Mayor Hutton Recognizes March as Red Cross Month
Richmond, IN 03/03/09 – Mayor Hutton signed a proclamation recognizing March as American Red Cross Month in Richmond, a tradition dating back to 1943, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, signed the first such proclamation. This year the Red Cross is taking time in March to focus on the volunteers and employees who demonstrate compassion and generosity by supporting the Red Cross in Richmond, Wayne and Union counties, as well as around the country.
“The American Red Cross wants to thank Mayor Hutton for supporting us, and for issuing this proclamation in honor of March as Red Cross Month,” said Chapter Chairman, Brad Wilson of the Wayne/Union Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We are proud to be an organization that provides vital services to help those faced with a crisis or need.”
In the past year alone the Wayne/Union Chapter have responded to 64 local fires, floods and storms - assisting 1,008 citizens; assisted 74 military families in making contact with deployed soldiers; and trained 5,968 people in lifesaving skills across our two county service area.
“We thank everyone who has supported our humanitarian mission over the past year enabling us to provide the services that we do,” said Wilson. “We hope everyone will consider supporting the Red Cross in the future so that we can continue to serve our fellow citizens.”
The public is invited to a Red Cross Open House on Wednesday, March 18th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Red Cross, 1417 North A Street, Richmond. The Chamber Action Team will have a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 4 PM. Informational material, displays, class schedules and volunteer opportunities will be available and visit our website at www.wayneunionredcross.org. Please join us!
Annual Phantoscope Indiana High School Film Festival
The Richmond Art Museum is pleased to announce the Third Annual Phantoscope High School Film Festival, featuring the work of teen filmmakers from all across Indiana.
At the festival screening, one talented young filmmaker will win a $500 cash prize. The winning film will be announced at the screening. Student filmmakers from Lowell to Evansville and all parts in between will have their works shown. This year, additional prizes for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing will be given.
Brian McGuffog, a junior at Hamilton Southeastern High School told us, “This is an incredible opportunity. It is very hard to find opportunities for filmmakers in Indiana, let alone high-schoolers, so it is really awesome that you consider our demographic as well…Good luck in your ventures into helping all of us teens reach our dream.”
High schools represented in this year’s festival are as follows: Madison Grant High School in Fairmount, IN, Whitko High School in South Whitley, IN, Centerville High School, Noblesville High School, Plainfield High School, West Lafayette High School, Jasper High School, Lowell High School, Huntington North High School in Columbia City, IN, Bloomington High School South, Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, IN, Bethesda Christian School in Brownsville, IN, William Henry Harrison High School in West Lafayette, IN and Centerville High School.
The Phantoscope High School Film Festival accepted entries early in 2009 from filmmakers enrolled in high school and residing in counties all across the State of Indiana. A jury of filmmakers and media professionals evaluated all entries and selected the Festival program. A panel discussion focusing on the “How To” questions of independent filmmaking will precede the screening at 5:30 p.m.
The festival will take place at Richmond Art Museum, 350 Hub Etchison Parkway in Richmond, Indiana on Saturday, March 21, 2009. Panel Discussion at 5:30 p.m. and Film Screening at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Lance M. Crow, Education Director at (765) 966-0256.
Supplier Conference for Brevini USA - March 24th
Muncie, IN (March 4, 2009) - A "Supplier Conference" for Brevini USA will be hosted by the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance at on March 24, 2009.
What: Supplier Conference
When: 10:30 AM, March 24, 2009
Where: White River Room
Horizon Convention Center
401 S. High St.
Muncie, IN 47305
Terry Murphy, Vice President, Economic Development notes the purpose of the conference is to help match the business needs of Brevini USA with local businesses and providers in the region. "The conference is an excellent format for local businesses to learn about new sales and service opportunities with Brevini USA", said Murphy.
Partial listings of services needed that will be discussed include:
State Legislative Forum
The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a State Legislative Forum at 9:30 a.m. Friday March 13th hosted by Richmond Community Schools at the RCS Administration Building Board Room.
All four of our area’s state legislators; Senator Paul, Representative Knollman, Representative Pflum, and Representative Saunders, plan to attend. The forum will be moderated by Pal-Item Viewpoints Editor Dale McConnaughay, run live and/or taped by WCTV for television viewers, and covered by local radio.
Chamber members and the general public are encouraged to take advantage of this important opportunity to hear from and speak to state legislators.
A second forum with state legislators, also open to the public, will be hosted by Farm Bureau at 10 a.m. Saturday March 14th at the Golay Center in Cambridge City.
SUMMERSAULT FUNDS LOCAL YOUNG ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROJECT
RICHMOND, INDIANA – Summersault announced today that it will contribute $1,000 as a sponsor of the upcoming Lemonade Day event being held in Richmond, Indiana on May 3, 2009. Lemonade Day nurtures entrepreneurial skills in young people by teaching them to start, own and operate their very own lemonade business.
Summersault’s owners, Chris Hardie and Mark Stosberg, are excited to help support a project that inspires the kind of innovation and self-reliance that they needed to grow their own business. A website development company, Summersault started in 1997 in Hardie’s college dorm room, and is now a growing organization with a staff of eight.
“We know the important role that small businesses and entrepreneurial thinking play in sustaining a strong local economy,” said Hardie, Summersault’s Principal. “We’re happy to use some of our success to encourage the next generation to see what they can do with their own skills and innovation.”
To learn more about Lemonade Day, visit http://www.lemonadeday.org.
Summersault is recognized as a leader in database driven website solutions. The firm offers a single point of contact for highly customized web design and application development solutions, as well as professional consulting services and support.
CertifiChecks Goes Out of Business!
The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce unexpectedly received notification Tuesday March 3rd that CertifiChecks, Inc., the company administering Chamber of Commerce gift certificate programs locally and nationally ceased operations citing woes of the national economy.
This means an unfortunate end to what has been a popular Chamber gift certificate program. It also means that effective immediately, the gift certificates showing our local Chamber name will no longer be recognized nor redeemed by CertifiChecks.
The Indiana Chamber Executives Association reported during a conference call Tuesday afternoon that CertifiChecks (the Dayton, Ohio based company) handled gift certificates for dozens of Chambers in Indiana and more than 350 Chambers of Commerce in the United States. It is estimated that more than 60,000 businesses participated in the program.
Locally, our Chamber sold more than $100,000 worth of gift certificates annually that could be used at approximately 100 participating Chamber member businesses. We have notified those businesses to discontinue accepting the gift certificates immediately.
In the cursory notice we received from CertifiChecks, gift certificate holders who had not yet used their certificates were directed to send unredeemed gift certificates to CertifiChecks, Inc., Attn.: Redemption Dept., PO Box 13603, Dayton, Ohio 45413 for possible redemption of the certificates. Merchants and customers were also directed to the CertifiChecks website www.certifichecks.com for further instructions.
Businesses or individuals holding gift certificates obtained through the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce may attempt to seek reimbursement directly from CertifiChecks per their instructions. However, businesses and individuals holding unredeemed gift certificates obtained from our Chamber may also bring the unredeemed gift certificates to the local Chamber office. We will give you a receipt for your certificate or make a copy of your certificate for our records and we will aggressively seek reimbursement on your behalf.
We must point out that although the local Chamber name appears on all certificates, your local Chamber never handled nor held the sale proceeds from the sale of these certificates in any manner, and any monies even collected locally were sent on to CertifiChecks. Because it did become a part of our local benefits package, however, it is the intent of the Chamber to assist in every way possible our members and/or local residents to pursue every possible remedy in getting their certificates redeemed.
Whether businesses and individuals seek reimbursement directly from CertifiChecks or through our Chamber, everyone is encouraged to let us know the number and amount of unredeemed gift certificates in their possession.
Businesses and individuals may do so in person at 33 South 7th Street, by calling 765-962-1511, or by registering the information on our website at www.rwchamber.org.
We hope to determine, as accurately as possible, the total amount of potentially unredeemable CertifiChecks in circulation as a result of purchases from our Chamber and/or purchases direct from CertifiChecks on-line or via their 800 number.
This information will be helpful in the event legal action is necessary.
As we assist our local businesses and consumers seek reimbursement, we will also seek reimbursement of unsold gift certificates we purchased and have in stock which now represents a direct loss to the Chamber.
In addition to our individual efforts, we are in communication with Chamber colleagues around the state and country to monitor best responses to this matter. We are also exploring combined efforts through our state and national associations.
We deeply regret the inconvenience CertifiChecks sudden announcement and unexpected closure may cause our businesses and consumers. We will do all we can do to protect our membership and to rectify the local situation to the best of our ability.
Dennis Andrews
Chamber President and CEO
EDC ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO EXISTING BUSINESSES
Two companies that employ nearly 360 local workers will receive grants totaling $100,000 to help with growth and business diversification.
The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County on March 2 approved a $75,000 grant to Berry Plastics and $25,000 for J.M. Hutton Co., according to Jeff Jackson, EDC’s board chair.
Local officials are pleased that the EDC Board approved the grants, which will be funded from the Economic Development Income Tax paid by all Wayne County residents.
“It’s very gratifying when the EDC can make investments on behalf of the county’s taxpayers that will have long-term positive effects in the community,” said Kenneth Paust, president of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. “Particularly in these times of economic duress, the county should be encouraging local companies that are expanding.”
Richmond Mayor Sally Hutton said, “It’s good news that Richmond has companies that are growing even in the current economic downturn. This is a very a positive statement about our community and the quality of work produced by our citizens.”
Berry Plastics will receive $75,000 to assist with a $2.7 million expansion project that is expected to create 15 new jobs within 12 months. The company will be constructing a 6,000 square foot of additional production area. It will install $2.4 million in equipment including new molding machines and robotics.
Headquartered in Evansville, Ind., Berry Plastics currently employs 263 workers at the Richmond plant, located at 630 Commerce Road. The plant produces molded plastic containers, largely for the food industry.
“Berry Plastics has been pleased with its operation here in Richmond because of the quality of work produced by our associates,” said Garry Teeguarden, regional vice president of operations and plant manager. “The investment that we are making will allow our associates to produce even more quality items. With the community’s support, we feel confident that we will continue to expand here.”
J.M. Hutton Co., a locally owned manufacturing company, will receive a $25,000 grant to aid in product diversification. Founded in 1845 in Richmond, the company makes metal and wood caskets. It is expanding into new lines of work, including manufacturing for the medical, automotive, railroad and aircraft industries.
“We feel a strong obligation to our employees and to Richmond to keep our company a good place to work,” said Richard “Jeff” Jeffers, owner. “Taking on new kinds of business will allow us to keep our employees working, and they are the ones who have built this company into what it is today.”
J.M. Hutton Co. has purchased two buildings near its metal stamping plant at1501 S. 8th Street in Richmond and is outfitting them with new equipment including a large laser cutter for metal, robotic equipment and powder coating equipment. The company currently employs 95 people.
“We want to thank Berry Plastics and J.M. Hutton for wanting to build on their successes in Wayne County,” EDC President and CEO Tim Rogers said. “Existing companies like these create the great majority of new jobs in any community.”
The economic impact of these two companies is much greater than their combined payrolls, Rogers said. With combined payrolls of more than $10 million a year, the companies help support the families of almost 360 workers. In turn, they spend money which helps keep another 170 people employed in local grocery and department stores, car dealerships, restaurants and other local businesses. It’s estimated that these workers will pay more than $14 million in property taxes over the next 10 years, which supports local schools and governments.
TBK America, Inc. Earns International Automotive Quality Recognition – ISO/TS16949
(Pittsburgh PA) SRI Quality System Registrar is pleased to announce that it has recently awarded an ISO/TS 16949 management system certificate and an ISO 9001:2000 management system certificate to TBK America, Inc. located in Richmond, Indiana, for design and manufacture of water pumps.
“SRI is pleased to acknowledge that TBK America, Inc. has demonstrated effective implementation of a management system that satisfies the tough auto standard: ISO/TS 16949”, states Peter B. Lake, CEO of SRI, and longtime auto industry participant in issuing sanctioned interpretations for auto system requirements. “Their certification shows their automotive customers worldwide that TBK America, Inc. is committed to being recognized as a long term supplier of quality goods and services.”
ISO/TS 16949:2002 is an international management system automotive "sector-specific" technical specification based on ISO 9001:2000, QS-9000 and several other international automotive requirements. ISO/TS 16949:2002 was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), in conjunction with the international standards community. This technical specification, when coupled with the applicable IATF customer-specific requirements, and IATF-specific auditing and qualification procedures, provides the basis for an IATF-recognized registrar such as SRI to certify TBK America, Inc.
EDC ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO EXISTING BUSINESSES
Two companies that employ nearly 360 local workers will receive grants totaling $100,000 to help with growth and business diversification.
The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County on March 2 approved a $75,000 grant to Berry Plastics and $25,000 for J.M. Hutton Co., according to Jeff Jackson, EDC’s board chair.
Local officials are pleased that the EDC Board approved the grants, which will be funded from the Economic Development Income Tax paid by all Wayne County residents.
“It’s very gratifying when the EDC can make investments on behalf of the county’s taxpayers that will have long-term positive effects in the community,” said Kenneth Paust, president of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. “Particularly in these times of economic duress, the county should be encouraging local companies that are expanding.”
Richmond Mayor Sally Hutton said, “It’s good news that Richmond has companies that are growing even in the current economic downturn. This is a very a positive statement about our community and the quality of work produced by our citizens.”
Berry Plastics will receive $75,000 to assist with a $2.7 million expansion project that is expected to create 15 new jobs within 12 months. The company will be constructing a 6,000 square foot of additional production area. It will install $2.4 million in equipment including new molding machines and robotics.
Headquartered in Evansville, Ind., Berry Plastics currently employs 263 workers at the Richmond plant, located at 630 Commerce Road. The plant produces molded plastic containers, largely for the food industry.
“Berry Plastics has been pleased with its operation here in Richmond because of the quality of work produced by our associates,” said Garry Teeguarden, regional vice president of operations and plant manager. “The investment that we are making will allow our associates to produce even more quality items. With the community’s support, we feel confident that we will continue to expand here.”
Your browser may not support display of this image.J.M. Hutton Co., a locally owned manufacturing company, will receive a $25,000 grant to aid in product diversification. Founded in 1845 in Richmond, the company makes metal and wood caskets. It is expanding into new lines of work, including manufacturing for the medical, automotive, railroad and aircraft industries.
“We feel a strong obligation to our employees and to Richmond to keep our company a good place to work,” said Richard “Jeff” Jeffers, owner. “Taking on new kinds of business will allow us to keep our employees working, and they are the ones who have built this company into what it is today.”
J.M. Hutton Co. has purchased two buildings near its metal stamping plant at1501 S. 8th Street in Richmond and is outfitting them with new equipment including a large laser cutter for metal, robotic equipment and powder coating equipment. The company currently employs 95 people.
“We want to thank Berry Plastics and J.M. Hutton for wanting to build on their successes in Wayne County,” EDC President and CEO Tim Rogers said. “Existing companies like these create the great majority of new jobs in any community.”
The economic impact of these two companies is much greater than their combined payrolls, Rogers said. With combined payrolls of more than $10 million a year, the companies help support the families of almost 360 workers. In turn, they spend money which helps keep another 170 people employed in local grocery and department stores, car dealerships, restaurants and other local businesses. It’s estimated that these workers will pay more than $14 million in property taxes over the next 10 years, which supports local schools and governments.
(Message edited by Admin on March 03, 2009)
INAUGURAL GENNETT LEGACY CONCERT
The sound of Gennett Records will come to life once again in Richmond, Indiana, at the Inaugural Gennett Legacy Concert at 7:00 p.m. on March 7, 2009.
The Starr-Gennett Foundation, in collaboration with Xavier University, will present world-class pianist Mark Shane and associates at Lingle Auditorium in the new Reid Hospital. The concert will focus on the music and musicians featured in the Gennett Walk of Fame, including such greats as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and Hoagy Carmichael. Patrons are invited to come early to enjoy an informal chat with the musicians and a reduced, pre-concert meal at the Café at Twelve Hundred. For more information and $10 tickets, call Terri at (765) 962-1511.
SUMMERSAULT WANTS TO KNOW “WHAT IS YOUR STORY?
RICHMOND, INDIANA – Summersault, LLC has teamed up with Girls, Inc. and Wayne County Foundation as one of the sponsors for the oral history project “What Is Your Story?”
The project is in cooperation with StoryCorps, whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening.
Facilitators are the center of the project, as they ease the interviewer and storyteller into the recording process and make sure all the equipment is ready and working during taping. Training for these facilitators will take place on Saturday Feb. 28 from 11am-3pm. Lunch is provided, and at the end of the day it is expected that all facilitators will be ready to use the equipment to start helping record interview/storyteller pairs.
“Summersault is pleased to be able to lend technical as well as financial support to this outstanding project,” stated Chris Hardie, principal at Summersault. “We look forward to hearing the many fascinating stories that the people of Richmond have to tell.”
To learn more about “What Is Your Story?”, visit the website http://www.whatisyourstory.org.
Summersault is recognized as a leader in database driven website solutions. The firm offers a single point of contact for highly customized web design and application development solutions, as well as professional consulting services and support. For more information, call Jane Holman at (765) 939-9301 x 206.
Swim Classes @ EARLHAM COLLEGE: Spring 2009
Instructor: Jayne Arnold
Jayne Arnold, Earlham College Aquatics Coordinator, has 30 years experience in teaching swim classes of all levels. Contact Jayne at 765-983-1732 to inquire about lessons.
Sign up at Earlham Wellness Desk. Payment required when signing up for class.
Classes begin week of March 9th and extend through week of May 6th. No classes March 16, 17 or 18 due to Earlham Spring Break.
Parents & Tot Lessons
Ages 6 months to 6 years
Children are introduced to the aquatic environment and given instruction in water adjustment and pre-stroke skills with the parent. The emphasis of this program is to enjoy the water in a safe and enjoyable environment. Tots must wear swim diaper if not potty trained.
Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Preschool Lessons
Ages 3 to 5 years
This class focuses on water safety, floating, submerging; paddling and beginning swim stroke skills.
Three times available: Monday from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m, Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Level I Lessons
Ages 5 and Older
This class teaches children to be comfortable in the water, safety skills, floating and beginning swim strokes on front and back.
One half-hour free swim follows one half-hour instructional time.
Three times available: Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Level II Lessons
Ages 5 and Older
These lessons improve front and back crawl, teach elementary backstroke, treading, underwater swimming and diving.
One half-hour free swim precedes one half-hour lesson.
Two times available: Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Level III Lessons
This class refines free, back, and elementary strokes and teaches breaststroke, sidestroke and improves diving.
One half-hour free swim, which includes lap workout, precedes one half-hour lesson.
Two times available: Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Adults
Over 18 years
This class is for all levels of ability, including stroke instruction.
Instructor will teach to individual student.
One half-hour free swim precedes one-half hour lesson.
Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Please note: All classes subject to minimum enrollment, and will be canceled if that minimum is not met.
Adults may swim with children during the practice time if they are members or they may purchase a day pass.
Workshop to Educate Entrepreneurs on Harnessing New-Media Opportunities
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 24, 2009) - The Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Small Business Development Centers (ISBDC) will partner with Carmel, Ind.- based web developer MediaSauce, to present a four-workshop series educating Indiana entrepreneurs on driving business growth through new media.
The "Strategies for Business in the Digital Age," series will feature workshops on business internet strategies, using digital and social networking to drive sales, engaging and empowering customers and case studies of businesses that have used new-media to achieve unprecedented and exponential growth.
"The importance of digital and social media to business success and growth in the current environment is often overlooked," said Jeff Heinzmann, the IEDC's state SBDC director. "As we work to create and grow Hoosier business, the state is developing partnerships that will further equip Indiana entrepreneurs with the tools that maximize their chance for success."
Workshops will be offered quarterly beginning in March in the following communities: Bloomington, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Hammond/Valparaiso, Muncie, South Bend and Terre Haute. For course descriptions, regional dates and ticket availability, visit www.isbdc.org or www.businessinthedigitalage.com.
Indiana's Small Business Development Center Network's 10 regional support centers collectively serve more than 5,000 entrepreneurs that project to create and retain thousands of jobs each year.
About the ISBDC
The Indiana Small Business Development Center Network is an Indiana Economic Development Corporation program funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Through 10 regional centers, the ISBDC provides free and low-cost business advising and assistance to small businesses at any stage of development. For more information about the ISBDC, visit www.isbdc.org.
BOY SCOUT LEADERS HONORED AT DISTRICT DINNER
RICHMOND, Ind. - Boy Scout adult volunteer leaders were honored during the Old Trail District annual dinner on Feb. 12.
Ron Hess of Fountain City was honored for receiving the Silver Beaver Award from the Crossroads of America Council. Presented for distinguished community service to youth, the national honor is the highest presented to a local leader. Hess has been a Scout leader since 1983 and served as the district commissioner in 2006-2008. Hess, a retired teacher, has also been active with the Levi Coffin House, his church and community blood drives.
Receiving the District Award of Merit were Sheila Niccum and Andy Delucio, both of Richmond. Niccum is the district vice chair, having served three years previously as district chair of the Scout popcorn sale. She was active in Cub Scout Pack 91 and is now an assistant leader in Troop 100, chartered to St. Mary Church. Delucio is scoutmaster of Troop 100, having served several years as a den leader and cubmaster for Pack 100. Delucio also chairs the district Webelos-to-Scout transition team.
The Scouters Plaque is presented to leaders who have shown dedication to local Boy Scout programs. Recipients were Dennis Anderson of Richmond, cubmaster, Pack 88; Janet Bennett of Centerville, committee member of Troop 16; Rick Keasling of Cambridge City, cubmaster, Pack 169; Donnie Pitcher of Richmond, scoutmaster, Troop 117; Tamara Pitcher of Richmond, Webelos den leader, Pack 94; Bill Schwab of Cambridge City, scoutmaster, Troop 169; and Karen Schwab of Cambridge City, assistant scoutmaster, Troop 169.
District Executive Bryan Hughes presented special Spirit of Scouting Awards to Jane Blevins of Richmond, district leadership training chair; and Bob Hansen of Hagerstown, district program chair. He also presented Eagle Patrol statuettes to J. Robert Hall and Ann Franzen-Roha, both of Richmond, for their exceptional participation in the Friends of Scouting finance campaign.
Dr. Hall, who is in his second year as district chair, reported that the district has more than 1,100 youth members with leadership provided by 350 adult volunteers.
The dinner was held at Reid Hospital’s dining room and Lingle Auditorium. About 100 leaders attended the event, which had a theme of “Surfing for Success in Scouting.”
The district includes Wayne, Union and Franklin counties and the communities of Lynn and Modoc. It is part of the Crossroads of America Council. For more information about Boy Scouting, contact District Executive Bryan Hughes at the Scout Service Center in Hagerstown, (765) 489-4552.
New Winery Opens in Wayne County
Dr. Jeff & Melody Haist and Jim & Karen Ramey invite you to their new 8 acre winery located on a picturesque setting along historic National Road/U.S. 40 West. J & J Winery was established in 2008 and is expecting many guests at the public opening Thursday, February 12, 2009. Much renovation has been done to turn this old farmstead into a place of relaxation and enjoyment with a Tuscan feel. On the property you’ll find a two acre pond as well as four acres of wooded trails for a bit of retreat to nature.
The Haist’s and Ramey’s, who have vineyards in southern Wayne County, are expecting their own branded wines to be released in 2010, until that time, exclusive wines can be tasted and purchased at the winery. Upon entering the front door of “Casa di Vino”, you’ll be welcomed by a 2 room gift shop featuring a variety of wines, wine-related accessories, amateur wine-making kits and supplies along with many other wonderful gifts. Gift certificates and gift baskets are available for purchase.
The tasting room and wine bar is located in the back of Casa di Vino and can be reserved for your event or use during inclement weather. In warmer months, you can sit outdoors on the deck to get a better view of the beautiful countryside or you may choose the comfort of the covered seating area near the Italian wood fired brick oven. Fresh-made dough will be available to make pizzas and bread in the oven every weekend until spring arrives, then daily. On cooler days, outdoor heaters await to keep the chill off.
Fine wine won’t be the only treat offered at J & J Winery. Café fare of appetizers, finger foods, desserts and other beverages will be on site. Hot air balloon flights, winery tours, grape stomping contests, art walks and wine making classes are just a few of the events planned at J & J Winery. Reservations are currently being taken for weddings, receptions and private dinners. Wedding tents will become available in May. Attendees of the winery’s Grand Opening in April will have the opportunity to win tickets for a hot air balloon flight in addition to other prizes.
The winery is located at 3415 National Road West in Richmond, Indiana.
Winter winery hours are:
Thursday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. & Sunday 12 - 6 p.m.
Days & hours of operation will be extended in the spring.
Call 765-965-WINE (9463) for more information or to make reservations for any special event.
New Restaurant Opens in Downtown Richmond
Warmed by a century-old cast iron front, timeless open-faced brick, a long-silent ancient pianoforté, and the most-unusually-served bread you’ll see, the Clay Pot Café opens this Friday (February 13, 2009). Located downtown, this new Richmond eating establishment brings a different approach and a new atmosphere to Richmond.
All Clay Pot Cafe sandwich bread is homemade and diners are served a unique on-premises-baked bread resembling a clay pot of golden flowers.
Proprietors, the Ball Family, conducted a careful review of local establishments and of diners’ preferences and have worked diligently to deliver alternative fare in Richmond dining.
Located at the corner of 10th and Main Street, downtown Richmond, The Clay Pot Café’s menu is at once casual, yet classy. But, class does not lose sight of great taste.
Additional to a daily menu of wraps, sandwiches, soups and desserts, special evenings of dinner fare will include lasagna and prime beef. Several other evening fine-dining entrees will be announced. Beverages including simple teas and sodas to espressos, lattés, steamers, and gourmet coffees are another feature diners will enjoy.
Meeting rooms and catering are available.
Reach the Clay Pot Café in Richmond at 765-966-2233, and visit them at 931 East Main Street, Richmond.
YMCA Indoor Soccer Registration
YMCA Indoor Soccer registration has been extended until January 31st with a $10 late registration fee.
Fee - Members: $25, Nonmembers: $45
For more information, contact:
Richmond Family YMCA
2023 Chester Blvd.
Richmond, Indiana 47374
(765) 972-7504
http://www.richmondfamilyymca.org
YMCA Floor Hockey Registration
Registration has started for indoor floor hockey through March 6th. Boys and girls grades K-5th can enjoy this fun game played on Saturdays. Shin guards are required.
Fee - Members: $25, Nonmembers: $45
For more information, contact:
Richmond Family YMCA
2023 Chester Blvd.
Richmond, Indiana 47374
(765) 972-7504
http://www.richmondfamilyymca.org
New Pay Per Click Book Suggest Computerized Campaign Management as a Possible Solution for Smaller Firms
RICHMOND, IN––January 19, 2009––As recently reported by eMarketer*, a new survey suggests that online advertising spending by small businesses won’t suffer cutbacks in 2009. Yet 54% still don’t use search engine marketing tactics and 38% don’t have a website.
“Many smaller firms still won’t tackle popular Internet marketing tactics, including pay per click because of the perceived cost and the learning curve”, says Gary Arndts, author of Pay Less Per Click, a new book on the subject. According to Arndts, “The idea of researching keywords, setting bid amounts for clicks and writing text ads can be daunting for the smaller local business unfamiliar with the search marketing landscape.”
The solution for many small businesses may be a computerized management system such as those made available by firms such as ReachLocal, Yodle and the system described in detail in the book, BlueRaptorppc. Pay per click management by computer uses technological algorithms to not only select keywords and track results, but to modify keyword selection and bidding based on which keywords are doing the best job at lead generation or producing online orders. Since campaign management of such campaigns is computerized it typically costs far less than management by hand. For the new pay per click advertiser, this book describes how keywords are selected and how search engines geo-target markets. It details the reports that users of computerized campaigns received and how advertisers can use these reports and basic metrics to improve websites and Internet marketing results. More information is available at http://www.thinkshortcut.com/pay-less-per-click.html.
*The eMarketer Daily January 12, 2009
http://www.emarketer.com/Newsletter_htm/20090112.html
Reid to offer baby sitter training
Reid Hospital’s education department will offer a Safe Sitter® class March 14.
Safe Sitter®, a medically based program, teaches 11- to 13-year-olds how to be safe, nurturing babysitters. Its goal is to reduce the number of avoidable and unintentional deaths and injuries among children being cared for by babysitters.
The March 14 class will be limited to 12 students, and reservations are required by March 1. Those interested should contact Pat Murrah, Reid education RN, at (765) 983-3094 or e-mail her at pat.murrah@reidhospital.org; the $5 fee will be collected at the class, which includes lunch.
Scheduling of subsequent classes will depend on community interest, Murrah said.
The program has trained more than 400,000 sitters since 1980 to handle life-threatening emergencies. Students get hands-on practice in basic lifesaving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis.
Students will also learn safety and security precautions as well as basic child development and business aspects of babysitting.
To gain certification, students must complete a practical and written test.
RMD/Patti Insurance Names New Partner and Vice President of Sales
Greg Easley of Richmond, IN was recently named Vice President of Sales for RMD/Patti Insurance. The appointment also reflects Easley’s new equity position with the Richmond-based independent insurance agency.
A 1991 graduate of Earlham College, Easley began his career with the Patti Insurance agency in 1992. Now RMD/Patti, the company continues its tradition of stability and growth made possible by the knowledge, service and relationships of its professional agents. In his new role, Easley will develop and lead the sales team for the Richmond, Liberty and Greenville offices . He will also continue meeting the risk management needs of his many personal and business clients throughout the country .
The RMD/Patti agency represents a large number of insurance companies. Their solutions protect homes, farms, vehicles, businesses, and non-profits while providing diverse solutions for workers compensation, professional liability, life, bonds and group health benefits. RMD/Patti operates offices in Richmond, Liberty ,Greenville and Indianapolis to support a growing customer base across the nation.
For More Information Contact:
Thomas Schamel
Director of Marketing, RMD/Patti Insurance
Director, rmdpCREATIVE Services
765.914.9497
Nephrologist rejoins Eastern Indiana Kidney Center
Dr. Sherif M. Elassal, M.D., board-certified in nephrology, has rejoined the Eastern Indiana Kidney Center at 1030 N. J St. in Richmond after practicing for several years in Terre Haute.
Dr. Elassal, originally of Cairo, Egypt, graduated from the University of Cairo Faculty of Medicine in 1984.
After completing internship and residency at Harbor Hospital Center in Baltimore in 1998, he completed a fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., before moving to Indiana in 2000.
He and his wife, Dalia, and their two daughters plan to live in the Greenfield area. He will continue as medical director of the Greencastle dialysis unit.
Dr. Elassal was scheduled to begin Jan. 9 at the Kidney Center.
For more information, contact Reid Hospital at (765) 983-3443.
(Message edited by Admin on January 13, 2009)
EDC ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT/CEO
A veteran economic development professional has been selected to lead the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County, Indiana.
Tim Rogers of Petersburg, Illinois has accepted the position of EDC president and chief executive officer, according to Jeff Jackson, board president. Rogers will assume his duties with the EDC on January 31st, 2009.
Since January 2007, Rogers has been vice president for business development at the Greater Springfield (Ill.) Chamber of Commerce, where he has been responsible for the Quantum Growth Initiative.
He previously served as vice president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County, Ill., and prior to that was a senior project development specialist in the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. He has also worked in economic development or Chamber of Commerce organizations in St. Paul, Minnesota and Kalamazoo, Michigan.
“We believe Tim Rogers has a demonstrated record of solid accomplishment in his previous positions,” said past board chairman Joe Chamness. “We are pleased he has accepted our job offer and look forward to continued success as an organization under his leadership.”
Rogers was selected from 70 applicants for the post in a national search that started in October, after former EDC President Jim Dinkle resigned. Beside the EDC’s board of directors, representatives of Richmond city government, Wayne County government and the Richmond-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce were involved in the search process. Dinkle also assisted with the search.
“The process was arduous and thorough,” Chamness said. “As a result, we believe we have found a new leader with a solid record of achievement who will be a comfortable fit in the Wayne County community. I want to extend my personal thank you to all of those who assisted.”
For more information, visit http://www.edcwc.com/
Lingle Real Estate Sponsors Symphony at Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Event
Dinner to Feature Concert by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra
RICHMOND, Indiana, [December 30, 2008] -- Lingle Real Estate, Wayne County’s prominent real estate agency, has announced its co-sponsorship of a performance by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra at the Richmond-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership dinner, An Evening with the Symphony. Lingle Real Estate and West End Bank are co-sponsoring the performance, which celebrates the city’s achievements and initiatives in the arts.
“Our involvement as a sponsor enables Lingle Real Estate to give back to an organization and community that has offered us immense support throughout our company’s fifty-year history," said Paul Lingle president of Lingle Real Estate. “We are proud to contribute to an organization that is so relevant and dedicated to its mission of providing vital resources to local businesses and promoting the economic growth of Wayne County.”
“Lingle Real Estate is not only one of our city’s true business success stories, but also a fervent supporter of this community, its businesses and people,” said Dennis Andrews, president and chief executive officer of the Richmond-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. "We are pleased to welcome such a long-standing and respected company as a supporter of this important event."
An Evening with the Symphony will be held Saturday, January 17 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Kuhlman Center at the county fairgrounds on Salisbury Road North. The 2008 event drew more than 600 attendees and the group anticipates an even larger group this year. Reservations may be made by members and their guests at the Chamber office at 33 South 7th Street, Suite 200 or by calling (765) 962-1511 or online at www.rwchamber.org.
Senator Leising, WorkOne to Host Information Fair April 4
Event will take place at the Miller Community Building in Connersville
STATEHOUSE (March 26, 2009) - Unemployed Fayette County and neighboring residents in need of assistance will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and WorkOne during an information fair on Saturday, April 4, organized by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg).
Connersville Mayor Leonard Urban and Brad Wilson, chair of the Eastern Indiana Regional Workforce Board, will join Leising for the event, to be held in the Miller Community Building in Roberts Park.
"This event is open to the public so you can find out what WorkOne can do for you," Leising said. "I encourage anyone who has lost their job or who is fearful of losing their job to attend the event."
Topics for discussion include unemployment insurance, career opportunities, health care, continuing education and using Indiana Career Connect. The information fair is scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 12 noon.
"Sen. Leising's Information Day is a great opportunity for the people of Connersville and surrounding communities to learn about the many opportunities available to them at their local WorkOne center," said Marc Lotter, communications director for the Department of Workforce Development. "So many times, people think of their WorkOne center as an unemployment office, this event is an opportunity to show Hoosiers that we are actually a re-employment office."
Leising said representatives of Ivy Tech and Adult Education will be available to residents.
Martha Stewart features Summersault-built website on national television talk show
March 24, 2009
RICHMOND, IN – Martha Stewart is no stranger to the cause of adopting homeless pets, and in a live segment on her March 18th show, Stewart featured Adopt-a-Pet.com, a pet adoption website built and maintained by Summersault, LLC in Richmond.
In the segment, Stewart talked with Dr. Pia Salk, a psychologist, animal advocate and spokesperson for Adopt-a-Pet.com. Stewart and Salk discussed the increasing homeless animal population and the need for loving homes to adopt these pets, including Benjamin, the adoptable dog who Salk brought to the set with her. The segment also includes pet adoption tips and a demonstration of how the site works.
The Adopt-a-Pet.com website was built by Summersault website development in 2003, and has
undergone several major updates since. The Summersault staff is responsible for programming
the features on the site, as well as maintaining the site design, adding content, and supporting its daily operations as visitors from around the U.S. and Canada use it to find adoptable pets near them.
“We’re delighted that Martha Stewart is using her prominent voice to encourage animal adoption,” said Chris Hardie, Principal of Summersault. “Of course, we’re also proud that she chose to highlight a website that we developed as a primary resource in that effort. It was great to see a project we’ve spent so much time on featured on national television.”
Full video from the segment is available on MarthaStewart.com, and can be viewed using the
link http://tinyurl.com/c6uurd.
Adopt-a-Pet.com (http://www.Adopt-a-Pet.com) is the world's largest nonprofit pet adoption web service, helping over 6,500 animal shelters and pet rescue organizations find homes for pets
by displaying photos and descriptions of adoptable pets to over 1.5 million people a month
seeking to adopt a dog or adopt a cat.
Summersault, LLC is a leader in database driven web solutions. The Richmond, Indiana based firm offers a single point of contact for highly customized web design and application development solutions, as well as professional consulting services and support.