Darby McCarty earns Ivy Tech’s second annual excellence in entrepreneurship award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2013

Darby McCarty earns Ivy Tech’s second annual excellence in entrepreneurship award

Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus awarded Darby McCarty, Smithville CEO, with the second annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship award for her legacy of entrepreneurship on Monday evening, October 21. The award was presented by Ivy Tech-Bloomington’s Gayle and Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship as kickoff to its 4^th Annual Cook Institute for Entrepreneurship luncheon.

“The Cook Center established the ‘Excellence in Entrepreneurship’ award to recognize individuals in the community who become leaders, job creators, and entrepreneurs in their field and their community,” said Chancellor John Whikehart. “When Darby assumed leadership of Smithville ten years ago, she began directing the company into a new era of technology and change. Additionally, Ivy Tech is recognizing Darby for her entrepreneurial spirit that has been passed through generations, and for embracing change and focusing on the development potential of both Smithville and the community.”

Indiana’s largest independent telecom company, Smithville, was established in 1922 to connect major Monroe County Stone quarries at Clear Creek, Smithville, and Ellettsville. Over the years, the family company has gone from an all manual operation to providing digital services in 18 counties.

McCarty took the reins of leadership of Smithville in 2003. Since then, the company has invested millions to convert all residential and business customers to a full fiber optic network and now offers Internet, television, voice, security, and cellular services, and products.

Under McCarty’s leadership, Smithville has received national “Top 100 Broadband” recognition for three consecutive years, alongside other national companies like Google, Verizon, and AT&T.

She is active on many boards and committees in the community, including Indiana State Chapter of Commerce, IU Health Bloomington Hospital Foundation, Indiana University Varsity Club, Indiana Telecommunications Council, and U.S. Telecommunications Council.

For more information about the Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech-Bloomington, contact (812) 330- 6261 or www.ivytech.edu/entrepreneurship.

About the Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship

The Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus was established in 2010 to develop and implement practical tools and resources for students, individuals, and the community to foster entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech Bloomington and in the broader economic development region it serves.

About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College (www.ivytech.edu) is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its communities.  In addition, its courses and programs transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

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