BROWNSTOWN — Twin sisters, a longtime educator and a local company have been recognized for their contributions to the county seat.
Brownstown Ewing Main Street recently announced its Community Excellence Award winners for 2021: Pattie Lubker and Debbie Helwig, Professionals of the Year; Barry Cutter, Educator of the Year; and Hiday Property Group, Business of the Year.
Luke Nolting, president of the nonprofit organization’s board of directors, said the awards are chosen and decided upon by the board after members receive several names from the school system and businesses in Brownstown.
“Brownstown Ewing Main Street strictly relies on our school system and our community and business partners to continue the growth and revitalization of our downtown community,” he said. “We are so fortunate to have so many partners who are always willing to help out in any way possible.”
At the end of October 2021, Lubker and Helwig retired from The Peoples Bank. Both started there after graduating from Brownstown Central High School in 1974, and Lubker had been there ever since, while Helwig finished with 38 years of service.
The sisters both started in bookkeeping and later switched to the teller position. Lubker then became head teller, and Helwig worked in customer service.
“With over 85 years of combined service, Pattie and Debbie have displayed exceptional professionalism throughout their careers,” BEMS said on its Facebook page.
Cutter was chosen Educator of the Year for influencing countless Brownstown Central Community School Corp. students over the last 40 years. He currently teaches social studies at Brownstown Central High School.
“A steward to our community, Mr. Cutter has also held several coaching positions throughout the years and has been an exemplary role model to our youth for four generations,” BEMS said on the Facebook post.
Owned and operated by Jackson County resident Bill Hiday, Hiday Property Group is an active real estate investment and development company serving the tertiary and rural markets of central and south central Indiana.
Since its inception in 2009, the company has taken pride in offering the “nicest property on the block” with its top-of-the-line restorations, renovations and professionally managed tenant spaces.
Deeply rooted in historic preservation, Hiday Property Group has redeveloped 128 S. Main St. and 111 E. Walnut St. in Brownstown, bringing new life to the community’s storied downtown corridor.
“For Business of the Year, board members vote on who they believe has contributed and gone above and beyond to make Brownstown a better place to work and live,” Nolting said.
Even though the organization only gives out three awards each year, Nolting said it would not be able to put on as many events and continue to revitalize the downtown without everyone’s support.
“I would like to say ‘Thank you’ on behalf of our entire board for each and every person who continues to shop local, donate local and support local businesses,” he said.