Odon Business Alliance reorganizing
For years, the Odon Business Alliance acted as the focal point for programs and festivals in the community.
Now many of the board members have resigned.
"They are trying to keep it going. The past board has kind of retired, so they are going to restructure the organization and try to keep it going," said former board member Morgan Wininger. "Insurance had gone up and that became an issue for us. Our events had grown, so the insurance went up with that growth. Our membership is still there. We just couldn't get enough help."
The Odon Business Alliance put on several events each year, but as the board began to dwindle, the responsibility and time to put on those events grew heavier on those who were left.
"We would do the Easter egg hunt at the park, Chalk up the Town, the Pumpkin Festival and the parade," said Wininger. "Those are pretty time-intensive events. The planning was the hard part. We had help the day of the events to carry them out. The planning just got to be a lot."
Organizers believe the Odon Business Alliance and its events have a future and they have asked for Director of the Daviess County Visitors and Tourism Bureau Amber Warden to lead the reorganization effort.
"They were a board of four people. They did a great job and they put on great events, but they needed more people to get involved and help them out," said Warden. "They have asked me to help rebuild the organization. I'm looking for new board members. I am hoping for at least 10. So far, I have three people on board and we are looking for more. This has to be sustainable and it requires people who want to see businesses succeed in Odon."
Even with the need for new leadership, people recognize the Odon Business Alliance still has a place.
"The original goal of the business alliance was to bring people to the businesses in Odon. I think the people will miss the events if the organization is gone," said Wininger. "I hope there is a future for the organization. Our pumpkin festival was huge. The Easter egg hunt was a big event."
"Anyone who has an interest in the Odon Business Alliance should reach out to me. You can call 812-254-1500," said Warden.
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