Saint Francis Students to be Mentored by CEOs

Sixteen business students from Chamber member University of Saint Francis will be mentored for two to three years by local CEOs, company owners, founders, or other high level executives. The students participating make up the first class of the Busse EPIC academic program, a program that was specifically designed around what area CEOs stated they were looking for in college graduates.

The participating business leaders include Kathy Carrier, Cathy Brand-Beere, Pat Miller, Jerry Henry, Larry Lee, Jim Blum, Dave Kuhn, Joe Wolfcale, Bob Taylor, John Snider, John Groulik, Doug Schenkel, Dane Miller, Scott Glaze, Stacy Smith and Barbara A. Goslee.

For more information on the Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership, click here.

Brain Gain Program Encourages Less Educational Debt for Allen County Employees

Questa Foundation is seeking applications for its 2009 Brain Gain Program. The Brain Gain Program assists college graduates in selected fields with repayment of their educational loans in an effort to encourage less debt and greater financial freedom for employees in Allen County.

In order to be considered, applicants must:

• Already have completed a bachelor’s and/or graduate degree in engineering, engineering technologies, or computer engineering;

• Currently be employed for at least a year in Allen County, Indiana in one of these fields: advanced manufacturing, computer information technology, or biomedical/biotechnology;

• Have received a federal student loan or other loan approved by the Questa Loan Review Committee with outstanding school loan debt.

The loan repayment grant will be applied toward the recipient’s college loan debt and will be made in four annual payments of $2,500, up to a maximum of $10,000. To qualify for each $2,500 annual payment, recipients must meet annual employment requirements in designated fields in Allen County.

The application deadline is October 30, 2009. Awards will be announced by November 30. For more information and instructions for applying visit www.questafoundation.org and click on the Brain Gain link.

"Ask Our Experts" Online Through Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech Community College is making Ask Our Experts available to the public online. The database of accomplished individuals allows knowledge and expertise to be shared. Ask Our Experts started in the spring as a group of Fort Wayne Ivy Tech faculty and staff that were willing to share their knowledge with the media, civic groups, community groups, and others. Now the project extends to all Ivy Tech campuses within the state.

Currently there are more than 130 experts listed and 300 areas of interest covered. Areas of interest can be both vocational and avocational. Top experts can be accessed at www.ivytech.edu/experts. For more information or questions about Ask Our Experts, contact Jeff Fanter, vice president for communications and marketing, at 317-921-4502 or at jfanter@ivytech.edu.

Update on Important Legislation Offered to Employers

The controversial Employee Free Choice Act (known as Card-Check) legislation is currently being considered at the federal level, and will have a significant impact on business owners if passed. The Chamber wants to keep you informed of legislative movements, how they affect your business, and what you can do now to protect your business from harmful changes.

Join the Chamber and Tom Kimbrough of Barrett & McNagny LLP for an EFCA Update on September 30. You will be briefed on the status of the legislation and how you can impact it, possible outcomes for your business, as well as preparations for employers including assessing an organization's vulnerability to unionization, do's and don'ts for supervisors and management and much more. For more information on EFCA click here. For a complete workshop outline and discount pricing information, click here.

Tower Bank's Branches to Grow

Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce member Tower Bank & Trust Co. plans to build larger facilities at two of their Fort Wayne locations. The 2,600 square foot branch on W. Dupont Road and the 2,400 square foot Illinois Road branch have both been selected for the project. They were the first branches established following the 1999 opening of Tower's headquarters in the 22-story downtown Lincoln Tower.

The new facilities have been planned at about 3,000 square feet and each will have three teller windows and more room for offices. Tower is planning to break ground on Dupont in the first week of October and some point next summer for the Illinois Road branch. Including its headquarters, Tower has seven locations including six in Fort Wayne and one in Warsaw. For more information about Tower Bank, visit www.towerbank.net.

H1N1 Training Available to Local Businesses

The World Health Organization recently announced that a global pandemic of H1N1 was underway. Unlike it's cousin, the seasonal flu, H1N1 is affecting young adults and school children in larger numbers than anticipated.

To combat fear and equip businesses and individuals with knowledge, the McMillen Center for Health Education is offering a new program, H1N1: What you Need to Know Now. The program will focus on teaching groups to identify the symptoms and characteristics of the virus, methods of prevention, vaccination facts, and other helpful information.

The cost to schedule a session is $150 and the program may be held at your business or at the McMillen Center. Businesses, churches, schools, and all other organizations are encouraged to take advantage of this program. For more information or to schedule a session, call 260-456-4511 or send an email to lhathaway@mcmillencenter.org.

Operation Beanie Baby Helping Soldiers and Children Abroad

Chamber member Easter Seals ARC is sponsoring a unique outreach program for soldiers overseas. It started when Sergeant Sheppard, a local soldier and son of Judy Sheppard, the Intergenerational Services Manager at Easter Seals ARC, came and demonstrated the American flag folding technique to a group of children in the Stepping Stones Child Development Center. The children decided to collect 100 Beanie Babies and send them to Iraq to thank Sergeant Sheppard.

The Beanie Babies arrived after 9 days and nearly 7,000 miles of travel. They were quickly snatched up and stuffed into pockets, knee pads, and helmets to provide more cushion for the fast moving men. They also made great connecting points between the soldiers and local children, who often fear the American men with guns.

Easter Seals ARC is asking for your help to support Operation Beanie Baby. Please drop off any unwanted Beanie Babies that are clean and in good condition at Easter Seals ARC, 4919 Coldwater Rd. For more information about Operation Beanie Baby, you can contact Tony Belton, Public Relations Coordinator at 260-469-2777.

Chamber Offers Confidential Forum for CEO's and Managers

Are you a CEO looking for a confidential setting to gain ideas and solve problems? Join other CEO's, top-level managers and decision makers in a confidential peer advisory group to promote business success. CEO Roundtables provide timely help and peer-to-peer advice to meet the challenges of managing small to mid-size businesses.

Join us at the CEO Roundtable Informational Meeting on October 7 to see if a Roundtable is right for you. You will hear Dave Kaverman, CEO Roundtable Chair, and current CEO Roundtable members highlight the benefits and rewards of this peer forum, and answer any questions you may have. This free event takes place from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce. For more information or to RSVP contact kdaniel@fwchamber.org or register online.

Healthy Employees a Money-Saver for Employers

Chamber member's Parkview Health and Physicians Health Plan (PHP) have linked arms in an effort to raise local health awareness. Together they have aligned with the American Heart Association Start! Program, a national movement that is asking employers and individuals to find opportunities for physical activity.

According to Jay Gilbert, President and CEO of PHP, preventable health issues cost employers an estimated $225.8 billion a year. Participating in the Start! Program is a good way to begin cutting those costs. The Start! Program offers a year round walking program, an online walking buddy system, a Fit-Friendly Companies program complete with awards, and more.

Fort Wayne area businesses or individuals interested in getting involved or learning more can contact Michael Stetzel at (260)437-9034 or visit fortwayneheartwalk.org.

SCORE Enlists Small Business Expert Steve Strauss

SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business," will be featuring Steve Strauss as a monthly columnist for their Web site. Strauss is the author of 15 books. He is an internationally recognized columnist, speaker, and lawyer. He has been featured on CNN and he is the small business columnist for Microsoft and AT&T, a company that calls him "America's Small Business Expert." SCORE's Fort Wayne chapter, a Chamber member, can provide you with information for starting or operating a small business. Visit their Web site or call (260) 422-2601 for more information.

Fort Wayne Habitat ReStore Pays for Home

The Chamber recently participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony with member Habitat for Humanity in celebration of the Habitat ReStore.

Customers of the ReStore can now feel doubly good about their purchases since they are funding a home for the Win family. Rosey Win is a single mother with three children who came to Fort Wayne as a refugee from Burma. She is employed full-time at Vera Bradley, Inc. as a team leader.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are retail outlets where quality, used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from sales help Habitat for Humanity fund the construction of simple, affordable homes within Allen County. Fort Wayne Habitat has constructed 127 homes in Allen County and an additional 78 homes internationally, and plans to build an additional 10 homes this year.

For more information on the new home, the ReStore or Habitat, please call HABITAT (422-4828) or visit www.fortwaynehabitat.org.

Tomorrow's Business Brown Bag Focuses on Social Media

Don't miss the Chamber's next Business Brown Bag, presented by Digital Hill Multimedia, Inc. Wondering how to use social media to promote your business? Experts from Digital Hill will present an interactive overview of various social media tools.

You will learn about new cost-effective and measurable marketing techniques including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and how these social media platforms can be used to market your business, product and services. You will have these and many more questions answered:

• How have other businesses like mine been successful using Social Media?
• I thought Social Media was just for my kids or to connect with friends; can it really help my business?
• Can Social Media Marketing work for my type of business?
• I don't know much about Facebook or other Social Media; so is this something I'd have to learn and would require lots of time and money?

This event will take place tomorrow, Thursday, September 24 from Noon - 1 p.m. Cost is $5 for Members, $10 for non-members (pay at the door). Please RSVP to troy@digitalhill.com.

JH Specialty to Expand Fort Wayne Operations

Chamber member JH Specialty has announced that it will expand its Fort Wayne operations to 6030 Huguenard Road. The professional services company, with the assistance of Hilltrans, LLC, will invest approximately $870,000 and create over 30 new jobs. The project will begin this month and is scheduled for completion March 2010.

JH Specialty was established in Fort Wayne in 1998 by company CEO, John Henry III. “We believe this is a necessary time for expansion, as business continues to increase through our various operational platforms,” said Henry. “Being located in Fort Wayne has been very beneficial to our company, and we look forward to maintaining business here for years to come.”

JH Specialty offers professional services in the areas of marketing, web development and design, custom application development and specialized consulting. As a result of the project, the company will be able to operate a call center to support a division that primarily sells promotional products online. Additional web designers and developers, network administrators, account managers, clerical and warehouse staff will be needed due to the expansion.

“JH Specialty is an optimum example of a young company that continues to progress, even in a tumultuous economy.” stated Mayor Tom Henry. “This investment will provide a boost to the growing technology sector of the City of Fort Wayne.

JH Specialty has requested that taxes on the project be phased in over time. The company could realize $193,018 in real and personal property tax savings over a ten year period if the request is approved by the City of Fort Wayne. JH Specialty will also receive a $9,000 grant from the city’s CEDIT incentive pool. The company’s tax abatement request will be introduced at tonight’s Fort Wayne Common Council meeting. For more information on JH Specialty, visit www.jhspecialty.com.

Fuel Hedging Program for Fort Wayne

The City of Fort Wayne is taking part in the State of Indiana Bond Bank's fuel-price hedging program.

The program protects Fort Wayne against unexpected price jumps. Fort Wayne is just one of six Indiana cities that are taking part. If the price of gas goes above the price cap set, the Bond Bank covers the difference rather than it coming from Indiana taxpayers. In July, it cost Fort Wayne an extra 7 cents per gallon to participate.

Expansion will be considered in the future to potentially include diesel fuel and school systems.

Share Your Thoughts on the Chamber's 2009 Golf Outing

The Chamber's Golfopoly golf outing on August 27 was a blast as a variety of member businesses gathered at Autumn Ridge Golf Club. Attendees participated in a silent auction and raffle, enjoyed bratwurst grilled on the course and one lucky hole-in-one winner - Charlie Brown from Jack Laurie Floors - won a new set of golf clubs for a great shot at the 11th hole!

Now that Golfopoly is over, we want to hear about your experience and learn what you would like to see at future Chamber golf outings! Please take 1-2 minutes to fill out this brief survey of your experience.

Congrats to the final winners of Golfopoly 2009:

1st place - Noble Machinery Company (Ken Noble, Jeff Degitz, Dan Herstad, Jeff Bailey)
2nd Place - Grabill Bank (Bob Michael, Jim Houlihan, Steve Sisson, Brad Kees)
3rd Place - Fort Wayne Newspapers (Mike Christman, Arnie Ball, George Hayes, Michael Wartell)

Thanks again to our 2009 Sponsors: Silver Sponsors, Comcast Business Class & ROCK104, Beverage Cart Sponsor PHP andAwards Sponsor Gallagher Uniforms!

"Faith into Action" Summit to be held in Fort Wayne

On September 25, 2009 at the Public Safety Academy from 8:30-3:30, the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives will be partnering with the City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Access to Recovery to sponsor the "Strengthening Our Communities: Taking Faith into Action" summit. The event has been created to engage pastors, lay leaders, and other community based organizations in current issues facing the faith community.

Representatives from Governor Daniels office will be in attendance, along with area Congressmen. Mayor Tom Henry's office will serve as host for the event. Activities will include facilitated panel discussions, a networking luncheon and focused workshops.

Attendence is free with a $10 lunch cost that may be paid on the day of the event. Registration is strongly encouraged and may be obtained at www.ofbci.in.gov.

Brotherhood Mutual Expanding Operations in Northeast Indiana

Chamber member Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, an insurer of churches and related ministries, announced today that it will expand its operations here, creating up to 60 new jobs by 2012.

The company, which has been insuring churches and ministries for more than 90 years, will invest more than $5.2 million to establish a new 26,000 square-foot customer service center to increase capacity for its expanding markets in the western United States.

"Great companies like Brotherhood Mutual are proving that Indiana is the right place to grow business in a tough economic climate," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We're happy that this company has decided to expand locally and expand its history of growing and creating jobs in Fort Wayne."

Brotherhood Mutual, which currently employs 260 associates at its Fort Wayne headquarters, plans to begin hiring additional customer service and support personnel by the end of 2009 before moving into the new facility next summer.

"We're excited that this expansion will allow us to serve more church and ministry customers across the country," said Mark Robison, chairman and president of Brotherhood Mutual. "Indiana has been our home since the beginning and our company's success was built on the hard work and dedication of the employees who live here."

Founded in 1917 by Albert Neuenschwander and his pastor, Aaron Souder as a way to help local churches cover damages caused by fire and natural disasters, the company has grown to serve congregations and ministries in 38 states. Brotherhood Mutual plans to offer coverage to the entire United States within the next five years.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company up to $700,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Fort Wayne will consider additional property tax phase-in at the request of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance.

"Brotherhood Mutual has proven its sustainability even in tough economic times and continues to provide opportunities to citizens of the city of Fort Wayne," said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. "It's wonderful to see a company with such a long, rich history continue to succeed and grow in our community."

Brotherhood Mutual's announcement comes nearly two months after tradeshow and exhibit supplier ICON Exhibits announced that it would invest $4.3 million to expand its logistics operation in Fort Wayne, creating up to 60 new jobs.

For more information on Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company visit www.brotherhoodmutual.com.

Indiana Lending Approaching $1 Billion

According to InsideIndianaBusiness.com, Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce member JPMorgan Chase recently announced they have made approximately $926 million in loans and lines of credit to an estimate of 865 small and medium sized Indiana businesses during the second quarter of 2009. Chase was the largest auto lender in the country for the first half of 2009. JPMorgan Chase's lending record in Indiana is reflective of their lending nationwide in which they provided nearly $150 billion in new credit.

Chase is committed to lending in order to keep the American economy growing. During the second quarter of this year, they provided an estimate of $5.3 billion in auto loans and leases. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's most recent data, nearly 95% of Indiana businesses have fewer than 100 employees. In total, these companies employ about 900,000 people and pay out $26.5 billion in salaries.

JPMorgan Chase has a total of 190 branches in the state of Indiana. For more information on JPMorgan Chase & Co., visit www.jpmorganchase.com.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service Offering Free Counseling

Starting September 22, Consumer Credit Counsling Service (CCCS) will be providing free counseling services to the public out of Indiana Tech office space in Huntington. CCCS hopes that access to financial counseling will lead to greater quality of life for recipients.

The CCCS is a non-profit community service founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1965, committed to helping people gain control of their finances.

October 23 REO Speedwagon and Foghat Performance At The Embassy

On Friday, October 23, at 8 p.m., the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre will be hosting The Rock Doubleheader, a concert featuring the classic rock bands REO Speedwagon and Foghat.

REO Speedwagon came together in the 1970's and have recorded several hit singles. Their 1980 album, Hi Infidelity, is slotted as one of the top selling rock albums of all time. Some of their most popular songs include Roll With The Changes, Keep On Lovin' You, and Take It On The Run. They can also currently be found on one of the Guitar Hero games.

The band Foghat was founded in England but found a home in New York City. They too are featured on Guitar Hero and their music can be heard in many television and radio commercials. Several of the Foghat hits include Fool For The City, Stone Blue, and Slow Ride.

Tickets went on sale Friday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. at The Embassy Theatre box office and all Ticketmaster locations including Wooden Nickel in Fort Wayne, Karma Records in Plymouth, Super Sounds in Elkhart and Orbit Music in Mishawaka. Tickets may also be obtained through Charge-by-phone by calling 1.800.745.3000, and online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. There will be a limit of 10 tickets per person.