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See what’s happening this month.
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Additional Nominees
• Anchor Transload
• Blue Buffalo – Project Alma & Site Rebranding
• Burger King – Eastside & Westside Renovations
• Eight To The Bar
• Root 13 Beauty Suites
• 3Rivers Federal Credit Union
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Hammer Time at the Community Improvement Awards
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The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce proudly honored local businesses and organizations at the 2025 Community Improvement Awards, recognizing the incredible investments being made to improve the appearance, functionality, and spirit of Wayne County. This year’s ceremony celebrated not just construction and renovation, but also vision, community pride, and transformational impact. Awards were presented in three key categories, alongside recognition of several standout nominees.
Exemplary Award Winner – Downtown Deli and Catering Company
Community Impact Award Winner – Uranus Fudge Factory
Spirit Award Winner – Richmond Urban Enterprise Association
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Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Alyssa Zdobinski as new Director of Membership & Education
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“I’m excited to begin this new chapter with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Zdobinski. “I look forward to fulfilling my passion for collaborating with educators, legislators, and business leaders to help create a better Wayne County!”
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The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Alyssa Zdobinski as its new Director of Membership and Education, a role essential to advancing the Chamber’s mission of growth, connection, and community leadership.
Alyssa is a recent graduate of Indiana University East, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with minors in Political Science and Marketing. During her time at IUE, she worked in several departments—including Campus Life, External Affairs, and Admissions—and served as Student Government Association President for the 2024–2025 academic year. Originally from Eaton, Ohio, she was also heavily involved in the Preble County community before making the move to Indiana.
Her diverse background in leadership, education, and community outreach, makes her an excellent fit for this position. Alyssa brings not only professional skills but also a strong passion for serving Wayne County’s business community and fostering meaningful connections.
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Do you have a nominee in mind? Fill out nomination forms on the Chamber website.
From the Art Vivian Distinguished Community Leader Award to Achievement of Excellence – Large Business, we’re proud to honor a wide range of outstanding people and businesses that make up our community.
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This year’s participants consist of employees at various levels in their careers and serving in a wide variety of fields, from nonprofit and healthcare to finance and higher education. Meet the members of the fifth cohort below:
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- Anna Garrett Reid Health
- Chelse Leonard Holiday Inn
- Evan Silvia 3Rivers Federal Credit Union
- Eva Maritta Earlham College
- Jarrett Focht McGowan Insurance
- Kalleigh Smith Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce
- Katie Stephan Reid Health
- Lindsay Freed Richmond Housing Authority
- Mary Parrett Bethany Theological Seminary
- Matthew Keller City of Richmond
- Nathan Parker Wayne Bank
- Sam Battistone Wayne County Public Defender’s Office
- Seth Stegall Ivy Tech
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Learn more about each of the 2025 Cohort on the Chamber website: WC Leads
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Work-Based Learning Resources
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Following our three-week internship training series, the Chamber has launched a new resource page designed to support both students and employers. This page will continue to grow as we add tools, updates, and guidance to help our business community navigate the new work-based learning initiatives.
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Golf Ball Drop Sponsor – Commercial Maintenance Services
Gift Sponsor – Commercial Maintenance Services
Cart Sponsor – Bader Mechanical
Winners’ Sponsor – Millwright Industrial
Big Game – New Libson Broadband Company
Closet to Pin – Jeff Raatz
Closest to Pin – Bolt Media
Hole Sponsor – First Bank Richmond
Hole Sponsor – Perfect Circle Credit Union
Hole Sponsor – Wayne Bank
Hole Sponsor – Blue Buffalo
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Chamber Certificates
Looking for the perfect gift, employee reward, or thank-you present that supports local businesses? Chamber Certificates are a great way to keep money in our community while giving the recipient the freedom to choose where to shop, dine, or unwind!
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- They can be used at dozens of participating local businesses, from boutiques to restaurants to service providers.
- They’re perfect for gifts, employee rewards, or incentives—and they keep dollars circulating locally.
- Every certificate redeemed drives foot traffic to Chamber member businesses, boosting visibility and sales.
- They help support small businesses without the guesswork of picking the “perfect” gift.
- When purchased through your business, they are considered as a deductible expense.
- They can be purchased using a credit card, check, cash or be invoiced.
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HYPE Night: Professional Headshot Night & 2026 Planning
September 11
5:30 pm
Chamber Office
All young professionals need a great headshot to make them stand out! Headshots often are the first chance an employer will see a candidate, is your visual on LinkedIn, and is often used on your employers website! Join HYPE Wayne County for their annual FREE headshot clinic with JD Photography. *Note – this offer is for young professionals in Wayne County, age 21-40.
HYPE Committee members will also meet to discuss plans for 2026.
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Career Fair
September 17 & 18
Wayne County Fairgrounds
The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce our annual Career Exploration Fair, now expanded to include sophomores, juniors, and seniors from all Wayne County high schools and National Trail High School!
This year’s event will be held over two days—September 17 & 18, 2025, with each day tailored to different student groups.
Registration Deadline: September 10, 2025
Secure your spot today and help shape the future workforce of Wayne County!
The employer with the most engaging table will receive free ad space in the Chamber’s e-newsletter!
Let’s inspire the next generation together. We look forward to your participation!
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Business Leader Series: Story Branding – Clear Story, More Sales
September 23
10:00AM – 1:00PM
Vivian Auditorium, IU East
Josh Brammer helps founders and leaders turn big ideas into real revenue. After 25 years in marketing and communications, and leading four agencies, Josh was frustrated that many expert service businesses lacked simple, effective systems to grow. That’s why he founded Lantern, where he helps founders simplify their marketing with a clear story and plan that works. His clients get more referrals, close better clients, and finally feel in control of their marketing.
$25 – Chamber members
$35 – Non-Chamber members
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Business Leaders Series: How to Show Up with Confidence
October 3
1:30PM – 3:30PM
Vivian Auditorium, IU East
This highly interactive session focuses on practical techniques to enhance professional presence and interpersonal impact. Participants will explore nonverbal communication, mindset strategies, and simple behavior adjustments to help them feel and appear more confident—whether they’re new to the room or mentoring others.
$25 – Chamber Members
$35 – Non-Chamber Members
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Flavor of Wayne County
October 17
6:00PM – 9:00PM
Eight to the Bar
*This is a 21+ event
We are excited to announce Flavor of Wayne County, brought to you by 3Rivers Credit Union, will be happening Friday, October 17th at 6pm…at a new location – Eight to the Bar in downtown Richmond! Guests 21 and over will enjoy a fun event at a unique location. There will be samples from many of our favorite, locally-owned restaurants, live music from The Sean Lamb and Janet Miller Band, and much more!
Tickets – $30
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