Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Morning Blend Chamber Breakfast

7:45 AM - 8:45 AM
Anita's Diner (777 East Water Street, Pendleton)

Join us for an energizing morning where connections are made, ideas are brewed, and the day begins with the perfect blend of business and camaraderie. The Morning Blend Chamber Breakfast — where every connection is a sip of success!
Speakers: Jill Coffey and Dianna Brooks of WorkOne Central Indiana will present on a variety of federal, state, and local resources available to employers, the changes to Indiana's employment and workforce development laws, and trends.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Entrepreneurial Ignition: A Business Launch Workshop

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Classroom 269, Flagship Enterprise Center (2705 Enterprise Drive, Anderson)

Have a family member, friend, or acquaintance with a dream of starting a business? This quarterly workshop is not just an event; it's the spark that lights the fire of entrepreneurship, propelling individuals toward a future filled with innovation, growth, and success. Join us on this exhilarating journey of turning ideas into enterprises and dreams into achievements.
Presenter: James Womack, Business Advisor, East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center
For more information, please contact Carey Craig at [765] 778-2174 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pendleton, Indiana was founded in 1820. Since then the town has served as a county seat, an interurban stop, and a prime location for new industry. In every role and with every change, the town remains fresh and vibrant – just like the people and businesses that call this place home.

Pendleton, Indiana’s recorded history begins in December1818 when John Rogers, the first non-native settler to the area, built his home near the falls on Fall Creek. As time passed, more people made their way to the region, always settling near the falls - the community source of water and power.

By 1823, Madison County (where Pendleton is located) had officially been formed by the State of Indiana.

A modest cabin near the falls was the governmental center.

In the following year, one of the saddest chapters in the area’s history took place. A Native American family was murdered by five white men several miles east of Pendleton. Four of the five men were found and brought to justice in Pendleton. Of those, three were sentenced to death and hanged within sight of the falls. It was the first time in the history of the United States that whites received capitol punishment for the murder of Native Americans.

Thomas Pendleton moved to the area in 1825. Five years later, he laid out the town and gave it his name. Since then, the town’s name has remained unchanged (though it was occasionally misspelled as “Pendelton”).

In 1843, noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass spoke in Pendleton. Historical accounts suggest that Douglass’ life was in danger from would-be assassins. Through the compassion and bravery of members of the town, he escaped.

By the early 1900's water was no longer the main source of power in Pendleton. Gas was fast becoming the fuel of choice. During this era several glass and tile manufacturing facilities called Pendleton home.

Through the 20th century Pendleton continued to grow, all the while remaining committed to responsible planning. That foresight made the town the unique place it is today – an ideal home for residents and businesses alike.

The Pendleton Business Association (PBA) was started in 1997. As a representative of the local business community we strive enhance local business activity with networking opportunities for the members. The PBA also holds local events that bring in visitors from many surrounding communities. We invite all businesses in the Pendleton community to be a part of our efforts to build a strong business community in Pendleton.

The mission of the Pendleton Business Association is to promote and support the Pendleton, Indiana community by developing a strong network of local businesses to achieve the following objectives:

• Stimulate, enhance and nurture an inviting atmosphere for civic, cultural, social, and economic activities in Pendleton.
• Sponsor and develop events to promote increased public awareness of Pendleton.

We have donated funds for the new gazebo, Christmas lights and playground equipment in Falls Park and donated funds to the Save Our Lighthouse Committee to restore the lighthouse in our park. Falls Park, just one and a half blocks from downtown, is a lovely place to have a picnic lunch or relax after shopping.

Funds were also donated for Pendleton's Christmas street decorations, large flags that fly along State Road 38 through Pendleton, historic signs, to the Band Boosters for new uniforms for Pendleton Heights High School Band and to the Pendleton Volunteer Fire Department.