Salute to industry: DeKalb and Steuben counties

2016

Salute to $1.00

INDUSTRY DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

1-800-288-2269 • www.jomory.com Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Electrical • Heating • Air Conditioning • Ventilation • Plumbing • Sheet Metal Fabrication • Fire Protection • Duct Cleaning • Process Piping • Design Build • Engineering • Indoor Air Quality • Control Panels • Video/Locate Service • Construction Management • Service Plus Agreements • Equipment Manufacturing

24 Hour Emergency Service No Job Too Large or Small Since 1892

Pictured left to right: Paul Anglin, Mike Rowe, Kerry Nott, John Goelz, Jay Becker, Carl Cox, Ed Harpel, Curt Friend, Mike Kugler, Duane Worman, Tim Williams, Mark Little, Joe Treesh, Josh Garman, Dave Traster, Ryan Nott and John Mory.

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June 10, 2016

Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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Entrepreneur without peers made an impact

Eugene Mory had foresight KPC NEWS SERVICE

SOUTH MILFORD — The word “visionary” is often used to describe northeast Indiana businessman and developer Eugene L. “Gene” Mory, 88, who died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014.

“He was a visionary,” said Kendallville Local Development Corp. President Jerry Mr. Mory Stienbarger. “He had foresight into northeast Indiana economic development.”

Mr. Mory was a pivotal member of the founding board of directors of the LaGrange County Community Foundation, said foundation executive director Laura Lemings.

Along with his wife of 69 years, AnnaLee, he started the South Milford Little League.

He was instrumental in the expansion of the new addition to the South Milford Cemetery.

He was a founder of LEAP of Noble County, which promotes literacy.

“He had a vision of trying to help others, which included trying to provide affordable education to the functionally illiterate,” said Denise Lemmon, former LEAP of Noble County executive director.

Gene along with his brother Robert Mory were instrumental in expanding the family business, J.O. Mory, into other states such as Illinois.

With his partners he developed the Fairview shopping center and Best Western Motel in Kendallville, and as a member of the Kendallville Local Development Corp. he was a positive force in attracting Performance Food Group and Courier Corp. to Kendallville.

“Eugene L. Mory was an entrepreneur without peers, developing many businesses in northeast Indiana,” said

“

It’s not what the vision is, it’s what the vision does.”

— Peter Senge, senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Business Management

former schoolmate Philip L. Conklin.

“Gene Mory’s impact on the Kendallville community is probably equal to the old McCray and Flint and Walling families operating manufacturing facilities in the city.”

Mr. Mory was born at home in South Milford on July 26, 1926, to the late John Olin Mory and Thelma (Perkins) Mory. He graduated from Kendallville High School in 1944 and married AnnaLee Mae Houck on Jan. 26, 1945, at the Church of Christ in South Milford.

She survives.

In 1945, he began working at the family store, which was then known as Mory & Son, and now as J.O. Mory Inc., and was chairman of the board. His grandfather started the store in 1892.

The business continues in South Milford.

Grandson Kerry Nott described his grandpa as a positive, intelligent and simple man with a good amount of patience. He remembered his grandpa telling him about the small debate he had with former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, saying, “Grandpa mentioned he was impressed with the skill and smoothness Mr. Cheney used to dance around his questions without really answering.”

Nott said his grandpa could give a look that could say everything about a moment without saying a word, adding, “In the funny moments, he could give a look that reminded me of the late-night TV host Johnny Carson.”

Stienbarger recalled those nonverbal cues when he and Mr. Mory sat next to each other for about 10 years on the Kendallville Local Development Corp.

“He sat on my right, and when we were discussing projects and construction plans, he would just nod or slowly shake his head. If the discussion got too

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A bronze plaque that honors Mory is mounted on a brick pedestal in the rest area on Parkview LaGrange Hospital’s walking trail.

long, he would say it’s time to move on,” Stienbarger said.

Stienbarger worked for J.O. Mory for 10 years. “I never heard Gene raise his voice to an employee,” he said. “His voice was a teaching voice.

I’ll never forget what he told me one day — taking care of business is doing business.”

A visionary? Stienbarger recalled the day he was looking at blueprints at J.O. Mory in South Milford when Mr. Mory stopped by his desk and declared: “We’re going into the electrical business. Order 200 electrical service meters.”

Former J.O. Mory employee Gene Cooper said he enjoyed getting to know Mr. Mory during his time with the company, adding, “He was a great man and an honest man to work for.”

Lemings said Mr. Mory was asked to

help put a governing board together for the community foundation so LaGrange County could participate in the first Lilly Endowment challenge offered in 1991 to rural Indiana counties.

“Gene understood the value of building an endowment for the purpose of creating a better future for our community,” she said.

In 1997, he received the Ernst Young Lifetime Achievement Award as the Northern Indiana Entrepreneur of the Year. He was named citizen of the year for LaGrange County in 2011.

South Milford’s Little League baseball field is called Houck-Mory Park after Gene and AnnaLee. The LEAP of Noble County Staff Member of the Year Gene Mory Service Award was named in his honor.

His visions of the future have become our present day.

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

Northeast Indiana

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Jobfair

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Jeff Jones Cindy Miller Terri Myers Michele Trowbridge Charlene Condon Herb Hillabrand Machele Waid The The Herald Republican and The Star are publications of KPC Media Group Inc. ©2016 All rights reserved

Friday, June 17 11AM - 3 PM Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

Booths are still available for $450.

Reserve yours TODAY!!

Call 260-347-0400 or 260-426-2640 NORTHEAST INDIANA JOB FAIR SPONSORS Easter Seals ARC - Brown Mackie College Manpower - Overhead Door - Vibra Hospital Parkview

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June 10, 2016

Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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An Industry Leader for 78 Years Univertical’s Global Benchmark of Quality assures value and service excellence for all customers.

Loyalty to company, customers, vendors and fellow employees is a focus of Univertical’s operations. In addition, the company strives toward continuous improvement and prides itself in its flexibility in meeting a quality pinnacle in all aspects of life and business.

Univertical is an industry leader with plants at 203 Weatherhead St., Angola, and Suzhou, China. Founded in Detroit in 1938, it manufactures anodes and chemicals for the worldwide plating industry. Operated by Chuck Walker, the son of founder Charles T. Walker, Univertical makes family central to its service.

Univertical is a great place to work, and has offered continuous local employment in Angola since 1998.

“We have a team of dedicated people that believe in our culture,” said Walker.

“Our team has pride in their work and

believes in ethical practices. We recognize the world is always changing and we must adapt and continually reinvent ourselves.”

He said the company continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing global market. It serves many industries with diverse products and makes customer satisfaction a priority. Univertical keeps the quality high and the cost of products low.

Its products touch a multitude of consumer products including the tiny, copper-plated printed circuit boards that power cell phones, computers, avionics, computer disk drives and monitors. Even some of the copper in pennies and coins used worldwide come from Univertical.

“When our company first started we were producing metals for decorative wheels and bumpers on cars and trucks.

Now we are touching a multitude of products consumers use every day. We are in aviation, marine, automotive, electronics and coinage industries. Our

products have a pretty wide of range uses.” said Walker.

Univertical started out with a vertical milling machine with universal head, producing rotating bands used on heavy munitions and artillery shells during World War II, as well as forgings for aircraft bomb attachments, brass plumbing fittings, copper hammers and the first nickel balls and nickel bars for plating.

At that time, the company started a strategic supplier role with the Department of Defense that continues today.

“Our company is old and the culture reflects the values set forth in an era gone by,” said Walker. “We value character in people, fair business practices and dedication to providing materials that are the best that we know how to make. We continually work on improving products and evolving them with new technology and experience gained. We have brought many innovations to the industries we serve including the first ball-shaped

anode, the first copper anode containing phosphorus, the first nickel-ball anode, the titanium basket, the graphite basket, and grain structure refinement for high-quality anodes. We have also made many strides in the chemical industry such as the first dustless cyanides, the first liquid cyanides for ergonomic use, processes for ultra pure chemicals of copper and nickel yielding the highest commercially pure salts available.”

Company Values • We take ownership of and have pride in what we do.

• Serving our customers is the #1 priority.

• Loyalty to company, customers, vendors, and fellow employees.

• We make commitments and keep them.

• Family culture and personal interaction.

• Team before self.

CELEBRATING 78 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE PLATING INDUSTRY AND 18 YEARS IN STEUBEN COUNTY! F EXCEL SO L AR

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Who we are...

A global player in the manufacturing of copper, and copper and nickel chemicals for the plating and surface finishing industries.

We are involved in many businesses...

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- 2016

95% of what we make goes into the plating and surface finishing and ends up in a diverse group of applications including Aviation, Automotive, Electronics and Coinage. The products we manufacture are used in a multitude of products that consumers use everyday, including...chrome parts on cars and motorcycles, plated cylinders for the printing industry, faucets, travel racks and other shiny metal & plastic parts that have been plated. Many copper pennies in circulation contain copper made here in Angola!

Where we’re going...

- In 2010, we added 30,000 ft2 and installed new capabilities and equipment to diversify our product offering.

- In 2015, we completed the installation of a high tech labratory and clean room.

“HONORED AS OUTSTANDING SECOND STAGE COMPANY DURING THE FIRST EDWARD LOWE FOUNDATION’S INDIANA ”COMPANIES TO WATCH” AWARDS PROGRAM AUG. 27, 2008

- In 2016, we are installing two new production lines.

- We are actively pursing other opportunities to grow our business and add new jobs.

- We currently employ more that 75 people in Angola and are heavy consumers of area goods and services.

203 Weatherhead St., Angola

(260) 665-1500 Visit us at: www.univertical.com

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

Teammates And Local Community Are the Keys to Nucor's Success What company gives its employees the freedom to try out new ideas, eschews hierarchy in order to empower them to solve problems, and ties their pay directly to their productivity? Would you be surprised to learn it is not a tech company, but a steel company?

Nucor Corporation is the largest steel producer in the U.S. and largest recycler in North America, recycling over 16 million tons of scrap steel last year. Our teammates produced 23 million tons of steel in 2014, and our company’s $16.4 billion in revenue last year ranks it in the top third on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies in the United States.

Nucor traces its origins to auto manufacturer Ransom E. Olds, the founder of Oldsmobile. Over time, the company Olds founded would change hands and focus, then evolve to become Nucor. A major milestone in our journey was the 1962 acquisition of Vulcraft Corporation, a manufacturer of steel joists and joist girders, and the appointment of Ken Iverson to president. This acquisition, combined with Iverson’s unique style of leadership, would provide the spark for the company’s remarkable growth and a revolution in American steelmaking.

Borrowing an idea that was just beginning to gain popularity in Europe, Nucor took a risk and built an electric arc furnace mill, which makes steel from scrap metal. Since these mills were much smaller and less expensive to build than traditional iron ore mills, they were known as mini-mills. Nucor opened the first minimill in the U.S. in Darlington, South Carolina, in 1969.

Today, mini-mills account for 60 percent of steelmaking in the U.S. In 1986, Nucor entered the steel fastener market with a new production facility in St. Joe, Indiana followed by the beginning of Nucor Building Systems in 1987 with its first plant in Waterloo, which has since expanded to three more locations, strategically located across the United States.

Nucor continues to build on its innovative history through acquisition and investments. Since 2000, our company has grown from 7,900 employees at 18 facilities to over 23,700 employees at 200 facilities. Revenue over that same time period has increased from $4.6 billion to $16 billion. Even with our tremendous growth, Nucor maintains one of the leanest management of any Fortune 500 company.

Nucor has a strong presence in this community, too, with four divisions located right here in DeKalb County.

In total, there are over 1,100 Nucor teammates split between Nucor Building Systems in Waterloo, Harris Rebar in Auburn, as well as Vulcraft and Nucor Fastener, both located in St. Joe, Indiana.

At Nucor, our success begins and ends with safety, and our attitude on the subject couldn’t be clearer: Safety is top value for every teammate. Each division has dedicated safety teams continuously working to evaluate and improve standards and performance. Many divisions including Nucor Building Systems Indiana, Vulcraft Indiana and Nucor Fastener are recognized by OSHA’s

Voluntary Protection Program representing the gold standard for excellence in safety.

At Nucor, our innovative culture is part of our history. Teammates are challenged to solve problems and find ways to be more productive, and in turn, are rewarded for it. Compensation is tied to productivity through our company’s pay-forperformance bonuses that can potentially double a teammate’s take-home pay.

This pay-for-performance system is one reason why we have never laid off employees at our steel mills. Nucor is truly a place where career possibilities are unlimited.

The real key to Nucor’s success is our people – the right people. We hire the best and the brightest then give them the freedom to spot problems and solve them on their own. In the words of a Nucor executive: “Teammates excel here because they are allowed to fail.” Managers at all levels encourage their teams to try out their new ideas.

Sometimes the ideas work out; sometimes they don’t.

But this freedom to try helps give Nucor one of the most creative, get-it-done work forces in the world.

At the heart of every Nucor facility are the dedicated people who make up our team. Even more importantly, these teammates make up the heart of the local communities each of our divisions are proud to call home. At Nucor, we believe the strength of a business is a reflection of its community, and a core part of our company’s mission is to be cultural and environmental stewards in the communities where we live and work.

For us it’s not just about giving back, it’s about diving in and making a true impact. From schools, parks, and charitable organizations to disaster relief efforts, investing in the community is an important part of what we do.

During 2013, Nucor and our teammates were grateful for the opportunity to provide more than 62,000 volunteer hours and $9 million to the communities that support us.

Our principles might be simple, but no one can question their effectiveness. A company that until 1962 hadn’t made a single ton of steel is now one of the world’s largest steelmakers, and one of the nation’s most admired and imitated companies. In an industry where turning a profit is notoriously difficult, Nucor consistently grows earnings. Nucor’s principles, activated by a team of highly skilled, dedicated teammates, have helped us achieve the industry’s highest profits and stock market value. All of these things combined have helped make Nucor one of America’s greatest success stories.

Jobs.

Community.

Growth.

We make much more than steel products.

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June 10, 2016

Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

These are the

S D E I F I CLASS of Our Lives...

After making a career change to a job-on-the-go...

Bob bought himself a new car... ...and the best friends he always wanted.

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1.877.791.7877 | Fax: 260.347.7282 | Email: classifieds@kpcmedia.com

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

NOBLE COUNTY DISPOSAL

le, b o N g n i v lb r a e K S e ,D e s g e n i t a r n u G Residential & Commercial o La C n e b u s e r t a S e y d 0 an 4 r e v for o 3, 4 & 6 yard Clean up Containers Electronic & Fluoresent Drop Off Location 1973 E US Hwy 6, Albion www.NCDisposal.com

800-292-9098

June 10, 2016

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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“Over the last 44 years … we started with one truck and one route. Today we have 11-13 trucks running per day with nine daily routes. We also provide temporary containers for cleanup purposes, recycling options, and have an on-site Bonded Recycling Electronic facility.”

Noble County Disposal, Inc. Products/Services What are the main products or services your company provides?

Trash hauler for all of northeast Indiana.

We specialize in residential, commercial, cleanup containers, roll-off and recycling needs.

Who are your primary customers or clients?

All of northeast Indiana.

How are your products made or your services performed?

Weekly for residential customers.

Commercial accounts we can service monthly, weekly or bi-weekly.

How have your products or services changed/improved in recent years?

Over the last 43 years … we started with one truck and one route. Today we have 11-13 trucks running per day with nine daily routes. We also provide temporary containers for cleanup purposes, recycling options, and have an on-site Bonded Recycling Electronic facility.

What quality or service standards or awards have you received?

We are a bonded facility with the state of Indiana for electronic recycling.

Company History How long has your business been a

We have part of the over 30 community? employees.

We have How do been a familythe employees based business contribute to for 43 years. the service, Who is the quality and company’s values of your founder company?

The They go company was above and founded by G. beyond for good W. Potee from quality service.

Brimfield, the Our employees father of Myrna are like part of Arnold.

“We donate services for youth ball the family and Who is leagues, school events, Relay for have adopted the current our principles owner?

Life, Harvest Festival, Kendallville of quality It is a Car Show, just to name a few.” service. family-based How do business being the employees run daily by the contribute to innovation or the future Arnold family — Myrna and Sam Arnold direction of your company? along with Chad, Brice and daughterThey take pride in their work and in-law Amy. Grandchildren are also respect that fact we like our facility and showing an interest in the business. trucks clean at all times.

How do the employees “make a Employees difference” in either the way they do How many employees does your their jobs or in the way they serve their company have? communities?

They are kind and caring. If they see someone in need, they do not mind helping out. That has always been known of the Arnold family, and that sets us apart from other haulers.

Future How is the Internet playing a role in your company’s future?

We have our own website. www.

NCDisposal.com It tells about our different services, us in general, and you can pay your bill online.

Mission Statement/Philosophy/ Community Activities What guiding principles or philosophy does your company take pride in?

The Arnold family and Noble County Disposal are both very community-service oriented.

How is your company involved in the community?

We donate services for youth ball leagues, school events, Relay for Life, Harvest Festival, Kendallville Car Show, just to name a few. We are members of chambers of commerce for Kendallville and Albion. We are also a major contributor to the United Way.

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

LaGrange Products

Products/Services

Lagrange Products, Inc. is implementing new strategies within the pressure vessel industry, which is driving our growth. We are currently seeking experienced talent for metal fabricators, engineers, and welders for opportunities within the company. Over the years, we have come a long way from where our products began by offering customers a solution to improve their products and add extra value to enhance our customer relationships. We have several certifications including; ISO 9001:2008, (PED) Pressure Equipment Directive, AS 1210 for Australia, CRN for Canada and A.S.M.E. “U,” “UM,” and “R.” We service primarily throughout North America, however, through our Original Equipment Manufacturer customers we do have products overseas.

Company History

Beginning from the ground up, the starting founders were three intelligent, savvy men including Ralph Blue, Lloyd Junker and Charles Sparks. They originally started in LaGrange, Indiana,

in 1962, which is how we established our name. Relocating to Fremont in 1963 and growing strong since, we have two locations in Fremont, with our home office at 607 S. Wayne St. Lynn A. Blue is the current and second-generation owner who grew up in the area as the son of Ralph Blue. The company is now into its third generation with Lynn’s two sons, Mark and Ryan Blue.

Over 54 years in business there have been many changes. Technology has been a key part of our growth in running the business, with changes over the years.

Internet plays a major role. Through our current upgrading of our website, we hope to keep up with the growth of social connection and our company in the media for the public to better reach us for their needs. From the original key market in the 1990s as compressor manufacturers, we have diversified into supplying air and liquid filtration transporters, to highly custom, large-diameter products to our customers.

Future Plans/Expansions The expansion of our facility to a

secondary location has significantly expanded our lifting and capacity capabilities, giving us the ability to provide more substantial products for our customers.

We recently expanded into the former Salga building at 601 W. Water St. in Fremont, Indiana, which was built in 1980 and is about 64,000 square feet. We continue to reinvest in the company with new laser and machining technologies.

Employees are Our Key Asset Here at Lagrange Products we have a great team. We currently have 114 employee’s, many who have been here for 15 years for longer. We participate in the Fremont Baseball League and like to share the opportunity for employees to be a part of the community and build better relationships. Our employees are a key component to the building of our products. At every step of the process, a vessel is personally touched and hand-built to create the final product.

We take into consideration everyone’s input. Sometimes there is someone who has a different view and can shed light on a technique that wasn’t being utilized

in that manner. We provide job-specific training in which we send employees to get detailed training for the specific job being performed as well as promoting from within when possible. Without our employees across the entire company, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We take great pride in our employees as part of our family at LaGrange Products.

Mission Statement/Philosophy/ Community Activities We take pride in quality products that provide value and building improved features in products we supply.

Our mission is for LaGrange Products to deliver products and services that, by measurement, meet or exceed customer expectations and are in every aspect superior to our competition. We will continually strive to add value to our company through process management, customer-focused improvement, operational flexibility and a companywide commitment to growth and innovation. By being quality-minded and customer-focused, we are assuring our success both now and in the future.

LaGrange Products 607 S. Wayne Street • P.O. Box Fremont, IN 46737 (260) 495-3025 www.lagrangeproducts.com

Manufacturers of A.S.M.E. Code and Non-Code Pressure Vessels Since 1962

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June 10, 2016

Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

Since 1942 Miller Poultry has grown to produce fresh, high quality,

POULTRY

antibiotic-free chicken for you and your family. Our dedicated longterm focus on and need for growers and employees supports the deep agriculture roots in our local communities and beyond!

42 years in business “

Since 1942, Miller Poultry has produced fresh, high-quality, antibiotic-free chicken.

The company hatches, grows and harvests antibiotic-free, non-GMO-fed and organic chicken for retail sale.

“Miller Poultry is driven to produce the highest-quality, best-tasting, freshest chicken while maintaining sound animal husbandry, highest food-safety levels and continuous sustainability,” the company says as part of its mission statement.

Founded by Galen D. MIller and family, the company remains familyowned. Its past quarter-century has seen remarkable growth.

A hatchery in Goshen is the original site of the business. It began to expand rapidly with the 1992 purchase of its Orland site.

In 1992, the company was processing only 30,000 birds per week. That has grown to 650,000 per week today, with 640 employees, plus 130 families raising chickens.

The company recently completed an expansion to its loading dock, cooler and other areas. More expansion is on the agenda for next year.

Miller Poultry has responded to consumer demand for quality products that are organic and non-GMO-fed.

Its products now are verified as non-GMO-fed.

Its poultry plant ranks as one of the few in the nation with two methods of chilling birds at harvest — the traditional water bath and air chilling.

Miller’s products are sold at Kroger, Meijer, SuperValu, Mister Brats,

Our dedicated, long-term focus on and need for growers and employees supports the deep agriculture roots in our local communities and beyond,” — Miller Poultry

Now available at area Meijer stores A premium product from Miller Poultry

Yoder Meats and several other outlets, including Whole Foods.

Employees are valued at Miller and offer their ideas for improvements in weekly meetings.

“Our dedicated, long-term focus on and need for growers and employees supports the deep agriculture roots in our local communities and beyond,” the company says about its philosophy. It adds, “Miller Poultry supports research and development in agricultural stewardship, which impacts all of us.”

Serving the community is huge part of Miller’s culture. Employees volunteer their time to 4-H, fire departments, church groups, local chambers of commerce and many other organizations.

Miller’s gives back to the community with generous donations to local food banks each year.

Like the well known and trusted Miller Poultry, Katie’s Best goes a step further with Project Verified Non-GMO, air chilled, antibiotic-free chicken. Organic products are also available.

We invite you to call or visit us to find out how we support the local agricultural foundation we all love and need.

800.532.4186 www.millerpoultry.com

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

CJ Automotive is a company that has truly risen from the ashes.

CJ Automotive • 100 Commerce St., Butler • (260) 868-2147 • www.cjautomotive.com CJ Automotive is a company that truly has risen from the ashes.

In 2007, following bankruptcy by a former parent company, the business located at 100 Commerce St. in Butler had annual sales of less than $8 million. Following its acquisition by the Sweden-based CJ Automotive in 2015, the Butler business achieved more than $54 million in sales last year.

The business, through various name changes, has an extensive history in Butler and DeKalb County. Originally known as Universal Tool & Stamping Co. Inc., the business was established Jan. 25, 1946 in Spencerville

by R.B. Pratt. In 1952, the business relocated to Butler under the ownership of the Mayer family.

Other names and ownership groups followed. DURA

Automotive Systems purchased the business in 1998.

Autoline India acquired the business in 2008, and the Butler facility was sold to CJ Automotive in 2015.

The Butler business was once a leading manufacturer of automotive jacks. While the facility continues to produce jacks for the automotive industry, changing business models and needs have led to a change of products and services, plant manager Ron Lanning explained.

Today, CJ Automotive produces brake pedals, wheel chocks, transfer case shifters and parking brakes in addition to jacks for Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Mercedes Benz, AM General and Nissan.

“The company changed its focus with the Autoline purchase,” Lanning said. “We’re now primarily a robotic welded brake pedals and assembly supplier to the Big Three.

The purchase of the bankrupt Drive-Sol business gained entry for us into the pedal brake business, which led to the transfer case and parking brake product lines.”

CJ Automotive is viewed as an innovator in pedal design, which led to new business with Ford and Mercedes Benz, Lanning said.

A new wave of business is anticipated in 2018.

The work of the Butler employees and leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2009, the facility was named GM Supplier of the Year. It holds ISO 14001 and TS 16949 certifications. In 2015, CJ Automotive received the “Greentint Award” from the State of Indiana for completing an energy savings program that reduced energy bills by 25 percent while improving lighting and efficiency throughout the facility.

At the time of its acquisition by Autoline in 2008, the company had just 23 employees on one shift, Lanning said. Through hard work, improved sales and pursuing opportunities, the company

June 10, 2016

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

CJ Automotive is a company that has truly risen from the ashes.

CJ Automotive • 100 Commerce St., Butler • (260) 868-2147 • www.cjautomotive.com experienced a substantial rebound.

“We took a penny-pinching approach,” Lanning said. “We spent wisely and made investments in robotic welding and assembly equipment, which ultimately led to wage increases for our employees.”

Today, CJ Automotive has approximately 170 employees, with 100 unionized laborers, 40 salaried personnel and 25-30 working on a temporary-to-hire basis.

CJ Automotive employees contribute to the company’s success by “providing quality parts at a cost-competitive price,” Lanning said. “They understand they are in direct competition with all companies, and they ensure the safety, quality and productivity in every part they make. (Our goal) is to provide a cost-effective, quality product that exceeds our customers’ expectations.”

“We rely heavily on the knowledge and experience of our employees,” Lanning said.

Five recent retirees had a combined 170 years

of service to the company through its various incarnations.

As technology continues to move into the workplace, CJ Automotive is working toward automation in most processes, using data collection devices to manage processes and using real-time data collection to transfer information without data entry support.

When possible, CJ Automotive tries to work with local and area businesses. At the same time, networking with other industrial leaders through economic development meetings, the company is striving to make work history and reports available on touch-screen kiosks at all work centers, Lanning said.

CJ Automotive employees are also very community-minded, Lanning said. Employee-led efforts include supporting the local “Shop with a Cop” program, donations to the Filling Station Youth Center and others.

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

SERVING NORTHEAST INDIANA SINCE 1966 Proudy Serving Over 75 Industries in the Tri-State Area.

We are proud to offer the area’s most knowledgeable service for your safety shoes & work clothing.

Worker’s World

Visit us online 24/7 at

240 S. Broadway, Butler 1.800.811.7431 • 260.868.2800

www.workersworld.com

New Hours!

Mon.-Fri. 9 AM-6 PM • Sat. 9 AM-3 PM

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Be sure to check out our classifieds!

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We have many job listings, both local and regional.

Regardless of the job you’re searching for, the classifieds should be your starting point.

HERALD

THE NEWS SUN StarrEpublican REPUBLICANN S THE

The

The

THE

HErald

Email: classifieds@kpcmedia.com • Toll Free: 1-877-791-7877

June 10, 2016

Products/Services

We are a manufacturer of steel joists, joist girders and metal decking. We serve the nonresidential construction market, and our primary customers consist of structural steel fabricators. Our joists are manufactured on our production lines, and the number of lines vary at each facility varies. Four of our facilities produce metal decking. We utilize the latest equipment and technologies in our manufacturing process.

In 2010, we acquired three facilities from Commercial Metals Company (CMC). In doing so, this has allowed us to broaden the geographical markets we serve, as well as increase our market share, as we have been able to capitalize on our national footprint to extend our superior service quality to nationwide customers. These customers include major retailers, structural steel fabricators, general contractors and design-build firms that have projects across the U.S. Our joists are fabricated according to the Steel Joist Institute (SJI) standards and specifications. Metal decking we produce meets the Steel Deck Institutes standards and specifications. Our products are shipped to our customers on-time, nationwide.

Company History New Millennium has been a part of

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

15

New Millennium Building Services the DeKalb County community for 15 years.

Employees are Our We are a whollyKey Asset owned subsidiary of Our employees across our Steel Dynamics, Inc. www.newmill.com six fabrication facilities are We’ve grown from one facility in 2000 to eight facilities across North our most valuable asset. Their unwavering passion for excellence and their keen focus America – seven facilities in the U.S. and one on the highest quality of customer service facility in Juarez, Mexico. drive our success. Through their dedication Our growth has been achieved through strategic acquisitions. The first acquisition -- in and commitment to excellence, while working 2006, was the benefit of three joist facilities as safely, are the foundations for our best-in-class performance. part of Steel Dynamics’ purchase of Roanoke The future of our company is our Electric Steel. As a result of maintaining people. Their contribution to our operational our low-cost operating structure, our Salem, and financial achievements are innumerVirginia, facility is the only one of the three able – from implementing new ideas to originally acquired joist facilities in operation.

The second strategic growth initiative was our drive efficiencies on the production line, to collectively engaging in developing and acquisition of Commercial Metals Company implementing the strong safety practices, or (CMC) three steel joist operations, which relocating for advancement opportunities, they defined our ability to sell and service our are our future. Their willingness to spend a customers on a nationwide basis. Through week or two at another facility training new this acquisition, our facilities in Hope, Arkansas; Juarez, Mexico; and Fallon, Nevada employees has been critical to our success.

Teamwork is one of our core strategic tenants broadened the geographical markets we serve – it is the esprit d’ corps that sets us apart from today. Characteristic of our strategic focus to provide the industry’s best-in-class operational our peers.

As a company our focus on our employees and financial performance, these facilities and their families is crucial. Continuous have benefited from significant capital investdevelopment is one of our cornerstone ments in equipment, achieve operational excellence through process improvements, and employee benefits. The company provides $3,000 per individual, per year to their continprovide industry-leading customer service.

uing education for up to four years. This is also extended to our employees’ dependents.

Continuous development – personally and professionally, enables our employees to become more highly skilled, and prepares them for advancement opportunities throughout the company.

Future Plans/Expansions We are a growth-oriented company, constantly assessing opportunities to profitably expand our business. In 2014, we expanded our production capacity by adding personnel.

This not only supported our business requirement to meet the increased volume of business, but also enabled us to support the communities where our facilities are located.

At our Butler, IN facility, we allocated capital dollars to expand warehouse space that enabled us to increase our production flexibility.

Mission Statement/Philosophy/ Community Activities.

Our focus on being great corporate stewards is part of our superior operating culture. Giving monetary donations, or investing our time to support local charities and organizations, we believe supporting our communities is integral to our social sustainability responsibility.

www.newmill.com

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

Impact Institute What are the main products or services your company provides?

We provide 14 career training programs to high school juniors and seniors and we also provide adult basic education classes to adult learners as they work toward obtaining a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma.

Who are your primary customers or clients?

Impact Institute serves high school students in 13 schools in the five counties of Noble, LaGrange, DeKalb, Steuben, and Whitley in 14 career training programs: • Automotive Technology • Auto Body Collision and Repair • Computer Aided Drafting • Cosmetology • Criminal Justice • Culinary Arts • Construction Trades • Electrical, Plumbing, & HVAC • Health Occupations Education • Interactive Media • Marine Mechanics • Precision Machining • Primary Health Care • Welding Additionally, Impact Institute offers free classes to adults in the following areas: • High School Equivalency (HSE) (formerly called the GED) preparation and testing

• Credit Recovery (for those needed to earn 6 or less credits to obtain a high school diploma • End of Course Assessment (ECA) Remediation & Testing • “Brush-Up” classes for those who have a high school diploma How are your products made or your services performed?

Career training programs are offered in Kendallville, LaGrange, Angola, and Auburn.

Those students spend half of the school day in the training program and the other half of the day at their home high school taking the academic coursework necessary for graduation.

Adult education classes are offered throughout the counties served and at a variety of times in order to provide a high level of flexibility to people seeking those services.

How have your products or services changed/improved in recent years?

An Interactive Media program was added in the Fall of 2012 that now serves 52 students.

A revamped Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC program was reintroduced in 2014. New dual credit courses and certifications have also enhanced the high school career training programs.

A major change took place in adult education

in 2014. The State of Indiana moved away from the GED and now offers the HSE. Along with that change in credential came a change in the test to earn the diploma. The new test is more rigorous and will increase in difficulty over the next few years.

There is also a greater focus on transitioning adult learners to post secondary, vocational training, and employment opportunities.

Where are your products or services delivered or distributed?

Career training programs are offered to high schools students from the following schools: Angola, Central Noble, East Noble, West Noble, Westview, Fremont, Hamilton, Lakeland, Prairie Heights, DeKalb, Eastside, Garrett, and Churubusco. These programs are located in Kendallville, LaGrange, Angola, and Auburn.

Adult Education services are offered in Noble, DeKalb, Steuben, LaGrange, Whitley, and Huntington counties.

Agency History How long has your business been a part of the DeKalb, Steuben, Noble, or LaGrange County community?

Impact Institute (formerly Four County Area

Vocational Cooperative) began in June 1969.

Who is the company’s founder (give background)?

Impact Institute, (formerly Four County Area Vocational Cooperative) was formed by a joint service agreement between ten school corporations in June 1969. In 2004, Impact was pleased to add Westview Schools and in 2013 added Smith-Green Community School Corporation to its membership. The twelve school corporations are located in five northeast Indiana counties: Noble, DeKalb, LaGrange, Steuben and Whitley.

These school corporations are Central Noble Community Schools, DeKalb County Central United Schools, East Noble School Corporation, Fremont Community Schools, Hamilton Community Schools, Lakeland School Corporation, Metropolitan School District of Steuben County, Prairie Heights Community School Corporation, West Noble School Corporation, Westview School Corporation, Garrett-KeyserButler Community Schools, and DeKalb County Eastern Community Schools whose district also serves as the Local Education Agency (LEA).

Since the inception of Impact Institute in 1969, consortium members have had the vision to utilize the services of the cooperative to create positive change in the delivery of career/technical and adult education in a way that is unique in the state of Indiana.

FREE HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA CLASSES! (formerly called the GED) Call today to register for our next orientation.

1-888-349-0250 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER & TECHNICAL PROGRAMS Auto Body Collision & Repair Automotive Technology CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) Cosmetology Culinary Arts

Criminal Justice Welding Precision Machining Interactive Media Marine Mechanics

Construction Trades Primary Healthcare Health Occupations Education Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC

Interested High School Students... Contact Your Guidance Counselor TODAY!

www.impactinstitute.net

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June 10, 2016

Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

17

Color Master Incorporated Color Master is in its 25th year of serving businesses throughout the Midwest, the United States and Canada.

Color Master was established in 1991

by Mike Moor and six local businessmen who invested in his idea of providing the highest quality color concentrates with the shortest lead-times in the industry.

Company history The first facility was located in Avilla with a handful of employees, and the company built a new facility in Butler in 1998 to focus on research and development of new materials. In 2005, the business was consolidated to the Butler facility, and in 2009, Color Master re-expanded back to Noble County with the purchase of its Kendallville facility, where PVC compounds are produced.

“Through a concerted emphasis on customer service, Color Master has been able to build the reputation of being the service leader in the industry,” company officials said.

“We take great pride in four big things at Color Master: providing the industry’s best service to our customers, having the highest quality products, treating our employees as members of our family, and taking care and supporting our communities.”

The Butler facility was recently expanded by 16,000 square feet, split between new offices, lab space and warehousing. In Kendallville, Color Master recently purchased a 72,000-square-foot warehouse adjacent to its current facility.

About Color Master Color Master produces color concentrates, PVC compounds, specialty resin and additive compounds and liquid colorant for a variety of customers who are sheet extruders, profile extruders, injection molders and blow molders.

Color concentrates are made by mixing colored pigments, additives, filler, and plastic resin then encapsulating the pigment inside the plastic through heat and sheer. Then it is extruded and pelletized.

PVC compounds are made by mixing PVC resin, filler, color concentrate or liquid colorant (if desired) and possibly plasticizer (if flexible PVC is desired).

Color Master’s PVC compounds come in clear, natural or colored variants.

Liquid colorants are made by dispersing powdered pigment into a liquid carrier resin.

Color Master is adding increased automation and PLC controls to lines at both facilities with a goal of increasing

810 S. Broadway, Butler

productivity, data tracking and the ability to be more predictive with maintenance.

Lab spectrophotometers and software are being updated to increase the data used to measure and monitor the color matching and quality control processes.

Employment, community involvement Color Master has 92 full-time and one part-time employees. Ownership is comprised of nine individuals. Phil Schlink serves as CEO and Kyle Skaggs is president. The business has been ISO certified since 1998 with ISO 9001:2008, and is in the process of converting to 9001:2015. Color Master holds NSF, UL and CSA certifications for many of its products.

Color Master is an active member of the DeKalb Chamber Partnership, with membership on the board. Color Master actively participates in meetings with the Noble County EDC and the Manufacturing Education Alliance. Employees are allowed to take extended lunch breaks to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Lunch Buddy” program. In addition, Color Master is heavily involved with the Youth For Christ (YFC) program in northeast Indiana. Color Master also

sponsors local youth sports teams.

Employees are encouraged to explore ways to improve themselves, especially when it is in an area that will directly contribute to the effectiveness of their jobs. The average employee tenure is over 9-1/2 years. The president began his career with Color Master as an extrusion line operator and has advanced his way through the various departments to reach his current position.

“Employees play an integral part of all of these aspects at every level of the company. Service, quality, and values are inseparable from one another at Color Master, as they are each a part of the same equation for success,” company officials wrote.

“Employees understand that everything we do revolves around servicing our customers and that having a quality product has to be a given in our industry.

Our service is what sets us apart from our competition, and we instill that in all of our employees on a daily basis.

“From every level of the organization, we want employees to feel as if they can make a difference. We do this by giving them a voice when it comes to identifying areas to improve productivity, efficiency, safety, service, and even how the company can improve on employee relations.”

4230 E. US 6, Kendallville

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

Sebert Oil Co. Sebert Oil Co. of Butler is a familyowned supplier of gasoline, diesel fuel, propane and industrial lubricants, serving homes, farms and industrial customers throughout northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

What Dwight Sebert started in 1947 as a Standard Oil agent has grown into Sebert Oil Co., serving DeKalb County residents and the surrounding area without interruption for 69 years.

Mike Sebert, Dwight’s son, has been involved in the business since 1975. Representing the third generation are Mike’s sons, Randy, who makes deliveries, and Rory, who picks up semi loads of fuel. Longtime employee Mike Camp delivers propane. Brenda Sebert, Kelly Camp and Veronica Sebert comprise the office staff, answering questions and assisting customers with their needs.

The petroleum business is changing every day, and Sebert Oil has endeavored to keep ahead of these changes

with the introduction of new products as they become available. The business now offers a “keep-full” service to agricultural, commercial and industrial customers. With digital technology, Sebert Oil knows when it is time to refill tanks.

While Sebert Oil offers its customers the best products available, its most important asset is its service to customers. Sebert Oil’s mission is to offer quality fuels with friendly customer service and on-time deliveries at competitive prices. Whether it is a transport load of fuel or a quart of motor oil, it’s all about service.

Sebert Oil is especially proud of the fact that every employee attends church regularly. This was one of the ideals that Dwight Sebert brought to the business in 1947 and Sebert Oil employees continue to follow those ideals today.

For more information about Sebert Oil Co., call (260) 868-2191 or go to sebertoil.com.

See us for all your

FUELING NEEDS...

SEBERT OIL & PROPANE

501 S. Broadway • Butler, IN 260-868-2191 • 800-292-6568 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 AM-5:00 PM www.sebertoil.com

CO., INC.

Farm • Home • Industrial • Gas • Diesel • Propane • Lubricants

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June 10, 2016

Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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Custom Bottling and Packaging Inc. Custom Bottling & Packaging Inc., doing business as K-CoPack, considers itself a “Custom Co-Packer.” Based in Ashley, the company blends, packages and ships liquid cleaners, automotive products and pet products.

The company conducts the majority of its sales through brokers or account representatives who sell to private retail outlets such as grocery chains, dollar stores, big box and club stores. Locally, its products can be found at Walmart, Menards, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree and Dollar General. Other nationwide outlets include ShopKo, Harris Teeter, Amazon and numerous grocery chains.

All of the company’s products are blended and packaged in-house. The company offers its customers product development assistance, as well as a full range of manufacturing and distribution services. In recent years,

Custom Bottling & Packaging Inc. improved the efficiency of its process, thus offering its customers the highest quality products at the lowest possible cost. Custom Bottling & Packaging Inc. has expanded its library of formulas to include more than 50 specialty items. The company maintains NSF certification, which requires an intense annual audit of its entire quality system.

While the company’s facility has existed for decades, it has been operating as Custom Bottling and Packaging Inc. since 2010. Custom Bottling & Packaging was started by the Klink Group, a local family that has maintained several successful businesses in northern Indiana for nearly 40 years.

The Klink Family is the investor and owner of the company.

The company started in 2010 with 12 employees and little more than a good

reputation in the world of chemical blending and packaging. Today it has grown to a company with more than 23 full-time and three part-time employees and provides more than 20 retailers with private label products.

The employees have worked in the industry for many years and are seasoned in the processes and procedures the company implements to satisfy the manufacturing and packaging needs of its customers. Custom Bottling and Packaging Inc. encourages all of its employees to look for new ways to improve the everyday process. The business could not operate without the knowledge and dedication of every one of its employees. They each have their own skills and strengths that complement the others on the team.

In 2013, Custom Bottling & Packaging Inc. added 23,400 square feet of new warehouse space to help keep up

with the growing distribution needs of its customers. The company is planning to add another production line in 2016 to accommodate its growing customer demand and additional employment opportunities are expected once the new line is operational. As the company grows, it investigates the most recent technology before moving forward with equipment purchases.

Custom Bottling & Packaging Inc. uses the Internet for such things as research, networking, advertising, education and market research.

Custom Bottling & Packaging Inc.’s team is committed to the basic needs of the customer and takes pride in product knowledge and quality, schedule integrity and on-time delivery.

The company supports the community and has made monetary donations to local 4-H clubs, fire departments and other local events and charities.

Liquid Fill Bottling

Reliable. Reasonably Priced. Centrally Located.

Custom Bottling and Packaging, Inc. is a full service bottling and packaging company.

We fill and package liquid cleaners for companies that distribute their products for well known retailers across the country, including Wal-Mart, Sears, K-Mart, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Save-A-Lot, Amazon and numerous grocery retailers.

Our employees tell us that our work atmosphere, professionalism and family values make us one of the best places to work in Northeast Indiana.

Kriss Stackhouse Plant Administrator

877.401.7195

260.587.3155

* Trusted * Experienced * Custom Formula’s * Quality Assurance * Inventory Control * Research & Development

www.kcopack.com

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

LaGrange County REMC, Noble REMC and Steuben County REMC Products/Services What are the main products or services your company provides?

We provide safe, reliable, affordable electricity.

Who are your primary customers or clients?

Member-owners in each respective service area.

How are your products made or your services performed?

The cooperatives purchase electricity from their power supplier, Wabash Valley Power Association (WVPA), and distribute it to nearly 26,500 members throughout northeast Indiana.

How have your products or services changed/improved in recent years?

Electricity is the same no matter where you purchase it. Our service is what sets us apart from others. Phones are answered by a live person, with no phone tree to navigate. Our response to power outages is quick and efficient.

Each cooperative has an energy advisor on staff to help educate members about the efficient use of electricity. We provide free residential energy audits for members.

We have rebates and incentives to help members defer the cost to install efficient lighting, heating/cooling equipment and water heating. These and others are all offered through

our Power Moves program.

What quality or service standards or awards have you received?

In the ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index), the three northeast Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, REMCs, have higher “overall satisfaction ratings”’ from their customers, several points above the average for both Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) and municipals throughout the United States.

Where are your products or services delivered or distributed?

Electricity is delivered to our members throughout our distribution systems, primarily in LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and DeKalb counties.

Company History How long has your business been a part of the community?

LaGrange County REMC, Noble REMC and Steuben County REMC are Touchstone Energy Cooperatives who have been delivering electricity for more than 80 years.

Who is the company’s founder?

Community leaders in our rural communities in each of the cooperative’s counties combined

their efforts to establish a Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC). This was supported by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s national REA loan program.

This was a result of the investment-owned utilities (IOUs) choosing not to deliver power to farmers in northeast Indiana.

Who is the current owner (give background)?

Current owners of the cooperatives are still the members or individuals who purchase their electricity from the cooperatives.

How has the company grown over the years?

The service territorial boundaries were set many years ago by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The cooperatives grow when businesses and people build within the REMC’s service territories.

What changes have been significant in the growth of this company?

Expansion of cities and towns into the rural areas of the county.

Employees How many employees does your company have?

The three cooperatives combined have

80 employees.

How do the employees contribute to the service, quality and values of your company?

The employees are engaged in their cooperative. They live and breathe the seven cooperative principles and embody the cooperative spirit.

How do the employees contribute to innovation or the future direction of your company?

Employees regularly attend continuing training opportunities to stay abreast of the latest technology within their field.

How do the employees “make a difference” in either the way they do their jobs or in the way they serve their communities?

Employees provide exceptional service to members. They are involved in their local communities and serve on various boards and committees, coach youth sports and are active in local churches.

Do employees have opportunities for continuing education, advancement opportunities and ecognition?

They regularly attend conferences and training sessions to stay abreast of the latest technologies and business practices, attend monthly safety meetings and attend section meetings of their peers at Indiana Electric Cooperatives in Indianapolis. Employees can participate in certification programs, including the cooperative’s own “Rural Electric Leaders in Training Exchange” leadership program.

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June 10, 2016

Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

21

Stoops Freightliner Products/Services What is the main product(s) or service(s) your company provides?

Stoops Freightliner-Quality Trailer is a part of the largest Freightliner dealership group in the U.S. Stoops offers new and used medium and heavy duty trucks, expert service, an extensive parts inventory and financing options.

Who are your primary customers or clients?

Stoops has eight locations in Indiana and Ohio, and with the Truck Country group, is part of the 23-dealership network across the Midwest.

How is your product made or your services performed?

Along with new and used medium duty truck and trailer sales, Stoops provides parts and service work for all makes and models of trucks and trailers How has your product or services changed/ improved in recent years?

The transportation industry, as a whole, has drastically changed in recent years. Trucks have never been more environmentally efficient, as well as designed to fit specific job needs. Meanwhile, many Stoops dealerships, including in Fremont, have received the specialized Freightliner Elite Support designation, a classification noting high standards for service work.

What quality or service standards or awards have you received?

Stoops-Fremont is a Freightliner certified Elite

Support Dealer. To qualify for this program, a dealer must exhibit top-notch customer service, including quick diagnosis, rapid turnaround, high-quality work, consistent communication, and strong parts availability. Meanwhile, Stoops’ dealership network has been named a finalist for the Successful Dealer Magazine’s Successful Dealer award on multiple occasions.

Where is your product or services delivered or distributed?

While service is generally completed at dealership locations, Stoops provides 24-hour towing service as well as after-hours service

Company History How long has your business been a part of the Steuben County community?

Stoops has been in Fremont for 15 years Who is the company’s founder (give background)?

Jeff Stoops, a former teacher and truck driver, opened Stoops Freightliner in 1987.

Who is the current owner (give background)?

In 2014, the Dubuque, Iowa-based McCoy Group purchased Stoops Freightliner-Quality Trailer from Jeff Stoops. In 1958, Robert McCoy founded the McCoy Group (Truck Country) in Shullsburg, Wis. Today, the company continues to be family owned, with locations in five states.

How has the company grown over the years?

The company expanded greatly upon the merger of Stoops and Truck Country in 2014. As part of the agreement, Stoops locations immediately expanded from six to 18 locations. Today, Stoops and Truck Country features 23 locations in five states.

What changes have been significant in the growth of this company?

The biggest change to the company in recent years has been the merger of Stoops with Truck Country. Overall, the dealership groups rank as the leading Freightliner dealership group in the country, with locations in five states.

Employees How do the employees contribute to the service, quality and values of your company?

Stoops employees are at the front line of the company’s success, whether it is from the truck sales representative who makes the initial deal to attract customers or the parts and service departments who keep them coming back.

How do the employees contribute to innovation or the future direction of your company?

As the transportation industry moves forward, it will be essential to continue to have innovative and well-trained employees. At Stoops, we try to provide our employees with the tools (training, support), they need to be leaders in our industry.

What ways do your employees “make a difference” in either the way they do their jobs or in the way they serve their communities?

Stoops employees have long been known to “make a difference” at the workplace and in their communities. Our Fremont staff has received numerous accolades for taking extra steps to ensure customer satisfaction. Here’s what one customer said about the service he received, “(I) Arrived unannounced, (and) they did what they said they would and did it well. Price was fair and all people I dealt with were very nice and efficient.

Good shop I would come back here again.”

Do employees have continuing education opportunities? Advancement opportunities?

Recognition?

At Stoops, technicians undergo continuous training from our in-house, full-time training expert. Sales team members are required to participate in all manufacturer development training.

Future Plans/Expansions What are your company’s plans for future expansions? Have you recently completed an expansion project?

Stoops and Truck Country will continue to explore targeted expansion opportunities as the opportunity arises. Since 2004, the dealership group has expanded from 18 locations to 23 dealerships.

How is the Internet playing a role in your company’s future?

We continue to expand our marketing presence using online venues, including our company website - www.truckcountry.com

Freightliner Sprinter delivery and supply vans are primarily sold as cargo vans to freight expediters and are great for the transportation of smaller loads and are growing in popularity with commercial fleets and delivery drivers.

7269 N. Baker Rd. Fremont, IN 46737 Contact us today!

800-832-5322 www.stoops.com

ADDITIONAL SPRINTER VAN APPLICATIONS: t Sprinter Limousines t Pinnacle Shuttle Buses t Luxury Van Conversions t Mobile Offices / Command Centers t ADA Compliant Mobility Transportation Vans t Expeditor Vans With or Without Living Areas t Class “B” Van Motor Homes and Class “C” Motor Homes t Refrigerated and Heated Van Cab Chassis with 15’ Bodies t Special event transportation (golf vans, volunteer transportation, university)

Monday – Friday 7:00am – Midnight Saturday 7:00am – Noon Sunday Closed

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

600 West Maple Waterloo

260-837-8841 800-538-4163

1109 W. Auburn Dr., Auburn

Dick Rowe, Plant Manager www.auburnhardwood.com

www.rpwakefield.com

Add real value to your home or business ... when you redecorate or spruce up your home this summer with hardwood mouldings.

RP Wakefield can help you increase the value of your home, as well as its beauty! We manufacture innumerable sizes and styles including casings, bases, handrails and picture mouldings. All available in red oak, hard maple, poplar, cherry, ash, rustic alder, walnut, hickory, aniegre and many other species. Many are in stock at Auburn Hardwood Mouldings.

Add a crown mold to the great room, a chair rail to the dining room or a wide 5” baseboard to the living room or combine several pieces to make your own customized trim for the master bedroom.

The possibilities are endless to what you can create.

Is a fireplace on the wish list for this year? RP Wakefield also manufactures hardwood mantels and surrounds and also mantel shelves in a variety of lengths.

Check us out to see what project we can do together for the value and beauty of your home.

CASINGS • BASES • HANDRAILS • PICTURE MOULDINGS • IN STOCK AT AUBURN HARDWOOD MOULDINGS

CASINGS • BASES • HANDRAILS • PICTURE MOULDINGS • IN STOCK AT AUBURN HARDWOOD MOULDINGS

CASINGS • BASES • HANDRAILS • PICTURE MOULDINGS • IN STOCK AT AUBURN HARDWOOD MOULDINGS

CASINGS • BASES • HANDRAILS • PICTURE MOULDINGS • IN STOCK AT AUBURN HARDWOOD MOULDINGS

June 10, 2016

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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Salute to Industry DeKalb & Steuben Counties

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June 10, 2016

15i Years and We’re Just Warming Up. S i n c e 1 8 6 3 C a m p b e l l & Fe t t e r B a n k

We are committed to helping improve the

has worked to make our community a

place we call home. That commitment

better place.

is shown in our solid bank services, a n d f ro m o u r unwavering support of not-for-

Better for People.

Better for Families.

Better For Businesses.

profit and community service programs.

15 years might seem old to some.

We’re just warming up for the next 15 .

Visit any of our locations in Kendallville, Albion, Angola, Auburn, Goshen, Ligonier and Warsaw.

Sensible Banking for Sensible Lives

TM

©201 Campbell & Fetter Bank

www.campbellfetterbank.com