Indiana Michigan Power Continues Energy Share Program for Low-Income Customers

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is partnering with community action agencies in both Indiana and Michigan this year to administer the Energy Share program, which distributes funds to qualifying low-income customers to help them pay their electric utility bills.

The program is now in its fifth year. This year, primary support for the program comes from a $125,000 contribution from I&M, with additional support from customers who care to contribute. Nearly 2,800 customers benefited from Energy Share during the first four years. Nearly 1,500 I&M customers contributed more than $38,000 to extend benefits to additional customers in need.

Anyone who would like to support the program can send tax-deductible donations directly to IN-CAA Energy Share, Indiana Community Action Association, 1845 West 18th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Chamber member Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), a unit of American Electric Power (AEP), is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its 2,600 employees serve more than 580,000 customers in Indiana and Michigan. It operates 3,595 MW of coal-fired generation in Indiana, 2,110 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, and 22 MW of hydro generation in both states. For more information visit IndianaMichiganPower.com.

Confidential Peer Forum for CEOs and Upper-Level 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 other Chamber members 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, continental breakfast included. For more information or to RSVP contact kdaniel@fwchamber.org or register online.

First Federal Savings Bank Opens Branch for Fort Wayne Market

First Federal Savings Bank held a ribbon cutting ceremony September 29 in celebration of the grand opening of their new branch located at 5317 South Bend Drive, just off West Jefferson Boulevard.

First Federal broke ground on the new branch in February of 2009. The new facility is 3,800 square feet and offers traditional banking services including consumer and commercial banking, a full-service lobby, two drive-up lanes and an ATM. Customers will also have access to brokerage and financial planning services through Innovative Financial Services, a division of First Federal Savings Bank.

Michael Zahn, President and third generation banker at First Federal Savings Bank, states: “We are very excited about entering the Fort Wayne market with our newest branch. Over the years, we’ve been able to build a strong Allen County customer base. I’m pleased we will now be able to offer all of our products and services to our existing Fort Wayne customers while attracting new customers as well.”

First Federal Savings Bank was chartered in 1912 in Huntington and has three locations in Huntington and one branch in Warsaw. The bank has roughly $250 million in assets and employs 60. Although the bank’s holding company, Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc., was approved for government assistance under the TARP program, the board of directors chose not to participate in TARP due to both strong core earnings levels as well as the bank’s solid capital position significantly exceeding “well capitalized” standards as defined by current banking regulations. Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc. is traded on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol “NIDB”.

Over the years the bank has served the community and encouraged its employees to be involved in various capacities of community activism and service. For more information, contact Michael Zahn at (260) 358-4680 or mzahn@firstfedhuntington.com or visit www.firstfedindiana.com.

Indiana Awarded $136,000 by Arts United

Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne has approved grants to 24 regional organizations that reach the total amount of $136,000. Arts United is Northeast Indiana's granting agent for the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC). As one of the IAC's 12 Regional Partners, Arts United provides services to 10 counties including Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Miami, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley.

Chamber members selected to receive IAC funding for 2009-2010 include: Embassy Theatre Foundation, The University of Saint Francis School of Creative Arts, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, Fort Wayne Children's Choir, Artlink Inc., Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, and the Fort Wayne Cinema Center.

In This Issue...

In today's issue of the Chamber's Emphasis magazine (which runs bi-weekly as the center section of the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly)...

Discover how Unemployment Insurance legislation impacts employers...

Learn more about Ivy Tech's affordable, quality education and expanding campus...

Hear from City Advocate Zenovia Pearson on Collaboration for a Vibrant Community...

Get business travel tips from the pros at Travel Leaders, and much more!

For full issues of Emphasis magazine visit fwchamber.org.

Brand Innovation Group Earns Telly Award

Full-service branding and communications company Brand Innovation Group (Big) has received a Telly Award for a TV commercial it concepted and created for Aunt Millie’s Bakeries.

The 30-second TV spot, “Sandwich for Santa,” ran in select Midwest markets last Christmas and captured a bronze award in the Food & Beverage category. Indianapolis-based Bennett Innovations also partnered with Big on the project, producing the commercial.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs; the finest film and video productions; and groundbreaking Web commercials, videos and films. The 30th annual competition drew nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and around the world.

Chamber member BIG is a full-service, award-winning branding and communications company located in Fort Wayne. BIG is know for its strategically sound, highly creative brand and business development work. To learn more, visit gotobig.com.

Parkview on "Best Places to Work" List

Chamber of Commerce member Parkview Health was selected this year by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the best health care facilities to work in. The publication picked 100 health-care organizations for the 2009 list but the ranking order won't be public until late October.

Restaurants and Caterers: Time to Reserve Your Space for the Taste of the Chamber

Downtown Fort Wayne's biggest holiday party of the year, the Taste of the Chamber, will soon be here! Chamber member restaurants and caterers are invited to participate by offering samples of your specialty food items. It's time to reserve your booth, and offer samples of your best products to hundreds of networkers!

The Taste of the Chamber will take place Thursday, December 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chamber.

We provide:

• 6' or 8' table (depending on needs)
• Tablecloth and skirting for your table
• Small sign on table
• Your name published in the Emphasis magazine & on the Daily Dose Blog
• Your name and booth location published in the event program

You provide:

• Food samplings for 500 along with utensils and plates
• Any decorations you would like to display at your booth

Space is limited so register right away by contacting Laureen Voirol at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266 or lvoirol@fwchamber.org.

College Fair at Trine University Will Host Over 70 Colleges

Chamber member Trine University will host over 70 colleges at the Indiana Association for College Admission Counselors' 27th annual Northeast Indiana Regional College Fair on Wednesday, October 14. The fair will take place in the University Center from 6:30-8 p.m., and occurs in conjunction with College Go! Week. The event is open to students in grades 9-12, their parents, transfer students, and guidance counselors.

Learn More Indiana and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education launched College Go! Week Oct. 12-16 as a statewide effort to help more Hoosier students get to college. The initiative aims to engage every Indiana high school student in specific, practical steps to prepare for college. “We plan to elevate awareness of the college admission and financial aid process by offering mini-sessions to students and parents during the college fair,” said Trine University admission counselor Kasey Jones.

An information session on ACT and SAT tests will take place in Fabiani Theatre from 6:30-7 p.m. From 7-7:30 p.m., participants will learn what to expect and how to prepare for the application process as they progress toward choosing a college. From 7:30-8 p.m., Trine’s chief financial aid administrator will discuss the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), scholarships, the Stafford federal student loan, the Parent Plus loan and alternative loans to help with the cost of college.

For more information contact Kasey Jones, college fair coordinator at (260)665-4137 or joneska@trine.edu.

Take Part in World Habitat Day on Monday, October 5

Habitat for Humanity is seeking support for World Habitat Day, this coming Monday, October 5. The United Nations has designated the first Monday of each October as World Habitat Day.

This year on October 5 in Washington, D.C. and around the world, please join Habitat for Humanity in support of this global observance and declare that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable.

According to the United Nations, more than 100 million people in the world today are homeless. Millions more face a severe housing problem living without adequate sanitation, with irregular or no electricity supply and without adequate security. Worldwide, more than 2 million housing units per year are needed for the next 50 years to solve the present worldwide housing crisis.

World Habitat Day serves as an important reminder that everyone must unite to ensure that everyone has a safe, decent place to call home.

With over half of the world’s population currently living in urban areas the U.N. believes there is no doubt that the "urban agenda" will increasingly become a priority for governments, local authorities and their non-governmental partners everywhere. Find out more about World Habitat Day and what you can do to help by clicking here.

Chamber Member YWCA October Event List

October 1: Flowers on the River, 5 p.m. at 1610 Spy Run Avenue.

October 5: Chalk it Up to Awareness! 8:30 p.m. at IPFW

October 14: Peace Story Time, 10 a.m. at the Downtown Public Library.

October 19-23: YWCA National Week Without Violence 2009 Hope Awards.

All of the above events are in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For more information about these events visit www.ywca.org/fortwayne.

Old National Bancorp Nets Over 190 Million Dollars

Old National Bancorp (NYSE:ONB), the holding company for Chamber member Old National Bank, announced September 28 that it has completed its underwritten public common stock offering by issuing 20,700,000 shares of the Company's common stock, including 2,700,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriters' exercise of their over-allotment option, at a public offering price of $10.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $207 million. The net proceeds to the Company after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses are expected to be approximately $196.2 million.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes and to support ongoing and future anticipated growth, which may include opportunistic acquisitions of other financial institutions, possibly including acquisitions of assets and liabilities of failed or distressed financial institutions in FDIC-sponsored or assisted transactions.

Old National Bancorp, with $8.0 billion in assets, is a financial holding company headquartered in Indiana. Old National Bank, its banking subsidiary, is focused on community banking in its primary footprint in Indiana, eastern and southeastern Illinois, and central and western Kentucky. Old National Bancorp also owns financial services companies that provide services to supplement its banking business, including fiduciary and wealth management services, insurance and other financial services.

Fort Wayne Community Schools' Budget Announcement

The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of Trustees recently presented the district's proposed 2010 budget to the public. The $284 million plan is nearly $3 million less than the budget for 2009. The district did receive an increase in state funding for 2010 but the amount is not enough to cover growing costs. It is estimated that a minimum of 70% of the budget will be spent directly in the classroom, a higher amount than Indiana's historical average of about 60%.

Nominate Your Business, CEO or Employee for the 2009 Annual Meeting Awards

The Chamber's Annual Meeting is fast approaching, providing an opportunity to hear the latest in Northeast Indiana business and to recognize great contributions and innovations from the Fort Wayne business community. Awards will be handed out for CEO, Small and Large Business and Employee of the Year. The 2009 Annual Meeting is sponsored by Physicians Health Plan.

Small and large business Chamber members who have contributed to the community, have a reputation for integrity and fair business practices and have examples of product or management innovation are eligible for nomination.

CEO's of a Chamber member company who have made unique contributions not only to their business and employees, but to the Fort Wayne community as a whole are eligible for nomination.

Employees of a Chamber member company who serve as a positive role model in the workplace along with showing exceptional dedication to advancing the interests of his or her organization are eligible for nomination.

Nominees must be part of a Chamber member company. Self-nominations are welcome. For more information and nomination forms click here. Nominations are due Friday, October 16, 2009. For more information call Laureen Voirol at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266.

Brooks Construction Celebrates 100 Years of Business

Brooks Construction Company, Inc. celebrated a “Century of Excellence” on Saturday, September 26 with a charity demolition derby that ended with a celebration party that included hayrides, bonfires, music by the bands John Kirkwood & Company and Actual Size, and was capped off with a grand fireworks display.

Around 5000 people attended the all-day celebration, which was held at Baer Field Speedway. Local companies sponsored, built, decorated and then destroyed demolition derby cars—all in honor of Brooks Construction’s 100^th Anniversary and to raise money for the local charity of their choice.

Joe Zehr of North Eastern Group won the derby, which involved 58 automobiles competing in six heats. In total, $50,000 was donated to the finishers’ favorite charities, including Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center, Matt’s Medical Fund and Cancer Services of East Central Indiana. A $7000 award recognizing the best-decorated car will benefit breast cancer research.

Brooks Construction Company was founded in 1909. Over the last 100 years Brooks has paved tens of thousands of miles of asphalt and concrete roadways throughout Indiana, southern Michigan and western Ohio. Today Brooks has offices in Fort Wayne, Mishawaka and Goshen and plants in Fort Wayne, Mishawaka, Goshen, Auburn, Marion and Peru.

Brooks co-owner Andrew Brooks said, “It’s not about a handful of people named Brooks that has made the company successful for 100 years. It’s the employees, past and present, the customers, the vendors, our competitors and the community at large who have made us a success. This is our thank you to all of them!" For more information on Brooks Construction visit www.brooks1st.com.

Dine & Ride Hopes to Increase Downtown Nightlife

The Downtown Improvement District (DID) is once again providing Fort Wayne residents with Dine & Ride - a free service to attendees of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Broadway at the Embassy. Individuals are invited to dine at any of the participating restaurants prior to the event, board the CTN bus which will deliver them to said event, and then return to the restaurant following the event again on the CTN bus.

Participating restaurants include Bourbon Street Hideaway, Club Soda, Hall's Gas House, Henry's, L'Asiatique, J.K. O'Donnell's, and Toscani's. The bus picks up on the west side of Harrison Street at Columbia. For more information, visit www.downtownfortwayne.com/dnr.

Upcoming CEO Forum Will Tap Successful Business Leaders for Advice

Join the Chamber at the University of Saint Francis' 16th annual CEO Forum on October 22. The panel of local executives, led by the Co-Founder of American Specialty and Risk Services, Pete Eshelman, will discuss the topic "Leadership: Doing the Right Things in Challenging Times." Last year's forum on entrepreneurship had over 400 participants.

This year's ten-member panel represents several of the major industries in the region. Each panel member has different ideas on the practices and philosophies that will be discussed. The current condition of the economy allows only those with the most initiative and innovation to rise to the top. The men and women on the panel have risen through the ranks and plan on sharing that which allowed them to make that extra jump.

The forum is sponsored by Tower Bank and is open to the public for $35 a person. For more information on obtaining tickets, please call (260)399-7700, ext. 8315.

Fort Wayne's Public Works Director Nationally Recognized

Fort Wayne's Public Works Director, Bob Kennedy, has been selected by American City & County magazine as the 2009 Public Works Leader of the Year. The article covering Kennedy appears in the September edition of the publication.

Kennedy was chosen largely for his role in leading the City's flood fighting efforts multiple times. He also collaborated with Aboite New Trails and the Oprah's Big Give Fort Wayne Trails fund-raising project. Kennedy managed to secure $500,000 dedicated to trails and to also turn $10,000 of seed money into nearly $1.2 million for the local trail efforts.

To read the article, visit

http://americancityandcounty.com/pubwks/2009-public-works-leader-year-200909/?cid=200909topstory2

Community Transportation Network Celebrates 100,000 Trips

Chamber member Community Transportation Network (CTN), a not-for-profit organization that will be recognizing its 10th year of service to Fort Wayne and Allen County next year, announces a milestone to occur this week. CTN will celebrate its 100,000^th medical trip! CTN will assemble at the home of rider Suzanne Heingartner, 1027 Curdes Ave. in Fort Wayne on Wednesday, September 30 at 10 a.m. Suzanne, along with CTN's executive director and members of the board of directors, will be available for comment and photos. CTN invites the media and public to attend this event and help celebrate this important milestone.

Suzanne is a regular and long-time rider of CTN. Because of strong community support, she and nearly 600 other persons with disabilities and seniors receive dependable, safe, and affordable specialized transportation to medical appointments each year. With the number of older Americans increasing, this solution to the basic need of specialized medical transportation is going to be in greater demand in the future.

For more information on this event contact Brad Davis at (260) 494-1947. For more information on CTN visit 4ctn.org.

Indiana Unemployment Rate Decreases

According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the unemployment rate for the state decreased 0.7 percent over the month of August. Elkhart County reported the state's highest rate of unemployment with 16.0 percent and Daviess County reported the lowest rate with 5.9 percent.

It is possible that lower percentages may not indicate fewer unemployed individuals, but could mean fewer jobs to fill or that unemployment benefits have run out for certain people. Once unemployment benefits end for an individual, that person is no longer counted among the unemployed.

The neighboring states to Indiana have fared similarly. Illinois saw their unemployent rate drop o.4 percent, as did Ohio. Kentucky remained the same and Michigan's rate increased o.2 percent.

Windows, Doors & More Celebrates Expansion in a Tough Economy

The Chamber will help Windows, Doors & More celebrate a recent expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony this coming Wednesday, September 30 at 4 p.m. at the site of their new location at 1121 W. Washington Center Road (off Lima Road, next to Don Hall’s Guesthouse).

Participating in the ribbon cutting, along with company officials from Windows, Doors & More, will be Mayor Tom Henry and representatives from the Chamber.

Windows, Doors & More has moved to its new location in order to expand in response to business growth. The new Showroom is five times the size of the previous location, and allows customers to see full-sized versions of products available for purchase, including kitchen and bath displays, room additions, to-scale homes with siding, roofing and cultured stone as well as windows and doors.

The Neighborhood Showcase is a one of a kind display created in 3½ months. Windows, Doors & More is in the process of patenting the concept. The building houses 14,000 square feet of Showroom and offices and 7,000 square feet of warehouse.

Windows, Doors & More wanted to show how their products would truly look and function in a realistic setting and showcase the different services they offer. The new location features a design center enabling design staff to render drawings of suggested remodeling ideas specific to each homeowner and their unique home.

The growth of Windows, Doors & More has been consistent for over a decade and the current expansion will position the company to create additional jobs for installers and support staff. In addition, the company’s continued growth in turn boosts the growth of its primary manufacturer, Home Guard Industries, located in Grabill, IN.

For more information on the Windows, Doors & More expansion contact Kevin Hunter at (260) 422-7077 or Kevinwdm@comcast.net.

Chamber Academy Offers Training for Professionals

Chamber Academy seminars are 2-hour interactive, informational seminars given by regional business leaders on a variety of topics for professional development. Academy seminars cover areas of interest for both developing and well-established businesses and are given by Chamber members, for Chamber members.

Below are just a few upcoming Chamber Academy sessions - find the seminar that is right for you! If you are interested in presenting for Chamber Academy, contact kdaniel@fwchamber.org.

Joe Wolfcale presents "Integrating the Ages: Generational Issues in the Workplace" - September 30, 2009. You will receive a brief education on different workplace generations, a detailed look at how the current generation (Millennial) interacts with other generations as well as advice on how different generations can work together successfully.

Michelle Gladieux presents "Powerful Presentation Skills" - October 6, 2009. Michelle draws upon over a decade of experience coaching presenters around the nation (beginners and experts alike) and gets participants excited about the challenges of public speaking. Whether you hope to persuade co-workers in a meeting or conduct a strong formal presentation to a large audience, you'll leave this session with immediately useful ideas.

Sam Wakeel presents "Product Development" - October 21, 2009. This session is a must for senior management of small and medium companies. We will introduce new aspects of product development, allowing you to connect to and better understand your product development.

Free Money Smart Event

This October will see the start of Indiana's fourth annual Money Smart Week. On October 10th from 10-3 at Abundant Life Tabernacle on 3301 E. Coliseum Blvd., residents can listen to leaders such as Mayor Tom Henry, Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita, and others discuss local community resources that can help save money.

Following the panel discussion, various interactive displays will be available to the public covering topics such as Budgeting, Stretching Your Dollar, Applying for Unemployment, and more.

Participants in this year's Money Smart Events include The Indiana Secretary of State, Fort Wayne Housing Authority, National City Bank, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne Urban League, Junior Achievement, Internal Revenue Service, Community Connections and many more.