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.

Don't Miss Taste of the Arts Tomorrow!

Don't miss one of Fort Wayne's best arts and cultural events of the year! Arts United's Taste of the Arts takes place tomorrow, Saturday, August 28 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Arts United Plaza & Freimann Square (in fact, the party extends for a few blocks). If you've never attended, here's a brief look into what you will find at Taste of the Arts: an art fair and art exhibits, area restaurant booths, entertainment (on three different stages), tours, movies, performances, and hands-on activities for all ages.

AND, something special this year - Dessert. That's right, a Taste of the Arts after-party, called Dessert. Enjoy four different rock-&-roll bands, and yummy food and beverages. Dessert will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the parking lot stage by Clay and Berry streets.

During the evening, an old-fashioned trolley will be available every 15 to 20 minutes - the trolley will connect Dessert, Rock the Plaza, and a block party on The Landing - and each of these events is free! (And the trolley is, too.)

I can't wait - see you there!

Soccerpalooza? Absolutely!

By Lauren Richwine, Communications Specialist

This upcoming weekend marks the wrap up of The ShindigZ National Soccer Festival’s (SNSF) Fort Wayne Soccerpalooza. The exciting events began on Friday, August 20 and concludes this weekend with a bang in the men’s collegiate competition. The three-day showcase will include premier college programs in the nation including Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Notre Dame, Duke, Loyola, and more. If you’re a soccer fan, this is one weekend you can’t afford to not be a part of!

Ticket prices, media details and more information can be found on the National Soccer Festival Web site. 

Opportunity for Employers

Employers in and around the Fort Wayne area have an opportunity to help area college students and Indiana’s high unemployment numbers by participating in the 7th Annual Career and Internship Fair, offered by Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) on Thursday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Walb Student Union Ballroom.

Employers who may be recruiting for full-time or part-time positions or internship opportunities are invited to register for the fair. Find more information about registering here.

Offered by IPFW’s Career Services, the fair is designed to connect students and alumni to local and national employers in a variety of industries. Attendance by hundreds of qualified job seekers from the IPFW, Purdue University, and Indiana University campuses allows employers to maximize their investment of time in the recruiting and interviewing process. There will be a number students looking for internship opportunities and general career information.

For more information contact Karen Obringer at 260-481-0689 or obringek@ipfw.edu. 

Beaches, Bikes, and Burgers

By Lauren Richwine, Communications Specialist

Where can you find all of that here in Fort Wayne? At Beach Bums Burgers of course! Serving a trendy menu that features favorites like gourmet burgers, grilled salmon, steaks and salads, Beach Bums wants your visit to feel a little bit like vacation. They even offer Hawaiian souvenirs for purchase to make your mini vacation complete!

Several Beach Bums special events are coming up and we wanted to make sure you knew about them. On August 20 from 7-10, Beach Bums will be hosting a Parrothead Party. Come wearing your favorite Hawaiian outfit, watch the Jimmy Buffet concert on big screen TVs, and enter to win the grand door prize: a Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker.

The second event is the August 28 monthly Motorcycle and Car Cruise-In hosted by Beach Bums. Come show off your prize vehicles from 12-4 and grab some food. Beach Bums also has a private room available for club meetings, parties, after work gatherings, or networking events. For more information on Beach Bums Burgers or any of these events, visit www.beachbumsburgers.com or call (260) 489-8534.

IPFW Presents “Generation NeXt”

Today’s young workers are entering the workforce with characteristics and expectations that present unique challenges to those responsible for recruiting, orienting and initiating them into the professional world, as well as those supervising, managing and retaining them once they get there. 

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Office of Academic Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences present “Generation NeXt Comes to Work” on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Rhinehart Recital Hall. Mark Taylor, M.S.W., Ed.D., will present. Dr. Taylor is a nationally recognized educator, expert, speaker and consultant who regularly helps businesses and organizations better manage the multigenerational workplace. His presentation will provide attendees with a better understanding of the development and predictable issues of Generation NeXt, and describe what organizations and managers can do to help them transition into and be successful in the professional workplace.

The program will include a continental breakfast at 8 a.m., the presentation at 8:30 a.m., and a Q&A session with Dr. Taylor at 10 a.m. For more information and to RSVP contact Heidi Felger at (260) 481-6160 or felgerh@ipfw.edu. 

Easter Seals Invites You to attend "The Artful Ask"

Easter Seals Arc and the Arc Foundation is hosting a development training with one of the country’s ‘grandmasters of fundraising’, Dr. Jerry Panas, and is inviting local, regional, and national professionals to attend. A day with Jerry Panas is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, 2010, from 8am – 5pm at Sweetwater Sound, 5501 US Hwy 30, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Panas, author of 12 books, including two that are the best-selling books in the field of fundraising, will explore the 27 areas of fundraising and philanthropy that will dramatically change the way money is raised during the next three years.

“The Future Isn’t What It Used to Be” will be the theme as future trends of fundraising are re-inventing themselves during a rebuilding economy, presenting both challenging and exciting times for organizations that rely heavily on donated and granted income. The cost to attend is $65 and attendees will leave with a better vision of efficient strategies and tactics that are key for successful future fundraising.

For more information click here. To register to attend The Artful Ask, please call 260.456.4534 ext. 265, or send payment to William Andreas, Easter Seals Arc, 4919 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825.  Checks should be made payable to Easter Seals Arc.

Habitat for Humanity in the Running for Pepsi Refresh Funds

Chamber member Fort Wayne Habitat for Humanity needs your help! It’s time to put that community spirit to work. They are in the running for $250,000 with the Pepsi Refresh Project, but they need Fort Wayne's help to make this happen. If Habitat wins, $180,000 will go toward building three additional houses in 2011 – which means three additional Fort Wayne families will have safe, affordable housing.

Additionally, $45,000 will go towards upgrading Chamber member Habitat ReStore, and $25,000 will go towards rejuvenating the 5 Million Cans Fort Wayne Recycling Program.

Habitat needs to get the most votes in this contest in order to receive the funds. You can vote right here, or you can text 101659 to PEPSI (73774). When you sign in, bookmark your page, and you can visit the page and vote every day! (You are allowed to vote one time a day, every day.) Voting continues until the end of August. 

Please spread the word! If you would like more information on how you can help Habitat achieve this goal, contact Andi Jo Shroyer at ashroyer@fortwaynehabitat.org or (260) 422-4828, ext. 302.

Xerox Provides Solution to Information Protection Issue

Chamber member Jeff Harrington of Xerox asked us to share this information with you. Recently, a CBS news story, “Digital Photocopiers Loaded with Secrets” has been circulating. Some are worried about the dangers of sensitive information being left behind on printers and multifunction devices. Xerox has recognized this problem for over 10 years and has built effective security controls into their devices to address the issue. Most companies have a policy to deal with data protection when they dispose of an old PC but not from print devices that have hard drives. 

Xerox is hosting a seminar this Thursday, August 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be providing you with the information that you need to protect your company's information. Guest speakers will include Randal Cusick, Manager, Technical Marketing, Xerox, and Jeff Helms, President, Association Information Technology Professionals (Indiana). For more information and to register, click here. 

Phil Chorus Invites Auditions and Announces New Choral Series

I love sharing about our members, but in this particular blog post I have a personal stake! Long-time blog readers will remember that I have written before about the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the joys of singing in The Phil Chorus. I'm thrilled to share the opportunity to be part of the Chorus -- spread the word!

The 2010-11 season will bring something new as The Phil Chorus presents its first series, The Lincoln Financial Foundation Signature Choral Series. Even more exciting for people in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana who love singing choral music is the opportunity to audition for The Phil Chorus and lend their voices to the 100 or more volunteer singers who will comprise a new, expanded version of a chorus that has enhanced community performances of classical music for more than 60 years. Performing symphonic choral music with the professional musicians of The Phil is an exhilarating experience and it is now open to all who have a successful audition with Chorus Director Robert Nance.

The next series of auditions for the Chorus will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. August 24 to 26. Appointments are required. Read more about the audition process and the season here. 

P.S. If you think this sounds great but are still a little shy about auditioning, I encourage you to take that step! I've been through the process, and I can relate to you, but I can also tell you that it's worth it! Please join us for a spectacular season of great choral music. 

Day of Caring Approaches

We hope to see you out at United Way's Day of Caring! This year's event will take place next Thursday, August 12. The day will begin with a kick-off breakfast at the Headwaters West Lincoln Pavilion. This is a great event - you can bet the Chamber staff will be awake and kickin' that morning with the rest of the teams. This year's Day of Caring focuses on neighborhood revitalization. This is a great opportunity for businesses to take their staff out of the office for a day, engage in team-building, and help the community all at once. Projects this year can include cleaning, painting, landscaping, or interactive activities at non-profit agencies, child care centers, after-school youth programs and schools. Learn more about the event here.

Ethan Allen Wants to Spice Up Your Walls (For Free!)

Are you looking for a way to spice up your workplace?

We recently had a Brown Bag workshop presented by Brand Innovation Group, called "Your Walls Really Can Talk." The point? The way your facilities look, both inside and outside, sends a message about your business.

If you're in need of some "spice" for your walls, I encourage you to attend Ethan Allen Design Center's FREE style workshop this Saturday, August 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will teach you the secrets to arranging artwork, mirrors, and more. Come with your questions, design issues, pictures, plans, or nothing at all! Just come, and you will learn something valuable. Space is limited, so make sure you RSVP before the seats fill up by calling (260) 436-0413. Chamber member Ethan Allen is located at 4721 Illinois Road.

P.S. By the way, in case you're unfamiliar, the Ethan Allen team utilizes their professional training to create well-designed rooms, specializing in style, space-planning, and color.You can even sign up for a complimentary design consultation.

Cancer Researcher to Speak at Health Care Hero Awards

Speaking of the medical community, here's another note for you. Don't forget to submit your nominations for the Business Weekly's 2010 Health Care Hero Awards. The Awards honor organizations and individuals in the health care field who epitomize the spirit embodied in the word "hero." Nominations for the awards will be accepted until July 30 and forms are available online. A winner and a runner-up will be honored in each of the following categories: Community Achievement in Health Care, Physician, Advancement in Health Care, Medical Professional and Volunteers. 

The Awards breakfast will take place September 17, and keynote speaker will be Douglas J. Schwartzentruber, M.D., surgical oncologist and medical director of the Center for Cancer Care in Goshen. Earlier this year he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world for his work in cancer research.

P.S. Don't forget another upcoming awards ceremony - the Innovation Awards.  If you or someone you know has developed an innovative business, product, or service - now is the time to show that off! The Innovation Awards will recognize innovative companies and individuals in the 16-county Fort Wayne region. 

Voices of Unity Heads Home with Gold

A big round of applause for Fort Wayne's Voices of Unity choir - as you know, VOU spent the last few months campaigning energetically to raise money to pay for each student choir member to represent the U.S. at the World Choir games in Shaoxing, China. Voices of Unity represented not just Fort Wayne, but the entire country, at what is considered the "Olympics" of choir competition.

Well guess what? They won Gold! According to the VOU Facebook page, the team won Gold in the Gospel and Pop Chorale categories, as well as Overall Grand Champion in Gospel!

Congratulations to this choir for their outstanding efforts, and to all the businesses and community members who helped make this choir's "Dreams of Gold" come true.

Disability Advocacy Coalition Commemorates Legislation

This morning at 10 a.m., join members of the Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition as they hold a press conference on the steps of the Federal Building (1300 South Harrison Street) in Fort Wayne to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
 
In Northeast Indiana nearly 22,000 individuals have a disability. The Coalition invites you to join them to hear from individuals whose lives have been transformed because of ADA and discover how our community has made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. The Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition will also unveil a report card on the efforts being made to make this a disability friendly region. Chamber members who are part of the Coalition include AWS Foundation, Easter Seals ARC, Goodwill, Pathfinder Services, and Turnstone. 

Unique Opportunity for Parents/Students to Meet Industry Leaders

Parents and students will have an outstanding opportunity to meet face-to-face with leaders in Northeast Indiana's defense industry today - Friday, July 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Indiana Tech. Defense companies including Raytheon, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, and ITT Defense & Information Solutions and more will be available for parents and students to discuss career options and ask questions. Local universities with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs will also be present, as well as other clubs and organizations involved in STEM initiatives.

The evening will provide an exceptional opportunity for students to connect personally with industry leaders and educators and have questions answered about what Northeast Indiana has to offer in terms of high-skill, high-wage jobs. The event will take place at Indiana Tech in the Andorfer Commons and is free and open to the public. For more information about this event, click here. 

D.O. McComb & Sons Honored at Huntertown Festival

Chamber members D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes will be honored as part of this year's Huntertown Heritage Days event. The festival takes place August 6-7, with many fun activities planned. On Saturday at 10 a.m., the annual parade will begin honoring the James & Margaret McComb family. In 1850, James & Margaret McComb settled in Perry Township on Old Auburn Road. Their family consisted of 8 sons and 2 daughters; one of those sons was D.O. McComb, founder of D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes.

The McComb family has since been an active part of the surrounding communities as teachers, politicians and business owners in electrical work, grocery stores, construction and the funeral home business. Several McComb family members will be participating in the parade with floats, vehicles, dancing and music. D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes will be represented with an old-fashioned, horse-drawn funeral coach. New to the festival this year is a fireworks display, a cornhole tournament, a sidewalk chalk contest and a magic show. Back for its second year is the ever-popular beer tent with live music, along with lots of fun and games. 

Chamber Members Earn Three Rivers Fest Awards

Did you hit the annual Fort Wayne Newspapers Three Rivers Festival this year? Lots of Chamber members were involved, winning numerous prizes and awards. Here's a brief recap of Chamber member winners.

The popular Three Rivers Festival Bed Race was won for the fourth time by the team from DeBrand Chocolates. The second-place finishers from St. Joseph Hospital gave them a good race. Other Chamber member teams teams rounding out the field of eleven competitors in the Race this year included the TinCaps, Waters of Fort Wayne, Courtyard Marriot, and Pizza Hut. Video highlights are available here.

The Waiter-Waitress Contest presented by the Convention and Visitors Bureau was held at the Festival Plaza this year and drew eleven competing teams including Chamber members Red River Steak House, Marriott/Rum Runners, and O’Charley’s. First place went to the Marriott Banquet team the “Red Coats” Gary, Kyle & Grant, and the Marriott team scored again in third place with their room service team the “Natural Born Grillers.” 

The PNC Three Rivers Festival Parade kicked off festival week with thousands lining the streets to enjoy nearly 140 entries. Mike Nutter of Chamber member the TinCaps acted as an honorary Grand Marshal. An added bonus was the appearance of the Indianapolis Colts sponsored by National Serv-All. Chamber members who earned parade awards include:

Mayor’s Award - Commercial, Brown Mackie College                

Most Original - Non-commercial, Ivy Tech Community College

TRF Parade Award - Commercial, Lutheran Health Network

Admiral Andy Award - Commercial, Do it Best Corporation

Sweepstakes Award - Commercial, Rock 104

And of course, the festival wouldn't be complete without the National Serv-all fireworks finale on Saturday evening. 

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Holding Job Fair

I know the community is excited to see the new Courtyard by Marriott Downtown quickly coming together. Our friends at the Marriott are in the process of building their staff right now, and they are holding a job fair this week, Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day at the Grand Wayne Convention Center.


Attendees can apply in person and be interviewed on the spot. Full-time, and part-time positions are available for banquet staff, restaurant servers, cooks, guest service reps, house aides and maintenance. For more information on this job fair, contact Aimee Scott at (260) 490-3629 or aimee.scott@whitelodging.com.


P.S. All of this is in preparation for the Marriott's Grand Opening on Wednesday, September 1, when we will help them celebrate their official opening with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony!

Practice That Pedal Form!

By Lauren Richwine, Communications Specialist


Lace up your racing sneakers and practice that pedal form! Trikes for Turnstone is a family friendly pedal bike race for families of all ages at Covington Plaza. All proceeds from the event will benefit Chamber member Turnstone Center for Children & Adults with Disabilities. The big race takes place August 1st from 1-4 p.m. at the Covington Plaza parking lot. Divisions will be split by age including children (7-16) in the first division and all adults in the second division.

Each team must have four participants if they want to bike their way to victory. Entry fees are $30 for a children’s team and $40 for an adult team. Tricycles and helmets will be provided the day of the race so don’t worry about remembering to bring your own. Registration forms are still available at Senator Dick Lugar’s office who is co-hosting the event, and at Turnstone Center. But hurry! All entry fees and forms are due no later than July 23. For more information, contact Jennifer Neher of Turnstone at (260) 483-2100.