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:

• Free Discovery Call: An opportunity to discuss your bookkeeping needs and explore how her services can benefit your business. She will then provide a tailored proposal.
• Diagnostic Review: An evaluation of your QuickBooks Online records to identify any issues that need attention.
• Bookkeeping Clean-Up: Cleaning up any disorganized or incomplete records to give you a fresh start.
• Bookkeeping Catch-Up: Helping businesses get back on track when they have fallen behind on their bookkeeping.
• Monthly Bookkeeping: Ongoing services to maintain accurate records and  provide financial reports.
• Additional Services: Stephanie is also open to discussing additional ways to effiecntly help your  business.

Why Hire Stephanie’s Bookkeeping?
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:

• Great Customer Service: Stephanie takes pride in building strong relationships with her clients. She is dedicated to understanding your business and providing personalized solutions that meet your needs.
• Confidentiality: Stephanie understands the importance of discretion when handling financial information. She ensures your sensitive data is kept secure and private.
• Financial Reports: With accurate, easy-to-understand financial reports, you can make better decisions for your business and stay informed about your company’s financial health.
• More Time to Focus on Your Business: Letting Stephanie handle your bookkeeping frees up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and serving your customers.
• Peace of Mind: No more worrying about whether your financials are in order or scrambling to catch up before tax season. Stephanie keeps everything organized, so you can relax.
• Fixed Fees: With her transparent pricing model, you’ll know exactly what to expect, without any surprise charges.

Supporting Local Businesses
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:

• High-Quality Content. The foundation of your social media presence is compelling and valuable content. Post images, videos (this is a must), and text that resonate with your target audience.
• Consistency: Develop a content calendar to help plan and schedule your posts. Post regularly to stay top-of-mind with your audience. Consistency is key to becoming top of mind. Sometimes consistency can even trump value in the short term. For instance, there was an author on TikTok who created some of the most boring videos I have ever seen—speaking in a monotone about the details of everything she did every morning. She posted with the regularity that some people reach for their morning coffee. Darn if she didn’t grow a massive following on consistency alone. Every morning, there she was. And in the same way you might find yourself staring out the window in a daze while you make coffee, I watched her videos.
• Variety: Mix up your content formats to keep things interesting. Try using images, videos, carousels, live streams, stories, and polls. But…keep to your branding so that people will know it’s you immediately.
• Value: Offer educational, entertaining, or inspirational content that provides value to your followers.

EngageThe algorithms base their determination of valuable content on what people are interacting with. That means you must motivate them to go from a passive state of watching (or reading) to an active pursuit of commenting. That’s not always easy, but here are some best practices you can implement:

• Respond to Comments and Messages as soon as possible. Show you value your commenter’s interaction. When appropriate, ask them questions in the comments. This will help continue the conversation. Speaking of…
• Ask Questions and Run Polls: Encourage conversations and participation by asking questions and conducting polls. Stickers are an engaging way to do this on Stories.
• Use Interactive Features: Utilize features like live streams, Stories, and Q&As to connect with your followers in real-time. Facebook, for one, notifies your followers when you go live.
• Community Building: Foster a sense of community by sharing user-generated content. If someone posts a picture of your products or a review, share it and thank them.

Get More Views​Again, the algorithm has a lot to do with how many people see your content. Just because you post does not mean it will be seen. Recently, Instagram seems to be showing more content to non-followers than followers. Here are ways you can build on that:

• Cross-Promotion. Promote your social media accounts on your website, email signature, newsletter, and other marketing materials. Make sure everyone who does business with you (or is researching your business) knows where to find you on social media.
• Hashtags. Use relevant hashtags to help people discover your content. Research popular and trending hashtags in your industry and community. Speaking of trending, it’s okay to try a little…
• Bandwagoning. Jumping on the bandwagon (or posting about something that’s trending or using trending music) is a good way to get new eyes on your content. It may feel a little insincere at first and out of line with your business, but if you do it in a fun way, it can show a lighter side of your personality and help people feel more connected to you.
• Collaborations. Partner with influencers or other businesses in your niche or town to reach a wider audience. Do interviews, videos, social media posting battles, and other collaborations to get attention. Talk to your chamber. They may be able to help introduce you to the perfect business partner. Check out this “sign war,” which made it out of the social media trenches and onto a local TV station.

Building a loyal following takes time and effort. Be patient, consistent, and focused on providing value to your audience, and you'll see your interactions grow over time.

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:

•  Blogging is still a popular format: Millions of (⦁ 7.5, to be exact) blog posts are published every day, and readership remains strong. (Out of the 5 billion people using the internet daily, 77% say they read blogs on a “regular” basis.) 
• Blogs drive traffic to websites: Blogs can attract visitors who are interested in your niche, products, or services. Well-written and informative blog posts can improve your website's search engine optimization (SEO), making it easier for potential customers to find you online.
• Blogs establish authority: By consistently sharing valuable content, you can position yourself as an expert in your field. This can build trust and credibility with your audience.
• Blogs foster community: Blogs can create a space for conversation and engagement with your audience. This can help you build relationships with potential and current customers.

​Always the contrarian, I must point out that blogging does take time (even when you use AI to write it). 
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:

• SEO: Search engines prioritize fresh, relevant content. Regularly updating your blog with high-quality posts can improve your website's ranking in search results, leading to increased organic traffic. This, in turn, can bring in more organic leads and sales.
• Lead generation: Blog posts can be used to capture leads through email sign-ups or calls to action.
• Brand awareness: A well-maintained blog can help to increase awareness of your brand and what you offer.
• Monetization: If you build a strong following, you can incorporate ad revenue and affiliate marketing (for products and services you believe in) and make even more revenue on your posts.

Should I Spend Time on a Blog?
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

• Focus on quality: Create informative, engaging content that your target audience will find valuable.
• Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords, internal links, and meta descriptions to improve your blog's search ranking.
• Promote your blog: Share your posts on social media, email newsletters, and other channels.
• Track your results: Use analytics to measure your blog's performance and identify areas for improvement. Keep close attention on popular topics and how you might dive deeper into them for additional views.

Blogging Away from Home
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:

• Medium
• Substack
• Industry blogs
• Guest blogging for influencers
• Chamber of commerce blogs or newsletters

These third-party locations can bring a new audience into your business, and some offer the possibility of earning blog income. They also can be spots to try something new since they are removed from your existing audience. They may also be highly regarded and a post published there may set you up as a thought leader in your industry.
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:

• Vinton, IA: This location serves as the campus/homebase for AmeriCorps members. Luff underwent a month-long training there before heading out on projects and returned between assignments to report on her experiences and prepare for the next steps.
• Buffalo, NY:  Luff worked with Habitat for Humanity Buffalo on seven different houses, engaging in tasks such as insulation, drywall, framing, trim, flooring, and painting.
• Fulton, OH: At Homewood Pines, she maintained and created trails in the summer camp. She also participated in trash cleanup at a nearby park and spent a day working with a local food bank to learn more about the community.
• Ozaukee County, WI: Working with the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department, She planted trees to diversify the parks and restore forests devastated by the Emerald Ash Borer. She also removed invasive species such as dame's rocket and garlic mustard.
• Chicago, IL: As part of the Westside Long Term Recovery Group, They conducted outreach to families impacted by a flood in July 2023. They found that many families, predominantly African American and with a median household income of less than $50,000 a year, were dealing with mold and had not been able to repair damage to personal belongings or household utilities.

Upcoming Project
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.