News

Jul 03, 2023

Michelle Davis: Recognizing local hardworking Hoosiers

From teachers and librarians to auto mechanics and grocery clerks, Johnson County is home to countless hardworking Hoosiers. So many of our neighbors and friends work hard to provide for others and

From teachers and librarians to auto mechanics and grocery clerks, Johnson County is home to countless hardworking Hoosiers.

So many of our neighbors and friends work hard to provide for others and find time to give back to our community with little to no recognition. For the last two years, I’ve made it my personal goal to help shine a light on those who are making a positive difference and formally recognize them with a Hardworking Hoosier Award.

It’s been an honor to get to know more than 50 deserving constituents along with their families, friends and co-workers. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Paul Gentry and Kelson Carter from Greenwood and recognizing them with Hardworking Hoosier awards.

Gentry is an applicator at Premier Companies Ag & Energy Services and is actively involved in the Johnson County 4-H Program, where he serves on the fair board and as a leader. Our 4-H programs are a great way for youth to gain hands-on experience and learn life-long lessons outside the classroom. Paul was nominated by a fellow community member who praised him for being humble, willing to lend a helping hand and serving as a mentor.

Carter is a third-generation plumber who recently took over his family’s small business, Carter’s My Plumber, in Greenwood. He grew up around the profession and spent nine years driving a service technician van before running the company. This local employer has a team of about 40 full-time staff and operates out of the same location as it did in 1986. It’s a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year job that he takes great pride in. His family members lifted up Kelson for his dedication to the company and those they serve and said he always answers the phone after hours and on holidays to help those in need.

State Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, presents Kelson Carter with a Hardworking Hoosier Award on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Carter’s My Plumber in Greenwood.

State Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, presents Paul Gentry with a Hardworking Hoosier Award on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin.

Thank you, Paul and Kelson, for all that you do for our community. It’s people like you that make our area so special.

If you know someone in House District 58 who works hard to make our community a better place to live, work or raise a family, please nominate them for the Hardworking Hoosier Award. Recipients are recognized with a certificate and pin and spotlighted in my districtwide e-newsletter. Subscribe to my e-newsletter or nominate someone online at in.gov/h58.

Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, represents Indiana House District 58. Her district includes all of Clark Township and most of Pleasant Township. Davis is one of several Johnson County representatives who will share in writing a column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].