As the Director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, I had the incredible honor of participating in the collaboration of the 4th Annual Southwest Indiana Regional Women’s Conference held on October 25th. Hosted in Knox County and brought together by eight chambers from across the region—including Gibson, Pike, Knox, Perry, Spencer, Jasper, Warrick, and Linton/Stockton counties. This year’s conference brought together women from all walks of life to learn, grow, and connect. Attendees were invited to rethink their relationship with stress through an information session on Kelly McGonigal’s TED Talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend.” This session offered practical insights on managing stress in ways that empower rather than overwhelm. Keynote speaker, the former Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, shared insights from her remarkable career. Skillman’s story of resilience navigating her experiences as a trailblazer in politics. Her candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of being one of the first women to hold high office in Indiana were inspiring. Afternoon speaker Angie Lewis, Divisional Technical Director at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane. Angie’s experience in a highly specialized technical field and her dedication to breaking boundaries inspired attendees to push beyond perceived limitations in their careers and personal lives. A highlight of the conference was the panel discussion, “Women in a Man’s World,” featuring Knox County Commissioner and Davies County EMS Director Kellie Streeter, CEO of Greene County General Hospital Brenda Retz, and our own Pike County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Ashley Willis. These women shared their unique stories and challenges as females in their respective roles, shedding light on the evolving landscape of leadership in our region. Ashley, in particular, noted that when she began her work in the economic development field within a ten-county region, she was the only female leader. Today, that gender disparity is narrowing, with four of the counties now represented by female leaders. This shift is not only encouraging but a testament to the progress being made toward greater gender balance and inclusion. Of course, no conference is complete without good food and laughter, and our attendees enjoyed a taco bar for lunch. And what better way to add a little laughter with a little dancing to the beat of “YMCA”. We are grateful to everyone who attended and to the eight chambers whose teamwork made this event possible. At the Pike County Chamber, we look forward to seeing more women step into leadership roles and continue reshaping what it means to lead in our communities. If you missed this year’s conference, make a note for next year. We are looking forward to next year’s conference that will be in Spencer County and to seeing even more women join us on this incredible journey!
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As the Director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled to introduce a local entrepreneur who has transformed her passion for numbers into a business—Stephanie Helmerich, owner of Stephanie's Bookkeeping LLC. Stephanie's journey began right here in Pike County, where she honed her skills managing the books for her family’s farm. What started as a practical necessity quickly grew into a passion for helping businesses with their bookkeeping needs. Today, after completing multiple bookkeeping and QuickBooks courses and certifications, Stephanie provides her expertise to local businesses.
Services That Make a Difference Stephanie’s Bookkeeping LLC offers a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you are a new business owner or an established entrepreneur, Stephanie provides the following:
As a small business owner, your time is one of your most valuable assets. Partnering with Stephanie can give you peace of mind knowing your finances are in good hands. Here are a few key reasons why hiring Stephanie’s Bookkeeping LLC is a smart move for your business:
We are proud to spotlight entrepreneurs like Stephanie who are making a difference in our community If your business could benefit from professional bookkeeping services, reach out to Stephanie’s Bookkeeping LLC today for a free discovery call. Learn how she can help you manage your finances so you can focus on what you do best—running your business. For more information, contact Stephanie at 812-902-2280 or stephaniesboolleepingLLC.com Let’s celebrate local entrepreneurship and continue to build a thriving business community in Pike County! Social media is becoming more and more frustrating, right? If you have used it to connect with your audience for ten years or so, you undoubtedly have seen crazy changes in your reach. If you’re new to social media for business scene, reaching 2% of your audience probably feels pretty normal.
But if you’re not reaching your audience, how are they going to know who you are and all the wonderful things your business can bring them? When it comes to building a loyal following, there are several things you can do. Ultimately, reach is still dependent on the platform’s algorithm, but every social media channel claims to respond to value. To reach more people, you need them to see you as providing valuable content they want to interact with. Here’s how you can start doing that. Get Your Business in Good Social Media ShapeBefore we get into strategy and posting ideas, it’s important to get your social media accounts in good shape. Make sure your profile is complete, up to date, and visually appealing. Use a high-quality profile picture and cover image. If you have a profile you are no longer using, don’t just leave it languishing. Add a few posts to it about where you are posting now. An image post or funny video can help people who find you on one platform, locate you on another. Use analytics tools to understand where you are now. Identify what types of content resonate most with your audience. Check when they are most active. Use that to influence your posting content and scheduling. As you change your posting, track your progress to see what’s working. Finally, keep up with the latest social media best practices and algorithm changes. They are always evolving changing. Now, let’s talk about content. Start with a Strong Content StrategyWe all know stories about how a video went viral, but for business you need to develop a strong and consistent strategy that revolves around dependable and valuable content. If something goes viral, awesome. But don’t count on it as part of your content strategy any more than you would see buying a lottery ticket every week as a way to fund retirement. When creating a social media content strategy for business, you want:
Creative Partnership Ideas to Boost Engagement and Sales in Pike County
As the Director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing firsthand how collaboration can bring unique experiences for our community. In our rural setting, the spirit of partnership isn't just an opportunity—it's a necessity. By working together, businesses of all types can enhance their offerings, reach new audiences, and drive sales in ways they might not achieve alone. Also don't forget our nonprofits play a crucial role in enriching our community, and also great potential for partnering together. Here are 20 creative partnership ideas that could benefit small businesses and nonprofits across Pike County. Whether you see your specific industry listed or not, these examples can spark ideas on how to team up with others to grow your business and engage with the community. 1. Farmers' Market and Local Restaurant Farm-to-Table Events: Host farm-to-table dinners at your restaurant using fresh produce from the local farmers' market. The market can promote the event to its customers, while the restaurant can offer a discount to market patrons. 2. Restaurant and Local Artisan Artisan Nights: Organize events where customers can enjoy some food or drinks while learning a new skill from a local artisan, like pottery or woodworking. The restaurant can provide the perfect relaxed atmosphere, while the artisan brings creativity. 3. Boutique and Local Jewelry Maker Fashion & Accessory Pop-Ups: Host joint pop-up events where customers can shop for clothing at the boutique and find the perfect accessories from the jewelry maker. Offer discounts to customers who purchase from both. 4. B&B and Historical Society Heritage Tours & Stays: Create a package deal where guests of the bed and breakfast can enjoy a guided tour of local historical sites, offered by the historical society. This partnership can attract history enthusiasts and provide a unique, immersive experience. 5. Florist and Photographer Styled Photo Shoots: Collaborate on styled photo shoots for weddings or other special occasions. The florist can provide stunning floral arrangements, while the photographer captures the beauty, creating a portfolio that promotes both businesses. 6. Wine Shop/Liquor Store and Local Restaurant Wine Pairing Nights: Host special evenings where the Liquor Store provides expertly chosen wines to pair with a gourmet meal prepared by the restaurant. This collaboration can draw food and wine enthusiasts, boosting both businesses. 7. Grocery Store and Cooking School Cooking Classes: Partner to offer cooking classes using ingredients sourced from the grocery store. Participants learn to cook delicious meals and leave with recipes and a shopping list to recreate the experience at home. 8. Hardware Store and DIY Workshop Hands-On DIY Events: Collaborate to offer workshops where community members can learn new skills, like building a birdhouse or refinishing furniture. The hardware store provides the materials, and the DIY expert leads the workshop. 9. Restaurant and Food Bank "Pay It Forward" Program: Partner with a local food bank to create a "Pay It Forward" initiative where customers can purchase a meal for someone in need. The café can offer a matching program, doubling the impact of every donation. 10. Hardware or Equipment Store and Environmental Nonprofit Community Clean-Up Events: Organize clean-up days where customers can join in on preserving local trails, parks, or waterways. The outdoor equipment store can provide gloves, bags, and other necessary supplies, while the nonprofit leads the efforts and educates participants on environmental stewardship. 11. Fitness Studio and Youth Organization Youth Fitness Programs: Collaborate on after-school fitness programs for local youth, offering classes or sports activities. The fitness studio provides the space and trainers, while the youth organization recruits participants and handles logistics. 12. Florist and Hospice Care/Nursing Homes Flowers for Compassion: Work with a hospice care organization to provide floral arrangements for patients and their families. The florist can offer special discounts for donations made by customers to fund these arrangements, spreading compassion and beauty. Arrangement Events: Florists provide a simple DIY arrangement that can be done at the Nursing Home. Florist provides the materials. 13. Stores and Animal Rescue Adoption Events & Supply Drives: Partner with a local animal rescue to host pet adoption events at your store. The store can also run supply drives, encouraging customers to donate pet food, toys, and other necessities for animals in need. 14. Churches and Local Restaurants Community Dinners: Partner to host regular community dinners where the restaurant provides catering at a discounted rate, and the church offers the venue. These events can serve as fundraisers for local causes or simply as a way to bring the community together. Faith & Fellowship Brunches: Collaborate on Sunday brunches after church services, offering a special menu for congregants. The church can promote the restaurant’s brunch to its members, creating a new weekend tradition. 15. Coworking Spaces and Home-Based Businesses Skill-Sharing Workshops: Host skill-sharing workshops at the coworking space, where home-based business owners can teach others about their expertise—be it crafting, digital marketing, or accounting. This not only provides value to the coworking members but also gives home-based businesses exposure. Pop-Up Markets: Organize pop-up markets within the coworking space where home-based businesses can showcase and sell their products. This brings traffic to the coworking space and gives home-based businesses a physical presence in the community. 16. Realtors and Local Businesses Welcome Packages: Realtors can partner with local businesses, such as restaurants, country stores, and home-based service providers, to create welcome packages for new homeowners. These packages could include coupons, gift cards, and information about local services and events. 17. Insurance Agents and Nursing Homes Senior Safety Workshops: Partner to offer workshops focused on senior safety, covering topics like fall prevention, home safety, and the importance of appropriate insurance coverage. Insurance agents can provide valuable insights, while nursing homes can offer practical advice and demonstrations. 18. Daycare Facilities and Local Restaurants Parents’ Night Out: Partner to offer “Parents’ Night Out” events, where daycare facilities provide extended hours of care, and the restaurant offers a special dinner package. This collaboration gives parents a well-deserved break while promoting both businesses. 19. Nursing Homes and Daycare Facilities Intergenerational Programs: Create intergenerational programs where children from daycare facilities visit nursing homes for activities like storytime, arts and crafts, or holiday celebrations. This partnership enriches the lives of both the elderly and the children, fostering a sense of community. Shared Events: Organize joint events such as seasonal fairs, where both daycare children and nursing home residents can participate. These events can include games, crafts, and food, bringing together different generations in a meaningful way. 20. Insurance/Banks and Local Restaurants Customer Appreciation Nights: Insurance agents can partner with local restaurants to host customer appreciation nights. The restaurant provides the venue and catering, while the insurance agent offers door prizes, giveaways, and policy consultations. Financial Wellness Workshops: Offer financial wellness workshops at the restaurant, where customers can enjoy a meal while learning about insurance products, retirement planning, and more. This setting creates a relaxed environment for discussing important financial topics. Why Partnerships Matter? Creative partnerships like these not only enhance the offerings of local businesses but also build a stronger sense of community. They allow you to reach new audiences, share marketing efforts, and create unique experiences that draw customers back time and time again. Also partnering with nonprofits aligns your business with meaningful causes that resonate with customers. If you’re unsure of how to start or who to partner with, reach out to the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. We’re here to help you find businesses with shared values and goals, making it easier to create collaborations that benefit everyone involved. Together, we can continue to make Pike County a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Today marks a momentous occasion for Pike County as we celebrate AES Indiana's announcement of approximately $1.1 billion in investments from 2024 to 2026. As the Director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled to share this exciting news that will undoubtedly help shape the future of our community in remarkable ways. AES Indiana's plans include the transformation of the Petersburg Generating Station Units 3 and 4 from coal to natural gas, pending approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). This transition is a testament to AES Indiana's commitment to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions that will benefit not just our county, but the entire state. The introduction of two new projects, including the Pike County Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the Petersburg Energy Center, will bring 250 megawatts (MW) of solar power and 180 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage to our region. This will ensure that Pike County remains at the forefront of grid reliability, flexibility, and sustainability. The impact of these projects on our community cannot be overstated. During the construction phase alone, approximately 300 jobs will be created, providing a significant boost to our local economy. Over the next 20 years, these investments are expected to generate approximately $40 million in taxes and benefits for Pike County. This is not just an investment in energy—it's an investment in our people, our businesses, and our future. Ken Zagzebski, CEO of AES Utilities, highlighted the importance of these projects, emphasizing that the economic growth in our state has long been powered by the dedicated workers at Petersburg. With these new investments, Pike County will continue to play a crucial role in Indiana's energy future, transitioning to natural gas while incorporating solar, and battery storage capacity. These projects will position Pike County as a leader in clean energy, contributing to environmental improvements and offering reliable, affordable energy solutions for residents and businesses alike. Brandi Davis-Handy AES Indiana President, also announced a $100,000 donation for the construction of the new Petersburg Community Center. This center will be a valuable resource for residents of all ages that will enrich our community and contribute to our quality of life. Many key community leaders attended and shared their gratitude for AES. Ashley Willis, Executive Director of the Pike County Economic Development Corporation, spoke passionately about the positive impact these projects will have on our local economy and quality of life. She also expressed her gratitude for investing in Pike County. Petersburg Mayor R.C. Klipsch echoed these sentiments. Mayor Klipsch also spoke about the history of the great partnership between Pike County and AES. I am optimistic for the future of Pike County. If you’ve ever spent any time creating or consuming content, you have either written or read apiece that proclaims some marketing trend is dead or something is “king.” Be it a social media platform, marketing activity, way of doing things—one thing is always going out of fashion, and something is lauded as taking its place.
This article is no different. Today, we’re asking the riveting question—Are blogs dead (or dying)and can we blame AI? Of course, I had to turn to AI for the answers. First, let’s see what AI has to say and then I’ll give you my marketing take. Video Killed the Radio Star or AI Killed the Blogger According to AI, blogs are not dead so our question about AI killing blogs doesn’t appear to be a valid one. However, how valuable will written content be when it all starts to sound the same? If you are using AI to write your business blog, make sure you’re doing the work to help it understand your blogging goals and tone. If all blogs begin to sound the same, the format will surely die (my prediction not AI’s). In fact, AI writes that blogs are thriving in many ways. Here’s why:
Now that we can breathe a sigh of relief that blogs aren’t dead, let’s focus on whether they are worth the time investment as part of your marketing strategy. Return on (Time) Investment and SEO While starting and maintaining a blog does require a sizeable investment of time (or resources if you pay someone to do it for you), the potential return can be significant when you factor in the following:
The answer depends on your specific goals and resources. If you have the time and expertise to create valuable content, a blog can be a powerful tool for growing your business. However, if you don't have the bandwidth to create high-quality content consistently, it may be better to focus on other marketing efforts. After all, your blog won’t be successful if it’s just one large advertisement for your business. You want to help educate, inform, and entertain your audience (or at least help them get to know you better). Buy, buy, buy, isn’t going to get you there (no matter how catchy that boy band song from the 90s is). But that’s not to say you shouldn’t blog. You just need to ensure that the time you spend is worth it. Here’s how you do that: Making a Blog Worth Your Time
While most marketers will tell you that your website is the best place for your business blog (since you own it and it’s a great way to drive traffic to your site), there are reasons to go elsewhere—such as revenue, pursuit of a new audience, or desire to try a different approach or strategy. Additional considerations include your industry and your goals for your blog. Many bloggers are using alternative blog homes such as:
Deciding to stay home or blog elsewhere needn’t be an all or nothing approach. You can write a blog a month for other sources and use it to reach out to more readers. Most alternative blog spaces (meaning ones not owned by you) will allow for a link back, a bio, or by-line. So, there are SEO as well as audience reasons to spread out. Remember, a blog is just one component of a strong marketing strategy. While many people argue that audiences don’t read these days, blogging for SEO is still a compelling reason to create new content for your website. Choose a post length and posting commitment that you can manage and use the written word to make humans and search engines interested in you. When Shakespeare wrote, “And though she be but little, she is fierce,” he could’ve been referring to small business. The term “small business” often seems like an oxymoron. What small businesses lack in number of employees, they make up for in dedication, drive, giving back to the community, and unique charm. Those things resonate with customers seeking authenticity, personalized service, and a sense of community.
But when it’s time to grow, and take your business to the next level, you want to make sure that the very thing about you that is so appealing isn’t lost. You want to maintain your distinct local essence, and strike that delicate balance between growth and preserving your identity in the hearts and minds of your audience. Embrace the Strength of Community Engagement At the heart of any local business's success lies its relationship with the community it serves. Strengthening this bond can be a catalyst for growth. Engage with the community through events, sponsorships, and collaborations with other local businesses or organizations. This involvement not only enhances visibility but also reinforces your commitment to your roots, no matter how many locations you open. Hosting workshops, supporting local causes, or participating in community events can continue your position as a trusted and valued member of the neighborhood. Moreover, actively seeking feedback from patrons and implementing their suggestions to tailor products or services can help you meet local preferences. This will continue to foster loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. Leverage Digital Platforms But Keep the Personal Voice In the beginning, your social presence probably felt very personalized because you were likely the voice behind the business. But as you grow, your abilities are needed elsewhere. Posting to social media is likely one of those things you will outsource or entrust to someone in-house. But make sure you don’t lose your voice. Work with someone who will adopt the same tone and post on the things your audience is most interested in. Retain that local flavor that characterizes your business. Utilize social media platforms to share stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and testimonials, showcasing your business's personality and values. Maintaining responsive communication online, along with personalized service through other channels, creates a seamless blend of technology and tradition, enhancing the overall customer experience. Additionally, give your audience multiple ways to interact with you to obtain resolutions to their questions and concerns. You don’t want someone feeling like now that you’ve grown, you’re less responsive. Cultivate Unique Offerings and Specializations If your success is due to specializing in niche products, services, or markets, don’t give that up unless they’re no longer lucrative. Don’t think that because you want to grow, you need to appeal to a wider audience. After all, that specialization was a unique selling proposition (USP), and it helped you build what you are today—drawing customers seeking distinctiveness and quality over mass-produced alternatives. If that product or service is no longer as successful as it once was, try figuring out why. If your audience is the same, how have their needs or desires evolved. You can serve the same audience, but you may need to do it in different ways. Foster Partnerships and Collaborations Collaborations with complementary local businesses can be mutually beneficial, amplifying visibility and attracting diverse customer bases. For instance, a café might partner with a nearby florist for themed events or collaborate with a local artist to display and sell artwork within its space. Additionally, forming alliances with nearby businesses to create joint promotions or loyalty programs can encourage cross-pollination of customers, fostering a sense of community among various establishments. You see this in digital marketing all the time when senders plug their peers in their newsletters. They are simply sharing audiences. Expand Thoughtfully and Sustainably Expansion doesn't necessarily mean extensive physical growth. Consider alternative avenues such as online sales, pop-up shops, or partnerships with local markets or fairs to reach new customers without compromising the small business ambiance. Establishing and managing multiple locations isn’t for everyone. If you are interested in physical expansion, prioritize locations that align with your business's standards, values, and appeal. Think of your audience and its needs. Retaining a coherent brand identity across multiple locations is crucial to preserve the local feel when expanding your business's footprint. Take a look at Grimaldi’s. It opened in 1990, in a small neighborhood under the Brooklyn Bridge referred to as DUMBO. It started humbly as a local pizzeria; but quickly became part of the heart and soul of the growing community. As Grimaldi’s expanded into other markets, it could’ve shed its Brooklyn vibe, being just another pizza place. But it held onto its roots and sold New York-style pizza in a New York ambiance. No matter which location you visit—Las Vegas, Dallas, or Tampa—you will be in Brooklyn, NY back in the neighborhood. Invest in Employee Development and Customer Service The backbone of your business's success lies in your employees and the quality of customer service they provide. Invest in employee training because your employees are your business personified. They communicate your business's values and commitment to personalized service in every interaction. Happy and well-trained employees contribute significantly to a positive customer experience, fostering loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations. Maintaining a high standard of customer service, coupled with a personalized touch, distinguishes local businesses from larger, impersonal corporations, creating a lasting impression on customers. Successful small businesses possess a distinctive charm that resonates with customers seeking genuine connections and unique experiences. While expansion is a natural progression, preserving your business's authenticity is imperative. Balancing growth and your special something is an art and takes practice and compromise. But with a strategic approach, you can continue to thrive, serving as a favorite in the community while embracing new opportunities for success. The Pike County Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of welcoming Rebekah Luff, a dedicated AmeriCorps member, to work with us last Monday and Tuesday. Her contributions during her brief time home for the 4th of July holiday were greatly appreciated. She helped work on marketing and informational material for Pike County's participation in the Southern Indiana Regional Marketing Co-Op (SIRMC) and more.
Rebekah, a Pike County native and 2019 graduate of Pike Central High School (PCHS), and earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Indiana University Southeast in December 2022. We were thrilled to learn more about AmeriCorps and their work Understanding AmeriCorps and Its Mission AmeriCorps is a national service program dedicated to addressing critical community needs across the United States. Established in 1994, AmeriCorps brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in service projects that enhance education, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, disaster response, healthy futures, support veterans and military families. Accepted applicants commit to serving for a set period, typically 10 months, in various roles that directly benefit communities. These roles can range from mentoring students to disaster response and recovery, environmental conservation, and community health initiatives. One of the unique aspects of AmeriCorps is its focus on fostering civic engagement and leadership. Members receive valuable training and professional development opportunities, equipping them with skills that extend beyond their service term. They often work in collaboration with local nonprofits, schools, and government agencies to create sustainable, positive change. AmeriCorps embodies the spirit of service and community. By mobilizing individuals to tackle pressing issues and empowering them to become active citizens, AmeriCorps helps build stronger, more resilient communities. The dedication and impact of service leaders like Luff are a testament to the power of collective action and the difference it can make. Rebekah Luff's AmeriCorps Journey Luff's journey with AmeriCorps has taken her to various locations across the country, each offering unique experiences and opportunities to serve. Here are the highlights of her assignments:
Luff's next assignment will take her to Delaware, OH, where she will work at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Her tasks may include clearing a stream bed and surrounding areas of felled trees from a March tornado, removing invasive species, mulching, and maintaining trails. Additionally, they will collaborate with the Stratford Ecological Center on hay bale management and farm animal care. Why AmeriCorps? Luff chose to join AmeriCorps after completing college, seeking to gain experience in environmental conservation while having the opportunity to travel. The program offered both opportunities, along with a small living stipend and coverage of many necessities. Other members join AmeriCorps to become better leaders, meet people from across the country, develop a variety of skills, or earn the scholarship awarded at the end of service. Open to individuals aged 18-26, the program attracts people from diverse backgrounds, including recent high school graduates, those who found college wasn't for them, students taking a gap year, and graduates seeking direction for their next steps. To find more information go to www.americorps.gov AmeriCorps website. |
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October 2024
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801 East Main Street in Petersburg, IN 47567
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