Wanda English Burnett, Editor

“It was 31 years ago today that the power was turned on,” began Ron Green of WRBI Radio, after the radio station was named the 2008 Business of the Year by the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce. The 11th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon took place May 14 at the Napoleon Senior Center with three new businesses in attendance.

WRBI and staff were recognized for 31 years of service to the counties of not only Ripley, but Dearborn, Decatur and Franklin as well. In introducing the winner, David Baugh noted that “for 31 years, WRBI has been the top rated local radio station in Ripley County, the place listeners get their daily information, news, obituaries, community reminders, local sports and more.”

The radio station has provided not only quality news and entertainment over the air waves, but has been generous to the community it serves. They provide the Ripley County Repeaters Association with space on their tower so that the weather net is ready to go up at the first sign of troubling weather. They also gave space on the tower to the efforts of 911, at no cost to taxpayers.

The station offers Dial a Deal, Reality Check, Senior Citizen Expo, is part of the Emergency Alert System, and has connected with police and fire agencies to have a system in place that would allow these units immediate access to reach the public in case of an emergency.

“They have been chosen as the recipient of this award because of their tireless commitment to Ripley County,” stated Baugh.

Green, managing director for the station, thanked the chamber, his staff, the community, businesses, and advertisers, saying it takes everyone to make a business successful. Green, and members of his staff, serve on a variety of boards throughout the listening area and are involved in various community efforts.

Jean Nichols was recognized with a plaque for her six years of service with the chamber as the office manager. She thanked everyone and said while it was a hard decision to leave the chamber position, she felt it was the right one for her and her family. Amy Thomas has been hired for the position.
New businesses who were recognized at the luncheon were Jazzercise, located at Bee Active Gym, Batesville; Leadership Management Institute, Versailles; and Oldenburg Pet Grooming & Boarding, Oldenburg.

Other new businesses in the county include: Batesville Online.com, Buckeye Street Meat Market, Carolyn’s Collectibles, Computer Source NA, LLC, Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance, Dotty’s Bulk Food Basket, Elite Financial, Elwood Staffing, Holton Food Mart, Logo Hype, Inc., Pampered Chef-Tricia Hutchinson, Permanent Impressions Ink, Scally-Wags Treasure Treats, Sharper Image Salon, LLC, Stars Iron Gym, The Stone Studio, LLC, and Union Savings Bank.

Chamber president Barry Lauber welcomed the new businesses and encouraged others to get on board with the chamber. He noted that the chamber is taking a new direction and will be offering more seminars and workshops to help businesses grow. He asked business leaders to come forward with suggestions they might have for needs for their business and also extended an invitation to those who might be willing to serve in some capacity on a board.

Upcoming events the chamber sponsors include a golf outing on June 11, Walk/Run, June 28, and the popular fireworks at the Osgood Fairgrounds Park on July 3.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce you can contact the office at Versailles at 812-689-6654.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTOS WRBI Radio Station was honored as the 2008 Business of the Year by the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce at its 11th Annual Business Luncheon held Wednesday, May 14. Pictured back row from left are: Randy Mullins, marketing consultant; Ron Green, general manager, Caz Burdette, program director; and David Glass, president of broadcasting division, Findlay Publishing Co.; Kevin Pancake, marketing director of broadcasting division, Findlay Publishing Co.; front row: Liz Stenger, marketing consultant; Barbara Nolting, office manager, Gerry Nordmeyer, marketing consultant and Mary Mattingly, news director.