WCACC March E-Newsletter

Wayne County Cash, SFS Employer Events, and more

WCACC news & updates

March Issue

Upcoming Events

See what’s happening this month.

Community News

Recent community updates.

Natco Announces New CEO

Cope hosts open EmpowerHER Outdoors

Fountain City Forward Announce Hero Banner Program

New Members

December – January

Wayne County Cash

The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to introduce Wayne County Cash, a new gift card program designed to encourage local spending and support Chamber member businesses. Wayne County Cash can be purchased online and redeemed at participating Chamber member locations, making it easy for community members to shop local while discovering new businesses across the county.

The launch of Wayne County Cash is generously sponsored by Hoppe Jewelers. If your business would like to participate in the program and accept Wayne County Cash, please contact Alyssa Roberts at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved.

Have you ever wanted to travel to Alaska? Well here’s your chance!

Join us on the 2027 Chamber Trip: June 27th – July 9th, 2027

More Information

Strategic Impact | Eric & Brad VanVleet & AJ Sickmann

In Episode 5 of the Impact Podcast, we sit down with Eric and Brad VanVleet and 2026 Board Chair AJ Sickmann to talk about what’s ahead for the Chamber and our members in 2026. They also share details about an exciting new insurance program that will soon be available to Chamber members.

WATCH NOW!

Employers are invited to join an interactive session focused on building effective training plans for incoming interns. Whether you already have a structured program, are developing one, or are starting from scratch, this session will provide practical tools, best practices, and real-world insights to help you succeed.

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from experienced internship “Champions,” ask questions, and leave with actionable ideas to strengthen their internship program and talent pipeline.

Did you know that as Chamber members you can register for Shafer Leadership Academy Seminars for FREE?

All you have to do is indicate that you are a Wayne County Area Chamber Member while registering!

Find Shafer Leadership Academy Seminars HERE

Employers! Registration is NOW OPEN!

Hiring Fair

The Hiring Fair is designed to give Wayne County high school seniors who do not have post-graduation plans the opportunity to connect with local businesses. Seniors who interview with and accept a job offer from a Wayne County employer will be recognized during a special Signing Day celebration.

NEW: Intern Fair

New this year, the Intern Fair gives employers the opportunity to meet and interview students for summer internships or positions for the 2026–2027 school year. Participating students will be current high school juniors exploring work-based learning opportunities.

Public Hiring Fair

The Hiring Fair will also be open to the public from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, allowing community members to connect with local employers and explore available job opportunities.

IMPACT COMMITTEE Q1 SECTOR SPOTLIGHT: SERVICE MEMBERS

From auto shops and home services to professional providers and repair specialists, our Service Members keep Wayne County running every day. We’re proud to highlight the businesses that show up for our community with skill, reliability, and care.

Explore the full directory of Service Members:

It’s time to SAVE THE DATE!

Anniversary Celebration

March 10

5:35PM – 7PM

5 Arch Brewing

SOLD OUT

HYPE: Self Defense Class

March 12

5:30 PM – 7PM

Police and Fire Training Center

Come join us and P.A.C.T. at the Police & Fire Training Center to learn how to protect ourselves.R.P.D has some of the best that will be coming in from Indianapolis to help us learn tactics that can save lives. They will cover verbal and physical self-defense tactics, including de-escalation. There are 4 A’s of self defense: Attitude, Awareness, Assessment of a situation and Action!

Please be sure to wear comfortable clothes, as there will be hands on training.

Artificial Intelligence with Genuine Leadership

March 18

10:30AM – 12:30PM

IU East – Whitewater Hall

$25 – Chamber members

$35 – Non-Chamber members

Modern leaders are confronted with both unprecedented opportunity and unprecedented distraction. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in daily workflows, employees may misuse it, over-rely on it, or misunderstand its role. This workshop explores how leaders can maintain authenticity, elevate human judgment, and leverage AI responsibly—without losing the qualities that make leadership genuinely human.

Speaker – Ted Ward, Shafer Leadership Academy

Brought to you by Indiana University East and Ivy Tech Richmond

Meet the Candidates

March 24

5:30PM – 8PM

Reid Health – Lingle Auditorium

Hear from candidates in contested primary races during a moderated Q & A, followed by a Meet & Mingle reception with hors d’oeuvres.

Written audience questions will be presented by a moderator. All 2026 candidates are welcome to attend the reception.

Pre-registration is required — no walk-ins.

Register by 5:00 PM on March 20.

Open exclusively to members of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce and Wayne County Farm Bureau.

National Civics Bee – Regional Competition

April 10

6:00PM

IU East – Vivian Auditorium

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