All Rite Distributing Wins Defense Contract

More great member news, and news for our local defense industry. Yesterday we talked about the grant that Ivy Tech Northeast received which will help train our defense industry workforce. Well, Chamber member All Rite Distributing Co., Inc has more good news - they have been awarded a defense contract to supply the U.S. Army with 2,000 machine gun mounts. The contract is valued around $14 million and starts November of next year.

All Rite Distributing was founded here in Fort Wayne in the 70's and has 11 local employees. They started as a wholesale distributor warehouse in the automotive aftermarket. They became a registered defense contractor about 10 years ago, and began working with Partners in Contracting Corporation (PICC), an organization that helps Indiana companies secure government contracts. Since PICC opened a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) this fall in Fort Wayne, All Rite has begun working with Gil Perry, counselor/trainer for the local PTAC, who works out of the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center.

All Rite currently receives 50 to 100 government contracts a month, ranging from $50 to $100,000. Last year they completed around $3 million in defense contracts.

Their president, J. Brian McNaughton, had this to say: “We take tremendous pride evolving as a government/defense contractor. The service of God and country has been important to our family and has served us well in our overall direction and goals as a supplier to assist those men and women that defend us and this great nation.”

Congratulations All Rite Distributing! To read the whole story about their new contract, click here.

In this Issue...

Okay folks, you're not not going to want to miss this issue of Emphasis! This is our annual Legislative issue, where we outline our Legislative Agenda for the 2010 session. You will learn what the Agenda is, how it is formed, and the guiding principles behind it. You will also read an article from Government Affairs VP Joni Howell, letting you know what to expect for the upcoming session beginning early January. 

This issue also contains a great article about Stewart Richardson Deposition Services and a recap (with photos) from the Taste of the Chamber, among others! Find the full issue online here.

Introducing... the Chamber's 2010 Ambassador Team

You may already be familiar with what Chamber Ambassadors do, but if not, we wanted to let you know that they are here for you. Ambassador's are individuals who are part of a Chamber member business - they volunteer their time to work as - you guessed it - an ambassador on behalf of the Chamber to all sorts of businesses: current members, new members, and prospective members.

So, all in all, they are here for YOU. You will often see Chamber Ambassadors at our events and activities. They mix and mingle and get to you know you and your business, and help us ensure that you are receiving the full value for your membership.

The Chamber's 2010 Ambassador Committee has been formed, and we wanted to introduce you to them! Thanks to each of these individuals and all they do for other Chamber members! To learn more about our Ambassador's, or to contact them, visit our Web site.

Teresa Blombach, Business People Magazine
Ed Bowman, Exquisite Designs
Dave Didier, Perry Corporation
Steve Douglas, 70/7 Marketing Group
Eric Flores, Blue Water Mortgage
Deb Fulton, Business People Magazine
Faye Funk, Corporate Housing Systems
Joe Gass, Westpointe Financial
Nicole Halls, Aptera Software
Mindy Hockaday, Design Factore
Jody Kinsey, Wells Fargo Insurance
Julie Lenagher, Kelley Services
Molly Miller, NAK Services
Brent Minnick, Indiana Benefits Recovery
Linda Skaggs, Hampton Inn, Southwest
Nancy Steigmeyer, Jack Laurie Floors
Todd Wilson, AT&T (Centennial Wireless)
Tena Woenker, Arts United

Ivy Tech Receives Grant that will Strengthen Defense Industry Workforce

It's always great to share good news. The Ivy Tech Foundation has been awarded $2.2 million in grant funds for the enhancement of the Advanced Manufacturing Program on the Ivy Tech Northeast campus here in Fort Wayne. The funds were approved by Community Partnerships Inc (CPI), and made available through the Talent Opportunity Success (TOpS) 2015 program.

The funds will help purchase capital equipment, new advanced manufacturing machinery and software program enhancements for the campus. A council comprised of area defense industry contractors worked with Ivy Tech to coordinate the purchase of the equipment so that students can gain experience working on machinery that is relevant to the current workforce needs of the defense industry.

This is a great measure of support that will strengthen Northeast Indiana's workforce. Ivy Tech Interim Chancellor Russell D. Baker says, "There are tremendous job opportunities in Northeast Indiana for men and women who have advanced manufacturing skills. Ivy Tech is delighted to be providing individuals with job ready skills and employers with a skilled workforce, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors in partnership with the Northeast Indiana Tops 2015 talent initiative. We also look forward to giving the other members of the community opportunities to utilize the equipment for their training purposes."

And the Winner Is...

One lucky traveler had a really good day. Lorraine Leach of Fort Wayne was the arriving passenger who was surprised with the Millionth cookie at the Fort Wayne International Airport on Tuesday. She walked into the terminal, returning from a trip to Florida, and was handed the cookie from Larry Thompson, who is responsible for starting the cookie program 10 years ago. She won 25,000 frequent flyer miles, a box of DeBrand's Fine Chocolate, and one week of free parking at FWA. Something tells me another trip to Florida might be in her future! Watch a video of Lorraine receiving the cookie here.

Congratulations to the "friendliest airport in the U.S" for this incredible milestone! And don't forget, in the spirit of cookie celebrations, FWA is holding a "One in a Million" cookie contest. Tomorrow is the last day you can register for the competition. The top five winners will receive prizes - and the grand prize is 25,000 frequent flyer miles with American, Delta or United Airlines! Judging takes place next week. Learn more and register here.

Indiana Triggers Off State Extended Benefits

Here's another bit of news on the government side.We've really got these matters on the brain here at the Chamber - but what can we say, our Legislative Preview takes place tonight! I hope you'll make it out. The following is a press release from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has officially notified the U.S. Department of Labor that Indiana has automatically "triggered off" State Extended Benefits.

This program, which provided up to 20 weeks of benefits to Hoosiers, automatically activates and deactivates based on certain economic indicators. House Enrolled Act 1379 temporarily changed Indiana's indicator to a three-month average Total Unemployment Rate of six percent or higher, while the federal government paid 100% of the costs of extended benefits. Typically, Indiana's Extended Benefits program is triggered when the 13-week average Insured Unemployment Rate exceeds five percent. The Insured Unemployment Rate measures the percent of Hoosiers receiving state unemployment from the entire pool of workers covered by the unemployment insurance system.

Since 100% federal funding of state extended benefits has lapsed, Indiana has reverted back to its traditional trigger and is now triggered off. Indiana's current 13-week average Insured Unemployment Rate is 3.28 percent. Absent HEA 1379 changing Indiana's trigger indicator, State Extended Benefits would have automatically deactivated on July 26, 2009.

Indiana does not have any Hoosiers collecting state extended benefits. All Extended Benefit recipients were moved in November to the newly enacted federal unemployment extensions. Claimants who had benefits remaining on Extended Benefits will not be able to collect them. All Extended Benefit payments immediately end when the program terminates.

Feet on the Street: Challenge = Opportunity

by Teresa Royer, Member Relations Specialist

You ever notice how fate comes into play at the most interesting times?

I’m finding that is how some of our members come to starting their own business such as Craig Sterler of Sterler Productions.

Years ago the company he was working for at the time required him to move to Florida to put on corporate events. After a period of working he (you guessed it) was downsized.

As Craig was sitting at home, trying to figure out what he was going to do next, his phone rang and it was an acquaintance he met while putting on an event for HP. She had asked him if he was still with the same company as she was in need of their services in planning an event. She didn’t care that Craig was no longer with the company; she knew Craig and asked if he would be willing to put on the event solo.

Craig’s reply was, “let me check into that.” He did the required research of what the job entailed and how to do it – called his friend back and accepted the job. Thus Sterler Productions was born!

Fast forward to 2009 – Craig has major clients all over the country and is even involved in the planning of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

Craig lives in Fort Wayne with his wife and 2 little ones -- understandably he would like to gain more local business in addition to his current customer base.

I think a common misconception is that you have to be a “big fish” for Craig to work with you, but that is simply not true. Craig is happy to provide everything from consulting only to renting equipment to producing a major event (and everything in between). Regardless of what industry you happen to be in.

So if you are the one in charge of putting on the company party, organizing the training session, or need the proper equipment for a speaker, etc., check out Sterler Productions and contact Craig to see if he can help. You will be glad you did!

Here’s how you can learn more about Sterler Productions: www.sterlerprod.com or contact Craig at craig@sterlerprod.com.

Morning Mix Tomorrow...

Don't forget that tomorrow morning is the Morning Mix, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Hyatt Place (111 W. Washington Center Rd.). You will have the opportunity to generate a list of new sales leads! If you've never attended, the Mix works like this: You will sit at three different tables for 20 minutes each, where you will share your "unique selling proposition" with everyone else at the table. -It's a fun and structured setting for developing sales leads.

The Mix includes breakfast, so don't worry about that. The cost is only $5 plus a business card - make sure you bring a stack of those to hand out. If you have any questions contact Laureen Voirol. Hope to see you there!

Legislative Update - SB 23

As an update to our last post - Unemployment Insurance Tax Delay Vote Today - the Senate Bill 23 - UI increase delay has passed out of committee, 10-1. See the bill here. The committee is now discussing tax caps. Watch online here.

Unemployment Insurance Tax Delay Vote Today

by Joni Howell, VP of Government Affairs

The Indiana State Senate Tax and Fiscal Committee is scheduled to vote on SB 23 today, a bill that is being fast-tracked before session even officially begins. The bill would delay the unemployment insurance tax increase under last year's legislation (HB 1379).

The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce has taken the following position on this pressing issue:

Unemployment Compensation: In 2009 the legislature made changes to Indiana's unemployment insurance system that were intended to replenish the depleted Unemployment Trust Fund. The objective was commendable, but the changes provide for a major tax increase to the business community at a difficult time.

• UI Increase Delay: While the Chamber doesn't oppose delaying increases passed in 2009, we urge the General Assembly to proceed with caution, and have a "Plan B" should the federal government not take action.
• The Chamber also encourages the legislature to have a steady hand in the future, not raising and lowering benefits and rates depending on the environment, but to maintain an actuarially funded plan, matching revenues with benefits.
• The Chamber supports continued legislative efforts to "crack-down" on the number of abuses within the State's Worker's and Unemployment Compensation systems. Area businesses feel the brunt of fraudulent worker's and unemployment compensation claims from both a monetary and a loss of work and productivity standpoint. Therefore, we continue to urge action to assist businesses in addressing the abuses in these claims.

The hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. today in room 431 of the Statehouse and can be viewed online here.

To hear more about Chamber positions and priorities on issues for this legislative session, join us for the annual Legislative Preview tomorrow! You will hear from the Fort Wayne Chamber, the Northeast Indiana Chamber Coalition (NEICC), representatives from the State Chamber, and our local legislative delegation. Price is only $10 for Fort Wayne Chamber and NEICC members, and $20 for non-members. For more details and to RSVP visit our Web site.

Great Music, Great Cause

I want to let you in on something that two of our members are involved in... Majic Miracle Music is produced through a partnership between Sweetwater (the third-largest music instrument and pro audio retailer in the world!) and Fort Wayne's own Majic 95.1 WAJI radio station. The CD is a compilation of recordings by national artists, and is sold locally - with all proceeds benefiting Riley Hospital for Children.

The CD is only $10 - order copies or find out more at waji.com or sweetwater.com/miracle/.

The album features artists including Ingrid Michaelson, Uncle Kracker, and Matt Kearney - and here's another cool tidbit - most of the songs were recorded right at Sweetwater Productions.

Majic Miracle Music is a project for the recording of live, acoustic versions of songs by bands and artists visiting Fort Wayne. These recordings, along with extended interviews, are broadcast on Majic.

Speaking of Cookies...

Sorry to hit you two days in a row, but I want to let you know of another fun event involving Fort Wayne International Airport and - you guessed it - cookies.

FWA is holding a "One in a Million" cookie contest... celebrating, off course, their milestone of handing out more than 1 million cookies to arriving passengers. The top five recipes submitted will be awarded prizes - and the first place winner gets 25,000 frequent flyer miles with American, Delta or United Airlines!

Time is limited, so start baking. Registrations are accepted through Friday. You need to submit a cookie recipe along with your registration, and then be prepared to bake and deliver 24 cookies for judging on December 16.

For more information and to register, visit flyfwa.com. Happy baking!

Wow! A Million Cookies...

If you're a sweets-lover like me, I'm sure that title caught your eye. It may not be what you expect, though. Remember when I hinted at something "sweet" going down at the Fort Wayne International Airport? Well, this is it! Tomorrow, December 8, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority will celebrate over 1 million cookies given to passengers arriving in the Summit City through the FWA. Their award-winning Hospitality Hosts meet each passenger with a cookie and a smile, welcoming them to our community. Thanks to these greeters, the FWA is internationally known as the "cookie airport." -The world knows we're friendly, and they appreciate it!

Tory Richardson, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, has this to say: "We are excited to celebrate this important milestone. Our Hospitality Hosts do so many wonderful things for our community and the airport and this highlights yet another. We are also proud that the cookies have been produced locally at Ellison Bakery, across the street from FWA, since we started the cookie program in 1999."

Wow... And guess what? Ellison Bakery is a Chamber member! We love that. This milestone for FWA and the Fort Wayne Community will be celebrated tomorrow between 1 and 2 p.m. - one lucky arriving passenger will be surprised with a specially-marked cookie, which will entitle them to receive 25,000 frequent flyer miles for future travels, a box of DeBrand's Fine Chocolate, and a week of free parking at FWA. -Hey, if you leave now, and time it just right...

Brand Innovation Group Bags Yet Another Award...

I tell you, those people over at Brand Innovation Group (Big), must be over-achievers. However, if you're their client, that's a good thing! Big has once again snagged several awards worth mentioning. They recently were awarded nine national advertising awards at the MarCom Awards competition. Big won four platinum awards (the highest) and two gold, as well as three honorable mentions.

The projects in question included Web sites, annual reports, design, outdoor, promo campaigns and television ads. Clients represented include Aunt Millie's Bakeries, Grabill Bank, Genteq, Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic, Huntington University, The Coalition for a Better Fort Wayne, and Junior Achievement.

The judges at this year's MarCom Awards reviewed over 5,000 entries - and this is no small awards conference, but one of the largest of its kind, sponsored by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

You may remember that Big also recently won a Telly Award. Congratulations Big - and keep up the good work!

Home for the Holidays Winners!

We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year's Home for the Holidays contest! As you know, the Chamber, Majic 95.1, WAJI and the Fort Wayne International Airport have once again teamed up to fly two members of the armed services - free of charge - back home to the Fort Wayne area for the holidays! This is a special way to thank our military families for their tremendous sacrifice. This year’s winners of the Home for the Holidays contest are:

1LT Sarah E. Gilley – Entry submitted by her mother, Pamela Gilley.
Senior Airman Christopher J. Pfeiffer – Entry submitted by his mother, Linda Pfeiffer.

Thanks to all who participated in the Home for the Holidays contest, and to the service members and their families for their outstanding sacrifice and commitment. Read the personal stories of the winners here.