Nu-Tec Coatings to Expand

Chamber member Nu-Tec Coatings plans to expand its current operations in Fort Wayne's Urban Enterprise Zone and create 35 new jobs.

The custom coating company will invest more than $1.7 million over the next three years to add a pre-treat line, paint booths, drying and curing ovens and an automated paint mixing and delivery system to its Northeast Indiana facility. Nu-Tec specializes in coating to the automotive and RV industries, military, extruders and metal formers in the Midwest.

Due to Nu-Tec Coatings’ Urban Enterprise Zone location, they will be eligible for a tax savings of $164,698 from the City of Fort Wayne over a 10 year period. The City will also provide the company a $50,000 no interest loan. Nu-Tec Coatings is eligible to receive $8,000 from WorkOne Northeast in customized employee recruiting, $24,000 in WorkKeys™ and Prove It™ assessments and assistance in attaining a Training Acceleration Grant (TAG) with a potential value of up to $200,000 for eligible incumbent worker training. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has offered $35,500 from the Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) and $50,000 as part of the Hoosier Business Investment Tax Credit (HBITC) program. Those interested in employment opportunities with Nu-Tec Coatings should contact WorkOne Northeast at (260) 745.3555, ext. 228.

News of the Nu-Tec Coating expansion was also met with enthusiasm from Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “The continuing growth of Nu-Tec Coatings is an encouraging sign for the city’s Urban Enterprise Zone,” said Mayor Henry. “By steadily increasing the number of new employees in the next three years, Nu-Tec Coatings will be giving opportunity in an area where it is needed most.”

Nu-Tec Coatings is located on the 1600 block of Fletcher Avenue, which is in the heart of the Urban Enterprise Zone. The Fort Wayne Urban Enterprise Zone is a 3.99 square mile area targeted for physical revitalization, job creation and improvements in social and economic conditions. The area is administered by the Urban Enterprise Association Board of Directors.

“We’re excited to see this reinvestment and additional employment at Nu-Tec Coatings,” said Kristine Foate, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. “As a community, we need projects like this to help sustain and grow our local economic base.”

For more information on Nu-Tec Coatings, visit http://www.nuteccoatings.com/.

Feet on the Street

by Teresa Royer
Member Relations Specialist

I’m always curious of how people come upon starting they’re own business i.e. what series of events took place to make them take the “plunge.”

One I find especially interesting is Pedro Yaruchyk’s story. Pedro is the Owner of the Edible Arrangements franchise here in Fort Wayne. When Pedro came into the Chamber to sign up for membership, I learned that in addition to opening the Edible Arrangements franchise he also works at the Fort Wayne Police Department in their Records-Bureau of Identification Division where he processes finger prints, enters missing people/runaways, stolen guns, stolen vehicles, etc.

I said to Pedro: “So Pedro, I have to ask---Police Department / Decorative Fruit, I fail to see the connection. What made you decide to buy such a franchise?”

He told me he learned of the business while sitting in an airplane waiting for take off. To pass the time he leafed through a magazine placed in the seat-back in front of him and he saw an Edible Arrangements ad. He ordered an arrangement for his mother’s birthday. When the arrangement arrived at Mom’s house, he was very impressed with it, liked the concept and wanted to learn more. He did the research and decided to take the “plunge.”

Pedro just completed his third week open for business and would you believe after his second week his store placed number 3 in sales out of the 7 stores in Indiana!

The Chamber joined Pedro in celebrating his grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, October 2.

Congratulations to Pedro for following your dreams. Stop by and say hello and check out his Edible Arrangements store at 5129 Illinois Road, Suite 126, across from the Subaru/Acura dealership. Is your mom’s birthday coming up?

Fort Wayne Radiology becomes FWRadiology

Chamber member Fort Wayne Radiology proudly launched its new brand – FWRadiology – this week.

FWRadiology is a recognized leader in medical imaging in the greater Fort Wayne area, the tri-state region and spreading throughout the Midwest. The group’s reputation for innovative practices, state-of-the-art technology and operational model has transformed the practice to support the growth in teleradiology.

For more information about FWRadiology click here.

In This Issue...

In today's issue of the Chamber's Emphasis magazine, appearing in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly:

- Family & Children's Services has been serving Fort Wayne since 1864!
-Latest tracking technology manufactured right here at the NIIC
-How to avoid identity theft
-DC Fly-In Wrap Up
and much, much more...

Pick up an issue today!

TOMORROW: Gordmans Celebrates Grand Opening of Fort Wayne Store

Gordmans, Inc., an Omaha-based apparel and home fashions retailer, will celebrate the grand opening weekend of its third Indiana store, in Fort Wayne on Friday, Oct. 3. The 50,000-square-foot store opens Thursday at 902 Thomas Rd. in the Orchard Springs shopping center.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on October 3. Participating in the ribbon cutting, along with company officials, will be representatives from the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Wayne.

“Our mission is to delight our guests with big savings, big selection and fun, friendly associates,” Jeff Gordman, president and CEO, said. “We’re looking forward to introducing Fort Wayne shoppers to our beautiful new store and to the latest name brand fashions, footwear, accessories, home decor and more.”

Like Gordmans’ other stores, the Fort Wayne store’s open and contemporary design is further enhanced by a children’s theater and sports-themed television viewing area.

Gordmans will present a $2,500 check to the Fort Wayne Community Schools on Friday, Oct. 3, to launch Partners in Education fundraising events in conjunction with the weekend’s grand opening festivities. Partners in Education is a community-school partnership program that provides a vehicle for businesses, government agencies, civic groups and faith organizations to make additional educational resources available to local public school systems. Gordmans customers at the new Fort Wayne store may participate in this event by purchasing “helping hands” for $1 each from Oct. 3 through Oct. 12. Every dollar raised will directly benefit Fort Wayne Community Schools. Since its involvement with Partners in Education, which began in 2000, Gordmans has contributed over $740,000 to this cause in 16 states throughout the country.

“Partners in Education gives Gordmans and our guests a means to make a difference in the lives of schoolchildren in the communities served by our stores,” Gordman said. “The collaboration also provides a great volunteer opportunity for our associates.”

The new Fort Wayne Gordmans store has selected Nebraska Elementary as its partner school.

With the opening of the Fort Wayne store and a store in Rapid City, S.D., also celebrating an October grand opening, Gordmans now operates 65 stores in 16 states.

Domestic Violence Walk

The Center for Nonviolence is hosting a fund-raising walk to increase awareness about domestic and other forms of violence while raising funds to support programming. The walk, "Strength in Stride" will take place on Saturday, October 11, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Walk beginning at 10 a.m. Walkers will meet at Headwaters Park West and proceed along the Downtown Rotary Club Circle of Hope Trail - about two miles. Participants are encouraged to raise money by walking, asking others to walk, donate, or provide a sponsorship. Minimum pledge of $25 to receive a T-shirt.

For more information about how to sponsor or participate in this year's walk against Domestic Violence, please call (260) 456-4112 or click here.

Embassy Theatre Brick Installation Today

The Embassy Theatre will begin installing a shipment of more than 50 dedication bricks in the sidewalk along Jefferson Boulevard today from around 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The dedication bricks being installed this week are signs of support from current Embassy supporters. For $80 apiece, engraved messages on each 4x8” brick honor family members, friends and special memories from the historic theater.

Two larger bricks are also being installed. One 8x8" brick is a show of support from ITT Corporation in Fort Wayne. The other is a gift from long-time embassy supporters Joe and Becky Sumpter remembering Robert Ort, who died earlier this year. Known by his friends as “Ortie,” Bob Ort was one of the earliest supporters of the drive to save the Embassy from the wrecking ball. He had a special love for the Embassy’s Grande Page organ, which he played frequently and very well according to those who knew him.

The Embassy Walk of Recognition also holds tributes to local personalities such as actress Carole Lombard, sportscaster Chris Schenklel and others. It also honors many others, especially those who helped to save the theater from destruction in the early 1970s.

All money raised from the sale of dedication bricks in the Embassy Walk of Recognition provides operating funds for the Embassy Theatre Foundation, Inc., to restore and maintain the 80-year-old historic theater.

For more information please contact Embassy Development Director Steve Linsenmayer at 424.6287, ext. 240, or steve@fwembassytheatre.org.

Go Green with 1-800-DryClean and Win $500 in Free Gas!

Now by using Chamber member 1-800-DryClean you can do your part to help save the environment and possibly win up to $500 in free gas!

1-800-DryClean says customers should feel good each time they use the service, because they are reducing carbon emissions, cutting dependency on foreign oil and saving precious time, gas, & money by car-pooling their clothes!

1-800-DryClean is giving away $1000 in free gasoline to 15 very lucky customers across the country. Between now and December 31 each day you use the service counts as one entry into the drawing. No minimum order is required. The more times you use, the better your chances of winning! The drawing will be held January 5, 2009 and the winner's names will be published on the Web site.

October Meet Me @ 5 Cancelled

Please be aware that the October Meet Me @ 5 will no longer take place. The next Meet Me @ 5 will take place November 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Signature Mac Inc. (430 West Coliseum Blvd.).

Also, please mark your calendars for the upcoming Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to hear highlights from the Chamber and network with our Board! For more information or to RSVP click here or call Heather Neilson at (260) 424-1435, ext. 241. We hope to see you there!

Chamber Phone Lines Repaired

The Chamber phone lines have been repaired. We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Should you have any difficulty reaching the Chamber by phone, please e-mail Julie Nolan at jnolan@fwchamber.org for immediate assistance.

Chamber Phone Lines Still Down

Currently the Chamber phone lines are down. For immediate assistance with any request please email Julie Nolan at jnolan@fwchamber.org. We thank you for your patience as we work to solve this problem.

CEO Forum- Learn about Regional Entrepreneurs

The 15th Annual CEO Forum will be held on October 23 in the Auditorium on the North Campus of the University of Saint Francis. The event is sponsored by the Busse School of Business & Entrepreneurial Leadership. This year's focus is on successful, regional entrepreneurs and how they think and act. So if you're an entrepreneur or thinking of becoming one; then this event is for you!

Program begins at 8:30 a.m. with lunch at noon.
Location: North Campus Auditorium (North side of Spring Street across from Mirror Lake)
Cost: $35 (includes lunch)
Reservation: Send check along with name, company, address, and phone number to:

CEO Forum
Busse School of Business & Entrepreneurial Leadership
University of Saint Francis
2701 Spring Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Please Note: Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited. There will be no refunds on cancelled reservations. For questions, call (260) 399-7700, ext. 8300. University of Saint Francis alumni will receive a $5 discount.

Former Chamber Staffer Named Mayor's Business/Legislative Liaison

Mayor Tom Henry today named Ozzie Mitson as his Business/Legislative Liaison.

“I said I wanted to work with our business community, both directly and through the Chamber of Commerce and I also see the need for greater communication with our city, county, state and federal elected officials,” said Mayor Henry. “Clearly, I have an ideal person to fill this role already here on staff, so it makes sense to formalize his position with an upgrade in title. Ozzie brings a wealth of experience and skills in understanding the needs of business and legislators, and I intend to utilize his skills to strengthen my administration’s involvement in those arenas.”

Included in Mitson’s new duties will be tracking city, county, state, and federal legislation on issues that have Fort Wayne and regional impacts; fostering positive relationships between city, county, state, and federal representatives and the City of Fort Wayne to further the policies and goals of the city; and to assist and advise the Mayor and senior staff on Chamber of Commerce and other local and statewide business organization’s needs and partnership opportunities.

Kristine Foate, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce also voiced the Chamber’s support for this new position. “The Chamber looks forward to working in partnership with the city to make it easier to do business in Fort Wayne. With a more concentrated effort and a single point of contact for business this will provide clear, and more productive, direction when dealing with city issues,” Foate said. “As always, the Chamber stands ready to help make government more efficient and business friendly. We will continue to work with Mayor Henry to create a business friendly climate in our city.”

Mitson, a Fort Wayne native, has served as a public information officer for the city since Mayor Henry appointed him in January of this year. Mitson has previously served as the Manager of Government and Community Affairs for the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, as a staff member of Congressman Mark Souder and has served as campaign staff on political races on both the national and local levels.

State Sen. Marvin Riegsecker Dies

Family members of State Sen. Marvin Riegsecker (R-Goshen) this morning confirmed the five-term lawmaker has lost his ongoing battle with cancer. He was 71.

According to a written statement from his Statehouse office, Riegsecker died at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, where he was surrounded by his wife Norma and immediate family. Funeral arrangements are pending (and will be released through the Senate Majority Communications Office).

Riegsecker announced in January he would not seek a sixth term, but instead wanted to spend more time with relatives. He was hospitalized during and since last year’s legislative session. His condition improved enough to return to the Senate floor and cast key votes – including this year’s historic property tax reforms.

“Legislative colleagues will always remember Sen. Riegsecker’s intelligence, passion and commitment,” said Senate President Pro Tem David C. Long (R-Ft. Wayne). “He was an excellent public servant, a dedicated leader in his pharmacy profession and a committed family man. Our hearts go out to Norma and the Riegsecker family. We will all miss Marvin greatly. ”

First elected to the Indiana Senate in 1988, Riegsecker championed causes ranging from providing services to those with mental retardation and developmental disabilities to protecting seniors and other consumers from counterfeit prescription drugs – efforts that brought him national recognition from legislative and public health associations.

Riegsecker also advanced many bills involving education, transportation and public safety. Previously, Riegsecker served as Elkhart County Coroner from 1977-84 and county commissioner from 1985-1988.

Riegsecker chaired the Senate Committee on Commerce, Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation and was ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environmental Affairs. He also served as a member of the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services.

RSVP Today!

What: YLNI High Speed Networking
25th Floor - Summit Club
Thursday, October 2, 5 p.m.

Back by popular demand! YLNI is offering an opportunity for you to connect with other YLNI and Chamber of Commerce members and build lasting business relationships with dozens of new connections.

Join us for a fast-paced, fun way to get the word out about your business while you learn more about businesses in Northeast Indiana. Registration begins at 5 p.m. Arrive early, grab a drink and prepare for a unique networking experience! The action will start at 5:30. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided.

Representatives from YLNI and the Chamber will be on hand to provide information regarding upcoming events and promotions! All attendees will receive free entry into the Chamber’s October 16th Morning Mix.

All ages and occupations are welcome. RSVPs are strongly encouraged as this event is expected to sell out.COST: $10 for all dues paying YLNI members and $15 for non-members. Also bring plenty of business cards to share.

RSVP to rsvp@ylni.org (or call 969-5748) with the following information:Name:BusinessAddressPhoneEmail

Chamber Phone Lines Down

Currently the Chamber phone lines are down. For immediate assistance with any request please email Julie Nolan at jnolan@fwchamber.org. We thank you for your patience as we work to solve this problem.

CEO Roundtable

The CEO Roundtable Groups were designed for peer advice and the advancement of business. If you are a CEO and are looking to grow your business through the CEO Roundtable Group then mark your calendar to attend the next kick-off meeting at the Chamber on October 9 at 8 a.m.

Dave Kaverman, Chair of the CEO Roundtable Group will be speaking along with a panel of CEO members. For more information contact the Chamber at (260) 424-1435 or register online at fwchamber.org.

Lifeline Opens New Campus

In conjunction with its 40th anniversary, Lifeline Youth and Family Services, Inc. opened its brand-new state-of-the-art residential campus in September. Pierceton Woods Academy is located at 27 Pequignot Drive in Pierceton, Indiana, just north of the intersection of U.S. 30 and State Road 13. With 34,000 square feet under roof, the $6.5 million facility can house up to 60 youth at a time. The new 60-acre campus comprises a secured residential component, group homes, an alternative school, and recreational facilities.

Lifeline provides a continuum of prevention, intervention, and aftercare services for kids and families who are at risk for abuse, neglect or delinquency. Through programs like home-based family preservation, responsible thinking classes in the public schools, alternative education, residential child care, and independent living services, Lifeline is fulfilling its mission of “changing hearts and bringing hope to a generation at risk.” Pierceton Woods Academy will serve youth who were removed from their homes, either because of poor choices they’ve made or for their own safety and protection from an unhealthy family environment.

The new campus will allow Lifeline to work with an increased number of youth, as well as youth who have more difficult issues. For example, the new group homes feature smaller wings so that young people can be housed based age, issues, and needs. Lifeline’s residential programs were previously housed in converted farmhouses such as Blacklake Lodge in Columbia City, Indiana.

For more information about Lifeline contact Jennifer Sholund at (260) 615-9328 or jsholund@lifelineyouth.org.

Proposal Writing Workshop

(click on image for larger view)

Thoughts on DC from Joni

by Joni Howell
Manager, Gov't & Community Affairs

While the the big bailout vote takes place today, nearly 40 business and community leaders from Northeast Indiana were in our nation's capitol as the discussions unfolded last week. The Northeast Indiana Chamber Coalition hosted the 6th annual DC Fly-In last Wednesday and Thursday, and its participants had a front row seat to this historic debate.

First the trip began with an issue briefing. Attendees were given a Defense Briefing from B&D Consulting, and update from the State of Indiana's Federal Representative, and participants also heard from expert panelists in Trade and Workforce and Education.

Following these briefings, the group had office visits with Congressman Souder and Congressman Burton. Both were consumed about their vote on the upcoming bailout. While $700 Billion was was difficult for them to consider, the consequences of not passing something was even more difficult. Those who attended the office visits were asked their perspective on how the actions or inactions may affect them.

Following the long day, the group gathered for a reception and dinner at the National Association of Realtors (R) Building. Former Congressman David McIntosh was the keynote speaker for the dinner, and he gave attendees some insight on the upcoming election and how it relates to business issues.

On day two the group gathered for breakfast on Capitol Hill with Congressman Souder. As session was expected to adjourn in the next couple of days, he provided attendees with a "Session Wrap Up." There were many issues covered although the bailout, energy, and area defense issues highlighted the conversation.

Attendees then traveled across the campus to meet with Congressman Pence, who has been an outspoken opponent of the proposed bailout. The group was even able to watch him do a live interview on Fox News.

Next on the schedule of events were meetings with Indiana's two Senators. First we met with Senator Evan Bayh and a number of his staff. He too, was interested in Northeast Indiana's perspective on the unfolding events. He answered a number of questions that the group had about the still unsettled plan. The group then met with Senator Richard Lugar. He gave us some defense updates as they related to our agenda. Known for his expertise in foreign affairs, Lugar provided great insight on a number of issues and situations whose boundaries stretch far beyond those of our region, issues like Russia and Georgia, Afghanistan, Poland and others. He spent quite a bit of time with us before we had to leave Capitol Hill to head back to the hotel.

At the Pentagon we were briefed on the state of defense, troops, equipment, as well as actions in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world. It was a busy day, before we headed back home again to Indiana.

Journey to Freedom Starts This Week

The Hope & Freedom Festival from September 13 publicly kicked-off Parkview Family YMCA's Journey to Freedom program, which starts this week! The goal of the eight week study group is to strengthen our community by providing an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration to individuals struggling with life controlling issues, allowing them to reach their full potential. More information is available by calling (260) 497-9996 or visiting fwymca.org.