The Chamber in the news

Recent local news featuring The Chamber:

Legislators, chambers share views: "On many issues, the chambers shared similar perspectives. All three called for a balanced budget, required by the state constitution. In general, they wanted it not to be balanced with tax increases –- though Fort Wayne Chamber President and CEO Mike Landram did say purchases made online ought to be taxed so as to eliminate a disadvantage that retailers here face."

‘Opt-out day’ fails to take off at Fort Wayne airport: "Dave Young, vice president of air service development for the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, said there were no incidents at Fort Wayne International Airport requiring a show of force by security agents, and he did not hear of any complaints prompted by the scanning."

Great Graphic Design and More…

Is just what Into Your Web and Hebba Abdul are offering! It’s a great partnership of technology and art that goes hand in hand, as it should, specifically when it comes to Web sites. The company has worked with a wide variety of clients, both large and small and can accommodate almost any design need whether that’s print projects, logo design, or more.  

Among the services Into Your Web offers are Web address registration, Web consultation services, Web hosting with SSL and email, analysis tools, graphic design, multimedia solutions including video, sound, ad flash animation, custom program, e-marking, and business identity. Into Your Web can even give you the exact tools you need to measure the impact your Web site is making. For more information on this great company or for a free consultation, call 260-494-7915.      

This Fall Losing Weight = Helping Teachers

Want to drop a few pounds? There’s a Member for that! Chamber Member Metabolic Research Center (MRC) is all about helping you lose weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle for good. In the spirit of the first day of school, they are hosting “Back to School, Back to You”. The 17 week program of MetaSlim weight loss is offered to teachers at 1/3 off but only from August 15-September15! Plus, for every pound dropped, MRC will donate a dollar to local PE classes.

With over 60 independently owned and operated centers across the country, MRC utilizes programs created by doctors and registered dieticians to create a nutritionally balanced approach to weight loss. David Miller, managing partner of the MRC in Fort Wayne is both a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator. His favorite part of the job is hearing the success stories that MRC clients share. For more information on MRC or the programs they offer, visit www.eMetabolic.com or call (260) 247-2828.

A Few Great Workshops Coming Up...

One of our goals here at the Chamber is provide business and professional development opportunities for our members. One of the ways we accomplish this is through our Chamber Academy and Business Brown Bag workshop series'! 

Wednesday,  September 8 - One Hour, More Power: 7 Secrets to Strengthening Your Email Writing Skills
Well-written email messages save time, facilitate communication and enhance your company’s image. Join writing pro Susan Sigworth of Brand Innovation Group to learn the top seven secrets to more powerful email, and leave with highly practical tips and techniques to implement the minute you return to the office. You will leave with the tools to write better, faster and with more confidence.

Thursday, September 23 - The Future of FundraisingIn this four-hour workshop presented by Wes Rediger and Howard Taylor of the Rediger Taylor Group, attendees will discover the principles and practices that maximize donor involvement and giving. You will walk away with a better understanding of how to communicate your case for new funding, as well as how to cultivate high-capacity donors and prospects successfully.

Embassy Theatre's Robert Goldstine Bridge to be Dedicated

Exciting things are happening in downtown Fort Wayne! And you are invited to be a part. 

We already shared with you the special event taking place Wednesday, September 1 at Noon - the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown ribbon cutting celebration! Well, here's another event to take note of. Immediately following the Courtyard ribbon cutting, Chamber member the Embassy Theatre will dedicate the Robert Goldstine Bridge. This ceremony will take place at 12:30 p.m. The Dedication will take place on the Embassy's third floor pedestrian corridor. The event will honor the project’s funder – the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission – and thank the Goldstine Foundation, Embassy board of directors and project construction partners for successfully completing the Robert Goldstine Bridge.  

The bridge was designed by MSKTD & Associates and constructed by Gerig-Ottenweller Construction. A plaque to recognize Robert Goldstine’s contributions to the Embassy Theatre and the organizations involved in the project will be unveiled at the dedication.

The Robert Goldstine Bridge, along with the pedestrian corridor, provide the new Marriott with its required walkway for patron access to the Grand Wayne Convention Center. The new access point also gives the Embassy Theatre the opportunity to develop the four floors in the Indiana Hotel that have remained closed for more than 30 years.

Get on the Train! The ExecuTrain!

If you’re not on the ExecuTrain, you should be! For over 20 years, Chamber member Executive Technologies has been providing technology services to the Northeast Indiana region. As a full service technology consulting firm that supports businesses in Northeast Indiana, Executive Technologies breaks its expertise into four core divisions: ExecuTrain for complete training solutions, ExecuNet for technology service, ExecuDev for Web site design and software consulting, and ExecuSafe for physical and IT security.

On August 31 from noon to 1 p.m., Executive Technologies will be offering a FREE lunch & learn showcasing a preview of Microsoft Office 2010. Stop by to learn tips, tricks, techniques, and to see the upgrade of one of the world’s most popular suite of programs. Plus anyone who registers for a training class in the 2010 Office programs while at the free event will get half off the cost of training! That’s a savings of at least $87.50 per person, per class!

For more information, visit www.etfortwayne.com or call (260) 432-4006. 

New Member Roundup: Thoughts From Our New Members

ALL CITY SUPPLY

Contact: Jay Sundt, President

Web site/Phone Number: www.allcitysupply.com, (260) 387-6766

A Chamber member since: June 21, 2010

If you had 30 seconds to communicate to someone what you do, what would you say?

All City Supply is a distributor specializing in commercial maintenance and janitorial supplies, food service products, medical and safety products. We service industrial facilities, schools, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and countless numbers of other businesses that require the use of "consumables".

What is one thing that sets you apart from all others? 

We are a "one stop" shop, in that we distribute all types of products for a facility. This allows the customer to save on transaction costs and to limit the number of vendors they must deal with on a day to day basis. We also provide, through our Web site, the ability to place orders on the Web. We provide free delivery of our products in the North East Indiana area as an added service.

Who are you looking to connect with through your Chamber membership?

We are looking to connect with people who we can work with and develop relationships with for the long term.

What is your #1 goal for 2010?

Our number 1 goal for the remainder of 2010 is to continue to service our current clients and to develop strong relationships with new customers as well. We believe that partnering with our customers is the best way to strengthen relationships and allow both them and All City to grow together. We do that by understanding their needs and identifying products that either help to cut costs in labor or finding and sourcing products that will help the customer save money in other ways.


BLACK INK FINANCIAL PLANNING
Contact: Jane Black, President
Web site/Phone Number: www.blackinkfp.com, (260) 483-8332
A Chamber member since: March 4, 2010

If you had 30 seconds to communicate to someone what you do, what would you say?
Helping clients identify, quantify and achieve their financial goals is what I do. Utilizing my professional knowledge and experience to benefit others is what I love.  My greatest satisfaction comes from using a disciplined and consultative methodology to help my clients comprehensively address financial realities and to discover the possibilities they didn’t know existed. 

What is one thing that sets you apart from all others?
Clients tell me that what makes me different is that I really listen to what they are saying before I do any talking. This enables me to really understand what they want and need. I then take complex financial concepts and options and turn them into understandable and useful information so clients may confidently own their own retirement and investment strategies. Clients also say that I’m easy to talk with and patient in answering their questions.

Who are you looking to connect with through your Chamber membership?
Individuals who are responsible and open minded, value professional advice and want someone to help them manage complex financial issues, and are concerned about having a comfortable retirement, want to help manage the financial assets they have accumulated, and want to assure their assets are distributed at their death in the manner they want. Also, owners of small closely held businesses (less than 100 employees) who would value a comprehensive review of their 401(k) plan, are concerned about ownership succession, or want help transitioning their business value into a source of retirement income.

What is your #1 goal for 2010?
Helping 40 new clients improve their financial condition while maintaining service levels to existing clients. In doing that I want to personally have a positive impact on all those with whom I work.

Black Ink Financial Planning
1320 Medical Park Drive
Fort Wayne, IN  46825
Phone (260) 483-8332, Toll Free (888) 483-8339
Fax (260) 482-8262

E-Mail:  Sherry@blackinkfp.com

Securities offered through Sigma Financial Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC
Do not leave stock or bond trading instructions in an e-mail.  Please call the office. 

Happy Birthday, Chamber!

The Chamber officially turned 135 years old on Saturday, August 28. Since 1875 the Chamber has been addressing the needs of local businesses. Our foundation was established 135 years ago by a group of like-minded merchants who began meeting to share challenges and solutions. Eventually those merchant groups merged to officially form the Chamber, which became the heart of the business community.

Now we serve a membership of over 1,700 local businesses, and we're inviting you to help celebrate the Chamber's history as well as look ahead to new endeavors! We'll be throwing the Chamber a huge birthday bash on November 4, 2010 at the new Courtyard by Marriott Downtown. Please save the date!

JH Specialty Named a "Best Place to Work"... Again!

A huge congratulations goes out to Chamber member JH Specialty, Inc! They have been included in Counselor Magazine's list of Best Places to Work. JH Specialty ranked 25 out of 75 U.S. companies from the advertising specialty industry. Not only that, but this is the third year in a row they have made the list!

Counselor Best Places to Work honorees were selected based on an in-depth survey of employees from the companies applying for the prestigious designation. The survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, included 37 questions through which employees evaluated their experience working at the organization.

JH Specialty President John Henry III says: "JH Specialty is truly a family environment, and it is a pleasure spending the majority of my days with these great individuals."

This isn't the only honor JH Specialty has received lately - they also made the list of Indiana Companies to Watch this year, and they are about to experience a big, but good, change - moving to their new facility at 6032 Huguenard Rd. The new space has 10,000 square feet of office space, and 1,000 square feet of warehouse space.

JH Specialty has provided marketing campaigns, Web sites, events and promotional product fulfillment for a variety of clients from Fortune 500 companies to Mom and Pop shops across the United States.

University of Saint Francis Sees Record High Enrollment

Congratulations are due to the University of Saint Francis, as they are celebrating record-breaking numbers with their fall enrollment. 2,350 students were enrolled on the first day of the new semester - a seven percent increase over last year's first day enrollment. USF says the high numbers indicate they are doing well not only with retention, but with bringing in new students to the school. This year's freshman class has 822 students, compared to 2009's freshman class of 699 students. The university has also seen an increase in resident students. University of Saint Francis President (and past Chamber ATHENA Award Winner) Sister M. Elise Kriss, says: 

"We couldn't be more pleased. We believe that our record enrollment numbers this fall are indicative of the university's reputation for academic excellence and dedication to a positive and meaningful experience for all of our students."

Vera Bradley Draws Closer to Initial Public Offering

According to reporting by the Business Weekly, Chamber member Vera Bradley is getting ever closer to an initial public offering of stock. The shareholders of Vera Bradley Designs will be contributing their equity to the formation of Vera Bradley Inc. The initial public offering will be worth near $175 million. Share price has not yet been set. Vera Bradley's net revenue in fiscal 2010 was $288.9 million.

Join us for the Courtyard by Marriott Grand Opening!

Put this date on your calendars: Wednesday, September 1, Noon.

That's the date and time that the new Courtyard by Marriott Downtown will be opening! The Marriott will celebrate it's official grand opening with a Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony. The Mayor will participate, as well as many other officials from throughout the community. 

The ceremony is open to the public, so if you'd like to see a giant ribbon and one pair of giant scissors, please come! Help us congratulate the Marriott on their opening and officially welcome them to the Fort Wayne community. The Champions Sports Bar & Grill (pictured here) and Courtyard Bistro (Proudly Brewing Starbucks Coffee) will be open for visitors, and Marriott staff will be available to provide tours of the facility. Later in the afternoon, the Courtyard by Marriott will welcome its first guest. 

To learn more about the new Marriott, see our latest issue of Emphasis magazine! 

New Member Roundup: Thoughts From Our New Members

NATIONAL COLLEGE
Contact: Kevin Smith, Campus Director
Web site/Phone Number: www.national-college.edu, (260) 483-1605
A Chamber member since: July 16, 2010

If you had 30 seconds to communicate to someone what you do, what would you say?
National College is one of the oldest academic organizations in the country. Founded in 1886, National College has been dedicated to the education and preparation of its students for entry to a wide variety of career fields. With 28 campuses in six states National College provides an unique learning environment with small class sizes and exceptional student support. The college is nationally accredited and is approved to provide student financing options including Pell grants and Stafford Loans among other options.

What is one thing that sets you apart from all others?
National College operates a year round academic calendar with eight different start dates throughout the year. This allows students to begin pursuit of a career education at their convenience and provides the opportunity for them to complete their studies and be quickly placed in a job. National College’s career placement service is available to graduates throughout the life of their career by offering support and access to campus placement and counseling services for life. Graduates may also participate in refresher courses throughout their career at no cost.

Who are you looking to connect with through your Chamber membership?
National College would like to connect with prospective employers and potential students who wish to utilize our resources to develop excellence in business, technical and general skills that will improve their opportunity for success.

What is your #1 goal for 2010?
We are new to the Fort Wayne area and would like to develop a strong community presence and business partnerships that will continue to build in the coming years.

DATAPRINT INITIATIVES, LLC
Contact: Dan Foster, President
Web site/Phone Number: www.dataprintusa.com, (260) 489-2665
A Chamber member since: March 2, 2010

If you had 30 seconds to communicate to someone what you do, what would you say?
We provide intelligent print solutions. Our products and services range from traditional printing to short-run digital print media to internet based solutions. We offer Web-to-print programs that are ideal for numerous businesses and industries, from dealer networks to dance schools.   Variable-data printing (VDP) is another specialty of ours. VDP is an innovative digital print run in which each printed page has been customized and personalized via information from a database of recipients.

What is one thing that sets you apart from all others?
We are more than ink on paper. Our cutting-edge Web-based solutions and variable-data customized printing put us into the realm of a marketing solutions company. Our customers have grown to rely on us as a partner in their marketing efforts.

Who are you looking to connect with through your Chamber membership?
The Chamber gives us the opportunity to connect with like-sized businesses—to compare notes and business challenges, as well as offer them new and alternative marketing solutions and options.

What is your #1 goal for 2010?
To educate the regional marketplace about the future of print media and the marketing opportunities we’ve identified that can be realized through cutting-edge print capabilities.

In the Business of Second Chances

By Lauren Richwine, Communications Specialist

Chamber Member Blue Jacket Inc. believes that everybody deserves a second chance, specifically newly released prisoners. Walking back into the community after a short or prolonged period of imprisonment can make it difficult to put down roots. There’s employment to be considered, housing, education, and often caring for family. That’s where Blue Jacket steps in.

Each client of Blue Jacket’s has gone through an in depth process that includes training in necessary on-the-job soft skills, mentoring, timeliness, and more. Employers who hire through Blue Jacket are not only offering second chances, they are literally saving the state thousands of dollars by working to prevent repeat prison stays. The employer also has the assurance of no temp-to-perm conversion fees, competitive rates, immediate replacement, bonded employees, and up to $2,400 in tax credits possible.

Blue Jacket is responding to a vital need in the community and there are countless ways for you to get involved! As an employer you can look into hiring, as an individual you can look into volunteering. For more information on Blue Jacket or to look into participating, visit www.bluejacketinc.org or call 260-744-1900. 

MartinRiley Project Earns LEED Certification

Congratulations to Chamber member MartinRiley - one of their projects has achieved LEED "Gold" Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Brooklyn Pointe, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority’s new Senior Housing complex, has been awarded LEED Certification, an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most. 

These include energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. MartinRiley architects-engineers was the project architects and engineer for the project. Brooklyn Pointe is a 20-unit complex located on Nuttman Avenue.

Indiana Tech Invites Businesses to Get Involved

Indiana Tech is turning out some excellent programs focused on student and career development. One new program they have created is called "Career Leadership Institute" (CLI), and it involves you - the businesses!

CLI is a fresh twist on the best events that bring employers together with students. The program is designed to meet the changing needs of employers and students. It’s a new type of career week, packed full with activities all focused on a specific group of degree programs for five days! Career Leadership Institute’s inaugural week is September 20 – 24, focused on students in the College of Business.  

There are a variety of ways businesses can get involved, with time commitments ranging from 50 minutes to two hours. Employers get to choose how they’d like to be involved. All events are completely free - no cost to participate. The week’s events include:

·         Monday - Resumania (speed resume reviewing)

·         Tuesday - Classroom Presentations

·         Wednesday – Classroom Presentations

·         Thursday – Career Day

·         Friday – Mini Etiquette Luncheon

Future dates for CLI are October 18 – 22 for Helping Professions and February 21 – 25 for Engineering/Computer Sciences. Employers who are interested in attending any of these events should contact Heather Burgette, Internship Coordinator/Career Advisor, at 260-422-5561 ext. 2304 or hrburgette@indianatech.edu.

Learn How to Sell in Any Market

Have you registered yet for this Thursday's Chamber Academy? Dick Read of SalesPartners Worldwide will take us into the sales world with secrets to move business from average to world class. This session is called "Cash Flow Explosion: How to Sell in Any Market." SalesPartners wants to help you increase your sales by as high as fifteen percent, and give you the tools to manage your team without complicated politics. Chamber Academy will take place Thursday, August 26 from 8 to 11 a..m. here at the Chamber. Cost is $19 for members, and $39 for non-members. RSVP is required, so be sure to register! 

P.S. Another great workshop we have coming up - "7 Secrets to Strengthen Your Email Skills" on September 8. Susan Sigworth of Brand Innovation Group will share highly practical tips and techniques to implement the minute you return to the office - write better, faster, and with more confidence. 

BND Acquires Goldstine Knapke

Big news to report for one of our members: BND Commercial has just announced the creation of one of Northeast Indiana's largest commercial real estate firms, via their acquisition of the Goldstine Knapke brokerage company. 

BND Commercial was established in 2004 by O. Karl Behrens, CCIM, SIOR, David N. Nugent CCIM, SIOR and David W. Dumas. Together, the three have more than 45 years of combined experience.

Goldstine Knapke delivers an impressive real estate lineage through two of Fort Wayne’s oldest commercial/industrial real estate firms. Goldstine Knapke was formed in 1992 when Goldstine, Inc. and N. B. Knapke Company, Inc. partnered to create the new firm. Goldstine, Inc., headed by co-owners Stephen J. Wesner and David J. Norton, was founded by Hiram Goldstine in 1909. It has represented local and national clients for over 100 years, earning a well deserved reputation for excellence in brokerage services.  N.B.

Knapke Company, Inc., founded in 1948 by Norbert B. Knapke, is a leader in industrial and commercial development, having developed Fort Wayne’s first shopping center, Southgate. Many of Fort Wayne’s most recognized commercial and industrial facilities were developed by N. B. Knapke Company, Inc., which will continue under the ownership of Philip J. Knapke.  

The new firm will provide commercial, office, industrial, medical, retail, multi-family and business brokerage. The company will also continue to provide tenant and landlord representation, property and facility management, consulting and market research, asset and appraisal services as well as commercial and residential development.

Things are changing, but only for the good. The mission of the organization will remain: "To excel by taking an innovative approach to transactions, creating a positive environment for employees and committing time and resources to community development."

Ivy Tech and Charis House Partner on New Classroom Site

This week marks the beginning of a special partnership between two Chamber members - Ivy Tech Northeast and Charis House. The two organizations have come together to offer classes to residents at Charis House as well as to Ivy Tech students. The first class being offered begins this week, and is an academic skills advancement course that emphasizes life and success tools for incoming students. Eventually, Ivy Tech hopes to add other introductory level courses as well as those that promote keyboarding and computer skill sets. 

The new classroom facility provided by Charis House holds 19 computers, printer, and a teacher station supplied by Ivy Tech. The goal of the partnership is not only to provide another convenient class location for students, but to work specifically with Charis House in incorporating higher education into the life goals of their residents. Rules and guidelines have been outlined in the Ivy Tech Community Campus Resource Guide for faculty and students to ensure added protection and confidentiality at this location.

Orthopedic Design & Technology Conference Approaches

I hope that you have seen our most recent issue of Emphasis magazine - on Page 2 and 3 you will find some great information about the upcoming Orthopedic Design & Technology (ODT) Conference & Exhibition taking place at the Grand Wayne. This is the fifth year that ODT magazine has brought their global conference to our city, and it's a sign not only of the strong industry we have here, but also the good working relationship between our business community and ODT.

This conference brings together finished good manufacturers, suppliers, surgeons, OEM industry leaders, hospital leadership, and more, for a two-day (September 22-23) event including panel discussions, networking, exhibitors, and this year - a live surgery broadcast. Be sure to check out more information about the ODT Conference & Exhibition - this opportunity comes only once a year!