Halcomb Home Center honored
Chamber names Business of the Year
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Halcomb Home Center was named Business of the Year at the 8th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon, hosted by the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce.

George Halcomb and sons, Joe and Dick were on hand to accept the plaque and receive the honor. While Joe gave the acceptance speech he noted that they appreciated the honor and felt there were many other businesses just as worthy.

A brief history of the company was shared with those in attendance. In 1962, George Halcomb, with the help of his father, James "Popeye" Halcomb, created Halcomb Building Supply. The company was called Halcomb and Sons and George worked along with his father in the plastering field. It was noted that "Popeye" was known throughout the area as "one of the finest in the plastering field." One of the largest and most difficult jobs that "Popeye" completed was that of buildings at Hanover College. There the craftsmanship of the Halcomb family will live on.

"As the years progressed, George found that people in the Versailles and surrounding communities were looking for a local business to provide them with lumber and building materials. He built a small concrete block building next to his home and proceeded to set up shop as Halcomb Building Supply," Darla Westerfeld, representing the Chamber of Com
merce, shared with the group.

George and his wife Shirley and children Richard, Karen and Joseph,
all have been active in the family business.

In 1973 a larger building was built, and with it a new name, Halcomb Home Center, Inc. located on State Road 129 near Versailles. Additional retail space has been added to the store and a 300' x 120' enclosed drive-through lumber facility.

"It is the goal of Halcomb Home Center, Inc. to maintain a growing business in southeast Indiana by providing quality products, competitive prices and expert advice to the customers in the local community," concluded the Halcombs.

Past businesses of the year honorees have been: Red Bird Services, 2004; Napoleon State Bank, 2003; Knueven Brothers, Inc., 2002; Ripley Publishing Company, Inc., 2001; Margaret Mary Community Hospital, 2000; Southeastern Indiana REMC, 1999; and McDonald's of Versailles, 1998.

New businesses were recognized at the luncheon. Those in attendance to receive a certificate were: A Hearing Service, Versailles; Batesville Urgent Care, Batesville; Comp IT Pro, Batesville; Congressman Mike Sodrel's Office, Versailles; The Garden Gate, Batesville; and Reap What We Sew, Versailles.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Pictured from left are Joe Halcomb, making an acceptance speech at the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Business Recognition Luncheon. Darla Westerfeld, representing the Chamber, presented the plaque to George Halcomb. Also pictured is Dick Halcomb. Halcomb Home Center was the Business of the Year recipient at the 8th annual event that was held last Thursday, May 12, at the Napoleon Senior Center.