December 3, 2007

Bring the family for some very special Holiday events in Rising Sun..

Rising Sun, IN-- Bring the family for some very special Holiday events in Rising Sun...
Friday, December 7th--
  • 5-9 pm Pendleton Art Center Gallery Walk with refreshments and entertainment
  • 6 pm Christmas Tree Lighting at the Main Street Pavilion
  • 7-9 pm Carriage rides around town and along the Ohio River
Saturday, December 8th--
  • 12 noon Christmas Critter Parade starting at City Hall
  • 12-2 pm Live Reindeer and Camels
  • 12-2 pm Shelter Adopt a Pet at Main & Walnut Streets
  • 12-5 pm Pendleton Art Center Gallery Walk of "Small Works" for affordable gifts
  • 2-4 pm Santa in his Castle at the Pavilion
  • 7-9 Carriage rides around town and along the Ohio River

October 15, 2007

Meet The Rising Sun Candidates Tonight


(Rising Sun, IN) - If your voting in Rising Sun elections on November 6, you should consider checking out this event.

The Rising Sun-Ohio County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Meet the Candidates Forum tonight at 7:00 in the City Council Chambers.

There will be a question and answer session.

September 27, 2007

Reassessment

Another property reassessment this year? Yes, it is possible. The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) has announced it will hold public hearings in seven counties to determine if reassessments will be ordered including Ohio County.

The counties to receive public hearings are Adams (industrial), Blackford (industrial), Ohio (commercial and industrial), Parke (commercial and industrial), Ripley (industrial), Scott (commercial and industrial), and Switzerland (commercial and industrial.) Each of these counties have high percentages of unchanged commercial and/or industrial values, as well as other factors that prompted the need for further review.

A public meeting will be held on October 10 at 3:30 p.m. in the Circuit Courtroom at the Ohio County Courthouse to determine whether or not Ohio County will have to be reassessed. If this happens; it will cost the county thousands of dollars.

“Local feedback is crucial in making the decision to order a reassessment,” DLGF Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave said. “I encourage the public to take an active role in this process and attend their local public hearings.”

Ohio County does not need a reassessment. The reason that commercial and industrial values were not changed in the last assessment because there has been so little change in that sector and new market date is unavailable for comparable values which are used in the assessment trending process.

A new reassessment would simply cost the County additional money without any substantial benefits. The Chamber urges business owners to attend this hearing and voice their opposition to the proposed reassessment.

RISING SUN CHAMBER IS HOSTING MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM

Rising Sun, Indiana, September 27, 2007 — The Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce is extending an invitation to all City of Rising Sun candidates seeking an elected position in the 2007 general election to participate in a Meet the Candidates Forum. The forum will allow candidates to introduce themselves and address Chamber members concerning their positions on community issues in an informal panel discussion. Those attending will have the opportunity to write down questions to be addressed by the candidates in a question and answer session.

The forum will take place Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:00PM in the City Council Chambers at Rising Sun City Hall. The forum will begin at 7:00PM and will conclude no later than 9:00PM.

The Rising Sun Ohio County Chamber of Commerce currently has over 48 members and is growing every day. We hope this evening will be an opportunity for candidates to meet our members and discuss community issues that are important to us all.

Meet the Candidates Forum

Program Outline

1. Candidates Sign In 7:00 pm - 7:10 pm

2. Welcome – Stephanie Scott 7:15 pm

3. Candidate introductions and opening statements - 7:20 pm

City Council candidates (3 minute limit)
Clerk Treasurer candidates (4 minute limit)
Mayor candidates (5 minute limit)

4. Brief Intermission (10 minutes)

5. Question and Answer Period.

6. Adjournment - 9:00 pm

Forum Objectives
Be done by 9:00 pm

Please remember that the purpose of the forum is to meet candidates; not ridicule candidates or debate with the audience.

During intermission; the audience will be allowed to submit questions for the candidates in writing. The questions may be directed to particular office but not to an individual candidate. Please keep these questions short.

The question will be then read aloud by the moderator and all candidates seeking the office will have opportunity to answer. The candidate’s response should be kept under 2 minutes. There will be a brief opportunity for follow-up questions.

Remember that those seeking office for first time may not know the answer.

Thank you

Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce


The Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce represents Ohio County's diverse and dynamic business community. The Chamber is a member-supported business organization working to maintain a healthy economy by bringing business and industry to the area, helping established firms grow and building the community through outreach and service. For additional information, Contact: Stephanie Scott, Governmental Affairs Co-Chair, Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce at 812 438-9401 or info@risingsunchamber.com . #####

September 14, 2007

Integra to buy Peoples Bancorp

Integra Bank Corp.'s announcement Thursday that it will acquire Peoples Community Bancorp Inc. in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $85.6 million reinforced Greater Cincinnati's reputation as one of the nation's most competitive banking markets.

Evansville-based Integra will secure a strong foothold in the region with the purchase of West Chester-based Peoples' 19 banking centers in Butler, Hamilton and Warren counties, as well as in southeastern Indiana. The merger marks Integra's first entry into southwest Ohio.

Integra has several locations in Northern Kentucky, including Florence, Covington, Dry Ridge and Union.

But Integra said its expansion plans in the region won't end with the merger.

"We'll continue to look for opportunities to grow here through acquisitions, branch expansion and hiring more people," said Mike Vea, Integra's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Vea said the deal will give Integra deposits of about $870 million, assets of about $1.5 billion, 31 branches and 35 ATMs and place it in head-to-head competition in Greater Cincinnati with banking giants Fifth Third and U.S. Bank, among others.

Its $870 million in deposits would make it slightly larger in deposits than Crestview Hills-based Bank of Kentucky Inc., which had deposits of nearly $808.6 million as of June 30, 2006, and is the 10th largest bank in the metropolitan area, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Overall, the combined company will have assets of $4.2 billion and deposits of $3.2 billion.

The merger, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2008, still needs shareholder and regulatory approval.

Vea said the banks do not overlap markets, so any job losses should be minimal.

However, he said there are some jobs that are redundant, which could create some job displacement.

Tom Noe, treasurer and executive vice president at Peoples, said the bank employs about 200 people locally.

He said over the next month or so, Integra will be interviewing Peoples employees with the intent to find jobs for as many of them as possible.

"We expect that Integra will retain the vast majority of our employees, and (Integra) has stated that they have no plan to close any of our offices," Noe said.

Noe also said the deal was in the best interest of shareholders, customers and employees.

He said Integra agreed to pay about a 10 percent premium over Peoples' recent stock price.

Peoples' stock closed Thursday at $16.88, up 78 cents, or 4.84 percent.

Integra's stock closed at $18.10, down 35 cents, or 1.90 percent.

September 7, 2007

Events at Historical Museum

An Afternoon With Gracie Dinner Program
September 14, 2007

Take a peek into Gracie Allen’s living room as she and Blanche Morton, her neighbor of 12 years, converse on multiple topics. Style and content are reminiscent of the George Burns and Gracie Allen television show from the 1950s.

Charlotte Battin and B Watt Jorch portraying Blanche and Gracie, will tickle your funnybone and provide you with 40 minutes of nostalgia highlighting Gracie’s unique style of humor. Share a wonderful memory of days gone by with your group, club, organization, or with your family.

Charlotte started Charlotte Battin Productions in June of 2000. “I have performed all my life, but after starting a family, it was usually ‘on the side’ as I raised my children and worked at other jobs” stated Charlotte Battin. There are several programs in her repertoire including the I Love America program which she will be performing at the museum on November 9.

Charlotte and B Watt performed An Afternoon With Gracie at the Historical Society a couple of years ago. They had everyone laughing out loud and having a good time with the good-clean humor.

The cost of the dinner/program is $12.00 for members and $15.00 for nonmembers. Program only (starts at 7:15) $3.00 for members and $4.00 for nonmembers. Payment must be received by September 13.

Antique Appraisal
September 26, 2007, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

He’s back! After three years Robert Hill, certified appraiser, will be at the Ohio County Historical Museum on September 26, 2007, 7:00-9:00 p.m. to appraise your antiques. So now is the time to gather those treasures from your attic or basement. Mr. Hill will appraise your antique giving you a value and some historical information. Each antique will cost $5.00 and three antiques will cost $10.00.

The fund raising event for the Historical Society is for entertainment purposes. Please no jewelry. Refreshments will be served. If you are interested in a detailed evaluation of your antiques ask Mr. Hill for details.


The Ohio County Historical Museum (212 S. Walnut Street, Rising Sun, Indiana, 47040) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located along the Ohio River Scenic By-way. Museum hours are 11-4 Monday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 Sunday, and closed Wednesdays. Admission to the museum only is $2.50 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for high school students, and free for members and children 12 and under. For more information about the event or museum please call Bill Dichtl at (812) 438-4915.

August 23, 2007

Honda accepting applications

GREENSBURG, Ind., Aug. 23 -- Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) will begin accepting applications for production positions Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (IDWD). Advertisements calling for applications will appear in newspapers beginning Sunday.

Applications will be accepted for a two-week period through Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 with the first phase of hiring beginning later this year. HMIN will employ approximately 2,000 associates when the automobile plant in Greensburg reaches full production.

Applications will be accepted only on-line at the Web site: http://www.Indiana.Honda.com. Interested individuals who do not have access to a computer may contact their local Indiana Department of Workforce Development WorkOne Office to obtain assistance in completing the on-line application process.

Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a high school degree or GED to be considered for production employment opportunities. Applicants also must reside in the following counties: Bartholomew, Brown, Dearborn, Decatur, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Marion, Ohio, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, Switzerland, Union and Wayne. Honda is an equal opportunity employer and HMIN is committed to hiring candidates from diverse backgrounds to become part of its team in Indiana.

Construction of the new $550 million HMIN production facility began in March on a 1,700-acre tract in Decatur County, Indiana, near the town of Greensburg, 50 miles southeast of Indianapolis. Mass production of Honda Civic sedans is expected to begin in fall 2008.

At full production, HMIN will have the capacity to produce 200,000 vehicles per year. Major production processes performed at the Indiana plant will include stamping, welding, painting, plastic injection molding, sub-assembly and final assembly operations.

HMIN has begun hiring a limited number of non-production associates in the fields of automotive engineering, purchasing, information technology, administration and equipment maintenance. Advertising in February and June 2007, for these non-production positions resulted in more than 7,500 applicants.

HMIN will be Honda's seventh auto plant in North America and one of 17 major Honda manufacturing facilities in North America. It will help to boost Honda's total North American automobile production capacity from 1.4 million units to more than 1.6 million units in 2008, employment in North America to more than 37,000 associates and capital investment in North America to more than $9 billion.

Honda began U.S. sales operations in 1959, the company's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production operations in 1979. Honda began building cars in the U.S. in 1982, making 2007 the 25th anniversary of Honda auto production in America.

American Queen to visit Rising Sun


NEWS FLASH
Dateline August 22, 2007


Guess who’s coming to Rising Sun? It’s the world’s largest steamboat, the American Queen is due to arrive here on Sunday, September 2nd. Any ideas on how you can welcome passengers to your business? Consider opening on Sunday (if you don’t already) from
1 PM to 5 PM? Call Jerry Caruso, Historic Downtown Director for more information at

Historic Downtown Program
Business Development Center
Phone: (812)438-2750
email: downtownrisingsun@orvcomm.com

August 15, 2007

Baseball dinner features Cincinnati Reds historian

It is the Dog Days of Summer and the Bengals are in training camp. However, there is still two months of baseball left. Come join us at the Ohio County Historical Museum for dinner and a program about the first professional baseball team on Friday, August 24, 2007 beginning at 5:30.

Our presenter, Greg Rhodes has served as Reds Team Historian and Executive Director of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum since its founding in 2004. He is native of Richmond, Indiana, and is a lifelong Reds fan. Greg graduated from Indiana University with a doctorate in Education, and has taught middle school, high school and college courses.

Since moving to Cincinnati in 1985, he has co-authored six books on the history of the Reds, worked for the Cincinnati Historical Society where he was involved in the opening of the Museum Center, is a past chairman of the local chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), and is the founding president of the Cincinnati Red Stockings vintage base ball team.

Mr. Rhodes' program is about the Cincinnati Base Ball Club who launched the professional sports revolution in 1869 when it signed 10 players to contracts for the season. The experiment proved phenomenally successful on the field ( the club's record was 57-0), but a financial disaster off the field. After a second season in 1870, the club went out of business, but the revolution it sparked continues to this day. The program will present an overview of the players and highlights of the two seasons that started professional baseball.

The cost of the dinner/program is $12.00 for members and $15.00 for nonmembers. Program only (starts at 7:15) $3.00 for members and $4.00 for nonmembers. Payment must be received by August 22.

The Ohio County Historical Museum (212 S. Walnut Street, Rising Sun, Indiana, 47040) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located along the Ohio River Scenic By-way. Museum hours are 11-4 Monday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 Sunday, and closed Wednesdays. Admission to the museum only is $2.50 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for high school students, and free for members and children 12 and under. For more information about the event or museum please call Bill Dichtl at (812) 438-4915.

June 8, 2007

PENDLETON ART GALLERY OPENS AT NEWPORT ON THE LEVEE



Cincinnati, OH -- Artwork from the three Pendleton Art Centers will be on display for sale at the prestigious Newport on the Levee in Newport KY starting in July 2007. The 8,000 sq.ft. gallery will exclusively showcase the three Pendleton Art Center artists from Ashland KY, Cincinnati OH, and Rising Sun IN, representing over 300 artists.

These artists represent all mediums in paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, fabric arts, and sculpture. Prints, postcards and giclees will also be offered by these artists for sale.

The three Pendleton Art Centers house artists from around the world, and the US, who live and work in these communities. Cincinnati's Pendleton opened over 15 years ago in an old warehouse and offers 8 floors of working studios and gallerys, open to public on Final Friday's of each month. Rising Sun IN and Ashland KY opened more recently and showcase their artists' works to the public on the First Friday of each month. These are the only times throughout the month that patrons can meet the artists and visit their studios. (see link at www.pendletonartcenter.com for more information on the artists.)

To broaden the artists' exposure to a more diverse audience, an agreement has been reached with the Newport on the Levee management to open the Pendleton Art Gallery at the plaza level near valet parking and Brio's Restaurant. Hours of Operation for the Newport on the Levee shops are Mon-Thu: 11:00am-9:00pm, Fri-Sat: 11:00am-10:00pm, and Sun: 12:00pm-6:00pm.

Newport on the Levee is home to the Newport Aquarium, soon to feature a new ballroom facility with cuisine by reknowned chef, Jean-Robert; AMC 20 Theatres, GameWorks, FunnyBone Comedy Club, Jeff Ruby's Tropicana, and numerous other upscale dining and retail establishments, as well as horse & carriage rides. ( see this link for more information on the Newport on the Levee http://www.newportonthelevee.com/gallery/default.aspx)

For more information, contact Jill Crew at 513-852-2766 or jcrew@verdin.com.

February 23, 2007

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY AWARDS

Rising Sun, Indiana, February 23, 2007 — The Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual Chamber Community Awards.

Bill and Kathy Ruch are the 2006 Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year. The Citizen of the Year award is given to identify, honor and reinforce the activities of exceptional caring citizens whose service or performance positively contributes to the quality of life in Rising Sun and/or Ohio County, Indiana. Bill and Kathy are active volunteers in Rising Sun and Ohio County and have been a part of the Chamber’s annual Navy Bean Festival Committee for many years.

The Chamber of Commerce bestowed this honor because they believe Bill and Kathy's leadership is a positive force and their caring for the community has been exemplary.

The Educator of the Year recognizes an individual who has made significant personal and professional contributions to the overall well-being of Ohio County Youth as a leader, educator or mentor. This year’s recipient is Julie Wilson, teacher at Ohio County Elementary School. Julie has been chosen because she is a positive influence on our youth both in and out of the classroom. She encourages youth to be themselves while following he rules of society as well. She goes above and beyond what is expected of her in her employment.

The2006 Business Person of the Year is Terry Black of Tandy’s IGA. This award recognizes the significant contributions of an individual to the economic vitality of the Rising Sun and Ohio County community. Terry serves as a role model for other businesses, shares resources, provide counsel to others, and has an established reputation for being an ethical businessperson.

The awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on March 12th 2007 at the Empire House Historic Hotel and Restaurant in Rising Sun. All business owners in Ohio County are welcome to attend the event. Please call the Chamber office at 438-3130 or 438-4072 to RSVP for dinner reservations.

The Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber of Commerce represents Ohio County's diverse, dynamic business community. The Rising Sun - Ohio County Chamber is a member-supported business organization working to maintain a healthy economy by bringing business and industry to the area, helping established firms grow and building the community through outreach and service. For additional information, Contact: Chamber President, Lane Siekman at (812) 438-4072 or info@risingsunchamber.com .