WARSAW — Gregory Houlton, owner of Allegra Print, Signs, Mail, Warsaw, was recently honored with the 2015 Operational Excellence Award from leading marketing, print and graphic communications franchise network, Alliance Franchise Brands. He was recognized for excellence in managing his business to achieve exceptional levels of productivity, profitability and growth while remaining focused on helping …read more.

GOSHEN — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recently conferred a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence for the intensive care unit at IU Health Goshen Hospital. “We are honored to receive this award recognizing our ICU colleagues’ dedication to our mission of providing innovative, outstanding care and service to our critically ill patients,” said Julie …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko REMC receives a gold award in the 2016 “Spotlight on Excellence” national awards program through the work of Emily Cowan, manager of marketing and member services and Katy Berger, energy advisor. Last year, KREMC worked with 212 Media of Warsaw to produce an educational film for their members. The intention was to …read more.

WARSAW — Interra Credit Union, Goshen, announced the hiring of Robert Spencer, Warsaw, as the vice president of mortgage lending. With almost 20 years of industry experience in a variety of capacities, he is responsible for all aspects of mortgage lending, including origination, underwriting and closing. “Our focus is in helping Interra’s members reach their …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Warsaw Community Development Corporation held a ribbon cutting for the Law Office of Travis McConnell, 116 N. Buffalo St., downtown Warsaw, Friday, June 3. The Law Office of Travis McConnell practices but is not limited to personal injury, civil litigation, criminal defense, worker’s compensation, wills and estates …read more.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. and LDR Holding Corporation, a global medical device company that designs and commercializes novel, proprietary surgical technologies to treat spine disorders, announced Tuesday, June 7, both boards of directors have approved a definitive agreement under which Zimmer Biomet will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares …read more.

WARSAW — The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to the Montreal, Quebec, Canada, plant of Zimmer-Biomet Inc. pertaining to requirement nonconformities. The Food and Drug Administration performed an inspection of the facility, ORTHOsoft Inc., earlier in May and completed the required Form 483 listing observations made during the inspection, including violations. It was …read more.

  MILFORD — Thirty-four years ago this week, Stanley Price opened Price Auto Repair, 11517 SR 15, in Milford. Friday, June 3, he was present at the ribbon cutting for a new building, owned and operated by his son Lee. The ribbon cutting comes 10 months after a fire devastated the previous building. “I appreciate …read more.

MICHIGAN CITY — Horizon Bancorp, the parent of Horizon Bank, N.A., announced the completion of the acquisition of Kosciusko Financial Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Farmers State Bank, Mentone, effective June 1. Kosciusko and Farmers State Bank merged simultaneously into Horizon Bank. As previously announced, the banks will operate under the name Horizon Bank. As …read more.

WARSAW — Home Care and Hospice has been named a 2016 Hospice Honors recipient by Deyta Analytics. Hospice Honors is a prestigious program that recognizes hospices providing the highest level of quality of care as measured from the patient and caregiver’s point of view. Award recipients were identified by evaluating a hospice’s performance on a …read more.

GOSHEN — John D. Ulmer recently received the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association’s 28th annual Lifetime Achievement award. This prestigious award, presented at the ITLA Lifetime Achievement seminar, Indianapolis, recognizes Ulmer’s contribution to ITLA, his many achievements for his clients and his impact upon the legal profession. The Lifetime Achievement award is an acknowledgement by Ulmer’s …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Crazy Egg Café and Coffee Bar at its new location, 4217 W Old Road 30, Warsaw. The Crazy Egg Cafe is a full-service restaurant and coffee bar with rustic, farm-style, in-house-made coffee and food. They are also attached to The Roost, a …read more.

WARSAW — Cayden Shepherd, kindergartener at Eisenhower Elementary School in Warsaw, had an unexpected visitor at school. KREMC’s president and CEO, Bruce Goslee, arrived at the school bearing gifts for the child. Shepherd submitted his artwork for a calendar contest that Electric Consumer sponsors each year. His work will appear in the 2017 KREMC calendar …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at WACD LLC and WACD Media at their new location, 810 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. WACD LLC offers commercial and residential computer/ networking sales and services. WACD Media specializes in local SEO, local content and internet marketing. For more information, visit their website at …read more.

WARSAW — 1st Source Bank and community leaders will join together at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, to dedicate the building site of the bank’s new office at 325 S. Lake St., Warsaw. Construction recently began on the new office, which will feature a full-service banking center with the bank’s new innovative, side-by-side banking experience, …read more.

SYRACUSE — TL Jackson Construction, Syracuse, announces the building of Lakeside Storage Condos, located directly behind Calvary United Methodist Church at 813 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse. The condo units offer unique amenities, including steeper roof lines and wider exterior trim.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. announced its board of directors has approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend to stockholders for the second quarter, 2016. The cash dividend of $0.24 per share will be paid on or about July 29, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 24. …read more.

FORT WAYNE — With summer just around the corner, many teens’ and young adults’ focus will turn from school work to summer work. In a recent study by WalletHub, Fort Wayne, not far from the Kosciusko County area, ranked number 30 out of 150 cities nationwide for best places to find summer work. To compile …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — There has never been a better time for Kosciusko County residents looking to sell their homes, according to Kosciusko Board of Realtors President Kim Clark. “It appears we have more buyers searching than compatible properties,” Clark said. Inventory in April was 31 percent lower than it was a year ago, she said. …read more.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, announced Alyssa Lowe, marketing and communications manager of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a Regent Scholarship. Given to professionals across the country, Regent Scholarships recognize each recipient for their involvement in industry professional organizations, community …read more.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, announced today, May 16, the completion of its previously announced acquisition of Scottsdale, Arizona-based Cayenne Medical, Inc. Cayenne Medical designs, develops and markets technically advanced soft tissue repair and reconstruction solutions for the knee, shoulder and extremities. Founded in …read more.

MILFORD — John Corbin recently retired from CTB, Inc. after 37 years of service.  During his career at CTB, Corbin worked in the Brock Grain Systems business unit in positions including set-up operator, foreman, assistant engineering development technician and production operator.  Corbin resides in Milford. CTB, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global …read more.

HUNTINGTON — First Federal Savings Bank has been named to American Banker Magazine’s Top 200 Community Banks for the fifth consecutive year. Of the 700 banks across the country that were eligible to be ranked, FFSB came in at No. 93. This ranking was 25 spots higher than last year. The magazine ranked the institutions …read more.

HUNTINGTON — First Federal Savings Bank received a Five Star Award from the Indiana Bankers Association at the Association’s Mega Conference held May 3 – May 5 in Indianapolis. First Federal Savings Bank was one of 45 banks statewide granted the Five Star Award in recognition of its commitment to the association in the areas …read more.

WARSAW — Banner Medical’s new 43,000 square foot building on Polk Drive in Technology Park is nearing completion. The first groups of new employees have been hired and are undergoing training in the company’s Illinois facility. According to CEO and President Mark Redding, production should commence by June. “We are very excited about opening Banner Medical …read more.

WARSAW – Lake City Bank recently announced that it has promoted Scott B. Bucher to Vice President. Bucher, who is a Mortgage Loan Officer, works with individuals through every step of setting up their residential mortgage loans. He has nine years of experience in financial services, the last eight of which have been with Lake …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School announces the 2016 Fine Arts Festival from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 12. This celebration of the visual and performing arts in Warsaw will be in The Performing Arts Center at Warsaw Community High School. The 37th annual Tri Kappa Art Exhibit in the Black Box Theater will be open …read more.

Warsaw – Lake City Bank recently announced that it has promoted Shelly R. Fraley to Vice President. Fraley, who is office manager of the bank’s Warsaw Downtown office, leads sales and service efforts in the branch, manages the daily operations of the office and handles small business loans. She has 22 years of experience in …read more.

SILVER LAKE -Kerlin Motors is celebrating its 89th year of serving northern throughout the month of May. The company was started in 1927 by Russ Kerlin with inventory consisting of the Ford Model-T. The company has made it through five wars, the Great Depression and 15 US Presidents. Today, the company is headed by his …read more.

WARSAW — Parkview Occupational Health, Warsaw, invites the community to an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 20. Guests will tour the clinic, meet the occupational health team and have refreshments. Services at Parkview Occupational Health will include injury treatment, drug and alcohol testing, physical exams and DOT physicals, medical oversight …read more.

GOSHEN — No one wants to be a victim of identity theft. While it’s virtually impossible to eliminate the risk, there are many steps you can take, however, to protect yourself. “It starts with three things,” advises Martha Packer, loss prevention and security officer at Interra Credit Union. “Carefully protect your social security number, financial …read more.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, will present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2016 Health Care Conference at the Encore Wynn hotel, Las Vegas, Nev., at 8 a.m. Pacific time (11 a.m. Eastern time) Wednesday, May 11. A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed via …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Chemical Co. Inc. is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2016. Started in 1941, the company began with a product line of basic acid bowl cleaner and a mechanics type hand cleaner. Today, Warsaw Chemical offers more than two hundred Car Choice brand car wash products and Warsaw Chemical brand janitorial, industrial and automotive …read more.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. reported today, Thursday, April 28, financial results for the quarter ended March 31. The company reported first-quarter net sales of $1.90 billion, an increase of 67.8 percent on a reported basis and an increase of 1.2 percent on an adjusted pro forma, constant currency basis, compared to the first …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Select employers from northeast Indiana are being asked to help local economic development programs by participating in a comprehensive survey of wages and benefits. The online survey, which will gather accurate and up to date information about the local business environment, serves two key purposes: Assist existing employers evaluate current compensation programs against …read more.

HUNTINGTON —Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc. held its twenty-first annual shareholders’ meeting Tuesday, April 26. The shareholders selected Stephen E. Zahn and Randy J. Sizemore as directors of the company for terms to expire in 2019. NIDB also announced that the corporation will pay a cash dividend of $0.21 per common share. The dividend will be …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced they are now accepting Letters of Intent for the new Historic Renovation Grant Program, which is designed to preserve and rehabilitate historic properties to further incentivize downtown economic development. “OCRA continues to invest our time and resources into creating hometowns that are positioned for …read more.

SYRACUSE — Since 1945, the Rinker name has been synonymous with boat lovers. In the beginning the Rinker Boat Company, then Rinkerbuilt, was founded by a family with a passion for life on the water — people who brought that passion to work with them every day and made boating their life’s work. Their shared …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — No cost and low cost services available to small businesses were highlighted at the small business tune-up listening session Monday evening, April 25, at the Tippecanoe Township Building, North Webster. It was a special program sponsored by North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce for interested members.

WARSAW — We Inspire, Support, Empower will present the second edition of, “I Know My Strengths, Now What?” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Latte Lounge, downtown Warsaw. According to Gallup, individuals who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged in their career and more than three times as …read more.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, announced today, Tuesday, April 26, it will participate in the Deutsche Bank Securities 41st annual Health Care Conference at the InterContinental Hotel, Boston, Mass., Thursday, May 5. Zimmer Biomet will present at 12:50 p.m. A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, the North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and North Webster Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce will host Small Business Tuneup Listening Session from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Monday, April 25, at the Tippecanoe Township building, 102 S. Morton St., North Webster. Representatives of these entities will listen to concerns …read more.

WARSAW — Sears Holdings announced Thursday, April 21, that the company will close 68 Kmart and 10 Sears stores this summer. In February, the company said it would accelerate the closing of unprofitable stores. Last week’s announcement follows a comprehensive evaluation of the company’s store portfolio that took into account historical and recent store performance, and the timing …read more.

WARSAW — MutualBank has announced the promotion of Juli Eckel to client relationship manager in Elkhart and Kosciusko Counties. Eckel served as a business development officer, financial center manager and, most recently, cash management services manager during her 11-year tenure. In her role, Eckel is responsible for new business development and cultivating deeper relationships with …read more.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, announced today, Monday, April 25, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Cayenne Medical Inc. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close during the second quarter of 2016. The financial terms of the transaction were …read more.

MILFORD – Lakeland Rehabilitation & Healthcare received the Diamond Award for their commitment to customer service excellence at The Trilogy Health Services 2016 Spring Meeting, which was held April 12-14 in Columbus, Ohio. The award was based on feedback provided by residents and their families through Trilogy Health Services’ bi-annual Customer Satisfaction Survey. Lakeland received …read more.

WARSAW — Lake City Bank confirmed its next location in the Indianapolis market at the southeast corner of Smith Valley Road and SR 135, Greenwood. The bank recently acquired an existing facility in the core of the Greenwood community and will begin significant renovations of the facility soon. The office is expected to open in …read more.

WARSAW — Lake City Bank, the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation, announced today, Wednesday, April 20, the bank was included in the KBW Bank Honor Roll published by Keefe Bruyette and Woods. This represents the fifth consecutive year that the bank has been included in the KBW Bank Honor Roll. Lake City Bank …read more.

WARSAW — Rainbow Child Care Center, a provider of academic-focused, early-childhood education with 121 centers across 12 states, continues its growth in Warsaw with the addition of a new center adjacent to its current building at 62 Capital Drive. The new 10,782 square-foot center, set to open this fall, will serve children from age six …read more.

By Tim Drouillard, Senior Vice President, Information Technology RE/MAX, LLC DENVER – RE/MAX, LLC has unveiled bold enhancements to its website, remax.com. Already the most visited real estate franchise website, the global real estate leader looks to improve the real estate consumer online experience. As consumers continue to increase real estate searches on their mobile …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko Human resources Association is holding annual spring training from 8:15 a.m. from 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, and Thursday, April 21, at the Warsaw Community Church 1855 S County Farm Road. Each day will consist of the following four presentations: Totally Engaged This presentation will be led by Carla Taylor, a certified …read more.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. announced this week its first quarter, 2016, sales and earnings conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet at 8 a.m. Thursday, April 28. The live audio webcast can be accessed via Zimmer Biomet’s investor relations website at http://investor.zimmerbiomet.com. It will be archived for replay following the conference call. …read more.

HUNTINGTON — Northeast Indiana Bancorp Inc., the parent company of First Federal Savings Bank, has announced that net income increased $181,000 or 20.3 percent to $1.1 million (89 cents per diluted common share) for the first quarter ended March 31, compared to net income of $892,000 (74 cents per diluted common share) for the first …read more.

WARSAW — John Sadler, president of McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels announces the addition of Jordan Mayfield to his staff. Mayfield comes to the business after spending 15 years of active military service in the United States Army retiring as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. During his time in the military he served the country in Operation Enduring …read more.

NORTHEAST INDIANA — A study is underway pertaining to northeast Indiana’s food industry and the various networks that make it up. The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership has enlisted the help of Manheim Solutions Inc. to study and determine whether building a local food network would be feasible. Manheim looked at an 11-county area, taking into account …read more.

By CAITLIN STEINER Marketing Officer, Lake City Bank WARSAW — Lake City Bank announced it has promoted Kim K. Strawbridge to office manager of its Milford office. Strawbridge, who is also assistant office manager of the bank’s Syracuse office, supports office staff in their efforts to provide quality service and build customer relationships. She also manages the …read more.

By JAMIE PLACK Aesthetic Concierge, Veing Institute & Medical Spa Inc. WARSAW — Vein Institute & Medi Spa now offers a discounted rate on laser tattoo removal for all branches of the armed forces, active and veterans and first responders. The discount also applies to those who are actively trying to enlist in the military, …read more.

MILFORD — CTB Inc. recently announced a number of retirements from various U.S. facilities. These include: William “Bill” Bowdler recently retired from the Milford location of CTB Inc. after 29 years of service. During his career at CTB, Bowdler worked in both the Chore-Time Group and Brock Grain Systems business units in positions including assembler, …read more.

WARSAW — OrthoWorx today, Tusday, April 5, announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at providing an ecosystem to accelerate the likelihood of success of innovative enterprises by leveraging the unique assets of the northern Indiana orthopedic medical device industry cluster, which has the largest concentration of such activity in the world. The centerpiece …read more.

WABASH — Paul Hayden has been appointed director of Indiana Landmarks’ new Northeast Field Office in Wabash. Hayden has been with the organization for 10 years as a community preservation specialist in the South Bend office. Before that he spent 10 years managing historic home renovations for South Bend Heritage Foundation. Hayden also has personally restored historic homes, and for …read more.

By JEN KERNS Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce PIERCETON — The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at A Slice of Hevin. A Slice of Hevin is located at 303 N. First St., Pierceton and has antiques, records and collectibles. Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce connects business with opportunity by being the advocate of business …read more.

WARSAW — To celebrate the end of an extensive remodeling project, the employees and residents of Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, March 22 to showcase The Boulevard, Memory Care Community. The welcoming surroundings feature contemporary décor that is supported by scientific research to assist with relaxation, …read more.

By JESSICA MILLER Public Relations Manger, Parkview Health FORT WAYNE — Parkview Health has been recognized as a 2016 Workplace of the Year by The Advisory Board Company. The annual award recognizes hospitals and health systems nationwide that have outstanding levels of employee engagement.  Engaged employees, as defined by The Advisory Board Company, are those who exhibit …read more.

WARSAW — 1st Source Bank announces the addition of Banking Center Managers Kristina Alvarado and Allison Howell in Warsaw. Alvarado will manage 1st Source’s downtown banking center, located at 120 S. Lake Street. She has eight years of branch management experience. Alvarado graduated from the Huntington University EXCEL program and she has been active with …read more.

By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business A potential rheumatoid arthritis treatment being co-developed by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. and Incyte Corp. continues to return positive results in late-stage testing. In a recent phase-three global study, Lilly says baricitinib met its primary endpoint. The results have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Lilly’s …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation has released its annual report for 2015 and things are looking up. According to the report, Kosciusko County saw 11 projects that brought in 850 new jobs and an average wage of $18.26 per hour. These projects included three new employers and 11 expansions to existing workplaces and …read more.

By KAREN STEFFENSEN Vice President of Communications and Community Engagement, Interra Credit Union GOSHEN — Election results and a report of double digit growth in 2015 highlighted the Interra Credit Union annual meeting, which was held March 21. Culminating a two week voting period, Interra members elected three fellow members to the board of directors and one …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Mark Skibowski with Re/Max Lakes Realtors has earned the nationally recognized Military Relocation Professional Certification. The National Association of Realtors confers the MRP certification to realtors who want to help military personnel and veterans find housing solutions that best meet their needs and allow them to take full advantage of their military benefits. When military staff …read more.

INDIANA — Michael Kubacki, Syracuse, has been named by Gov. Mike Pence to the Indiana Economic Development Corp., Board of Directors. Kubacki is executive chairman of the board of directors of Lakeland Financial and Lake City Bank. He replaces former IEDC board member, Bob Taylor, who retired from Do It Best Corp., in January. Kubacki …read more.

WARSAW — For the past two weeks, drivers heading to and from Warsaw may have noticed several cars, signs and a giant, stuffed rat outside MacAllister Machinery Inc.’s The Rental Store north of town. The rat is “Cheesy,” an unofficial mascot of sorts for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, which is currently on strike …read more.

WARSAW — John Brunnquell, founder and president of Egg Innovations, Warsaw, and the Blue Sky Family Farms brand, was elected president of the nationally-acclaimed Organic Egg Farmers of America for the 2016-2017 year. The organization strives to grow the organic egg industry with integrity, a mission Brunnquell himself is closely aligned with. “I’m thrilled to …read more.

SOUTH BEND — Jennifer Ewing, RN, MSN, NP-C, AOCNP has been elected to the 2016 Board of Directors at Center for Hospice Care. Ewing is the Clinical Operations Officer at Michiana Hematology Oncology, PC. She is a certified nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Certified Advanced Oncology Nurse Practitioner by Oncology …read more.

By JENNIFER BARGER Communications Specialist, Kosciusko REMC WARSAW — The annual meeting for Kosciusko REMC will be held at Warsaw Community Church on April 16. The doors open for refreshments and the educational energy expo at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. KREMC would like to encourage their members to attend the …read more.

By MELANIE VARBURG Public Relations Specialist, IU Health Goshen GOSHEN — In recognition of National Doctor’s Day, IU Health Goshen will honor its doctors and the care each gives to the community Thursday, March 31. To thank the health system’s nearly 150 physicians, doctors will be given an appreciation breakfast Thursday morning. “We look forward …read more.

By JOHN SADLER President, McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels WARSAW — McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels in Warsaw and Pierceton announces the addition of Tony Ciriello to its staff as a prearrangement specialist. Ciriello comes to the business after a 34-year-career in law enforcement where he served the citizens of Kosciusko County. Ciriello is a licensed insurance agent through …read more.

FREEMONT AND PIQUA OHIO — Both Sunrise and Trupointe Cooperative members confirmed majority support of the merger that will join them officially on Sept. 1. Much progress has been made since the special meetings on March 7, which tallied the results. Immediately following these meetings, both cooperative’s board of directors held council to select the …read more.

LIGONIER — Moore Boats is holding a Spring Open House from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Moore Boats is located at 281 W. US 6, Ligonier, 8 miles from Lake Wawasee. Refreshments will be provided and giveaways will be available in which to participate. For more information call (888) 235-6586.

By JASON LENON Director of Marketing and Admissions, Warsaw Meadows Care Center WARSAW — Warsaw Meadows Care Center has partnered with Long-Term Care Ventures to provide its residents with a technology called Pharmacogenetics. Pharmacogenetics, simply stated, involves the testing of DNA to determine how an individual metabolizes, or digests, their prescription medication. The process is very …read more.

WARSAW — Associated Builders and Contractors named technician James Lamonte, Collier’s Heating and Air Conditioning, the 2016 National Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Craft Champion during ABC’s 29th annual National Craft Championships, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Lamonte, from ABC’s Indiana/Kentucky Chapter, was honored during the Careers in Construction awards ceremony March 4. The National Craft Championships featured …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Mike Pence says he will sign a more than $1.2 billion road and bridge funding bill into law today. The measure includes $42 million to fund an expanded Regional Cities Initiative. The two-year funding bill is significantly stripped down from earlier versions and …read more.

By JAMIE FAULKNER Vice President of Marketing, MutualBank WARSAW — MutualBank announced the promotion of Juli Eckel to client relationship manager, Elkhart and Kosciusko Counties. Eckel  brings an outstanding record of customer service to her new position, having served MutualBank as a business development officer, financial center manager and, most recently, cash management services manager …read more.

By Dan McGowan Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is set to move forward with the design process and lining up possible funding sources and developers for a proposed multipurpose arena. A committee tasked with studying viability unanimously recommended the project in the city’s growing downtown. The group included …read more.

by BIGWIGS AND NEW GIGS SYRACUSE — Poly-Wood LLC has promoted Jenni Owens to director of sales. She has been a part of the company over two years. Owens will continue to manage and coordinate Poly-Wood’s four permanent showrooms in Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas and Dallas and support retail sales employees in new business partnerships and sales initiatives.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business FORT WAYNE — Walmart’s public relations director says the retail giant chose Indiana for its first milk processing plant in North America because of its location and “progressive farmer and dairy community.” Kevin Thompson says Fort Wayne beat out several locations in surrounding states for the facility expected …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Good news came today, Friday, March 18, as Walmart announced plans to build a brand-new milk processing plant in the Fort Wayne area. Inside Indiana Business reports the facility will be 250,000 square feet and is projected to bring some 200 new jobs to the area by the end of 2017. News …read more.

WARSAW — Iconacy Orthopedic Implants announces its sixth 510(k) clearance to market ceramic modular heads. Ceramic Heads are available in a variety of neck lengths and are produced by CoorsTek Medical under it’s brand name CeraSurf. CoorsTek is a U.S. based operations and this maintains Iconacy’s continuation and commitment to market it’s implants and instruments …read more.

By Alex Brown Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business WARSAW — The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a major military contract to Warsaw-based Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. The more-than-$380 million deal calls for Zimmer to produce various orthopedic products. The deal is a one-year base contract with four, one-year options. The work will be performed in …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Buick GMC Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram announced sales consultant Ray Driver has been recognized by Chrysler’s Academy Learning Center for outstanding sales and product know-how with Most Valuable Professional honors. Less than 10 percent of all Chrysler sales professionals meet the strict requirements for the MVP recognition and Parker is one of only two …read more.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business WINONA LAKE — Grace College, Winona Lake, says a college affordability plan it unveiled several years ago is paying off with increased enrollment numbers and decreased student debt. Launched as “Re-Imagine Grace” during the recession in 2008-2009, the effort involved new campuses and the ability for students to …read more.

By Alex Brown Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business GOSHEN — One of the co-founders of a Goshen-based pretzel company says the product’s growing popularity is the number one reason for the company’s continued success. Ben’s Soft Pretzels LLC has grown from a single location at a mall in Elkhart in 2008 to now 60 locations …read more.

WARSAW — The Times-Union will remain in the Williams family, according to an announcement by Lane Williams Hartle, chairwoman of Reub Williams & Sons Inc., owner of the Warsaw newspaper. An agreement has been entered to sell the local daily publication to current shareholder Chandler M. Williams and new co-owner Erin L. Williams. The transaction …read more.

INDIANA — In a recent two-part Wallethub study Indiana was ranked number 23 for real-estate taxes and number 35 for vehicle property tax. The study looked at several things that go into determining each ranking including the effective real-estate tax, state median home value for one category and effective vehicle tax rate for the other. …read more.

OHIO — Members of two of the largest cooperatives in Ohio approved the merger that will unify their businesses. Sunrise and Trupointe cooperative member votes were counted in a special meet held Monday, March 7, at each corporate office. Of the ballots returned, 64 percent of Sunrise membership and 73.9 percent of Trupointe membership were …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Four years after opening a Fort Wayne office location, Winona Lake based SYM Financial Advisors is announcing a move to a larger space. The new location is within their existing building, across the lobby from the current location at 7030 Pointe Inverness Way. For SYM Financial, a registered investment advisory firm managing $1.8 …read more.

WABASH — North Central Co-op recently distributed more than $6 million in patronage to its member-owners. Their patronage payout is the result of strategic operations at NCC and the continued loyalty of more than 5,800 local producers across north-central Indiana and regions of Michigan. The patronage was dispersed in both cash and patron equity credits …read more.

WARSAW — While Bennigan’s fans will miss their favorite Irish-themed cuisine, diners in the community will have something new to sink their teeth into. Though a precise date has not been set, Bella Vitale Italian Eatery is expected to open later this week. “The cuisine will be Italian, serving everything from pastas, pizza, soups, salads, appetizers and …read more.

ELKHART — Jack Boyd Smith Jr., president and owner of Elkhart based Gaska Tape Inc., expressed his appreciation to his employees Thursday, March 3, by awarding thousands of dollars in bonuses, a $6,000 island vacation and a brand new Chevy Equinox among workers who have been with the Elkhart foam and tape manufacturer for five years …read more.

WARSAW — The second floor at Glam, 212 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, has been renovated, not only to expand the business but to dedicate the area in memory of Charlie Smith and Scott Smith, father and brother of owner Michelle Smith LeDrew. The Gallery at Glam will feature special occasion, prom and cocktail dresses and …read more.

WARSAW — Recently serving in a relationship banker capacity, MutualBank promoted Maja Master to business services officer for Kosciusko County. In her new role, Master will assist commercial clients throughout the entire bank footprint with account questions, conduct annual account reviews and ensure each is equipped with MutualBank’s array of business products and services. Master …read more.

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, has announced that it has secured an exclusive global distribution agreement with CelgenTek Innovations Corporation, which includes its N-Force Fixation System and iN3 Cement. This innovative bone void-filling solution allows healthcare professionals to directly administer Zimmer Biomet’s N-Force Blue­­­­­­-Bone Substitute Material and CelgenTek’s …read more.