Saluting Women in Business in the Valley
October is National Women’s Small Business Month and we’re celebrating by highlighting ladies in leadership all across the Wabash Valley.
After all, Women Mean Business.
Tune in as we shine a light on these hard working women all month long – and give you a chance to win some goodies, too!
Listen below to hear how these women – in their own words – have navigated the highs and lows of leadership.
Women Mean Business – Powered by Indiana State University Scott College of Business
Diann McKee
Diann McKee has more than 36 years of administrative experience in higher education. Since 2008 she has served as Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration/Treasurer at Indiana State University with oversight responsibilities for finance, construction and facility operations, human resources, and public safety. Prior to 2008, McKee held various finance and budget-related positions at Indiana State. She earned a B.S. in Accounting in 1982 and a Masters of Public Administration in 1993, both from Indiana State University. Upon graduation from Indiana State University, Diann worked for the Indiana State Board of Accounts auditing local units of government until joining her alma mater in 1987. Active in the local community, she has previously served as a board member of the Union Health Foundation, Art Spaces, Swope Art Museum, Wabash Valley Goodwill, Terre Haute Human Relations Commission, and Vigo County Educational Foundation. Currently serving as a board member of the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, she also is a member of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Committee. Professionally, Diann was honored in 2014 as a finalist in the Indianapolis Business Journal CFO of the Year awards and recognized in 2022 by Terre Haute Living as a Women in Business honoree. McKee and her husband, Craig, have resided in Terre Haute for more than 30 years. A member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, she has served on the parish vestry and co-chaired the Rector Search Committee. Diann enjoys travel, interior design, and reading.
Tammy Marion
President of Marion Manufacturing here in Terre Haute. Tammy is an ISU Scott College of Business alum and leading a private company within an industry (i.E. Manufacturing) that is male dominated. Tamara “Tammy” Marion serves as President and co-owner of Marion Manufacturing. Marion Manufacturing was started by Babe, Carole, Tim, Leonard, and Tammy Marion in 1996 in a 22’ x 22’ garage. Marion Manufacturing is a high-precision CNC machining operation, providing components to the Heavy Equipment, Fluid Systems, Energy, Agriculture, Department of Defense, and Aerospace Industries. Tammy Marion began her career at Marion Manufacturing as the company’s General Manager in 2001. In 2007, Tammy became the company’s Six Sigma Deployment Champion-successfully deploying Six Sigma practices throughout the company. Tammy acquired 34% of the company and assumed the role of President in 2008. Tammy has led the company through both ISO 9000 Certification, as well as AS9100 Aerospace Certification. During her time at Marion Manufacturing, Tammy has led her team to successfully increasing sales from $150,000 annually to nearly $20 million. Tammy is originally from Spencer, Indiana. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration at Indiana State University and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Tammy is a member of the American Society for Quality, National Association of Professional Women, and has served on the Indiana Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing Alliance. She is active in the community as a 4-H Leader, Member of Indiana Farm Bureau, as well as Parliamentarian Coach for the Local FFA Chapter.
Sam Shanks
President & CEO of Indiana State University Federal Credit Union. Sam is an ISU alum and started at ISUFC as a student worker in 1982 rising through the ranks to now lead this organization. Sam supports the ISU Scott College of Business and is also leading within an industry (i.e. finance) that is male dominated. Same Shanks is the new Foundation Board chair.
National Women’s Small Business Month
This month, we’re talking about all of the different ways women small business owners and leaders benefit our community and the world around us. Did you know…
There are over 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States, employing 9.4 million workers and generating revenue of $1.9 trillion.
There are 116 Women’s Business Centers that supported 150,000 women last year, helping their businesses make 1.7 billion dollars and creating 17,000 jobs.
50 percent of women small business owners are women of color.
In 2012, 44 percent of women small business owners also had children under the age of 18 in their household. That means, by supporting women-owned businesses, you’re also supporting families.
In 1972, women only owned 4.6% of all businesses in the United States. Now women own 42% of businesses in the United States.
There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago.
October 1988 marks the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s signing of H.R. 5050, which is the Women’s Business Ownership Act. This legislation increased federal support of women-owned businesses and made it easier for female entrepreneurs to get working capital, business training, and assistance.
Prior to this bill being signed into law, some states required women to have a male family member co-sign on their business loan applications.
Women Mean Business Podcast
Our Sponsors
Haute Staging & Design
Michelle Whitford
Michelle Whitford is the owner of Haute Staging & Design. She is a HSR Certified Home Staging and Redesign Professional serving the Terre Haute, West Terre Haute, Clinton and surrounding area. She has completed the most comprehensive and intensive home staging and redesign certification courses in North America provided by the Home Staging Resource.
Michelles passion for staging and design is more than just arranging furniture—it’s about infusing a house with personality and warmth, turning a structure into a place that feels like home from the moment you step through the door. It’s creating beautiful and emotional spaces that not only captivate but also resonate deeply with those who experience them. Staging is transforming houses into homes where memories are made and cherished. Michelle’s mission at Haute Staging & Design is to transform every property into an elevated, market-ready home that sells swiftly and at maximum return. Her dedication to design, creativity, and the art of staging ensures that every home stands out and becomes a success in the market.
Transform Your Space, Elevate Your Home!
Roehm Refrig Heating & Cooling
Beth D'Amico
“A native of Terre Haute, Beth D’Amico is PRESIDENT of Roehm Refrigeration Heating & Cooling. Beth and everyone at the Roehm team give each and every one of their clients the Red Carpet Treatment while having one goal in mind: to serve their clients and make their experience an amazing one.”
Let the Roehm Team Give You the Red Carpet Treatment
S&S Customs
Kristen
Hello, my name is Kristen. I’m 35 years old and born and raised in Terre Haute by a single mother. She supported me through college, and I graduated with a bachelor’s in public health from Indiana State University in 2012. I then accepted a position with IU Health as a health educator and held that position for 10 years. My favorite vacation spot is sitting somewhere with my feet in the sand and listening to the waves crash. I also like enjoying time outdoors and gardening. Fall is my favorite season, it’s pumpkin spice and spooky time! I’m also down for a quick trip to a theme park! My expensive hobby is owning a Jeep because there’s always a new project to start. I’ve been a Jeep owner for 4 years and met some amazing people in our community through the Wabash Valley Jeep Junkies. I was approached and asked if I wanted to be a part of starting a small business in Terre Haute. After some brainstorming, we branded a new mechanic shop, S&S Custom. It started out as a small side job that was being completed in a 2 bay garage out of a house that was quickly outgrown. We realized we needed to expand and open other opportunities. We can finally say that our shop has now been open for 2 years this coming November in a five bay garage with 2 lifts. We are located at 13th and Hulman in Terre Haute. This was a scary chapter to begin, but I am proud to say that I am a business owner in Terre Haute of a mechanic shop (even though I get slack for being a woman with a mechanic shop)! I look forward to seeing our shop thrive, thanks to our community’s support! We wouldn’t be here without you, shop local! I love seeing those that live in our town open their own businesses and are trying to better our community for better opportunities or hobbies for the families living here
S&S Custom, 1240B Hulman in Terre Haute, is THE trusted and reputable name in automotive maintenance and repair.
Campbell Creek
Jessica Fields
Campbell Creek was started in August 2016 by Terre Haute native Jessica Fields. After participating in the weekly Terre Haute Farmers Market, Jessica saw the need for a brick and mortar location where she as well as other local artisans could sell their products everyday. As a result, she opened Campbell Creek Artisan Shops downtown in the historic building at 5th and Wabash in October 2017. She and her family put countless hours into renovating the old barbershop, transforming it into a cozy boutique with space for multiple vendors. Initially she recruited artisans from the Farmers Market, but then quickly added a number of other small businesses providing a wide variety of unique, handcrafted items for the Terre Haute Community. Unfortunately, Campbell Creek Artisan Shops became a casualty of the pandemic and Jessica was forced to close the doors in July of 2020. However, through hard work and a lot of faith in God, she was able to reopen her store this time at the Meadows Shopping Center under the name Campbell Creek Plain and Simple. There are local artisans who still sell their wares at Campbell Creek, but the store has also expanded to include additional items as well. All of the products in the store are either made by Jessica or someone in her family or purchased from small businesses throughout the United States.”
In February 2024, Jessica opened Campbell Creek Books at the Meadows Shopping Center. The bookstore houses a collection of works published by local authors and offers a monthly local author book signing as well as a book club. In August of 2024, Campbell Creek Plain and Simple and Campbell Creek Books merged in one location at the Meadows. The location of Plain and Simple is now being converted into another Campbell Creek venture: Campbell Creek Wedding and Party Rentals. Here customers will be able to see rentable wedding items such as centerpieces and flower arrangements and bridal parties will be able to create their own wedding flowers. In addition, the space will be used for events, such as bridal showers and birthday parties as well as creative workshops (making Christmas ornaments, constructing handmade cards).
In June of 2024, Campbell Creek introduced the Campbell Creek Market. This event was held at the Vigo County Fairgrounds and hosted about 120 vendors, food trucks, a car show and music by local bands including Richard Goodall! We are already planning 2 markets for next year in June and September.
At the end of September, Campbell Creek will also be introducing their food truck. The food truck will have Campbell Creek soups, made from the dry soup mixes currently available at Campbell Creek events, as well as a variety of other food items. We will be set up at various festivals this fall including the Fall event at District 6, Pioneer Days at Fowler Park, and the Covered Bridge Festival.
ISU
Campbell Creek – unique gift shop complete with handcrafted items such as soaps and lotions along with items
Vigo County CEO Program
Teri Bennett, Facilitator, Vigo County CEO Program
Teri is the program Facilitator for the Vigo County CEO Program. The CEO Program is an entrepreneurship / business education program for local high school students that seeks to prepare them to be entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial thinkers and contribute to the economic development of their communities. Teri taught English for the Vigo County School Corporation for more than 30 years, an author, and proud Indiana State University alumna.
The Scott College of Business is a corporate partner of the Vigo County CEO Program and regularly engages to actively support these students.
Indiana State University
Scott College of Business
Dr. Kristina Harrison, Assistant Professor, Scott College of Business
Kristina teaches sales and marketing for the college (I’m sure you have met her at our sales dinners), and is our sales team coach, which means she leads our students who participate in sales competitions. She is also our Women in Business student organization co-advisor. Kristina is a noted scholar in the areas of service marketing, corporate responsibility, and multicultural consumer behavior.
United Way of the Wabash Valley
Abby Desboro, the Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley
Giving back to the community is a way of life for Abby Desboro, the Executive Director of theUnited Way of the Wabash Valley. She has been with the organization for 7 years previously serving as the Marketing and Communications Director before assuming the Director role in 2023. Her work with the organization has been integral in transforming the way United Way works in our community beginning with the model shift in 2018 and responding to ever changing community needs. Previous to United Way, Abby began her career in marketing in Las Vegas before moving home in 2011 to help with her family farm while continuing her focus on Marketing and PR at the Terre Haute Regional Airport. Her husband Dave is a Process Engineer at Elanco, and they keep themselves busy by chasing around their two young daughters, Claire, 8, and Avery, 4.
Crown Hill Dentistry
Dr. Brittany Gooding
Dr. Gooding grew up in Cayuga and found her calling to dentistry at a very young age. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in general human health sciences from Purdue University in 2007 then obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery, cum laude with highest distinction, from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2011. During her education, Dr. Gooding received numerous awards including the American Academy of General Dentistry Senior Award, the American College of Prosthodontists Award, the President’s Award for National Board Scores and the George A. Welch Memorial Scholarship.
To stay current on all the most recent advances in dentistry, orthodontics, TMJ and sleep apnea, Dr. Gooding attends multiple hours of continuing education every year. The training she receives at national seminars helps her to ensure her patients are getting the most up to date and comprehensive care available.
Dr. Gooding has attained Fellowship in the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain which focuses on the treatment of TMJ/TMD, headaches and other pain associated with the craniofacial complex. She is also active in the International Association of Orthodontics (IAO) and has completed residencies in airway-focused orthodontics which allows her to provide more to her orthodontic patients than just a healthy smile but a healthier airway as well.
She is also an active member of the community dedicating time to various organizations including actively volunteering with the Clinton Breakfast Optimist Club, working with the Tri Kappa Philanthropy Organization and acting on the committee for the Vermillion County Dancing with the Stars (which supports the Clinton Community Recreational Center).
Visiting Angels
Amber Beauchman
As a healthcare professional of 18 years, it is a privilege to serve my community and others as the Executive Director here at Visiting Angels West Central. Providing compassionate care through the comfort of one’s own home is not just a standard for us.. it is our heartfelt mission.
Counseling Pathways
Tricia May, MSW, LCSW
Tricia graduated from Indiana State University with her bachelors degree in Criminology and Psychology. She later went on to earn her master’s degree in Social Work. She has earned clinical licensure and is currently a licensed Clinical Social Worker. Tricia is the owner of Counseling Pathways and also maintains a caseload of clients. Tricia has certifications in trauma treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, play therapy, treatment of eating disorders, grief therapy, addictions treatment and more. Tricia mostly enjoys time with her family and traveling. Tricia is Counseling Pathways Owner and Clinical Director.
Magnolia Accounting & Consulting Solutions, LLC
Stacia Phillips
I am a Terre Haute native and seasoned business professional, with over 20 years of accounting and finance experience. I’ve held pivotal accounting and finance leader roles such a Financial Controller, Director of Accounting operations, and FP&A Leader at large publicly held companies with a commitment to excellence, process improvement, change management, and helping others grow. I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting (Indiana State University), an M.B.A (Ball State University) and am an active CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in the state of Indiana.
My family is extremely important to me and motivates every step that I make. If my husband (Marc) and I aren’t driving one of our three children (Amaya, Brodric, or Alina) to soccer, baseball, or basketball, or camping, I am focused on building my business (Magnolia Accounting & Consulting Solutions, LLC) as my family legacy.
The inspiration for my business name… The Magnolia is a family symbol. My grandmother, mother, and I love the magnolia tree. In the front yard of my grandmother’s home in Virginia, there is a magnolia tree, that now stands over 30 feet tall and I have watched grow my entire life. One of my favorite pictures (…a 4-generation photo) is in front of that tree. The Magnolia symbolizes purity, integrity, perseverance, and strength for me.. Magnolia means family!
Amy Gordon, Realtor – Century 21 Elite
Amy Gordon
Since 2012, Amy Gordon from Century 21 Elite has served the Wabash Valley community with her real estate expertise. Amy took her interest in real estate and turned it into a career. She has experienced several home purchases and sales herself and is taking that practical knowledge and passing it on to her clients. Amy is also a mother and a long-term volunteer for many organizations and will work tirelessly to ensure that her clients have a great experience in either buying or selling their home. Amy’s philosophy…trust, integrity, community! Amy Gordon of Century 21 Elite.
Stadler & Company
Lori Carpenter
After raising 5 children and enjoying a rewarding career as music teacher in Terre Haute, Lori accepted an internship to do taxes at Stadler and Company. This opportunity blossomed into a new career as an Enrolled Agent. After becoming a fellow of NAEA’s National Tax Practice Institute , she has dedicated her time to tax preparation, tax planning with her clients, and representing clients before the IRS when they have tax issues. More recently she is engaged in mentoring new preparers and Enrolled Agents. She has been active with state and national non-profits who work to educate and protect taxpayers. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, home remodeling, and travelling.
Shelly Buys Houses
Shelly Fonner
The Mission of Shelly Buys Houses is to “Transform lives through Affordable Housing to empower families and individuals to enjoy the American Dream of home ownership.” Shelly Buys Houses has unique programs to help people own their own dream home, even if they’ve been turned down by banks. Whether someone has bad credit, great credit, or no credit – they have programs and options to help customers reach their dream of owning a home. Trying to sell your home? Shelly Buys Houses – any condition, any type, any location and any financing situation. Whether you have a property that is over-financed and owe more on your mortgage than the property is worth, a property that is free and clear, or a property in foreclosure or bankruptcy – whatever the case, we can help when others can not! Shelly can write an offer and close within 24 hours. Shelly Buys Houses also offers credit repair programs.
Indiana State University
Scott College of Business
Dr. Trudy Weddle, Executive Director of Graduate Programs, Scott College of Business
Trudy is an alumna of Indiana State University and experienced administrator within higher education having served most recently as the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services & Student Success at Ivy Tech Community College.
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