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Business Briefs

Merchants group has new name

Though the goals are the same, the name of the recently formed association of downtown merchants has been changed.

The new name is the Downtown Vandalia Merchants  Co-op. It encompasses businesses on Gallatin Street and about two blocks either side of it.

Donelle Conaway, owner of Something Special Florist and one of the organizers of the group, said the "co-op" part of the name is critical.

"It's very important that it is a co-op," she said. "We want everybody to be as one."

She said meetings will be held as needed – but certainly before each event is held.

Conaway said that proceeds from the events will be used to fund advertising to promote subsequent events.

The next activity planned by the group is a rummage sale on Gallatin Street on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 7 a.m. to noon. (The rain date is the following Saturday, Sept. 18.)

Businesses and individuals are invited to reserve a 12-foot space for $10. Reservations may be made by calling Conaway at 283-1810, Joanna Helm at 283-1432, Rich Jenner at 283-3481 or Gloria Durbin at 283-4804.

"We hope people will participate as we try to bring some life back to the downtown area," Conaway said. "The downtown really looks great now; we just need to get people down here and into our stores."

 

 

Chamber meeting is next Wednesday

The Vandalia Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly meeting next Wednesday, Sept. 1, at noon at Ponderosa Steakhouse.

In lieu of a regular program, the meeting will be an open forum for members to "talk about the future focus of the chamber," according to Ben Timmermann, chamber treasurer.

"We want to see what members want from the organization," he said.

 

FCH hires chief financial officer

Richard L. (Pete) Fromme, CPA, has been named chief financial officer of Fayette County Hospital and Long Term Care.  Fromme had been the interim CFO since May  2009. 

Originally from Jasper, Ind., Fromme has worked in hospital finance the majority of his career. He attended Indiana University,  earning a bachelor's degree in accounting, and later became a certified public accountant.

He has worked in numerous hospitals of all sizes for several different organizations throughout the country.

“Pete brings a tremendous amount of experience to the hospital," said Greg Starnes, FCH chief executive officer. "He has worked diligently and well with our hospital leaders and me as we implemented effective ways to reduce expenses in order to achieve a  positive bottom line.” 

Starnes said that making a profit enables the hospital to invest in new equipment and tools for the staff, helping them to better serve the patients.

Fromme is married and has twin daughters. He and his wife will be selling their home in Indiana and relocating to Vandalia.

 

Families sought for new Habitat home

Applications are now being accepted from families who would like to be considered for a Habitat For Humanity home.

Income limits are as follows:

• One person: $18,250 to $29,250.

• Two people: $20,900 to $33,400.

• Three people: $23,500 to $37,600.

• Four people: $26,100 to $41,750.

• Five people: $28,200 to $45,100.

• Six people: $30,300 to $48,450.

Applications are available from the First Presbyterian Church in Vandalia at 1221 W. Fillmore. The phone number is 283-0937.

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