The worker safety record compiled by EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWN OF FLORA has earned the town the Indiana Public Employers' Plan safety award for 2007. The award not only rewards the prevention of accidents among employees, but also emphasizes the cost savings to governmental agencies by keeping workers on the job.

STEPHAN'S IGA of Flora was the recipient of a Half Century Award during the annual Governor's Century and Half Century Business Awards ceremony held Oct. 1 at the statehouse. Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman joined Governor Mitch Daniels in honoring Indiana companies for their longevity and community service.

Robert and Bonita Stephan bought an existing IGA in Flora in 1958 and opened Stephan's IGA. In 1964, the store moved to a much larger location in downtown Flora and has operated at that location ever since. The store has been expanded and remodeled many times over the years, and it incorporated as Stephan & Son Foods, Inc., in 1977. Now in its 60th year, Stephan & Son Foods, Inc., known as Stephan's IGA, is involved in many community events and supports Rotary Club, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll County Community Foundation, to name a few.

The Governor's Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Indiana businesses that have remained in operation for 100 or 50 years or more and have also demonstrated a history of community service. More than 1,150 Indiana companies have been recognized during the 18-year history of the awards.