Check out the Downtown Art Crawl Tonight!

Kick off the summer festivities and be one of the first to ride the Downtown Summer Lunchtime Trolley (there will be a sneak preview at tonight's Art Crawl).

Here's a map of the locations for tonight's Art Crawl in Downtown Fort Wayne. (Click on the map for a larger view).

Fish Fry Next Friday!

Chamber member Covington Commons just let us know they are hosting a fish fry to benefit the Alzheimer's Association next Friday, June 6 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Covington Commons is located in Southwest Fort Wayne on Covington Road, across from Flanagan’s Restaurant.

Dan’s Fish Fry will cater the event. Live entertainment will be provided by the Mossberg Family Strings. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Covington Commons. For more information please call (260) 432-1932.

Chamber Welcomes Babicz Guitars to Fort Wayne

The Chamber welcomed Babicz Guitars to Fort Wayne yesterday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at their location on Columbia Street in downtown Fort Wayne. Babicz had all their beautiful guitars on display for guests to check out!

One of the most technologically advanced guitar companies in the world, Babicz Guitars recent move to their newest location in downtown Fort Wayne is part of the economic development effort that is bringing revenue, jobs, and renewed business vitality to the city.

Babicz is known for their award-winning and patented “icZ” Acoustic System technology. Numerous design awards, industry publication reviews, and famous artists attest to the superior tonal quality in the higher-end instruments crafted by Babicz Guitars including Peter Frampton and Kelly Hanson of Foreigner.

For more information on Babicz Guitars USA visit www.babiczguitars.com.

State Legislative Council Update

The State Legislative Council met Friday, May 23 and approved a series of interim study committees and assigned study topics to the statutory study panels. To view the study committees and topics assigned click on the images below.

Chamber Receives $10,000 for Graduation Retention

Pam Norman of Indiana INTERNnet presented a check for $10,000 last week to the Graduate Retention Program. Indiana INTERNnet is a statewide Web site which advertises internships; employers, educators and students can view high school and college internship opportunities on the site.

This Web site has enabled regional employers to post over 350 internships since July 1, 2007. Kay Anthony, the program manager, said "we are excited about the ongoing partnership with Indiana INTERNnet."

Meet Me @ 5 November Schedule Change

Please make note of a change in schedule for the Chamber's November Meet Me @ 5. We have a new sponsor - Signature Mac! The November Meet Me @ 5 will take place on November 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Signature Mac's location at 430 W. Coliseum Blvd.

Thank you to Signature Mac for hosting this upcoming event. For more information, contact Christy Drake at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266 or cdrake@fwchamber.org.

Brown Bag on Barr

The History Center is hosting a "Brown Bag on Barr" next Tuesday to kick off the summer!

Bring your "brown bag" lunch and join the History Center under the trees and canopies at the Barr Street Market, on Tuesday, June 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Enjoy free musical entertainment by Eli Arnold and the Auburn Dixielanders, and let your kids experience hands-on educational activities. Tables and chairs are provided, so all you need to bring is your lunch!

The Barr Street Market is located on the corner of Barr and Wayne Streets, behind the History Center, 302 E. Berry Street.

For more information call (260) 426-2882.

Made in the Shade

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Easter Seals Arc let us know today they are planning on constructing a new park to surround the already existing Stepping Stones Childcare playground in the parking lot of its facility located at 4919 Coldwater Road.

The Lincoln Foundation provided the initial funding for the urban forest park, which is actually being created for outside therapies and enjoyment for the adults who are enrolled in the Adult Day and Personal Development Centers.

Construction is set to begin in late May, with completion wrapping up towards the first of July. The irrigated park will feature something for all the senses including a butterfly garden, fragrant garden, wildlife garden, and even something for the taste buds from a blueberry patch and a Chestnut Oak tree.

In addition to the urban forest park, the ‘Made in the Shade’ project will also prompt staff and community environmental seminars. A memorial tree and bench donation effort will also be established, urging people to sponsor or donate an existing tree to the landscaping of the park.

Visit www.eastersealsnein.com for a tree or bench donation form and more information on the project.

Live, Learn & Intern Event: DeBrand Fine Chocolates

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Come to DeBrand’s corporate office and experience one of the world’s elite chocolatiers in action! This event takes place next Monday, June 2 at 6 p.m.

Be prepared for:
Q&A session about DeBrand business
Tour of the kitchens to see how the chocolate is really made
Dessert reception

Limited seating! Dress is business casual.
Please be punctual as the Q&A session will start at 6pm sharp!

To RSVP, contact Kristen Turner by May 30th
kturner@fwchamber.org or call (260)424-1435 ext. 223