Friday, October 17, 2008
Network with the Chamber Board at Next Wednesday's Annual Meeting
RSVP Today by clicking here. For more information please call Heather Neilson at the Chamber (260) 424-1435. (click on image below for info)
Want to Get Involved in the Community? Attend YLNI's Ultimate Mixer
(click on image for larger view)
GM Plant Awarded "2 Million Work Hours Award"
General Motors Fort Wayne Assembly truck plant has been award the” 2 Million Work Hours Award” by the National Safety Council for having completed two million work-hours without incurring an occupational injury or illness that resulted in days away from work. Fort Wayne Assembly was among a select group of facilities honored for having more than 2 million hours without incurring any lost work day cases.
According to Plant Manager, Mike Glinski, “General Motors is committed to worker safety in every manufacturing operation and the Fort Wayne Assembly truck plant is no exception. We believe nothing we do is worth risking an injury, and we have very deliberately focused on training and teamwork to prevent accidents.” UAW Local 2209 President, Orval Plumlee said, “We are pleased and honored for this outstanding recognition of our hard work and this performance shows that our worker safety training is thorough, consistent and effective.”
According to Plant Manager, Mike Glinski, “General Motors is committed to worker safety in every manufacturing operation and the Fort Wayne Assembly truck plant is no exception. We believe nothing we do is worth risking an injury, and we have very deliberately focused on training and teamwork to prevent accidents.” UAW Local 2209 President, Orval Plumlee said, “We are pleased and honored for this outstanding recognition of our hard work and this performance shows that our worker safety training is thorough, consistent and effective.”
Free businessKillers Seminar from WestPoint Financial
You are invited to attend a free businessKillers seminar entitled: Avoiding The 6 Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business & Your Future. The seminar is sponsored by Chamber member WestPoint Financial Group.Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Networking/Continental Breakfast @ 7 a.m.)
Location: 900 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240, First Floor Conference Room
Directions
This program is designed to assist business professionals in planning and protecting their business. Space is limited, so please make your reservations early by contacting Lindsay Johnston at (317) 705-8109 or mailto:lindsayjohnston@finsvcs.com. Please provide your name and company name.
Directions
This program is designed to assist business professionals in planning and protecting their business. Space is limited, so please make your reservations early by contacting Lindsay Johnston at (317) 705-8109 or mailto:lindsayjohnston@finsvcs.com. Please provide your name and company name.
Feet on the Street
by Teresa RoyerMember Relations Specialist
I was fortunate enough to help celebrate CTN’s grand opening today with a ribbon cutting. CTN stands for Community Transportation Network. They help individuals in need of transportation to and from medical appointments as well as partnering with other organizations that are in need of their services.
They are located in International Park at 2701 S. Coliseum and the open house was amazing. They have a beautiful set of offices; which connect to their indoor garage where now for the first time all their vehicles are in one place and under one roof.
Part of the open house was a tour through the offices where you were able to meet the staff along with the board members. One particular staff member is George Dunn.
George started out as a driver and was promoted to Supervisor of Training and Vehicle/Building Maintenance; he’s responsible for maintaining the building and most importantly their vehicles. George has his work down to a science and has a passion for what he does. George remarked that he is able to go home every night, put his feet up and know that he made a difference in somebody’s life that day. Can you imagine not having your car and needing to go to the doctor and having no support system?
There is something about CTN that is contagious; the people truly care about what they do. If you would like to help CTN continue to help people get to where they need to go in order to be healthy, give Becky Weimerskirch a call at (260) 420-3280 . There are many ways you can help them and enjoy a tax credit at the same time. The year is coming to an end and April 15 is just around the corner…..
SIRVA Moves Domestic Moving Services HQ to Fort Wayne
SIRVA Moves Domestic Moving Services HQ to Fort Wayne
240 Jobs to be added over next three years; $16 million reinvestment planned
Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from global moving and relocation giant SIRVA Moving Services, Inc. today to announce the company’s plans to consolidate its national headquarters here, creating 240 new jobs by 2011.
The moving mogul, operating under the two main brands of Allied and northAmerican Van Lines, will invest more than $16 million to consolidate its operations and relocate its suburban Chicago headquarters to the company’s existing 288,000 square foot facility on U.S. Highway 30 in northwest Fort Wayne.
“SIRVA’s decision to centralize its operations here means hundreds of jobs, but it’s also a vote of confidence in our state’s competitive business environment and in the more than 450 Hoosiers already working for the company in Fort Wayne,” said Daniels.
SIRVA currently employs 460 associates at its regional business support center in Fort Wayne and will begin hiring financial, business and sales staff in early 2009 following the completion of initial improvements to the Indiana facility.
“SIRVA continues to pursue initiatives that foster growth, create efficiencies and drive maximum value for our customers, agents and company,” said Michael Wolfe, SIRVA president of moving services, North America. “This decision further demonstrates our commitment to our moving services business.”
The company, which operates in more than 40 countries and employs nearly 4,000 around the globe, conducts more than 300,000 relocations every year.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered SIRVA up to $2.4 million in incentives based on the company’s job creation and retention plans. The City of Fort Wayne will provide a grant of up to $366,000 over the next three years to help offset a small portion of the planned reinvestment. In addition, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission will consider up to $634,000 in tax increment finance assistance and the Fort Wayne Common Council will consider phasing in taxes on the project over five years. SIRVA could save approximately $878,427 while still paying nearly $2 million in local property tax over five years. Additionally, worker recruitment, screening and training assistance being coordinated by WorkOne Northeast could result in an additional $600,000 in benefit to SIRVA and its new and incumbent workers.
“Projects like this don’t come around very often, and when they do it takes teamwork to make them happen,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “The state and local teams have worked well together for the past several months to secure this project for Northeast Indiana. We’re pleased SIRVA made the decision to consolidate here and together we’ll do everything possible to keep and grow the company in Fort Wayne.”
“We’re obviously pleased with today’s announcement,” added Kristine Foate, president & CEO of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. “SIRVA is a big part of key industry clusters here – specifically logistics and financial services. This is very good news for our region.”
Those interested in employment opportunities with SIRVA should contact WorkOne Northeast at tputt@workonene.org (preferred) or 260.459.1400 x 4506.
240 Jobs to be added over next three years; $16 million reinvestment planned
Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from global moving and relocation giant SIRVA Moving Services, Inc. today to announce the company’s plans to consolidate its national headquarters here, creating 240 new jobs by 2011.
The moving mogul, operating under the two main brands of Allied and northAmerican Van Lines, will invest more than $16 million to consolidate its operations and relocate its suburban Chicago headquarters to the company’s existing 288,000 square foot facility on U.S. Highway 30 in northwest Fort Wayne.
“SIRVA’s decision to centralize its operations here means hundreds of jobs, but it’s also a vote of confidence in our state’s competitive business environment and in the more than 450 Hoosiers already working for the company in Fort Wayne,” said Daniels.
SIRVA currently employs 460 associates at its regional business support center in Fort Wayne and will begin hiring financial, business and sales staff in early 2009 following the completion of initial improvements to the Indiana facility.
“SIRVA continues to pursue initiatives that foster growth, create efficiencies and drive maximum value for our customers, agents and company,” said Michael Wolfe, SIRVA president of moving services, North America. “This decision further demonstrates our commitment to our moving services business.”
The company, which operates in more than 40 countries and employs nearly 4,000 around the globe, conducts more than 300,000 relocations every year.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered SIRVA up to $2.4 million in incentives based on the company’s job creation and retention plans. The City of Fort Wayne will provide a grant of up to $366,000 over the next three years to help offset a small portion of the planned reinvestment. In addition, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission will consider up to $634,000 in tax increment finance assistance and the Fort Wayne Common Council will consider phasing in taxes on the project over five years. SIRVA could save approximately $878,427 while still paying nearly $2 million in local property tax over five years. Additionally, worker recruitment, screening and training assistance being coordinated by WorkOne Northeast could result in an additional $600,000 in benefit to SIRVA and its new and incumbent workers.
“Projects like this don’t come around very often, and when they do it takes teamwork to make them happen,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “The state and local teams have worked well together for the past several months to secure this project for Northeast Indiana. We’re pleased SIRVA made the decision to consolidate here and together we’ll do everything possible to keep and grow the company in Fort Wayne.”
“We’re obviously pleased with today’s announcement,” added Kristine Foate, president & CEO of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. “SIRVA is a big part of key industry clusters here – specifically logistics and financial services. This is very good news for our region.”
Those interested in employment opportunities with SIRVA should contact WorkOne Northeast at tputt@workonene.org (preferred) or 260.459.1400 x 4506.
Cancer Services Relocates To Better Serve Local People With Cancer
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana will complete the move to a new location near the I-69 corridor today - Friday, Oct. 17.
The office will be closed on Friday, Oct. 17, as staff and volunteers complete the moving process.
Beginning Monday, October 20, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana can be found at 6316 Mutual Drive. Office hours remain the same: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new office building is located in Brotherhood Office Park, south of Ludwig Road, between Lima and Coldwater Roads.
The new facility will offer expanded space for support groups and complementary care programs. Clients will also benefit from increased parking, a larger warehouse for durable medical equipment and health supplies, and more convenient access when traveling to cancer treatment facilities at Parkview and Lutheran hospitals.
This project was made possible through the successful completion of Phase One and Two of a capital campaign. Major funders to Campaign for Everyday Heroes include English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Parkview Foundation, Madge Rothschild Foundation and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.
The office will be closed on Friday, Oct. 17, as staff and volunteers complete the moving process.
Beginning Monday, October 20, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana can be found at 6316 Mutual Drive. Office hours remain the same: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new office building is located in Brotherhood Office Park, south of Ludwig Road, between Lima and Coldwater Roads.
The new facility will offer expanded space for support groups and complementary care programs. Clients will also benefit from increased parking, a larger warehouse for durable medical equipment and health supplies, and more convenient access when traveling to cancer treatment facilities at Parkview and Lutheran hospitals.
This project was made possible through the successful completion of Phase One and Two of a capital campaign. Major funders to Campaign for Everyday Heroes include English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Parkview Foundation, Madge Rothschild Foundation and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
BBB Can Drive
In an effort to assist area residents who have been hard hit financially, the BBB of Northern Indiana, located at 4011 Parnell Avenue, will have a donation can placed inside the building to collect non-perishable food items for non-profit organizations. This campaign will be on-going throughout the remainder of 2008 and through 2009. "There are individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. BBB wants to be proactive in helping them," said Michael Coil, President/CEO. "If you are in our area, we'd very much appreciate your support. After reading an article in our paper about the low stock of items, our staff got together and decided this would be something we could do that would benefit many people in our community."
Please visit www.bbb.org for more information.
RP Global Solutions Technology Showcase
Chamber member RP Global Solutions will have a presentation of their RFID technology on October 22.RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. Usually marketed as a small “tag,” these tags transmit a unique identifier to a nearby viewer via radio waves. RFID is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders.
RFID technology for business use has been around for about five years and longer for government and defense. At the beginning the technology could only be read at a range of up to several meters (over ten feet). The read range of an RFID tag now, however, depends greatly on its operational frequency and environment.
Anyone interested in attending the presentation on Oct. 22 should contact Chris Palevich at (260) 399-1636.
New Dean V. Kruse Gallery
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to purchase an Auburn automobile in the early 1920s or to visit an Auburn dealership back then? While the Auburn Automobile Company is no longer producing Auburn automobiles, it is still possible to experience how its dealers might have done business in the 1920s by visiting the new “Dean V. Kruse Gallery • Early Auburns 1903-1924” at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.The gallery is decorated to look like an Auburn dealership in the early 1920s, complete with mission chairs and Indian rugs. Many rare Auburn automobiles dating from 1903 to 1924 are exhibited throughout the gallery, and several can only be seen at the museum, “This gallery features many early Auburn automobiles that visitors will not find anywhere else. This gallery is an example of the greatest collection of Auburns from this era under one roof,” said Matt Short, the museum’s executive vice president.
The museum installed a viewing area in the gallery and produced a movie depicting a married couple in the 1920s visiting an Auburn dealer and their experience in purchasing an Auburn automobile. DeKalb County filmmaker, Kelly Lynch, produced the film at the museum in the gallery, “The film is key to the gallery’s interpretation and success. It brings to life the early dealership experience and even lends some humor and history to the experience,” said Short. \
The gallery is sponsored by Kruse Energy & Equipment, LLC and Kruse International Inc., in honor of Dean V. Kruse. “The Auburn Automobile Company is known for the legendary classics of the 1930s that the company built during E.L. Cord’s tenure. Many forget that Charles Eckhart started the Auburn Automobile Company at the turn of the century by bolting engines on to modified buggy chassis,” said Kruse.
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum – where the world’s finest cars of yesterday live today! Over 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest cars are displayed with other automotive related exhibits on three floors. The museum is located in the original 1930s national headquarters of the legendary Auburn Automobile Company and is a National Historic Landmark. Admission is charged, with group and family rates available. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. year round. In 2008, plan a visit and bring your family to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, a place where automotive history comes to life! Visit www.acdmuseum.org
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Book Spring Break to Florida NOW on Allegiant
It's time to plan your spring break getaway to Florida with Allegaint Air. Flights to Tampa and Orlando from Fort Wayne are on sale now and the deals are GREAT! Don't delay, book today at allegiantair.com.
Announcing 2nd Annual “Downtown Fright Night”
Several Downtown organizations have come together to coordinate the 2nd annual “Downtown Fright Night” Halloween event. Fright Night will be held in Downtown Fort Wayne on October 25 beginning at 4 p.m.
The Downtown Fright Night is a series of all-ages Halloween events taking place at some of our finest Downtown Venues. People who attend the event will be encouraged to walk the streets of Downtown and enjoy the many different types of events that will be offered.
Events include:
-- The Downtown Zombie Walk parade, starting at 4 p.m. at the Downtown Library plaza;
-- Screening of the silent classic “Nosferatu” at the Embassy accompanied by the historic Grande Page Organ;
-- Magic show by world-famous Dick Stoner before Embassy screening;
-- Costume parade and hands-on Halloween activities by WAJI and the Grand Wayne Center;
-- Tour of the “Old City Jail” at the History Center;
-- Haunted Bus and Walking tours by ARCH starting at the Indiana Hotel;
-- Screening of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Botanical Conservatory.
This event is coordinated by the Downtown Improvement District, The Embassy, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Science Central, ARCH, The Grand Wayne Center, History Center and WAJI.
For more information, including event artwork, please contact the Downtown Improvement District at (260) 420-3266.
The Downtown Fright Night is a series of all-ages Halloween events taking place at some of our finest Downtown Venues. People who attend the event will be encouraged to walk the streets of Downtown and enjoy the many different types of events that will be offered.
Events include:
-- The Downtown Zombie Walk parade, starting at 4 p.m. at the Downtown Library plaza;
-- Screening of the silent classic “Nosferatu” at the Embassy accompanied by the historic Grande Page Organ;
-- Magic show by world-famous Dick Stoner before Embassy screening;
-- Costume parade and hands-on Halloween activities by WAJI and the Grand Wayne Center;
-- Tour of the “Old City Jail” at the History Center;
-- Haunted Bus and Walking tours by ARCH starting at the Indiana Hotel;
-- Screening of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Botanical Conservatory.
This event is coordinated by the Downtown Improvement District, The Embassy, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Science Central, ARCH, The Grand Wayne Center, History Center and WAJI.
For more information, including event artwork, please contact the Downtown Improvement District at (260) 420-3266.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Forum
Please join the American Cancer Society at a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Forum.
Members of our medical community and representatives of the health insurance industry will share life-saving information on how to prevent the second leading cause of cancer deaths in this country, colorectal cancer.
What: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Network (CRAN) of Northeast Indiana
When: Thursday, November 13.
Where: Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, 826 Ewing Street
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Continental Breakfast included. RSVP’s are appreciated. Please call Teresa Irmscher at (260) 471-3911. Please consider attending. It might just save a life!
Members of our medical community and representatives of the health insurance industry will share life-saving information on how to prevent the second leading cause of cancer deaths in this country, colorectal cancer.
What: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Network (CRAN) of Northeast Indiana
When: Thursday, November 13.
Where: Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, 826 Ewing Street
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Continental Breakfast included. RSVP’s are appreciated. Please call Teresa Irmscher at (260) 471-3911. Please consider attending. It might just save a life!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Free CPR Training Reminder
The City of Fort Wayne and the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana have teamed up for a special offer to those participating in Don’t Miss a Beat, the communitywide hands-only CPR training.Anyone completing the training Oct. 25 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for CPR certification through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.
The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross’s adult, child, infant CPR training class through July 1, 2009. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attended the October training.
The compression CPR training offered throughout the day Oct. 25 at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, will train participants how to give adults life-saving chest compressions.
Individuals may register for the Don’t Miss a Beat training sessions online at 3RCPR.org, at any Fort Wayne Kroger or Scott’s location, and at any Fort Wayne fire station from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Registration is also available at the Fort Wayne/Allen County Department of Health’s office on the 5th floor of the City-County Building and the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, 826 Ewing St. Registration forms are also included with City Utilities’ September bills and can be returned with the payment.
The City of Fort Wayne has partnered with Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, the American Red Cross, Lutheran Health Network, Parkview Health, Focus on Health and the Fort Wayne/Allen County Department of Health to offer the free classes. While it is not a full CPR certification course and does not meet OSHA or federal guidelines for employment-required certification, it does teach a life-saving skill.
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in a victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.
In addition to the training sessions Oct. 25 for residents ages 16 and up, the American Red Cross will have a blood drive at the Public Safety Academy and the Fort Wayne Police Department will offer demonstrations including training equipment at the academy. To secure a blood donation time, preferably after training, call (800) GIVE-LIFE.
To register online for training, visit 3RCPR.org. For more information, call (260) 427-1120 or e-mail 3rcpr@cityoffortwayne.org.
Go "Back to Your Childhood" on Nov. 13
Go “Back to Your Childhood” at November’s Meet Me @ 5. The Dome will host a special Meet Me @ 5 on November 13 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.The event will feature miniature golf, batting cages, great networking, prizes and much, much more. The Dome is located at 5702 Engle Road, Fort Wayne IN, 46804.
The cost to attend is $5 plus a business card for Chamber members or $10 plus a business card for non-Chamber members. For more information, contact Teresa Royer at (260) 424-1435, ext. 265 or troyer@fwchamber.org. Register online at fwchamber.org. Hope to see you there!
Monday, October 13, 2008
TUFW to Discontinue Traditional Undergrad Program
Taylor University officials announced today the discontinuation of the traditional undergraduate program on its Taylor University Fort Wayne (TUFW) branch campus, effective May 31, 2009, and that some yet-to-be-determined programs may be moved to the main campus in Upland.
The announcement was made to TUFW faculty, staff and students today by Dr. Eugene B. Habecker, Taylor’s president, during campus meetings. This does not affect Taylor’s growing online learning program, which numbers nearly 600 students. Neither does it impact Taylor’s Fort Wayne-based MBA program, or the WBCL Radio Network.
The discontinuation of the TUFW undergraduate program impacts:
- 299 full-time and 38 part-time degree-seeking students (213 who live on campus).
- 18 full-time and 24 part-time/adjunct faculty members.
- 56 full-time and 22 part-time staff members.
Richard Gygi, Taylor’s Board chairman, cited the inability to create a successful TUFW business model as the chief factor in the Board’s decision, made during its 2008 fall meeting last week. “After 16 years of significant effort and investment, we concluded that we have been unable to develop the TUFW operation into one that is financially self-sustaining,” he said. “After much deliberation, prayer and consideration, the Taylor Board of Trustees voted to end the traditional undergraduate program at the end of the current school year on May 31, 2009.”
Habecker said that since its inception in 1992 when Taylor University acquired the former Summit Christian College, TUFW has operated at an average deficit of $1 million a year, which has been subsidized from Taylor’s Upland campus budget – resulting in more than $15 million in total subsidies. “Even with the generous contributions of alumni, friends, corporations and foundations, we arrived at the conclusion that the losses were too great to continue with the traditional undergraduate model for TUFW,” he said.
In addition to ending the traditional TUFW undergraduate program, Taylor’s Board tasked the Taylor administration with the following responsibilities:
- Encourage TUFW undergraduate students to finish their degrees at Taylor’s Upland campus.
- Support affected faculty and staff during this time of transition.
- Study which programs at TUFW may be consolidated into the undergraduate program on Taylor’s Upland campus.
- Explore the potential of future Taylor University academic programs in the Fort Wayne community.
- Develop recommendations for alternative uses for the Fort Wayne facility.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions our Board of Trustees has ever made,” Gygi stated.
“Our goal is to do everything within our power to see that the members of our Taylor community are able to continue their lives with the least disruption possible,” added Habecker.
“I observed all of the Board of Trustee deliberations and these men and women exhibited exceptional boardsmanship in making this very difficult decision,” said Dr. Duane Kilty, TUFW chancellor. “While this decision brings a sense of great sorrow, I accept and support it.
“For the past two-and-a-half years, Joni and I have had the privilege of serving the TUFW community. We have grown in our love and respect for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends,” Kilty continued. “During the coming days, we will be dedicated to ensuring to the best of our ability that these men and women are able to continue their educations and careers. We covet the prayers of our neighbors, friends and families.”
“The Board of Trustees and I highly commend the leadership of Chancellor Duane Kilty and his wife Joni, the dedicated efforts of faculty and staff, the commitment of students and parents, the generosity of alumni and friends, and the support of the greater Fort Wayne community,” said Habecker. “Taylor University continues to embrace the alumni of its branch campus as well as alumni from its predecessors, Fort Wayne Bible College and Summit Christian College.”
Habecker said that Taylor’s main campus in Upland is academically strong and financially sound, a fact evidenced by its ranking as the number one Midwest baccalaureate university by U.S.News and World Report for the past two years.
The announcement was made to TUFW faculty, staff and students today by Dr. Eugene B. Habecker, Taylor’s president, during campus meetings. This does not affect Taylor’s growing online learning program, which numbers nearly 600 students. Neither does it impact Taylor’s Fort Wayne-based MBA program, or the WBCL Radio Network.
The discontinuation of the TUFW undergraduate program impacts:
- 299 full-time and 38 part-time degree-seeking students (213 who live on campus).
- 18 full-time and 24 part-time/adjunct faculty members.
- 56 full-time and 22 part-time staff members.
Richard Gygi, Taylor’s Board chairman, cited the inability to create a successful TUFW business model as the chief factor in the Board’s decision, made during its 2008 fall meeting last week. “After 16 years of significant effort and investment, we concluded that we have been unable to develop the TUFW operation into one that is financially self-sustaining,” he said. “After much deliberation, prayer and consideration, the Taylor Board of Trustees voted to end the traditional undergraduate program at the end of the current school year on May 31, 2009.”
Habecker said that since its inception in 1992 when Taylor University acquired the former Summit Christian College, TUFW has operated at an average deficit of $1 million a year, which has been subsidized from Taylor’s Upland campus budget – resulting in more than $15 million in total subsidies. “Even with the generous contributions of alumni, friends, corporations and foundations, we arrived at the conclusion that the losses were too great to continue with the traditional undergraduate model for TUFW,” he said.
In addition to ending the traditional TUFW undergraduate program, Taylor’s Board tasked the Taylor administration with the following responsibilities:
- Encourage TUFW undergraduate students to finish their degrees at Taylor’s Upland campus.
- Support affected faculty and staff during this time of transition.
- Study which programs at TUFW may be consolidated into the undergraduate program on Taylor’s Upland campus.
- Explore the potential of future Taylor University academic programs in the Fort Wayne community.
- Develop recommendations for alternative uses for the Fort Wayne facility.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions our Board of Trustees has ever made,” Gygi stated.
“Our goal is to do everything within our power to see that the members of our Taylor community are able to continue their lives with the least disruption possible,” added Habecker.
“I observed all of the Board of Trustee deliberations and these men and women exhibited exceptional boardsmanship in making this very difficult decision,” said Dr. Duane Kilty, TUFW chancellor. “While this decision brings a sense of great sorrow, I accept and support it.
“For the past two-and-a-half years, Joni and I have had the privilege of serving the TUFW community. We have grown in our love and respect for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends,” Kilty continued. “During the coming days, we will be dedicated to ensuring to the best of our ability that these men and women are able to continue their educations and careers. We covet the prayers of our neighbors, friends and families.”
“The Board of Trustees and I highly commend the leadership of Chancellor Duane Kilty and his wife Joni, the dedicated efforts of faculty and staff, the commitment of students and parents, the generosity of alumni and friends, and the support of the greater Fort Wayne community,” said Habecker. “Taylor University continues to embrace the alumni of its branch campus as well as alumni from its predecessors, Fort Wayne Bible College and Summit Christian College.”
Habecker said that Taylor’s main campus in Upland is academically strong and financially sound, a fact evidenced by its ranking as the number one Midwest baccalaureate university by U.S.News and World Report for the past two years.
Chamber's Graduate Retention Receives Grant
The Community Grantmaking Fund, held at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne last week announced it had awarded $1.2 million in grants to several nonprofit agencies in Allen County, including the Chamber's Graduate Retention Program.
Graduate Retention received a multi-year grant giving the program $17,000 for two years for a total of $34,000.
Congratulations to Graduate Retention! For more information, click here.
Graduate Retention received a multi-year grant giving the program $17,000 for two years for a total of $34,000.
Congratulations to Graduate Retention! For more information, click here.
Northeast Indiana College Fair
Over the next decade, the American workforce will be short millions of qualified workers for jobs requiring education beyond a high school diploma. High school students today must consider post-secondary education, whether it is technical or college training, a necessity, not just an option.
The Northeast Indiana College Fair in the Walb Student Union at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne on Oct. 14 is the perfect place to start planning. Nearly 75 colleges and universities from in and around Indiana – both public and private – will have information available on programs and services offered. Representatives also will be available to talk with students about what they are looking for and what the school can provide. In addition,there will be representatives from branches of the U.S. Armed Forces for students interested in pursuing the military.
The fair is open to students from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 14. From 6 to 8 p.m. the fair will be open for students and families who could not make it earlier in the day or who want additional information.
Admission to the event is free, and free parking is available on IPFW's campus. The fair is sponsored by: the Indiana Association for College Admission Counseling, Fort Wayne Community Schools, East Allen County Schools and IPFW.
The Northeast Indiana College Fair in the Walb Student Union at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne on Oct. 14 is the perfect place to start planning. Nearly 75 colleges and universities from in and around Indiana – both public and private – will have information available on programs and services offered. Representatives also will be available to talk with students about what they are looking for and what the school can provide. In addition,there will be representatives from branches of the U.S. Armed Forces for students interested in pursuing the military.
The fair is open to students from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 14. From 6 to 8 p.m. the fair will be open for students and families who could not make it earlier in the day or who want additional information.
Admission to the event is free, and free parking is available on IPFW's campus. The fair is sponsored by: the Indiana Association for College Admission Counseling, Fort Wayne Community Schools, East Allen County Schools and IPFW.
Vino, Java & Jazz
Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana will host its second annual “Vino, Java & Jazz”, a different kind of gala, to let you live with purpose, and party with a cause. On Friday, November 7, join Easter Seals at Bergstaff Place, 2020 East Washington Blvd., for an event that raises funds that help ensure all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities.
Silent auction bidding begins at 5:30pm on over 70 items. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 for two. Tables of eight are also available for $400.
The evening will feature chefs preparing a smorgasbord of tastes from the ARAMARK@Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Bourbon Street Hideaway, Casa’s, Catablu, Cerulean, Chappell’s, Coconutz, Granite City Food & Brewery, Fort Wayne Chocolate Fountain, and Vigneto. Wine tasting is courtesy of Kroger/Scott’s, while coffee will be provided by Starbucks, and live jazz will be provided by the University of Saint Francis Trio.
Auction items include an autographed photo of Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Getaway Package, Chicago Getaway Package, a behind the scenes tour for 10 along with wine and cheese at the Embassy, VIP tickets to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, a tour and tasting for 10 at Warbird Brewery, Dr. Phil studio audience tickets, and many more exciting items.
For more information contact Valerie Magana at (260)456-4534 ext. 267.
Silent auction bidding begins at 5:30pm on over 70 items. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 for two. Tables of eight are also available for $400.
The evening will feature chefs preparing a smorgasbord of tastes from the ARAMARK@Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Bourbon Street Hideaway, Casa’s, Catablu, Cerulean, Chappell’s, Coconutz, Granite City Food & Brewery, Fort Wayne Chocolate Fountain, and Vigneto. Wine tasting is courtesy of Kroger/Scott’s, while coffee will be provided by Starbucks, and live jazz will be provided by the University of Saint Francis Trio.
Auction items include an autographed photo of Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Getaway Package, Chicago Getaway Package, a behind the scenes tour for 10 along with wine and cheese at the Embassy, VIP tickets to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, a tour and tasting for 10 at Warbird Brewery, Dr. Phil studio audience tickets, and many more exciting items.
For more information contact Valerie Magana at (260)456-4534 ext. 267.
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