On the Airwaves Tomorrow

On the Chamber radio show tomorrow will be Marlin Boothby of Big Fish Consulting. The radio show airs at noon on 1250 AM and 102.9 FM.

Marlin is also the Chair of the Rainmakers Fort Wayne Advisory Board. Rainmakers is one of Indiana’s fastest growing business networking associations.

"Idol" Impacts Fort Wayne Once Again...

The Community Harvest Food Bank (CHFB) has received a grant to fight child hunger. The grant of $13,364 will be used to provide meals for area children through its Kids Cafe® and BackPack Programs.

The grant was made possible by Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF), which was established to raise awareness of poverty across the U.S. and the world. With this mission, CPEF teamed up with FOX and “AMERICAN IDOL” to present “IDOL GIVES BACK,” which aired on FOX in April 2007. “IDOL GIVES BACK” was a two-night special which raised awareness and funds for organizations that focus on providing resources for young people in extreme poverty in the U.S. and Africa.

CHFB received the grant as a result of its membership in America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network. America’s Second Harvest was chosen as one of four domestic charities that received funds which were raised through “IDOL GIVES BACK”.

“We are extremely grateful for this support of our work to feed hungry children,” said Jane Avery, Executive Director of Community Harvest Food Bank. “The food bank helps provide food to the 1 in every 6 children who live in poverty in northeast Indiana. This grant will help Community Harvest ensure that these children do not go to bed hungry or wonder where their next meal will come from.”

New Harrison Square Bid Openings Available

Check out the latest available Bid Openings for Harrison Square.

Bid Openings start at 3 p.m. at the City Council Chamber, Room 128 in the City County Building.

Looking for an Angel?

Don't miss out on this great seminar tonight! (click image for larger view)

2008 YLNI Leadership Institute Candidates

One of our own Chamber staff has been chosen to take part in the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) 2008 Leadership Institute.

The Institute is a series of educational seminars designed to cultivate the personal and professional development of young leaders in Northeast Indiana. The candidates chosen for this year are:

Christa Badorek - Carriage House
Nicole Baker - Indiana Tech
Jamie Bankert - 1st Source Bank
Andy Boxberger - Carson Boxberger
Laura Boyer - Shipley & Assoc.
Mollie Cripe - YWCA
Benjamin Faurote - Baker & Daniels
Jennifer Fisher - University of St. Francis Grad Student
Shellie Goetz - Baker & Daniels
Ryan Hart - Lake City Bank
Alison Hoff - IPFW
Angela Hudson - Ivy Tech
Dustin Karns - Reusser Design
Varun Kaushik - American Specialty Ins. & Risk Services
Patrick Keefer - Keefer Printing
Wendy Liang - Swiss Re Life & Health
Alison Nehls - Vera Bradley Design
Kyle Osting - Baker & Daniels
Jennie Renner - Community Action of Northeast Indiana
Brad Rutan - International Truck & Engine Corp.
Ryan Schiltz - 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union
Brian Spaulding - IPFW Student
Jon Swerens - The News Sentinel
Paige Thurston - One Lucky Guitar
Nicole Wilkins - Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce

Buy One, Get Two Free - Umbrella Series

(click for larger view)

SophiaDolls Recognized at New York Toy Fair

It was just brought to our attention that one of our new Chamber members, Beverley Danusis of SophiaDolls, was recognized at the 2008 New York Toy Fair. Over 1200 manufacturers showcase their products and Beverley's SophiaDolls were recognized for being the first dolls to honor the unique sizes and features of real women - as reported in the New Jersy Star-Ledger. Click here to read the entire article.

Below is a photo of the ATHENA doll - you can see more SophiaDolls at http://www.sophiadolls.com/.

Congratulations to Beverley and SophiaDolls!

Mayor Henry Proclaims Disability Awareness Month

This past Friday, the Chamber joined Mayor Henry at Easter Seals Arc for a press conference to announce his proclamation that March shall be designated as Disability Awareness Month for the City of Fort Wayne. We've included some photos below, but we would also recommend that you visit Easter Seals Arc on Coldwater Road for our next Morning Mix on March 20th - 7:30 to 9 a.m. What an incredible organization fulfilling a very important mission. After spending 1 hour with Steve Hinkle, the President, and Tony Belton, Community Relations Coordinator, we were impressed beyond words.

Join us on the 20th!