Franklin-area book drive to support financial literacy
First Financial Bank will soon launch its annual book drive to support financial literacy, collecting books from the community in specially marked bins at all First Financial locations from May 4-30
Books can be left with First Financial at 50 Branigin Road, Franklin. Donated books can focus on financial literacy or any topic. At the conclusion of the book drive, First Financial will deliver books to local schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations, according to a news release.
Facilitating opportunities to enhance financial literacy is an important element of First Financial’s community development strategy. First Financial has been conducting local book drives since 2022, and last year’s drive brought in 5,726 books from throughout First Financial’s footprint. First Financial also provides free, self-paced financial learning resources on its website, bankatfirst.com, the news release says..
First Financial supports local communities with several other initiatives throughout the year, as well.
First Financial teamed up with local communities in five states to fight hunger last fall by collecting more than 9,800 food items to be donated to people in need. First Financial and the First Financial Foundation are making significant progress in multiple areas on the $2.4 billion, five-year Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition that began in 2024. The bank has already reached $9.6 million of its $18 million goal for philanthropy under the CBA, according to the news release.
Community Health appoints president for South Region
Community Health Network has appointed Dave Hyatt as regional president of the South Region, which includes Community Hospital South as part of the organization’s regional operating model.
Hyatt joins Dan Parod, president of the Northeast Region, which includes Community Hospital Anderson; Jen Hindman, president of the Central Region, which includes Community Hospital North; and Derek McMichael, president of the Northwest Region, which includes Community Howard Regional Health and the new Westfield campus. All are part of a team led by Beth Tharp, president of hospital services and Community’s Chief Nursing Officer, according to a news release.
In their roles, regional presidents work closely with hospital leadership teams, network leaders and product line leadership to support quality outcomes, access to care, operational consistency and long‑term growth.
Hyatt brings nearly 20 years of healthcare leadership experience to Community Health Network. Most recently, he served as president and chief executive officer of Riverview Health in Noblesville. Prior to that, he held multiple executive leadership roles with Indiana University Health. He holds a master’s degree in health administration from Indiana University and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the news release says.
Hyatt is expected to start his new role in May.
Healthcare workers can get free medium drink at Scooters
Kicking off National Nurses Week a day early, on Tuesday, nurses and healthcare workers can receive a free medium drink at participating Scooter’s Coffee locations with a valid healthcare ID.
This promotion is the perfect time for nurses and healthcare workers to “Scoot on Around” to try a new summer menu item, whether it’s Scooter’s new Shakes lineup or an energy-packed Red Bull Infusion, a nostalgic s’mores-inspired latte or a Banana Cream Matcha. Looking to make it a real “treat-ment?” Pair the drink with a savory Triple Cheese Croissantie or get a dose of joy in the form of Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies.
This offer is valid at participating locations on May 5 for nurses and healthcare workers with a valid healthcare ID, and it is not eligible for mobile order ahead.
Businesses invited to apply for century, half-century awards
The state of Indiana is accepting nominations for the Governor’s 2026 Century and Half Century Business Awards, which honor Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for at least 100 or 50 years, respectively, and have demonstrated a commitment to serving the community.
Indiana businesses receiving the Governor’s 2026 Century and Half Century Business award will be honored at a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse later this year.
To be eligible for the award, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- The business must have had continuous operations in Indiana for 100 or 50 years by Dec. 31, 2025.
- The business must have participated in the same line of work for the duration of its operations. If different, an explanation of the evolution into the current business must be provided on the nomination form.
- The business must have had its base in Indiana since it was founded.
- The business must recognize, acknowledge and agree that it is in full compliance with the Indiana Secretary of State.
- The business must not have previously received a Century or Half Century award from the state of Indiana. Previous Half Century award recipients may qualify for a Century award.
Eligible companies are encouraged to complete the online application by May 30. Please visit iedc.in.gov/program/century-and-half-century-awards for additional details.
