Tipton County

NEWS & VIEWS Volume 1 ~ Issue 9 April / May / June 2003

JOIN US FOR OUR 10th ANNUAL GOLF INVITATIONALMark your calendars and register for the Tipton County Chamber & Tipton County EDC 10th Annual Golf Invitational to be held on Friday, July 18, 2003. The event will be held at the beautiful Tipton Municipal Golf Course and will begin with a shotgun start at 12noon. Registration will start at 10 AM and lunch will be served at 11 AM at the Clubhouse. A $50 registration fee per golfer includes cart / greens fees and a catered lunch.

Entry forms are available at the Chamber / TCEDC office or will be sent upon request by calling (765) 675-7533. Entry deadline is Monday, July 7. Payment must be made at time of registration.

Corporate and tee sponsorships are available for businesses and professionals. Whether your company sponsors a hole, a putting green, or serves as a corporate sponsor, your name will reach hundreds of people during the Invitational with on-site signage exposure. Sponsorship fees are $350 for Corporate Sponsor and only $100 per Tee Sponsor. For sponsorship information, contact the Chamber at 675-7533 or EDC at 675-7417.

2003 CANDIDATES FORUM INFORMATIONThe Tipton County Chamber of Commerce has set Monday, April 21 as the date for the Primary Election Forum for candidates. The Forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the C.W. Mount Community Center, 341 W. Jefferson Street in Tipton.

Chamber Director Diane Timm announced changes to the format. Candidates who are opposed in the primary are invited to participate. In a break with past practices, questions will be developed and

asked by CITV Channel 19 and the editorial staffs of the Tipton Tribune and Kokomo Tribune. CITV will tape the

event to air later in the week.

The Forums are held to allow the public the opportunity to hear the candidates and their views on current issues that will affect all residents.

In the past this event has been co-hosted by the Tipton County EDC. The TCEDC will continue to assist with the logistics of the event, however, it will not be a co-sponsor.

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NEW BUSINESS ON MAIN STREETThese new businesses have recently opened in Tipton and both are new members of the Tipton County Chamber of Commerce. Join us in welcoming them to the Tipton community!

TIPTON ELECTRIC MOTOR SERVICES, INC.616 Oak Street, Tipton 46072 (765) 675-3384E-mail: tiptonem@tiptontel.com

Tipton Electric Motor Services, Inc. is open for business! Open M-F from 8 am to 5 pm, Tipton Electric Motor Services is located at 616 Oak Street in Tipton, between McCormack’s Printing Impressions and Dick Trott’s Catering. As an authorized distributor of several different brands of new motors and a warranty service dealer for Leeson Motors, they can offer very competitive prices on some of the best electric motors made today. In addition to offering lower than list prices, a 2% discount is given for payments made by cash or check within 10 days of sale on all sales over $100. If you are interested in switching to three-phase power, they can custom make rotary converters that will efficiently convert your single phase to three-phase power. This allows you to have the advantages of three phase power in locations where only single phase is available. Tipton Electric Motor Services offer several types of AC motor repair and diagnostic system reports., and also offer modification services for any specialized applications or installations including voltage preferences, terminal connections, overload and thermal protection. All motor rewinds include re-insulation with equivalent or higher-class insulation (for inverter conversions) than stated on the data plate. The company provides email estimates and failure analysis reports with digital image for your own visual inspection before making any decisions as to the repair of the motor. All motors serviced at Tipton Electric Motor Services are under warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.

POSITIVE RESULTS THERAPIES 120 N. Main Street, Tipton 46072 (765) 675-4119Website: www.positiveresults.org

Positive Results Therapies, located at 120 North Main Street in Tipton, opened its doors in mid November. Outpatient services for adults include physical therapy, occupational health services, and workers compensation programs. The clinic also provides ergonomic assessments, work hardening/work conditioning and some pediatric services. The Tipton clinic is the newest addition to Positive Results Therapies, with two locations each in Kokomo and Peru.

“We provide the same quality service that our patients have come to expect from Positive Results, in a comfortable environment, close to home for our Tipton patients,” said Vice President of Medical Services, Julie Zanoff. “We are excited about being a part of the Tipton medical community,” she added.

Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to serve area patients. Patients must obtain a doctor’s referral prior to receiving services.

Positive Results Therapies works with a variety of third party insurance providers, and our full-time billing staff will be happy to answer any questions. See page 5 for information on Positive Results Therapies Open House to be held March 20.

THERE’S BEEN A CHANGE IN THE CHAMBER & TCEDC EMAIL ADDRESSESWith the conversion from dial-up to DSL internet services through TDS TELECOM, the Chamber and Tipton County EDC email addresses have changed.

If you have not made this change in your address book, please do so immediately as our offices are no longer receiving email at the old addresses.

The new addresses are:Chamber of Commerce: ditimm@tds.netTipton County EDC staff: wskonyha@tds.net

degillam@tds.netBuilding a better community ~ Advocates for business ~ Working together ~ Building upon the Past Page 2 of 13

UPCOMING EVENTSFor a list of community events, visit www.tiptontel.com/~tipcham

APRIL 1—April Fool’s Day6-12—National Library Week8—Tipton County Chamber Board Meeting, 11:45 AM10—Tipton County EDC Board Meeting, 7 PM, Tipton County Library12-13—Gun & Knife Show @ Tipton County Fairgrounds 13—Palm Sunday15—U.S. Tax Deadline 18—Good Friday20—Easter Sunday 22—Earth Day23—Administrative Professionals Day25—Arbor Day

MAY 8—Tipton County EDC Board Meeting, 7 PM, Tipton County Library10—Plant sale at Tipton County Library11—Mother’s Day13—Tipton County Chamber Board Meeting, 11:45 AM17—Armed Forces Day25—Indianapolis 500 26—Memorial Day

JUNE 2—TCEDC 16th Annual Meeting, 5-7 P.M. @ C.W. Mount Community Center6-7—Friends of the Library Book Sale @ Tipton County Library7—Tipton City-wide Garage Sales6-7-8—Indiana Blacksmithing Assoc. @ County Fairgrounds10—Tipton County Chamber Board Meeting, 11:45 AM14—Flag Day15—Father’s Day21—Summer Begins

Tipton County News & Views is published quarterly by the Tipton

County Chamber and the Tipton County Economic Development Corporation.

TDS TELECOM OFFERS

DSL INTERNET ACCESSTDS TELECOM now has DSL Internet Access available in several areas of the Tipton exchange!

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) delivers Internet access faster than ever before! You’ll get connection speeds of up to 768Kbps or 1.5 Mbps depending on the size of your business.

You’ll enjoy: Instant connections – No modem delays. Faster uploading and downloading – complex pages load in a snap and

files transfer faster than ever. No phone equipment installation hassles. No busy signals, and no additional lines to purchase. Faster connection speeds - even when there’s high usage by other

Internet users (unlike cable access).

It’s just one more way you can communicate with confidence, using products from TDS Telecom. This offer requires a 12-month service contract and a local TDS Telecom phone line. Additional

charges may apply. DSL is a distance-sensitive technology and may not be available

to all customers.

Contact TDS at (765) 675-2181 for DSL information! Or visit the TDS TELECOM web site at www.tdstelecom.com.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT THE CHAMBER OFFICESThe Chamber has a variety of publications available to the public at no cost. Some of those publications include the 2003 Tipton County Meeting calendars, Indiana State Festivals guide, Indiana Travel Guides, and Indiana State maps to name a few.

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Use PullQuote to excerpt text from the main text of a story to draw a

reader’s attention to the page. See page 4 for an example.

Stop by the Chamber office today and pick up a copy. Hurry, quantities are limited.

Free 2-Week Membership for Tipton County Chamber Members, EDC Supporters and Immediate FamiliesAll Tipton County Chamber of Commerce Members, EDC Supporters and their immediate families are invited to take advantage of a FREE 2-Week Membership at Lifetime Fitness Center of Tipton Hospital. (Children must be 13 or older. A parent or guardian must accompany children 13-15.)

Lifetime Fitness Center Will: Provide flyers to pass out at your place of business. Deliver flyers to your company representative 2 weeks prior to the

beginning of your chosen time block. Welcome your employees when they arrive at Lifetime Fitness Center and

“Show Them the Ropes”.

All You Need To Do Is: Schedule a time block with the Center’s Coordinator, Malcolm. (When

choosing a time, please keep in mind any anticipated heavy work load times that might limit your employees free time to participate in the program.)

Give us the name of a “Contact Person” in your company and an estimate of the number of employees your company has.

If your employees do not have company ID cards we will need a list of your employees when we deliver the flyers.

Spread the word throughout your company about this great opportunity.

Lifetime Fitness Center offers a gym with 16 pieces of state-of-the-art cardio and weight training equipment, a variety of exercise classes with child care

room, massage therapy sessions and shower/locker rooms. Lifetime Fitness

Center is located at 341 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton (at the C.W. Mount Community Center.) For more information on Lifetime Fitness Center call (765) 675-6917 to speak with our knowledgeable and friendly staff.

IN Small Business Development Center NetworkWho We Are…The Indiana Small Business Development Center Network is designed to effectively service small businesses. Our 12 regional centers provide an SBDC office within driving distance of any potential client in Indiana.

Consulting… Offered to existing business owners, as well as to

those just getting started. Provided free-of-charge and in person. Needs assessment conducted for all clients, along

with a plan for addressing your specific issues. Seminars, Conferences & Workshops… Workshops and conferences geared to the specific

needs of small business owners.

Low-cost programs covering core business topics as well as current trends.

Seminars tailored to meet the diverse needs of business owners in both metropolitan and non-urban areas.

County Counseling Schedules…North Central Indiana SBDC representatives schedule monthly counseling sessions in Cass, Miami, Tipton, and Wabash counties. The Tipton County schedule is: Tipton: 1st Thursday of the month—Contact the Tipton

County Chamber to schedule a free counseling appointment at (765) 675-7533.

Contacts:

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North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center212 North Main St., Kokomo, IN 46901Website: www.isbdc.orgSabrina Street Parnham, Regional DirectorJennifer Vandeburg, Associate DirectorEmail: sstreet@isbdc.orgEmail: jvandeburg@isbdc.org

TIPTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Chamber is organized for the purpose of advancing and promoting the economy of Tipton County, Indiana and to promotecivic, environmental and general interests

of its citizens and business community.

CHAMBER OFFICERSVern Schmaltz , President

Ron Van Sickle, Vice PresidentNancy Holderman,  Secretary/Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORSRandy Bagley Linda Bunch Steve CollinsJohn Colter Dennis Cook Brett CurnuttLisa Dever Ray Noble Tamara RitterPJ Ryan Steve Peters Dr. Bill

SalsberyTony Shirley Ron Sottong Linda Worsham

STAFFDiane Timm, Executive Director

Internet connection: www.tiptontel.com/~tipcham

TIPTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

136 E. Jefferson StreetTipton, Indiana  46072

(765) 675-7533      Fax (765) 675-8917

Approximately 100 guests attended the Chamber and TCEDC annual Holiday Gathering at the HollyTre Café in Tipton in early December. The Young Originals from Tipton High School and members of the local Brass Works provided holiday entertainment during the evening. This event is held the first Thursday in December.

OPEN HOUSE LUNCHEONPositive Results Therapies

120 N. Main Street, TiptonThursday, March 20, 2003

From 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM

A Full Lunch will be Served

Join us in welcoming Positive Results Therapies to the community. Meet the professional therapy staff

and learn more about their outpatient therapy services.

RSVP by calling (765) 675-4119 by March 17.

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Tipton County Chamber of Commerce

2003 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

The following businesses and individuals have made an important investment in their business through membership in the Chamber of Commerce during 2003.  Membership dues assist the Chamber with special programs implemented to improve the business climate for our members, improve the quality of life for all residents and to manage future growth for a well-planned community.  The Chamber serves as a liaison for the business community, providing information and participating in the advancement of countywide civic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural interests.  The Chamber encourages all members to do business with one another.  We hope you will consider the following for your professional and personal needs. For membership information, visit our website at www.tiptontel.com~tipcham or call the Chamber office at (765) 675-7533.Abstracters - Moore Title & Escrow Co., Title Guaranty & Abstract Co., Inc., Accountants & CPAs - Opal A. Graham, P.A., Patrick N. Logan, C.P.A., Marlene Van Sickle, McNeal & Co., CPAs, Max McNeal, McNeal & Co., CPAs, PC; Animal Care - Four Hounds Haven & Cattery; Apartments/Mobile Home Parks - Tipton Terrace Apartments; Architects & Building Services - EES Home Design; Associations - American Red Cross Tipton & Howard Charter; Education Center of Tipton County; Indiana Blood Center; Kelley Historical Agricultural Museum; Tipton County Economic Development Corp.; Tipton County Foundation; Tipton County Historical Society & Tipton County Heritage Center; Welcome Wagon; Attorneys / Judges - Judge Thomas R. Lett—Tipton County Circuit Court; Ben B. Hobbs—Attorney at Law; Jay Rich—Attorney at Law & County Prosecutor; David Langolf Smith, Attorney at Law; David B. Quigley—Quigley & Quigley; Matthew Quigley—Quigley & Quigley; Automobile Dealers/Service Stations /Parts Sales & Service - Allen’s Auto Sales & Service; Bob-A-Lu’s Marathon & Bob’s Standard Station; Clifton Tire Service; Dan Young Tipton, LLC; NAPA Auto Parts / Tipton Automotive Supply; Murray’s Body Shop LLC; Tipton Ford Mercury, Inc.; Banks/Credit Unions/ Mortgage Company/Financial Institutions - First Farmers Bank & Trust; First National Bank & Trust; Lundin & Associates, Inc.—Kokomo & Noblesville; STAR Financial Bank; Steel Parts Federal Credit Union; Beauty Care & Products / Facials & More – BeautiControl; Building & Home Contractors/Concrete/Asphalt/Heating & Cooling - Ashley Construction; Baumgartner & Co. Asphalt Services; Bob Richardson Builders, Inc.; BR Schroeder & Sons, Inc.; Gaiser Heating & Cooling, Inc.; Irving Materials, Inc.; Maxey Home Construction; McMahon Custom Homes, Inc.; Pottenger Electric Co.; Smith Building, Inc.;

TenBrook Sales Heating & Cooling; Tragesser Concrete Forms, Inc; Carpet Cleaners - Shirley’s Chem-Dry; Child Care - ABC & ME Child Care; Churches & Monasteries - Cicero Seventh Day Adventist Church and The Tipton Living Center; Heartland Ministries; St. Joseph Center; St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; Dentists - Dr. Valerie Bastin, DDS PC; Hulen Family Dentistry—Doctors Chris & Lisa Hulen; Smith Family Dentistry—Dr. Mike Smith; Doctors - Dr. Kolleen Burnett, Tipton Pediatrics; Dr. Vincent Delumpa, Northern Surgical Consultants; Dr. Destry Lambert. Family Doctor; Dr. Jerry Powell, Tipton Family Practice; Dr. William M. Stone, OB / GYN; Engineers / Land Surveyors - Engineer Associates; Wyatt Johnson, P.E., L.S.; Eye Doctors / Optometrists - Dr. Jeffrey L. Tweedy, OD; Tipton Eye Care Associates; Family & Children & Welfare Services - Div. of Family & Children Services/Carey Services; Florists - Jean’s Flowers & Gifts; Funeral Directors / Monument Companies - Caldwell Monument Co.; Young Nichols Funeral Home, Inc.; Furniture / Wicker Furniture - Schoolhouse of Educated Wicker; Grocery Store/Meat Market - Marsh Supermarkets, LLC; White’s Meat Market; Government Offices - Listing at end of article; Hardware Stores - Tipton ACE Hardware; Hotels / Motels - East Street Inn & Suites; Individuals - Dallas & Dorothy Ressler ; Jim Hartsough; Oak Grove Farms; Mrs. Jo Ann Hobbs; Jack Miller, Golf Pro; Robert & Elizabeth Schram; P.J. Ryan; Unique Sewing; Insurance - American Family Insurance; Country Corner Insurance Market; Everett Hughes Insurance, Inc.; Farm Bureau Insurance of Tipton County; Farmers Mutual Insurance Co.; Holland Insurance Services; Investors - Edward Jones Investments; Industrial / Agricultural Related - Campbell Seed Inc.; Cargill AgHorizons; IMPACT COOP; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.; Ray Bros. & Noble Canning Co.; Schoettmer Prime Pork Farm

Inc.; Industrial - Acra-Line Products, Inc.; DC Coaters, Inc.; High Performance Alloys; Lex Tooling, LLC; Midwest Sheets; Package Right Corporation; Roberts & Dybdahl, Inc.; Steel Parts Corporation; Terry Products; Tipton Electric Motor Services; Wabash Alloys, LLC; Landscaping - Lee Landscaping; Library - Tipton County Public Library; Medical Facilities - Bona Vista Programs Inc.; Community VNA Home Care; Miller’s Merry Manor; Rural Metro Ambulance Service; Tipton At Home; Tipton County Memorial Hospital; Autumnwood Extended Care Facility; Autumnwood Village Assisted Living; Medical / Rehabilitation / Developmental - Janus Developmental Services, Inc.; Newspaper - Kokomo Tribune—cnhimedia; Tipton County Tribune —Elwood Publishing Co.; Office Products / Computers /Computer Programs / Electronics / Satellite Sales/Home Page Design - Blair Gillam; Miller & Miller Information Management Systems; Ramsay Business Solutions; Shirley Computers / Radio Shack; Personnel Services - Workforce Development Strategies, Inc.-Peru; Pharmacy - Marsh Pharmacy; The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy; Photographers - B.A. Hirtzel—Free Lance; Photography By Beck, Inc.; Photography By Gregory; Publications / Printers / Specialty Items - Apple Group, Inc.; McCormack Printing Impressions, Inc.; The Sign Shop; Realtors - Coldwell Banker Havens Realty Company; Coverdale Realty; Heron Real Estate; RACI-Regional Association of Central Indiana; ReMax All Stars; Tipton Realty & Speer Appraising Services, LLC;

Recycling / Waste Removal - Paper Trail Recycling, Inc.; Wabash Valley Refuse Removal; Restaurants - Burger King—KD Development, Inc.; Dairy Queen Restaurant; Jim Dandy Restaurant; Pizza King–Cardini’s, Inc.; Pizza Shack; St. Amand’s Sports Bar & Grill; Taco Bell/Kentucky Fried Chicken—KIRTAC, Inc.; Retail Stores - Alco Discount Store #287; Gifts Plus—Clemons Variety; Moser Jewelers, Inc. ; The House of Glass, Inc.; Wellinger’s Flooring; Schools / Colleges - Ivy Tech State College—Kokomo; Northern Community Corporation & Schools; St. John the Baptist Parochial School; Tipton Community School Corporation & Schools; Telephone Companies / Satellite Sales & Service & Internet Service - TDS TELECOM; Television/At Home & Internet Services - CITV (Central Indiana Television); Insight Communications; NuPOINT.NET; Travel Agency - Tipton Travel Co., Inc.; Utility Services - Tipton Municipal Utilities; Vectren Services; Water Conditioning & Appliances - Young’s Water Conditioning; CITY OFFICES - Tipton Mayor’s Office; Tipton Clerk-Treasurer; Tipton Court; Tipton Garage; Tipton Light Dept.; Tipton Police Dept.; Tipton Street Dept.; Tipton Park & Pool; Tipton Waste Water Plant; Tipton Water Dept.; COUNTY OFFICES - Cicero Twp. Assessor; County Assessor; County Auditor; County Commissioners; County Jail; County Health Dept.; County Plan Commission; County Landfill; County Recorder; County Probation; County Sheriff Dept; County Road Supt.; County Treasurer; County Surveyor; Circuit Court; County Veterans

2002 Tipton County EDC Supporters Acknowledged

Each year many businesses and individuals support our efforts financially. Their support plays a significant role in our ability to continue our community and economic development efforts. Without the friendship and support of our friends listed below, we could not accomplish our mission for Tipton County. We sincerely thank each one.

AcraLine Products, Inc.Apple Group, Inc.Ashley ConstructionBaumgartner Asphalt Co.Campbell Seed, Inc.CINERGY / PSI EnergyColumbia Trophy & EngravingCoverdale Enterprises, LLCDC Coaters, Inc.EES Home DesignsEllison Sales, Inc.Engineer AssociatesFarmers Mutual Insurance Co.First National Bank & TrustFirst Farmers Bank & TrustHavens Realty Co., Inc.High Performance Alloys

Holland Insurance ServicesIMPACT Cooperative, Inc.Irving Materials, Inc.J.D. Restaurants, Inc.Jean’s Flowers & GiftsKelley Inc.Lauth Property GroupMaxey Home Construction, Inc.McCormack’s Printing ImpressionsMcNeal RentalsMidwest Sheets, LLCMurray’s Body Shop, LLCNational City BankPackage Right CorporationPhotography by Beck, Inc.Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Pizza King/Cardini’s Inc.

Pizza ShackRamsay Business SolutionsRay Bros. & Noble Canning Co.Roberts & Dybdahl, Inc.Shiva Subway, Inc.Smith Building, Inc.Star Financial BankSteel Parts CorporationSteel Parts Federal Credit UnionTDS TELECOMThe House of Glass, Inc.Tipton ACE HardwareTipton Automotive Supply Corp.Tipton CigarTipton County TribuneTipton Ford Mercury, Inc.Tipton Implement

Tragesser Concrete Forms, Inc.Young Nichols Funeral Home, Inc.VECTREN CorporationMr. & Mrs. Bud AldersonMr. & Mrs. Warren BairdMrs. Gene DoversbergerMr. & Mrs. David GillamMr. & Mrs. Monty Henderson

B.A. HirtzelMrs. Jo Ann HobbsWyatt Johnson, P.E., L.S.Mr. & Mrs. William S. KonyhaDr. Destry Lambert, MDPatrick N. Logan, C.P.A.Ms. Nancy NicholsonMr. & Mrs. Allen Perry

David B. Quigley, Attorney at LawMr. & Mrs. Clinton RockeyMr. & Mrs. Robert M. SchramMr. & Mrs. Donald F. SeeDr. Michael T. Smith, DDSMr. & Mrs. Richard SpragueMr. & Mrs. Ted A. Tetrick

TCEDC Executive Director’s ReportTCEDC Executive Director’s Report from the desk of William S. Konyhafrom the desk of William S. Konyha

There has been much discussion of late regarding population growth, economic trends and income in Tipton County. There is a great deal of statistical data covering these topics that are generated by numerous federal, state, and private sources. The data itself is irrefutable, however the interpretation of the data can be tricky at times as it can be subject to various biases. For example, Tipton County grew by 458 persons from 1990 – 2000. This growth of 2.8% was a welcome change from the population loss that plagued Tipton County during most of the last century. However, the growth rate of the entire state was nearly 3 ½ times that of Tipton County. Even this 9.6% rate of growth of the state was not sufficient to maintain our place in the overall scheme of things. Subsequently Indiana lost one of our congressional seats, lessening our influence in the nation’s capital.

In spite of our very modest growth rate, Tipton County actually lost ground in comparison with the rest of the state. In 1990, we were ranked 79 out of the 92 Indiana Counties in terms of population. In the census of 2000 we fell to 80. Unfortunately there are consequences when our

growth rate does not keep up with the balance of the state. These consequences hit each of us in the pocket book.One example is the allocation of highway maintenance funds. These funds are collected by the state each time we purchase

gasoline. The state then allocates them to appropriate units of local government based upon a formula that ranks communities by lane miles of roadways and by population. During the past 10 years Tipton County has not added many lane miles of roadway and only a few more people. Thus our share of the highway maintenance pot decreases because the growth rate of the rest of the state exceeded ours by such a large degree.

We often hear “we don’t want to become another Fishers”, a sentiment shared by everyone connected with TCEDC. However, this community should be able to sustain a growth rate at least four times the growth rate of the past 10 years. We could accomplish this by simply creating conditions that will encourage our children to remain in Tipton County as they enter the workforce.

The table below clearly demonstrates our shortcomings in this regard. The percentage of our population that is under age 18 does not vary significantly from that of the state as a whole. However, out population in the 18 to 24 bracket clearly demonstrates that our children leave the county as they enter the workforce. Our population of 16,577 includes only 120 people in this age group. Where do the rest go? Many go on to post secondary education but they continue to be counted at home. So the loss really occurs among those who do not go on to post secondary education and those who have completed their studies and entered the workforce elsewhere.

The loss of population in this age group tends to magnify the size of the population in the older groups. Once again the following chart clearly indicates that we are older than the rest of the state. In fact, the median age (the point at which 50% of the population older and 50% younger) of Tipton County was 38.4 in 2000, more than 3 years older than the 35.2 median age of the state. It also demonstrates how we continue to age at a rate greater than the rest of the state in spite of our growth.

Our performance in the 25 to 44 age group improves in comparison with rest of the state. This is due to the fact that a significant number of our younger people are gone. This tends to increase the ratio of older age groups to the balance of the population. It also indicates that we are experiencing some move ins. People are beginning to move into Tipton County because of our quality of life, our rural character, and because we have begun to create some meaningful economic and employment opportunities.

History teaches us that mankind will endure nearly any danger or hardship in pursuit of economic opportunity. This country was settled by people fleeing the poverty of the old world for the opportunities of the new world. This country is still the destination of choice of people yearning to escape from the poverty of third world conditions. In the past as in the present, people leave their homeland, without knowledge of our language, without resources, and without any real prospect in the hope of building a better life.

So to have our children fled in search of economic opportunity. They leave almost immediately upon graduation from high school because there is simply no place for them to live. They leave because they could traditionally find better paying jobs, or jobs that offered career ladders and growth potential in other cities, counties or states. One of the reasons for our modest growth of population is the fact that TCEDC helped to create hundreds of jobs that pay meaningful wages. Many of these jobs include

substantial training that confers transferable skills, enhancing future earning potential. Ultimately, this is exactly what economic development is about.

Location Year under 18 18 - 24 25 - 44 45 - 64 65+ Tipton 1990 26.25% 0.087% 29.80% 20.52% 14.75% Tipton 2000 25.00% 0.072% 28.10% 25.10% 14.50% Indiana 2000 25.90% 10.10% 29.50% 22.10% 12.40%

During the past decade we have also enjoyed a dramatic increase in the median household income. Once again it is important to note that median is not the “average”, it is the point at which ½ of the households have incomes greater than and ½ less than the median. Our median income now exceeds $48,000.00. What caused this dramatic increase in the Tipton County median income?

Seven years ago the average manufacturing wage in Tipton County was just under $9.00 per hour. Today it is $13.30 per hour. Business recruited by TCEDC began operations and paid wages substantially greater than the manufacturing wage at that time. These wages attracted workers from other Tipton County employers and forced them to increase the wages and benefits that they pay in order to compete for employees. Once again, economic development activities raised the standard of living and the quality of life for many county residents.

These actions greatly impacted the median household income because TCEDC helped to raise the bottom end of the scale. We supported the efforts of new businesses to create jobs, and assisted Tipton County businesses to expand local operations that created and retained jobs, each of which paid wages substantially higher thus raising the bottom of the scale. As the bottom moves higher the mid point moves with it. No doubt we had some people move into Tipton County with higher incomes. But, the household median income moved to its current lofty point because TCEDC helped to raise the bottom.

TCEDC focuses its efforts upon recruitment of higher skill and higher wage businesses. We also work to attract some lower skill and lower wage businesses that are not subject to global competition. These are businesses that manufacture products that are shipped regionally and cannot be imported on a cost competitive basis. We do support some of these businesses because as our children enter the workforce they lack critical skills and experience required to secure higher wage jobs. In their initial jobs they can develop critical soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. They can prove that they posses the marketable characteristics of attendance, punctuality, and the absence of substance abuse. They begin to build a resume and to prepare themselves for jobs requiring greater levels of skill and maturity.

Tipton County will continue to grow now and into the future. Our County Plan Commission is in process of completing a comprehensive plan that will to a large degree determine how and where we will grow. Once this plan is completed it must not be put on a shelf. It must be the basis of supporting ordinances such as sub-division, thorough- fares, and zoning. The plan should guide these ordinances and development in Tipton County. It must be re-visited every five years or so to keep it a meaningful guide for the county.

One of the major factors that TCEDC considers when contemplating an economic development project is geographic targeting. We include items such as zoning to determine how, or if we can support any project. In the City of Tipton, we include the Comprehensive Plan as we consider geographic targeting. We will not support any project that is not consistent with the city’s plan. We will include consideration of a proposed projects compliance with the Comprehensive Plan of the county when one is finally approved.

Tipton County Economic Development Corporation

16th ANNUAL MEETINGThe Tipton County Economic Development Corporation will hold its 16th Annual Meeting on Monday, June 2, 2003. The event will be held at the C.W. Mount Community Center located at 341 W. Jefferson Street in Tipton from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

William Konyha, Executive Director of the TCEDC will recap the efforts of the corporation during the past year. Awards of appreciation will be presented to 5 and 10-year supporters of the TCEDC during the course of the evening. Awards will also be presented to distinguished citizens or companies whose service to the community deserves the honor.

These awards have been named the "Ida Matthews Award for Corporate Citizenship" - a Tipton County corporation whose contributions have made Tipton County a richer community; the "Young Nichols

Business Award of the Year" - a Tipton County business that has experienced exceptional business growth; the "Donald F. See Leadership Award" - a Tipton County civic group, individual, or business that has demonstrated leadership in the community; and the "TCEDC Entrepreneur of the Year" - a Tipton County small business (10 or less employees) whose contributions and

leadership have enriched the community.

To nominate an individual or company, contact the TCEDC office at (765) 675-7417 or by email at degillam@tds.net to request a nomination form. Nomination deadline is Friday, May 23.

Recognition of officers and newly elected board members will be held during this meeting. The event will be catered. Hors’doevres and beverages will be served. A guest speaker will be announced at a later date. The public is invited to attend and is asked to RSVP by calling the office at (765) 675-7417.

MISSION STATEMENTThe TCEDC was organized for the purpose of promoting economic development, to increase the number of available employment opportunities, to enhance the strength of the business sector, and to create economic stability in Tipton

County.

Tipton County Economic Development Corporation

136 E. Jefferson StreetTipton, IN 46072

or by Email to: wskonyha@t ds.net

or degillam@t ds.net

Internet Connection:www.tiptontel.com/~tipedc

TCEDC OFFICERSJoe VanBibber, Chairman

Don S. Havens, First Vice ChairmanJames Ashley, Second Vice Chairman

Nancy Poer, SecretaryRonald Warren, Assistant Secretary

Patrick N. Logan, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORSMadonna Alderson Carl ColbertTom Dolezal Dr. Tom FletcherGeorge Foster Al GatmaitanDennis Henderson Richard HendersonMonty Henderson Dr. Jack HughesChris Kelley Ray E. NobleGeorge Ogden James L. PowellDavid B. Quigley Mark RaverTed A. Tetrick Richard TimmDavid L. Voris

DIRECTORS EMERITUSRichard W. Holland Allen PerryRobert M. Schram Donald F. See

STAFFWilliam S. Konyha

Executive Director

Debra L. GillamAdministrative Assistant

84 Components Co. to Open New Truss Manufacturing Facility in Tipton County84 Lumber Company is the nation’s largest privately-owned supplier of building materials in the country, with over 435 stores in 34 states coast to coast and 11 Component Plants in 9 states. They employ more than 5,000 associates nationwide. 84 Lumber plans to construct 17 more stores across the United States and one Component Plant to open by April 2003.

A site selected by 84 Lumber officials on 550 West in Tipton County was purchased for a new Component Truss facility. The site was chosen for its proximity to U.S. Highway 31. Construction is scheduled this spring.

The Tipton County truss operation will employee 40 to 70 initially. 84 Lumber believes in rewarding associates with excellent wages and benefits. 84 Lumber benefits include: Competitive Wages and Bonuses - As 84 continues to set sales records, associates share in the company's prosperityBenefits - They include: medical and dental insurance, 401(k) plan and profit sharing, life and disability insurance, paid vacations and holidays, and scholarships for children and spouses.Advancement Opportunities - Nearly 100% of promotions come from within the company. Excellent performance usually results in promotion in 6-18 months.Training Opportunities - New Manager Trainees begin with an intensive five-day seminar at Team Headquarters followed by a home study program. Each Associate works at his/her own pace to complete the home study program, which is directly tied to pay. On-going courses improve knowledge of building industry and business management. 84's Training Program is VA Certified in most states, allowing military personnel to use Montgomery GI Bill funds.Communication with Management - Store associates meet one-on-one with Area Managers and Regional Vice Presidents regularly, and with upper managers from the Corporate Office

84 Lumber celebrated another milestone in December 2002, exceeding more than $2 billion in sales for the first time in company history. 84 Lumber Company was founded by Joe Hardy in 1956 in the town of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, where the original store continues to operate. For 46 years, 84 Lumber Company has been providing professional contractors, remodelers and serious do-it-yourselfers with quality building materials, supplies and expertise. For more information on 84 Lumber Company, visit their web site at www.84lumber.com.

Cultivating Productive Public Conversations TCEDC assists the City and County with economic development services and has, for fifteen years, added significant value to our community. Hundreds of jobs have been created and retained, and businesses have invested millions of dollars into our local economy. These

economic development projects benefit each and every citizen of Tipton County. The Board of Directors of TCEDC consists of individuals from various units of local government, commercial and service oriented businesses, professionals, and farmers. Each member of our board must reside in Tipton County. TCEDC is

guided by a vision that seeks a more balanced approach to growth, weighs social and environmental considerations alongside those of a conventional economic nature. These individuals care deeply about our community and consider the long-term implications of our actions. Why wouldn't we? We all live here and

for the same good reasons that others do. We enjoy the many attributes of rural life - less traffic and crime, peace, quiet and lower tax rates to name just a few. Experience teaches that economic development is complex and that there are no quick or easy solutions to the issues that we face. We learn from our colleagues in economic development as well as from our own personal and business experiences. Perhaps lessons learned can help to bring some perspective to our present situations. Recently there has been some rather harsh criticism over 84 Components choice of a location for its truss plant. At times the criticism was not only negative in the extreme, but personal as well. The fact is that TCEDC staff did all that we could to convince the company to build in the industrial park. However, the company made a business decision to locate at another site because of its proximity to U.S. 31. They determined that access, visibility, and lower transportation costs at this location are essential to the long-term operation of the company. Ultimately, TCEDC assisted the company with a positive recommendation of abatement for real and personal property taxes. We did so to support the company's investment of $2,700,000 and its promise to create 70 jobs with a payroll of $1,700,000. While new housing, employment, services and infrastructure all have a legitimate place in our community - in both urban and rural areas, difficulties can arise when these are seen as conflicting with the protection of the natural environment or the quality of life enjoyed by our rural residents. TCEDC recognizes the importance of our rural heritage and the many contributions of our farming families. Unfortunately, actions taken by TCEDC in support of this project were seen by some as anti-agriculture. This led to a protracted and divisive debate that did nothing to foster cooperation or to encourage a dialogue within our community. Is there a reason that we cannot work together to develop a community vision and the spirit to work with one another towards the accomplishment of common goals? Can't we recognize our agreements as well as our differences and work to establish and accomplish some common goals? When it comes to development what can we as a community control? We can

control the types of development and where it occurs if we work together to build mutual understanding, weighing options, making choices, and taking action. With citizen input, every community should develop a comprehensive plan that addresses land use (not just zoning), infrastructure, capital improvements, and community economic development. The City of Tipton has worked through this process, while Tipton County continues to develop such a plan. These plans provide the framework for making development decisions. Planning helps avoid the wasted time and resources associated with ad hoc development decisions and can help diminish the adverse impact of too much growth. During the latter part of 2002, citizens were invited to attend meetings held at each township to discuss their thoughts and opinions of development within the county. This process was the beginning of a new County Comprehensive Plan by the County Plan Commission. Relatively few citizens showed up and only 101 submitted responses to the written survey to express their thoughts on development issues at these meetings. Those submitting surveys represent six-tenths of one percent of our total population of 16,577. These meetings were widely publicized and it was hoped that many more citizens would have attended and participated in this important process. Those who did attend were given an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on the issues affecting us all. We must ask ourselves, can we expect the views of such a small group to speak for the majority of our population? What can we or should we as citizens be doing to help assure our future economic vitality? Too often citizens feel that decisions have already been made before they are invited into the process: land for an industrial park has been designated, targeted industries have been selected, and business and commercial zoning has been enacted. Perhaps it is our busyness of life today that leaves us with so little time for community involvement. When decisions are being made that affect our future and the future of our children and grandchildren, shouldn’t we take the time to become involved and participate in the discussion? Every successful community can point to the individuals primarily

responsible for its success. Truly successful communities enjoy input and leadership from a wide and diversified circle of citizens. Struggling communities point to a lack of leadership and of visionaries as the main reason they fail to progress. True community leaders view the community as a whole and clearly see the interconnectedness of every component. TCEDC challenges and urges our citizens to support the efforts of our community leaders by attending public meetings, speaking out, and becoming involved. Economic development is not just about creating jobs! It’s about building communities – physically, economically, socially and culturally. If we as a community work together to cultivate productive public conversations and to find solutions to the issues at hand, in the end we all win! Think about it.