February/March - Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce

LEADING
BUSINESS
February/March 2016
WORKING TOGETHER
TO TRANSFORM OUR REGION
Problem
solved.
IN ELKHART:
574-293-0681
Janilyn Brouwer Daub
[email protected]
No matter how complex the legal
challenge, our attorneys are up to the
task. We’ll help you make the right
moves and find solutions that work
for your business. With fewer twists
and turns.
Joel D. Duthie
[email protected]
Andrew G. Helfrich
[email protected]
Glenn E. Killoren
[email protected]
Alice J. Springer
[email protected]
J. Scott Troeger
[email protected]
Uncommon Value
Timothy A. Weaver
[email protected]
ATLANTA
CHICAGO
DALLAS
DELAWARE
INDIANA
LOS ANGELES
MICHIGAN
MINNEAPOLIS
btlaw.com
Rubik’s Cube® used by permission Rubik’s Brand Ltd. www.rubiks.com
OHIO WASHINGTON, D.C.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2016 Board of Directors
page 7
GOLD SPONSORS
Working Together
to Transform our Region
pages 8-9
Michiana Forty Under 40
page 10
Payroll & Employer Services
Member Celebrations and
Business Awards
pages 10-11
News About Our Members
page 12
Legislative Positions and
Chamber Advocacy
page 14
SILVER SPONSORS
4 President’s Report
12 Ambassador of the Month
13 New Members and Anniversaries
15 Calendar of Upcoming Events
A PDF version of “Leading Business”
is available at Elkhart.org, and articles
are posted on the Greater Elkhart
Chamber’s Facebook page.
“Leading Business” is the bi-monthly
magazine published by:
“Leading Business” benefits
from contributions by member
companies.
418 S. Main St. | Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 293-1531 | Elkhart.org
All rights reserved 2016
Please submit news releases, article
ideas, inquiries, and requests for
information on advertising to
[email protected]
or call 574-293-1531 ext 138.
Permission from the Chamber president
is required for any reproduction, reprint
or reuse of the content of this magazine.
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 3
Now it’s real. Plan to engage.
While the mayors’ support is important, the private
sector needs to be involved, too. Community leaders
have been proposing and supporting improvements in
this community. The original Horizon Project, the SoMa
initiative, and the Wellfield Gardens focus on a more livable
community. Continuing support of the Elkhart Jazz Festival
and other downtown events make Elkhart an attractive
place to call home.
If things continue to go right, the world will change in
Elkhart County.
Over the past decade or so, our community and
its leaders have been making important, incremental
improvements for our quality of life. Now the forces
have come to a head and are ready to go. There will be
a community action plan. It will have buy-in from the
community. It will be partially funded.
In 2013, your Chamber noticed that Elkhart was losing
population at the same time the number of commuters
into our community was increasing. We launched the 500
Families vision to get people talking about making our
community a more attractive place for professionals to live.
After years of work,
everything has come together.
In this issue of Leading Business, you will learn more
about the Vibrant Communities Initiative and the Regional
Cities Initiative. Hopefully you participated in the Vibrant
Communities kickoff event on January 26 and plan to take
part in the follow-up meetings.
While all this was going on, the generous, communitychanging gift came to the Community Foundation of
Elkhart County. After conducting an extensive community
listening tour, the Foundation announced that quality of life
would be a key focus of grants.
Quality-of-place is vital to attracting a more diverse
economy. In the old days, Chambers and economic
development pros would attract a company to town. The
company would attract workers. The workers would move
into neighborhoods around the company. Everybody was
happy.
When community leaders started talking about
re-engaging the next phase of the Horizon Project as
the Livable Communities Initiative, our community was
ready. When Governor Mike Pence launched the Regional
Cities Initiative to attract talent, we were a step-ahead for
completing an application.
It has not worked that way for a long time. Now,
companies won’t come to town unless they are confident
they can find the talented workforce they need. The talented
workforce does not move to a community unless they want
to live there. Talent moves to a fun, active community and
finds work when it gets there.
As you know, the South Bend – Elkhart Region won
a Regional Cities grant to help build quality of life. The
Community Foundation is working on quality of life. The
Vibrant Communities action plan will prioritize community
projects.
Whether Elkhart County had great fortune-tellers or we
were just lucky, our communities have been talking about
and investing in quality of life for a long time. About 15-20
years ago, Elkhart Mayor Jim Perron started the RiverWalk
in Downtown Elkhart, a project that was further developed
under Mayors David Miller and Dick Moore.
The renovation of the Elco (now Lerner) Theater was
started under Mayor Miller, then completed and enhanced
under Mayor Moore. Mayor Tim Neese has said he will
continue the city’s quality-of-life projects.
4 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
After years of work, everything has come together. So
what will all this collaboration look like? What will the
product be? Will Elkhart and the county build more multiuse paths? Will they develop river access? Will developers
focus on new housing?
The answer is up to you. Plan to be engaged in important
community conversations
and action plans.
With your help, your
community is about to
transform.
LOANS
for any
inspiration
production
construction
ambition
If you can dream it, Lake City Bank has a loan for it. Because we take time to
understand your business, our experienced bankers can help you make your
business grow. After all, Lake City Bank is known for service. Known for stability.
And most importantly, known for loans. Call (888) 522-2265.
Drop in.
All loans are subject to credit approval.
lakecitybank.com
ELKHART.ORG
Institution ID#431669
|
LEADING BUSINESS 5
Focus on Chamber Councils
A
Ambassadors
ambassadors
Annual Golf Outing
The Ambassadors are a group of professional
representatives, employed by Chamber
Member Investors that serve as the public
relations arm of the Chamber, reaching
vibrant and visible
out to businesses as an extension of the
Greater Elkhart Chamber. Ambassadors work to connect businesses,
strengthen membership, and enhance the image of the Chamber.
For more than 50 years, the Chamber has
provided a networking opportunity for members,
their clients and guests with a day-long golf
outing on a championship level course.
BENEFITS:
• Excellent networking opportunities, business leads and visibility
• Increased exposure to the Chamber and its initiatives
• Eligibility for individual and council performance awards
The 2016 Golf Outing will be held on Monday, June 27 at Elcona
Country Club.
As an Ambassador representative for your Member Company, you
can generate leads and visibility for your business, and represent the
Chamber to the business community.
Participation is limited to a maximum of 38 council members, with one
representative per Member business. Applications for consideration
are accepted on an ongoing basis, and new council members are
added quarterly as openings become available. A waiting list will be
maintained when the council is at maximum capacity.
Council Co-Chairs: Loretta Salchert, Ribbon of Hope
Anji Metzler, First Call Staffing
Council Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday 4:00 pm
For more information about the Ambassadors Council, contact Council
Liaison Ginger Lyons at (574) 293-1531 x 134 or [email protected].
6 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
The goal of the Annual Golf Outing Council is to plan, coordinate and
execute the Annual Golf Outing for 288 golfers.
INVOLVEMENT
• Recruit additional volunteers to serve on the council and to assist at the outing
• Secure sponsors for various portions of the outing, including:
Hole-in-one sponsors
Event sponsors
Meal sponsors
Tee sponsors
Council Chair: Steve Brown, Old National Bank
Council Meeting Time: (Feb - June) 4th Thursday 4:00 pm
For more information about the Annual Golf Outing Council,
contact Council Liaison Denise Polachek at (574) 293-1531 x 132 or
[email protected].
majoritybuilders.com
Greater Elkhart Chamber
2016 Board of Directors
Front Row (L to R) Cynthia S. Gillard, Warrick & Boyn, LLP; Dina Harris,
Indiana University South Bend; Deb Alwine, Concord Mall; Martin
Madden, Overhead Door Company; Board Chair Brian J. Clark, Sanders
Pianowski, LLP; Anne Lowry, Reach360; Patsy Boehler, ETHOS Science
Center; Jan Farron, BABSCO Supply Inc.
Back Row (L to R): Rhett Fisher, Ancon Construction Co., Inc.; Andy
Kominowski, Kruggel, Lawton & Company, LLC; Ken Himes, WasteAway Group, Ltd.; Shane Blotkamp, Majority Builders, Inc.; Michael D.
Marston, Botkin & Hall, LLP; Andrew J. Asma, KeyBank; Kyle Hannon,
Greater Elkhart Chamber President; Matt Leliaert, Leliaert Insurance
Agency Inc.; Alice Springer, Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Scott Schmucker,
Crowe Horwath LLP; Vince Turner, MutualBank; Steven Eller, Beacon
Health System; Steve Brown, Old National Bank
Not pictured: Laurie A. Beam, Vitracoat America Inc.
I t ’s a l l i n t h e
DETAILS
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 7
Working Together to T
Regional Cities and Vibrant Communities
are putting the Elkhart area at the forefront
of new economic development
The way business gets done is changing at a global and local scale, and there’s no stronger sign
of that in Elkhart County than the confluence of the Regional Cities and Vibrant Communities
initiatives.
Regina Emberton, president and CEO
of the Michiana Partnership, sees it in
her daily work for the regional economic
development alliance.
“It’s a national trend. The millennial
generation is demanding more in
amenities from the places where they
live,” said Emberton. “There’s this
transition to more of a work-life balance.
Millennials are willing to switch careers
and move to places (that are attractive
to them).”
Dallas Bergl, CEO of INOVA Federal Credit Union, says the question executives are asking when
considering expansions is: “Does your community have the town my workers want to live in?”
Bergl is in the perfect position to know. Besides his position at INOVA, Bergl serves on the
Regional Development Authority, which was formed in the midst of Regional Cities of Northern
Indiana’s successful application for a $42 million economic development grant from the state
of Indiana for quality-of-place improvements. He also is co-chair of the Vibrant Communities
initiative in Elkhart County, which aims to identify new projects and programs while sustaining
existing amenities.
While Regional Cities and Vibrant Communities are connected by their focus on quality of
place, they function in vastly different spheres.
Written by Terry T. Mark, director of communications at the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
8 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
Transform our Region
The Regional Cities of Northern Indiana’s proposal brought
together proposed projects that have a regional impact
within the Elkhart-St. Joseph-Marshall county region and
are prepared to proceed in the narrow two-year window in
which the funding is available.
Regional Cities projects must also abide by a strict funding
formula that includes a 60-percent
investment from private sources, 20
percent from local government entities
and 20 percent from the $42 million pot
of grant money.
Among the projects included in the
RCNI’s proposal is the Market District development
in downtown Elkhart, which features a natatorium/
community center, athletic fields, retail and residential
spaces.
Which projects will actually receive Regional Cities
funding will be determined by a five-member Regional
Development Authority. Bergl and Pete McCown, president
of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, are two
of the RDA’s five members.
Emberton sees the Regional Cities
as a “broad approach” to fostering
development, with efforts such as Vibrant
Communities employing a strong focus
on each community.
The Vibrant Communities initiative is
bringing together each of Elkhart County’s communities,
from the cities to smaller towns to unincorporated rural
areas, to identify the best parts of those places and
envision what would be make them even better i.e. parks,
arts programs, technology infrastructure, community
events, etc.
The Chamber is hosting two upcoming events
regarding Regional Cities. John Affleck-Graves
will be the keynote speaker at the Chamber’s
Annual Meeting on March 4. Regina Emberton
and Pete McCown will be the featured speakers
at the YP Luncheon on March 24.
Vibrant Communities launched January 26 with a
countywide kickoff, but the real work will go on at
Community Conversations planned in late February
and continuing with focus groups. The aim is for Elkhart
County’s cities, towns and incorporated areas to formulate
plans that are best for each area but complement what’s
happening around the county.
“That diversity, if well done, will
be a strength for our community,”
said Bergl. Just as Regional Cities
encouraged collaboration between
leaders of neighboring counties, Vibrant
Communities hopes to bring neighboring
cities and towns to be each other’s biggest boosters.
“People set up barriers in their mind, but we need to help
overcome that,” said Bergl.
Vibrant Communities planning is especially critical as the
Community Foundation of Elkhart County prepares to
award quality-of-place grants. Helped by the sizable gift
left by David Gundlach’s estate, the foundation anticipates
about $100 million to $150 million in grant-making over
the next decade, said McCown.
“It would be helpful to have a decadelong, multiple-constituent process to
inform that (grant decisions),” he said.
The foundation, along with the Elkhart
County Convention and Visitors Bureau,
are the co-sponsors of the Vibrant Communities initiative.
“This is a unique opportunity for our community,” said
Gina Leichty, co-chair of Vibrant Communities with
Bergl. “We have the resources … to really bring about
transformative change (in Elkhart County).”
Join the Vibrant Community Conversations
COUNTYWIDE: Monday, February 22
10 AM-Noon or 6:30-8:30PM
ELKHART: Tuesday, February 23 5-7 PM*
NAPPANEE & WAKARUSA: Tuesday, February 23 7-9 PM
GOSHEN: Wednesday, February 24 6-8 PM*
MIDDLEBURY & BRISTOL: Thursday, February 25 6-8 PM
*Times and location subject to change; please visit vibrantelkhartcounty.org
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 9
Business Recognition
Award
Fairbanks
Beautification Award
The City of Elkhart
and former Mayor
Dick Moore received a
Fairbanks Beautification
Award from the
Business Recognition/
Beautification Council
for the Prairie Street
Overpass Project.
Kem Krest has received a Business Recognition Award from
the Business Recognition/Beautification Council. Founded in
1979, Kem Krest began operations as a company managing
the chemical line of products for General Motors. Now 26 years
later, Kem Krest is a Supply Chain Management Fulfillment
and Aftersales service organization employing over 250
employees in six locations in the US and Canada. They have
received recognition as the GM Supplier of the Year and as a
Top Minority Owned Business by DiversityBusiness.com. The
core value of Kem Krest is IMPACT, and through volunteer
committees, their employees have spearheaded initiatives and
annually donate over 700 volunteer hours.
Michiana Forty Under 40
is a partnership between our local Chambers,
recognizing 40 regional business &
professional leaders who have achieved
success before the age of 40.
This recognition shines the spotlight on 40 of the area’s most
talented and dedicated young executives, professionals and leaders
who demonstrate career success and community engagement. The
2016 class will represent the tenth Michiana Forty under 40 class
with 360 leaders already receiving recognition.
Criteria for consideration:
1. Initiative and dedication in pursuing their career
2. Proven success and achievement in their job/career
3. Investment in others through their involvement in civic, charitable and/or religious organizations
4. Passion for their community, giving back because of that passion
5. Under the age of 40 on May 1, 2016
6. Live and work in Michiana (LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Starke & Marshall counties in IN; and Cass & Berrien counties in MI)
7. Nominees may be eligible in these and other industry sectors: education, health care, business/professional, social services/
not-for-profit, government/public service, financial services, attorneys
Visit www.elkhart.org/news/forty-under-40.cfm to nominate
someone. Nominations will be accepted through March 4. The
celebration of the 2016 Class will be held on May 6.
Budding Businessman. THANKS TO JA AND LEMONADE DAY.
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
and Lemonade Day in Elkhart County.”
Amish S. Shah, President / CEO
Kem Krest
10 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
Member
Celebrations
Ruoff Home Mortgage celebrated the grand opening of their new
location off County Road 17 at 901 Parkway Avenue, Elkhart. They
make the process of securing a home mortgage simple and straight
forward - with no hidden costs and no surprises. www.ruoff.com
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Partner with Goodwill and the
Community Foundation of Elkhart
County through the Foundations
Challenge Grant Program.
For every dollar raised, CFEC will contribute toward
the Goodwill job training programs in Elkhart County.
We can receive both monetary and new tangible donations.
Mention the Elkhart Community Foundation match grant
for your donations to count towards our goal.
Donate online at:
http://weblink.donorperfect.com/GoodwillCommunityMatch
or Mail your donation to:
Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.
1805 West Western Avenue
P.O.Box 3846
South Bend, IN 46619
For more information contact:
Katie Paceley (574)472-7379
207200
KERAMIDA, Inc. celebrated their 10-year anniversary as a Chamber
member at their new Elkhart office location. KERAMIDA, a full-service
environmental engineering and consulting firm, provides innovative,
creative solutions to environmental issues faced by municipalities,
industry, law firms, and insurance companies in the areas of due
diligence, site remediation, compliance, permitting, health & safety,
and sustainability. www.keramida.com
www.Goodwill-NI.org
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 11
NEWS ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
1st Source Bank announces the addition of Al Kreske as
a business banker and assistant vice president in Elkhart.
Kreske joins the bank with more than 10 years of banking
experience.
The Elkhart County Board of Realtors raised $30,000 at
their annual holiday auction. Items are donated by realtor
and affiliate members and purchased back during the
auction. Proceeds benefit local charities, including the
Salvation Army.
Rieth-Riley Construction Co. received an Indiana
Construction Association Gold Summit Award in the
category for highway, heavy and utility prime contractor
with more than 300,000 hours. Rieth-Riley won for its use
of stop work safety and stand-down techniques and its
unique worker identification program, which recognizes
less experienced employees and integrates them into
experienced work groups.
South Bend International Airport (SBN) and Griffen
Plumbing and Heating, Inc. have completed the
The Elkhart Truth has won five awards in the Local Media installation of a geothermal heating and air conditioning
Association’s 2015 Advertising and Promotions Contest, a system in the SBN terminal, replacing a traditional boiler
competition that recognizes the top advertising initiatives system that was nearly 20 years old. SBN was awarded
throughout North America. Awards include: First place for an Airports Going Green Award honorable mention for
Best Multimedia Wellness/Medical Product, Third place for the geothermal conversion project by the City of Chicago
best ROP Advertising Section, Third place for Best Cover
Department of Aviation.
Design, Third place for Best Business Publication, and
Honorable mention for Best Ad Series.
General Motors’ Fort Wayne Assembly Plant built its 7
Faegre Baker Daniels received a perfect score of 100
percent on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI),
administered by the Human Rights Campaign, and
designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.
Mark Noeldner has joined Horizon Bank as market
president of North Central Indiana which includes
Elkhart County. He has an extensive banking background
and specializes in commercial lending, problem loan
resolution, and credit administration.
millionth pickup truck in December with the customer
purchasing the blue double-cab 2016 Chevrolet Silverado
helping with the build. Thad Naquin, Greg Fink and
Tracy McDonald from Tom Naquin Chevrolet went to
the plant for a tour and a brief time on the line alongside
members of UAW Local 2209.
The law firm of Tuesley Hall Konopa LLP announces
the addition of Peter J. Gillin as partner. Gillin advises
business owners and investors in the areas of corporate
law and contract law issues.
Eric Pianowski is the new Executive Director of
Loveway Inc. Therapeutic Riding Stables.
Melinda Aven, wealth management advisor,
and Amy L. Dowd, director of
selection and development,
with Northwestern Mutual,
have earned the Chartered
Life Underwriter professional
designation from The American
College. Candidates must complete
a minimum of eight courses and 16
hours of supervised examinations.
Submit your company’s news and information
to [email protected]
Ambassador of the Month
Famed Aviator Charles A.
Lindbergh’s personal 1939 travel
trailer has been donated to the RV/
MH Hall of Fame and Museum
and is now part of their historic RV
collection. The custom-built trailer
is in its original condition.
12 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
Lori Swihart, WSBT Radio Group
“Developing relationships, celebrating success and learning
about people, different environments, and new industries –
all reasons I became an Ambassador last year. Networking
opens doors for me every time I attend a Chamber event.
It’s an opportunity to introduce The WSBT Radio Group and
to build professional and personal relationships. Recently I
helped a Chamber Member celebrate a 40 year anniversary.
It was moving to hear them talk about their many years of
service to the Elkhart County community.”
ANNIVERSARIES
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH
50 YEARS OR MORE
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
Shaum Electric Company, Inc.
1946
Warrick & Boyn, LLP
1947
Anderson Silver Plating Co., Inc.
1950
Elkhart Clinic LLC
1958
Northern Box Company, Inc.
1953
The Horton Group /
Cassady Neeser & Brasseur
1948
40 YEARS
Penske Truck Leasing Co., LP
30 YEARS
Red Roof Inns
Welch Packaging Group Inc.
25 YEARS
Agdia, Inc.
Meridian Title Corporation
TCU Insurance Agency
Teachers Credit Union
20 YEARS
Billings Funeral Home, Inc.
Sherwin Williams
Tenneco
15 YEARS
City of Elkhart
Jackie Clindaniel
Kem Krest
10 YEARS
Adam’s Cake Shop
Begley’s Automotive Group, Inc.
Conte Equipment Sales Inc.
Flexible Concepts, Inc.
Quality Asphalt Paving, Inc.
Sorg Jewelers
Teksource
5 YEARS
Bright Ideas, LLC
Cornerstone Environmental Health & Safety Inc.
JJAMCO: Construction/Fire & Water Restoration
Kuert Concrete, Inc.
Red Lobster
Sew Creative Threads
Soil Solutions Co. - Elkhart
Tile Redi, Ltd.
1 YEAR
1st Source Insurance
Alta Equipment Company
ATI Physical Therapy
Elite Kitchens, LLC
J & A Business Solutions, Inc. J & R Cleaning Service
Justin Maust
My Dad’s Place Friendly Tavern
New York Life Insurance Company
S.T.A. Roof Techs
The Art of Design (TAOD)
NEW MEMBERS
Belle Tire
Forge Industrial Staffing
Shoe Sensation
Charlie’s Butcher Block
Four Winds Casino Resort
US Healthworks of
Indiana
belletire.com
2624 Cassopolis St
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 808-4735
Mark Schneidmiller
Tires: Sales & Service
charliesbutcherblock.com
1900 Berry St, Ste A
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 264-6034
Kevin Crouch
Restaurants
Elkhart SCORE 592
elkhart.score.org
418 S Main St
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 293-1531 Ext:115
Tom Morris
Business Consultants
Non-Profit Organizations
forgestaff.com
2525 W Lexington Ave
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 293-5900
Lukus Handshoe
Staffing Services
shoesensation.com
3701 S Main St, Ste 1238
Elkhart, IN 46517
(574) 875-5567
Angela Brewer
Shoes: Retail
fourwindscasino.com
11111 Wilson Rd
New Buffalo, MI 49117
(269) 926-4500
Scott Brewer
Casino
ushealthworks.com
700 E Beardsley Ave, Ste 100
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 206-8010
Don Happ
Occupational Medicine
Monteith’s Best-One Tire
& Auto Care
monteithtire.com
2503 Cassopolis St
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 970-6145
Andy Peters
Automotive Service & Repairs
RENEWING MEMBERS Our thanks to members who recently renewed!
Accelerators, Inc.
Accident Fund Insurance Company of America
Agdia, Inc.
Alick’s Home Medical, Inc.
All About Fitness
Allegra Print & Imaging
Alphagraphics
AMS of Indiana, Inc.
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Ancon Construction Co., Inc.
Arnt Asphalt Sealing
The Art of Design (TAOD)
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Bennington
Bent Oak Corporation
Bethel College
Better Way Products, Inc.
Biomet-Hibbard
Broderick Chiropractic Center
Brown & Brown General Contractors, Inc.
Bruce Carter Associates, LLC
Bull Moose Tube Co.
Burston Marketing, Inc.
Business Development Corporation (BDC)
Buzzi Unicem USA
The Centre, PC - Comprehensive Plastic Surgery
Champion Manufacturing
Chase
Cira’s Express Mini Mart
Coffee Time/Water Time
CommunityWide Federal Credit Union
Concord Community Schools
Conte Equipment Sales Inc.
Continental Industries, Inc.
Cope’s Carpet Cleaning, Inc.
Cornerstone CPA Group, LLP
Creative Financial Staffing
Cripe Design
Crystal Valley Landscaping
Cutters Foam Fabricating, Inc.
D & S Totally Mobile
DECA Environmental & Associates
Dec-O-Art, Inc.
Dermacenter MD
Dometic Group
Duncan RV Repair LLC
Paul D. Eash Attorney at Law PC
Eastlake Terrace Senior Living Center
EFP, LLC
Elcona Country Club, Inc.
Elkhart County 4-H & Agricultural Exposition, Inc.
Elkhart County Government: Board of
County Commissioners
Elkhart Emergency Physicians, Inc.
Enerco Corporation
Factory RV Surplus
Farmer Tank, Inc.
Fasnap Corp.
FastSigns
Fidelity National Title
Dr. Donald C. Findlay
First State Insurance
Flags International
FM Stone Commercial
Gaska Tape Inc.
G-Diamond Transport, Inc.
Geneele Crump, LCSW
Goshen Buick GMC Hyundai & Goshen RV Supercenter
Harrison College
Headsight, Inc.
Helman Sechrist Architecture
Hoffman Sharpening Corp.
Holiday Inn Express
Hop’s Quality Detail & Window Tinting
Horner Investment Group LLC
Images Jewelers, Inc.
Indiana Oxygen
INOVA Federal Credit Union
Integritas Search LLC
Interra Credit Union #4571
Irvine Shade & Door, Inc.
J & R Cleaning Service
J2 Marketing
JJ Babbitt Co., Inc.
Just In Time Transportation, Inc.
KERAMIDA Inc.
Kibbechem, Inc.
KIK Custom Products
Kimi’s Hair Designs
Brian J. King, DDS, PC
Kruis Mold & Engineering, Inc.
Kuert Concrete, Inc.
La Esperanza
Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc.
Lawmasters, Inc.
Leliaert Insurance Agency Inc.
LeMaster Steel Erectors, Inc.
LESEA Broadcasting TV/ Radio
Lindahl Photography, Inc.
Lithotone, Inc.
Mach I Packaging Inc./Dynamic Packaging Solutions
Mail Management, Inc.
Majority Builders, Inc.
Maple City Dispensing
Maple City Fire Protection, Inc./Koorsen Fire & Security
Marbach, Brady & Weaver
ELKHART.ORG
|
Martin’s Pet & Garden Center
Menno Travel
Mishawaka Sheet Metal LLC
MITO Corporation
Montessori School of Elkhart, Inc.
Myers Trust Real Estate
Network Solutions, Inc.
New Paradigm Brewing Co., LLC
Oak Ridge Estates
ObeCo, Inc.
O’Leary Paint
Once Upon a Child
Overhead Door Company
Peoplelink Staffing Solutions
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
Quad 4 Plastics, LLC
Quality Wine & Ale Supply LLC
R & R Regulators, Inc.
Ranch Fiberglas, Inc.
Raymond James & Associates
Red Roof Inns
Regal Mold & Die
Republic Services
Reschcor
Robert Weed Plywood Corp.
Rollie Williams Paint Spot, Inc.
Royal Excursion
RSM US LLP
Salem Insurance
The Samaritan Center
Service Specialties
SERVPRO of North Elkhart County
StateWide Windows
Staybridge Suites
Stifel - The Elkhart Group
Target Marketing
TCU Insurance Agency
TecServ Environmental Inc.
Terry’s Cleaning & Restoration
Texas Roadhouse
Tile Redi, Ltd.
Tom Naquin Chevrolet-Nissan-Cadillac-
Workhorse Custom Chassis, Inc.
Trinity United Methodist Church
Urology Associates
US Signal Company
USI Midwest LLC
Valley Screen Process Co.
Victory Construction, Inc.
Vista Manufacturing, Inc.
Welch Packaging Group
WNIT Television (PBS)
Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP
LEADING BUSINESS 13
Northern Indiana
Coalition of Chambers
2016 Legislative Positions
The Northern Indiana Coalition of Chambers works
together on issues of importance to the Northern Indiana Region. The SixCounty coalition has identified these four Regional priorities for the 2016
Legislative session:
Transportation and Infrastructure funding
Indiana’s transportation system is facing a funding crisis. The costs of road
building and maintenance continue to increase, while an adequate funding
stream has not been found. At the same time, vital projects like the completion
of US 31, remain in limbo. Lawmakers must address the funding shortfall for
state and local projects and maintenance. Unless a better funding source can
be identified, lawmakers must adopt any or all of the proven funding streams.
Among the local priorities are:
• Support increasing the state fuel tax and indexing for inflation.
• Support that all money raised through fuel tax is directed to construction,
repair and maintenance of roads and highways rather than being directed
to the general fund.
• Support the completion of US-31 to a limited access highway between
Indianapolis and South Bend.
• Support the upgrade of US-30 to freeway status.
• Supports improvement of US-33 from Fort Wayne to the US-20 Bypass,
including passing lanes at key bottleneck points.
• Support additional studies and funding for the South Shore Rail Line to
reduce travel time between North Central Indiana and Chicago.
• Support additional funding to enhance and expand air service and facilities
at the South Bend International Airport.
• Support tolling of other limited access highways throughout Indiana to
generate new revenue for construction, repair and maintenance of State’s
transportation network.
Local government funding
Return the home-rule concept to Indiana government. If the legislature
determines a local funding option is good for one community, it should be
available to all communities. When thorough public debate has happened,
local governments should be allowed to determine the source, the duration
and expenditure of local taxation without seeking additional approval from the
state or federal government. Specifically:
• Grant all Indiana communities the same local revenue producing options
currently granted to only a few. A local food and beverage tax is an example
of a local tax used by some communities, but not available to all.
• Uncouple the state-mandated use of the local option income taxes by
empowering local governments to identify the area of greatest need.
• As options for reducing tax impacts are reviewed by state government
(such as Business Personal Property Tax repeal), state government should
also ensure that comparable 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. Alternatively, let the local
government collect the tax, like they do with the wheel tax.
Education and Workforce Development
• Support re-evaluating the A-F Grading of schools in Indiana
• Ensure that private and or charter schools receiving public funds adhere to
the same regulations and admission requirements as public schools.
• Provide for state testing for Career Ready Expectations.
• Support maintaining access to a strong dual credit systems in Indiana High
Schools.
Economic Development
• Support the continued focus and expansion of the Regional Cities initiative
as a tool for enhancements throughout the state
• Support the protection of economic development tools and innovative
programs such as tax increment financing (TIF) districts, enterprise zones,
and tax phase-in’s for local government entities
• Support the expansion of high quality broadband internet connectivity to
rural areas while maintaining affordability.
• Support the vital RV industry by removing harmful barriers to fair
competition, like the Indiana sales tax charged to out-of-state customers.
The Northern Indiana Chamber Coalition is a Coalition of Chambers of Commerce from Elkhart,
Kosciusko, La Porte, Marshall, St. Joseph, and Starke Counties in North Central Indiana.
14 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
New mayor, new council, new challenges
Part of the Chamber’s purpose and work product is
advocacy. On behalf of the businesses and organizations
in the Greater Elkhart community, the Chamber engages
elected officials from city hall to the Indiana Statehouse, to
the nation’s capitol in Washington, DC.
At Elkhart City Hall, many of the elected officials have
changed. New Mayor Tim Neese will be implementing new
priorities, as he replaces former Mayor Dick Moore. For
the Chamber, the transition is a smooth one. The Elkhart
Chamber worked closely with Tim Neese during his years as
a state representative.
The Elkhart Common Council will be new territory for
Chamber advocacy. The Chamber has a good working
relationship with long-time council members Brent Curry,
Brian Dickerson, David Henke, Mary Olson and Brian Thomas.
Starting 2016 the Council has four new members: Adam
Bujalski, Dwight Fish, Pam Kurpgeweit, and Dr. Richard
Shively. To make sure business issues are given due respect,
the Chamber will be working to make sure the new Council
members know the kinds of information we can provide to
help them govern.
For state lawmakers, Elkhart County does not have any new
faces for 2016. The popular Third House Town Hall Series
meetings began January 23, and will continue on February
11 and March 12. In addition, the Chamber will be co-hosts
of a Chamber trip to the Statehouse on February 9.
To keep connected with our federal officials, the Chamber is
also planning to participate in DC Fly-In this fall.
Learn more about the Chamber’s efforts with the Advocate
video on our web site, Elkhart.org.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY
-
OSHA 10 Hour Voluntary Compliance Training
8 am - 4:30 pm
Matterhorn Conference Center
9
Career Day presented by Education/Career Development Council
9 - 11 am
Pierre Moran Middle School
9
Statehouse Drive-In
11:30 - lunch and program begin at Indiana State Chamber
Indianapolis
910
Social Networking Event
12
Third House Town Hall Meeting
11:30 am - 1 pm
Greater Elkhart Chamber
17
Transforming Your Safety Culture: OSHA Council Breakfast
7:30 am
Matterhorn Conference Center
18
Business Success Online Today Seminar
8:30 - 10:30 am
Greater Elkhart Chamber
18
Healthy Eating for 2016 Luncheon hosted by Women’s Council
11:30 am - 1 pm
Primrose, 820 Fulmer Rd, Mishawaka
23
Lean 101 Workshop
8 am - 5 pm
Greater Elkhart Chamber
23
Small Employers: How to Prepare for the Future of ACA
8 - 10 am
Matterhorn Conference Center
25
Cheers for Charity benefitting Habitat for Humanity
hosted by Young Professionals Council
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Miles Lab, 3763 E Jackson Blvd
8 10
-
Hosted by
Our Place on Main
126 S Main St, Elkhart
TUESDAY
March 15
5 - 7 pm
Sponsor a
2016
Biz-Ness Event
MARCH
4
Biz-Ness
After Hours
Chamber Annual Meeting
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner Theatre
Contact [email protected]
OSHA 20 Hour Voluntary Compliance Training
8 am - 4:30 pm
Matterhorn Conference Center
Imagination Pro Media
provides the sound system
for all Biz-Ness events.
11
Third House Town Hall Meeting
11:30 am - 1 pm
Greater Elkhart Chamber
15
Biz-Ness After Hours
5 - 7 pm
Cressy & Everett Real Estate, Our Place on Main, 126 S Main St
16
Active Shooter: OSHA Council Breakfast
7:30 am
Matterhorn Conference Center
17
Happy Hours Networking hosted by Women’s Council
5 - 6 pm
McCarthy’s, 333 NIBCO Pkwy, Ste A
22
Career Day presented by Education/Career Development Council
9 - 11 am
North Side Middle School
24
Regional Cities Update Luncheon
hosted by the Young Professionals Council
11:30 am - 1 pm
Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner Theatre
OSHA Council Breakfasts
Transforming Your
Safety Culture
Wednesday, February 17 7:30 - 9 am
Active Shooter
Wednesday, March 16 7:30 - 9 am
Matterhorn Conference Center
2041 Cassopolis St, Elkhart
Member Cost: $10 per person
Open to all Elkhart Chamber members.
Register at Elkhart.org or call (574) 293-1531
Registrations must be made in advance.
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 15
Cordially Invites You to Attend Our
ANNUAL MEETING
Join us and celebrate the 2015 accomplishments of the Chamber.
Our guest speaker, John Affleck-Graves, will provide an update
on the Regional Cities Initiative moving forward.
Friday, March 4
John Affleck-Graves,
Executive Vice President,
University of Notre Dame
John Affleck-Graves was
elected as the University
of Notre Dame’s first lay
executive vice president by the Board of Trustees in April
2004. A native of South Africa and a naturalized U.S.
citizen, he holds the Notre Dame Chair in Finance in the
Mendoza College of Business and has won numerous
teaching awards.
The author of more than 50 refereed publications, AffleckGraves specializes in the study of initial public offerings,
valuation and asset pricing models, and shareholder value
added methodology.
He has been actively involved in the Regional Cities
Initiative Application process, and is Chair of the North
Central Indiana RDA.
Lerner Theatre Crystal Ballroom
410 S. Main St. Elkhart
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Individual Seats: $60
Tables of Eight: $650
(with preferential seating
and company mention in program)
Limited seating
Make your reservations today!
Register at www.elkhart.org or
Call Denise at (574) 293-1531 ext. 132