Amplify Oshkosh and Oshkosh Area School District Partner with Microsoft to bring TEALS Program to Northeast Wisconsin
Amplify Oshkosh, a program of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, is excited to partner with the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) to bring Computer Science to both Oshkosh North and Oshkosh West High Schools. In partnership with Microsoft...
Amplify Oshkosh, a program of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, is excited to partner with the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) to bring Computer Science to both Oshkosh North and Oshkosh West High Schools. In partnership with Microsoft, the TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools) Program has been brought to Northeast Wisconsin! Please review the attached letter provided by the OASD detailing the commitment that we are looking for from the business/IT community to help deliver this program to our students.
Computer Science is important to the growth of IT in our area, and this is a great step forward to get our students excited about their future careers.
Please reach out to Nicole Peterson or Julie Conrad with any questions that you might have.
View the TEALS Volunteer Letter Here
SCHOOL'S OUT! Business World Summer Flash Sale through June 1st!
School is almost out! We know that students are making their summer plans and we want to be one of those! We are offering a summer flash sale - only $75 through June 1st!
Please help to encourage students to participate in this year's Wisconsin Business World summer program! Our first stop will be at St. Norbert College, June 16-19, followed by UW-Madison, June 23-26. This is an incredible opportunity for students to not only learn more about Wisconsin business and our economy, but it also looks great on resumes, provokes new opportunities to network with other students and uses their creative side invent their own products!
Through our "mini" Business World programs we have impacted more than 2,000 students in the 2018-19 school year. We hope that by your encouragement we can impact even more students this summer!
Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, Rockbridge County 2019 Membership Directory and Workforce Development Magazine
The new Chamber of Commerce 2018 magazine is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to Tracy Lyons, Chrystal Lee and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Virginia Peninsula Chamber 2019 Military Job Fair
The Military Affairs Council of the VIRGINIA PENINSULA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
presents the
In Collaboration with the Military Family Support Center Employment Programs
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Newport News Marriott at City Center
740 Town Center Drive | Newport News, VA
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
(Vendor Check-in and Set-up)
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
(Open to Active-Duty/Retired Military, Reservist, DOD Civilians, Dependents, and Veterans)
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
(Open to the Public)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Exhibits
Booths (Include One 6 ft. Table, 2 Chairs, and 2 Lunch Tickets)
VPCC Members ................................................................................................................... $300
VPCC Non-Profit Members .................................................................................................. $225
Non-Members ...................................................................................................................... $350
Non-Profit Non-Members ..................................................................................................... $275Additional Table ....................................................................................................... $ 100
Electric ....................................................................................................................... $70
Additional Lunch Ticket .............................................................................................. $25
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Announces Community Conversations Series Kickoff - Powering Our Economy: The Energy Grid and Renewable Energy
Energy plays a significant role in our regional and state economy. Electricity, gas and other fuels power up our industry, our vehicles and our innovation. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on how this works, discuss improvements needed and what we can do to build for the future.
Susan Spears, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber, stresses the need for a strong energy grid saying, “To keep our economy moving forward, we need a secure, sustainable and efficient energy grid that powers our home, our businesses and our innovation. Without energy, our economy is in the dark.”
Get more information about this series or other Chamber programs by visiting fredericksburgchamber.org or by calling the Chamber office at 540-373-9400.
Mark Ingrao Departure Announcement: Note from Charlene Wheeless: Chairman of the Board, Greater Reston Chamber
Mark joined the Chamber in July 2009, taking the helm at a challenging time for the Chamber. Business and government were still reeling from the sharp decline in economic activity of the late 2000's—the most significant downturn since the Great Depression.
Under Mark’s leadership, despite the business and economic forces, the Chamber’s financial position stabilized, membership increased, and a new sponsorship strategy began positioning the Chamber as a collaborative organization and community steward. Mark led the association to historic milestones, including growing the Chamber from the 13th largest in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area to the 7th largest.
Other notable accomplishments include:
· Retired $150K in debt within his first year;
· Reorganized the staff structure more focused on new members and membership benefits;
· Positioned the Chamber as a founding member of the Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership, successfully advocating for our members at the Virginia General Assembly;
· Led the Chamber’s Taste of Reston festival to being named the “Best Food Festival in Northern Virginia” by Virginia Living Magazine;
· Launched the B2G Matchmaking and Expo which has become the largest event of its kind for government contractors outside the beltway; and
· Created Northern Virginia Restaurant Week as a collaboration with other chambers in Northern Virginia;
Please join me in thanking Mark for his stellar leadership, commitment, and contributions to the Chamber and Reston for the past nine and half years, and in wishing him continued success.
A Search Committee has been formed to source candidates to succeed Mark and further the Chamber’s success.
Sincerely,
Charlene Wheeless
GRCC Chairman of the Board#BestChamber practices: Refer a member: ADP: Let's Grow Together!
Refer a new member... get a $100 Gift card!
Contact Membership Director, Ann Scott Miles for more information at a.miles@theadp.com
LGBT Chamber: - 50 Years Later: A New Way of Doing Business
50 Years Later: A New Way of Doing Business - June 12th, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Join the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Chicago Loop Alliance of Commerce as we come together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall. From an era where LGBTQ+ individuals were primarily only welcomed as consumers and employees in the bar and nightlife scene, companies of all sizes have evolved to become more inclusive in their hiring and consumer practices. In this conversation, Tracy Baim will moderate a panel of local business leaders and professionals who will share how the ways we do business with the LGBTQ+ community have evolved over the past 5 decades.
Birmingham-Bloomfield Business After Hours - Speed Networking with Young Professionals
NEW - Speed Networking with Young Professionals and Comcast Business
Join the BBChamber, our BB Chamber Young Professionals and COMCAST Business for our Spring Speed Networking Event at Andiamo Bloomfield! Click here for details and registration!
June 6, 2019
Andiamo Bloomfield
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Registration and details at Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber
North Central College and NACC Partner To Lead Startup Grind Chapter, Making Naperville A Recognized Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
Naperville joins Chicago as one of only two Illinois cities to receive Startup Grind designation
Naperville, Ill., May 21, 2019 – Local entrepreneurs have a new network and opportunity thanks to a partnership between North Central College and the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC). The two entities came together to help Naperville earn the designation as a Startup Grind chapter, the world’s largest independent startup community. Due in part to the College’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship and Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, its campus community has helped foster a startup culture in the city of Naperville.
In partnership with Google for Startups, Startup Grind is designed to inform, connect and inspire innovators and entrepreneurs. The global startup community is a network of entrepreneurs with over 1.5 million members across 125 countries, with the launch of the Naperville chapter being just the second in Illinois.
“Naperville is a bustling hub of entrepreneurial activity and what better way to get students involved and inspired than hosting events like Startup Grind on campus that bring together people who are passionate about entrepreneurship,” said Karen Bartuch, executive director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at North Central College, who will serve as the Startup Grind chapter director. “This is an amazing global community of entrepreneurs and we are proud to bring it to Naperville and the North Central campus.”
The College has partnered with the NACC to continue building its business partnerships throughout the community. Nicki Anderson, NACC president and CEO, will serve as Naperville’s co-director of Startup Grind.
“A vibrant community like ours has every opportunity to be as relevant and innovative as we can,” said Anderson. “The recent partnership between the Chamber and the College to host Startup Grind demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and looking for ‘what’s next.’ Where there’s a vision and innovation there’s opportunity, and we’ve never shied away from seizing those opportunities.”
The core of the program is a schedule of monthly events featuring local entrepreneurs, investors and experts in startups, sharing their advice and stories of innovation.
North Central College kicks off its inaugural Startup Grind event on Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m. in Larrance Academic Center, 309 E. School Street, Naperville. The event is entitled, “Evolving Venture Capital to Meet the Needs of Today’s Entrepreneurs,” and will feature New Stack Ventures founder and managing partner Nick Moran. Moran is also a tenant in North Central’s on campus co-working space.
New Stack Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that invests in founders at the earliest stages of company formation. It invests out of a fund and also leads the largest Angel Syndicate in the Midwest, a group of over 400 angels who co-invest in New Stack deals. Prior to serving as the founder and general partner at New Stack Ventures, Moran worked for Danaher, a global science and technology innovator. After a few years in mergers and acquisitions, Moran led a breakthrough innovation, developing one of the most successful products in the company’s history. In addition to investing, he founded the first venture capital podcast, The Full Ratchet.
For information on North Central’s inaugural Startup Grind event and to register to attend, visit Startup Grind.
Logansport Cass County Community Resource Guide and Map
The Logansport Cass County Community Guide and map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to the Bill, Teresa and the chamber members for their help and direction putting this together!
Logansport Cass County Chamber Directory and Map
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Georgia-Pacific to Expand Bowling Green Facility, Create 50-Plus Jobs
Gov. Matt Bevin has announced Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Group will expand its existing operation in Bowling Green with a nearly $100 million investment expected to create more than 50 full-time jobs.
“Georgia-Pacific’s investment of $100 million demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the commonwealth and the Bowling Green community,” Gov. Bevin said. “For nearly three decades, the Dixie facility has served up opportunities for Kentuckians, and this latest announcement of more than 50 new full-time jobs will provide our highly-skilled workforce with even more pathways to success. Georgia-Pacific produces some of the world’s most iconic household name brands, and we are grateful they have found an enduring home here in Kentucky, America’s engineering and manufacturing center of excellence.”
Georgia-Pacific will grow its plant’s footprint in the South Central Kentucky Industrial Park by 80,000 square feet to increase production capacity for Dixie plates and bowls. Construction is already underway, and company leaders anticipate the project will be finished in the first half of 2020.
“This is great news for our Dixie business and the Bowling Green plant. This expansion will help us continue meeting the needs of our customers as demand continues to grow for high-quality, durable paper plates and bowls,” said Erik Sjogren, vice president and general manager of livingware at Georgia-Pacific. “We believe this expansion will also position our Bowling Green Dixie facility to remain competitive in the market and in the local community for the long term.”
Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries produce bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals. The company’s brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Sparkle®, Mardi Gras® and Vanity Fair®. The company has also long been a supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large DIY warehouse retailers. Georgia-Pacific operates nearly 200 facilities and directly employs approximately 35,000 people.
Georgia-Pacific opened the Bowling Green operation in 1992, and the plant has seen several expansions over the past 27 years. The facility produces about one quarter of all the company’s paper plates and bowls. Georgia-Pacific also operates a Dixie facility in Lexington. In total, the company directly employs nearly 500 Kentuckians. Since 2013, the company has invested $66 million in its Kentucky operations.
Sen. Mike Wilson, of Bowling Green, expressed gratitude for the company’s commitment.
“I want to thank Georgia-Pacific for bringing this major investment to Bowling Green,” Sen. Wilson said. “Not only will this project bring in additional jobs, but also an increase in Dixie bowls and plates that is sure to be appreciated throughout the upcoming summer months.”
Rep. Steve Sheldon, of Bowling Green, said changing state policies have helped spearhead this type of growth.
“This is great news for Bowling Green and our region. Georgia-Pacific has been a good corporate citizen and the 50 jobs they are adding with this expansion means a lot to our local economy,” Rep. Sheldon said. “This is more evidence that the pro-jobs, pro-economic development policies we are passing in Frankfort are paying off across the state. Add this to national studies that show average hourly earnings are increasing at rates we haven’t seen since 2009 and we have a formula for economic progress and an improved quality of life.”
Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson said he expects the company’s upward trajectory to continue.
“We celebrate with Georgia-Pacific on this new facility expansion,” Mayor Wilkerson said. “Georgia-Pacific’s global footprint is seen right here in Bowling Green; we are proud to have them here and are excited for their continued investment and growth.”
Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon noted the significance of the project for the local economy.
“Congratulations to Georgia-Pacific on this great project. This expansion will have an economic impact of over $194 million over the next ten years in south central Kentucky,” Judge-Executive Buchanon said. “We are grateful for businesses like Georgia-Pacific that continue to invest in our community and our economy.”
Ron Bunch, president and CEO of Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, said Georgia-Pacific holds a special place within the community.
“Georgia-Pacific is a valuable operation in the South Central Kentucky Industrial Park and a tremendous asset to this community,” Bunch said. “They are an integral part of our region’s diverse economy. We are excited to announce this expansion and look forward to their many more years of success in our community.” Source: WMKY 90.3 FM
From Nancy Eckerle: Indiana Small Businesses Recognized for Entrepreneurial Success
Photos of the award winners will be uploaded following the ceremony. Please click here to access the photos.
These awards are presented in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s National Small Business Week. Governor Eric J. Holcomb also issued a proclamation this week declaring May 5-11, 2019 as Small Business Week in Indiana, highlighting the important role small businesses play in Indiana's economy. Indiana received an 'A' grade for ease of starting a business (Thumbtack 2018), and ranks No. 1 in the Midwest and No. 6 in the nation for entrepreneur friendliness (SBE Council Small Business Policy Index 2019).
About Indiana SBDC
The Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosted by the IEDC, which leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping entrepreneurs launch, grow and locate businesses in the state. The Indiana SBDC provides entrepreneurs with expert guidance and resources on how to start and grow a business. With a network of 10 regional offices through the state, the Indiana SBDC creates a positive and measureable impact on the formation, growth and sustainability of Indiana's small businesses.
The Indiana SBDC is funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. For more information about the Indiana SBDC, visit www.isbdc.org.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Workforce Development: ACCE: Build Your Funder Network
Logansport Cass County Community Resource Guide and Map
The Logansport Cass County Community Guide and map is available at the Chamber today! Thanks to the Bill, Teresa and the chamber members for their help and direction putting this together!
Logansport Cass County Chamber Directory and Map
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community guide or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Georgia-Pacific to Expand Bowling Green Facility, Create 50-Plus Jobs
Gov. Matt Bevin has announced Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Group will expand its existing operation in Bowling Green with a nearly $100 million investment expected to create more than 50 full-time jobs.“Georgia-Pacific’s investment of $100 million demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the commonwealth and the Bowling Green community,” Gov. Bevin said. “For nearly three decades, the Dixie facility has served up opportunities for Kentuckians, and this latest announcement of more than 50 new full-time jobs will provide our highly-skilled workforce with even more pathways to success. Georgia-Pacific produces some of the world’s most iconic household name brands, and we are grateful they have found an enduring home here in Kentucky, America’s engineering and manufacturing center of excellence.”
Georgia-Pacific will grow its plant’s footprint in the South Central Kentucky Industrial Park by 80,000 square feet to increase production capacity for Dixie plates and bowls. Construction is already underway, and company leaders anticipate the project will be finished in the first half of 2020.
“This is great news for our Dixie business and the Bowling Green plant. This expansion will help us continue meeting the needs of our customers as demand continues to grow for high-quality, durable paper plates and bowls,” said Erik Sjogren, vice president and general manager of livingware at Georgia-Pacific. “We believe this expansion will also position our Bowling Green Dixie facility to remain competitive in the market and in the local community for the long term.”
Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries produce bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals. The company’s brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Sparkle®, Mardi Gras® and Vanity Fair®. The company has also long been a supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large DIY warehouse retailers. Georgia-Pacific operates nearly 200 facilities and directly employs approximately 35,000 people.
Georgia-Pacific opened the Bowling Green operation in 1992, and the plant has seen several expansions over the past 27 years. The facility produces about one quarter of all the company’s paper plates and bowls. Georgia-Pacific also operates a Dixie facility in Lexington. In total, the company directly employs nearly 500 Kentuckians. Since 2013, the company has invested $66 million in its Kentucky operations.
Sen. Mike Wilson, of Bowling Green, expressed gratitude for the company’s commitment.
“I want to thank Georgia-Pacific for bringing this major investment to Bowling Green,” Sen. Wilson said. “Not only will this project bring in additional jobs, but also an increase in Dixie bowls and plates that is sure to be appreciated throughout the upcoming summer months.”
Rep. Steve Sheldon, of Bowling Green, said changing state policies have helped spearhead this type of growth.
“This is great news for Bowling Green and our region. Georgia-Pacific has been a good corporate citizen and the 50 jobs they are adding with this expansion means a lot to our local economy,” Rep. Sheldon said. “This is more evidence that the pro-jobs, pro-economic development policies we are passing in Frankfort are paying off across the state. Add this to national studies that show average hourly earnings are increasing at rates we haven’t seen since 2009 and we have a formula for economic progress and an improved quality of life.”
Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson said he expects the company’s upward trajectory to continue.
“We celebrate with Georgia-Pacific on this new facility expansion,” Mayor Wilkerson said. “Georgia-Pacific’s global footprint is seen right here in Bowling Green; we are proud to have them here and are excited for their continued investment and growth.”
Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon noted the significance of the project for the local economy.
“Congratulations to Georgia-Pacific on this great project. This expansion will have an economic impact of over $194 million over the next ten years in south central Kentucky,” Judge-Executive Buchanon said. “We are grateful for businesses like Georgia-Pacific that continue to invest in our community and our economy.”
Ron Bunch, president and CEO of Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, said Georgia-Pacific holds a special place within the community.
“Georgia-Pacific is a valuable operation in the South Central Kentucky Industrial Park and a tremendous asset to this community,” Bunch said. “They are an integral part of our region’s diverse economy. We are excited to announce this expansion and look forward to their many more years of success in our community.” Source: WMKY 90.3 FM
From Nancy Eckerle: Indiana Small Businesses Recognized for Entrepreneurial Success
The Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is a program of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), honored 14 small businesses today for their work to help grow Indiana’s economy and strengthen communities across the state.
"With more than 512,000 companies employing 1.2 million Hoosiers, small businesses play a critical role in maintaining long-term economic growth in Indiana and supporting good jobs in our communities," said Elaine Bedel, president of the IEDC. "As a state, we're committed to building on the entrepreneurial climate that has helped launch companies like the ones being honored today and equipping Hoosier innovators with the tools they need to start and grow their dream businesses."
Each award winner received business counseling from the Indiana SBDC, which provides entrepreneurs with expert guidance and resources on how to start and grow a business, including strategy development, business planning and valuation, export assistance and market research. The Small Business Impact Awards annually honor small businesses that received assistance from the organization's 10 regional offices.
This year, the Indiana SBDC unveiled four new, statewide awards at its program, recognizing the contributions of clients who have made a significant economic or community impact in Indiana. The 2019 honorees are:
"With more than 512,000 companies employing 1.2 million Hoosiers, small businesses play a critical role in maintaining long-term economic growth in Indiana and supporting good jobs in our communities," said Elaine Bedel, president of the IEDC. "As a state, we're committed to building on the entrepreneurial climate that has helped launch companies like the ones being honored today and equipping Hoosier innovators with the tools they need to start and grow their dream businesses."
Each award winner received business counseling from the Indiana SBDC, which provides entrepreneurs with expert guidance and resources on how to start and grow a business, including strategy development, business planning and valuation, export assistance and market research. The Small Business Impact Awards annually honor small businesses that received assistance from the organization's 10 regional offices.
This year, the Indiana SBDC unveiled four new, statewide awards at its program, recognizing the contributions of clients who have made a significant economic or community impact in Indiana. The 2019 honorees are:
- Community Impact Award: Bodyworks Studio (Logansport), founded by Natasha Walters in 2011, is a yoga studio offering programs and services aimed at boosting Hoosiers’ physical, emotional and spiritual health. At its two locations in Logansport and Monticello, the company provides yoga classes for all body types and fitness levels and nutrition programs emphasizing locally-grown products. Bodyworks Studio continues to utilize the Indiana SBDC’s expert assistance to enhance its business plan and secure additional financing. Along with Bodyworks Studio’s local food initiative, Walters volunteers at the Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility, teaching young offenders through the facility’s Insight Garden Program, which combines permaculture gardening principles with meditation and mindfulness techniques to support their acclimation back into society.
- Innovative Small Business of the Year: Heliponix (Evansville), led by Purdue University graduates Scott Massey and Ivan Ball, is an agbioscience startup that commercialized an automated, aeroponic appliance called a GroPod™ to allow consumers to grow produce in the convenience of their own homes. The company’s innovative technology cultivates produce three times faster than conventional farming methods, using 95 percent less water and without pesticides. For example, the GroPod™ can yield a full head of leafy greens in a single day. Since its inception in 2016, Heliponix has utilized the Indiana SBDC, Purdue Foundry and Elevate Ventures, the IEDC’s venture development partner, to fuel its growth in Indiana.
- Social Enterprise of the Year: Bitchstix (Indianapolis), founded by Indianapolis-native Emily Kennerk in 2016, is a face and skin care company selling lip balms and skin products made with organic, environmentally-friendly ingredients. To support its growth, Kennerk worked with the Indiana SBDC on an exporting strategy, which allowed her to expand into Canadian and European markets. Sales have doubled each year since the company was started, exceeding $400,000 last year, and the company’s brand and social impact continue to gain recognition throughout central Indiana. In support of the community, Bitchstix encourages retailers each year to nominate domestic violence awareness or sexual assault prevention programs to receive charitable support from the company.
- Veteran Small Business of the Year: Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery (Indianapolis) is the first combat-disabled, veteran-owned distillery in the nation and the first artisan distillery in Indianapolis since Prohibition. The company’s name was inspired by owner Travis Barnes’ military background, which included three tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marines. After launching, Barnes, along with his wife, Hilary, utilized the Indiana SBDC for permitting assistance and market research, and continue to work with the organization as they expand production and distribution. Additionally, the distillery closed on a $2 million Series A funding round. Hotel Tango also hosts an annual event with the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation called Operation Alpha to support Hoosier veterans throughout the state.
The 2019 Small Business Impact Award recipients, based on the Indiana SBDC's 10 regional offices, are:
- Central: NinjaZone (Indianapolis), founded by Casey Wright in 2014, offers a sports-focused children’s activity curriculum fusing martial arts, gymnastics, obstacle training and freestyle movement to fuel the athletic and character development of boys and girls ages 18 months to 13 years old. The company, which licenses its curriculum to more than 300 gyms and serves over 100,000 children globally, also runs a competition series, the Ninja Games, to showcase the skills and experience children obtain while participating in the program. With Indiana SBDC one-on-one counseling, NinjaZone created a strategic plan aimed at boosting brand recognition and attracting capital. In recognition of the company’s success, Wright was also named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2019 Small Business Person of the Year in Indiana.
- East Central: Farmhouse Creative (Muncie), founded by Angie Rogers-Howell in 2012, is a woman-owned marketing and branding firm specializing in print and digital marketing. From brand strategy and content management solutions to print marketing materials and website design, the company, which currently has three full-time employees, offers a one-stop shop for marketing services for small businesses and nonprofits in Indiana. Farmhouse Creative continues to work with the Indiana SBDC to enhance its business model and marketing strategies.
- Hoosier Heartland: Little Engine Ventures (Lafayette) was launched by Daryl Starr and Mikel Berger in 2016 as an investment partnership focused on acquiring numerous small businesses per year. The firm’s present focus is in north central Indiana with revenue below $10 million. Little Engine Ventures regularly utilizes the Indiana SBDC for industry-specific market research. The partnership then deploys a one-of-a-kind investment strategy in Indiana and surrounding states, with a goal to encourage company growth by integrating new technologies and operating processes.
- North Central: Ninja Golf! (Granger), founded by John Miller in 2017, is a Japanese garden-themed miniature golf complex with three nine-hole courses, a Kabuki theatre, laser maze and a snack bar featuring traditional Japanese food and beverages. By leveraging Indiana SBDC services such as market analysis and loan assistance, the company was able to overcome key challenges in launching its first Ninja Golf! facility and plans to scale the business with additional locations and franchises.
- Northeast: Spectrum Virtual Reality Arcade (Fort Wayne), a virtual reality games and experiences arcade, was started by Waylon Fisher and Brandon Barker, who both participated in Fort Wayne Community Schools’ New Tech Academy. After working with the Indiana SBDC on the company’s business plan and financial projections, and applying the 21st-century technology skills obtained through the academy, the entrepreneurs opened their first location in Fort Wayne and have since added a second. Spectrum Virtual Reality Arcade allows its customers to immerse themselves in games using virtual reality headsets in rooms that accommodate multiple users.
- Northwest: Lokring Midwest (Valparaiso), an exclusive distributor of Ohio-based Lokring Technology weld alternative pipe and tube fittings, is a veteran-owned business serving nuclear, petrochemical, health care, steel and defense customers across the Midwest. Started by U.S. Army-veteran Steve Burke in 2009, the company, which has four full-time employees in northwest Indiana, has undergone multiple expansions with the help of the Indiana SBDC and plans to break ground on a new warehouse this year.
- South Central: Matrix Integration (Jasper), founded by entrepreneur Brenda Stallings in 1979, is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and IT solution provider providing technology infrastructure, professional services and lifecycle-managed services. To support its growth, the Indiana SBDC offered location assistance to Matrix Integration, which allowed the company to expand and hire more Hoosiers. The company now has 80 employees across three locations in Indiana and Kentucky, serving more than 1,000 companies in industries ranging from finance and utilities to higher education and manufacturing.
- Southeast: Indiana Caverns (Corydon) is a family tourist destination offering tours and exhibits to the Midwest’s longest cave and the 7th largest cave in the nation. In 2012, the caverns were developed under the leadership of Gary Roberson, who had been actively exploring the cave system since 1967. As part of the Binkley Cave System, in total spanning more than 44 miles and still growing, the Indiana Caverns attracted more than 35,000 visitors in 2018, allowing its guests to experience attractions and explore the cave system at 110 feet below ground. The company is committed to increasing awareness of southern Indiana’s rich geological history, and, with Indiana SBDC assistance in securing financing, adding new attractions to enhance the tourism industry in Harrison County.
- Southwest: Tri-State Cylinder Head (Evansville), which specializes in high-precision, cast-iron welding and machining, is a HUBZone-certified manufacturer founded by Ron Schmitt in 1991. With the help of market reports drafted by the Indiana SBDC, the business was later purchased by Lucas Recker and Kyle Sharrer in 2017. The company recently announced plans to nearly double its workforce and invest more than $2.5 million to upgrade its 20,000-square-foot facility in Evansville, installing state-of-the-art equipment and custom welding infrastructure to support increased demand for its cylinder head remanufacturing.
- West Central: Honeysuckle Hill Bee-stro (Brazil), which opened in 2017, is a family-owned, seasonal restaurant integrating honey produced by owners and local beekeepers, Andy and Jodi Lohrman, in its recipes. The restaurant also hosts private events and has a gift shop featuring its honey and locally-made home and kitchen products. When starting its business, the Bee-stro worked with the Indiana SBDC on its business plan, financial projections and marketing strategy.
Photos of the award winners will be uploaded following the ceremony. Please click here to access the photos.
These awards are presented in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s National Small Business Week. Governor Eric J. Holcomb also issued a proclamation this week declaring May 5-11, 2019 as Small Business Week in Indiana, highlighting the important role small businesses play in Indiana's economy. Indiana received an 'A' grade for ease of starting a business (Thumbtack 2018), and ranks No. 1 in the Midwest and No. 6 in the nation for entrepreneur friendliness (SBE Council Small Business Policy Index 2019).
About Indiana SBDC
The Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosted by the IEDC, which leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping entrepreneurs launch, grow and locate businesses in the state. The Indiana SBDC provides entrepreneurs with expert guidance and resources on how to start and grow a business. With a network of 10 regional offices through the state, the Indiana SBDC creates a positive and measureable impact on the formation, growth and sustainability of Indiana's small businesses.
The Indiana SBDC is funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. For more information about the Indiana SBDC, visit www.isbdc.org.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Workforce Development: ACCE: Build Your Funder Network
Want to improve your workforce programming but don’t have the funding to support your needs? Learn about helpful tools for fundraising and develop a plan for your next steps in this week's webinar featuring David Rattray, executive vice president of the Los Angeles Area Chamber.
ACCE: Become an Education and Talent Development Fellow
Are you moving the needle on education and talent in your community? Ready to take your work to the next level? Our Fellowship for Education & Talent Development is an immersive experience that connects chamber pros to improve education and talent outcomes in communities of all sizes. We’re now accepting applications for the next cohort of Fellows. Learn more and apply here (by June 14).
ACCE: Become an Education and Talent Development Fellow
Are you moving the needle on education and talent in your community? Ready to take your work to the next level? Our Fellowship for Education & Talent Development is an immersive experience that connects chamber pros to improve education and talent outcomes in communities of all sizes. We’re now accepting applications for the next cohort of Fellows. Learn more and apply here (by June 14).
Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal
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