Chamber Offices Open on MLK Day

The Chamber will be open for regular office hours from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday, January 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday).

Be a "Freedom Reader" on MLK Day

Volunteer to be a "Freedom Reader" on the MLK National Day of Service on January 19. United Way will hold a brief meeting for volunteers at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 19 (at United Way's Carriage House, 334 E. Berry St.). The "Freedom Readers" will then read books about democracy to children in programs offered by the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club.

To register to be a volunteer, visit usaservice.org, a Web site organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

If you are not able to volunteer as a "Freedom Reader" on January 19, visit LearnUnited.org to learn about the many opportunities to work with struggling readers in Fort Wayne Community Schools and East Allen County Schools.

How to Survive the Recession

Learn the steps to survive and thrive during tough economic times. “How to Survive the Recession” will take place on Tuesday, February 3 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce.

The Fort Wayne Chapter of SCORE has over 2,000 years of real-world business experience. Presenters from a variety of backgrounds and experience including CEO, management, international, real estate, strategic planning and e-commerce will share from their areas of expertise.

Workshop topics:
Recognition of a recession
Small business impact and warning signs
Reduce costs
Review personnel and downsize
Review core business analysis - cut out all non value added functions
Manage receivables
Restructure debt
Extend payment terms
Get employees involved and empowered
Maintain/Increase revenue
Benchmark competitors
Benchmark products and review product offering
Review needs with customers
Last Resort - bankruptcy

Register online at fwchamber.org by February 2 or RSVP to Heather Neilson at (260) 424-1435, ext. 241 or hneilson@fwchamber.org. The cost to attend is $20.

FMLA Guidelines Deadline is January 16

The deadline for complying with the new federal FMLA guidelines is today - Friday, January 16. Beckman Lawson has developed a plug-and-play Implementation Kit to help companies tackle their compliance quickly and simply.

Any business with 50 or more employees at a worksite is required to comply with the new rules. The kit includes al the new required forms and simple step-by-step instructions. It is available at beckmanlawson.com or by calling (260) 422-0800.

Leadership Development Roundtable

The next Leadership Development Roundtable recruiting meeting will take place Wednesday, January 28 from 8 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce (826 Ewing Street). Leadership Development Roundtables offer a confidential forum of peers in non-competing businesses.

Regular meetings are held to share and gain practical knowledge and counsel on today's business challenges. Roundtables are made up of Leaders or Managers with a minimum of three direct reports.

Leadership Development Roundtables are structured to help business managers address a variety of important issues and to offer a springboard for solutions to help improve productivity and profitability.

For more information call (260) 424-1435 or register through the Chamber calendar online by clicking here.

Erin's House Common Bond Breakfast

Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 11 for the return of the Common Bond Breakfast to support Erin's House for Grieving Children. This event will take place at the Fort Wayne Marriott and acclaimed author, Ann Hood will be the keynote speaker.

Hood's most recent works are "Comfort, A Journey through Grief" and "The Knitting Circle." Ann’s short stories have appeared in THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE PARIS REVIEW, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, LADIES HOME JOURNAL, MORE, TIN HOUSE, and PLOUGHSHARES. Ann has won a Best American Spiritual Writing Award, the Paul Bowles Prize for Short Fiction, and two Pushcart Prizes.

The proceeds from the Common Bond Breakfast enable Erin’s House to provide support services for children, teens and their families who have suffered the death of a loved one. Guests are requested to make a $75.00 donation to Erin’s House.

For more information contact info@erinshouse.org.

Home for the Holidays Follow-up

This past December, the Chamber, Majic 95.1, WAJI and the Fort Wayne International Airport 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.

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, spent the holidays with their loved ones.

Here are some snapshots from their reunions with family:

Matthew Scott -

Michael Krumel -

Swiss Re Announces Construction of New Fort Wayne Office Building

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Kroger Announces $75 Million Investment in Northeast Indiana at Press Conference at Chamber

FORT WAYNE, IN – January 15 – At a 10 a.m. news conference today at the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce Building, Kroger Central Division President Bob Moeder and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced details of Kroger’s massive strategic capital investment plan for Northeast Indiana. Kroger’s projected total multi-year investment in this region will exceed $75 million and will create more than 250 additional jobs.

Kroger’s three-year strategic plan in Fort Wayne will include:

• Building three new stores, two of which will be a unique format that does not currently exist in the state of Indiana
• Significantly expanding two stores
• Remodeling an additional three stores
• Closing three stores
• Building up to ten new fuel centers in the region
  
  Kroger President Quote:
  According to President of Kroger’s Central Division, Bob Moeder, “The northeast Indiana grocery, pharmacy and fuel market is very important for The Kroger Co. The combination of Kroger and Scott’s has been very carefully managed and I am pleased to tell you that one year later we have exceeded every measure of success in our business plan. Most importantly, we have been able to combine the exceptional strengths and talents of the Kroger and Scott’s associates, focusing those talents on achieving ambitious goals through an unprecedented level of collaboration. This announcement is truly a celebration of further investments in our people and our communities. For 125 years we have been the local food store in hundreds of communities across this country. Every one of our associates is passionate and sincere about taking care of their customers. That shared dedication explains the success of the Kroger – Scott’s combination.”
  
  Mr. Moeder, in announcing Kroger’s $75 million investment, added, “Almost 18 months ago, I announced Kroger’s acquisition of Scott’s Food and Pharmacy. At that time, I made a very firm, public commitment that we would take care of Kroger and Scott’s associates in this marketplace. Of the 1,340 Scott’s associates who joined us, less than 20 chose to leave the company at the time of the acquisition. This is a phenomenal retention rate in today’s 21st century economy. We also pledged to continue Kroger and Scott’s community engagement priorities and charitable contributions, and we have actually increased our combined contributions to this community. This morning I am pleased to tell you that Kroger is launching a massive economic and workforce investment in this region. This multi-year strategy will include more than $75 million in capital investment and will lead to a net increase of as many as several hundred net new jobs. In addition to Kroger’s direct investment in retail centers across this region, we anticipate a catalytic impact triggering other retail investments that could bring significant reinforcing economic impact.”
  
  Mayor Henry Quote:
  According to Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, “This is a terrific day for the City of Fort Wayne! We already knew Kroger as a dedicated, generous corporate citizen, but recently all of us have had an opportunity to witness the growth of an impressive partnership. We are very fortunate that Kroger has not only continued its own 125 year history of giving back to the local communities they serve, but they have carried on Scott’s traditions such as supporting the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and Cancer Day. In these uncertain economic times, every elected official is distracted by the possible decisions of key employers in their community. Across this state, we see many examples of companies closing or down-sizing. Thankfully, we also see corporate citizens like Kroger who are increasing their investments. On behalf of the citizens of Fort Wayne, I want to thank Kroger for their decision to invest in us. I also want to thank the thousands of Kroger and Scott’s associates whose hard work and dedication is the real reason this investment is possible.”
  
  Fort Wayne Chamber Quote:
  Kristine Foate, President of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce reinforced Mayor Henry’s comments, adding, “We have been saying for some time now that Fort Wayne is a great place to do business. Kroger’s announcement today is further validation of that claim. We are thrilled that Kroger is finding such success in our community and that they are planning this significant reinvestment in Fort Wayne which will lead to more jobs for area residents.”
  

For more information contact: John Elliott, Kroger spokesperson, (317) 579-8260 or john.elliott@kroger.com.

ESARC Transition Night Series

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Tomorrow's Morning Mix CANCELLED: Moved to Next Thursday, 1/22

Tomorrow's Morning Mix has been cancelled due to hazardous weather conditions. The Morning Mix will now take place next Thursday, January 22, from 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. at the new Holiday Inn across from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

For more information contact Laureen Voirol at (260) 424-1435 or lvoirol@fwchamber.org.

Get Cc'd and Enjoy Networking 4 Success

In business they say it is all about who you know. "They" are right and that is why you need to get Cc'd.

January 29, 2009 marks the launch of the Chamber's new monthly networking event, Cc: me, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum lounge from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Cc: me is the place to build your professional network,establish lasting business relationships and catch the latest business buzz.

This is not a place where you will bombarded with sales pitches. It is about networking in its truest sense. Not sure what true networking is or how to do it? Chamber "Connectors" will be present to help connect you to those you should meet and know.

Need a refresher on networking before attending the Chamber’s Cc: me? Then attend "Networking 4 Success: A Business Brown Bag." Learn from networking experts how to effectively engage others in any setting in order to build lasting professional relationships. This two part series will teach the difference between networking and selling and provide you with the skills necessary to build your business through relationships.

These seminars take place January 20 and 27 from 11:45 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. at the Chamber. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members to attend. Register online at fwchamber.org or at the door.

Thank you to our sponsors, First Federal Bank, Five Star Distributing and our host, the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. For more information or to get involved with Cc: me contact Member Relations at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266, lvoirol@fwchamber.org or click here.

YLNI Leadership Institute 2009: Applications being accepted through Wednesday

It is YLNI Leadership Institute time again. Applications for this year's program are now being accepted through Wednesday, January 14, at Midnight. The application can be downloaded from the YLNI website (www.ylni.org).

The goal of the YLNI Leadership Institute is to cultivate the personal and professional development of existing and emerging young leaders of northeast Indiana. Five seminars of personal and professional reflection facilitated by community leaders and professional speakers will assist participants in recognizing and reaching their fullest potential.

Seminar topics include maximizing personal leadership, interpersonal communication and presentation skills, team building, diversity and community impact. Sessions will be held on five Saturdays, February through April, with kick-off and graduation events on Thursday evenings.

Please encourage those you know in their 20s and 30s to apply for this dynamic program. Only 25 seats available. Program cost: $250/person. Similar programs cost over $600. $25 discount for dues paying YLNI members. Some scholarships available. E-mail institute@ylni.org with any questions.

Dreyer's to Increase Production at Edy's Fort Wayne Plant

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. announced today that it will stop production at its Houston, Texas, manufacturing facility by the beginning of April 2009, and shift production to four of its other plants, including Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In addition to the Houston facility, Dreyer's has two plants -- one in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and another in Laurel, Maryland -- that handle East Coast production, and three ice cream manufacturing plants in the West -- in Bakersfield, California; Tulare, California; and Salt Lake City, Utah -- for a current total of six ice cream plants across the country.

Dreyer's, which is headquartered in Oakland, California, where it was founded in 1928, has more than 7,000 employees across the country. The company's premium products are marketed under the Dreyer's brand name throughout the Western states and Texas, and under the Edy's(R) brand name throughout the remainder of the United States.

Special Exhibit at the History Center

In commemoration of the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the History Center presents "Lincoln's Treasurer: Hugh McCulloch of Fort Wayne" exhibit through June 30, 2009.

This exhibit shows how Fort Wayne native Hugh McCulloch shaped Abraham Lincoln's presidency and legacy. McCulloch was a banker who helped launch the national banking system, and was secretary of the Treasury during Lincoln's presidency.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and free for History Center members and children under 5.

For more information visit www.fwhistorycenter.com.

Chamber Member Old Fort Specialty Acquired by Bankers Advertising Co.

Fort Wayne-based Old Fort Specialty has been purchased by Bankers Advertising Company, a promotional products supplier out of Iowa. Old Fort Specialty was formed in 1946 and serves promotional consultants in central Indiana.

Request for Proposals

Chamber Academy offers members the chance to teach as well as to learn, with two-hour to four-hour sessions focused on topics designed to help members grow their businesses.

If you are interested in sharing your subject-matter expertise, increasing your bottom line and getting in front of potential clients, please submit a proposal to present a seminar. Desired areas of expertise include Sales/Marketing, Technology, Management/Leadership, The People Side of Business, Growing Your Business and Professional Development. Presenters may submit multiple date requests for a recurring seminar over the period of a year.

The deadline to submit a proposal for first quarter sessions is January 28. For more information, or a Chamber Academy application, contact Heather Neilson at (260) 424-1435, ext. 241 or hneilson@fwchamber.org.

New FMLA Guidelines Take Effect January 16

The deadline for complying with the new federal FMLA guidelines is January 16. Chamber member Beckman Lawson has developed a plug-and-play Implementation Kit to help companies tackle their compliance quickly and simply. Any business with 50 or more employees at a worksite is required to comply with the new rules. The kit is available by calling (260) 422-0800 or at http://www.beckmanlawson.com/.

Some highlights of the new rules include:

Additional provisions for family of military servicemembers who need to care for a servicemember injured in the line of active duty.
A new entitlement also helps families of members of the National Guard and Reserve manage their affairs while the member is on active duty.
Employer’s notice requirements are clarified and strengthened to allow for a better exchange of information between employers and employees.
Some key time frames for reporting information also have changed.