We've Got Free Stuff For You!

Remember the Infinisource COBRA seminar I shared with you last week? The one where attendees receive an updated COBRA reference manual, an ARRA supplement packet, a certificate of training, and continuing education credits? Well, we have three free tickets to give away. We will be giving them to three different Chamber members - first come, first serve (one ticket per company). You need to be a company with at least 20 employees. If you're interested, let me know at jjessup@fwchamber.org. 

Feet on the Street: Frame of Reference

by Aimee Scott, Member Relations Specialist

If you are gazing out your window feeling less than inspired by the January-grey, might I recommend adding a little color to your day? Heritage Fabric & Design Center may be tucked away on 5130 Executive Blvd, but they’ve been leaving some lasting footprints in Indiana for ten years now.

Curious? Go take a look! Over 100,000 yards of designer fabric bubble potential energy when you visit the store! From the colors and textures of the goods to the talents of the “designer” staff – a most sensory experience awaits you.

And the prices hardly shout “designer.” Very affordable.

Whether you are a designer seeking some great deals and a custom relationship with your supplier or you are a consumer wondering where in the world to start, visit www.heritagefabric.com and you will not be disappointed.

Heritage Fabric & Design Center specializes in the following:

• Designer Fabrics & Trim
• Custom Window Treatments
• Upholstery
• Slip Covers
• Custom Sewing
• Upholstered Headboards
• Indoor/Outdoor Cushions
• Award Winning Service

Design books aplenty await you … inspiration will come.  Free in-store or in-home consultation will assure you of your guaranteed satisfaction.

Maybe what appears beyond the grey of this January day could be completely reframed with a fresh window-covering. Maybe Grandma’s old chair in a rich shade of “you” could be just the comfort or strength you are looking for! Perhaps the energy and perspective at your place of business could be transformed with a little touch of color.

I encourage you to take a field trip this weekend to see what this local business can do for you, and I look forward to hearing about it!

Community Foundation Sends Dollars to Haiti

Thanks go out to the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne - they are making a gift of $10,000 to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in order to assist the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti. David Bennett, executive director of the Community Foundation had this to say: “Doctors Without Borders was chosen because it already has a presence in Haiti. Our goal was to get the gift to those in need as quickly as possible and feel this is one of many organizations we could have selected.”

The Community Foundation has also made links available on their Web site where you can donate directly to an organization of your choice to assist in relief efforts in Haiti. 

Taking the Next Step with your Business...

Workplace Wellness will empower corporate decision-makers to build wellness initiatives in their organizations. Mike Campbell, President of the Wellness Council of Indiana, will be sharing specifics on how to develop a successful wellness program and the resources that are available to help. Watch for an upcoming Chamber Chat: Q&A with Mike in Emphasis magazine. Register now - the deadline is March 5, and seating is limited!

Edy's Brings Sweet Treats... and Jobs

In an article written by Marty Schladen, the Journal Gazette reports that Chamber member Edy’s Grand Ice Cream will be adding 120 jobs – bringing the total Fort Wayne jobs the company provides to 600! Edy’s Wells Street plant has been in the process of expansion for the last couple years – an expansion worth almost $30 million. Those interested in a position can find out more at www.edysjobs.com. Thanks and congratulations to Edy’s as they continue to develop operations in Fort Wayne. 

Help us Find "40 under 40"

Do you know a dynamic go-getter who is racing up the corporate ladder? The deadline is closing soon for The Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly's "40 under 40" 2010 winners. Business Weekly will salute 40 people under 40 years of age who are making their mark in the greater Fort Wayne area. The awards will recognize business people under the age of 40 who have leadership, achievement and community involvement as a consistent theme in their career. Don't wait to nominate - the deadline is Monday, February 1! Find the form on the home page of fwchamber.org.

The Chamber Wants YOU

I can just see Uncle Sam, can't you? Have you heard about Chamber Community Awareness Week, March 1-5? We will be focusing on increasing our membership - more businesses in the ranks means more businesses for you to connect with – not to mention building a stronger Chamber and ultimately a stronger community! Join other passionate Chamber members to share your experience and contact other “people in the know” who are not currently invested with the Chamber. Contact Teresa Royer to learn how to get involved!

Thriving or Surviving

Another great read for you passed on from our president, Mike Landram. This one is from Entrepreneur.com. They have calculated 10 (and a half) business trends to watch for in our current economy, including:

• economic turmoil
• green power
• the senior market
• discount retail
• local business
• education
• parental outsourcing
• health and wellness
• texas
• affordable alcohol
• pets

As we all know, even in difficult economic times some industries will thrive, while others struggle. For example, as you will see, consumer spending on pets has not lessened in spite of a down economy - it's going up. Find out what you should be making note of in our current economic climate, and whether or not you can fit into one of those "thriving" segments.

Books, Budget Cuts, and Big Dreams

by Lauren Richwine, Communications Specialist

With the budget cuts that our schools have been facing recently, teachers are in the same boat as many employees: they are expected to do more with less. United Way’s Learn United initiative is still looking for 250 more volunteers to work with elementary school children to improve their reading skills. To date, the organization has recruited 750 local volunteers who are busy helping with programs like Study Connections, Real Men Read, and more. Other volunteers work with students in the classroom during the regular school day.

Growing up, both of my parents read to me all the time. They never assumed something was “above” my reading level and instead encouraged me to tackle the bigger books. I think I picked up my first C.S. Lewis non-fiction at age 10. It was the same with my younger sisters. Trips to the library were always a celebrated treat and I loved delving into the unknown and uncharted territory of a new book. Those seemingly small influences have had great bearing on my life. I went on to major in professional writing and am now a cog in the great machine of marketing and communications.

When I first read about the large literacy gap that many of our children are facing, my heart went out to them. I knew I had to get involved and help be a part of the solution. Often such things are the result of well meaning parents who have neither the time nor ability to encourage reading and writing. Many children are seeing less and less of their parents when they get home from school because more hours are being logged to keep the house or pay the meager grocery bill.

It has been a joy to work with the children as they struggle over words or try to remember how to format a simple letter. Eyes light up when little minds realize how fun writing and reading can be. The fact is, children learn to read up until about third grade and from that point on, they either read to learn or they stop reading altogether. They need someone to help open their eyes to the world of words. If that doesn’t happen, the difficult trajectory of their lives is often set for them.

There are a wide variety of ways to help and the commitment can be as little as one hour a week or as much as you want. For more information on Learn United or how to help out, visit www.learnunited.org and explore the volunteer opportunities.     

A Special Biz Brown Bag...

We are having a special - and I do mean special - Business Brown Bag on February 4 from Noon to 1. Be informed now - because seating is limited! Chamber member Preferred IT Group will present on Microsoft Windows 7 - the ins-and-outs, new features, and how you can use this new operating system for your business and home.

Door prizes will include a Microsoft Office Professional 2007 and other Microsoft products, and attendees will receive a a $150 Technology Dept. Services Voucher to assist in installation of Windows 7. Also, while normally we ask that you "brown bag it" for these workshops, we will be serving you lunch at this one. RSVP right away - only 30 spots are available, and cost is only $5. Because this Brown Bag is special, only Chamber members are invited to attend. 

IPFW Gets Ready to Pink Out

So many of our members have wonderful events going on, it's hard to keep up with them all! IPFW is holding a special "Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness" basketball game on Saturday, February 6 at 1:30 p.m.. This is their 3rd annual Pink Out, and the IPFW women's basketball team will be facing Centenary at Memorial Coliseum, with a men's game to follow. 

The Mastodons will be wearing pink shoes for the game, and $1 from every ticket sold will benefit the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. Not only that, but a special ceremony at half-time will recognize breast cancer survivors. Make this a workplace event - tickets are only $5 when you order 20 or more. Find out more. 

Calling All Managers

As you know, we have a variety of groups and events here at the Chamber designed to meet the needs of our members. One of these groups is what we call the Leadership Development Roundtable. The idea is for mid-level managers to get together and share ideas and troubleshoot problems together - all to promote success for each business involved. If you would like to learn more about what a Leadership Development Roundtable can provide for you, join us for this informational event on February 2 to get the details and hear from those who are already a part of this forum. Roundtable's are open to Chamber members only.