Philip Glenn Martin's Commitment To Community Makes Impact

Philip Glenn Martin was very interested in promoting and encouraging the human resources of Scott County, and he will leave a lasting mark on his adopted home community.

Vernal Martin, his widow, and friends announced in 1999 that beginning in 2000, a memorial scholarship to honor Phil's life would help college-bound high school seniors who lived in Finley Township.

Philip Glenn Martin received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1942 and his MBA in 1947 from Indiana University. He served three years during World War II in the U.S. Navy, and was discharged in 1945 as full lieutenant.

After retiring from a Chicago-area business in 1991, the Martins returned to Finley Township. They operated an antiques store, but Phil's natural inclination to get involved led to his being elected as board president of the Greater Scott County Chamber of Commerce. From there, he was selected to serve as the Chamber's first part-time director and then its executive director in 1994.

He built a rapport with small business owners and attracted several new industries to the area. Under his guidance, membership in the Chamber grew and programs such as the Scott County Leadership Program, which trained future leaders, and the Manufacturers' Forum were created.

Phil's friends from the Greater Scott County Chamber of Commerce provided these thoughts:

"Phil was a shining example to our community of a heart in the right place. His commitment to people far outweighed his commitment to any project. He saw the success of a community not only in dollars and cents, but also in relationships and friendships. For these reasons his absence will be felt by everyone."

"May we look to his life and find encouragement and motivation in our individual efforts. How thankful we should feel to have known a man such as Phil and be able to draw from his spirit. His legacy goes far beyond the list of accomplishments that follows, but are made important because of his unselfish and humble attitude."

Though he retired in 1996, he remained active in both the Chamber and as one of the driving forces behind the newly created Scott County Community Foundation. He realized early on that a community foundation could raise money and attract grants that would continue much of the good work already begun by local leaders in the field of social needs.

Phil was a nominee for the Mayor's Good Neighbor Award and received the key to the City of Scottsburg.

Since establishment of the Philip Glenn Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund, eight students have received financial assistance in their pursuit of higher education.