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NOTE: This "It's Your Business" column by Chamber CEO Erin Predmore was published in the March 12, 2021 Bloomington Herald-Times.  Erin Predmore Was it really only a year ago when businesses were bracing for the pandemic tsunami and preparing to hunker down?
We’ve all gone through so much during the past 12 months. Like almost everyone else, we’re beyond eager to put the pandemic behind us. You can almost feel the vibrations of pent-up energy as temperatures warm, vaccinations roll out and COVID-19 case numbers decline. As the restrictions we’ve been working under start to relax, please remember our local businesses as you make plans to get out and about in ways you haven’t done for the past year. The next two months are crucial. Many businesses count on revenues they make now in order to carry them through the summer, when things are typically slower and sales are down. That’s true in any year, but even more so as we emerge from the pandemic. For many businesses, these past 12 months have seen sales plummet. Facing a sluggish summer makes it all the more important to boost sales now, especially for businesses that cater to students.
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 The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce it is now accepting nominations for the 11th Annual Women Excel Bloomington (WEB) Awards. Each year, seven women are recognized for their outstanding leadership in influencing the growth of others in the community and/or in their professional organization. These prestigious business leadership awards will be presented at the WEB Awards reception scheduled for late May.
WEB nominees serve as an inspiration, helping others to excel as they lead by example. They may be employed in either the business sector or a non-profit organization. Other criteria include:
Based on overwhelming feedback from members, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce opposes the proposed Bloomington Council Ordinance 21-06 that would allow encampments in public parks for extended periods.
“Over the past year we’ve heard increasing complaints and deep concerns voiced by members of the business community regarding encampments at Seminary Park and elsewhere,” said Erin Predmore, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “We must find an alternative way to support the needs of houseless residents that does not negatively impact local businesses, the jobs they provide, and the broader community.” This situation poses three broad impacts:  Kathleen Hugo Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
As a college freshman in Texas, I had a friend who was a sign language interpreter. I went with her to visit a preschool classroom for Deaf students. I was immediately taken by the teacher’s skill in helping her students develop both communication and academic skills. I thought “that is what I want to do.” Interestingly, when I finished college, my first job was in that same school, working alongside that teacher who had so inspired me. What is one piece of advice you would give to a person entering into the education field during an unprecedented times? I’ve come to realize the power that educators have to transform the lives of their students. I’ve seen it so many times through the years—how a skilled and committed teacher can make the classroom (even a virtual classroom) a place where students can grow and thrive, academically, socially, and emotionally. I would want anyone entering the field, regardless of the times, to be aware of the immense power they hold in shaping students’ lives.  Why did you choose the field of Education for a career?
I have always loved learning and working with people. By the age of 16, I felt reasonably confident that education was my destiny. Many of my mentors motivated me to pursue a career in teaching. As I continued working on my degree in education and exploring my interests in music and sports, I found myself serving in leadership and teaching roles in all three areas. However, teaching was my passion. I loved learning and helping others grow and learn. My goal in becoming a teacher has always been to support and nurture a community of lifelong learners. Schools play such an important role in our society. I believe teachers are responsible for helping children develop the skills and values needed to succeed and be successful community members. When our schools and teachers are provided with needed resources, our children grow. When our children succeed, our communities and our country reap the benefits.  Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I was always interested in teaching. Every summer, I’d visit my grandmother, a public school teacher in Memphis. We’d go on walks together and talk about her students. Stories ranged from funny math lessons to student gifts, and words of wisdom from her teacher colleagues. However, as a child, I wanted to be a composer. I moved from Tucson, Arizona to IU to major in music composition. There, I volunteered to help Sandra Freund’s elementary students compose melodies. I LOVED it. After graduating, I found a day job as a paraprofessional at BHSS, supporting Jennifer Robinson in the community based classroom. From her, I learned the effectiveness of patience, consistency, and high expectations. I enrolled in the MAT certification program and was going to be a high school orchestra director. However, after seeing Brent Gault in action during an elementary music methods class, I was hooked on teaching elementary kids.  Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I started IUB as a business major...off to conquer the corporate world. Even though the Kelley School of Business is top notch, I found myself unsatisfied with my studies. It was unsettling as someone who always had a plan to feel unsure about their future. As a Lilly Scholar, one of my requirements was to volunteer in the community. I signed up to volunteer at the local hospital, hoping that I may find a desire to work in medical administration. When I arrived, they asked if I would mind working in their childcare center. I figured this placement would keep me away from blood, so I happily accepted. At the center I worked with the classroom teachers in ages 2-5. I prepared lesson materials, organized lunches and snacks, helped with toileting and handwashing, and worked one-on-one with students. For the last hour of each volunteer session, I found myself working in the pre-K room. I read stories, sang songs, played games, and helped students with basic writing skills, and I loved it. I soon found myself spending just as much time searching for new children’s books and learning new songs, as I did studying for my classes. By the end of the semester, I realized that the best part of my week was my volunteer session. I enrolled in the School of Ed. the following semester.  Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I have always thought of myself as a teacher from the time I was a little girl teaching to my stuffed animals on my bed, grading papers, and taking attendance. I felt like I had a gift for explaining the math to my classmates. I was always very athletic and thought I could teach physical education. Since the openings for physical education was scarce, my father encouraged me to major in math and minor in physical education, which is exactly what I did. I was hired in 1984 to do just that: Teach math and use my physical education minor to coach swimming at Batchelor Middle School. Choose three words to describe your educational philosophy that guides you as an educator. I have always tried to be fair with my students and embraced my own shortcomings and have encouraged my students to learn from their mistakes. I always tell students that if there is a mistake they feel I have made whether it be in my grading or instruction to let me know. I am not afraid to admit if I made a mistake and I love to hear when students correct anything I may have said or done. This shows me they are really paying attention and are taking ownership with their learning. I feel as though I am friendly with my students. I love to hear about their interests, hobbies, and activities. Many students over the years have parents who have been former students of mine. I enjoy it so much when a student says to me that I was their mom or dad’s math teacher. Lastly, I feel that I make a connection with students by being fashion - conscious. I love to compliment students on their attire and enjoy when a student compliments me on mine.  What makes your school unique?
How did you first get into education? I started as a business major at IU and took an interest in inventory that helped me look into switching my major to education. I worked at the IU Bookstore to earn spending money. While there I met another girl, who was majoring in elementary education. After talking with her and helping her with her assignment, I decided I might have something to offer to future elementary school students. When I was in school, I was one of those kids that loved school so much, I would rather go to school sick than have to stay home and miss out on something! As an education major, I decided t wanted to become a teacher that would provide those same kinds of experiences to my students! Growing up in Bloomington, I had so many wonderful teachers. They were the reason I wanted to go to school every single day. They made learning and being in school so fun and exciting.  Rob Moore, program chair What is the program’s mission statement, and what are its primary goals? How would you describe it to someone unfamiliar with it?
The purpose of MCCSC Adult Education’s Indiana Online Only Distance Education for English Language Learning program is to provide instruction for adult English language learners locally and throughout the State. We partner on this project with Vincennes University, who has an IOODE program for adults studying for the high school equivalency tests. We envisioned that a similar opportunity for English Language acquisition would complement this effort and afford English language learners an equitable opportunity to develop the skills they need to achieve the following goals:
To describe it to someone unfamiliar with it, the program consists of English classes offered through videoconferencing and online software for adults at various skill levels both locally and throughout the State to help them learn English as a new language. |
Chamber NewsThis blog contains press releases and other news updates from the Chamber. Archives
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421 W 6th Street, Suite A | Bloomington, IN 47404 Phone: (812)336-6381 | info@chamberbloomington.org | sitemap Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 9:00am-3:00pm There is a no refund policy for events. If you need to reassign your ticket to another person we will be happy to update our attendance list. Thank you. |
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