January - Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce

LEADING
BUSINESS
January 2015
...and Moving Forward
In a world of shovels, you’re a bulldozer.
Welcome to the bank that thinks like you do — Lake City Bank.
With flexible loans, credit terms, online banking and more, we give
your business everything it needs to hit the ground running.
After all, we’re the largest bank solely dedicated to Indiana.
Drop in.
lakecitybank.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
500 Families: Chris finds
his path in Elkhart
page 6
Our Legislative
Priorities for 2015
New Chamber Board
page 5
page 9
4 President’s report
10 Chamber members in the news
12-13 New Members and Anniversaries
14 Calendar of upcoming events
Payroll & Employer Services
Cover Story
On the Shoulders of Giants
/ElkhartChamber
@ElkhartChamber
Elkhart.org
Greater Elkhart Chamber
95 years and counting - solid history serves as
foundation as Chamber moves forward into 2015
pages 8-9
In our NEXT Issue:
Making decisions on Health and
Education
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 3
Planning for 2015 and the
next 100 years
These are just brief examples of how
your Chamber has taken years of input and
involvement from businesses and organizations
to build this community.
Have you enjoyed driving on the new US
31 around Kokomo and Lakeville? The US 31
improvement started when the Greater Elkhart
Chamber and our colleagues with the St. Joseph
County Chamber decided to work together and
form the US 31 Coalition.
That happened more than 15 years ago. And
it was not a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing.
For many years before that, members of our
Chamber had been discussing ways to improve
roads so our companies could move their
products efficiently and safely. At one time, the
committee was actually called the Roads and
Streets Council. It has now evolved into the
Transportation Council, one of the most envied
and influential Chamber committees in the
state, if not the nation.
The early 1920s Curtis Furniture
building (top half) to (bottom half) in
1989 when the Chamber moved in to
418 S. Main. Cover photo circa 1900.
Elsewhere in the Chamber, our
Environmental and OSHA Councils have
grown into committees that regularly hear
directly from state officials who want to
explain regulations to our respected groups.
As I visit member companies, I see plaques
and certificates from when we have awarded
them beautification or business of the month
recognition.
In this issue of Leading Business, you
will learn about the titans who established
the Chamber and the leaders who laid the
groundwork for our path to influence. You will
also learn about our new Board members, our
legislative positions, and our new campaign for
describing the extreme value of what we do for
you every day.
Our influence is recognized by our leaders.
Elected officials regularly contact us to gauge
how the business community is doing. They
want to know what we think of their proposals.
Candidates check-in with the Chamber of
Commerce to make sure their campaign
message is business friendly.
We might spend a month or two celebrating
the accomplishments of the Chamber
community in 2014, and even the last nearcentury. While you join our party, understand
that we are planning for 2015 and the next 100
years.
We are honored that you have been with us
along the way.
“Leading Business” is the
monthly magazine published by:
Ambassadors Claudia Meenan, ext. 134
January 8, Council meeting, 4 pm
Annual Golf Outing Denise Polachek, ext. 132
Business Recognition and Beautification
Denise Polachek, ext. 132
January 20, Council meeting, 8 am
Economic Development /Legislative Affairs
Denise Polachek, ext. 132
January 16, Council meeting, 8 am
Education/Career Development
Kathy Cardwell, ext. 122
January 8, Council meeting, 7:30 am
Environmental Kay House-Clark, ext. 138
January 23, Council meeting, 8 am
Leadership Denise Polachek, ext. 132
January 27, Council meeting, 4 pm
OSHA Jim Walsh, ext. 121
January 21, Council Breakfast, 7:30 am
Technology Jim Walsh, ext. 121
January 30, Council meeting, 8 am
Transportation Kay House-Clark, ext. 138
January 9, Council meeting, 8 am
Women’s Claudia Meenan, ext. 134
January 6, Council meeting, 9 am
Young Professionals Shane Frost, ext. 128
January 8, Council meeting, 4:30 pm
4 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
418 S. Main St. | Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 293-1531 | Elkhart.org
All rights reserved 2014
Permission from the Chamber
president is required for any
reproduction, reprint or reuse of
the content of this magazine. A
PDF version of “Leading Business”
is available at Elkhart.org and in
e-reader format on the Greater
Elkhart Chamber’s Facebook page.
“Leading Business” benefits
from contributions by readers
and member companies.
Please submit news releases,
article ideas and inquiries
to Shane Frost, Marketing &
Communications, at
[email protected].
Frost can also be contacted for
information on advertising at
574-293-1531 or
[email protected].
One voice for Northern Indiana
This year’s Legislative Priorities
The Northern Indiana Coalition of
Chambers works together on issues of
importance to the Northern Indiana Region.
The Six-County
coalition has identified
these four Regional
priorities for the 2015
Legislative session:
TRANSPORTATION &
INFRASTRUCTURE:
Indiana’s
Transportation funding
faces significant
challenges for the future. The Indiana
General Assembly has not adjusted the
excise tax rate on Motor Fuels since the
1990’s. Yet the costs associated with
building roads has increased dramatically
and Major Moves funding has been nearly
depleted. The current funding stream
cannot meet the needs of Indiana’s vital
transportation network.
The NICC Region has several critical
transportation projects that support
economic development in the region.
The Indiana General Assembly must find
appropriate ways to fund a transportation
program that meets the current and future
needs of our great state. This may be
the most critical issue facing our region in
the coming decade. NICC members ask
the General Assembly to pass legislation
in 2015 that supports increased road
funding for State and local governments.
These changes should include adjusting
or modification of revenue streams to
meet the needs of highway construction
and maintenance necessary to maintain
Indiana as the Crossroads of America. It
should be noted that Hoosiers and visitors
are paying significant use-tax on fuel,
through the sales tax, that is not returned
to the roads. In addition, Northern Indiana
has proven tollways are an effective way
to build and maintain vital infrastructure.
Tollways must be considered as a tool for
funding projects throughout the State of
Indiana. Existing funds should be used
to support the network of existing Indiana
roads.
The impacts to the NICC Counties
would be reflected by funding critical
transportation projects such as:
• Completion of the US 31 project by
planning and funding the removal of the
remaining stoplights between South Bend
and Indianapolis to allow the free flow of
traffic between the three improvement
projects.
• Upgrade of US 30 to Freeway status.
INDOT’s preliminary study
on this corridor between
Valparaiso and Fort Wayne
indicates that this upgrade
would increase traffic flows
from the current 30,000+
vehicles per day to over
80,000 vehicles per day.
• Completion of the CR-17/
SR-15 connector from the
current point of termination
in Elkhart County to a Kosciusko County
designated point of connection with
SR-15 in Claypool. This corridor has been
identified by Conexus as a regional priority.
• Significant improvements along the
US-33 corridor between Ft. Wayne and the
US-20 bypass in Elkhart County to ensure
continued economic development along
this corridor, such as designated passing
lanes.
• Construction of the Illiana Expressway
into the North Central region with
connections to key economic development
points east of I-65 (i.e., the US-20 bypass
in St. Joseph County). Additionally,
studies should be funded to help develop
connection points throughout the region.
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT: The demand for a
highly skilled workforce is one of the
greatest challenges facing the United
States. The changes created by a Global
Economy must be addressed by Indiana’s
educational system. Local education
institutions must be empowered to meet
the needs of the community they serve.
The State of Indiana has a role in training
the future workforce by developing a
curriculum designed and funded to meet
the current and future need for Indiana
employers. Appropriate weight should be
given to career education in high school,
advanced technical training at technical
schools and Ivy Tech, quality degrees
from our state colleges and universities to
meet the jobs and careers of today and
tomorrow. Some of the needs identified
to help businesses represented by NICC
include:
• An advanced Manufacturing Center on
the Elkhart Ivy Tech campus.
• Ensure appropriate funding levels
for the K-12 public schools located
throughout the region. Any mandates
approved by the legislature should include
adequate funding to ensure sustainable
implementation.
• Ensure that private and/or charter schools
receiving public funds adhere to the same
regulations and admission requirements as
public schools.
LOCAL FUNDING OPTIONS: Local
communities face a variety of challenges
that require the appropriate resources
to address. All levels of government
should be efficient and lean. However,
“one-size fits all” solutions do not address
each community’s challenges. The
unintended consequences of property
tax caps and the possibility of elimination
of the business personal property tax
continue to have significant impact on
many local governments We believe that
the government closest to the people best
knows the needs of the people and is best
situated to address those needs. Local
funding options must be provided to allow
each community to address their unique
needs. Specifically:
• Uncouple the state-mandated use of the
local option income taxes by empowering
local governments to identify the area of
greatest need.
• Grant all Indiana communities the same
local revenue producing options currently
granted to only a few.
• As options for reducing tax impacts are
reviewed (such as Business Personal
Property Tax repeal), ensure that Statelevel replacement revenues are included in
the tax relief package.
• Provide more transparency in collection
of local income taxes to ensure all
revenues return to the County of origin.
WATER RESOURCES: Northern Indiana
is an area with abundant surface and
groundwater. Water is increasingly
becoming an important tool in growth and
development of communities. As other
areas of Indiana look to outside sources
to replace dwindling supplies of water, it is
important that State government honors
the commitments of the Great Lakes
Compact. And for those areas not covered
by the Compact, pass legislation that
protects Northern Indiana from those that
would attempt to tap into this important
natural resource. Any proposed costs of
water projects in water-starved portions of
the State should be borne by the users –
not the entire State.
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 5
He found his path in
the City with a Heart
Chris Pottratz is an associate at the
Elkhart law firm Warrick & Boyn, LLP.
He advises businesses and individuals
in corporate and commercial matters,
including business formation, business
contracts, real estate contracts,
commercial litigation, and estate and
succession planning. He also has
experience in criminal defense and
landlord/tenant disputes.
He moved to Elkhart in November.
“I’m from Danville, Indiana, on the
west side of Indianapolis and lived there
pretty much my entire life,” says Chris of
his 9,000-plus population hometown.
“So, it’s definitely a change to be
somewhere new.”
The oldest of four with
three sisters, Chris earned his
undergraduate degree from Purdue
University, then attended Indiana
University Robert H. McKinney
School of Law in Indianapolis, which
boasts such alumni as US Vice
President Dan Quayle, Indiana
State Governors Mike Pence, Mitch
Daniels and Edgar Whitcomb,
and US Senator Dan Coats. He
graduated there and
passed the bar exam
in 2013.
After moving back
to Danville Chris
practiced law in his
hometown. But he
wasn’t quite on the
right path.
“I was doing
criminal work, and
that’s not really the
area of law I am most
interested in,” says
Chris. “So, I saw the
opportunity here in
Elkhart. Warrick &
Boyn does corporate
law, which is more
interesting to me.”
The day he
interviewed in
Elkhart for his current
With his brother-in-law, niece, nephew and three younger sisters is new
position, he says he
went around the city and talked to
people. “It just seemed like a really
great fit for me. A great community
and a great opportunity to get into the
kind of law I really like,” he says.
“I like that there are many different
places to go – lots of restaurants
and social opportunities. And I know
there’s even more that I haven’t
seen,” he says. “There’s a variety of
things to do. The people are friendly.
That’s something you don’t always
get in bigger cities. I’ve spent a lot of
time in Indianapolis, and there are
certainly several options for food and
entertainment. But the people aren’t
as friendly as they are in Elkhart.”
Chris says he is looking forward
to Elkhart’s Jazz Fest, playing pickup games of basketball and making
Elkhart home.
Elkhart resident and Warrick & Boyn attorney Chris Pottratz.
www.500ForTheFuture.com
The Chamber’s 500 Families Initiative and “500 For The Future” highlight our community, aiming to attract and retain professionals to
live and work in the Elkhart area, strengthening the strong base of community-minded leaders here - for the next generation.
6 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
My Council: OSHA
Avenue for Safety, Ideas, and Networking
Matt Raef, CSP, Environmental Health & Safety Head of
Northern Indiana Sites for Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics,
co-chairs the Chamber’s OSHA Council.
The OSHA Council is an organization of member
companies with an interest in safety and health awareness in
the workplace. Representatives meet for breakfast monthly
to update themselves on regulatory changes and hear from
fellow safety professionals from other companies. Networking
opportunities developed in this format allow for safety
directors, human resources personnel, plant managers and
members of plant safety committees to better understand
OSHA requirements.
“We manufacture healthcare testing supplies and conduct
research and development in the healthcare field,” Raef says
of his employer. “My role is to help maintain compliance and
drive change as it pertains to Environmental, Health & Safety
(EHS).”
One way of doing that is by being part of the Elkhart
Chamber’s OSHA Council.
“I first learned about the Council through a fellow colleague
that is also in the EHS field,” he says. “I get to be involved
with the community by facilitating meetings that have very
knowledgeable guest speakers on a wide array of safety
related topics, empowering workers from local business with
knowledge to work safer each day.”
“It is an avenue to learn about safety, benchmark ideas
from other local businesses and network with people in the
community,” he says.
Raef shares chair responsibilities with Dave Knight, Health,
Safety and Environmental Manager at Anco Products, Inc.
Anco Products Inc. manufactures industrial grade
insulation solutions for local and international customers.
In addition, Anco manufactures air connectors for local
customers in the RV industry.
“The networking and training opportunities provided by
the Chamber of Commerce are worth their weight in gold,”
says Knight. “Membership in the Council has helped me
transition into Elkhart’s professional community. In particular,
my activity in the OSHA Council has helped enhance my own
skills as an EHS Manager.”
Knight says the council has a vast network of professionals
willing to help local business. “Training opportunities,
networking events, consultation services, and general advice
are available via the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce,” he says.
The OSHA Council’s MISSION is to promote safety
and health in the workplace with a professional
forum for the exchange of knowledge and
experience.
ACTIVITIES include:
• Keep members informed of actual and proposed
changes in OSHA regulations and legislation at the
national and state levels
• Conduct monthly breakfast meetings with
presentations on subjects relative to occupational safety
and health
• Inform Chamber membership of changes in new and
proposed OSHA regulations
• Provide training on basic OSHA regulations and
programs through 10- and 20-hour voluntary compliance
seminars
• Coordinate with the Environmental Council to
sponsor an annual conference
• Coordinate with NCI (North Central Business
Assistance Center) to provide health and safety
assistance to local businesses
For more information about the OSHA Council, visit
www.Elkhart.org or email Council liaison Jim Walsh at
[email protected].
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 7
On the Shoulders of Giants
J
...and Moving Forward
ust a few years after Carl
Greenleaf and other investors
took control of the retired C.G.
Conn’s musical instrument
company, Greenleaf became the first president
of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce in 1919.
Many are familiar with Greenleaf Boulevard
on the north shore of the St. Joe River as well
as the company that is now Conn-Selmer.
Greenleaf and Conn were giants.
That year prohibition had gone into
effect. Women’s right to vote
was approved in the 19th
amendment. Dr. Miles Medical
Company was producing
nervine and was selling
mail order medicine. The
nationally-recognized Elkhart
Bridge and Iron Company was
a major employer under Frank
Brumbaugh and, later, Frank J.
Miller, Sr. Miles, definitely a giant.
Brumbaugh and Miller, also giants.
Greenleaf purchased the Truth
newspaper along with banker
and financier A. H. Beardsley –
another Elkhart giant. The two
also purchased the Elkhart Review
newspaper. Both the Greenleaf
and Beardsley families benefitted
greatly having invested in Dr.
Miles’ company.
In that founding year of the
Elkhart Chamber in 1919,
the Elkhart City Municipal
building that stands at the
corner of West High and
South Second streets was built.
In 1926 the Chamber was
incorporated. And in that year
a record-breaking, LeManswinning race car driver from
Canada, John Duff, drove an
Elcar in the 14th Indianapolis
500. That super-charged Elcar
was built by the Elcar Motor
Company, also known as the
Elkhart Carriage and
Motor Company,
owned by brothers
William and Dr.
George Pratt, who
took over after their
father Frederick died.
Frederick had been
making carriages
in Elkhart since the
1870s. Marion Street
had originally been
named Pratt Street, where
the first Pratt buggy was
made. More giants of
Elkhart, of community, of
commerce.
During the dust bowl
depression of the 1930s,
Elkhart established itself
as the RV Capital of the
World. House trailers were
featured at the Chicago
World’s Fair in 1933.
Entrepreneurs in Elkhart
ran with that idea. The
RV Capital title was
secured on the backs
of manufacturers like
Skyline-Coach, founded
by Julius Decio in
1951. Skyline, a longtime member of the
Chamber, was lifted
to new heights when
26-year old Art Decio
became the company’s CEO in 1956.
Decio, another giant.
Then, in 1969 the Apollo missions led to a lunar landing.
Richard Nixon was president. American troops began
to withdraw from the war in Vietnam. And The Brady
Bunch was first broadcast on TV. That’s the year that the
Elkhart Chamber of Commerce became the Greater Elkhart
Chamber of Commerce. Elkhart High School freshmen
would also be the last class to graduate from that school the class of ‘72. Elkhart and the surrounding communities
were growing.
The Chamber moved next to the ELCO Theater - now
the Lerner Theatre - in 1989. It’s in the building built by one
of the early giants of retail on Elkhart’s Main Street, Curtis
Furniture.
So, here we are in 2015, 95 years after the inaugural
Chamber. This organization looks ahead, standing on the
shoulders of the giants who formed it, who guided it, and
who passed it on - generation after generation. Running it
is not a science. However, the premise remains constant.
The Chamber is here to pull businesses together: to keep its
members educated in light of regulations, current topics,
and professional development; to advocate at the local and
state and even national levels amid proposed and current
legislation and tax law that affect its members, Greater
Elkhart area businesses; and to elevate its members with
networking opportunities, referrals, and recogition.
The Greater Elkhart Chamber will move into the
future educating, advocating and elevating its members,
continuing a tradition founded on the shoulders of giants.
There are 23 members of the
Board of Directors who are
leaders in business throughout
the Greater Elkhart area
and who will be guiding the
Chamber through 2015.
These men and women can
also be considered giants in
local business upon whose
shoulders the Chamber
currently stands in order
to continue its tradition of
Educating, Advocating and
Elevating members. This
board and organization work
to create an always-improving
business environment for the
Greater Elkhart area.
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in front, from left, Anne Lowry, Reach 360; Blake Unger,
Majority Builders, Inc.; Jan Farron, BABSCO Supply Inc.; Jeff Peat, First Source Bank and
Board Chair; Cynthia Gillard, Warrick & Boyn, LLP; Kyle Hannon, Elkhart Chamber; Deb
Alwine, Concord Mall; Brian Clark, Sanders Pianowski, LLP; Dina Harris, Indiana University
South Bend. In the back are Michael Marston, Botkin & Hall, LLP; Jason Demeter, KIK Custom
Products; Scott Schmucker, Crowe Horwath LLP; Patsy Boehler, ETHOS Science Center;
Andrew J. Asma, KeyBank; Andy Kominowski, Kruggel, Lawton & Company, LLC; Vince Turner,
MutualBank; Jacqueline M. Barton, Specialized Staffing Solutions, LLC; Rhett Fisher, Ancon
Construction Co., Inc.; Steve Brown, Old National Bank; Steven Eller, Beacon Health System;
Amish Shah, Kem Krest. Those not pictured include Dallas Bergl, INOVA Federal Credit Union,
Ken Himes, Waste-Away Group, Ltd., Martin Madden, Overhead Door Company of Mishawaka.
The Chamber researches (1) why
people join the chamber, (2) where
members feel they get most in return for
their membership, and (3) the levels at
which our members are involved in our
programs and events.
The Chamber’s strategy week with
“Chamber Mentor” Pat McGaughey
during September, along with the
direction of the Board of Directors and
the research we conducted have helped
this organization define its current
message.
“We educate. We advocate. We
elevate,” says Chamber President Kyle
Hannon.
We EDUCATE by offering seminars,
training, and other resources that
address many of our members’ needs.
For instance, in Indiana, General OSHA
training can be found in Indianapolis
or at the Greater Elkhart Chamber of
Commerce. We will do more research
and have more discussions with our
members to see what needs in training
and education they have.
We ADVOCATE. Our members
appreciate that we are watching
legislation, watching for new tax
proposals that affect our businesses and
giving our members a voice at the local
and state levels. The recent FOG (fat,
oil, grease) proposal and discussions
with several local restaurant owners
and Elkhart City Public Works and utility
officials is a prime example of our role in
advocacy. We will continue to grow as a
voice for our members.
We ELEVATE our members. We
offer several networking opportunities
each month including BizNess events,
FunWorking, our council luncheons
and meetings, and other events for
members. We also are changing the
tone and increasing the engagement of
our printed magazine to help us promote
our members. Our weekly E-newsletter
and bi-weekly Policy Points have a
strong presence in our community, and
our social media profiles are more active
with stronger engagement, again to
elevate our members.
The Greater Elkhart Chamber – we
Educate, Advocate, and Elevate to
create a better business environment.
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 9
CHAMBERNEWS
THIRD HOUSE TOWN HALL FORUM
The Greater Elkhart Chamber brings your state legislators
to you, so you can get the latest Statehouse news and ask
questions about policy.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. at the
Chamber, 418 S. Main; Friday, Feb. 6 at noon at the Elkhart
Public Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart; and Feb. 21 at 10
a.m. back at the Chamber.
Registration is not required, and the meetings are open to
the public. They are sponsored by Indiana Michigan Power
and Northern Indiana Public Service Co.
ACTIVE SHOOTER PREPAREDNESS
FOR THE WORKPLACE
An active shooter is defined by the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security as “an individual actively engaged in
killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated
area; in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there
is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.” Within
the last five years, there have been at least 14 prominent,
high-casualty producing active shooter incidents. Most of
these cases have occurred in locations where the shooter
has been undeterred and unobstructed from carrying out
an attack. Andy Barker, a former Indiana State Trooper, has
extensive credentials as a trainer and security consultant.
Barker will present at the OSHA Council Breakfast on
Wednesday, Jan. 21, beginning at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast.
The program follows at 8:00 a.m.
This event is open to ALL MEMBERS and registration
and payment are due in advance. Register at Elkhart.org.
TAKE FACEBOOK TO NEXT LEVEL
Mike Gingerich of Digital Hill Multimedia is presenting a
“how to” seminar on Thursday, Jan. 22, beginning at 8 a.m.
The title is “Taking your Facebook Marketing to the Next
Level” where he promises to help attendees “discover the
latest techniques for ROI on Facebook!” Cost is $10 for
members and $20 for others. Register at Elkhart.org.
NEWS
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH MATZKE FLORIST - From left are Chamber
Business Recognition Council member Judy Weicht of Indiana Trust
& Investment Management Company and Matzke Florist managers
Jenifer Rupnow and Carla Forgey. Stan and Linda Rupnow purchased
the business in 1985 from the Matzke family and kept the name to keep
the customers. Matzke prides itself on its “total customer satisfaction
guarantee.” The Rupnows have always been supporters of several service
clubs and community projects.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH MID-CITY SUPPLY - From left are Jim
Nelson, Sam New, and Jeff New of Mid-City Supply Co., Inc. and
Chamber Business Recognition Council member Amy Varga of Chase
Bank. Mid-City is one of the fourth quarter recipients because it has played
an active role in the Michiana area since 1947, initially established on
South Main in Elkhart by Jeff’s father. The company sets itself apart with
a knowledgeable staff - aided by the onsite training classroom at each of
its seven locations. The average tenure of its 88 employees is 17 years
with some having been with Mid-City for nearly 40 years! It is a consistent
sponsor of the Parade of Homes, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and
several local teams and associations.
ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
1st Source Bank has been awarded
the Small Business Administration’s 2014
Community Lender Award for the second year
in a row. The award recognizes commitment
to providing financial assistance to businesses
located in Indiana during the federal fiscal year.
safety, project quality, and onsite communication
with clients.
Sheila Sieradzki of Centier Bank has
been awarded the 2014 Lender of the Year for
Business Development Corporation
(BDC) SBA 504 Originations.
Faegre Baker Daniels received a perfect
score of 100 percent and designation as a Best
Place to Work for LGBT Equality on the 2015
Corporate Equality Index administered by the
Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
Three employees were recently honored for
their 10 years of service at DJ Construction.
Galen Rasler serves as a carpenter and
foreman. Adam Sherman is a carpenter and
foreman, and served as project foreman at the
Greencroft Goshen healthcare addition
project. Tim Troyer is a Service Group project
leader, and his responsibilities include project
10 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
The Elkhart Truth received eight awards at
the HSPA Better Newspaper Contest, including
best website and best spot news photo.
Tania Bengtsson of Gibson has been
promoted to Director of Marketing & Innovation.
She will work across multi-disciplinary
projects with the goal of supporting a culture
of innovation where ideas and creativity are
developed into capabilities that bolster Gibson’s
mission and client experience.
Gary Clark of Gibson has been promoted
to Loss Prevention Manager, specializing in risk
management techniques and loss prevention
services for business clients.
Gene Yarkie has been promoted to vice
president of operations at Rieth-Riley
Construction Co., assuming oversight
and direction of all operations in Rieth-Riley’s
markets. Adrian Johnson has been named
regional vice president of northern Indiana.
For upholding a high level of public safety
professionalism, the Elkhart County
Sheriff’s Department has received a
Gold Standard of Excellence Award from
the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies.
Submit your company’s news and information to [email protected]
Budding Businessman.
THANKS TO JA.
Across our region, too many kids don’t gain the basic financial skills needed to maximize their success. Junior Achievement’s
volunteer-delivered pre-kindergarten through high school programs foster work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial
literacy skills. In partnership with educators, this experiential learning empowers young people to
dream big and reach their potential. Learn how you can help inspire kids to a brighter future.
Call Menessah Nelson at (574) 293-4530 or visit www.jani.org/elkhart-county.
“Join me in supporting the important
work of JA in Elkhart County.”
Amish S. Shah, President / CEO
Kem Krest
CHAMBER
members
NEW MEMBERS
All About Fitness
Referred by 1st Source Bank, Jeff Peat
www.aaboutfitness.com
133 Easy Shopping Place
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 970-1090
Christy Mishler
Fitness Equipment
Alphagraphics
Referred by Majority Builders Inc., Blake Unger
www.us599.alphagraphics.com
660 CR 15
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 295-1203
Fax: (574) 295-1207
Pat Welch
Printers/Publishers
Ben’s Soft Pretzels - Elkhart Wal-Mart
www.benspretzels.com/in/CR6-walmart
175 CR 6 W
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 264-2020
Arlene Bontrager
Restaurants
The Coaching Authority
www.coachingauthority.net
51818 Bonanza Dr
Granger, IN 46530
(574) 286-1123
Patrick S. Frazier
Business Development & Training Consultants
Cornerstone CPA Group, LLP
www.cornerstonecpagroup.com
3160 Windsor Ct
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 266-8886
Fax: (574) 262-8683
Leanne McKee
Accountants: Certified Public
Senior1Care
Referred by Center for Hospice Care, Lisa Zollinger
www.senior1care.com
922 E Wayne St, Ste A
South Bend, IN 46617
(574) 239-2273
Fax: (574) 239-0003
Susan Bossung
Non-Medical In-Home Care
StateWide Windows
www.state-wide.com
3518 CR 6 E
PO Box 987
Elkhart, IN 46515
(574) 262-2594
Fax: (574) 262-5032
James E. Johnson
Aluminum Doors/Windows: Manufacturer
12 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
RENEWING MEMBERS
Our thanks to members who recently renewed!
American Hauler LLC
American Technology Components, Inc.
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Bravo Trailers, LLC
Brown & Brown General Contractors, Inc.
Brown Mackie College - South Bend
Bruce Carter Associates, LLC
Budget Storage
Cass Hudson Co.
The Centre, PC Comprehensive Plastic Surgery
Cira’s Express Mini Mart
Clover Machinery Movers
Dometic, LLC
Elkhart County 4-H &
Agricultural Exposition, Inc.
Elkhart Emergency Physicians, Inc.
Elkhart Noon Kiwanis Club
Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
Farm Bureau Insurance Agency
Farmer Tank, Inc.
Five Star/Manowe
Gordon Food Service Marketplace
Headsight, Inc.
Helman Sechrist Architecture
Horner Investment Group LLC
Hull Lift Truck, Inc.
Kropf Industries
Labor Ready
Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc.
Lawmasters, Inc.
Majority Builders, Inc.
Marbach, Brady & Weaver
Markley Enterprise, Inc.
Marshall & Poe, LLC
Martin’s Super Markets, Inc.
Menno Travel
Mid-City Supply Company, Inc.
MITO Corporation
Montessori School of Elkhart, Inc.
Mullets Garage/Auto Sales
Myers Trust Real Estate
Phillips & Company
Potawatomi Zoological Society
Professional Electrical LLC
Quad 4 Plastics, LLC
R-Way Trailer, Inc.
Regal Mold & Die
Service Specialties
Smart Cabinetry
TecServ Environmental Inc.
Tom Naquin Chevrolet-Nissan-CadillacWorkhorse Custom Chassis, Inc.
Urology Associates
US Signal Company
Valley Screen Process Co.
Versa Machinery
Watkins Family Dentistry
WNIT Television (PBS)
Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP
JANUARY
ANNIVERSARIES
50 YEARS OR MORE
Chase1923
KeyBank1923
Matzke Florists, Inc.
1934
JJ Babbitt Co., Inc.
1939
Northern Indiana
Public Service Co.
1939
Martin’s Pet & Garden Center
1943
Frontier1944
Elkhart General Hospital
1952
25 YEARS OR MORE
KIK Custom Products
1969
NIBCO Inc.
1970
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) 1973
Advanced Imaging Solutions, Inc. 1974
Comcast Business
1974
Truth Publishing Co., Inc.
1975
USI Midwest LLC
1975
Ancon Construction Co., Inc.
1977
Concord Community Schools
1980
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
1983
Dec-O-Art, Inc.
1983
Fasnap Corp.
1983
WTRC - 95.3 MNC
1983
ECI - Electronic Commerce, Inc. 1985
Red Roof Inns
1986
Welch Packaging Group Inc.
1986
Charles C. Wicks
1988
Elkhart County: Board of
County Commissioners
1988
Builders Association of
Elkhart County
1990
McGladrey1990
20 YEARS OR MORE
Agdia, Inc.
1991
TCU Insurance Agency
1991
Elcona Country Club, Inc.
1992
Bethel College
1994
FastSigns1994
Burston Marketing, Inc.
1995
15 YEARS OR MORE
Sherwin Williams
Old National Bank
Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Elkhart County, Inc.
DA Pumpernickels /
Apple Tree Catering
Elkhart County
Prosecuting Attorney
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
10 YEARS OR MORE
Jackie Clindaniel
2001
INOVA Federal Credit Union
2002
Great American Desk Company 2003
Specialized Staffing
Solutions, LLC
2003
Bradd and Hall, Inc.
2004
Business Development
Corporation (BDC)
2004
Cope’s Carpet Cleaning, Inc.
2004
Cornerstone Benefits
Administrator, Inc.
2004
Creative Financial Staffing
2004
Cripe Design
2004
Crystal Valley Landscaping
2004
Dermacenter MD
2004
Feed the Children, Inc.
2004
Fidelity National Title
2004
G-Diamond Transport, Inc.
2004
Gemstone2004
Kibbechem, Inc.
2004
McCollough-Scholten
Construction Inc.
2004
Paul D. Eash Attorney at Law PC 2004
Rollie Williams Paint Spot, Inc. 2004
Royal Excursion
2004
Vista AV Integration
2004
ObeCo, Inc.
2005
5 YEARS OR MORE
Adam’s Cake Shop
2006
Conte Equipment Sales Inc.
2006
Flexible Concepts, Inc.
2006
Arnt Asphalt Sealing
2007
Excel Electronics Inc.
2007
First State Insurance
2007
Acme Refining
2008
Crossroads Pediatric Dentistry PC,
Michael Bigler, DDS
2008
Maple City Fire Protection, Inc. 2008
Network Solutions, Inc.
2008
Ben’s Soft Pretzels
2009
Better Way Products, Inc.
2009
Biomet-Hibbard2009
Boling Vision Center
2009
Bullards Farm Market
and Greenhouses
2009
Century Chemical Corporation 2009
CommunityWide
Federal Credit Union
2009
Crown Lift Trucks
2009
Cutters Foam Fabricating, Inc. 2009
DECA Environmental
2009
Emerson Design Studio
2009
F & F Machine Products, Inc.
2009
Hall, Render, Killian,
Heath, & Lyman, PC
2009
Interra Credit Union
2009
Irongate Self Storage
2009
Just In Time Transportation, Inc. 2009
LeMaster Steel Erectors, Inc.
2009
Lithotone, Inc.
2009
Michiana PC
2009
Mishawaka Sheet Metal LLC
2009
Molded Foam Products
2009
Overhead Door Company
of Mishawaka
2009
The Picture Show
2009
Premiere Signs
2009
Quality Wine & Ale Supply LLC 2009
Service One
Professional Group LLC
2009
Stone Brothers Excavating Inc. 2009
Superior Seating, Inc.
2009
Terry’s Cleaning & Restoration 2009
Accident Fund Insurance
Company of America
2010
Auto Cover Specialist, Inc.
2010
Burn’s Rent-Alls, Inc.
2010
D & S Totally Mobile
2010
Factory RV Surplus
2010
Knights of Columbus Elkhart Council #1043
2010
Reschcor2010
Spherion Staffing
2010
1 YEAR
Concord Cars
2014
Forest Creek
2014
Highland2014
Horizon Education Alliance
2014
Oak Ridge Estates
2014
Trinity United Methodist Church 2014
REACH OVER 2,000 Business and
Community leaders throughout the
Greater Elkhart Area and Michiana
with LEADING BUSINESS. For more
information contact Shane Frost at
[email protected] or call
574-293-1531, extension 128.
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 13
Jan. |Feb.
2015
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
for more information, check our calendar of events online at Elkhart.org.
“
February
January 2015
14
Career Day, North Side Middle
School, 8:30 - 11 am
15
Women’s Council Luncheon,
The New Normal - Redefining
Beauty and Success, Christiana
Creek Country Club, 116 W.
Bristol,
11:30 am - 1 pm
Wed.
Thu.
15
Thu.
Biz-Ness After Hours,
Cornerstone CPA Group, 3160
Windsor Ct, 5 - 7 pm
21
OSHA Council Breakfast,
Active Shooter Preparedness,
Matterhorn Conference Center,
2041 Cassopolis St,
7:30 - 9 am
Wed.
22
Taking Facebook to the Next
Level, Greater Elkhart Chamber,
8 - 10 am
24
Sat.
Third House Town Hall Forum,
Greater Elkhart Chamber, 10 am
28
Career Day, Concord Junior
High School, 8:30 - 11 am
Thu.
Wed.
Third House Town Hall Forum,
Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. 2nd
St, Noon
Fri.
10 Hour General Industry
10-11 OSHA
Safety & Health Program,
Tue. Wed.
YP Council Cheers for Charity
Supporting Downtown, Arts On
Main, 205 S. Main,
5:30 - 7:30 pm
20
Tue.
6
Matterhorn Conference Center,
2041 Cassopolis St, 8 am - 5 pm
12
Thu.
The Ultimate Question 2.0
on-site webinar, Greater Elkhart
Chamber, 11:30 am - 1 pm
17
Biz-Ness Event, TBD
18
Career Day, Elkhart Christian
Academy and The Crossing,
9 - 11 am
18
OSHA Council Breakfast,
“Pedestrian-Vehicle Safety”
Matterhorn Conference Center,
2041 Cassopolis St, 7:30 - 9 am
19
Young Professional Luncheon,
Growing Your Network, featuring
the Growth Coach Rick Horn,
Greater Elkhart Chamber,
11:30 am - 1 pm
Tue.
Wed.
Wed.
Thu.
21
Sat.
Third House Town Hall Forum,
Greater Elkhart Chamber, 10 am
Biz-Ness
After Hours
Social Networking Event
Cornerstone CPA Group, LLP
invites you to join them in
celebrating their new business!
3160 Windsor Ct
Elkhart, IN 46514
Tuesday
January 20
5 - 7 pm
Sponsor a
2015
Biz-Ness Event
Contact [email protected]
Imagination Pro Media
provides the sound system
for all Biz-Ness events.
Ambassador of the Month
The Goshen News, KAILA STEVENS
The role of an Ambassador is to help companies within
the community yield recognition for all their hard work
and dedication to the community. Being a consultant
for the Goshen News and an Ambassador has assisted
me in helping business owners tell their stories and aid
in their advertising needs. I am privileged and proud
to help others in the community reach their business
goals. What I like most about being an Ambassador
is the difference we make for each size of business;
from a small company to a large corporation. Everyone
benefits from being a Chamber member.
14 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
Talk v. Walk
It’s easy to talk value – law firms do it all the time.
At Barnes & Thornburg, we’d rather walk it than
talk it. It’s a distinction we share with our clients
and embodies the same true entrepreneurial
spirit of our Elkhart area clients. They like
their matters staffed with less leverage and more
partner involvement. They like their lawyering
practical, efficient, and predictable. Measuring
value not by time spent, but by results obtained.
By how well we have walked their particular walk.
IN ELKHART:
574-293-0681
Janilyn Brouwer Daub
[email protected]
Joel D. Duthie
[email protected]
Andrew G. Helfrich
[email protected]
Glenn E. Killoren
[email protected]
Christopher S. Riley
[email protected]
Uncommon Value
J. Scott Troeger
[email protected]
Timothy A. Weaver
[email protected]
ATLANTA
CHICAGO
DELAWARE
INDIANA
LOS ANGELES
MICHIGAN
MINNEAPOLIS
ELKHART.ORG
|
OHIO WASHINGTON, D.C.
LEADING BUSINESS 15
Days Distribution
provides Technology
Driven Customer
Support services for
our customers.
SUPPLY CHAIN PROFESSIONALS FOR THE MICHIANA COMMUNITY
When you pick a supply chain partner to
represent your company, you want confidence
that your partner upholds the standards necessary
for a first class distribution operation.
Days Distribution has the experience and
knowledge to understand your specific needs.
●
●
●
●
●
●
Container Intermodal Logistics
Consolodation Services
300,000 Sq Ft of Public Warehouse Space
Transportation and Delivery
Food Grade Facilities
Custom Services such as kitting,
labeling, and packaging
Visit us at www.daysdistribution.com
or call (866) 847-8330 for more information
www.dayscorp.com
•
3300 Reedy Dr.
•
Elkhart, IN
•
5 74 - 262-9525
•
866-847-8330