WILMINGTON — Local agribusinessman John Settlemyre was appointed Wednesday to the all-volunteer board that governs the Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA).
The CCPA is a special-purpose government, formed in 2004, that was established to operate Wilmington Air Park transportation infrastructure and lead economic development efforts. Since 2010, the Port Authority has owned the Wilmington Air Park.
In addition to his agricultural background, Settlemyre holds a pilot’s license and since 2002 has served on the board of the Clinton Field Airport, which is a public-use airport located on Curry Road in Clinton County.
He said he hopes to contribute to the Port Authority board by applying his experiences “for the benefit of the Port Authority and of the economic development of the community.”
The air park has already turned the corner, he thinks, pointing specifically to a marked increase this year in the value of ATSG stock. Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) is headquartered at the air park, and includes among its business units ABX Air, Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services (AMES), and LGSTX Services.
The Port Authority, he feels, is important for encouraging economic development in the Clinton County area, and in that regard, he really hopes more manufacturing employers can be attracted.
He likes what’s going on at AMES at the air park, mentioning high paying and highly skilled jobs. Trying to pull additional aviation-related employers to the air park holds appeal for him.
Settlemyre described himself as a stakeholder in the family Settlemyre Seed Company and in Settlemyre Industries, both in the Clarksville area. The seed company primarily grows and processes food-grade, high-protein soybean as well as corn. For example, the food-grade soybeans are supplied to tofu companies, many based in Japan, to make tofu.
Settlemyre Industries, started by John in 1991, basically deals with oil seed equipment used to process vegetable oils.
Settlemyre in October will fill the spot on the Port Authority board that’s currently held by local farmer Richard Thompson, who is the longest-serving board member. Thompson did not wish to be re-appointed to another four-year term.
Settlemyre thanked Thompson for “his many years of dedicated service and hours. It shows quite a commitment to the community.”
The Port Authority board is appointed by the Clinton County commissioners. Clinton County Commissioners President Kerry R. Steed said Settlemyre with his experience, agricultural heritage, aviation background and knowledge of the community will be an asset to the Port Authority.
Commissioners on Wednesday re-appointed Brian Smith to the Port Authority board. Steed said Smith has been a very active member and committed to the Port.
In mid-October, one commissioner, yet to be determined, will take part in a “Cost of Poverty Experience” at the Hopewell Center in Hillsboro following an invitation from Clinton County educator Cheryl Roberts.
Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a three-hour poverty simulation. The stated goal is to assist stakeholders to have a better understanding of the challenges that students and their economically disadvantaged families face every day.
The simulations are for teachers, school administrators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, bus drivers, as well as community leaders.
The event is on a Monday morning when commissioners hold a twice-weekly meeting. Two of three commissioners must be present at a meeting in order to have a legal quorum to conduct government business.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.
