History of Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries, Inc.

The way in which Wabash Valley Goodwill came to be is explained in the following time-line.

	1917    During this year.  Ted first heard the story of how Reverend E. J. Helms had started the Goodwill idea in Boston, Mass., and began to consider his own relationship to this idea.  About this time Ted started to feel God had other work for him than factory foreman and turned his thoughts to the ministry.
	1921    Changing the direction of his life, Ted entered Baldwin-Wallace College, a Methodist Theological Seminary in Berea, Ohio, while he ministered to churches in Akron and Strongville.  Two years later he was ordained as a Methodist minister and assigned to Calvary Methodist Church in Terre Haute, Indiana.
	1924-1926    Finding the congregation in financial difficulty and the community in a depressed state due to the decline of several major industries, Rev. Grob set out immediately to help both the church and the surrounding community.  He was very busy with Sunday morning and evening services, Wednesday night prayer meeting and visitations to the sick.  As he and Deaconess Pauline Bartruff revitalized the church's program, the congregation increased and the financial condition of the church began to improve.  Rev. Grob organized a vacation Bible school for children in the most depressed areas of the community, at the church and across the river in Taylorville.  Many of the children's parents were out of work and lacked such basic necessities as clothing and food.  Remembering the Goodwill premise, "Not charity but a chance," he asked for donations from local merchants which would be used by the older students to make clothes for themselves and the younger children.
	1926    Rev. Grob wanted to expand the use of the Goodwill idea in Terre Haute, but a visit from Goodwill founder  Helms was not encouraging.  A Goodwill had never been tried in a city as small as Terre Haute, but after a tour of the depressed areas, Helms agreed to give Rev. Grob $200 in missionary money if he was "crazy enough to start".
	January, 1927    With this $200 and permission from the congregation to use the parsonage as its headquarters, Goodwill Industries in Terre Haute became a reality.  One of the interested citizens meeting to organize the agency was George W. Krietenstein, one of the most loyal and generous of Rev. Grob's congregation at Calvary Methodist Church.  As were others, Krietenstein was skeptical of the Goodwill idea, but Rev. Grob convinced him that to make a go of it, they would have to have 1,000 Goodwill bags to make the initial collection of goods.  He gave Rev. Grob a check for $42.50 to buy the bags, telling him, "This is the dumbest money I ever gave away!".  It certainly wasn't the last, though.
	February, 1927    The first 1,000 Goodwill bags were distributed early in the month, the filled bags providing work for the first Goodwill employees in Terre Haute.
	March, 1927    The Goodwill Store opened and took in $1.32 the first day.  Mary Carmichael was the first customer.  Soon more people discovered they could buy clothing and household articles at the Goodwill for prices they could afford.
	April, 1927    The Epworth League, the young people's group at Calvary, gave the Goodwill its first truck, a Dodge panel truck which cost $75, for collecting cast-offs around town.
	December, 1927    At a Rotary Club meeting, Rev. Grob emphasized the need for 2,000 more Goodwill bags.  Rotarian Rev. LeRoy Brown suggested Rev. Grob stand outside the door after the meeting and take contributions from Rotary members who wished to donate toward the $85 cost of the bags.  When everyone was gone, he found the whole amount had been collected.  No civic group has been more supportive of the Goodwill over the years than the Rotary, and several Rotarians have been on the Goodwill Board of Directors.  The 2,000 bags were distributed during the Christmas holiday in the new Deming addition in the area of 21st to Barton.  The Goodwill was overflowing with merchandise after these bags were collected, putting more people to work and providing more low-cost items for purchase by the needy.  The Goodwill was in business, just one short year after Reverend Grob decided to go ahead with the project.
	December 28, 1927    The end of the organizational stage of Goodwill's development was marked by its official beginning, as articles of incorporation were filed in the Vigo County Recorder's office.
	1929    As Reverend Grob's Goodwill work continued, so did his work as pastor of the congregation at Calvary Methodist.  Joseph Entwistle, Superintendent of the Terre Haute Vitrified Brick Company, wrote to local businessmen asking for donations to support Rev. Grob's Sunday School. The letter produced the $25 Rev. Grob needed at that time.  Consistently, businessmen in Terre Haute have been more than willing to support the efforts which would help the unemployed and their families help themselves.  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nehf turned over two homes on Mulberry Street to the Goodwill to house workers who could not afford rent.  These became known as the Neukom-Nehf Memorial.  One was used for a dormitory and the other for living, dining and kitchen area.
	1930    The Ladies Auxiliary of Goodwill opened a coffee shop which served food to the needy at cost or less.  Much of the food was donated by local firms.
	1929-1930    The phenomenal growth of Goodwill Industries made it increasingly evident that new and larger facilities would soon be required to continue to serve the needs of the community.  Goodwill had no money to build, and it was in debt to the Merchants National Bank for two small buildings it had purchased at 120-122 North Fifth Street.  The Grobs' good friend Minnie Muehlmann came through with a $1,000 donation to help reduce the debt, yet there was no money for a new building.  Rev. Grob put into effect the Goodwill principle once more.  He designed the building he wanted, solicited salvage materials for use in the building project and enlisted a crew of unemployed men to dig the basement, paying $1 a day in wages, supplemented by food, clothing and coal.
	1932-1935    Through the efforts of Rev. Grob and many leaders of business and industry, the new building at 120-122 North Fifth became a reality, the only Goodwill Industries in the country to be built entirely with salvage materials and donations.  The dedication was the third week of June, 1935.  The third and fourth floors of the building were completed by 1939.
	1932    Robert Nunn gave the Goodwill a farm in Riley where broom corn was raised for the manufacture of brooms in the workshop.  These were sold at the Goodwill Stores and at the Oakley Food Stores.  Mr. and Mrs. Ed Talley gave the Goodwill a house at 612 Sycamore to be used to house girls of limited means attending Indiana State Teachers College.  They worked at Goodwill Industries for their room and board.
	1933    During Goodwill's years of growth, Rev. Grob continued to request and to receive much support form the community.  A check here, a dollar on his desk there, always coming just when there was a need.  Krietenstein made another of his many contributions, this time a check for $45 and a receipted bill.  Entwistle offered a lease on a 175 acre farm to be used to employ several men and to turn a profit to be used on the building project.
	June, 1935    At the time of the dedication of the new building, Rev. Grob asked board members and contributors to double their pledges if they possibly could, so outstanding debts could be paid.  Ninety per cent of the pledges were doubled.
	1940    Benjamin Blumberg donated $200 toward payment of a debt at the Merchants National Bank, clearing the store on Fourth Street of debt.  He also made possible installation of the first electric elevator in the Goodwill building.  Ed Bindley contributed a concrete floor for the basement of the Goodwill building, poured and finished by concrete workers employed by Leroy White, who had assisted in the original building project.  Before this, flies and dampness made use of the basement area almost impossible.  Victor Miller offered money to pay for finishing the second floor and painting the building on the inside, and another friend gave a paint spraying machine valued at more than $150.
	1941-1945    Goodwill's work increased during the war years as the Office of Production Management in Washington advised all Goodwill Industries to step up collections of salvage and other discarded materials.  There was a critical need for paper, rags, metal and rubber for processing into new materials; and reconditioning and reuse of other materials would help conserve new consumer goods.  Housewives and children all over responded by donating and collecting materials for war use.
	1942    The Terre Haute Community Chest was organized and accepted Goodwill's application for membership allotting $3,600 to Goodwill.  Rev. Grob was one of the campaign chairmen for the initial fund-raising drive.
	September 13, 1942    A disastrous fire at the Goodwill building destroyed the inside of the upper three floors and their contents.  Immediately, Rev. Grob began to plan for repairing the damage and continuing the operation elsewhere while repairs were being done.  The community responded with help and, by 1943, the workshops were restored and Goodwill was in full operation again.
	1945    As assistant director of Goodwill Industries, Ted, Jr., instituted a new program called "human engineering" which would guide Goodwill during the coming years of change and expanding services.  The focus of all Goodwills had changed since the Depression, from helping those handicapped by economic conditions to those handicapped by physical and mental conditions.  Ted anticipated that disabled veterans returning to the Terre Haute area after W.W.II would need help becoming a part of society again.  This program required working agreements with many state and local agencies -- the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Indiana Veterans Administration, the Indiana Department of Mental Health, the Vigo County Mental Health Association, the Vigo County Tuberculosis society, the American Red Cross chapter and the Family Services Association.  Thanks to local industry, Goodwill was able to obtain several jobs which employed handicapped workers but did not fit into the industries' own production schedules.  Columbia Records, Ethyl Visqueen, Wabash Fibre Box Company, Home Packing, Public Service Indiana, and Coca-Cola bottling Company were just some of the industries furnishing work to Goodwill employees.
	1947    The Rotary Club sponsored the first Good Turn Drive for Goodwill, a program which has continued over the years to provide Goodwill employees with a source of goods to work on throughout the year.
	April, 1949    Goodwill continued to expand its services by opening the Brazil retail store, the first outside Terre Haute.  Other area retail stores followed through the years, selling, as did the Brazil Store, material collected in the area and processed at the central workshop in Terre Haute.  These included stores in Marshall, Charleston, Robinson and Paris, in Illinois and in Sullivan, Greencastle, Linton, Clinton, West Terre Haute and North Terre Haute, in Indiana.
	1954    The Goodwill Board of  Directors voted to raise $3,000 for new laundry equipment, a basic necessity of the operation since all clothing taken in had to be laundered and pressed after it was sorted and mended at the workshop.
	1959    Purchases made possible by board members Harry Arnold and Robert Nunn were a new electric welder, steam iron and shoe repair machine.  Mr. Arnold also gave Goodwill 500 shares of Terre Haute Malleable stock.
	1962    The increasing volume of business made it necessary to build a new fireproof brick addition on the site of the old parsonage north of the main building.  This provided an area for storage of filled bags until materials were processed.  Then Goodwill Board President, Forrest  Sherer, donated the first $1,000 of the cost and collected much of the rest from other friends of Goodwill.
	1963    When Rev. Grob underwent surgery and took some time off for recovery, he suggested the board ask Ted, Jr., to come back to Terre Haute from his position as Director of the Atlanta Goodwill Industries and prepare to take over the directorship when he retired.
	1965    In Ted, Jr.'s first year as Assistant Executive Director, much new equipment was installed and the workshops were remodeled in an effort to modernize training procedures and management policies.  New drop boxes for placement throughout the city were donated by the Rotary Club, Junior Chamber of Commerce, radio station WAAC, radio and television station WTHI, the Callahan Funeral Home, the Bedino Peace Chapel, the Motor Carriers' Association, the Kiwanis Club and the Friendship Class of Centenary United Methodist Church.
	1968    Ted, Jr., became Executive Director of the Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries.  A $300 donation from the Exchange Club made possible the purchase of an electric wiper cutter,  which is used for cutting otherwise unusable rags into wiper cloths.  The cloths are purchased by many local industries.  The Junior Chamber of Commerce contributed $700 for new laundry equipment and the Rotary Club gave $800 for a new steam cabinet for the clothing refinishing department.
	1969    Ted, Jr., introduced a new activity project, the Work Activity Center, to evaluate the potential work habits of severely mentally retarded clients.
	1971    An equipment grant was received from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to purchase office equipment, a new truck, a new baler, air conditioners, a register for the main store, and production equipment such as saws and drills.  A second grant in 1973 allowed the purchase of trucks, an air compressor, a radial arm saw, carts and dollies, a washer and dryer and office equipment.
	August , 1971    A staffing grant was received from the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare and the Indiana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to facilitate a program of rehabilitation training for the developmentally disable.  Kathy Ratliff was hired to administer the program as Director of Personnel and Rehabilitation Services, and Stuart Wigon as Work Evaluator and Training Director.
	December, 1971    An accreditation investigation was conducted and accreditation was granted to the Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries from the national Goodwill office, signifying that all standards set forth by the parent organization had been met.  This was the first time the local Goodwill had worked toward accreditation, and it was again earned in 1976 and 1981.
	August, 1972    Robinson Goodwill was established.
	February, 1973    The Goodwill Board of Directors approved a report calling for the hiring of a special planner to aid in the agency's attempts to construct a new building and to develop a plan to submit to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for consideration of a technical assistance grant.  However, after the board surveyed possible sources for financing the building, the idea was tabled because fund-raising opportunities in the community did not appear to be favorable at that time.
	February 1, 1974    Fire caused $10,000 worth of damage to the main Goodwill store at 122 N. Fifth Street.  Flames were confined to the first floor, and damage forced closing  of the store for clean-up.
	March, 1974    The newly remodeled main store reopened to "land office" business the first day.  The opening was combined with the celebration of the Goodwill's 47th birthday in the Wabash Valley, and the first customer was Mary Carmichael, who had made the first purchase on opening day back in 1927.
	September, 1974    A Goodwill store was opened in Greencastle.
	March 27, 1977    Mayor Brighton declared this Goodwill Week in Terre Haute in honor of the 50th year Anniversary Celebration.  Goodwill dignitaries and local leaders toured the Goodwill facility each day and a gala banquet highlighted the festivities.
	February, 1979    Charleston Goodwill was established.
	February 22, 1979    The store in Robinson, Ill., destroyed by fire in January, 1979, reopened at a new location.
	March 15, 1979    The ninth Goodwill store supplied from the workshop operation in Terre Haute was opened in Charleston, Ill.
	May, 1981    The Marshall, Illinois Goodwill Store was closed.
	August, 1982     Sullivan Goodwill was established.
	October 29, 1982    Appointment was approved by the Board of Directors of William G. Tennis as new Executive Director of Goodwill and Ted, Jr., as Consultant, effective December, 1982.
	March, 1983    Ted, Jr. retired  Executive Director of the Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries packs up and moves to Iowa, leaving Goodwill Industries under the capable direction of Bill Tennis.
	August, 1983    Robinson Goodwill moved to its present location at 111 W. Walnut.
	September, 1984    The Marshall, Illinois Goodwill Store was reopened at it's former site.  Due to the lack of community support, the store was closed again in Aug., 1986
	March, 1985    George Miller was elected President of the Board of Directors.
	August, 1985    The Linton, Indiana Goodwill Store was closed.  The store originally opened in 1965 and had moved on several occasions over the years
	Fall, 1985    The Goodwill Board of Directors published a book entitled The Story of Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries...A Tribute to Leadership, Labor and Love in the Wabash Valley.
	March, 1989    Vern W. Fellows was elected as Board President.
	September, 1989    Goodwill purchased new facility at 2702 S. 3rd St. at public auction.
	1990    Goodwill acquired 2 over-the-road trucks and a new forklift truck.
	March, 1990    Goodwill's Main Store moved to its newer and bigger present location at 2702 S. 3rd St. in Terre Haute.  Also in March, the West Terre Haute Retail Store was closed.  All West Terre Haute store personnel were reassigned to the new Terre Haute store location.
	April, 1990  The Goodwill corporate offices and processing plant were relocated at the new facility located at 2702 South 3rd Street in Terre Haute, IN.  All operations were discontinued at the  122 North 5th street location.
	March, 1991    A retirement program was established for Goodwill staff and employees.
	Summer, 1991    Goodwill purchased 1 acre of land and a building at the rear of the Main Store location.
	Fall, 1991    A new roof was installed at the main branch.
	March, 1992    Brazil Goodwill moved to a new location at 111 W. National.
	1993    An employee park area was established for Goodwill employees to have lunch and breaks in.  All parking areas were resurfaced and paved.  A new access road was constructed for affording a safer vehicular path for trucks, as well as patrons and employees.  An additional storage building was constructed to accommodate agency growth.
	February, 1993    Terre Haute Goodwill opened a booth at Antique Crafts & Things, located in Honey Creek south Mall.
	December, 1993    Esther Kearschner (oldest daughter of founder Rev. Grob) retired from Goodwill Industries.  Esther served at the Wabash Valley Goodwill organization for over 67 years.
	1994    A corporate video was produced.
	March, 1994    At its annual meeting the Goodwill Board elected not to seek funding from the local United Way, but to become an unfunded member agency.
	April, 1994    Terre Haute's Plaza North store opened its doors on the city's north side in the Plaza North Shopping Center.
	April 30, 1994    Charleston Goodwill closed and moved out of the city.
	March, 1995    Goodwill opened a drop-off and recycling center at the Main Goodwill facility located at 2702 S. 3rd St. in Terre Haute.  The Center is open 7 days a week.  Link to Recycling Center information.
	December, 1995    Brazil Goodwill was closed to prepare to move to a new location.
	January, 1996    Brazil Goodwill reopened at 219 W. National Ave., its present location.
	March, 1996    Goodwill's booth at Antique Crafts & Things was closed.
	March, 1996    Terre Haute's Plaza North store closed.
	September, 1996    Sullivan Goodwill moved to its present address at 22 North Main.
	1996    Goodwill exceeds 2 million dollars in revenue for the first time.
	Sept., 1997    Goodwill began its first Managing Work Program for Welfare-to-Work clients.  The Managing Work Program is intended to assist the person served in providing evidence of a recent work history and a work reference to prospective employers, and also to provide the client with case management assistance in dealing with and/or solving problems both inside and outside the workplace for the purpose of increasing the person's employability potential.
	November, 1997    The Terre Haute Rotary Club coordinated the 50th Annual Rotary/Goodwill Drive. Goodwill received a grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to purchase recycling equipment.
	May, 1998    The Ft. Harrison Street Goodwill was opened at 1699 Ft. Harrison Street, in Terre Haute.
	December, 1998  For the first time annual payroll taxes generated by the Goodwill program exceeded $100,000.
	March, 1999    Barry Powell was elected as Goodwill's 14th Board President.
	April, 1999    Goodwill received a grant from Microsoft Corporation to upgrade existing software used by the agency.
	May, 1999    Goodwill received a $5,000 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District to help defray expenses relating to the operation of their Drop-Off Recycling Center.
	June, 1999  Goodwill makes application for funding to provide IMPACT services in Vigo County.
	July, 1999  Goodwill is notified they will be awarded a contract to provide IMPACT services in Vigo County beginning October 1, 1999.
	September, 1999 Goodwill offers groundbreaking training for area nonprofit managers and staff. The program consist of eight live satellite broadcast to be aired over the next nine months.  September 30, 1999 Goodwill hosted a live satellite event. Topic:  Creating Higher Education Opportunities That Support Welfare-to-Work.
	October, 1999  Goodwill begins providing IMPACT services in Vigo County. A lease was signed to move the Clinton Goodwill store to a new location by the end of the year.
	November 6, 1999  The Terre Haute Rotary club conducted the 52nd annual Goodwill Industries donation drive. Forty-one Rotarians participated in this years event.
	November 20, Goodwill received a $5,000 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District to help defray expenses relating to the operation of their Drop-Off Recycling Center.
	November 24, Goodwill joins the world of e-commerce when they upload items to be sold on the Goodwill internet auction site. Auction address:  www.shopgoodwill.com
	January 12, 2000  Goodwill reopens it's Clinton store at a 223 South 11th. The new site is adjacent to the Clinton IGA.
	February, 2000  The Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District provided $3000.00 to promote the Goodwill recycling center in Terre Haute on WTHI TV.
	March 31, 2000   Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Lori Danielson, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Jerry Einstandig, Treasurer.
	April 13, 2000  The April Wabash Valley United Way AAC meeting was held at Goodwill.  A video entitled "Outcome Measures" was shown to agency directors.
	May, 2000 The Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District provided $1500.00 to promote the Goodwill recycling center in Terre Haute on the local cable TV system.
	June 5 - 15, 2000  The Goodwill Store located at 2702 South 3rd Street in Terre Haute is closed for remodeling.
	June 27, 2000  The Vigo County Office of the Division of Family and Children notify Goodwill Industries that they have been selected to provide IMPACT services in Vigo county for another year.
	July 3, 2000   The Terre Haute-Downtown Rotary Club begins holding their monthly board meetings in Goodwill's meeting room.
	July 24, 2000  Goodwill received another $5,000 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District to help defray expenses related to the operation of their Drop-Off Recycling Center.
	August 19, 2000  Goodwill host the Rotary Club - Short Term Youth Exchange meeting in the board conference room. Rotary clubs from Indiana and Illinois were represented.
	August, 2000  Goodwill received a grant from Microsoft Corporation to upgrade existing software used by the agency.
	September 16, 2000  Goodwill host the Rotary Club - Short Term Youth Exchange meeting in the board conference room. Rotary clubs from Indiana and Illinois were represented.
	November 4, 2000  The Terre Haute Rotary club conducted the 53rd annual Goodwill Industries donation drive. Forty-four Rotarians participated in this years event.  Gary Schomer chaired the event.
	November 30, 2000  Goodwill provides facilities to view a live satellite downcast regarding changes to the GED test that will be implemented in January 2002.  25 local service providers participated in this free event.
	December 13, 2000  The first Wheels to Work car is presented at city hall. The mayor of Terre Haute donated the first automobile.
	December 20, 2000  The Greater Terre Haute Church Federation held it's monthly meeting in the Goodwill Board room. The second Wheels to Work car is presented in the Goodwill Board room.
	January, 2001  Goodwill signs agreement to continue as a non-funded United Way member agency.
	February, 2001  The Brazil store was closed for remodeling and new carpet.
	March 1, 2001  Wabash Valley Goodwill earns a three year  accreditation from Goodwill Industries International.
	March 30, 2001  Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Lori Danielson, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Jerry Einstandig, Treasurer. Jenny Higginbotham was elected  as a new board member.
	April 1, 2001  Goodwill  begins hosting the Terre Haute Rotary Club's website.
	May 14, 2001  Goodwill received a $6,000 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District to help defray expenses relating to the operation of their Drop-Off Recycling Center.
	May 15, 2001  The Wheels to Work program has matched 18 vehicles with Impact participants.
	May 17,  2001  New Excel horizontal baling equipment, conveyor system, and diesel Bobcat are installed to aid in the recycling of paper and old corrugated containers in the recycling center.
	June 27, 2001  Goodwill host visitors from the South Bend Goodwill.
	July 17, 2001  Goodwill was the program at the evening Kiwanis meeting.
	July, 2001  The Vigo County Office of the Division of Family and Children notify Goodwill Industries that they have been selected to provide IMPACT services in Vigo county for the contract period of October 2001 thru September 2002.
	August 29, 2001  Carol gets ready to drive away in the 23rd Wheels to Work Program car.
	September 6, 2001  Goodwill hosted the local PEO chapter AW in the board room.  Bill Tennis presented a program on Goodwill Industries.  He talked about the history of the Terre Haute agency and current activities and programs.
	November 3, 2001  The Terre Haute Rotary club conducted the 54th annual Goodwill Industries donation drive.  Forty Rotarians participated in this years event.  Mel Krueger chaired the event.
	November 5, 2001 Sarah Petts becomes the first Wheels to Work participant to pay off her car loan.
	November 26, 2001  Goodwill received a grant from Microsoft Corporation to upgrade existing software used by the agency. Microsoft's generous grant is used both by office staff and workforce development participants.
	November,  2001  Goodwill received a $6,000 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District to help defray expenses relating to the operation of their Drop-Off Recycling Center.
	December 17, 2001  The 74th annual employee Christmas party was held.
	January 2002  Wabash Valley Goodwill begins it's 75th year of service to the Wabash Valley.  Goodwill Industries International begins it's 100th year of service.                       Centennial Celebration Commemorative Edition books available at the following libraries. Click here.
	January 2002  Goodwill is notified they have been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District.  Goodwill signs agreement to continue as a non-funded United Way member agency.
	February 1, 2002  The Goodwill public relations committee met at Goodwill to plan the agency anniversary celebration to be held later in the year.
	February 21, 2002  Goodwill host the Wabash Valley United Way AAC meeting.
	March 6, 2002  Bill Tennis speaks to classes at  McLean high school regarding workforce development issues.
	March 22, 2002  Goodwill honors 3 former Goodwill employees who participated in an anniversary celebration at the main store  located in Terre Haute.
	March 28, 2002  Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Lori Danielson, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Jerry Einstandig, Treasurer. New members elected to the board included: Tom Dever, Karen Goeller, and Tim Weir.
	April 15, 2002  Goodwill was the program at the Paris Il. Rotary club.
	May 10, 2002  Barry Powell, Goodwill board president presents Bill Tennis with a 75th anniversary plaque.
	June 20, 2002  Bill Tennis presents the Goodwill 75th anniversary program at the Vigo County Public Library.
	July 18, 2002  Goodwill's 1st annual swimming party held at Deming park. Everyone enjoyed the "Deming Dipper" waterslide.
	July 19, 2002  The 35th Wheels to Work recipient takes delivery of an automobile to help attain their self-sufficiency.
	July 2002  Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries is featured in a display at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
	September 27, 2002    Wabash Valley celebrates it's 75th year of service to the Wabash Valley.  Mayor Anderson was on hand to proclaim it Goodwill Day in Terre Haute.  The Mayor of Terre Haute, board members, staff and employees enjoyed the festivities. Proclamation  News Release Group Photo  Bill Tennis, Executive Director
	November 9, 2002   The Terre Haute Rotary club conducted the 55th annual Goodwill Industries donation drive. Thirty-five Rotarians participated in this years event.  Bill Aubin chaired the event. 2002 Drive Flyer
	November 2002  The Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District grants Goodwill $5,000 to help defray the cost of new shredding equipment to be installed at the Goodwill recycling center.
	December 16, 2002  The 75th annual Goodwill employee Christmas party was held.
	December 19, 2002  Goodwill is notified they have been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District.
	January 2003  Wabash Valley Goodwill begins it's 76th year of service to the Wabash Valley.
	March 26, 2003  The North Terre Haute store closes for business.
	March 27, 2003  Goodwill is notified they have been awarded a $8,000 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District.
	March 28, 2003  The Goodwill board of directors conducted the 75th annual meeting at noon in the large meeting room. The auditors report and election of officers and directors highlighted the event.  Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Lori Danielson, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Jerry Einstandig, Treasurer.
	April 11, 2003   The Goodwill store at 2702 South 3rd Street in Terre Haute is expanded by 2000 square feet of selling area. Furniture, household items and wares occupy the new space.
	April 12, 2003  Goodwill Industries and the Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District co-sponsor the "Spring Fling" at the Terre Haute Action Track
	April 22, 2003  Hi-99 radio and on-air personality Party Marty celebrate Earth Day 2003 at the Goodwill recycling center. Food and give-away items were furnished by the Clay, Own, Vigo Solid Waste District.
	April 25, 2003  Goodwill Industries launches a Personal Document Destruction Service for area residents.  Identity theft has become a significant problem and this free service will enable residents to destroy personal records in a responsible manner. The service is available on Friday's from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Call 812-235-1827 if you have questions. The Allegheny shredder used to provide this free service was made possible by a matching grant from the Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District. Information about identity theft can be found at the following website: www.consumer.gov/idtheft
	May 15, 2003  Wabash Valley Goodwill store managers attend sales meeting in Terre Haute.
	June 27, 2003  The Goodwill board of directors met at noon in the large meeting room.
	June 30, 2003  The Vigo County Office of the Division of Family and Children notify Goodwill Industries that they have been selected to provide IMPACT services in Vigo county for the contract period of October 2003 thru September 2004.
	July 1, 2003  A new point-of-sale retail system was installed in the Terre Haute store. Other stores will come online in the near future.
	July 16, 2003  Goodwill annual picnic and swim party held at Deming Park. Our CEO on the slide.
	July 25, 2003  Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District host live radio remote with "Party Marty from  Hi-99 radio. Janet Reed from the district said " Goodwill provides a very valuable service to the citizens of Terre Haute" when referring to the Goodwill personal document destruction program.
	August 11, 2003  Goodwill was the program at the noon meeting of the Farm Bureau Home Economics Past Presidents club.  Bill Tennis, executive director presented the program.
	August 14, 2003  A new point-of-sale retail system was installed in the Sullivan store. Other stores will come online in the near future.
	September 3, 2003   A new point-of-sale retail system was installed in the Brazil store. Other stores will come online in the near future.
	September 22, 2003  A new point-of-sale retail system was installed in the Paris store. Other stores will come online in the near future.
	October 2, 2003   A new point-of-sale retail system was installed in the Robinson and Clinton stores. The Greencastle location will will come online in the near future.
	October 4, 2003  The Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District hosted a live radio remote with 102.7 F.M. to promote recycling in Vigo county.
	October 9, 2003   A new point-of-sale retail system was installed in the Greencastle store.
	October 29, 2003  A new sign ( Smiling G ) was installed at the main headquarters in Terre Haute.
	November 7, 2003  The Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District hosted a live radio remote with 102.7 F.M. to promote recycling in Vigo county
	November 8, 2003  The  Terre Haute Rotary Club conducted the 56th Rotary/Goodwill material drive. Bill Aubin chaired the event for the Rotary Club.
	November 11, 2003  Bill Tennis presented a program about Goodwill Industries to the Sugar Grove Home Extension Club.
	December 15, 2003   The 76th annual employee Christmas party was held.
	January 20, 2004  Bill Tennis presented a program about Goodwill Industries to the Social Services Division of the Women's Department Club of Terre Haute.
	March 26, 2004  The Goodwill board of directors conducted the 76th annual meeting at noon in the large meeting room.  The auditors report and election of officers and directors highlighted the event.  Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Lori Danielson, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Jerry Einstandig, Treasurer.
	April 10, 2004  Goodwill Industries and the Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District co-sponsor the "Spring Fling" at the Terre Haute Action Track.
	April 16, 2004  Wabash Valley Goodwill earns a three year  accreditation from Goodwill Industries International.
	April 26, 2004  The Greater Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce awards Goodwill their "Environmentally Friendly Award 2004". Jeanne Harrington accepted for Goodwill.   Picture
	April 29, 2004  Goodwill is notified they have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District. This grant helps subsidize the Goodwill drop-off recycling center.
	May/June 2004  Digital video recording equipment installed in all Wabash Valley Goodwill branch stores.
	June 26, 2004  New board member David Piker is introduced at the June board meeting.
	July 2004  Goodwill has distributed 13,315 frequent shopper cards to area customers.  Customers use the cards for discounts and special sales in Wabash Valley Goodwill stores.
	July 16, 2004  Goodwill's 3rd annual picnic and swim party held at Deming Park.  Over 100 employees and family members attended.
	August 18, 2004  The Goodwill employee United Way luncheon was held.  Goodwill is one of the       pilot campaign companies this year.
	September 1, 2004  A video rental program was implemented in our Terre Haute store.
	September 15, 2004   A 911 cellular telephone program to benefit seniors and individuals with disabilities is started.
	September 20, 2004  Goodwill begins a community telephone answering service for employees, clients and others. The program is designed to aid people who do not have telephones have a central place to retrieve messages.
	October 28, 2004  Bill Tennis and Jeanne Harrington presented  a program about Goodwill Industries to the National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 0327.
	November 6, 2004  The Terre Haute Rotary Club conducted the 57th Rotary/Goodwill material drive. Bill Aubin chaired the event for the Rotary Club.
	November 19, 2004  Alcan Aluminum company employees visit Goodwill as part of their United Way campaign.
	December 21, 2004  Goodwill is notified they have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District. This grant helps subsidize the Goodwill drop-off recycling center.
	December 20, 2004  The 77th annual employee Christmas party was held at the Golden Corral restaurant.  Over 125 people attended.
	December 30, 2004   For the first time an operating budget in excess of 3 million dollars was approved by the board of directors.
	January 1, 2005  A new accounting system and point-of-sale interface is implemented in the Terre Haute office.
	January 1, 2005  The Board made changes to Goodwill's 403(b)3 thrift plan to accelerate employee ownership of employer contributions to the plan.
	January 21, 2005  Goodwill is one of the recipients of the annual trust fund distribution from First Financial Bank. Jeanne Harrington accepts for Goodwill.
	February 10, 2005  Goodwill has distributed over 17,195 frequent shopper cards to area customers.  Customers use the cards for discounts and special sales in Wabash Valley Goodwill stores. Store specials available with the shopper card can be found at:    http://www.wvgoodwill.org/sales.pdf
	February 15, 2005  Jeanne Harrington and Bill Tennis present a program on Goodwill to the St. Patrick's Ladies Alter Society.
	February 22, 2005  The Vigo County Impact providers meeting was held in the Goodwill board room. Bill Tennis presented a program on Goodwill's history and current activities.
	March 9, 2005  The video-rental area in the Terre Haute Goodwill store closed.
	March 31, 2005 The Goodwill board of directors conducted the 77th annual meeting at noon in the large meeting room. The auditors report and election of officers and directors highlighted the event.  Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Troy Helman, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Jerry Einstandig, Treasurer.
	April 9, 2005  Goodwill Industries and the Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District co-sponsor the "Spring Fling" at the Terre Haute Action Track.
	July 5, 2005  The Paris store is closed for remodeling.
	July 15, 2005  Goodwill's 4th annual picnic and swim party was held at Deming Park.  Nearly 200 employees and family members attended.
	September 29, 2005  The Goodwill Board of Directors vote to send $10,000 to the Goodwill Industries Hurricane Relief fund.
	August 30, 2005  The purchase of the Paris, Il property is completed.
	November 5, 2005  The  Terre Haute Rotary Club conducted the 58h Rotary/Goodwill material drive.
	December 19, 2005  The annual employee Christmas party was held at the Goodwill facility.
	December 30, 2005  The Board approves an operating budget in excess of three million dollars.
	March 31, 2006 The Goodwill board of directors conducted the 78th annual meeting at noon in the large meeting room. The auditors report and election of officers and directors highlighted the event.  Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Troy Helman, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Jerry Einstandig, Treasurer.
	April 8, 2006  Goodwill and the Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District sponsor the Spring Fling Race at the Terre Haute Action Track.
	May 6, 2006  Goodwill Industries is a recipient of a $10,000 mini grant from the Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District.
	June 20, 2006  Goodwill Industries adds a new truck and de-mountable body to better serve donors and customers of it's donated goods program.
	July 14, 2006  Goodwill's 5th annual picnic and swim party was held at Deming Park.  Nearly 175 employees and family members attended.
	July 26, 2006  Goodwill begins utilizing the de-centralized model of processing and distribution of donated goods.
	August 26, 2006  The State of Indiana extended the current IMPACT contract with Goodwill for another year.
	November 4, 2006  The Terre Haute Rotary Club conducted the 59th Rotary/Goodwill material drive. Material collected helps provide work for people with disadvantages/disabilities.
	November 9, 2006  The Clinton, Indiana Goodwill retail outlet closed.
	December 19, 2006  The 78th annual employee Christmas party was held. Over 100 people attended.
	December 26, 2006  Goodwill Industries is a recipient of a $10,000 mini grant from the Clay, Owen, Vigo Solid Waste District. This grant is used to subsidize Goodwill's recycling center.
	December 27, 2006  The Terre Haute Goodwill store joins the "million dollar club". Store sales reached $1,000.000 for the first time. Only 22 percent of U.S. Goodwill stores have revenues above one million dollars annually.  Proceeds from store sales fund employment and services offered by Goodwill. Goodwill does not receive any United Way funding.
	December 29, 2006  The Goodwill Board of Directors approved an operating budget for 2007 of $3,140,250. The agency organizational chart was adopted.  Other business included the Compensation Committee report, a report regarding the review of the agency by-laws and discussion on remaining a non-funded United Way member.
	December 31, 2006  Over 418 people were served during 2006 in the Goodwill IMPACT program. This program is offered under contract with the State of Indiana and serves welfare and food-stamp recipients.
	January 2, 2007  Goodwill has distributed frequent shopper cards to more than 33,400 customers.    The cards are used for discounts and special sales in Wabash Valley Goodwill stores.
	February 1, 2007  WabashValleyBooks opens for business. This is the Terre Haute Goodwill's eBook store. Books can be found at the following  link WabashValleyBooks .
	February 27, 2007  Over 75 people are signed up to use Goodwill's free voice-mail system. For details of this program send e-mail to Darin.
	March 28, 2007  Lillie Sekerak retires from Goodwill after 35 years of service.
	March 30, 2007  The Goodwill board of directors conducted the 79th annual meeting at noon in the large meeting room. The auditors report and election of officers and directors highlighted the event.  Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Troy Helman, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Lori Danielson, Treasurer.
	April 2, 2007  The recycling center is now open Tuesday - Saturday.
	June 21, 2007  Wabash Valley Goodwill earns a three year  accreditation from Goodwill Industries International.
	July 13, 2007  Goodwill's 6th annual picnic and swim party was held at Deming Park.  Over 200 employees and family members attended.
	July 2007    Goodwill Industries raised over $762.00 for the local Meals on Wheels organization. This United Way agency delivers meals to disabled/elderly individuals in Terre Haute, IN.
	September 1, 2007  The recycling center re-opens  to a Monday thru Saturday schedule.
	September 12 thru 24, 2007  Elder-Beerman conducts the annual "The Goodwill Sale".
	September 31, 2007  Goodwill's contact to provide IMPACT services to state clients ends.
	November 3, 2007   The Terre Haute Rotary Club conducted the 60th Rotary/Goodwill material drive. Material collected helps provide work for people with disadvantages/disabilities.
	December 17, 2007  The 79th annual employee Christmas party was held. Over 100 people attended.
	January 2008   Goodwill agrees to sort material generated by the Terre Haute / Republic Services curbside recycling program.
	January 5, 2008  Wal-Mart and Goodwill team to go "Green". A Goodwill truck will be at the U.S.41 South Wal-Mart the first Saturday of each month and at the U.S. 46 east Wal-Mart on the second Saturday. The truck will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will be accepting donations of clothing, household items, books, shoes and other items typically found in a household. This partnership makes it very easy to donate your gently used items.  Tax receipts will be available.
	February 25, 2008  All Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries retail stores begin selling Gift Cards.
	March 4, 2008  We are notified by the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives that we meet the required service provider criteria and have been added to the Indiana Access to Recovery provider list for Vigo County.
	March 20, 2008  A 42 foot slider belt conveyor is installed in our recycling center.
	March 21, 2008  Goodwill's new online book store goes on-line. Books can be purchased over the internet and shipped to the customer or we now offer in store pick-up. WabashValleyBooks
	March 27, 2008  The new Terre Haute curbside recycling program's first load of material is delivered to Goodwill. Picture
	March 28, 2008  The Goodwill board of directors conducted the 80th annual meeting at noon in the large meeting room. The auditors report and election of officers and directors highlighted the event.  Board members elected to serve a one year term as officers were:  Barry Powell, President;  Troy Helman, Vice-President; Gary Schomer, Secretary; and Lori Danielson, Treasurer.
	April 1, 2008  A cross-belt self cleaning magnet is installed in the recycling area to help pull metal off of the sorting belt.
	May 18, 2008   The recycling center is now open Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
	June 2, 2008  Goodwill is no longer associated with the Republic Services / Terre Haute curbside recycling program. We encourage everyone to use our Free Drop-off recycling center located at 2702 South 3rd Street in Terre Haute. More information on our recycling center can be found by clicking our recycling link. RECYCLE