ORLEANS – Several Orleans Chamber of Commerce directors and members toured White Castle Meat Processing last Thursday morning to learn more about the company’s history and longtime link to Orleans. The group met with plant manager Brent Bishop, who provided an overview of the local plant and led the chamber officials on a walkthrough of the factory. The local factory turns out more than half a million of the famous hamburger patties every year.
In a brief business meeting held prior to the tour, Chamber Executive Director Robert Henderson provided the group with an update on chamber-related activities and upcoming events. Henderson distributed copies of the brand new Timeless French Lick Visitor Guides in which the local Chamber and business owners are highlighted.
The Chamber is participating in the creation of the Orange County FREE Coloring Book for K–5 students, and local businesses are invited to participate by submitting an order to showcase their hometown business and/or organization.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned to welcome the new owner, Cindy Bell, of the Once Upon a Bean Coffee Shop on August 20th at 4 pm. All Chamber members are welcome and urged to attend.
A grand opening for the new Casey’s on the south end of town is also expected later this month.
Food Truck Thursday Frenzy returns downtown on August 20th from 4 to 8 pm. The Chamber will play host to a free Concert in the Park with the musical group, Sweet Water. Attendees should bring their lawn chairs and/or blankets.
Fall Fun Fest in the Park is set for Saturday, October 10th with a host of fun family-type fall activities. As is tradition, a Neighborhood Block Party will be held the Friday evening of that week in conjunction with Hometown Scoops’ Annual Ice Cream Social and Front Porch Concert. In addition, the Orleans Police and Fire Departments will be set up that evening to interact with area youth and their families, along with giveaways and activities. Everyone is welcome and urged to join in the festivities planned for that weekend.
Henderson also shared that details for this year’s edition of Christmas on the Square on December 12th were in the works, along with a historic holiday home tour planned for Sunday, December 13th.
The Chamber will meet again on September 10th at 8 am at Feminine Mystique, located on E. Jefferson, where shop owner Bonnie Bolinger will share plans for an in-house art gallery. To reserve space, please contact the Chamber Office, 812 865 9930.
The White Castle facility produces more than half a million of the restaurant chain’s signature hamburger patties each year, continuing a longtime relationship between the company and the Orleans community.
The visit also highlighted the connection between a nationally recognized brand and its local roots, with the Orleans facility remaining an important part of the company’s history and local presence.
