Building Hancock

Show NotesIn this episode of Building Hancock, Shawn P Neal talks with Dr. Gina Pleak, superintendent of New Palestine Community Schools, about what makes the district one of Hancock County’s strongest community assets.Dr. Pleak shares what drew her to New Palestine, including the district’s strong statewide reputation, academic excellence, extracurricular success, and deep community support for education. She explains why relationships remain at the center of the district’s culture, even as the community continues to grow.The conversation also explores how New Palestine Community Schools maintains high performance while continuing to innovate. Dr. Pleak highlights the district’s 97% graduation rate, Brandywine Elementary’s National Blue Ribbon School recognition, strong IREAD and AP performance, and success across athletics, performing arts, and student achievement.A major theme throughout the episode is “Dragon Excellence Every Day.” Dr. Pleak discusses how every employee, from teachers and administrators to bus drivers, custodians, office staff, coaches, and maintenance teams, plays a role in educating and supporting students. She also shares how the district celebrates staff members through its teammate recognition program, helping reinforce pride, visibility, and shared purpose.The episode looks beyond the classroom as well. Dr. Pleak explains how strong schools help support workforce development, economic health, family relocation decisions, and long-term community stability across Hancock County. She also discusses the importance of transparent communication, community input, parent involvement, business relationships, and local leadership collaboration.Looking ahead, Dr. Pleak shares her excitement about the district’s strategic planning process, long-term capital planning, facility needs, financial responsibility, and the continued pursuit of excellence for students and families.For families considering New Palestine, Dr. Pleak describes the district as a place with high expectations, strong support, a small-town feel, meaningful opportunities, and a deep commitment to helping students reach their personal best.Topics CoveredFeatured Guest: Dr. Gina Pleak, Superintendent, New Palestine Community SchoolsDr. Gina Pleak leads New Palestine Community Schools with a focus on academic excellence, strong relationships, transparent communication, staff recognition, and student-centered decision-making. With more than three decades in education, she brings a deep commitment to supporting students, families, staff, and the broader Hancock County community.Memorable ThemesStrong schools help build strong communities.Relationships are central to the New Palestine school experience.Excellence requires intentional work, shared expectations, and daily commitment.Every school employee influences students.Families choose communities where they feel connected, supported, and informed.New Palestine offers high expectations with care, support, and opportunity.Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community is brought to you through a partnership of NewPalOpen4Biz, BringingTech2You., and AdvoCastHosted by Dave MeekerCo-Hosted by Shawn P NealProduced in partnership with AdvoCast Leadership Advisory at Studio236#NewPalOpen4Biz #AdvoCast #HancockCounty #Indiana #ShawnPNeal

In this episode of Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community, co-host Shawn P Neal sits down with Steve Long, President and CEO of Hancock Health, to explore how one organization’s commitment to kindness, proactive healthcare, and community connection is reshaping the future of Hancock County. From the award-winning Wellbeing at Work program to an innovative Behavioral Health Mobile Response Team, Steve shares how Hancock Health is turning compassion into measurable community outcomes—making Hancock County one of the healthiest in Indiana.Key Takeaways:Kindness is a strategy: Embedding compassion into operations and culture can drive measurable health and business outcomes.\Prevention is power: Proactive healthcare models—like direct primary care and “exercise as medicine”—save costs and lives.Community collaboration heals: Hancock County’s success shows what’s possible when healthcare, education, business, and faith work together.Podcast Information:Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community highlights the people, projects, and partnerships shaping the future of Hancock County, Indiana.Hosted by Dave Meeker and produced in collaboration with Bringing Tech to You,Produced in partnership with Advocast Leadership Advisory#NewPalOpen4Biz, AdvoCast, and our title sponsor, Hancock Health.#BuildingHancock #CommunityHealth #HancockHealth #Leadership #KindnessInAction #WellbeingAtWork #HealthcareInnovation #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #IndianaStrongBuilding Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community is brought to you through a partnership of NewPalOpen4Biz, BringingTech2You., and AdvoCastHosted by Dave MeekerCo-Hosted by Shawn P NealProduced in partnership with AdvoCast Leadership Advisory at Studio236#NewPalOpen4Biz #AdvoCast #HancockCounty #Indiana #ShawnPNeal

Join host Dave Meeker and co-host Shawn P Neal as they dive into the heart of the New Pal Summerfest 2025. This episode features engaging conversations with local voices like David Stillinger, Elvira Davis, Mike Fowler, Scott Wooldridge, Becca Biedler, State Representative Ethan Lawson, and Tina Frey. Discover what makes this community celebration so special and hear firsthand stories from the people shaping Hancock County, Indiana.Key Highlights:David Stillinger shares insights on community values and the growth of his family-owned business. Tina Frey discusses the importance of water conditioning services and community loyalty. Elvira Davis talks about LifeWise Academy's role in character building through biblical education. Scott Woolridge reflects on his dual roles as an attorney and county councilman. Becca Beidler emphasizes the passion behind IDFIT Programs and making fitness accessible. State Representative Ethan Lawson shares his experiences and the importance of community engagement. Mike Fowler highlights the contributions of the American Legion and the local fire department.Hashtags:#NewPalSummerfest #Community #HancockCounty #LocalVoices #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast #NewPalOpen4Biz #BringingTech2YouIf you're a business owner in the New Palestine or Hancock County area, join the movement to support local commerce by reaching out through the our Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/newpalopen4bizProduced in partnership with Advocast Leadership AdvisoryBuilding Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community is brought to you through a partnership of NewPalOpen4Biz, BringingTech2You., and AdvoCastHosted by Dave MeekerCo-Hosted by Shawn P NealProduced in partnership with AdvoCast Leadership Advisory at Studio236#NewPalOpen4Biz #AdvoCast #HancockCounty #Indiana #ShawnPNeal

In this episode of Building Hancock, host Dave Meeker and co-host Shawn P Neal discuss the intersection of technology, the role of #NewPalOpen4Biz in supporting local businesses, and the significance of community relationships in overcoming challenges. The conversation highlights the proactive measures needed to ensure safety and growth within the community, as well as the vision for a vibrant future in New Palestine.Building Hancock is showcasing the people, businesses, and organizations driving the vision and future of Hancock County, Indiana. Brought to you by Hancock Health and #NewPalOpen4BizProduced in partnership with Advocast Leadership AdvisoryAre you a Hancock County Business? Get involved with #NewPalOpen4Biz by sending a message to us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newpalopen4bizVisit BringingTech2You at https://bringingtech2you.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Building Hancock Podcast01:05 Meet Dave Meeker: Cybersecurity and Community Advocate02:42 Understanding Cybersecurity: Importance of Passwords05:56 Community Engagement: New Pal Open for Biz10:01 Building Relationships: The Bridge Project15:07 Vision for New Pal Open for Biz18:40 Conclusion and Community Call to Action#NewPalOpen4Biz #ShawnPNeal #BringingTech2YouBuilding Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community is brought to you through a partnership of NewPalOpen4Biz, BringingTech2You., and AdvoCastHosted by Dave MeekerCo-Hosted by Shawn P NealProduced in partnership with AdvoCast Leadership Advisory at Studio236#NewPalOpen4Biz #AdvoCast #HancockCounty #Indiana #ShawnPNeal