The monthly revenue report for February 2015 state tax collections was released today. Charts visualizing February 2015 data (year-over-year growth and comparisons to monthly estimates) are located on the Management and Performance Hub website under the State Tax Revenue section: http://www.in.gov/mph/staterevenue.html. Results State general fund revenues for February were $745.4 million, which is $1.9 million …read more.

By ALLISON MCSHERRY Kids Market, Inc. Green Team On Saturday, Feb. 28, Kids Market Inc., a non-profit organization, held their semi-annual sale at Rodeheaver on the campus of Grace College. The organization’s mission is “Supporting women and children in Kosciusko County by distributing proceeds generated from consignment sales of infant and children’s items to non-profit …read more.

Students from Indiana University School of Medicine are getting a first-hand look at how new medicines are discovered. Through a partnership with Lilly USA, third- and fourth-year medical students from IU School of Medicine are learning about drug development and how the many physicians working at Lilly play different and important roles in bringing new …read more.

By KELLY BRAUN Truepointe Cooperative Trupointe Cooperative Inc. and Cargill Inc. signed the final agreement to create the joint venture TruHorizons, bringing together their current grain and agronomy operations under one name at Milford, Bremen and La Paz, Indiana. Operations of TruHorizons begin today. The TruHorizons agronomy hub at Milford offers crop nutrients, crop protection products, …read more.

DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. (DePuy) and the Court-appointed committee of lawyers representing ASR™ Hip System plaintiffs today announced a settlement agreement to compensate eligible ASR patients in the United States who had surgery to replace their ASR hip, known as revision surgery, as of Aug. 31, 2013. “We are committed to the well-being of ASR patients, …read more.

By TRINA HOY Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club Through various fundraising activities during the year, the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club raises over $20,000 in donations to youth oriented activities. Recently, the club donated to two area organizations. The club, represented by Everett Nifong, presented a check for $300 to Kosciusko Community Cares. The check was accepted …read more.

Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts kicked off the new year with the hiring of two new staff members. Hannah Schutter and Julie Parke have been appointed as the new Marketing Director and Development Director, respectively. Schutter comes to WWCA from Manchester University, with a degree in Communication Studies and English. She was a December …read more.

By JESS MICHAEL Service Coordinator, Kozon Plumbing and Heating The investment of purchasing a stand by generator is more than just being able to have lighting when the power goes out; it also gives you the assurance of your home being protected and comfortable in the event of an outage. Life and time is too …read more.

From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 27 kid businesses will offer their products and services for sale to the public. These young entrepreneurs, from kindergarten to eighth grade and from all over the area, have been working very hard on their businesses and are very excited about having a large crowd visit …read more.

Merchandise exports from Indiana hit $35.5 billion in 2014, reaching a new record. Indiana’s exports in 2014 helped the U.S. achieve a record high for goods and services exports: $2.35 trillion. Goods exports from Indiana supported an estimated 166,000 U.S. jobs in 2013, contributing to the 11.3 million jobs nationwide that were supported by both …read more.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is offering civil engineering students scholarships of up to $3,125 per semester, as well as paid employment during summer breaks and upon graduation. Applications are available at www.INDOTScholarship.in.gov and must be must be postmarked by Tuesday, March 31 for the 2015-2016 school year. INDOT’s scholarship program offers $3,125 per semester …read more.

  Members of the Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties attended the Indiana Builders Association Legislative Day in Indianapolis. Several legislative proposals affecting the building industry were discussed with Senator Ryan Mishler and Representative Curt Nisly. Legislation under consideration and supported by the Indiana Builders Association and BAKFC are the Common Construction Wage bill, State Building …read more.

By ALYSSA LOWE Manager of Marketing & Communications, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce announces the promotion of Jennifer Pyle to Main Street Coordinator. Jennifer Pyle joined the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce in September 2013 as an intern through Grace College and was then promoted to Main Street Coordinator in January of …read more.

By RENEA SALYER VP Member Relations, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Small Business Connection is a forum for small business owners coming together to share ideas, brainstorm, and learn more about hot topics pertaining to small business marketing, promotion and enhancing sales. Each business will have the opportunity to share what is working and what did …read more.

SYM Financial Advisors is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristin Whitacre to Financial Advisor. Whitacre joined SYM in March 2012 as an Associate Advisor, and works directly with portfolio and wealth management clients to recommend and deliver strategies for achieving their financial objectives. She holds a B.S. in Financial Counseling and Planning from Purdue …read more.

WorkOne is teaming with Patrick Industries and AIA Countertops to hold a hiring event featuring multiple openings. The event is slated for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 at AIA’s facility, 203 South Huntington Street, Syracuse, IN 46567. The employers seek to hire motivated individuals with good attendance records, positive attitudes and who show traits …read more.

By RUSTY RITTER General Manager, Rabb Water Systems Sean Patrick, a member of the staff at Rabb Water in Warsaw has successfully completed the professional service seminar at Kinetico’s Service Academy, the training arm of Kinetico Incorporated, Newbury, Ohio. Patrick, along with other service professionals working for dealerships across the country, participated in this intensive service …read more.

By MICHELLE CABRERA MLS Coordinator, Kosciusko Board of Realtors December home sales increased 8.5 percent statewide, but it wasn’t enough of a boost for the total number of home sales in 2014 to best the year before. Home sales for 2014 slipped 1.6 percent compared to 2013. This is according to the Indiana Real Estate …read more.

By PAM HARRIS Community Outreach Director, Real Services, Inc. The deadline to nominate someone for one of the 19th annual Age of Excellence Award is 4 p.m. Friday, April 3. Each year, REAL Services honors unsung heroes in Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. These heroes are spouses, sons, daughters, neighbors, etc. who …read more.

Are you looking to take classes, but do not have time to take four classes at a time for 16 weeks? If so, you are encouraged to look into classes at Indiana Tech, where you can take one class at a time for five weeks. They have flexible scheduling and you can take classes online …read more.

I was recently at a conference that prompted a question to form in my mind. The man conducting the conference made a statement that we need to raise up leaders and not just doers. The question that then popped into my mind was, “Are you modeling leadership or doership?” A couple of related statements the …read more.

By VALERIE KROEGER Office Of Indiana Secretary of State Secretary of State Connie Lawson announced today that some Indiana businesses have received a deceptive letter that may appear to come from the office’s Business Services Division. The letter is an attempt to solicit Indiana business owners and is not dispatched by or from the Secretary …read more.

The typical college student uses the weekend as a time to blow off steam after a week of  papers, quizzes and tests. 2014 Warsaw Community High School graduate Zachary Breeden is anything but your average college student. Breeden, currently a student at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, uses his weekends to return to …read more.

In April 2010, the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule came into effect. This lead-based paint regulation required the initial training of contractors who disturbed painted or coated surfaces in residences and/or child occupied facilities built prior to 1978. The RRP Rule requires refresher training for Certified Lead Renovators every five years. Without this recertification …read more.

By STEPHANIE OVERBEY Kosciusko County Community Foundation The Kosciusko County Community Foundation and Kosciusko County Farm Bureau are hosting an Ag/Business Breakfast from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake. The keynote speaker at the event will be Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. Ellspermann will speak about the common …read more.

By ALYSSA LOWE Manager of Marketing and Communications, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce The Bowling Alley is the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce member of the month of February and March. Stop by The Bowling Alley for a family friendly entertaining experience. Enjoy one of their leagues, open bowling, or celebrate a birthday with The Bowling Alley. …read more.

Jonathan Slocum, associate advisor with SYM Financial Advisors in Winona Lake, has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to use the Certified Financial Planner and CFP certification marks in accordance with board certification and renewal requirements. Slocum has worked at SYM since July of 2012 serving the financial needs of corporate …read more.

By JAMIE PLACK Aesthetic Concierge, Vein Institute and Medical Spa Vein Institute & Medi Spa, Inc. in Warsaw is the first in Indiana and one of only 15 nationwide to offer ‘enlighten,’ the most advanced laser system for the effective and safe removal of tattoos. Tattoos that were once difficult to treat in the past …read more.

The Office of State-Based Initiatives (OSBI) recently released its annual report detailing the economic cost of federal regulations, as well as how the federal government limits the ability of the states to implement creative solutions to problems they face. The report can be found attached. “The cure for what ails this country will come more from …read more.

By ALYSSA LOWE Manager of Marketing and Communications, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Congratulations to Kosciusko Chamber President and CEO, Mark Dobson for your dedication and service for the past five years. His leadership has taken the Kosciusko Chamber to the next level and we look forward to its future success. Some of the accomplishments Dobson …read more.

Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) announced yesterday that it has completed the acquisition of the business and certain assets of Better Way Partners, LLC d/b/a Better Way Products with operating facilities located in New Paris, Bremen and Syracuse, Indiana. Better Way is a high quality manufacturer of fiberglass components primarily used in the recreational vehicle, …read more.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: House Bill 1019 passed the House Committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions with a vote of 8-4. It moves on to the full house] Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar on the decision of House Republicans to pursue House Bill 1019, which would repeal the state’s common construction wage statute. …read more.

The Department of Labor has released employment data from December 2014, and the numbers are quite favorable for Kosciusko County. (Photo Provided) The county’s unemployment rate has consistently been among the lowest in the state, and that trend continued through the end of last year. Kosciusko County was at 4.7 percent, more than a whole …read more.

By VALERIE KROEGER Office of Indiana Secretary of State Secretary of State Connie Lawson has announced over $150,000 in restitution will be returned to 14 Hoosier investors who lost their life savings and retirement in a Ponzi scheme. The investors were victims of convicted felons Kevin James of Indianapolis and Rudolf “Rudi” Pameijer of Trafalgar. …read more.

By KLARISA KINDIG Vice President, Marketing and Communications, WISE According to Gallup, individuals who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged in their career and are more than three times as likely to say they have an excellent quality of life. Join We Inspire Support Empower, Inc. and Carrie …read more.

AT&T is opening a new authorized retailer location in Warsaw to meet the growing needs of its customers in the region. The store will provide customers with options for the latest devices, accessories, and services from AT&T. The new store, owned and operated by Spring Mobile, is nearly 2,400 square feet in size and is …read more.

DePuy Synthes Companies announced last week that it has acquired Olive Medical Corporation, a Utah-based privately held provider of high definition (HD) visualization systems for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2009, Olive Medical is a worldwide medical device manufacturing company that provides affordable HD MIS imaging …read more.

Seasons HomeCare recently announced that it has received the Best of Home Care Provider of Choice Award from Home Care Pulse. Awarded to only the top ranking home care providers, based on client satisfaction scores gathered by Home Care Pulse, Seasons HomeCare is still ranked among a select few of home care providers across the …read more.

Indiana ranks fourth in the nation for its concentration of jobs in advanced industries. The high-growth industries employ more than 11 percent of the state’s workforce, according to a study released this month by the Brookings Institution. “The Brookings Institution’s data reinforces what we’re witnessing across the state,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. …read more.

I love inspirational quotes. Many have changed my life, but probably none more than the following: “Begin with the end in mind.” This is a quote by Stephen Covey from his best-selling book, ”7 Habits Of Highly Effective People.” The reason this particular quote means so much to me is the fact it critical to …read more.

By JESS MICHAEL Service Coordinator, Kozon Plumbing and Heating Hard water is your plumbing’s enemy. Being that water is a continuous moving system, it is picking up particles from everything it touches, whether that be in streams, oceans, lakes, rivers, or your plumbing systems. When water collects a high concentration of magnesium or calcium deposits, …read more.

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association presented the “One Welfare” Recognition Award to Maple Lead Farms of Leesburg during its annual meeting on Friday, Feb. 6. The award recognizes an Indiana resident or company promoting the advancement of animal welfare issues through outstanding service, research or education. The award can also be awarded to someone who …read more.

By EMILY COWAN Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy The Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy held their Wednesday, Jan. 14 meeting at the Kosciusko Community Foundation building. KYLA moderator, Tony Ciriello, welcomed the students and introduced Ann Lash-Branson who is the Human Resource Manager at R.R. Donnelley. Lash-Branson gave an overview of the responsibilities of a Human Resource …read more.

By DENISE RODRIGUEZ NIPSCO External Communications While NIPSCO continues to be one of the lowest-cost gas providers in Indiana, colder temperatures and increased usage means higher bills for customers at this time of year. NIPSCO reminds customers of their options to stay warm and save money by offering some helpful program options and tips to …read more.

By EMILY DUNCAN Public Relations Director, Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced details for the upcoming 2015 Indiana Entrepreneurship Week which will take place June 14-20 as a way to further recognize the efforts of entrepreneurs throughout Indiana. The Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship has established Entrepreneurship Week …read more.

Locally based Impact CNC, LLC, a production machining company, announced plans today to add two additional facilities here, creating up to 80 new jobs by 2018. The company will invest more than $5 million to purchase and equip 35,000 and 50,000-square-foot facilities in Columbia City to provide computer numerical control (CNC) machining services for customers …read more.

By RUSTY RITTER General Manager, Rabb Water Systems Rabb Water Systems, the local Kinetico dealer, has partnered with a non for profit organization called Water For Good. Water For Good provides clean water resources for people in the Central Africa Republic. Rabb is donating a portion of their clean water sales to the Water For …read more.

The OrthoWorx Board of Directors announced today a commitment of up to $475,000 to fund a series of major initiatives designed to improve workforce development in northern Indiana for the region’s orthopedic industry by improving the attraction and retention of students from key Indiana colleges and universities. The multi-pronged program was developed in conjunction with …read more.

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZMH) (“Zimmer”) announced today that it has proposed a revised remedy package to the European Commission (the “EC”) to facilitate the EC’s approval of Zimmer’s proposed acquisition of Biomet. The revised remedy package submitted by Zimmer is generally consistent with the initial remedy package proposed in December 2014 and …read more.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: RadioShack released a list of stores that will be closing. The Warsaw and Syracuse locations were not listed. However, stores in Elkhart, Fort Wayne, Columbia City, Mishawaka and South Bend have been listed among the 1,784 stores that will be closing.] RadioShack Corporation announced today several actions intended to maximize value for the Company’s …read more.

Manchester University biology Professor Jerry Sweeten believes in not only saving the environment but making sure students have the chance to engage in hands-on experiences that allow the world to become their classroom. Sweeten has received a federal grant for about $100,000 from the Ohio River Basin Fish Habitat Partnership through the United States Fish …read more.

Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc., (OTCQB: NIDB), the parent company of First Federal Savings Bank, today announced record annual earnings for the full year 2014 of $3.1 million ($2.59 per diluted common share). This is an increase of $651,000 or 26.3 percent compared to net income of $2.5 million ($2.01 per diluted common share) for the …read more.

EDITORS NOTE: This is the start of a series of essays leading up to the celebration of the  Indiana Bicentennial In December 2016. The essays focus on the top 100 events, ideas and historical figures of Indiana, in chronological order, tying each to a place or current event in Indiana that continues to tell the …read more.

By MICHELLE KEARNS Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, Inc., a local managed-care organization, announced that it has named Mike D. Cahill as President and Chief Executive Officer. Cahill joins PHP from AWS Foundation, where he served as CEO and, prior to that, he was CEO of Tower Financial. …read more.

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced that nominations and applications are now being accepted for the eighth annual Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, which highlights some of the state’s most impressive second-stage growth companies. A second stage business is not merely surviving, but in the rapid growth stage. Presented by the State of Indiana and …read more.

By NATALIE VAN HOOSE Purdue University The probability of saving money by using solar energy rather than standard grid electricity is 92 percent for Indiana farm businesses and about 50 percent for homes, Purdue University energy economists find. While current energy policies play key roles in providing incentives for the use of solar energy in …read more.

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected 67 new members and 12 foreign members, announced NAE President C.D. (Dan) Mote Jr. today. This brings the total U.S. membership to 2,263 and the number of foreign members to 221. Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an …read more.

Cyber attackers executed a very sophisticated attack to gain unauthorized access to one of Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc.’s IT systems and have obtained personal information relating to consumers and Anthem employees who are currently covered, or who have received coverage in the past. The information accessed includes names, birthdays, social security numbers, street addresses, email addresses …read more.

Indiana continues to retain its strong leadership position in critical areas of its life sciences industry. According to 2013 data, life sciences exports accounted for $9.8 billion (nearly one-third of Indiana’s total exports), the second highest number in the U.S. (behind only California), exporting $175,000 of products per worker. The state had a workforce of …read more.

A new economic impact report released by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development documents the growing impact tourism has on the Indiana economy. The report shows travel, tourism and hospitality continues to be the sixth largest industry in the state (excluding government), supports over 187,000 jobs and contributes $10.3 billion …read more.

InvestIndiana.com, a multi-language website promoting foreign direct investment in Indiana, has launched as a resource for international businesses considering Indiana for investment and job creation. “This website is a conversation starter,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “Indiana and international businesses both speak the same language, and that’s a language of growth and opportunity. …read more.

By ALYSSA LOWE Manager of Marketing and Communications, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Your Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce “Popped-In” on Chamber member Grace Village. Grace Village is the only not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Kosciusko County. They are dedicated to preserving the richness of life for seniors in a comfortable and secure Christian setting. Find …read more.

By TRACIE ORTMAN United Way of Allen County Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Financial Stability Partnership announce a free tax preparation program kickoff. There will be a press conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 1101 Lafayette St., Fort Wayne, to announce the Free Tax Preparation Program. …read more.

State Representative Greg Beumer (R-Modoc) has authored a bill which would allow the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to provide further reemployment services and training for unemployed Hoosiers. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 77-17 and will now go to the Senate for further consideration and debate. According to the …read more.

By MARC RANSFORD Media Relations Manager, Ball State University Tax increment financing (TIF) is a popular but ineffective economic development tool for Hoosier communities, and it needs more stringent state oversight, says a new policy brief from Ball State University. “Some Economic Effects of Tax Increment Financing in Indiana,” an analysis of TIF districts in …read more.

By MARY HORAN Vice President, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Lake City Bank Nathan R. Conley, Assistant Vice President and Small Business Officer, was awarded the 2015 President and CEO Commitment Award at the bank’s quarterly Officer Meeting last week. Each year, Lake City Bank grants this award to an individual who has gone …read more.

By KELLY L. HECKAMAN Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Kosciusko County Purdue Extension will be holding an all-day conference focusing on precision agriculture from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Newton Center, on the north side of Lakeville. We have some outstanding speakers on this program, including Dr. John Fulton from Ohio State …read more.

Indiana INTERNnet has received a three-year, $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to be a “catalyst for internship opportunities statewide.” The organization is charged with expanding its cooperative efforts with the business sector, education institutions and state government, and inspiring new sources of support and partnership. An affiliated program of the Indiana Chamber of …read more.

A lot of you have probably seen a concert at the Honeywell Center in Wabash. A few of you maybe caught a flick at the recently reopened Eagles Theatre. Well, these are all properties owned and operated by the Honeywell Foundation, which has recently acquired a few new properties. Last week, the Honeywell Foundation announced …read more.

In a letter delivered this morning to Teresa Lubbers, commissioner of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), Purdue University President Mitch Daniels, on behalf of the Purdue Board of Trustees, requested that the Commission change the designation for Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) from “Regional Campus” to “Metropolitan University.” President Daniels also requested …read more.

A Fort Wayne doctor is the first in Indiana to begin implanting 3D printed knees in patients, a cutting-edge technology that’s taking the orthopedic sector by storm. Dr. William Berghoff of Ortho NorthEast in Fort Wayne has done approximately 70 procedures over the past six months using ConforMIS Customized Knee Implants, developed by the medical …read more.

Standard and Poor’s announced that it has raised its long-term rating to AA from AA- on the Trustees of Ivy Tech Community College’s outstanding bonds. “We are very pleased with the improved rating from Standard and Poor’s, especially given that their outlook for the higher education sector is negative and most schools are not seeing …read more.

The recently completed Parkview Warsaw YMCA facility on Mariners Drive was a $16 million project, providing health and fitness services to people all over Kosciusko County and creating a number of new jobs. As part of the funding for the new facility, the Y took advantage of New Markets Tax Credits. And what, exactly, is …read more.

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZMH) today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2014. The company reported fourth quarter net sales of $1.22 billion, a decrease of 1.4 percent reported and an increase of 2.4 percent constant currency over the fourth quarter of 2013. Diluted earnings per share for …read more.

By VALERIE KROEGER Office of Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson With an ever-growing list of financial institutions targeted by organized cyber-attacks, Secretary of State Connie Lawson today issued an advisory reminding investors of the importance of understanding how their personal information is being protected by financial firms. The advisory is on the Secretary of …read more.

Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc., (OTCQB: NIDB), the parent company of First Federal Savings Bank, has announced that the corporation will hold its twentieth annual shareholders’ meeting at 1 p.m. April 28. The meeting will be held in the boardroom of First Federal Savings Bank at 100 Frontage Road, Huntington, Ind. The holders of record date for …read more.

SGS Specialty Group, a contract manufacturer for the development of medical devices, surgical instruments and specialized cutting tools, announced plans today to expand its operations, creating up to 17 new jobs by 2019. The company, previously known as Oak View Tool Company, will invest $773,767 to equip its 9,500 sq. ft. facility at 724 Swihart …read more.

By ALYSSA LOWE Manager of Marketing and Communications, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Rainbow Child Care Center. Rainbow Child Care Center offers a wide variety of amenities that truly separate it from the competition. They believe quality and diversity in programming should not be an add on, …read more.

By SUE PETERSON President, Peterson Media Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. will facilitate a job fair at the Warsaw Community Career Center from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. Companies attending include: Lowes, Shiloh, Cardinal Services, Comfort Inn, Symmetry Medical, Helvey & Associates, Staffmark and Patrick Industries. They will be seeking individuals for …read more.

Mercedes-Benz is reorganizing its SUV production and will expand production capacities in the USA. The U.S. contract manufacturer AM General will join the production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars, producing the R-Class in South Bend, Indiana, in the future. Production capacities at the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant (Mercedes-Benz U.S. International – MBUSI), which will be gradually be …read more.

Indiana gained 4,000 private sector jobs in December and ended 2014 with a total of 51,500 jobs added. The Hoosier state’s continued job growth encouraged the return this month of more than 9,000 Hoosiers to the labor force to look for work. The large influx of jobseekers drove Indiana’s unemployment rate up 0.1 percent to …read more.

By KIM NANCE Business Development Manager, Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, Inc. was recently awarded a grant from the Kosciusko REMC Operation Round Up Fund, a component fund of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. The grant will help patients with health and wellness supplies. Reimbursement reductions in Medicare, Medicaid and …read more.

Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:LKFN), parent company of Lake City Bank, today reported record high net income of $43.8 million for 2014. Net income increased 13 percent from $38.8 million for 2013. Diluted net income per common share increased 12 percent to $2.61 for 2014 versus $2.33 for 2013. This per share performance also represents a …read more.

Kozon Plumbing & Heating Warns of The Hazards of UN-Flushable “Flushable” Wipes. Time after time our technicians come across everyday items the homeowners or their children have deemed it appropriate and safe to send down the water ride of their home’s commode.  It’s easy to see why, when every store shelf is packed with items …read more.

By DENISE RODRIGUEZ NIPSCO Communications Northern Indiana Public Service Company has announced that its Green Power Rate pilot program, which launched in May 2012, has been approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as a long term program. The Green Power Rate program allows residential, commercial and industrial electric customers to designate 25, 50 or …read more.

Below are the 2015 release dates for the national, state, and local employment reports from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Once released, reports will also be posted to the Ink Free News business page. [table id=4 /]  

A while ago I read an article about stress. It was called, “Stress – Black Death of the 21st Century”. It stated stress has eclipsed heart attacks, strokes and back problems for reasons to be absent from work for an extended period of time. It further stated many reasons for stress; a bad boss, marital …read more.

TEDxPurdueU, Purdue University’s independently organized TED conference, will present the breakout session “The Financial Crisis of 2008” at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in Stewart Center’s Loeb Playhouse. The session will feature a screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary, “Inside Job,” that argues the 2008 financial crisis was caused by the reckless behavior of an out-of-control …read more.

By MAGGIE BARRERA Human Resource Services, Gulf Stream Coach Gulf Stream Coach, Inc., a leading manufacturer in the RV industry will be hosting a job fair from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, in our Nappanee location, 717 S. Oakland Ave, at the employment center. We are seeking applicants with good work history, …read more.

Leadership development, communication, office computing, web programming, and lean manufacturing are the key training areas identified in the regional training needs survey results released today by the Division of Continuing Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. In October of last year, Continuing Studies sent over 24,000 email surveys to individuals in the region. The …read more.

By BRETT R. BOGGS Superintendent, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation was well represented at the 103rd Annual Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet held Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College. The keynote speaker for the evening was University of Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick …read more.

Sparton Corporation (NYSE:SPA) and Ultra Electronics USSI, a subsidiary of Ultra Electronics Holdings plc (ULE), announce the award of subcontracts valued at $21.6 million from their ERAPSCO/SonobuoyTech Systems joint venture. Multiple foreign contracts represent the manufacture of Passive and Active Sonobuoys in support of multiple underwater missions. ERAPSCO/SonobuoyTech Systems will provide manufacturing subcontracts in the …read more.

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) today announced that its Green Power Rate pilot program, which launched in May 2012, has been approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as a long term program. The Green Power Rate program allows residential, commercial and industrial electric customers to designate 25, 50 or 100 percent of their …read more.

Columbia City — Kevin Wendt, a longtime affiliate of Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Columbia City, has been elected to the Ohio Auctioneers Hall of Fame. Wendt, of Plain City, was the only auctioneer inducted during the recent convention of the Ohio Auctioneers Association, held in Dublin, Ohio. He is longtime president of The …read more.

Sweetwater recently hired 2 new high-level employees to strengthen its management team. Vice President of Finance Greg Clark joins Sweetwater after working the past four years as internal audit director at Symmetry Medical, Inc. based in Warsaw, Indiana. He is a Fort Wayne native who began his career at KPMG in Raleigh, N.C., after graduating …read more.

Treasures can come from the most unusual places. And today, countless beautiful products are made from recycled materials. Still, some brands consistently stand out from the crowd, like Polywood all weather furnishings. The outdoor casual furniture manufacturer routinely surpasses the competition with finely crafted products that began life as milk cartons, plastic bags or soda bottles. …read more.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following was originally published in the newsletter from INdiana Connections, a partnership between Conexus Indiana and Inside INdiana Business. Each month, INdiana Connections features news, opinions and resources from the advanced manufacturing and logistics industries. To subscribe to the newsletter, click here.] Being the “Crossroads of America” comes at a cost, and …read more.

The William P. Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development through the School of Business at Grace College and the United Way of Kosciusko County will partner again this year to host an IRS endorsed “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)” Program in Kosciusko County during the months of February and March 2015. VITA offers free tax assistance …read more.

By Susan Mendenhall Arts United During Arts United’s annual Celebration held this year in the Parkview Physicians Group ArtsLab in the Auer Center for Arts & Culture, members of the Arts United Board of Directors and staff honored recipients of 2014 Arts United Awards, publicly announced 2014-2015 grants, and announced a special gift from the …read more.

By MATT DEITCHLEY Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Ivy Tech Community College North Central Ivy Tech Community College offers a new learning experience for residents interested in acquiring hands on training and other key skills needed to jumpstart a career in the recreational vehicle industry. The RV Industry Production Associate Training Program is a …read more.