Chamber's Graduate Retention Program Receives Grant

The Chamber's Graduate Retention Program has been awarded a $2,000 grant by the Howard P. Arnold Foundation for continued support of the program's efforts. Congratulations to the Graduate Retention team!

Memorial Coliseum To Host Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance On December 6 In Memorial Hall

Chamber Member, the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum will host a Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony in Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 6 at 1:30 p.m.

The public is welcomed to attend and honor the men and women who were lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Local Artist Designs New Holiday Scene for Easter Seals Arc Fundraiser

Local Artist Julia Meek has created another scene of Fort Wayne during the holidays that is being sold on holiday cards and as prints.

Easter Seals Arc’s 23rd annual Portraits of Pride showcases a magical array of sights and holiday traditions distinctly "Fort Wayne."

Meek has created a scene called “The Holidays Brighten Downtown Fort Wayne,” which is being printed on holiday cards and sold by Easter Seals Arc. Proceeds benefit Easter Seals Arc programs.

For the last two decades Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana has put Meek’s reflective Christmas scenes on cards, prints and sweatshirts that were sold locally as a fundraiser for the organization.

“For more than twenty years I have proudly rendered an exclusive Fort Wayne street scene for Easter Seals Arc. Not only is it a successful fundraising and awareness campaign, but most importantly, a perfect opportunity for Arc to give back something special to a community that loves to support their wonderful organization,” said Meek. “There’s a huge soft spot in my heart for Easter Seals Arc clients and employees – they are my local heroes.”

Cards and prints are available for a limited time only, so order your one-of-a-kind prints and cards today! Cards can be purchased online at http://www.eastersealsarcnein.org/, or by calling (260)456.4534, ext 264.

Prints are also available at:

All Anne’s Hallmark locations
Nam Revo’s Coffee Shop, 521 Broadway, New Haven
Creative Framing, 3209 N. Anthony Blvd.
Riegel’s Pipe & Tobacco Shop at Georgetown
The Posey Shoppe Florist & Gifts at the Village of Coventy
Umber’s Do it Best Hardware, 2413 Lower Huntington Rd. in Waynedale

Easter Seals Arc, 4919 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne.

Cc: me Communicate. Connect

Cc me: This after-work event is designed to connect you to the Fort Wayne business community and keep you informed about the latest “business buzz.” It is not a time for sales pitches. It is, however, an opportunity to establish relationships that will serve you & your business for years to come. Plus, it will be fun! Big venues—great food—exciting community events. Watch for more info coming soon!

Legislative Preview Reception Next Tuesday

Are you interested in getting heard and getting involved with the issues that matter to your business? Then be sure to attend the Chamber's 2009 Legislative Agenda Preview Reception next Tuesday, December 9 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Chamber (826 Ewing Street).

The Legislative Preview will take a look ahead at the upcoming 2009 legislative session with area legislators. Ask questions and find out what issues will be important in the upcoming year. Food and beverages will be provided.

For more information please contact Keith Knepp, Government & Community Affairs Coordinator at kknepp@fwchamber.org or (260) 424-1435, ext. 228.

Thank you to this year's sponsors: Five Star Distributing, OmniSource, Parkview Health and Verizon.

Former Designer of Wolf and Dessauer Displays to Speak at History Center

Come to the History Center on Sunday, December 7, from 2-3 p.m, as Walter Tharp speaks about his memories as the display manager for Wolf and Dessauer’s various department stores in Fort Wayne. Tharp was one of the first African-Americans to hold such a position in Fort Wayne.

Tharp started working at Wolf and Dessauer while still in high school, graduating from Central High School in 1946. He worked at W&D from 1946 to 1984. For decades, Tharp was in charge of purchasing materials and designing the famous and nostalgic W&D holiday displays, which generations of Fort Wayne residents remember most fondly. The animatronic elves and children on display during the Festival of Gingerbread were his purchases many years ago and used in W&D displays.

History Center admission is $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for seniors and students; free to children age five and under and History Center members.

The History Center is located at 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. For more information, call (260) 426-2882, or visit http://www.fwhistorycenter.com/.

Women’s Enterprise Presents: "Networking 101 and Business Support"

Women’s Enterprise, a program of The Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, offers information, mentoring, counseling and training to potential entrepreneurs and existing business owners who want to start and or grow their small business. All classes are open to the public.

Women’s Enterprise Presents: “Networking 101 and Business Support”
By: Shirley Busack, M.B.A., Director Women’s Enterprise
Date: Mondays, December 8th and 15th, 2008
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, 3521 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Cost: No charge

December 8 class topic will be: Professionalism = $$$
December 15 class topic will be: Creating Newsletters

Please join us for these informative seminars.

Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. Seating is limited!
To register contact Jo Ellen Pepple at (260) 424-7977 or jpepple@womensenterprise.org.

Free Business Incorporation Processing This Week

Chamber member Business901 shared with us this great information for business owners!

For this week, until December 5, MyCorporation will process a new Corporation or Limited Liability Company for FREE. That’s a savings of $149 off regular service fees (note: document shipping, state fees, publication fees, and additional product fees are additional).

To take advantage of this opportunity, just call 1-888-MYCORP-1 (that’s 1-888-692-6771) or visit the website MyCorporation.com to receive the $149 discount.

Home for the Holidays Winners

The Chamber, Majic 95.1, WAJI and the Fort Wayne International Airport recently teamed up to fly a member of the armed services - free of charge - back home to the Fort Wayne area! As a special surprise two soldier's families were informed this morning on the radio that their loved ones will be joining them at home for the holidays.

Congratulations to Michael Krumel of the United States Marines who recently returned home from a tour in Iraq and is currently serving in San Diego and Matthew Scott of the Army National Guard who is serving in Iraq. These soldiers serving our country will be brought Home for the Holidays.

Taste of the Chamber Tomorrow

The Taste of the Chamber is tomorrow, so be sure to get your pre-sale tickets today and save $5!

The Taste of the Chamber takes place Thursday, December 4 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce building in downtown Fort Wayne. Enjoy the best in holiday food and entertainment and even pick up a gift for that special someone on your Christmas list.

In addition to the yummiest food offerings we'll have holiday performances by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic's Alicia Pyle, Fort Wayne Children's Choir and a live radio broadcast with Barb Richards from MAJIC 95.1 WAJI. Plus don't miss out on everyone's favorite silent auction of specially decorated holiday trees.

Tickets are on sale now for $10 pre-sale (save $5) and $15 at the door. For tickets online click here, call the Chamber at (260) 424-1435 or stop by the front desk. You must be 21 or older to attend.

A special thank you to Andrew Davis Menswear for outfitting this year's volunteer staff!

Covington Plaza and Senator Lugar host: A Holiday Celebration!

A Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 6
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Reindeer Petting!


• A visit with Santa!


• Discounts at Covington Plaza Shops!


• Santa Train Rides!


• Hot chocolate and cookies!
  
• Write letters to Santa!

For more information call: (260) 422-1505 or (260) 755-2160 or visit: http://lugar.senate.gov/contact/ne.cfm

"Building Healthy Relationships" Program

BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Creating Right Human Relations in All Aspects of Our Lives

Chamber member Right Relations, Inc. offers a 16-week program on creating healthy relationships. This program is offered 4 times per year.

Next classes begin:

• Tuesday, December 9 at the East Noble High School in Kendallville from 7:00pm – 8:30pm
  
• Thursday, December 11 at Crestview Middle School in Huntington from 7:00pm – 8:30pm


• Saturday, December 13 at the Allen County Juvenile Center in Fort Wayne from 9:30am – 11am.

You must be pre-registered prior to start date to attend. There is a $35 registration fee and $25/class, however there is a sliding fee scale for the class fees. For registration information and start dates for future classes please call the Right Relations office at (260) 436-7578.

Currently, 50% of all marriages end in divorce. The odds for a successful relationship are gained by completing a tested and proven program that focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships. Graduates say these classes should be given before a marriage license is issued and they are worth the investment. One graduate in particular stated: “They would have saved me time, money, and heartache. These classes not only saved my marriage, but my job too. What is taught can be used in all of your relationships.”

If you would like additional information about Right Relations, Inc. please call (260) 436-7578, email at inquire@rightrelations.org, or visit the Web site at http://www.rightrelations.org/.

LEADS Group @ WestPoint Financial Group

The next meeting for the Chamber of Commerce’s LEADS group will be Wednesday, December 3 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at WestPoint Financial Group. WestPoint will be presenting.

LEADS - Leadership Experiences And Developing Success
This group is for the young professional looking to grow their business through leads, professional development and relationship-building. The LEADS Group is designed for young peers in non-competing businesses to meet monthly to share and gain practical knowledge and counsel on today's business challenges.

If your business is a Chamber member and you are a 20 or 30-something, mark your calendar for the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. RSVPs are required. Please contact Joe Gass via e-mail or (260) 436-9980.

LEADS Group membership is $50 the first year, $25 each year thereafter.

WestPoint Financial Group
6920 Pointe Inverness Way, Suite 120
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Bowl for Kids' Sake - Have fun. Help Kids.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana is excited to announce the kick-off of the 2009 Bowl for Kids Sake fundraising season. Bowl for Kids' Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters' largest fundraising effort, and will help reach the goal of serving 1800 children this coming year.

Events are held in thirteen counties throughout Northeast Indiana and South Central Michigan, with multiple dates and times available. All funds raised from Bowl for Kids' Sake will help provide for the recruitment, screening, training, and matching of positive adult role models with children in your local area.

Raising funds for Bowl for Kids' Sake doesn't have to be a challenge. Each bowler is asked to raise $100, and that is as easy as asking 10 friends and family members for $10 each! Fundraising is now even easier with online registration and donation. By directing friends and family to your donation page, they are able to contribute online and keep track of your fundraising efforts.

To register to be a bowler or to sponsor a bowler visit http://www.bbbsnei.org/

BOWLING SCHEDULE:

ADAMS COUNTY
Saturday, March 7, 2009
12-2pm, 2-4pm & 4-6pm
Haworth Lanes - Berne, IN

ALLEN COUNTY
Saturday, February 7, 2009
9am-12pm, 12-2pm & 2-5pm
Sunday, February 8, 2009
10am-1pm & 1:30-4pm
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 6-8pm
Pro Bowl West - Fort Wayne, IN

DEKALB COUNTY
Sunday, February 15, 2009
1:30-4pm & 4-6:30 pm
Garrett Bowl - Garrett, IN

HUNTINGTON COUNTY
Sunday, February 15, 2009
2-4pm
Rainbow Lanes - Huntington, IN

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Sunday, February 15, 2009
1-3pm & 3-5pm
Northside Lanes - Warsaw, IN

NOBLE COUNTY
Saturday, February 21, 2009
9-11am, 3-5pm & 5-7pm
Shadow Bowl - Kendallville, IN

STEUBEN COUNTY
Saturday, February 28, 2009
8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2pm & 2-4pm
Sunday, March 1, 2009
10am-12pm, 12-2pm & 2-4pm
Angola Bowl - Angola, IN

WELLS COUNTY
Friday, February 20, 2009
7-9pm
The Bowling Center - Bluffton, IN

WHITLEY COUNTY
Saturday, February 21, 2009
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Main Bowl - Columbia City, IN

COLLEGE BOWL
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
6-8pm & 8-10pm
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
6-8pm & 8-10pm
Indiana Tech - Fort Wayne, IN

Chamber Member ITT Awarded Five Year FMS Contract

ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT) today announced that its Communications Systems business has been awarded a five-year Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract by the U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM). This Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract was awarded through the Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD), Ft. Monmouth, N.J., for the manufacture and delivery of communications and electronics equipment and services required by international customers through the Foreign Military Sales program.

The FMS program is the government-to-government method for selling U.S. defense equipment, services, and training to allied nations. The five-year FMS contract contains an option for a sixth year and has a potential value of $490 million over the life of the contract.

"We are very pleased to be able to support both the U.S. Army CECOM and our nation's allies through this FMS contract," said Ken Peterman, president of ITT Communications Systems. "It allows us the flexibility to meet the varied needs of our important international customers with an array of ITT products and services. We look forward to doing our part in helping provide U.S. allies with the communications necessary for a strong defense."

Potential products and services under the contract include communications systems, radios and associated products, components and services such as installation, training, and engineering support. Production will primarily be completed at Communications Systems' facilities in Fort Wayne, Ind. or Basingstoke, United Kingdom. Those products will include, but are not limited to, the export version of the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), the High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR), the SpearNet Team Member Radio and the Spearhead Radio.

Christmas Carol Watercolors on Display at the History Center

A new addition to the Festival of Gingerbread this year brings back fond memories of the holidays in downtown Fort Wayne. The History Center will display original watercolors by local artists Fred Gilbert and Patricia McKee that once adorned Patterson Fletcher department store in downtown Fort Wayne during the holidays in the 1940s and 1950s.

These watercolors were based on the illustrations in the 1938 edition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Many visitors remembered these paintings from their younger days, and this year the complete set of 20 individual paintings will be on display.

This is the 23rd anniversary of the Festival of Gingerbread fundraiser, held November 28–December 14, 2008. More than 10,000 visitors come through the History Center every year to enjoy the many fanciful gingerbread creations on display during the Festival of Gingerbread.

Hours during the Festival of Gingerbread are: Monday through Thursday, 9am-5pm; Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; and Sunday, Noon-5pm. For more information, call the History Center at 260.426.2882, or visit http://www.fwhistorycenter.com/.

The History Center is located at 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne. Admission is $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for seniors and students; free to children age 5 and under.

Chamber Member Hampton Inn Southwest Receives "Outstanding" Rating

The Hampton Inn Southwest, located at 8219 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Fort Wayne recently received an “Outstanding” rating from Hilton Hotels International.

This prestigious rating is the highest quality rating possible, given only to the hotels that meet the high standards that the Hilton Brand requires during regular inspections of the hotel. This designation is highly coveted by all Hilton properties.

In order to qualify for this ranking, the hotel must first have been given a superior rating in overall guest satisfaction scores, a result of random surveys given to guests after their stay at the hotel.

The hotel is then graded in three areas: general condition of the hotel, cleanliness, and the meeting of hotel brand standards.

Out of 3000 points possible, the Hampton Inn Southwest was given 2889 points, a score of 97.25% with a perfect 100% cleanliness rating!