If you ask owner Marshall Royalty, there’s only one type of community that would respond to a disaster the way Seymour and Jackson County did for Crane Hill Machine and Fabrication.
The business, 2476 E. U.S. 50, lost two of its buildings during a fire on New Year’s Eve, and the small-town spirit here helped it bounce back quickly.
Royalty said he realizes that kind of help from insurance agents, other businesses, organizations and local residents is only possible in a close-knit community.
“If our business was located in Indianapolis, I don’t think we would have received the help and support that we have enjoyed from the Seymour community,” he said.
Royalty made the comments Thursday evening during the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce’s 88th annual dinner and awards program at Celebrations, where he was recognized for the Citizenship Award.
The dinner is used to network, update members on progress, give them a preview of the next year and recognize teachers, citizens, businesses and future leaders.
It was a successful year for the chamber, as the organization grew by 21 members, participated in 19 ribbon cuttings and hosted a variety of events, board President Stephanie Flinn said.
Some of the same people who helped the Royalty family in the aftermath of the devastating fire that caused millions of dollars in losses were present at the dinner.
Royalty said the day after the fire, he met with Tyler Thias of Ranger Enterprises and was able to agree to rent a 32,000-square-foot facility to continue working.
The agreement they reached was one that could only happen in a small, close-knit community, Royalty said.
“We walked through a building and within about 30 minutes told Tyler that we would take it,” he said. “We shook hands, and he gave us a key. We didn’t get any lawyers involved, no credit checks, but we shook hands and rented the building.”
The following day, Royalty said Duke Energy rewired a transformer that has to be disconnected during the fire. He said Duke employees showed up shortly after the request was made.
Those are just a few examples of why Royalty, his wife, Erin, and son, Drew, want to rebuild here, and plans are in place to do just that.
“We wouldn’t want to live, work and raise our family anywhere else but here,” he said.
Rose Acre Farms was recognized as Corporate Citizen of the Year. Chief Operating Officer Tony Wesner spoke on behalf of the company and thanked the chamber for presenting the egg giant with the recognition.
He shared some of the comments he frequently gives employees to remind them how important their role is in providing eggs. Wesner said because of Rose Acre Farms, more than 30 million people get the opportunity to eat an egg each day.
With more than a billion people starving each day and another billion food insecure, Wesner said the company can play a role in helping that crisis through “God’s perfect food.”
“It has six grams of protein, 70 calories and is loaded with vitamins and minerals essential for good brain development and physical health, all for approximately a dime each,” he said. “We get to help feed the world.”
It’s that sense of purpose that drives the company and its 2,500 team members to continue to produce eggs across the United States and world.
“Know your purpose each day and never take it for granted. The only thing we will leave on this earth is what we do for someone else,” he said. “It is a privilege and honor that God has entrusted us with, and we have to take it seriously and never lose sight of how important it is.”
B.loved was recognized as Small Business of the Year. The shop was founded by Brandy Hampton and her husband, Nicholas, in 2013.
The shop started in a 1,500-square-foot facility with four dressing rooms and 300 prom dresses and served 10 schools. In December 2016, the shop moved into a 5,000-square-foot retail space and now has 12 dressing rooms, 1,000 prom dresses and more than 100 wedding gowns, serves 100 schools and employs 30.
Hampton said she and her husband have tried to build their business around the buying experience.
And those pretty dresses you see in the window as you drive along Tipton Street, the store is much more than that even though the presentation looks great, she said.
“I’ve seen girls stand taller and gain confidence,” Hampton said. “It’s more than selling a dress, but giving them an experience.”
Hampton said being a business owner can be difficult because of the sacrifices made for family time and for friends.
“It’s not always easy and not always fun, but it’s worth it,” she said.
Mindy Roeder received the Rising Star Award. She is the business development director at Schneck Medical Center after serving as director of physician recruitment. She and her husband, Brett, are part owners of Goecker Building Supply in Seymour and North Vernon.
In 2018, Roeder opened Shoppe 425 in downtown Seymour with business partner Jessica Gross.
“I love this place,” she said of the community. “I love our sense of community and the pride we all have for where we live.”
As she looked at the list of other people who were recognized, Roeder said it was an honor to be recognized alongside such distinguished people. She said it also was special to be recognized during the same program as Hampton, who is a lifelong friend and neighbor.
“I’m absolutely honored to be recognized tonight among all the other award winners,” she said. “Talk about being in good company. These are impressive individuals and businesses.”
The chamber also recognized Martha Bloch, Jennifer Miller and Kelly Reasoner as Teacher of the Year for elementary, middle school and high school, respectively.
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Award winners during the 88th annual Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce dinner and awards program.
Citizenship Award: Marshall Royalty, Crane Hill Machine and Fabrication
Corporate Citizen of the Year: Rose Acre Farms
Small Business of the Year: B.loved
Rising Star Award: Mindy Roeder
Elementary Teacher of the Year: Martha Bloch
Middle School Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Miller
High School Teacher of the Year: Kelly Reasoner
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