Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman toured the FRATCO plant in Francesville earlier this month as part of her Hoosier Crossroads Tour of Indiana's 92 counties. See story below.	Following her tour, Skillman presented company owner Chris Overmyer with the state's "Partner in Progress" award. FRATCO is an industry leader in the manufacture of drain tile. Photos provided by Francesville Tribune

Skillman, who is nearing the end of her second term as Indiana’s lieutenant governor, has been active in her support of economic development and the growth of Indiana businesses. During her Hoosier Crossroads Tour, which started in July 2011, she is visiting local businesses and meeting with local officials.

After touring the FRATCO plant, Skillman presented company owner Chris Overmyer with a "Partner in Progress" award. The award reads "For serving your state with an outstanding example of vision and integrity. For working in your community for a strong environmental growth. For standing by your friends and neighbors with a clear dedication to their quality of life."

FRATCO has been a leading manufacturer of tile and pipe for agricultural and commercial drainage applications since E.C. Overmyer founded the company in 1923. At that time the company manufactured clay tile. Over the course of the company's long history, it has remained a family-owned-and-operated business, now under the leadership of the fourth Overmyer generation led by E.C.’s great-grandson Chris.

FRATCO also ranks as Pulaski County's 10th largest employer, according to the most recent statistics, with 73 employees. The company also has two out-of-state locations.

The Francesville Tribune contributed to a portion of this article.