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On a bright and sunny late morning and early afternoon, many could be found gathering just off Rolling Hills Lane in Winchester on Friday. 

The Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority hosted a lunch, welcoming various workers and others that play a vital role in serving Clark County. 

“Today’s event is the Industrial Authority’s opportunity to just say ‘thank you’ to the employees that are in our industries here in the community,” said Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director Brad Sowden. “Today’s event is all about the employees and we appreciate [those] folks.” 

By 11:00 a.m., tables were being set up at the site of the venue, with gatherers soon arriving to enjoy the food and drink available. 

Thompson’s Catering & Special Events, located at 121 Hud Road, was present. 

They provided from their cookout event menu what’s referred to as the All American Grill Out, featuring chuck burgers, super dogs, baked beans, potato salad, brownies, and more. 

“We specialize in corporate picnics and weddings and we are an all-purpose catering company,” said business owner Tommy Thompson. “We know a lot of people here in the industrial park and a lot of them are good customers.” 

The WInchester-Clark County also partnered with Ale-8 and G&J Pepsi for soft drinks. 

“We appreciate their support, and certainly look forward to partnering with them again in the future,” Sowden added. 

Among the many employees who showed up from local businesses were those from SLA Steel Fabrication & Erection. 

The construction company, located at 2005 Fortune Drive, provides renovations and more featuring different project types that include metal ladders, stairways and handles, concrete embeds, and steel beam erection. 

They will soon have new property along Rolling Hills Drive to serve as a manufacturing facility.

“We’ve been…out here [for five years],” said shop foreman Brian Booth. “[The food] has been perfect. Absolutely perfect!”

Sowden added that the event was a large hit with many local companies. 

“We’ve had so many come and go so fast that we just kind of gave up counting, but at last count we had maybe…22 or 23 industries,” he said. “The people that showed up range from…one or two from one industry to as many as 16 from one industry.” 

Fittingly, the location of the event also held special significance. 

The lunch took place at the end of Denham Court, established in November 2023 to honor the memory of the late Todd Denham, former Winchester-Clark County Executive Director. 

“I know that’s something that Todd would have wanted to do,” Sowden said. “We’re just trying to carry that torch for Todd.”