Kelly Turner

communications

Helping others find their voice.

Press Release Highlight

Skills Demonstrated:

Director of Communications

Town of Speedway | March 2019 - June 2021

• Town Announcements
• Press Releases

Director of Education and Public Affairs

Mental Health America | May 2014 - April 2015

• Grant Announcements
• Press Releases

Kelly Turner’s

press release samples

The Town of Speedway, Indiana, is set to implement Cloudpermit, the world’s leading e-permitting software for local government building departments, later this year.

“We’re excited to provide Speedway with an elegant and clean e-permitting solution to digitalize our paper-based building processes,” shared Speedway’s Clerk-Treasurer, Jacob Blasdel. “We’re eager to use a software that can be configured to meet our citizens’ needs, will be easy for our staff and inspectors to use, and enables real-time and remote access to permit status updates, approvals, and communication.”

Since all permit information and communication exist online, the four-person building department and its community will benefit from improved efficiency.

This will be notably important during race season as Speedway hosts the Indianapolis 500, the largest single-day sporting event in the world, and annually welcomes hundreds of thousands of fans.

“Since our community of 13,000 full-time residents will be able to apply for a permit, track permit status, and receive real-time information online with Cloudpermit, our in-person traffic at the office will likely decrease as people have fewer requirements to come in,” explained Blasdel. “This will make it easier to handle race-specific permits with our vendors and maintain a high-standard of customer service for our community during a season of increased permit demand.”

The town looks forward to streamlined and contactless service during and post-pandemic in its move toward digitalization.

“We’re overjoyed to work with Speedway and help establish this town as a leader in Indiana,” remarked Cloudpermit’s Senior Vice President, North America, Jarkko Turtiainen. “We’re excited to be part of their e-permitting journey that will undoubtedly, and speedily, inspire other local governments across the state to go digital.”

About Cloudpermit

‍Cloudpermit is the world’s leading e-permitting software for local government building departments. It is cloud-based and end-to-end which enables building departments, building communities, and applicants to complete the building permit lifecycle in one digital workspace. The software was created for, and with, North American local government building departments to help communities thrive.

About the Town of Speedway, Indiana

Speedway became an established town in 1926. It is currently home to nearly 13,000 residents. Speedway is known for its great schools, excellent public safety, tight-knit community, and for being the home to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Visit www.speedwayin.gov to learn more or connect via social media on Facebook or Twitter.

Press Release: MHG Hotels Partners on Management and Development of the Wilshaw Hotel in Speedway

September 22, 2020

Town of Speedway officials are pleased to announce that the long delayed Wilshaw Hotel project at 16th Street and Main Street appears to be back on track with a newly signed partnership agreement between MHG Hotels, LLC and the current developer. Loftus Robinson and MHG Hotels announced the partnership in a press release today.

MHG Hotels has been selected to be a partner in what is planned to be a Hilton Tapestry Hotel overlooking Gate 1 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway marking what the town hopes will be a new start for the project. Alongside the developers, Wilhelm Construction will continue moving forward as the contractor for the hotel with conjunction with MHG Hotels affiliated construction company Letap Construction.

“Over the last year, the Speedway Redevelopment Commission has stayed diligent in evaluating all possible solutions in conjunction with the developers to find a path forward to complete the project that was promised to the community,” stated Speedway Economic Development Director, Tim Gropp. “We are excited to have MHG partnering in this project as they have proven their ability to deliver quality projects. We are confident they are the right firm to finish the job.”

In 2019, MHG opened the Courtyard by Marriot in the Speedway Marketplace development near I-465. They also have committed to build a Hampton Inn and Conference Center in the new Founders Square development. This new hotel is expected to open in 2022. “MHG owner, Sanjay Patel, and his team have been great partners with the Town of Speedway and we are relieved they have chosen to invest their time and energy to see this project through to completion,” stated Brody Duncan, President of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission. “Over the next few months, there will be a lot of behind the scenes work while they are reviewing the finances, reevaluating the design, and rebidding some of the work. With their experience and guidance on this project, we look forward to this hotel becoming a significant centerpiece to the redevelopment efforts in our community upon completion.”

Town Council President David Lindsey added, “While the Town Council has been very disappointed that this project has been delayed for so long, we are grateful to see the significant effort being put into a restart plan by MHG. Although this is not a small task for MHG to take over the project, we anticipate a stronger end product once completed. We also anticipate better communication on the project moving forward and are looking forward to reviewing a new project timeline in the near future.” Construction is not expected to resume until early 2021 once winter conditions ease. Updates will continue to be given monthly as to the progress.

SPEEDWAY – Last week, Marion County Public Health Officials announced next steps in Marion County’s continued reopening plan, which includes a new mask mandate. Speedway officials asks that residents start following the mask mandate now instead of waiting for it to be enforced on July 9th, at which point those not in compliance may receive a fine.

The new mask mandate states you must wear a mask when in either of these two situations across Marion County:

• Indoor spaces other than your home: When you are inside a building other than your home, you should wear a mask. You can take it off when alone in a room, such as if you are inside a one-person office.
  
• Outside your home when social distancing isn't possible: If you go outside and find yourself in a situation where you can't keep at least six feet from others, you must wear a mask.
  

There are several exceptions to the mandate that can be found in the public health order posted July 1, 2020 by the Marion County Public Health Department.

Kelly Turner, Director of Communications, said this was not going to be an easy transition for everyone. “Though some people have been wearing masks all along, many haven’t. For example, if you look up and down Main Street during dinner hours, very few customers are wearing masks walking in and out of the buildings. The new mandate requires that business owners enforce the mask guidelines for customers when they’re not seated at a table. That puts a lot of pressure on our businesses and their staff to ensure everyone follows the rules.” Turner continued, “we hope our residents will accept this minor inconvenience and respect the customers, staff, and business owners who are trying to keep the pandemic under control.”

The order specifically states that, “Individuals who are seated at a restaurant, bar, or other establishment that serves food and/or drink [can remove their mask] while they are eating or drinking. However, Individuals entering and exiting restaurants or bars, or congregating in waiting areas or common areas of the restaurant or bars, must wear masks or face coverings.” The Town of Speedway says they will be providing signage to local businesses that can be displayed on doors and in public spaces where residents may need a reminder about the current mandate.

“Customers who are willfully choosing not to follow the order are putting those around them at risk and also providing undue difficulties for the businesses seeking to abide by the mandate,” stated Carlos May, Speedway Town Manager. “We all want Speedway to remain a safe place to live and work. If it takes a slight amount of discomfort to keep our economy moving and prevent another massive shutdown, we hope our residents are willing, able, and ready to make that small sacrifice.”

In a press release Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Public Health Department, stated, “With cases increasing across the country, we must be deliberate in our reopening plan. We know that face coverings significantly reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, but that reduction cannot be achieved if many residents choose not to wear them. For that reason, the Marion County Health Department will be mandating the wearing of masks in public places for the foreseeable future.”

Marion County residents can request a free face covering at indy.gov/masks. Indianapolis residents impacted by COVID-19 should visit the City of Indianapolis resource guide, which can be viewed at www.indy.gov/covid. Spanish speaking residents can view the Resource Guide here. Individuals who are unable to navigate the city’s website can call 317-327-4MAC between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to talk to a customer service representative.

U. S. Secretary of Education Names Speedway High School a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized Speedway High School as one of 367 schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020. The Education Department recognized Speedway High School in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools—these are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” said Secretary DeVos. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The U.S. Education Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually Nov. 12 and 13. While we regret not having the opportunity to celebrate in person, given the current situation regarding COVID-19, we will celebrate the 317 public and 50 non-public school honorees in the ways that we are able, and they will each receive their plaques and flags via mail.

Speedway Firefighter Tests Positive for COVID-19

(Speedway, IN) – Speedway Fire Department (SFD) confirmed Tuesday, March 24th that a Speedway Firefighter has tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“We were notified this morning that one of our firefighters has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been ordered to self-quarantine at home,” stated Chief Robert Fishburn of SFD.

Four other firefighters who had contact with this individual at the station have been instructed to self-quarantine as well. Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and the SFD Medical Director, all five firefighters will stay in self-quarantine for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus.

SFD officials have assessed the situation and stated no known exposures to any other town employees or the public. It is unclear how the firefighter became infected with the virus. All other firefighters are being tested in accordance with the State of Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) protocol and are being closely monitored for any symptoms. SFD has followed and will continue to follow, the recommendations and protocols of the CDC, Indiana State Department of Health, and the EOC.

“We want to thank Eli Lilly and their staff for the expedited testing for our first-responders. This has been a difficult time for everyone and it’s through your help that we’re able to keep serving our community and keep our firefighters safe,” said Chief Fishburn.

Chief Fishburn emphasized that anyone can be infected with COVID-19 and to not take Governor Holcomb’s Stay-At-Home Order lightly. “Our firefighters cannot protect you while working from home, so we ask that residents only leave the house when absolutely necessary. In order for us to serve the community now and in the coming days, we need everyone to do their part to minimize the risk of contact and slow the spread.”

In a special announcement on Monday, Town Council President David Lindsey delivered a similar message, stating, “During this time you must follow strict social distancing guidelines. For you and your family, that means staying home unless you work for an essential business or are doing an essential activity. In order to flatten the curve, lessening the burden on our hospitals and first responders, we must stay home.”

For a list of essential activities and details on Govonor Holcomb’s directive for Hoosiers to Stay-At-Home, visit in.gov. The Town of Speedway has also published a FAQ to help residents answer questions they might have during the next two weeks on their website at speedwayin.gov.

General questions from the public or healthcare provider inquiries about COVID-19 may be directed to the ISDH COVID-19 Call Center at the toll-free number 877-826-0011 (available 24/7) or email epiresource@isdh.in.gov.

Speedway Town Council Selects New President

Release: January 2, 2021

At the December 28, 2020 Town Council Meeting, the Council nominated and voted in a new president and vice president for the 2021-22 term. Vince Noblet will serve as president and Gary Raikes will serve as vice president of the Town Council for the next term.

Councilors Eileen Fisher, Gary Pedigo and Gary Raikes thanked out-going president, David Lindsey for his leadership and excellent work in 2020, made especially trying due to the impacts of COVID throughout town and society. Councilman Lindsey accepted their thanks and recognized not only the Council, but Town employees and the community for their support over the last 12 months. “This is a group effort and I appreciate the town and our employees who make this town what it is… We appreciate all of the hard work. If I had known what 2020 would hold, I would have not believed it.”

Prior to closing the meeting, Vince Noblet also thanked Councilman Lindsey for his commitment to carrying on town government in this last year. “It’s come with a lot of pressure in terms of keeping people safe, and yet you have carried on in the work environment during the unprecedented pandemic. Thank you. It has been a great learning experience that we will take with us into the new year.”

A new resource is available to the Speedway Police Department (SPD) and town residents as a collaborative public safety measure. SPD joins with other Marion County agencies and Motorola to present CityProtect.com, a website for the town to identify public safety incidents occurring within the Town in a near-real time reporting and mapping display. Residents will now be able to monitor incidents happening around town, submit crime tips, and help provide investigators footage by registering their security camera locations and providing footage when asked. The website also provides a feature allowing residents to set up alerts for their area including a daily, weekly, or monthly report.

Those with security cameras can take part in the CrimeReports Camera Registration on the site as well. The Camera Registration allows residents and business owners to register the locations of their video surveillance systems with the SPD. When a crime occurs, police will be able to identify the locations of nearby video cameras and enlist the assistance of the community to help officers collect video evidence and follow up on leads. The program is a great way to help deter and solve crime. Your participation always remains 100% voluntary. When a crime happens in your area, you may receive a phone call asking you to check your camera at a specific time and date. SPD will not be able to access your video recordings without your help and consent. You can read more about this program on the Town of Speedway website.

Read more on our website: https://bit.ly/39UdhUq

Lane restrictions will begin next week for the intersection improvements along N. High School Road in Speedway. Drivers should expect lane restrictions and delays during construction over the next month. Traffic is anticipated to remain open with restrictions along High School Rd. during construction.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/notes/town-of-speedway/changes-to-traffic-patterns-high-school-road-in-speedway/2713682408737537

As a reminder, all door to door solicitors in Speedway must have a permit. Currently, no permits are being administered due to COVID-19 concerns, therefore no solicitors have permission to be on your property. Speedway Code Enforcement suggests calling the non-emergency police number at 317-246-4343 to report violators of this ordinance.

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