TERRE HAUTE —
This month Social Security, the most successful domestic program in our nation’s history, celebrates its 77th anniversary.
On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. With one pen stroke he laid the foundation of modern American social policy. Today, millions of retirees live in dignity thanks to their monthly Social Security benefit payment. Over the decades, Social Security expanded to not only protect against the risk of poverty in old age, but also the economic risk of career-ending disability and the premature death of a worker.
From a local historical perspective, the Terre Haute Social Security office celebrated its 75th anniversary this past June. The office officially opened for business June 12, 1937. Terre Haute was the fourth city in Indiana to have a Social Security office, preceded by Indianapolis, South Bend and Evansville. There are presently 1,300 Social Security Administration field offices across the United States, with 26 in Indiana alone.
The Terre Haute SSA office was originally in the Merchants National Bank building at Wabash Avenue and Sixth Street and had only five employees. The office was later moved to 637 Cherry St., then to the Meadows Shopping Center on South 25th Street. In May 2003, we moved to our current location at 222 Cherry St. The office currently has a staff of 22 people.
Previous office managers included J. Snyder, Gary Eason, Charles “Chuck” Shutt and Russell Howard.
The Terre Haute office services a six- county area (Vigo, Sullivan, Parke, Clay, Vermillion in Indiana and Clark County in Illinois). More than 42,000 people in our area receive Social Security benefits, with benefit payments exceeding $45 million per month.
Over the years, new and unique ways of handling our business have been introduced as our beneficiary population and the complexity of the work has increased. For example, virtually all Social Security business can be handled by telephone.
In addition, the Internet has proven to be an invaluable option for those who wish to conduct their business online. For example, you can file for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits online. In addition, you can change your address, update direct deposit information or request a replacement Medicare card at our website. These are just a few of the many things that you can do by using our online services, and we encourage you to explore the possibilities.
Even though the program has changed many times over the last 77 years, our mission has not. We exist to serve you.
For more information about the history of Social Security, go online at www.socialsecurity.gov/history/history.html or check out our full website located at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Business
Social Security: Aug. 12, 2012: Social Security celebrating 77 years
- Business
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Duke Energy gives $10K to Wabash Valley Red Cross for Vigo flood relief
Duke Energy is giving $10,000 to the Wabash Valley Red Cross chapter for flood relief from this spring’s heavy rains.
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‘500’ gas stations being sold to Speedway LLC
After several decades in business, the area’s familiar “500” gasoline stations and convenience stores will soon be missing from the roadsides of Vigo and Sullivan counties.
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Business Cents: Customers and companies: Sugar goes further than vinegar
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Naysayers should treat good news as good news
I like to complain as much as anybody else. In truth, I may do more than my share of finding fault and wagging a finger in warning. Nonetheless, I’m tired of commentators (including many economists) who find nothing good and only the darkest clouds for the past few months.
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All mothers appreciate extra help
Think of all the times and ways that your mom has helped you over the years — when you were a child, and after you became an adult. With Mother’s Day upon us, now is a good time to pay mom back with a little Extra Help — with her Medicare prescription drug costs.
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Upcoming meetings
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Indiana ranked best place to do business in Midwest
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First Farmers rated among top 100 community banks
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Newsmakers: May 12, 2013
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has recognized John Thompson, president of Thompson Thrift Construction, and Paul Thrift, president of Thompson Thrift Development, as “Patriotic Employers.”
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On the Move: May 12, 2013
Stacey Joseph, a realtor in Terre Haute, has earned the Certified Residential Specialist designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
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Chamber lauds four with Business Recognition Awards
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ISU students provide detailed grocery analysis
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Construction firm holding grand opening in Marshall on Friday
Construction, H&H LLC is holding a grand opening and Marshall Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday at 812 N. Second St. in Marshall, Ill.
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AP Source: Subaru to expand Indiana plant
Subaru plans to expand its Indiana factory and add workers to build the Impreza small car in 2016, a person briefed on the matter says.
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Transit proposals can prove to be game changers
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On the Move: May 5, 2013
Melissa Schollaert, RDH, HHP, has been added as a counselor of holistic health and nutrition at The Maple Center for Integrative Health.
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ISU set to offer financial planning program in 2014
When Indiana State University junior Jennifer Groth began scheduling classes last semester, she planned them out by thinking of an academic program the university does not yet offer. Groth will be one of the inaugural students in the financial planning program that ISU will begin to offer in spring 2014.
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Newsmaker: May 5, 2013
Gov. Mike Pence announced the appointment of Jessica Robertson to commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration, a role she will begin on Wednesday.
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U.S. Postal Service opens village office in Worthington
The U.S. Postal Service officially opened the 40th Village Post Office in the Greater Indiana District on Monday in Worthington.
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How consistent is your business?
There are six areas in which consistency is critical in the majority of companies. Too often, business owners feel as they are “chasing down” rather than “leading it along.” If you can get a high level of consistency with your standards and practices, then your company will benefit.
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Good time to try Spanish online service
Cinco de Mayo is May 5 — a time to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. Why not join the celebration by visiting Social Security’s Spanish website, where you’ll find a number of useful services and a wealth of information in Spanish.
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First Financial’s net income up 3 percent
First Financial Corp. has announced results for its quarter that ended March 31. The Corp.’s net income increased 3.4 percent to $7.7 million, compared to $7.4 million for the same period of 2012.
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Curtain goes up on new theater owner
The Indiana Theatre in downtown Terre Haute is under new ownership with a new purpose.
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Indiana Theatre SOLD!
The Indiana Theatre at 683 Ohio St. is sold.
Rob Lundstrom, who owns the Copper Bar and Louise’s, took possession of the historic downtown theatre on April 25. -
Higher education completion rates questioned
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Vectren Corp. awards $2.3 million in grants
Vectren Corp. has announced that it awarded more than $2.3 million in 2012 through the Vectren Foundation and corporate contributions.
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Hard work, good attitude produces success
Like clockwork, Indiana State University graduate Joe Evelo regularly provides monthly updates to the first client he signed up when he started his financial investment career more than 35 years ago.
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On the move: April 28, 2013
Old National Bank has promoted Howard Mills to vice president, mortgage loan originator.
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Newsmakers: April 28, 2013
Lenise Kohlway of Spencer was presented with the WorkOne Achievement Award last week for overcoming several employment barriers and pursuing a better life for herself.
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