Join us on October 4 in Downtown Elkhart for the Indiana

LEADING
BUSINESS
August/September 2016
Join us on October 4 in Downtown Elkhart
for the Indiana Bicentennial Experience
Need a hand expanding your business?
You need the bank that’s known for loans – Lake City Bank. We have the
experienced officers who understand your business, flexible terms and
new technology to help your business grow. And, not to mention, avoid
the holes along the way.
Drop in.
lakecitybank.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Chamber Hires Director of
Downtown Development
GOLD SPONSORS
page 7
Introducing the Center
for Business Excellence
pages 8-9
Member Celebrations
page 10
Payroll & Employer Services
Business Recognition Awards
page 11
News About Our Members
page12
SILVER SPONSORS
Business/Education
Partnership Award
page 14
4 President’s Report
6 Focus on Chamber Councils
12 Ambassadors 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
Hidden gems at the Chamber
One thing Merritt suggested is that perhaps the name
was not very helpful. After all, what is NCI? If you don’t
know it already, you are probably not inspired. A couple
months ago, the NCI Board and Chamber Board changed
the name to Center for Business Excellence. That has a nice
ring to it.
We’re not afraid to toot our own horn. We like to remind
you when we are offering an important or fun event. We
love to share legislative and policy victories. With your
help, we accomplish a lot, and we like to let you know.
Usually. But sometimes we help to improve the economy,
more gradually, and we forget to shout it from the rooftops.
In this issue of Leading Business, you will learn more
about a long-term effort and a couple new initiatives that
will be a major impact on businesses and entrepreneurship
in the Elkhart region.
For years, your Chamber has been helping area
companies become more efficient and productive. Sure, we
always help companies become more successful through
our seminars, advocacy, and connections (Educate,
Advocate, Elevate). But the extra effort I’m talking about
is more direct consulting to help companies look at their
processes and implement lean concepts.
Through the Lean 101 workshops, the Lean Network,
and Lean Showcase, we have helped many local companies
stay competitive in a global marketplace. This vital work
has been completed by an affiliate organization, the North
Central Indiana Business Assistance Center, aka NCI. NCI
has always been housed at the Chamber. For most of its
existence, it was under the leadership of Jim Walsh.
NCI had touched many companies, and we have
not highlighted it enough. The accomplishments are
significant.
With the retirement of Jim last year, we tried to find
somebody who could maintain the success and importance
of NCI. We found Merritt Dilts, formerly General Manager
of Bimbo Bakeries USA. Merritt is continuing great work
of the Lean Network and is branching out into new areas.
4 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
|
EDUCATE
But there is more than just a name change. Center for
Business Excellence (CBE) is helping different types of
businesses and people. We are very excited. I hope you
enjoy reading about it.
While CBE is helping established companies become
even better, we are hosting a new initiative to help new
businesses become established businesses. The second floor
of the Chamber will be the home to Launch Elkhart.
Entrepreneurs can bring their ideas to the Chamber.
Here they will have the support of SCORE, ISBDC, IUSB,
the Chamber, and the Center for Business Excellence.
And each other. Whether the new businesses benefit from
shared workspace or a private offices, we will have the
facilities and support to help them succeed.
These new businesses, and other companies who want
to move, or expand, in downtown Elkhart, will benefit
from the other new initiative we are launching. Former
Elkhart Airport Manager Andy Jones is the new Director
of Downtown Development at the Chamber. He will
be working on business retention and attraction in the
Gateway Mile. The Convention and Visitors Bureau,
the Community Foundation, and the City of Elkhart
Redevelopment Commission have all worked with the
Chamber to create this new position that will bring new
business life and excitement to our city.
We will be touting all these initiatives in the coming
months. In this issue of Leading Business, you will learn
more details. If you ever want to see our initiatives in
action, stop by the Chamber. I’ll be happy to give you a
tour of the second floor at the Chamber. This is the new
hub of entrepreneurship and excitement in Elkhart.
ADVOCATE
ELEVATE
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
OHIO
WASHINGTON, D.C.
btlaw.com
Rubik’s Cube® used by permission Rubik’s Brand Ltd. www.rubiks.com
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 5
Focus on Chamber Councils
Leadership
OSHA
The Elkhart Leadership Academy provides a venue for an in-depth
understanding of community issues. Participants gain awareness
along with critical leadership skills, which are presented and then
experienced. The Leadership Academy is designed to promote
servant leadership through an awareness program combining key
community issues and enhanced leadership skill development to
advance community stewardship.
The OSHA Council is an organization of member companies
with an interest in safety and health awareness in the workplace.
Representatives meet monthly for updates on regulatory changes
and to hear from fellow safety professionals with 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.
The Leadership Steering Council designs and monitors the
curriculum for the Academy. Members of the Council are responsible
for planning at least one session in the Academy program. The goal
of the Council is to coordinate curriculum for each monthly session so
graduates of the Leadership Academy will develop:
• Heightened awareness concerning the community, its needs
and issues
• Enhanced desire to become community stewards
• Increased understanding of the essential leadership skills to be advocates for change
• Personal networks that can be tapped to bring people together to address community problems
Any Chamber member may send one or more representatives to the
monthly breakfast meeting, but reservations are required.
Council Chair: Melody Neagu, INOVA Federal Credit Union
In addition to the monthly breakfast meetings, the Council also
provides training on basic OSHA regulations and programs
through 10- and 20-hour voluntary compliance seminars, and
the Safety Conscious Supervision class. They also partner with
the Environmental Council to provide safety topics for the annual
Environmental and Safety Conference, which will be held this year on
November 3 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner Theatre.
Council Co-chairs: Matt Raef, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
and Ryan Pogotis, Carpenter Company, Inc.
Council Meeting Time: 4th Tuesday 4:00 pm
Council Meeting Time: 3rd Wednesday 7:30 am (September - May)
For information about the Leadership Council, contact Council Liaison
Denise Polachek at (574) 293-1531 x 132 or [email protected].
For information about the OSHA Council, contact Council Liaison
Merritt Dilts at (574) 293-1531 x 121 or [email protected].
IMAGINE
staying one step ahead of your customers.
When your business is growing fast you need a bank that can move
fast when you need it most. A Horizon business loan can deliver, with
the flexibility, local support and quick response you need to keep
your business a step ahead of your customers’ demands.
Talk to your local Business Advisor today!
Loan Decisions Next
Business Day - Guaranteed*
1909 E. Bristol St., Elkhart
(574) 266-8200
15534 U.S. Hwy. 12, Union
(269) 641-7979
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE • SENSIBLE ADVICE ®
Member FDIC
horizonbank.com
*Applies to Loan Requests of $100,000 or less. See an Advisor for details.
6 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
|
EDUCATE
ADVOCATE
ELEVATE
Chamber Hires Director of
Downtown Development
The Greater Elkhart Chamber of
Commerce has named Andy Jones
as the new Director of Downtown
Development for Elkhart.
In the new position, Jones will
work as an advocate for existing
downtown businesses, helping
them work through business
obstacles and identify incentives for improvement. In addition,
Jones will be reaching out to new businesses to fill vacant
storefronts in the downtown area.
“Downtown Elkhart is enjoying improvements in both
appearance and businesses,” said Chamber President
Kyle Hannon. “With Andy joining the team to focus on the
downtown business climate, it is really going to take off.”
“The Director of Downtown Development position fills in a
crucial missing piece in the SoMa plan,” said Hannon. The
SoMa initiative is building downtown through efforts to
improve Live, Work, and Play. Elkhart Festivals, Inc. focuses on
the Play aspect. Downtown Elkhart, Inc. focuses on housing,
the Live part. The Director of Downtown Development will be
in charge of the Work component.
Jones will work closely with the Downtown Merchant Alliance,
the Gateway Mile Loan Fund, Aurora Capital fund and other
support services. Housed at the Chamber building, Jones will
have easy access to entrepreneurial support services including
SCORE, Small Business Development Corporation, Center for
Business Excellence and all the support the Chamber offers.
Elkhart Leadership Academy
accepting applications
For almost thirty years, the Elkhart Leadership Academy
has provided a venue for an in-depth understanding of our
community issues.
Participants gain
awareness along with
critical leadership skills,
which are presented
and then experienced.
The Leadership Academy is designed to promote servant
leadership through an awareness program combining key
community issues and enhanced leadership skill development
to advance community stewardship. Sessions include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Overnight Leadership Retreat
Servant Leadership Day
Communities Within Our Community
Ethical Decision Making/Diversity
Economics / Government / Demographics /
Entrepreneurism
Conflict Resolution / Board Development / Problem Solving
Arts & Culture/Visionary Skills
Education Day
Eureka Day – Graduation Luncheon
The application is available at Elkhart.org, and the deadline for
submitting applications is August 21. For more information,
email [email protected] or call 293-1531.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all of the downtown
stakeholders and listening to what they have to say. I’ll be
working on new business development and at the same time
offering all the assistance I can to help assure the long-term
success of our existing downtown businesses,” said Jones.
Having worked with a wide variety of retail businesses
during his tenures with Federated Media and Schurz
Communications, Jones brings with him the right kind of
experience for this role. He most recently served as the Elkhart
Municipal Airport Director, where he demonstrated the ability
to negotiate multifaceted agreements to fill vacant airport
property. His historical knowledge and passion for downtown
Elkhart is a tremendous plus for this position.
For more information on Downtown Development, contact
Andy at (574) 293-1531 x 128, or [email protected].
Detecting & Preventing
Employee Theft & Embezzlement
Presenter: Barry J. Webne, Author, Advisor, Lecturer
August 17
8:30 - 10:30 am
Matterhorn Conference Center
Members: $20/Non-Members: $30
Register at www.elkhart.org
Sponsored by
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 7
Introducing the Center
Applying Lean concepts to all types of business
A competitive economic environment drives
businesses to reduce costs by eliminating waste,
improving efficiencies and streamlining processes.
And through all that change, they still must
maintain product quality and service levels while
attracting and retaining customers. During the
last year, Merritt Dilts, Vice President of Business
Resources for NCI (North Central Indiana Business
Assistance Center Inc.) has been expanding the
scope of the organization’s mission to offer assistance
to the area’s service providers and
not-for-profits to do just that.
The Center for Business Excellence will continue
to deliver these same services throughout the
surrounding five counties and continue sponsoring
the Michiana LEAN Network.
In addition, the organization will offer more
comprehensive Lean Enterprise training, including
Lean Transformation Design and implementation
services, Leadership and Team Building Training,
organizational design support, metrics tracking and
score card development.
For many years, the Chamber
hosted NCI to provide
support for area
companies. NCI,
through the
leadership of Jim
Walsh, had
developed
a legacy of providing direct assistance to
manufacturing companies through teaching Lean
Principles, providing Safety and Quality Inspection
services and helping companies drive improvements
through process simplification and waste reduction.
Dilts, who was the General Manager at
Bimbo Bakeries USA for nine years
before accepting his current position,
also held positions in Operations
Leadership, Quality and Process
Engineering at Frito Lay,
Quaker Oats, and General
Mills. The culmination
of these roles has
allowed him to
experience
and lead
teams and
organizations in finding efficiencies, improving
processes, and in gaining competitive advantages.
He is also very active in giving back to the
community through several local charitable
organizations.
NCI was also widely-recognized for hosting
the Michiana LEAN Network, serving Elkhart,
St. Joseph, Marshall, Lagrange and Kosciusko
counties.
“We want to teach and implement the principles
of continuous improvement to help organizations
transform their current strengths into even greater
value to their clients and customers,” explains Dilts.
The new, expanded venture will be
known as The Center for Business
Excellence.
8 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
|
EDUCATE
ADVOCATE
ELEVATE
for Business Excellence
“We will continue that support for area
manufacturers but will also reach out to Service
providers and Not-For-Profit organizations who
provide tremendous value to this community.
We want to do this in a collaborative approach
to help increase this region’s ability to compete
internationally while improving lives locally.”
While manufacturers have utilized Lean principles
for many years, Not-For-Profits and Service
organizations are part of a growing trend of new
adopters. Leaders in these organizations realize
the positive impacts these principles and tools can
have in providing greater value to their clients and
customers.
For more information on the Center for Business
Excellence or the Michiana Lean Network, contact
Merritt Dilts at (574) 293-1531 x 121 or
[email protected].
Businesses can launch here
Three. Two. One.
An exciting complement to the Center for
Business Excellence is the new Launch Elkhart
small business incubator located within the
Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce.
Launch Elkhart is a partnership with the
Chamber, the City of Elkhart, the Community
Foundation of Elkhart County and the new Center
for Business Excellence. Frontier is providing
high-speed internet, which is required for many
technical startup businesses. The Chamber,
SCORE, ISBDC, IUSB, and CBE will provide
business assistance.
“We are answering the call to make starting a
business in this community easier by providing
the assistance people need to be successful.”
Here’s how the process works:
An entrepreneur can consult with a SCORE/
ISBDC counselor to start a business. If they are
ready, the counselor refers them to an incubator
slot. The counselor, and other Chamber services,
nurture the business for two years. The Director
of Downtown Development helps place the new
business in an Elkhart storefront. Then, a new
start-up takes their spot in the incubator. All these
services are available on the second floor at the
Chamber.
The goal of Launch Elkhart is to cultivate
entrepreneurship in the community and give
budding businesses the tools and environment to
get off to a great start – with lots of available help.
The venture is expected to become the assembly
line of entrepreneurial success in Elkhart.
“We are the source for business assistance in
Elkhart,” says Hannon. “We help startups get
established. We help established companies with
lean strategies, advice, and resources to stay
profitable.”
“This community is known for its long history
of entrepreneurs,” says Chamber President
Kyle Hannon.
With resources like these at the Chamber, a
business can survive and thrive – even in a
competitive economic environment.
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 9
Member
s
n
o
i
t
a
r
b
Cele
Homes for Heroes honors firefighters, emergency medical
professionals, military and veterans, law enforcement, teachers and
healthcare workers. The program provides rebates and discounts
when buying, selling or refinancing a home. www.homesforheroes.com.
Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County celebrates the dedication
of the 2016 Women Build Home and milestone for this family.
www.habitatec.com.
For more information on Member Celebrations,
contact Ginger Lyons at [email protected]
Signature Lanes Family Fun Center kicks off their Grand Reopening
celebrating their new equipment upgrades. Company meetings,
team-building outings, league play and birthday parties are welcome.
www.siglanes.com.
10 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
|
EDUCATE
ADVOCATE
ELEVATE
Business Recognition Awards
majoritybuilders.com
Alphagraphics, located at 660 CR 15, Elkhart, has received a Business
Recognition Award from the Business Recognition/Beautification
Council. Alphagraphics is a printing and marketing franchise that
opened in 2003. Pat Welch owns locations in Elkhart and South Bend.
Alphagraphics is involved in a variety of community organizations,
including Rotary, Junior Achievement, WNIT, and Montessori Schools.
Hoosier Harley Davidson, located at 720 W Bristol St, Elkhart, has
received a Business Recognition Award from the Business Recognition/
Beautification Council. Russ Saputo and his family purchased the
dealership in 2006. They view their 26 full time employees as extended
family. The company supports charity rides and fundraisers, and has a
rotation schedule for financial donations to area schools.
I t ’s a l l i n t h e
DETAILS
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 11
NEWS ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
BABSCO Supply Inc. transitioned to a 100 percent Employee
Stock Owner Plan (ESOP) on 7/1/16. Founded in 1968, BABSCO
had recently been one of the largest minority owned electrical
distributors in Northern Indiana. They have 17 employees and
operate from two locations – Elkhart and Warsaw.
For the seventh time, MapleNet has been named Ceragon’s
North American Partner of the Year. The award, given for
MapleNet’s sales in 2015, was presented during the RAD &
Ceragon Global Partners Meeting in Israel. MapleNet has been
a Ceragon Strategic Partner since 2004.
Ryan Pogotis, GSP, has joined Carpenter Company as a
Division Manager Health, Safety and Worker’s Compensation.
He will be responsible for key safety and health policies and
programs, such as reaching safety goals and performance
records, prevention through design, proactive continuous
improvement and engaging employees and supervisors.
Patrick Industries Inc. has purchased Mishawaka Sheet
Metal LLC. MSM is a full-service distributor and fabricator
of aluminum and steel products, servicing the recreational
vehicle industry and other industrial markets.
Centier Bank announces the addition of Andy Harlow as
a mortgage loan officer for St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties.
Harlow has more than 25 years of experience in originating,
processing and underwriting conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and
construction loan products and services.
The Elkhart Truth has named Bill Beck as managing editor.
He will manage the newsroom, reporters and content online
and in print. Beck has earned numerous awards from the
Indiana Associated Press Editor’s Association, Hoosier State
Press Association and Local Media Association.
Nuway Construction, along with Indiana Governor Mike
Pence and Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb, broke ground on a
local company’s expansion project in Middlebury. There are
plans for two new buildings. The first will be used to increase
production rates and the second will be a state-of-the-art
customer service facility that includes a campground for the
convenience of the company’s customers.
Signature Lanes Family Fun Center will host the Professional
Bowlers Association 50 National Championship to Benefit Riley
Hospital for Children August 13 – 18, 2016.
Lori Thomas of Gibson has been promoted to Senior
Human Resources Specialist. Her responsibilities include the
administration of employee benefit plans and related services,
employee records maintenance, payroll, and administrative
support to the Director of Human Resources.
Later this summer, Legacy Heating and Air will be relocating
to the original building that the Cook family built in 2007
located at 22285 Elkhart East Blvd in the Elkhart East Business
Park at the corner of CR 6 and CR 17
South Bend International Airport (SBN) has announced
the addition of a second daily United Airlines flight to Newark
Liberty International Airport. This additional daily frequency
will fly September 7 thru December 15.
John Ulmer, attorney of counsel with Yoder Ainlay Ulmer
and Buckingham LLP, has received the lifetime achievement
award from the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. The
award recognizes an attorney who has devoted a lifetime of
distinguished service to ITLA and is a recognition of dedication
to the preservation of the rights of the injured.
Submit your company’s news and information
to [email protected]
Ambassadors of the Month
presented by
Jenny Watkins
Michael Wolff
Life/Style Photography
by Wolff’s
Watkins Family Dentistry
www.watkinsfamilydentistry.com
www.lsphoto.biz
Networking enables introductions,
partnerships and discussions on
community matters, leading to new,
strong relationships through which we can positively affect
more lives. Being engaged in chamber events enables
me to learn and interact with people that make our great
community what it is.
12 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
|
EDUCATE
Chamber events are a great way to
meet people. I enjoy visiting different
businesses and connecting them with
resources to assist their growth. Elkhart County has a thriving
business community, we’re excited to be a part of it. Along
with my career, traveling and scenic photography are among
my favorite activities.
ADVOCATE
ELEVATE
ANNIVERSARIES
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
50 YEARS
Manpower, Inc.
35 YEARS
Insight Accounting Group, PC
NEW MEMBERS
Baugo Community Schools
Heckaman Homes
www.baugo.org
29125 CR 22 W
Elkhart, IN 46517
(574) 293-8583
James H. DuBois
Schools: Elementary & Secondary
Referred by Kirk Elliott/1st Source Insurance
www.heckamanhomes.com
2676 E Market St, PO Box 229
Nappanee, IN 46550
(574) 773-4167
Steve Burkins
Modular Housing Manufacturer/Custom
Brentwood at Elkhart
25 YEARS
AAYS Rent-All Company, Inc.
Custom Formulating & Blending
Lechlitner Door Sales & Service, Inc.
National Transmission Service
RV/MH Heritage Foundation, Inc.
Volcano Pizza
15 YEARS
Gaylor Electric, Inc.
Heart City Health Center, Inc.
10 YEARS
Accelerators, Inc.
Classic Transport, Inc.
Five Star Life / Summit
The Healy Group, Inc.
Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc.
Ziker Cleaners
5 YEARS
Aluminum Trailer Company/Motiv Trailers
HRP Construction, Inc.
Innovative Card Services
Wire Design, Inc.
1 YEAR
AACOA
BC Mechanical Inc.
Career Analysis Organization
Daylight & Darkness, Inc.
Hamilton National Title
Robin’s School of Dance
Shipshewana Corn Maze
Two Men and a Truck
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Woodside Trading Company
www.elkhartalc.com
3600 E Bristol St
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 262-1626
Kelli L. Collins
Apartments
Retirement Communities
KSS Enterprises
Candlewood Suites
Lifestyle Health Plans
www.candlewoodsuites.com
300 Northpointe Blvd
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 262-8600
Anila Patel
Hotels & Motels
www.medova.com
345 N Riverview, Ste 600
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 616-6160
Dan Whitney
Health Insurance
CompressAir Inc.
The Maples at Waterford Crossing
www.compressair.net
4710 Green Ct
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 970-0301
Steve Olson
Compressor Sales & Service
1332 Waterford Crossing Cr
Goshen, IN 46526
(574) 534-3920
Lisa Zollinger
Assisted Living Facility
Dwyer Instruments
Referred by Hugh Johnson, J2 Marketing
www.kssenterprises.com
208 E Sample St
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 233-7535
Tanner DuComb
Janitor Equipment & Supplies
The Oaks at Southpaw
www.dwyer-inst.com
507 Ward St
Wakarusa, IN 46573
(574) 862-2590
Peggy Stover
Control / Sensor / Instrumentation Manufacturer
www.oaksatsouthpaw.com
16323 Roosevelt Rd
Mishawaka, IN 46544
(574) 532-6360
Edgar Cabello
Conference Center
Epic Limo, Inc.
Recreation by Design LLC
Referred by David Pixey, Elkhart Municipal Airport
www.rbdrv.com
57420 CR 3
Elkhart, IN 46517
(574) 294-2117
Monica Lamley
Recreational Vehicle: Manufacturer/Wholesale
www.epiclimoinc.com
4601 Murvihill Rd, Ste 3
Valparaiso, IN 46386
(219) 462-5466
Morgan Wichlinski
Motorcoach & Limousine Service
Great Lakes Forest Products Inc.
www.glfp.net
21658 Buckingham Rd
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 389-9663
Jennifer Smith
Lumber Remanufacturer
RE/MAX Excellence
1815 E Bristol St
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 262-0770
Barb Pearce
Real Estate
ELKHART.ORG
|
LEADING BUSINESS 13
Intrigue, Inspire, ignite
Elkhart County
Business/Education Award
presented to US Signcrafters
Where can you find over 20 privately owned companies that
employ 500 employees or more? Where can you walk down
Main Street and visit multiple museums and cultural sites?
Where can you find a world renowned music festival with
multi-platinum headline artists, while in the same town social
workers and community members work to ensure kids are a
part of the safest and strongest schools, homes and families?
Elkhart, Indiana…where you can find some of the world’s
most intriguing artists, compassionate community leaders and
inspiring entrepreneurs.
US Signcrafters, located at 216 Lincolnway E, Osceola, has
received the 1st Quarter Business/Education Partnership Award
from the Education/Career Development Council. President Scott
Franko was nominated by Jimtown High School for his service
on the Business Advisory Committee and Baugo Education
Roundtable, and for providing internships and on-the-job training
to Jimtown students. Franko attended the YEA! CEO Roundtable
and spoke at the 2015/16 YEA! Graduation.
Young Entrepreneurs Academy(YEA!)
accepting applications
for 2016/17 school year
The Elkhart Young Professionals will host the second annual
Ignite Elkhart Dinner in the Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner
Theatre on October 20th. This event will feature a variety of
speakers who will inspire with their reasons why we can all
work to make Elkhart County an even more fantastic place to
live, work and play. Speakers will include community leaders
from the business, non-profit and artistic worlds of Elkhart
County, and each will be given approximately ten minutes
to help “ignite a flame” in the next generation of community
leaders and world changers.
The evening begins at 5:30 with cocktails, and dinner at 6:30.
The program will begin at 7. Table sponsorships (table of 8) are
available for $500. Individual registrations are $50 for members;
$65 for non-members. Register at www.elkhart.org.
Creative and motivated middle and high
school students are invited to apply for
the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), an exciting afterschool program for grades 6-12 that teaches them how to start
and run their own REAL businesses!
Ignite Sponsor:
Classes meet once a week at the Elkhart Area Career Center,
beginning in October 2016 and ending in May 2017.
Students are taught by trained instructors, and are exposed to
guest lecturers, successful entrepreneurs and mentors.
This program offers students the chance to:
• Develop hands-on entrepreneurial experience to launch their
own business or social movement
• Connect with local entrepreneurs
• Pitch to a panel of investors for startup funding
• Gain confidence in their ideas, abilities and presentation skills
For information on applying or volunteering, contact Kathy
Cardwell at (574) 293-1531 Ext. 122 or [email protected].
New Educator Welcome
Thank you to our members who sponsored or donated items for
the 2016-17 New Educator Welcome. Sponsors included
1st Source Bank, ETHOS Science Center, Goshen College, Indiana
Michigan Power, Interlogic Outsourcing, Inc., Interra Credit Union,
Lake City Bank, Lisa Yoder State Farm Insurance, Meridian Title
Corporation, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Robert Weed
Plywood Corp., RSM US LLP, TCU Insurance, and Worldwide
Jewelry & Pawn.
14 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER
|
EDUCATE
ADVOCATE
ELEVATE
Spark Sponsor:
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST
2
INDOT Luncheon - hosted by Transportation Council
12 - 1:30 pm
Elcona Country Club, 56784 CR 21, Bristol
3
Meet Me in the 574 - Regional Young Professionals Event
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Ignition Music Garage, 120 E Washington St, Goshen
17
Detecting & Preventing Employee Theft & Embezzlement
8:30 am
Matterhorn Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St, Elkhart
18
Women’s Council Retreat
8:00 am - 1 pm
Hubbard Hill Estates Retirement Community, 28070 CR 24, Elkhart
23
Biz-Ness After Hours hosted by Carothers Printing
5 - 7 pm
2118 S Franklin St, South Bend
25
Cheers for Charity benefitting Elkhart Education Foundation
hosted by Young Professionals Council
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N Main St, Elkhart
August 23 5-7 PM
2118 S Franklin St, South Bend
September 20 5-7 PM
SEPTEMBER
8
Aspiring Entrepreneurs Fundamentals of Small Business
in partnership with SCORE
9 - 11 am
Greater Elkhart Chamber
13
Economic Development Summit
11:30 am – 1 pm
Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner Theatre, 410 S Main St, Elkhart
15
3 leg Stool of an Effective Web Presence
in partnership with SCORE
9 - 11 am
Greater Elkhart Chamber
20
Biz-Ness After Hours hosted by Burston Marketing
5 - 7 pm
2802 Frederic Drive, Elkhart
21
OSHA Council Breakfast
7:30 am
Matterhorn Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St, Elkhart
10 Hour General Industry
Safety & Health Program
22
Wellfield Botanic Garden Luncheon
hosted by Young Professionals Council
11:30 am - 1 pm
Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N Main St, Elkhart
The 10 hour 2-day Course is designed to present
detailed information on how the provisions of
OSHA Act must be implemented in the workplace.
2802 Frederic Drive, Elkhart
OSHA Training
A Guide to OSHA Compliance
October 4 : Bicentennial Experience in Downtown Elkhart
Join us for The Bicentennial Torch Relay which arrives in Elkhart County on Tuesday, October
4. Its 52-mile journey is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate Indiana’s 200th birthday. The
Bicentennial Experience, which includes The Indiana Bicentennial Experience Mobile Center,
will be on Main Street in Downtown Elkhart and open to the public from 9 am – 2 pm.
Stay current with Bicentennial Activities at ElkhartCounty2016.com.
For more information on Chamber events and member events, visit ELKHART.ORG
October 11 and 12, 2016
Matterhorn Conference Center
2041 Cassopolis St, Elkhart
Member Cost: $250 per person
Open to all Elkhart Chamber members.
Register at Elkhart.org.
Registrations must be made in advance.
|
LEADING BUSINESS 15