The Fort Wayne-Allen County Office of Homeland Security is encouraging City and County residents and business owners who have experienced moderate to severe flood damage this week to contact the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Reports of the damage can be made online at www.in.gov/dhs. Click on the “Report Severe Weather Damage” link in the center of the page and then the Wind/Flooding March 8 and Continuing link.
A direct link to the form is at:
https://oas.in.gov/hs/dev/flood/public/main.jsp?incidentId=WIND20090308. IDHS will be available to take reports over the phone next week.
Residents and business owners should report any locations that have had two or more feet of water in the basement or first floor of a structure, including houses, garages, apartments, mobile homes and commercial properties.
The form asks a series of questions about the damage to property as it relates to flooding.
The IDHS report is NOT a request for assistance. If the area qualifies for assistance, a separate FEMA application will be required.
These initial reports to DHS will help state homeland security officials assess damage from the floods to see if the City and County will qualify for federal assistance. Local officials can tally the costs to infrastructure and public property, but need residents’ help for the damage to private assets.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Attention Members: Chamber Access Update
(click on image for larger view)
With all of the downtown construction, the Chamber is a bit harder to get to, but we're still ready and able to help your business succeed.
From now through April 15 (weather permitting) the intersection of WAYNE & EWING streets is closed for storm sewer improvements.
From now through April 15 (weather permitting) the intersection of WAYNE & EWING streets is closed for storm sewer improvements.
Currently the First Presbyterian Church parking lot across the street from the Chamber can be accessed from Berry Street, just past Webster. Hourly parking will be available in this lot during construction. Another lot can be accessed at Fairfield and Wayne for $3 parking.
The City of Fort Wayne expects to provide access in one week to the Chamber from Wayne between Webster and the Allen County Public Library garage entrance, just east of Ewing. When this route becomes available, there will be two-way traffic during the intersection closure. Members can use the Wayne street access here to park in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. Street parking near the Chamber will not be available during construction.
A map of traffic patterns is pictured above. Again, we appreciate your patience during the temporary construction project.
Fort Wayne Welcomes 1500 Athletic Trainers
Chamber member, The Grand Wayne Convention Center is currently hosting one of its largest meetings this year. The Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association is hosting their 2009 Annual Meeting & Symposium through Saturday. Physicians from OrthoNortheast and Fort Wayne Orthopedics will speak to nearly 1,500 certified and student athletic trainers. March celebrates National Athletic Training Month.
The Employee Free Choice Act
The Employee Free Choice Act is important federal legislation that has been proposed which will have a tremendous adverse effect on all businesses and employers in the United States. This proposed legislation is strongly opposed by the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and should be strongly opposed by all business owners. The Act greatly diminishes workers’ privacy rights within the workplace to resist overtures by labor union advocates.
The intention of the legislation is clearly designed to make it easier for unions to organize the workforce. In the past decade, the percentage of union membership in the private sector has been in steady decline. This has resulted in a major push by unions to have this legislation passed. Unions, pro-union supporters, and pro-union lobbyists have spent millions of dollars in lobbying and advertising efforts to push this Bill through Congress.
Under the proposed legislation, certification of unions in a workplace can be based solely upon signed authorization cards that are collected by the union. A union can be recognized and certified if 50% plus one employee within a bargaining unit signs a card authorizing and designating a certain union as the exclusive collecting bargaining agent for the employees. Under the Act, unions have the right to determine whether they can simply utilize a card check or request a secret ballot election to determine whether all employees want to be represented by a particular union. If the union obtains signatures of over 50% of employees, the union is automatically certified. If the union obtains 30% or more signatures, the union can request a secret ballot election which will utilize the same election procedures currently in place under existing law. In almost all instances, employers may end up with a unionized workforce without even realizing or knowing that a union organizational effort has taken place.
The House (H.R.1409) and Senate (S. 560) both introduced their bills on March 10, 2009. The House bill has 222 co-sponsors-- including Indiana Representatives Visclosky, Donnelly, and Carson-- and the Senate has 40. It is important to note is that the number of co-sponsors is down significantly this year.
We need you to take action to help stop this legislation before it goes to the President for his signature. President Obama supports this legislation and has said that he will sign EFCA if it makes it to his desk – with your help we can stop it. It is critical that all Members of Congress – pro or against - hear from you today. Even if you have already written a letter, please take the time to call your Senators and Representative to remind them of your opposition. If you know your elected representative is opposed to the legislation, be sure to call and thank them. We encourage you to share this email with your friends and business associates as education on EFCA and ask them to also contact their Members of Congress.
We need to keep up our momentum on this issue, so please call, email or fax your Members of the House and Senate today to make them aware of how EFCA will affect your business. You can use http://mail.fwchamber.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.voteforbusiness.com online communication system to email your opposition by using this link. There is also an online EFCA Tool Kit that has sample letters to Congress, newsletter articles, and other information to assist you with your outreach.
Please let us know if you have any questions or need additional information.
Positions of the Indiana Delegation on Card Check Legislation
Senator Richard Lugar (R) opposed (202) 224-4814
Senator Evan Bayh (D) undecided (202) 224-5623
Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-01) co-sponsor (202) 225-2461
Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-02) co-sponsor (202) 225-3915
Rep. Mark Souder (R-03) opposed (202) 225-4436
Rep. Steve Buyer (R-04) opposed (202) 225-5037
Rep. Dan Burton (R-05) opposed (202) 225-2276
Rep. Mike Pence (R-06) opposed (202) 225-3021
Rep. Andre Carson (D-07) co-sponsor (202) 225-4011
Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-08) undecided (202) 225-4636
Rep. Baron Hill (D-09) undecided (202) 225-5315
The intention of the legislation is clearly designed to make it easier for unions to organize the workforce. In the past decade, the percentage of union membership in the private sector has been in steady decline. This has resulted in a major push by unions to have this legislation passed. Unions, pro-union supporters, and pro-union lobbyists have spent millions of dollars in lobbying and advertising efforts to push this Bill through Congress.
Under the proposed legislation, certification of unions in a workplace can be based solely upon signed authorization cards that are collected by the union. A union can be recognized and certified if 50% plus one employee within a bargaining unit signs a card authorizing and designating a certain union as the exclusive collecting bargaining agent for the employees. Under the Act, unions have the right to determine whether they can simply utilize a card check or request a secret ballot election to determine whether all employees want to be represented by a particular union. If the union obtains signatures of over 50% of employees, the union is automatically certified. If the union obtains 30% or more signatures, the union can request a secret ballot election which will utilize the same election procedures currently in place under existing law. In almost all instances, employers may end up with a unionized workforce without even realizing or knowing that a union organizational effort has taken place.
The House (H.R.1409) and Senate (S. 560) both introduced their bills on March 10, 2009. The House bill has 222 co-sponsors-- including Indiana Representatives Visclosky, Donnelly, and Carson-- and the Senate has 40. It is important to note is that the number of co-sponsors is down significantly this year.
We need you to take action to help stop this legislation before it goes to the President for his signature. President Obama supports this legislation and has said that he will sign EFCA if it makes it to his desk – with your help we can stop it. It is critical that all Members of Congress – pro or against - hear from you today. Even if you have already written a letter, please take the time to call your Senators and Representative to remind them of your opposition. If you know your elected representative is opposed to the legislation, be sure to call and thank them. We encourage you to share this email with your friends and business associates as education on EFCA and ask them to also contact their Members of Congress.
We need to keep up our momentum on this issue, so please call, email or fax your Members of the House and Senate today to make them aware of how EFCA will affect your business. You can use http://mail.fwchamber.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.voteforbusiness.com online communication system to email your opposition by using this link. There is also an online EFCA Tool Kit that has sample letters to Congress, newsletter articles, and other information to assist you with your outreach.
Please let us know if you have any questions or need additional information.
Positions of the Indiana Delegation on Card Check Legislation
Senator Richard Lugar (R) opposed (202) 224-4814
Senator Evan Bayh (D) undecided (202) 224-5623
Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-01) co-sponsor (202) 225-2461
Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-02) co-sponsor (202) 225-3915
Rep. Mark Souder (R-03) opposed (202) 225-4436
Rep. Steve Buyer (R-04) opposed (202) 225-5037
Rep. Dan Burton (R-05) opposed (202) 225-2276
Rep. Mike Pence (R-06) opposed (202) 225-3021
Rep. Andre Carson (D-07) co-sponsor (202) 225-4011
Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-08) undecided (202) 225-4636
Rep. Baron Hill (D-09) undecided (202) 225-5315
Feet on the Street
by Teresa RoyerMember Relations Specialist
I stopped by to pay a visit to Jon Allmandinger of William & Wagner Advertising. His office is located at 503 West Wayne Street one of the beautiful historic homes here in downtown Fort Wayne renovated as a place of business.
The lower level of the building is occupied by the famous Peony Tea House. If you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out. Sue Shull and her good friend Karen Starn own the tea house. If you plan to eat there on St. Patricks’s Day, March 17, and wear green, you will be surprised with an extra dessert – green in color of course - and your food may very well be served on green dishes no less.
I encourage you to make reservations though and plan some extra time in your day. It’s a relaxing atmosphere and you will want to take your time and enjoy...
They even have a mystery dinner theatre on some weekends. Here’s their email if you want to learn more about them and be added to their newsletter: peonyteahouse@verizon.net or you can give them a call at (260) 426-4832.
Enjoy!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Doing Business with the Federal Government
The Small Business Administration presents on on-line seminar: "Learn how to do business with the federal government."
Discover:
How to register your business to sell to the government
How to obtain federal contracting certifications
Where to find contracting opportunities
This free federal government contracting seminar takes place: March 17, 2009 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. EDT
How to participate in this on-line seminar:
Participate from the comfort of your home or office, as a virtual attendee you use your phone to hear the presenter and view the presentation on your computer.
On the phone: Dial toll-free to 1-866-740-1260. When prompted, enter the Participant Login Access Code 3056201 for the conference call.
On the computer: Log onto website http://www.readytalk.com Type the same Participant Login Access Code 3056201 in the box on the left of the screen, fill in a simple participant registration form to join the live session and view the presentation.
Registration/questions before or after the seminar, contact Marty Anderson, SBA, at (317) 226-7272 x111.
This seminar can also be viewed at the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, 3521 Lake Avenue. If coming to the Women’s Bureau, please RSVP at (260) 424-7977 or jpepple@womensenterprise.org.
Discover:
How to register your business to sell to the government
How to obtain federal contracting certifications
Where to find contracting opportunities
This free federal government contracting seminar takes place: March 17, 2009 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. EDT
How to participate in this on-line seminar:
Participate from the comfort of your home or office, as a virtual attendee you use your phone to hear the presenter and view the presentation on your computer.
On the phone: Dial toll-free to 1-866-740-1260. When prompted, enter the Participant Login Access Code 3056201 for the conference call.
On the computer: Log onto website http://www.readytalk.com Type the same Participant Login Access Code 3056201 in the box on the left of the screen, fill in a simple participant registration form to join the live session and view the presentation.
Registration/questions before or after the seminar, contact Marty Anderson, SBA, at (317) 226-7272 x111.
This seminar can also be viewed at the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, 3521 Lake Avenue. If coming to the Women’s Bureau, please RSVP at (260) 424-7977 or jpepple@womensenterprise.org.
SCORE to Meet at Steel Dynamics
SCORE will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 17. This will be a special meeting including a tour of Steel Dynamics (Whitley County). The SCORE business meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in the SDI cafeteria. A tour of the facilities will follow at 10 a.m.Pre-notification is required to attend this meeting. If you plan to attend RSVP to Jack Gaylord at (260) 432-0772 or boilerjack@verizon.net.
The Fort Wayne Chapter of SCORE was named the District Chapter of the Year for FY2008. To learn more about SCORE visit http://www.score-fortwayne.org/.
Microsoft Excel 2007 Class From the Women's Enterprise
What: "Computer Basics - Excel" presented by Shirley Busack, MBA, Director Women's Enterprise
When: Monday, March 23 from 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Where: Love Community Center (1331 E. Berry St.)
Cost: $20
Pre-registration is required as seating is limited. To register contact Jo Ellen Pepple at (260)424-7977 or jpepple@womensenterprise.org.
Women's Enterprise offers information, mentoring, counseling and training to potential entrepreneurs and existing business owners who want to start or grow their small business. All classes are open to the public.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Chamber Announces Kathleen Randolph as 2009 ATHENA Award® Recipient
The Chamber recognized Kathleen Randolph, President/CEO of Partners for Workforce Solutions, as the 2009 Northeast Indiana ATHENA Award® recipient at the 5th Annual ATHENA Award® program and luncheon this afternoon at Ceruti’s Summit Park.In her role as President/CEO of Partners for Workforce Solutions, Kathleen has led Northeast Indiana in a transformation of its workforce system into a state and national model. Through her work, Kathleen has actively mentored numerous individuals into leadership roles with organizations throughout the community, both as staff and as board members. She is also a founding member of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Cancer Research and serves with Crossroads Home for Children.
The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce marked the fifth anniversary of the ATHENA Award® Program with a special ceremony celebrating eleven 2009 Award nominees. The ATHENA Award® Program honors individuals who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, who provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and who actively assist other women in realizing their full leadership potential.
Congratulations to Kathleen and all the exceptional 2009 nominees for their outstanding community leadership:
Barbara Berghoff – President/CEO - Pro Fed Credit Union
Kristi Cortezano – Account Development Rep – T-Mobile
Kim Gonzalez – Communications Manager – Do It Best Corp.
Karen Gregerson – Sr VP/Chief Financial Officer – STAR Financial Bank
Cindy Joyner – Director – Neighborhood Code Enforcement
Linda Kluczinske – Director, Counselor, Minister – Wings of Hope
Kathleen Randolph – President/CEO – Partners for Workforce Solutions
Barb Richards – Program Director – WAJI Majic 95.1FM
Sherri Weidman – CEO – Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana
Brenda West – Principal, Adams Elementary – FWCS
Lena Yarian – President – Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana
Four ATHENA Scholarships were also presented at today’s luncheon ceremony to the following exceptional high school students. Each will receive a $1000 scholarship to attend the college institution of their choice in Indiana.
Congratulations to:
• Samantha Chapman, Homestead
• Ciara Jeffrey, Heritage
• Chloe Morrical, Leo
• Jordan Smith, Northrop
An Evening of Elegance at the Community Harvest Gala
Join the Community Harvest Food Bank for an evening of fine dining, entertainment and live and silent auctions at the Community Harvest Gala on Saturday, March 21. This elegant event will take place at the Fort Wayne Marriott Ballroom. All proceeds will assist Community Harvest in its mission to help provide food to those in need in Northeast Indiana.Tickets for the Gala are $175 per person, and seating is limited for this black-tie-optional event. Tables of eight and ten are available for groups. Corporate sponsorships are also available which include complimentary tickets and recognition.
For more information, to purchase tickets or to donate items for the auctions, visit http://www.chfb.org/ or call (260)447-3696.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
SBA Offering Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are still available to small businesses in Indiana that are economically impacted by the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred from May 30 through June 27, 2008.The application deadline for the loan is Wednesday, March 11. Small businesses, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes in select counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio are eligible to apply.
Loans are available up to $2 million for small businesses that suffered substantial economic injury from the disaster. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.
For more information or to obtain a loan application, call (800) 659-2955 or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Science Central Offers Extended Fun This Spring
Science Central is extending the fun with new extended hours every Saturday during March, April and May. You will have four additional hours as Science Central remains open until 9 p.m. Explore your favorite exhibits and find some new ones as well, such as the brand-new Robots Exhibit.Admission is $7 for children over 3 and adults. Visit Science Central on the Web at sciencecentral.org.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Women's Enterprise Presents Class on Microsoft Word 2007
Women's Enterprise, a program of The Fort Wayne Women's Bureau, presents "Computer Basics - Word." Women's Enterprise offers information, mentoring, counseling and training to potential entrepreneurs and existing business owners who want to start and or grow their small business.What: "Computer Basics - Word" presented by Shirley Busack, MBA, Director Women's Enterprise
When: Monday, March 16 from 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Where: Love Community Center (1331 E. Berry St.)
Cost: $20
Pre-registration is required so act now to reserve your space! Contact Jo Ellen Pepple at (260)424-7977 or jpepple@womensenterprise.org.
Free Nutrition Seminar
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana is offering a free nutrition seminar on Thursday, March 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. The seminar is entitled "Eating Well During Cancer Treatment" and will take place at Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana (6316 Mutual Dr.). Mischa Bassett, RD from Lutheran Hospital, will be presenting. To register contact Gail Hamm at ((866)484-9560.
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