Education leader known for ‘boundless energy’

Pat Heiny used her acceptance speech for the Art Vivian Community Leader award to gently cajole hundreds of listeners to personally connect with youth as volunteer coaches, mentors and readers.

Heiny received the award during Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s sold-out Jan. 23 dinner at the fairgrounds.

“For Wayne County to thrive, for our businesses to thrive, all of our young people need the competence and confidence and opportunity to succeed,” Heiny said.

She recognized the award’s namesake for understanding the power of collective action and convincing others to help form the chamber’s predecessor, the Committee of 100.

Tamara Brinkman, United Way of Whitewater Valley’s executive director, said Heiny has boundless energy, is whip smart and a fierce advocate for everything that’s right and good.

Heiny, who formed a national consulting company with Mary Jo Clark, is also a former teacher and Richmond Community Schools board member. She continues to volunteer in classrooms and guide early childhood education initiatives.

Starr Elementary kindergarten teacher Ashley Duncan said students love when the “selfless servant” comes into their classroom. Heiny checks what they’ve learned and inspires tenacity. Duncan said Heiny gives inspiring messages such as, “Don’t give up, keep going, keep learning, you might not know this today but we’re going to keep practicing.”

Several of the night’s awards recognized efforts in education and youth services.

• Educator of the Year Peggy Muller has brought science to life in classrooms for 31 years, exciting students with hands-on learning opportunities and her enthusiasm. She teaches fourth grade science at Hagerstown Elementary and has served as a leader in Nettle Creek Classroom Teachers Association.
• Bonita Washington-Lacey was recognized as Educator of the Year for Higher Education. As vice president for student life and dean of students at Earlham College, she oversees nearly every aspect of the student experience, including health and counseling services, residence life, athletics, accessibility, and engagement. Throughout her career, she has been a steady, compassionate presence, ensuring students receive not only a strong education but the support they need to thrive.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County was named Partner In Education and Girls Inc. of Wayne County received Achievement in Excellence (Nonprofit).

Corporation of the year

Awards also recognized several corporations, workers and volunteers in various sectors.

Ahaus Tool & Engineering won Corporation of the Year. Co-owners Kevin Ahaus and Jeff Sheridan credited their employees for success in creating tooling and components that help companies make their products. They’re conceptualized, designed and manufactured and assembled in Richmond so customers can see their equipment run.

Ahaus is in its 79th year in operation. It moved into its current factory in 1979, which has since been expanded five times. Ahaus also recently expanded into a building across the street.

Chamber recap

Tony Foster, 2025 chair, said the board spent more time last year studying important community issues such as the food/beverage tax and housing, and having a stronger voice in offering solutions.

They established the Workplace Learning Project, providing a bridge between employers and Wayne County’s six high schools as some students face new workplace learning requirements. Foster said the program, now led by Shawntel Baker, is considered a model across Indiana.

In tandem, new board chair AJ Sickmann said this year’s hiring fair will include interviews for work-based learning positions, including internships and pre-apprenticeships.

Other updates benefit members and the community at large. A new health insurance plan is available. The public can purchase digital and physical gift cards to use at local merchants, replacing gift certificates. The Chamber continues to facilitate trips to various domestic and international destinations.

The chamber also paid tribute to late local entrepreneurs Debra Edelman (Recycling Center), David Rodgers (Whitewater Broadcasting) and Gerald Davis (Vandor Corporation).