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Be watching for your 2014 Chamber Registration forms.  They will be sent out in late December and your 2014 Chamber Dues will be due by January 31, 2014.

Business of the Year named at Albion Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

More than just a pig farm, Whiteshire Hamroc is impacting swine production worldwide

by Joy LeCount
ALBION, Ind. - Whiteshire Hamroc has come a long way since the farm where it is based was purchased by the Lemmon family back in the 1940s. Or, perhaps it would be more appropriate to say the swine production and genetics company has gone a long way!
   Whiteshire Hamroc is the largest U.S. recorder of Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc, and Hampshire breeds combined, according to the National Swine Registry 2012 recordings. The company has been exporting swine breeding stock for more than 20 years and to over 22 different countries - all with the goal of improving swine genetics and meat quality for consumers.
   Those attending Albion Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting heard a presentation regarding Whiteshire Hamroc's operation  from Charlie Lemmon and Andrew Lemmon (representing the third and fourth generations to reside on the original farm).
    Charlie Lemmon explained that there are many different aspects to Whiteshire Hamroc.. Those include raising corn and soybeans - mostly for feed for the approximately 34,000 pigs produced annually; development of, selling and supervising construction of buildings with a patented air handling system specifically for farrowing; producing pigs for various medical uses such as skin grafts and heart valves; exporting pigs to foreign countries; and joint swine production ventures with partners in China.
    Cultural, traditional, philosophical differences between China and the U.S. have made the business relationships challenging, according to Charlie Lemmon, and have produced some very interesting scenarios.
       Charlie    and    Andrew augmented their program with a series of slides which illustrated the scope of Whiteshire Hamroc's impact in the swine industry worldwide.
   Whiteshire Hamroc was also Albion Chamber of Commerce's 2013 Business of the Year.  Kevin Dreibelbis made the award presentation saying, "This year's Albion Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year is a silent community giver, never really asking for, nor necessarily wanting, recognition! Most would probably be surprised at what they do and/or contribute to our community, county and local economy.
"You've probably heard about this unique business - maybe even tonight - that has helped put Albion, Indiana on the map worldwide."
  "This not-so-ordinary "farm" IS known worldwide. They export pigs, patent new products, are highly involved in genetic research and development, and do a lot of business in Asia, particularly China. In return, many Asians come to Albion and Noble County to the farm, therefore, putting many dollars into our local economy. Ask Tammy at Brick Ark Inn Bed & Breakfast if she has Asian guests. They eat at local restaurants, spend money at retail stores and more.
   Whiteshire Hamroc recently acquired more space for their AirWorks system in the Newell building in the Albion Industrial Park. AirWorks is an innovative and patented building and ventilation system. AirWorks is environmentally friendly and not only lowers energy needs, but more importantly for neighbors and fellow community members, it reduces odor.
  'They've also purchased property and plan to build a new state-of-the-art facility, in partnership with the Chinese, in southwest Noble County. This will house an international research and development farm. This new facility will be the first international swine research and development farm for both the U.S. and China. Locally, it will bring 25 long-term jobs and over 100 short-term construction jobs to our community, once again impacting our economy positively.
   These are just a few things this business has done for our community.
   Often times, you'll hear a family member or staff member say, we're just a pig farm. We know that's not true, they're just being modest. We all know they're much more. Whiteshire Hamroc IS an integral part of our community.
  Please join me in congratulating Whiteshire Hamroc as Albion Chamber of Commerce's 2013 Business of the Year!,Ó Dreibelbis concluded.
   The Albion Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting was held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on January 16, 2014. Entertainment during the dinner hour was presented by The Apple Sauce Quartet.
   During an election for Albion Chamber of Commerce board members, Kevin Dreibelbis, Chris Magnuson and Phyllis Herendeen were elected to serve two years, and Sharon Leitch, Jessica Schafer and Lanette McGuire were elected to serve one year. They join Carla Fiandt, Steve Lemish and Tammy Luce who have one year remaining on their term. 

 2014 Albion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Front Row: Phyllis Herendeen and Steve Lemish. Back Row: Carla Fiandt, Sharon Leitch, Lanette McGuire, Chris Magnuson and Kevin Dreibelbis. Missing from photo are Jessica Shaffer and Tammy Luce.

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE 2013