Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 6 November 2009 — Page 7

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continued from page 1 event featured a talk show format with Rent as host and incoming board chair Tara Smalstig and outgoing chair Charles Sursa as interviewees. The three discussed local business and economic development goals and achievements. In between segments, the chamber honored individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community. Those included Second Harvest Food Bank with the Spirit of Small Business Award; Vickie Reed with the Excellence in Public Service Award; Juli Metzger with the Outstanding Contributions to Education Award; and Lifetouch Inc. with the Community Impact Award. Lois Rockhill, with Second Harvest, discussed the importance of community giving and how impressed she continues to be with Delaware County benevolence. Reed praised those in the criminal justice system who helped establish a program to reduce the population of the Delaware County Jail. Metzger, now executive editor and publisher of the Indianapolis Star, discussed the increase in enrollment of the 21st Century Scholars program, headed here by Alisa Davis Wells. COMMENTS ABOUT THE NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT Source: The Chamber of Commerce webpage: www.muncie.com

“Jay brings the right combination of experience and enthusiasm needed for this critical position to our area's future,” said Tom Kinghorn, Ball State University Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer and co-chair of the eight-member search committee. “Jay is the right person at the right time,” added Steve Anderson, retired CEO of First Merchants Corporation and search committee co-chair. “He's a consensus builder with the charisma to attract new business.” The vetting process began in February, but only after a rewriting of the position's job description. Interviews of over 30 community members assisted in a complete examination of duties and direct reports of the position and recommended more focus for the job. Most notable is that the Horizon Convention Center will no longer be a part of this position's oversight. “I'm thrilled to have been selected but am even more thrilled to be able to represent a business community with such strong traditions of success and so many assets to tout to the world,” said Julian. Julian was most recently the Executive Director of Development Services for the City of Marion and has held similar positions in Anderson. “In some ways I've been competing with Muncie, and I've always been jealous of all you have to offer. From a top-flight university to world class healthcare and a spirit of

philanthropy that leads the nation, Muncie and Delaware County deserve to have a flourishing business community,” said Julian. After posting the position early in the year, the search committee reviewed resumes weekly. The committee consisted of Kinghorn and Anderson; Charlie Sursa, Financial Advisor with Raymond James & Associates and current chair of the Chamber board; Dave Heeter, CEO of Mutual Bank and immediate past chair of the Chamber board; Tara Smalstig, partner at Dennis, Wenger and Abrell and incoming chair of the Chamber board; Pete Walters, Vice President of Saint-Gobain Container and immediate past chair of the DAC board; Steve Smith, president of Mid-West Metal and current chair of the DAC board; and Billie Sheppard, District Manager of the Marion Social Security Administration office and incoming chair of the DAC Board. Once the resumes were narrowed to the top 12, two-way video teleconference interviews or in-per-son interviews were conducted. The pool was then narrowed to four candidates whose references were scoured while additional research was completed. Two candidates were invited to the community for a two-day session which included presentations to both the Chamber and DAC boards, tours of the com-

The Muncie Times munity and visits with community leaders. “This has been an incredibly thorough process,” said Heeter. “Our work will pay dividends. We have a quality leader.” Charlie Sursa, current chair of the Chamber board added, “Not only has the process been rigorous, but it's been inclusive as well. Government officials, business leaders, not-for-profit leaders and concerned citizens have been consulted throughout this process. All of us have good reason to rally around Jay.” Julian's start date was July 1. “While I sincerely believe that leadership can make a difference, I also know that in order to put this community on the map the way it wants to be on the map all stakeholders in this community's future must work together and be truly committed to making Muncie and Delaware County all they can be.” OP TEN REASONS TO JOIN THE MUNCIEDELAWARE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 10. Quantifiable Benefits - Through posting and advertising on our website, www.muncie.com, we are able to track and provide you direct leads. All members receive a free listing on the Chamber's website, as well as free direct links to your website and/or email address. 9. Publicity & Exposure & Networking - Through

November 6, 2009 • Page 7 our VISIONS page in the Star Press every other week, our annual Business Directory, Chamber Connect, Muncie on the Move, www.muncie.com, etc. you will gain direct exposure to approximately 700 Chamber member firms and their employees. 8. Ribbon-Cuttings/Open Houses - As a member of the Chamber, you are entitled to a free ribbon-cut-ting ceremony or open house. We will notify the membership and your photo will appear on our VISIONS page. 7. Business Referrals - The Chamber receives upwards of 5,000 inquiries each year by phone and mail and over 60,000 hits per month on our website by individuals looking for products and services in Delaware County. Our policy is to refer ONLY Chamber members. 6. Government & Community Affairs Many voices speak louder than one. Your Chamber monitors legislation, keeping you informed and speaking out for its members. Our full-time Advocacy Division tracks legislation at the local, state and national levels to keep you informed. 5. Insurance - The Chamber has partnered with the Indiana Chamber and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield to offer discounted insurance to Chamber members. 4. Economic