Are You a "Company to Watch?"

The Companies to Watch (CTW) Awards Program is coming to Indiana.

CTW is a nationally acclaimed award program that brings recognition to second stage companies. The program is looking to acknowledge and celebrate this size of firm/enterprise and create broader awareness about the importance of an “entrepreneurial culture” in Indiana. Every community has a Company To Watch. Don’t let yours be left out.

The deadline for nominating second stage companies is April 25. Companies that are nominated then have until May 2 to apply.

The program seeks nominations and companies from a wide range of industries representing all regions of the state. Information about Indiana CTW and the nomination and application process can be found at
http://companiestowatch.org/index.ctw?aff=Indiana&page=home

Emphasis Issue Out Today

The latest issue of Emphasis, in the Fort Wayne Business Weekly today, features Northeast OB/Gyn's Dr. Michele Helfgott with information on their new Elite Woman service, which offers treatment of the whole female patient - inside and out. Also spotlighted are Fort Wayne's own Mad Ants and Mayor Tom Henry talks about his first 100 days in office.

Pick up your copy today and find out what's happening at the Chamber!

Local UPAF Star Musician Joins Mariah Carey's Band

Chamber Member, Unity Performing Arts Foundation (UPAF), shared some exciting news with us recently.

Lance Tolbert is one of the stars and members of the UPAF Band. Just recently, he was given his first opportunity to write the string arrangements for three songs on Mary J Blige Live From VH1 Storytellers: Come To Me, Be Without You and Family Affair.

Lance also auditioned for Mariah Carey’s band and guess what? He got the job. Lance is playing bass guitar for Mariah Carey. He was on Oprah Wednesday and played last night on American Idol as Mariah Carey performed.

UPAF's vision is to build and shape stars for the future and Lance is a great example of that. For more information on UPAF visit www.unityperformingarts.com

One CAN Make a Difference

From April 19-27 a very unique event will be taking place at Glenbrook Square - Canstruction 2008.

Now in its second year, Canstruction is a national competition that pairs local high school students with engineering mentors to design and build structures. But here's the twist - they're all built using cans of food, which are then donated to Community Harvest Food Bank for distribution throughout their network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and care centers.

The 2008 event will take place April 19-27 at Glenbrook Square utilizing the theme "Hunger. No laughing matter."

To participate -
Bring in one or more cans of food to Glenbrook Mall between April 19 and 27
See the giant, colorful cartoon structures built entirely of cans
Use your can(s) to vote for your favorite
All food cans (structures and votes) go to feed the hungry

For more information, visit www.canstructionindiana.org.

Internships Flourish with the Graduate Retention Program

The Chamber's Graduate Retention Program is excited to share that 312 internships have been advertised on the Indiana Intern.net since July 1st, 2007. These internships include college and high school opportunities. Please contact the Graduate Retention Program at (260) 424-1435, ext. 241 if you are interested in speaking with a Graduate Retention staff member about offering an internship at your company.

Chamber Member Sam's Club Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Sam’s Club will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a nationwide weekend-long open house. New businesses and families who want to learn more about the benefits and discover the savings Sam’s Club Members have enjoyed the past 25 years are welcome to attend.

Consistent with its heritage, Sam’s Club plans generous food and dessert samplings known as “demos” throughout the weekend. Non-members can compare the savings throughout the club and at fuel stations and during the open house Sam’s Club is waiving its non-member service fee.

In a recent survey of 2,500 Sam’s Club Business Members, more than 70% report saving enough in just one month on their purchases to pay their annual membership
fee.

The 25th Anniversary celebrations take place:

10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 18
9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, April 19
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 20

Neighborhood Ballpark Expert to Speak Tomorrow

Chamber member, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI), will welcome Professor Philip Bess to Fort Wayne for a lecture and panel discussion about urban design and sustainable development.

The event, which is open to the public, will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 16th in the auditorium of the downtown branch of the Allen County Public Library.

Professor Bess is an expert in neighborhood ballpark design and the Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. He will provide input as Fort Wayne works towards compatible and appropriate development around Harrison Square and the downtown area.

Please Join Us on April 17

Two great networking events will take place this Thursday April 17: Morning Mix & Meet Me @ 5!

Morning Mix: 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Hosted by Goff Nationwide Insurance at:
Indiana Weslyan University
8211 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Directions: Across from Lutheran Hospital; follow the drive past Verizon and PHP to IWU
COST: $5 + a business card (make sure to bring 25+ business cards)
RSVP's are preferred but not required.
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Meet Me @ 5: 5 - 7 p.m.
Hosted by The Fort Wayne Freedom at:
The Oyster Bar
1809 W Dupont Rd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46825

COST:
$5 + a business card (Chamber Members)
$10 + a business card (non Chamber Members)
RSVP's are not required for Meet Me @ 5.
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Please contact Christy Drake in Member Relations with any questions. cdrake@fwchamber.org, or 424-1435, Ext. 266