Evan Bayh Job & Career Fair

The Evan Bayh Job & Career Fair takes place on Thursday, October 16 at IPFW's Walb Student Union from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Senator Bayh will be co-hosting the event along with the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, IPFW, Ivy Tech Community College Northeast, the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau, WorkOne Northeast, Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, the City of Fort Wayne and the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center.

The Small Business Summits are designed to provide interested Hoosiers with advice and expertise on some of the unique situations facing small business owners. Too often, entrepreneurs have trouble translating ideas into products or business plans. The Summit will provide a perfect setting to work with a wide variety of institutions that are helping to promote the success of Indiana’s small businesses. Through the events small business resource fair, participating organizations will serve as important sources of knowledge for anyone looking to start or expand a small business. Through this year's workshops, business owners will be afforded the opportunity to gain insights into IRS matters and federal contract issues that may affect their business. This year’s Small Business Summit will feature the following speakers and workshops:

Charles R. Barrington
Senior Stakeholder Liaison
Internal Revenue Service - Small Business/Self-Employed

Topics:
Session 1: Record-Keeping for Business
Session 2: Worker Classification
- Mr. Barrington will also provide information regarding resources for small business tax questions

Mary K. Kaczka
Program Manager
Partners in Contracting Corp.
- A Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

Topics:
Session 1: Getting your share of Government Contracts
Session 2: Getting your share of Government Contracts

The Small Business Summit workshops will begin at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

To reserve your space, please contact Kelli Pursley of WorkOne Northeast at KPursley@WorkOneNE.org or (260) 745-3555, ext. 228.

PBS39, Allen County Partnership for Water Quality & City of Fort Wayne Win Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence

Ray Steup, WFWA 39 producer/director, along with, Matt Jones, Allen County Partnership for Water Quality Program Manager and The City of Fort Wayne were awarded a crystal trophy for achievements in the category of Education and Outreach during the Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence ceremony. The award was given for their documentary production A WATERSHED MENTALITY, which appeared on PBS39 and has been released nationally by NETA (the National Educational Telecommunications Association, a national public television programming resource).

The award which was presented during the Association of Indiana Solid Waste Management District's 16th annual conference in Indianapolis on Wednesday, October 1, recognizes Indiana leaders who have implemented outstanding environmental strategies into their operations and decision-making processes. A WATERSHED MENTALITY brought to light the problems of sedimentation and erosion in the Maumee River Basin, the largest single tributary in the Great Lakes region. While focusing on one specific watershed, the documentary emphasizes a chronic problem for many waterways in the Great Lakes and throughout the United States.

This award is the latest award for this program, including a regional EMMY nomination. A WATERSHED MENTALITY was funded through a grant from the City of Fort Wayne's Board of Public Works, was produced in cooperation with the USDA, The Great Lakes Commission, The Great Lakes Basin Program for Erosion and sediment control and the Allen County (Indiana) Partnership for Water Quality.

Important OSHA Training Available

Back by popular demand! The Chamber, Ivy Tech and the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana are proud to present the OSHA 10-hour Outreach Course for General Industry. The course, offered through Safework Indiana, provides incredible low-cost, quality training close to your workplace.

If you work in general industry affected by OSHA regulations, this training will meet those regulations and give you much needed information. The event takes place November 13-14 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana (7602 Patriot Crossing). Cost is $255 per person with group rates available.

Topics include: Introduction to OSHA, General Duty Clause, Inspections, Citations and Penalties, Recordkeeping, Walking and Working Surfaces, Fire Safety, Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention Plans and much, much more.

For more information visit the Chamber Web site or contact Mike Landram at (260) 424-1435, ext. 267 or mlandram@fwchamber.org.

Congressional Candidates to Address Disability Advocacy Coalition

The Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition is hosting two political forums focusing on issues related to disabled persons in Northeast Indiana and their families. Congressman Mark Souder and his opponent in the 3rd District Congressional election, Mike Montagano, will address the Advocacy Coalition on their respective positions concerning such topics as health care, education, employment and transportation for disabled persons.

The candidates will also have opportunity to state their positions concerning H.R. 27, which would change the position of the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to an appointment which many perceive as one of less significance. Audience members will have opportunity to ask questions of the speaker.

The Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition consists of Autism Community Together (ACT), Anthony Wayne Services (AWS), Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana (DSANI), Easter Seals Arc, Fifth Freedom, League for the Blind and Disabled, Masonic Center for Learning, Northeast Indiana Autism Support Group, and Turnstone.

The forums take place at the Allen County Public Library in Meeting Rooms A, B, C.
Forum #1: Friday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. – Mike Montagano
Forum #2: Monday, October 20 at 7 p.m. – Mark Souder

For more information please contact Tony Belton of Easter Seals Arc at (260) 469-2777 or Lynne Gilmore of Anthony Wayne Services at (260) 207-5680.

Indiana's NewsCenter to Become Regional Hub

The Networks of Indiana’s NewsCenter will soon become a regional hub for Granite Broadcasting Corporation, bringing with it new jobs and an expanded workforce.

WMYD, the MyTV affiliate in Detroit and WEEK-TV, a dominate NBC affiliate in Illinois will have their signals pass through Indiana’s NewsCenter in the coming months. Master Control, commercial and program scheduling, business support and on-air Creative Services will also originate from Fort Wayne.

WMYD operations will begin this December with WEEK-TV beginning early in 2009.
The initiative is expected to create a dozen new Fort Wayne positions.

YMCA Begins Public Phase of Renaissance Pointe Capital Campaign

The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne is joining the City of Fort Wayne in its efforts to revitalize the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood by conducting a $9.8 million capital campaign to build a new membership branch at Creighton Avenue and Bowser Street. The Renaissance Pointe YMCA will replace two aging facilities that now serve the area, while at the same time combining the rich heritage of the Old Fort and Southeast Family YMCA’s.

The YMCA is having a ground blessing at the future Renaissance Pointe branch site, which is located behind City of Fort Wayne Police Headquarters, on Friday, October 10 at 11:30AM. The YMCA has raised almost $5 million for its future branch and will be announcing the beginning of the public phase of its capital campaign tomorrow. The first $1.75 million and the land the branch will be built on were donated by the City. Mayor Tom Henry will also be speaking at the media event.

Escorted by police officers on scooters, Mayor Henry and YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne CEO Martin Pastura will then lead a walking and biking procession of YMCA employees, board members and neighborhood representatives to the new Renaissance Pointe Trail for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The dual location news conference will demonstrate the connectivity between the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood, the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, and the new Renaissance Pointe Trail which will eventually connect to the future YMCA branch.

Today’s Challenge: Enhancing Our Community Competitiveness

In today’s economy, it is essential for a community to leverage and strengthen its assets to be competitive in a challenging and changing world. Our cultural institutions, our educational systems (K-12 and higher education), social services, our values, our people, health care delivery, local government, and financial resources all represent the assets that distinguish our community. You are invited to attend a unique event presented by community leaders who will discuss how they are meeting this challenge head on. This program is sponsored by Leadership Fort Wayne and NE Indiana Nonprofit Alliance

Date: November 3, 2008
Time: 8-10 am
Place: Allen County Public Library, Theater
(enter at the doors by the coffee shop)
RSVP: Joan Mulherin, 481-6112 or mulherij@ipfw.edu

Moderator:
John Sampson – President/CEO – NE Indiana Regional Partnership
Panel:
Tom Leedy – CEO – The Dekko Foundation
Mike Packnett – President/CEO – Parkview Health
Dr. Wendy Robinson – Superintendent, FWCS
Jim Sparrow – Executive Director – Arts United of Greater Ft Wayne
John Stafford – Director – Community Research Institute @ IPFW
Andrew Thomas – Vice President – Napa Ridge Company
Paul Wilson – CEO – Park Center

Fort Wayne Urban League Celebrates with Gala 2008

On Saturday, November 1, 2008, the Fort Wayne Urban League will sponsor a “Celebrate Economic Opportunity and Success” Gala. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to midnight, and will be hosted by Chamber President Kristine Foate along with McDonald’s Owner Operator Ted Williams.

The evening will feature a VIP reception and mini concert, a “Parade of Stars” video presentation honoring those who have helped in Urban League efforts, and entertainment from R&B headliner Howard Hewitt.

The evening will focus on personal and business success within Fort Wayne, and proceeds from the event will help fund Urban League charitable programs within the community.

The event takes place at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. VIP tickets are $125. For more information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to have an ad featured in the Gala Souvenir Program Booklet, please contact the Fort Wayne Urban League at (260) 745-3100.

Chamber Members: Your Help is Needed!

Mayor Henry of the City of Fort Wayne and our Chamber has agreed to examine the issues concerning the employment of people with disabilities. We are very interested in finding out what our employer community perspective is on this subject. We need your help in getting input on this topic from the private sector. Our group is seeking to convene a small group of employers to find out how employers view employing people with disabilities in their organizations so we can more fully understand this issue and develop appropriate resources. Your voluntary participation on meeting with us to share your valued feedback would be appreciated.

If you would be willing to participate in this meeting process, please email Mike Landram at mlandram@fwchamber.org and we will notify you of the next steps.

Thank you,

Mike Landram, Fort Wayne Chamber and Steve Hinkle, Easter Seals ARC

Lutheran Health Partners with Consumers Life Insurance

Chamber member Lutheran Health Network announced today they will partner with Consumers Life Insurance Company to form a new network to provide healthcare service to consumers in 12 Indiana counties including the Fort Wayne area.

Included in the new network partnership is Fort Wayne's Lutheran Hospital, the region's only heart-transplant facility. Lutheran's facility also has a strong commitment to pediatrics with Lutheran Children's Hospital. In addition, Lutheran is also known for its high quality emergency services. Fort Wayne's Dupont and St. Joseph hospitals are also included in the expansion.

Other LHN medical and healthcare facilities, which are also part of the network, are located in Miami, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko and Wells counties.

The partnership will take effect January 1, 2009.

“Dollars for Denim Day” Supports Ronald McDonald House at Parkview Hospital

Employers are gearing up for the annual “Dollars for Denim Day” during the week of November 17. “Dollars for Denim Day” is part of an initiative by Ronald McDonald House Charities and World Children’s Day. The event raises funds for efforts to promote the health and well being of children.

Fort Wayne area businesses that participate will support funding for Parkview Hospital’s own 6-bedroom Ronald McDonald House, which has accommodated over 7500 families since its 2002 opening.

Employers are asked to allow employees to wear work-appropriate denim, khakis, or other attire of choice for one day during the week of November 17. Each employee participant will receive a sticker and information on the Ronald McDonald House program.

Suggested contribution is $5 or more per participant. Employers can consider a company match for employee contributions. Vendors and customers may also participate.

For more information on “Dollars for Denim Day” contact Lisa Pacula at (260) 373-3591 or Lisa.Pacula@Parkview.com.

Music Study: Calling Guys Ages 32-47

Chamber member, Indiana Research Service, is holding an event at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, October 8 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Event moderator Chris Cage is looking for men between the ages of 32 to 47 to come and listen to country music and they will be paid $75.


If you fit the criteria, or know someone who does and would like to be involved in the study, please call Chris at (260) 485-2442 to be pre-screened. If you have any questions, please contact Chris directly.

Healthcare Reform Seminar

McCain? Obama? Does it really matter? Change is coming to health care delivery and financing. How will it affect your practice, your business, YOU?

The Fort Wayne Medical Society in conjunction with the Fort Wayne Allen County Department of Health, IPFW, Park Center, Parkview Hospital, Taylor University Fort Wayne, and Tri-State Medical Group are proud to offer a four part series targeted to healthcare providers, business owners and legislators to educate and inform you on the problems, the alternatives and the proposed solutions.

Join us for the first session, Wednesday October 15, 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Wayne Country Club, (physicians and legislators) or the second session, Thursday, October 16, 1 p.m. at the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce (business owners, providers, hospital management and managers).

“ HealthCare Reform: An Overview of the Problems Associated with the Current Healthcare System” presented by Drs. Paul Wilson and Jonathan Walker. Additional sessions will be offered over the coming months dealing with “Pros and Cons of the Single Payer Systems,” “Comparisons of Global Healthcare Systems” and “Lifestyles and Behaviors: How they Contribute to Healthcare Costs.” Attend all four as you prepare for the change that is coming sooner rather than later.

To register please contact Alice DiNovo at the Fort Wayne Medical Society at (260) 420-1011 or alice@fwms.org.

Final Days for CEO Reservations!

Do not miss out on the opportunity to hear the benefits and rewards gained by fellow Chamber member participation in the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce CEO Roundtable Program!

The Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce CEO Roundtable Program Information Presentation & New Member Enrollment Meeting will take place this Thursday, October 9 from 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. in the Gallery Room at the Chamber.

Presented by Dave Kaverman, CEO Roundtable Chair and CEO Roundtable panel members.

RSVP today to Rita Chalfant mailto:rchalfant@fwchamber.orgor (260) 424-1435, ext. 263.

About the CEO Roundtable Program:
--The function of CEO Roundtables is to provide a confidential board of peer advisors to support owners and CEOs of small and mid-size businesses. The ultimate purpose is to ensure business success by providing timely help and advice to meet the challenges of managing a business.

Morning Mix Thursday, Oct. 16!

Grabill Bank will host this month’s Morning Mix. This event takes place on October 16 at 7:30 a.m. at the Junior Achievement Building at Lincoln Finance Park on 4031 North Clinton Street.

The Morning Mix offers speed networking at its best and is designed for professionals who are involved in sales, business development, public relations, or any career that requires getting the word out. You will experience 20 minutes at three different tables, receiving the opportunity to present your "unique selling proposition" to a couple of dozen businesspersons in a fast-paced, fun and structured setting.

Admission is $5. In addition, please make sure to bring a stack of your business cards. Continental breakfast is included. To reserve a space, contact the Chamber at (260) 424-1435 or sign up online here. You do not have to be a Chamber member to attend.

Annual Meeting: Network with the Board

(click on image for larger view) Click here to RSVP for the Annual Meeting today! This is your chance to network with the Chamber Board and hear the "State of the Chamber."

IPFW Dining Etiquette & Networking Dinner

IPFW's Dining Etiquette & Networking Dinner takes place October 22 from 6-9 p.m. at The Summit Club, 110 W. Berry St., National City Center Building, 25th Floor. Career Services invites you to enjoy a great meal and have an opportunity to meet and inspire students who are seeking career advice from local employers. For employers, the evening begins with an optional dining etiquette presentation at 6 p.m., covering the basics needed to gracefully manage a formal meal. If you choose not to attend the dining etiquette presentation, the evening will begin at 7 p.m., with an opportunity to network with students and other employers, and then dinner will served at 7:30 p.m.

By attending this event, you will have the opportunity to help students by providing them with career information, job search advice, and referrals. You will be an invaluable resource for students seeking advice on which educational path to pursue, daily activities of your job, current trends in your field, and your likes and dislikes about your career.

Cost for employers is $25. To register click here or for more information contact IPFW Career Services at (260) 481-0689.