October 10, 2025 Newsletter

Chamber News

Power Your Business Luncheon Featuring Isak Asare, IU Cybersecurity

Our Power Your Business Luncheon, presented by Smithville, featured Isak Asare, Co-Director of IU Cybersecurity and Global Policy Program and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education & Student Affairs. Isak delivered an outstanding presentation on cybersecurity. His talk was informative, engaging, and full of valuable insights on how businesses and individuals can stay safe in an increasingly digital world.
More photos on our Facebook page
Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

Slate of Candidates

Tuesday, October 28. This vital part of the evening provides members with the opportunity to help shape the Chamber's future and ensure strong leadership for the year ahead.
One current director is seeking reelection, and two additional directors will be newly elected to the board. Serving on the Chamber Board is both an honor and a responsibility, as directors play a key role in guiding the Chamber's mission to support local businesses, strengthen community connections, and promote growth in Ellettsville and beyond.
We encourage all members to attend the Annual Meeting, celebrate our achievements, and participate in the election process. Your voice and your vote matter as we continue working together for a vibrant and thriving community.
Jason Dauby - Smithville
Jason Dauby is the Chief Technology Officer at Smithville and has been a resident of Ellettsville for 20 years. He joined Smithville in 2012 after spending 11 years at NSWC Crane. Jason has a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering and has been involved in many facets of education. He serves on the School of IT advisory board for Ivy Tech, Bloomington, has taught courses ranging from high school math to graduate engineering, and has helped with the promotion and leadership of k-12 classical education.
Shawna Girgis - IU Health, South Region
Shawna Girgis leads community outreach and engagement efforts for the IU Health South Region where she serves Monroe, Morgan, Lawrence, Orange, and the surrounding counties. Shawna also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs currently teaching Public Policy and Administration.
Shawna served as the 23rd Mayor of Bedford, Indiana from 2008 – 2019 and is the first woman to serve in the office. In 2013 the City of Bedford was named an Indiana Stellar Community resulting in nearly $38 million invested in the community. The Indiana State Chamber also named Bedford their Community of the Year in 2013. Shawna served as the Executive Director of the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA) from 2005 – 2007 and was employed by Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation for six years. Shawna is a graduate of Indiana University where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work.
Adam Gross - Ivy Tech, Bloomington
Adam Gross is the Vice Chancellor for Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington, where he leads workforce development initiatives across an eight-county region. With over 15 years of service at Ivy Tech, Adam has held various roles across campus and now leads a team focused on strengthening the regional talent pipeline. His efforts include supporting career coaching, upskilling the current workforce, and fostering connections between local industries, Ivy Tech students, alumni, and the broader community. Adam is committed to helping businesses access skilled talent to meet their evolving needs. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Adam earned his undergraduate degree from Trine University in Angola, Indiana, and holds an MBA from Western Governors University.
Paige Stradtner - Stradtner Strategic Marketing
Paige Stradtner is the owner of Stradtner Strategic, a marketing agency based in Ellettsville, Indiana. With nearly 20 years of experience in both the private and not-for-profit sectors, she helps businesses grow through strategic marketing planning and implementation. Paige holds a B.A. from Indiana University and an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, as well as certificates in web design and digital marketing. A southern Indiana native, and Ellettsville resident of more than 6 years, Paige enjoys working with local businesses and building community. In her free time, she has fun reading, gardening, frequenting local bakeries, and spending time with her husband and three children.

Volunteer Spotlight

Get to know the friendly faces behind the Ellettsville Chamber! Each month, we will highlight our dedicated volunteers so you can learn more about the people helping connect, support, and grow our Chamber community.

Brad Pressley, Vice President, Commercial Lender Owen County State Bank

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Brad Pressley has been part of the OCSB family for more than four years and recently stepped into the role of Vice President, Commercial Lender. With nine years of experience in banking, Brad is known for his relationship-focused approach and dedication to helping local businesses thrive. His favorite part of the job is connecting with people and finding solutions that make a real impact.
When he’s not working with clients, Brad enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Brittany, and two daughters, Reagan (4) and Abigail (1). He loves being outdoors, playing golf, and making memories with his family and friends. For Brad, balance means working hard for his community while cherishing the moments that matter most at home.
Email Brad

Chamber Events

Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner

Tuesday, October 28
Join us for a special evening of celebration and connection at our Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner!
This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor the exceptional individuals who make our community shine. We’ll recognize their achievements and contributions while enjoying a delightful evening filled with inspiring stories, delicious food, and great company.
Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of our community and the incredible people who enrich our lives. We can’t wait to see you there!

Special thanks to our Event Sponsors:

Power Your Business - IU Kelley

Featuring Dr. Keith Gelarden Dayton is a Senior Lecturer at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he brings over two decades of leadership in curriculum design, global program development, and student mentorship.
Friday, November 14
Dr. Dayton will cover:
  • Current Work: Highlight of ongoing initiatives that connect students with real-world challenges through coursework, consulting projects, and community-based learning.
  • What is Offered: Showcasing the collaborative capacity of our team to design student engagements tailored to the needs of local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners.
  • Proven Impact: Shared examples of successful student-led projects that have delivered measurable value to partners while fostering student growth and professional development.
  • IU as a Talent Pipeline: Emphasizing the university’s unique ability to provide student talent that supports economic development—making engagement mutually beneficial, accountable, and scalable.
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor:

Member News

Fall Has Arrived at The Hawaiian Hoosier Snack Shack

The Hawaiian Hoosier Snack & Gifts is bringing the aloha spirit to autumn with its Fall Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 25th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at 102 W Temperance Street in downtown Ellettsville. Families are invited to enjoy a festive day of pumpkin carving, games, crafts, and fall treats—all with a Hawaiian twist. With 100 pumpkins available for …
Fall Has Arrived at The Hawaiian Hoosier Snack Shack

Chandler Funeral Home Annual Trunk or Treat

🎃 Join Chandler Funeral Home for their annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 25, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. in the west parking lot at 203 E Temperance St, Ellettsville, IN 47429. Local businesses are invited to participate and help make this a fun, family-friendly community event. If your business would like to set up a trunk, please contact Ron at …
Chandler Funeral Home Annual Trunk or Treat

United Way of South Central Indiana Opens 2026 Impact Grants Application 

Funding Available for Nonprofits Serving Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen Counties United Way of South Central Indiana (UWSCI) has opened applications for its 2026 Impact Grant Cycle, making approximately $250,000 available to nonprofit organizations that advance long-term stability and opportunity for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and individuals.  In Indiana, ALICE households earn above the federal …
United Way of South Central Indiana Opens 2026 Impact Grants Application 
Applications will be accepted through October 17, 2025

Job Board

Are you a Chamber member? Do you have a job to fill? Post it free on our job board and in our newsletter. Email information to Jill

Thank you to our Premium Partners!
Thank you to our Executive Partners!

Adalie Allen State Farm
BBP Water Corporation
BFU
Bob Heaton, State Representative
Carpets Plus Colortile
Choice Realty & Management, Inc.
Edward Jones
Ellettsville Chiropractic
Floor Coverings International
The Hawaiian Hoosier
Hoosier Family Eyecare
Indiana University
Interstate All Battery Center of Bloomington
Jimmy Johns
The Niese Agency
Republic Services
SCI REMC


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