On the Airwaves Tomorrow

On the Chamber radio show tomorrow will be Brent Johnson, Director of the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana. The radio show airs at noon on 1250 AM and 102.9 FM.

The new Public Safety Academy recently opened at the end of 2007 and is the "greenest" building in Northeast Indiana. For more information on the Public Safety Academy click here.

Ride the Fastest Train in the World

Ever wanted to experience what it is like to ride the fastest train in the world? Well now you can.

Invent Tomorrow and the Indiana High Speed Rail Association will host a high-speed train simulation at Indiana Tech’s Cinema Tech on Wednesday, March 26 at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Seating is limited for this event. Cinema Tech is located in the Andorfer Commons. Attendees will experience the excitement and the potential for passenger rail service and learn about its importance to Northeast Indiana on the big screen.

Mr. Charles Wochele, an industry expert, will lead the presentation and discussion on the French high-speed train (TGV) that successfully smashed the world record for a train on conventional rails, reaching 574.8km/h (356mph) and with it ushered in a new era of economic growth.

Click here for more information on Indiana's High Speed Rail initiative.

Josiah Says Thanks

Josiah Leming, former American Idol contestant, visited the Chamber this morning to say thank you to the community for their wonderful contributions. Josiah gave big thanks to all the businesses that participated in earlier donations for him.

Josiah has lots of great things to say about Fort Wayne, as evidenced by his MySpace page.

Josiah will be signing autographs at Glenbrook Hyundai today at 3 p.m. and giving two concerts tonight at Sweetwater Sound (tickets are sold out).

Here are some pictures from the breakfast this morning:

2008 Legislative Recap Breakfast

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Lt. Governor to Attend ATHENA Luncheon

We just found out today that Lt. Governor Becky Skillman is going to attend the ATHENA Award® Program on March 27.

The luncheon takes place at The Landmark Conference and Reception Centre at 11:30 a.m.

TOMORROW is the last day to reserve your seats for the ATHENA Luncheon. Corporate tables can be purchased for $200 or individual seats for $25. Contact Christy Drake in Member Relations for more information at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266 or cdrake@fwchamber.org.

Live, Learn & Intern Event

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Hartley's Celebrates 25 Years Today!

We just found out that Chamber member, Hartley’s, is celebrating their 25th anniversary today!

To celebrate they have some GREAT activities planned:

- Starting today, when you order two entrées for lunch or dinner, you get champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to help celebrate. This lasts the entire month of March!

- Also Hartley's is planning a big block party on June 21st to thank the entire community for their support. There will be dancing, food & spirits, and lots of fun.

For more information call Hartley's at (260) 744-3141. Hartley's is located at 4301 Fairfield Ave.

Fort to Port News

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is pleased to announce the launch of its website for U.S. 24 Fort to Port news!

View the site by clicking here

Angel Investor Seminar Provides Valuable Insights

Some insight from the Angel and Other Investor Seminar which took place last week at the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center…The different panels helped to clarify when a particular type of investor should be considered in business.

The Investor panel, consisting of Bix Benson, Karen Goldner and Bill Berghoff explained what their funding sources criteria would be, even so far as to explaining what they may look for in the “personality” of the entrepreneur. The unique situation of investor ownership and involvement became clearer as the seminar participants learned how the investors will use their resources to build a company to a new level. The investors return on investment will be captured once the investor exits either by selling the company or having their position bought out by new investors.

The attorney panel reminded all of the due diligence required when raising seed monies and establishing investor relationships.

The entrepreneur panel allowed interesting company growth observations from entrepreneurs Melinda Schriver, LacPro Industries, Dr. Herb Schwartz of Schwartz Biomedical, and Dave Corcoran of Trustbearer Labs. Each shared their experiences as they have moved through the various stages of business growth. The NIIC was a great backdrop as they house these three businesses. They will have support and guidance through each business development stage.

Great ideas and new business growth in key industry sectors are happening right here in Fort Wayne.