HEDC Welcomes New Faces

HANCOCK COUNTY – The Hancock Economic Development Council welcomes a new company and faces into its membership.

Derek Rogers and Bill Bolander from Shepherd Insurance in Greenfield recently joined the HEDC. Shepherd Insurance has 36 offices, over 450 employees and has locations in six states. The Greenfield location is unique in that it operates as a local office but has the resources and support from its home office in Carmel. Shepherd Insurance is in the Top 50 largest independent agencies in the nation.

After graduating from Ball State University with degrees in Risk Management & Insurance and Business Administration, Derek Rogers joined Shepherd Insurance in 2012. Derek has since earned his Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation.

Bill Bolander is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and has been with Shepherd Greenfield for over eight years. Bill previously owned his own agency for 32 years and served on the Hancock County Council for eight terms.

Both Derek and Bill are involved in the community and work with many local businesses. Derek and Bill wanted to get involved with the HEDC because of the exciting growth that Hancock County is experiencing. Derek is a lifelong Greenfield resident and Bill has lived in New Palestine for 36 years. Both feel they can contribute to the HEDC with their knowledge of the area and desire to see it grow.

The HEDC also welcomes new faces of member organizations who have recently started representing their companies on the Council. They include Bryan Miller, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Greenfield Banking Company (GBC Bank); Joe Murphy, Economic Development Specialist for Garmong Construction Services; and Brian Sheehan, Business Development Manager for HWC Engineering.

Bryan Miller has been with GBC Bank for nine years and oversees the Retail and Commercial Lending for the Bank.

GBC Bank has eight locations in Greenfield, Fortville, Cumberland, McCordsville and New Palestine to serve residents and businesses. For over 150 years, it has delivered high-quality financial solutions and personalized, friendly service fostered by a company culture of community involvement, support and volunteerism.

Bryan has been involved in the financing of many projects in Hancock County. He is excited to join the HEDC and to be a part of the county’s continuing growth.

In addition to Garmong’s construction work, the company also offers a robust collection of Economic Development Services, including proposal development, industrial park concepts, budgeting and pro-forma calculations, master planning, and site selection assistance. As an Economic Development Specialist for the company, Joe Murphy actively engages with companies and communities to create a business environment conducive to growth and expansion.

Before joining Garmong in August of 2022, Joe spent three and a half years working as Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier’s Deputy Chief of Staff. In that role, he oversaw a number of projects related to economic development and quality of life.

Joe is excited to be an active member of the HEDC.

“I know there is a lot that happens in the communities of Hancock County, and these meetings are a great opportunity for me to stay informed on the news of the months for Hancock County, especially news relating to development,” he said. “I am also interested in getting to know my fellow members better. The business and community leaders in Hancock County have a vested interest in seeing their community improve, so I want to open my ears and hear what they want their community to look like in the future.”

Joe added that Garmong hopes its ongoing support of the HEDC and active membership will help continue to spotlight the continuing growth in Hancock County.

“We want to support the ongoing success of this organization and the whole County,” he said.

HWC Engineering, one of the largest engineering firms in the state, is a full-service planning and infrastructure design firm with offices in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, New Albany, Lafayette and Muncie.

Brian Sheehan

Before joining HWC, Brian Sheehan served on Rushville City Council for over 12 years. He also served as the City’s Special Projects and Community Development Director for almost seven years, during which he provided project management, direction, and oversight for key community projects, including five new housing developments, a new City Center & Theater, new Farmer’s Market, new Brew Pub, new Animal Shelter, new businesses and industry, and new Arts Council and art projects.

Brian was also chairman of the Rushville’s Stellar Committee that was designated by the State in 2016, bringing $14 million dollars in public and private investment to the city’s downtown revitalization efforts.

“I am excited to learn more about what’s going on in Hancock County and am hopeful that my past experiences and new position with HWC will be valuable resources for this group,” Brian said.