The following are this week’s I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE Honorees, by Jodie Ingram
Greg and Cindi Learnard are long-standing pillars in the community. Cindi is a 4th generation business owner and Greg is a 4th generation farmer. They have been fortunate enough to work in professions that they are passionate about and truly love. In addition to loving their jobs; they also feel blessed to have been able to do their life’s work in their home area with the love and support of their families along the way.
Cindi is the owner of M.A.F. Salon & Spa in Georgetown, which she opened in 1983 in one of the buildings her Great Grandfather built! Greg is a farmer and has worked full time on the family farm since graduating from college in 1985. He also took over the family seed business (Learnard Seed Service) in 1992. Greg and Cindi currently reside in Catlin and have 3 grown sons and 4 grandchildren. Their two oldest sons, Morgan (Kaylee) and Joel (Hayley) work with Greg in the farm/seed business. Their youngest son Ross (Jaylyn) is a college baseball coach at Butler University in Indianapolis.
The Learnard’s love where they live. Greg explains that Catlin is the perfect reflection of small-town Midwestern living. He feels the spirit of the community is very strong and anytime a project is proposed that will benefit the community, the volunteers turn out in force to make sure it is completed. Catlin’s sports complex is a perfect example of what Catlin can accomplish largely through volunteer labor and local donations. Catlin also offers activities through the church, civic groups and youth organizations to keep the citizens engaged.
Greg and Cindi understand the importance of being engaged and involved in your community. They have served on several boards throughout the years and continue to serve today. Greg is currently on the Vermilion County Farm Bureau board and the Catlin Christmas Parade Committee. Cindi serves on the Georgetown Mural Committee, she was recently involved in a campaign to get the Georgetown Historical Society active again, and volunteers at the Georgetown Methodist Church helping to serve their monthly Community Meal.
Cindi has recently retired in her role as a hair stylist however still owns the salon. Greg is often questioned as to when he is going to quit his job. After much contemplation, Greg has come to the realization that farming is not really a job but a way of life. That fact makes walking away all that more difficult. Lord willing, Greg plans to always be around to help his boys on the farm whenever needed.
Tom Allen stated that family farms and small businesses are the backbones of our communities, and I could not agree more. Thank you, Greg and Cindi, for investing in our community. Thank you for not only providing services to the people of Vermilion County, but for also serving the community with a happy, gracious heart. Your hard work, love, and dedication has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you for all you do!
If you have someone you would like to share,
visit https://forms.gle/deCPiQ1cxn1pDLhZ9
or contact Ashton Greer, City of Danville agreer@cityofdanville.org or
Nicole Van Hyfte, Vermilion Advantage nvanhyfte@vermilionadvantage.com.
