here to answer your “What If...” questions.

Can we afford to continue offering health insurance?

What is the best choice for me and my family?

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

What if my employer offers health insurance?

What if our plan is not compliant?

What do I need to do NOW?

Contact us: 877-518-5664www.pceinsure.com

Your local Keystone agency is


Members in the News

The Shelby County Drug Free Coalition (SCDFC) will have to find a balance between support meetings and meeting its bottom line after the non-profit organization learned from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) earlier this month that it will not receive federal funding it has relied on for much of its operations since 2008. In the coming year, the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition will be working to find new and creative ways to counteract drug and alcohol abuse in Shelby County without the help of funding from the federal government’s Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant.

This grant is available to not for profit community coalitions for up to ten years. The DFC grant is awarded to communities across the nation to help establish strong self-sustaining coalitions that are equipped to counteract the problem of drug and alcohol abuse at the grassroots level. These grants are set up on two, five year cycles. The competition is much greater in the last couple of years. With grants available for only one hundred fifty communities and over five hundred communities across the country competing for these grants, most of the communities do not receive the grant they are seeking to help combat the growing and ever changing problem of drug abuse.

Funding levels that have diminished since SCDFC first received the DFC grant and the demand throughout the nation to curb drug and alcohol abuse has been on the rise, so communities that want to maintain an anti-drug presence are

Federal Funding Not Available To Coalition This Yearfunding much of that effort from local sources.At stake are school programs, town hall meetings, faith based support meetings, community awareness and outreach programs, and other special events targeted at changing community attitudes toward drug and alcohol abuse. Coalition Executive Director Lori Springer said the group will continue to offer local drug abuse prevention services in Shelby County even though the loss of funding will make a huge difference. “We will adapt and make changes where we can”, Springer said. “Hopefully we will be able to make up for the shortfall through other grant sources and through individuals who step up to help us meet the need in Shelby County.” Springer and the Executive Board of Shelby County Drug Free Coalition are already actively seeking new ways to meet the need in Shelby County and they are striving to make sure that the organization can “maintain a central point of contact for drug and alcohol abuse related issues.”

Since 1990, the Drug Free Coalition has been active in the community by educating the public about the dangers and costs involved with drug and alcohol abuse. Federal funding has allowed SCDFC to educate, motivate, and equip Shelby County residents to effectively deal with local drug and alcohol abuse issues. Because of the federal DFC grant, SCDFC has been able to reach out to Shelby County through special events, school programs, town hall meetings, faith based support meetings, community awareness outreach promotions, and other efforts targeted at changing community attitudes toward drug and alcohol abuse.

The Shelby County Drug Free Coalition was formed as a Local Community Coalition (LCC) in response to the Governor’s Anti-Drug Commission. This action designated certain funds from local drug and alcohol fines to be used for drug abuse prevention in the local community. This funding has enabled SCDFC to support various agencies throughout the county that support and promote the goals of SCDFC. The three main areas of focus for this funding are prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. SCDFC first secured the federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant in 2008. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide funding to educate the public, coalition members, board members, and staff members about the dangers and costs involved with drug and alcohol abuse. It also provides funding for board and staff training regarding effective and relevant strategies to curb drug and alcohol abuse at the grassroots level. The SCDFC will continue to provide support for county agencies that promote its goal of educating, motivating, and equipping Shelby County residents to deal with local drug issues.

To contact the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition, call (317)398-3135.

Upcoming Chamber EventsDecember Networking Luncheon

Our December Networking Luncheon is scheduled on

December 11 from 11:30am to 1pm at Bear Chase Golf Club. Join us for Chicken and Noodles!

The Triton Central Chamber Choir will be our

entertainment.

Cost of the lunch is $12 if RSVP is received by December 9th before 5pm. After 12-9, cost of the lunch

is $15.

Member Orientation/RefresherDecember 18th 7:30am - 9:00amAt Porter Center (Chamber Office)

501 North Harrison Street If you plan to attend, please let us know.

Refreshments and Introductions; 7:30am-8:00am; Program-8:00am-9:00am

All new members or anyone wanting more information on what the Chamber does are encouraged to attend. This is

a great opportunity for new and existing members to learn more about Chamber benefits. Stop in to learn what the

Chamber has to offer you!


Local Chamber Member Wins National Networking Award

Logan Wilder of Crystal Clear Window Cleaning recently won the Window Cleaning Network Member of the Month from the Window Cleaning Network. The Window Cleaning Network MOM Award honors group members who exemplify online networking by consistently participating in a credible, helpful, and professional manner.

Crystal Clear Window Cleaning not only cleans the windows of store fronts, office buildings, and houses, they have also added new services: gutter cleaning, routine home cleanings, and awning cleanings!

Crystal Clear Window Cleaning offers proven results using the newest technology. You will love the level of service and professionalism.

Crystal Clear Window Cleaning offers FREE ESTIMATES! Call or text them for your free quote at 812-212-8953.

Want Your

Event or Promotion Here?

Call Courtney today at (317)398-6647

For More information !

Spaces are limited!


Doing great things together

Tim, Gaye & Tobey McKenney | The Bicycle Shop of Shelbyville

Bicycles can be a personal statement and an expression of who we are. It takes special insight,

enthusiasm, great personal service, and in this case, an adorable dog to help you find the right

fit. This same insight led Tim and Gaye McKenney to recognize the value in a local bank.

Whether you’re a small business or a large operation, strong connections and dedication are

what you can expect from First Bank. Like you, we live here...We work here...We belong here.

Doing great things together

www.firstbankrichmond.com


Welcome New Investors!

Thank you Renewing Investors!

*denotes Presidential Member

*denotes Presidential Member

Midway Power, located at 7452 West State Road 44, provides sales and service of outdoor power equipment, walk mowers, zero turn riding mowers, saws, trimmers, blowers, hedge clippers, and snow Throwers. They provide Honda, Stihl, Exmark, and Grasshopper brand equipment. They also sell and trade firearms. To contact Midway Power, call (317)729-5424.

P.E.T Construction* specializes in new or remodel construction, drywall, windows, doors, roofing (residential or commercial), decks, siding, metal roofs, pole bars, and garages. There is no job too small for P.E.T. Construction. To contact Pat at P.E.T. Construction, call (317)512-0879.

Psi Iota Xi, Beta Phi Chapter, provides service to the community including speech and hearing, arts, music and literature. They also make cheeseballs that are available to purchase by the community. To contact Psi Iota Xi, Beta Phi Chapter, call Chris Thurston, President, at (317)642-7004

Quality Title Insurance, located at 200 East Jackson Street provides title insurance. To contact Quality Title Insurance, call (317)604-5394.

Sugar Creek Antiques and Collectibles, located at 7452 West State Road 44, is a retail store for antiques, collectibles, and home décor. They also handle consignment sales. To contact Sugar Creek Antiques, call Susan Standeford at (317)512-4313.

Brazeway, Inc.* Charles Major Manor*

Clearview Christmas Tree Farm*Comcast Business*

Crim and Sons Paving*Fifth Third Bank

First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Greensburg*H & R Block*

Huber Bros., Inc.Indiana Business Solutions*

Integrity Biofuels, LLC* Ivy Tech Community College-Central Indiana

Jupiter Coil CoatingKeith Devine-Realtor with FC Tucker Shelby County*

Kelley Locksmith LLC*Kiwanis Club of Shelbyville, Inc.*

Konica Minolta Business Solutions*Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church*

Nerds on Site Northwestern Consolidated Schools of S.C.*

Quality Inn and Suites* Rotary Club of Shelbyville*

Ryobi Die Casting (USA), Inc.* Sandman Bros.

Sharon P. Miller-Associate Broker with F.C. Tucker* Veterans of Foreign War Post #2695 *

Wildrick Restoration, LLC*

Chamber News Where You Belong

In this issue: ATHENA Celebration Tilson HR Mach1 PC Whitney Wagoner Crystal Clear Window Cleaning Shelby County Drug Free Coalition

December 2013

501 North Harrison Street Shelbyville, IN 46176

Presorted STDU.S. Postage PAID Shelbyville, IN Permit No: 3

December 2013 newsletter

Documents

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chamber member benefits

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scott gabbardshelby

executive assistant

executive directorfrom