Hamilton County Business Magazine October/November 2010

Focus: Real Estate/Development

October/November 2010

What Recession?

Apartments going up at record rates Plus...

Does your business need an app?

Reviving Golf

Noblesville Chamber’s 75th Anniversary

Carmel Developer John C. Hart Jr.

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

www.hamiltoncountybusiness.com Published six times per year by the Hamilton County Media Group PO Box 502, Noblesville, IN 46061 • 317-774-7747

Editor/Publisher Mike Corbett ~ mcorbett@hamiltoncountybusiness.com Creative Director Melanie Malone ~ melzee@indy.rr.com

Correspondents Shari Held ~ sharih@comcast.net Deb Buehler ~ deb@thesweetestwords.com Scott Tyree ~ styree@financialformsandsystems.com Rosalyn Demaree ~ ros_demaree@hotmail.com Martha Yoder ~ klmyoder@sbcglobal.net William Fouts ~ wfouts@mac.com Photo Credits ~ Mark A. Lee, Great Exposures, John Bragg Contributors David Heighway ~ heighwayd@earthlink.net Emmett Dulaney DBA ~ eadulaney@anderson.edu Robby Slaughter ~ rslaughter@slaughterdevelopment.com J. Michelle Sybesma ~ jms@skillsconsulting.com Lisa McDonald ~ Lisa.McDonald@CareerPolish.net Please send news items and photos to news@hamiltoncountybusiness.com Submission does not guarantee publication

Subscription $20/year To subscribe or advertise, contact Mike Corbett at mcorbett@hamiltoncountybusiness.com Copyright 2010 Hamilton County Media Group.

All rights reserved.

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

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October/November

’10

Features

12 15 20 22

8

Entrepreneur

10

Michelle’s Got It Covered

18

Sales

19

Management

24

News

25

Interview

26

Ear to the Ground

27

Dining Out

Year Round Golf

28

Chamber

34

Hamilton County History

Mother Daughter Travel Team

35

Business Resource Directory

A Guide to Apps

Cover photo by Mark Lee, Great Exposures

4

Apartment Building Boom

October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

C o r p o r at e b a n k i n g

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

5

Letter from the Editor/October • November 2010

“If you’re writing about development it’s going to be a pretty thin issue.”

That comment from a local builder pretty much sums up the reaction we got from many developers as we were working on this month’s cover story.

The industry has taken a beating in this recession.

Mike Corbett Editor and Publisher

Which is why it was so surprising to see a new apartment complex rising out of the field south of 146th St. in northeast Carmel over the past two recessionary years. Two years ago it was an empty field. Today, there are hundreds of upscale apartments there. It’s one example of a trend taking hold throughout the county…apartment building is hot.

John Hart admits he was fortunate to get his financing for Legacy before the big bust, but he also says multi-family financing has not been quite as hard-hit as single family over the past couple of years. As a result, he is positioned to meet an unprecedented demand for rental units in the next decade. Rosalyn Demaree looks behind the numbers.

And, speaking of demand, this would be a good time to launch a smartphone if you have one in your development pipeline. Bill Fouts cites predictions that the (already huge) number of smartphone users will more than double next year. As the number of devices explodes, the demand for applications follows. Do you need an app for that? Just understanding the technology is a challenge. Bill has a few answers for you.

Among our other highlights, we’ve received some very encouraging comments about Michelle Sybesma’s new recurring feature, Michelle’s Got It Covered. Thank you for your participation and keep those questions coming. We welcome Lisa McDonald as a guest columnist in this edition, and David Heighway shines the spotlight on the Noblesville Chamber, which is celebrating 75 years this year. There’s lots more in here as well.

As always, it is a pleasure compiling this report for you. Thanks for reading and thank you to our advertisers who remember that chapter from their marketing class in business school that said a recession is the best time to gain market share. They are out there competing aggressively and they will lead us into the next expansion. Here’s hoping that includes you.

Mike Corbett

Editor and Publisher

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

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Entrepreneur Emmett Dulaney

When Good Intentions Go Bad

An Entrepreneurial Tale with At Least One Moral All the details in the following tale are true with the exception of the names. As you read it, see if you can identify the most significant entrepreneurial moral.

non-investors and 25% each for the investors. John was convinced that he would assuredly become a millionaire through his 12.5% ownership of a company into which he would invest only sweat equity. Plus, he John spent more than ten years selling medi- would draw a larger salary than at the old cal supplies for various offices of the same company, (incidentally, all four former emcompany. During those years, he watched ployees had non-compete agreements, but the company owners start draining profits they were only valid in the districts in which for other purposes. Frustrated, he shared they had sold, and the new company was in his concerns with others. Among those who a city in which none of the four of them had heard and agreed with him were an upper- previously operated). John’s wife also left her level manager twice his age (Anthony) and job and they even refinanced their home in two female salespeople (Sonia and Ruth). order to get a car with company logos and The four of them decided to start their own make some lifestyle changes. company in the same field.

To start a medical supply company, you need a fair amount of funding and the patience to appreciate that it will be some time before you’ll be able to start billing the government (thanks to the accreditation process, a mound of paperwork, etc.). None

Signs of Trouble….

When John went to sign the paperwork, he found a few discrepancies. The investors had realized that a 50/50 split between investors/non-investors could lead to a stalemate, so they upped their percentage to 26% each, and rewarded Anthony for his

…they had acted in good faith but were now tired of this “endless money pit.” of the four had the money needed to pull it off, but Ruth was dating a man who invested in many different companies. He agreed to invest in the business with a partner.

The six of them decided that a Subchapter-S corporation was the best way to go since it allowed salaries for the four non-investors and 1,000 shares to be issued, with ownership divided at 12.5% for each of the

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years of management experience by raising him to 13%. Both Sonia and Ruth were left at 12.5%, so John made up the difference by dropping to 10%. The others explained that it wasn’t “intentional”, he had just been the one to draw the short straw; and that he had as good a chance of becoming a millionaire with 10% of the company as with 12.5%. He decided to laugh it off and roll with it.

October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Secondly, though each investor had agreed to put in $250,000, the wording on paper was that the total investment would be “up to $250,000.” When John and Anthony questioned this, they were told that the word “each” was implied, that the lawyers had overlooked it, and that “up to” was a standard clause that they would see more of after a few more deals like this catapulted them into the big leagues. All six signed the paperwork at that meeting, including a new non-compete that covered the entire state, and went to celebrate.

Up and Running

Three months later, the retail store was a thing of beauty (thanks to 12 hour a day/7 day a week sweat equity), ads were running announcing the new business, and accreditation was in process. John’s dreams were looking more and more like realities.

At the end of six months, however, the investors called an emergency meeting. To date, the two of them had put in a total of $311,000 and they now declared that they would not put in another cent. Contractually, they pointed out, they were required to put in $61,000 less than they had already invested and they had acted in good faith but were now tired of this “endless money pit.” All salaries were cancelled and all six owners would share in the profits based on their percentage of ownership.

John pointed out that it would be at least three more months before the government could be billed – which is where the real customer base comes from. He further pointed out that it would take close to two

years for the store to generate profits that matched current salaries. All of this had been discussed up front, he reminded them, but his words fell on deaf ears.

He was informed that what was in writing was what really mattered and he had two choices: 1. Continue to work without a salary and share in the profits when the ink turned black, or 2. Sell his 100 shares – and remember the clause dictating that shares be sold to other owners at the prescribed value (which was $1).

The only other alternative, John was told, was to find a competitor willing to purchase all the shares and buy everyone out at terms they all agreed to.

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Lessons Learned

As frustrating as this tale is, it is a situation that has been repeated many times in small business. While there are at least half a dozen morals for the tale (“always get it in writing”, “don’t count your chickens before they hatch”, “never underestimate the value of counsel,” “take time to think before you sign,” etc.), I would proffer the true moral to be this: he who controls the checkbook controls the company. It would matter not if the investors had only 10% of the company - as opposed to more than 50% - if they decided to stop putting more money into it, the business would bend to their whims. For an entrepreneur to not know of this possibility before going into a venture is both naïve and dangerous.

Do Your Homework!

Due diligence is a two-way street when looking for investors. In addition to their discovering as many details about you as they can, you need to find out as much about them as you can and not be blinded simply because they want to invest in you.

Find out what other deals they’ve been involved in and talk to those parties to look for recurring problems with expectations, patience, control, and so on .

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-Emmett Dulaney

Emmett Dulaney teaches entrepreneurship and business at Anderson University.

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or personalshopper@childrensmuseum.org Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

9

Management

MICHELLE’S GOT IT COVERED

J. Michelle Sybesma

What to do When Teams Collide

Also, Death By PowerPoint and Using Social Media to Build Your Personal Brand MGIC: As a mid-level manager, I try to manage my staff to top performance. Unfortunately, my peers don’t always take their teams’ responsibilities as seriously as I do.

When I take this to my boss, she considers it a ‘personality conflict’ and brushes me aside. What can I do about this? ~Mary C. Company Name Withheld ‘Personality conflicts’ are particularly challenging at the mid-level. There are many complex issues to consider when dealing with personnel management. Old school methods taught us to ignore the “personal” in personnel. Performance dynamics now teach us that conflict can stifle motivation.

I might suggest a minor change in your approach. Make the issues manageable, focusing on one area at a time. Reassure your boss that your motives are logically based, not emotional (which may require some reflection on your part). Show that you respect the other person’s viewpoint and desire resolution instead of conflict.

Focus on the professional aspects only and ask for help working through the issues together as a team. Explain that ignoring these responsibilities works against the goals of the entire organization and your boss’s expectations of the whole team.

When a department is missing its strategic goals because of tactical situations, everyone is really losing. Good luck in your attempts to navigate a new course.

MGIC: My degree program requires the occasional PowerPoint presentation. What

10

can I do to ensure my presentations are as engaging and high quality as possible so I don’t cause a “Death by PowerPoint?” ~Liz Mayo Nursing Student Noblesville

Although “Death by PowerPoint” is a very common phrase, the truth is that PowerPoint only causes death when misused.

It should be a noteworthy complement to your presentation. I’m glad you asked because this is a common closed-door question from execs. Here are ten tips to ensure that you never inadvertently commit homicide: 1. Use only to GUIDE information.

Use 2-4 word bullets to prompt you to recall your verbal points 2. One high level message per slide with a few supporting bullets.

Use a simple message and let your audience extrapolate. Instead of “-Try to engage employees as soon as possible,” write “-Immediate employee engagement” 3. More transitions Fewer words on slides and more frequent transitions keep the audience engaged.

4. Include slides with questions - This strikes a balance between information presentation and engagement.

October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

5. Focus on the positive – Be factual but be careful not to set a negative mood for your audience.

6. Keep your font functional – Size is critical. Stand 4 feet from the screen. If you can read it easily so can your projector-based audience. Avoid cutesy fonts as they don’t translate well to PPT. 7. Use visuals – With a little practice you can use photos OR clip art (be consistent), cartoon, or create simple charts.

Avoid silly moving graphics— they lose people. At least 85% of your slides should contain something visual, and stagger image locations.

8. Color is important – Set color and fonts in the Master Slide and you will do less work. Ensure colors complement company logos. Avoid overly bright background colors.

9. Too much info?- Put it in supportive documentation, not on the screen.

10. Conclusions are critical – End by reminding your audience of their purpose for listening. When selling, use a call to action; when informing, create a few summary bullets.

Give them a reason to live! PowerPoint is great, when well used. Enjoy, Liz. MGIC: Although I have a solid media background, I am still completely new to e-networking and social media. I am interested in raising the visibility of my voice over, content providing and other media skills.

Can you give some real world marketing tips for social platforms? ~Todd D. Wallace Media Personality & Content Provider

The Value Proposition Making the Case for Your Business

Great question, Todd. Self-branding is a bit of a transformation. It’s likely that, with a history in media as strong as your own, people already know WHO you are, and some of WHAT you do. Ultimately, above all else people need to know HOW to reach you. Start with Linked In. It’s like Facebook for professionals. Use this as a refining ground before you venture into designing a website and other more expensive options. As you build your profile, remember: simple and to the point.

Do keyword searches to review other profiles in your field as you establish your own style.

Much like a resume, your profile should be relevant highlights of your skills, not a summary of your life’s activities. Keep the information current and reconnect with those in your field from other cities as well. Join some professional groups and evaluate what other connections are doing in the content/voiceover markets such as training pieces, commercial work, etc.

Don’t forget the non-profit world; they are always looking for good event emcees.

Everyone is connected at some level!

J. Michelle Sybesma is a business consultant with Professional Skills Consulting, specializing in maximizing business success. Send your questions of any business type to info@skillsconsulting.com

Next Edition:

Banking and Finance Advertising Deadline: October 22

An advertising feature sponsored by the author.

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An advertising feature of The Hamilton County Business Magazine

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

11

H

amilton County’s time-honored reputation as a single-family home community is starting to show a youthful age that’s ahead of national trends.

In the past three years, 2,739 apartments have been built in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield, with another 1,467 approved for construction. That’s a 27% increase in three years, with another 14% approved.

RENTAL RENAISSANCE

“Half of (Noblesville’s) apartments have been built in the past six or seven years,” said Andy Wert, the city’s assistant director of planning.

Developers building apartments now to meet expected demand

by Rosalyn Demaree

“We haven’t done anything to encourage them that I know of. They’ve just come here.”

Many other communities might wish they were in our construction boots.

Apartment building slowed nationwide going into the economic downturn and stopped in recent years, said Greg Willett, who studies apartment trends as vice president of research and analysis for MPF Research near Dallas.

Photos by Mark Lee

“Nothing was built in traditional, market-rate apartments,” although some upper-end units were constructed.

“We just aren’t seeing starts in the last 18 months or so.”

While apartment construction may be negligible elsewhere, demand is growing here and around the country.

MPF Research points to four reasons: • Job numbers are improving, although apartment demand is higher than those numbers would suggest, said Willett.

• Parents are beginning to kick their adult children to the apartment curb.

• People who’ve been renting singlefamily homes and condos are moving out due to foreclosures and lower service levels than are offered at professionally managed apartments.

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

“Our studies tell us there should be a demand for 700-800 new apartments per year in the next decade” said Hart, classifying those estimates as conservative Households aged 45 to 64 were responsible and calling his company “bullish on Hamilton County.” for nearly two-thirds of renter growth from 2000 to 2009, according to a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies This bull isn’t waiting to start charging at Harvard. But Willett says it’s millennials, forward. people born between 1980 and 2000, that are going to have an impact on apartment J.C. Hart opened two communities this year construction in the future – and develop-- Legacy Towns & Flats in Carmel and The District at Saxony in Fishers -- and three ers see it here already.

• When home sales started improving late last year, sellers began renting temporarily before deciding their next move.

the continued development in or around Hamilton Town Center.

The bull isn’t resting, either.

Hart has two projects approved – 238 units in Westfield’s Grand Junction area which should break ground this year and 191 units in Carmel’s Performing Arts District – plus an agreement with homebuilder Estridge to construct 290 units starting late next year or early 2012 at Symphony in Westfield. The price tag for these three projects is $64 million.

Building for the millennials

Today’s new apartment communities aren’t what you might expect.

Forget big boxy structures with a fenced-in swimming pool at the entrance.

For every single-family building permit issued nationwide, 15 millennials enter the prime apartment-renting age group, 24 to 32 years old, said John C. Hart Jr., president of Carmel-based apartment developer J.C. Hart. Forecasters, he added, predict that 37 percent of Hamilton County’s population growth in the next decade – 2,000 people annually – will be in that age bracket.

others since 2000, Pebble Brook Village, Noblesville; Ashley Place, Westfield; and North Haven of Carmel. Altogether, the five properties have 1,250 units.

“We love these locations,” Hart said of Legacy, at River Road and 146th Street, and The District at Saxony, at 131st Street and Olio Road. His company anticipates “a tremendous amount of job growth (in the Saxony area) over the next 10 years” with medical facilities building nearby and

Photo by Mike Corbett

Millennials raising the roofs

Legacy in Carmel was built in the past two years Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

13

Noblesville leads in construction

Since 2007, while the economy was in a recession, 2,739 apartments have been built and 1,467 approved for construction in Hamilton County (a 34% increase).

Built

Noblesville 1,218 952 Carmel * 300 Westfield 269 Fishers

Approved

Total

438 571 238 220

1,656 1,523 538 489

*In addition, a 132-unit development has petitioned for approval in Westfield.

Sources: City and town offices

Hart developments, for instance, have curb appeal with architecture unique to each community.

“The exteriors draw people in,” said Deb Fuller, community manager at Legacy.

“They think that they’re condos.”

Those apartments have molding over solid, two-panel doors, arched hallways, large windows that drop low to the floor and angled walls.

Some of the 29 floor plans offered at Legacy have screened-in porches. But two months after the first move-in in February, those were all taken. The community was 40 percent leased or preleased in August, according to Mark Juleen, J.C. Hart vicepresident of marketing. Occupancy in Hart’s older Hamilton County communities has averaged 90 to 93 percent this year.

New apartment complexes built in the last three years.

Metro occupancy ranks low The growth of apartment occupancy is “well below the national average but improving” in the Indianapolis metro market, said Greg Willett, vice president of research and analysis for MPF Research.

Occupancy was averaging around 91.7 percent in the Indianapolis area, a growth of 1.5 percentage points, in the first six months of the year, he said.

That growth ranks the metro area 49th out of 64 markets that MPF monitors. Single-family housing here “is pretty affordable for the populace” and the area is “very single-family oriented,” he said.

There should be a demand for 700-800 new apartments (in Hamilton County) per year in the next decade. ~John C. Hart Mindful of the millennials, the company includes amenities that attract young professionals, such as fitness centers, indoor basketball courts, and WiFi cafes and online resident hubs to foster socializing.

“The bark park has been a huge selling point” at Legacy, where there is no weight or breed restrictions, said Fuller.

As a Catholic school in the Holy Cross tradition, we welcome a diverse group of students who join as one to seek excellence in the classroom, on the playing fields and stage, and in service to others — and we’ve been doing it for more than 92 years.

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Lifelong Connections.

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

The design and amenities also reach out to those baby boomers who boosted rentals over the past nine years.

Legacy’s architecture attracted Howard and Gloria Sinclair; the size of its living rooms helped seal the deal for the couple, who moved into a three-bedroom apartment in April after looking at many developments, said Howard, pouring a free cup of coffee and grabbing a doughnut at the café one Saturday.

Developers watching Hart Carmel-based apartment developer J.C. Hart “really has embraced social media,” noted Greg Willett, vice president of research and analysis for MPF Research near Dallas. In addition to wiring units for electronics and offering free WiFi in its cafes, Hart has online hubs for each of its communities where residents can exchange information, learn about area businesses and plan social events. “A lot of companies (outside Indiana) are watching Hart to see how it communicates with residents using social media, ” Willett continued.

The lifestyle suits the Sinclairs, whose condo on Morse Reservoir was foreclosed.

Their living room overlooks a wetlands and their balcony in the seven-unit building offers a view of the Conner Prairie fireworks. One of the extra bedrooms is a guest room, the other an office/den.

“We were kind of pushed or forced to move,” said Howard, 64, “but we had a pleasant landing.” v

GOING MOBILE?

By William Fouts

D

oes your business have an app for that? Given the explosive growth of the smartphone market and the marketing potential it represents, experts say if you don’t, you should.

Mobile Marketplace

According to a Nielsen Company report released last March, approximately 60 million Americans are smartphone users. By next year, Nielsen projects that number will grow by another 80 million for total of 140 million smartphone subscribers.

A study by the Mobile Marketers Association indicates that advertisers will increase spending on advertising on all mobile devices by 124 percent in 2011.

Moreover, a recent study conducted by Sterling Commerce and e-commerce service provider Demandware, Inc. found that 15 percent of all mobile phone subscribers use their phones to make purchases.

The implication for business is clear. With the right app, your goods and services can be right in the pockets of potential customers.

Ron Blaisdell, CEO of Carmel-based app developer LaViaz Mobile says the day is rapidly

You’ll need an app for that approaching, when, like the business website, a mobile app will become an indispensable tool in any business’ marketing strategy.

“In most cases, you will be at a competitive disadvantage without a mobile presence,” Blaisdell says.

Developing Your App

So, it’s time to go mobile. What’s next and how much? Michael Hanely, director of Ball State University’s Institute for Mobile Media Research says prices can range from a few hundred dollars to the sky’s the limit depending on the features and level of sophistication. However, for a good quality, full-featured professional app, Hanley says the $5,000 to $10,000 range is a good neighborhood to shop around in.

Blaisdell says think about how your customers will use your app. His company has developed apps for the Town of Fishers and the Gen-Con gaming convention in downtown Indianapolis among others.

“One of the first things we find, with very few exceptions, is we have to go through an education process with our clients,” Blaisdell says.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

15

NATIVE APPS vs WEB APPS Native Apps

Web Apps

Internet required?

No

Yes

Updates

Must be downloaded

Automatic

Responsiveness

Fast and responsive

Depends on signal strength and speed

Compatibility

Specific to each device

Works on most phone browsers

Content searchable

Not on the web

Yes

Access to hardware assets

Yes

No

Distribution approval required

Yes

No

Consider whether your customers need to submit forms or documents. Will they need maps and directions? Do you want them to submit and/or see videos and photos?

Would you like a social networking component? Do you want opt-ins for product

clients to be able to shoot and share photos and videos directly from within the app.

Businesses with multiple locations or where a customer must come to the business’ physical location for service might want to offer GPS-enabled maps and directions.

The number of smartphone users is expected to more than double by next year… to 140 million.

A key advantage to a native app is that, assuming the content is updated, it can operate without an internet connection.

The interface, graphics and commands are usually fast and responsive.

~ Nielson Co. Research updates? Do you want your customers to order and pay for your products from their phones? How you answer these and other questions will play an important part in determining what kind of app you ultimately choose.

Apps can be broken down into three basic categories: native apps, web apps and hybrid apps. Each has their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. The type you choose will depend on best serves your client’s needs.

Native Apps

Native apps are designed to run on a particular mobile device and can access the device’s hardware assets such as cameras, GPS, accelerometers, audio recorders, etc.

Lawyers, insurance agents, auto repair shops, realtors and the like might want their

16

On the downside, native apps must be written for a specific mobile device and its operating system. Consequently, apps written for Apple’s iPhone will only work on iPhones, leaving customers on other devices out in the cold.

native app, and since most modern mobile phones use the same web browser technology, a web app can operate on virtually any phone.

“In actuality, a web-based app is much easier to manage,” Hanley says.

Web apps are generally less expensive to develop and need no prior approval before launch. Content can be easily and freely changed or updated.

However, a web app can’t operate a phone’s camera or other hardware features. Since an internet connection is required, performance can vary depending on connection speed and strength, especially for graphics and multimedia.

Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps are bit of the best of both worlds. Content is managed via the web and can be freely added, changed and updated without prior approval, yet it resides within a native app “shell” that can take advantage of the phone’s hardware assets.

In addition, native apps must go through an approval process before they can be distriuted. This is particularly true of Apple, where an app can take weeks or even months before it is approved for distribution through Apple’s iTunes App Store. Any changes or updates to a native app must be resubmitted for approval.

LaViaz’s iPhone app for the Town of Fishers is a hybrid. Users can access calendars, events and local government information through the town’s existing web content.

They can also view and post to Facebook and Twitter feeds for various town departments.

The app also allows users to use the phone’s camera to report issues such as littering, overgrown grass and weeds, potholes, sewer backups traffic snarls and others problems.

Web Apps

iPhone? Android? BlackBerry?

Web apps are simply websites optimized and repurposed for display and function on mobile phone screens. In many cases, a web app looks and feels like a

October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

BlackBerry launched the smartphone revolution in 1996 and has dominated the market among business people.

“But, on the consumer side, it’s just the opposite,” Hanley says.

A recent report by consumer and market research firm NPD Group shows BlackBerry has lost its hold on the top spot in the U.S. market. According to the report released in early August, BlackBerry’s market share fell to 28 percent, ranking it second behind Android-based phones, which leapfrogged both BlackBerry and Apple with 33 percent of the U.S. Market. Apple remains in third with a 22 percent share.

As with apps, phones and their operating systems have certain advantages and disadvantages.

iPhone

The iPhone enjoys a substantial lead in the app market due to its head start on its competitors and its robust distribution network through iTunes, which runs on both Macs and PCs. In addition, since Apple manufactures both the iPhone handset and its iOS operating system, the close integration of hardware and software helps to ensure stability and reliable functionality of the apps it runs.

Android

The popularity of the Android operating system has exploded, particularly in 2010. A report by market re-

search firm Canalys indicates that U.S. Android shipments jumped 886 percent it the second quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year.

Much of Android’s appeal revolves around choice. Android consumers have a choice of carriers unlike the iPhone which is carried exclusively on AT&T’s much maligned network. Consumers can also choose from a number of different handsets at various price points from makers such as Motorola, Samsung, HTC, Sony-Ericcson and others.

However, more choices can lead to more problems for app developers says Chris Patterson, LaViaz’s director of app development.

“It’s much harder to write apps for Android because the array of devices,” Patterson says.

With so many different handsets with different features, interfaces and screen sizes, and with each requiring its own version of the Android operating system, app developers are faced with enumerable permutations to account for when developing and testing Android apps. The downside is that not every app written for an Android phone will run on every Android phone.

BlackBerry

BlackBerry enjoys legions of loyal customers and a sterling reputation for quality and reliability, but it has only recently entered the app market.

However, with the launch of its Torch handset and 6 OS operating system, Blackberry is poised to loosen its

gray-suited image with more consumer-oriented features.

“They’ve taken a look around and seen what’s going on in the marketplace and they’re playing a little bit of catch up now,” Patterson says.

Bottom Line

Assuming you’ve weighed all the options and considered all the pros and cons and you are ready to jump into the mobile market, how do you get that app?

A quick internet search for app developers will reveal endless possibilities ranging from lone techies working from home to major corporations. Blaisedell says whomever you choose, make sure they have a good track record and can deliver the goods.

“Ask them to demonstrate that they have the skill to do it,” he says. v

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

17

Sales Lisa McDonald

Building a Personal Sales Force

Move Beyond Titles to Engage People for Successful Networking I remember the first time I was handed my very own official business cards with my official title. Even my young son, Jake, knew my title. He could tell people that his mom was the BOM, literally, my title was Branch Operations Manager – I was the BOM! My wake up call was when I asked Jake if he knew what I did at work.

He replied, “Sure, you dress up and go tell people what to do all day.” And so I learned two lessons: 1.) You can never be prepared for how a child will answer your question and 2.) Titles are worthless if the other person does not understand what you do.

Not only can titles be vague and unclear, they can also put us in a box. For example what if I told you my dad was a mechanic: what do you immediately think of? Depending upon your own personal experiences you will immediately put a person

asking them to do so. But here is the caveat: people can not sell you if they cannot relate to or effectively communicate what you do.

Effective Networking

Networking builds relationships, relationships drive sales, and sales is everything.

Successful networking requires us to have our personal commercial ready and adaptable to the situation, whether it is a 30 second sound byte or a two minute infomercial. The purpose of networking is not just to talk to the other person but rather to engage them. Then we can begin to form a bit of a relationship and gauge their understanding of what we do and how we add value.

ing me with his title, he first asked me if I have ever worked for a company that did an upgrade overnight and the next day I found my computer was dead or extremely non-responsive. I would answer an exasperated “Yes”. If he then told me that he was the guy that would sit down with me and explain that my computer does not in fact have a mind of its own and show me how to get back up and running; well, now there is something I can understand!

I am now on his personal sales force. The next time I’m speaking to a business owner who says her upgrades are costing her too much down time, I can immediately say, “I know just the guy you need to talk to!” I am helping him build his business without even thinking about it.

For example if I am at a networking event where I meet an IT Manager, I honestly would have no idea what they actually do and what value they hold for me. When

How do you go about effectively building your personal sales force by fine tuning your personal commercial? Practice and Ask Questions! In my opinion the best audience is teenagers. They have the at…people cannot sell you if they cannot relate tention span of a gnat and they have no filter. If I ask my son’s opinion he will give to or effectively communicate what you do. it without reservation, good or bad. But this is exactly the feedback I need. If I give in a box or create a mental image based networking, consciously or not, we imme- my personal commercial to my son and he upon their title. In fact, my dad was the diately assess if the other person has value understands what I do and can relate it to head diesel mechanic for a major trucking to us directly (I, too, am guilty of this so I others then I know I have hit the jackpot. company. Bet you did not see that coming! am not throwing stones). But, if I underIf he does not, then I need to go back to stand what it is that you do and the value the drawing board. In lieu of a teenager, So what exactly is your personal sales that you add as an individual I am likely to ask and practice with a trusted friend or force? It consists of your family, friends, not only remember you but also refer you colleague. Once you give your commercial, acquaintances and those that you meet to someone I know who might have a need ask the other person what they think it is at networking events. They become a for your services. that you do. Just remember this: I cannot member of this powerful sales force by sell you unless I understand what you do understanding what you do and being able So how can this IT Manager recruit me and am able to tell others! to communicate it effectively to others. to be on his personal sales force? He must Once they comprehend what you do, and relate what he does to me in a way that I Lisa McDonald is a professional resume not just know your title, they will start sell- understand and can effectively communi- writer and job search strategist, and owns ing you by referring you, without you even cate to others. Let’s say instead of introduc- Career Polish, Inc. in Fishers.

More at www.careerpolish.net

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Management Robby Slaughter

Workplaces and Workspaces The Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors tracks nearly 5,000 single family homes in Hamilton County, with a median value of $180,000. That’s something close to a billion dollars in assets, and we haven’t even covered multi-family apartments, public buildings, offices, warehouses, retail and other properties. Most of these structures have one striking trait in common: they were built to serve a single purpose.

Most buildings, in essence, we use solely to live, work, shop or play.

Today, however, we’re starting to see the lines blur. Commercial buildings now contain shops, restaurants and day care centers.

Residential floorplans now commonly include a home office. Thanks to the Internet, we can do everything from run a business to order groceries from the comfort of our living rooms.

All of this flexibility in real estate does create more flexibility in our daily lives.

However, there’s an irony that comes from having more choices. The ability to instantly select between multiple activities can actually be paralyzing. A few years ago, it was difficult to relax at work or to get work done from home. The latest in real estate developments provide more opportunities, but they also impact our ability to focus.

In his book The Paradox of Choice, author Barry Schwartz notes that “The fact that some choice is good doesn’t necessarily mean that more choice is better.” He continues, “There is a cost to having an overload of choice.” That’s why a home office can be a blessing and a curse: it provides the temptation to fold laundry or catch some daytime television. New development is good, but with more opportunities we can find it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand.

The best medicine for the overwhelming choices in our life is a renewed emphasis on discipline. If you have a home office, close the door when you are “at work.” If

there’s a favorite coffee shop that you often frequent on the first floor of your building, try putting your visits on your calendar rather than going whenever you feel the call of caffeine.

Likewise, the design of your workspace can impact your productivity and satisfaction. If you have a window near your desk, you might want to think carefully about which way you face when you work. If your office overlooks a peaceful scene, looking up could be inspiring. If your window opens onto a busy street, consider turning your desk around to reduce distractions.

Take advantage of the natural light and the natural scenery, but watch out for bustle and activity.

The choices we make in real estate -whether as small as work areas or as large as whole buildings---affect our perspective and our ability to concentrate. Take advantage of amazing new developments, but keep your own objectives in mind. Sometimes, we need specialized, single-purpose areas to get things done. We are most effective and most satisfied in spaces that meet our needs without distracting our focus Robby Slaughter is a Principal with Slaughter Development, an Indianapolis-based productivity and workflow consulting company. His new book, Failure: The Secret to Success, is available now at www.failurethebook.com.

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Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.© 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

19

Profile

Teeing Off in Hamilton County Noblesville Golf Facility is a Model for National Chain

by Martha Yoder • Photos by Mark Lee by the franchisor, located in Vancouver, B.C. The Noblesville franchise actually opened three years ago and had initially secured more than 600 memberships, but it was closed because the previous owners strayed from the franchise model.

Hi-tech Systems

Parmasters wants to help golfers improve their game, whether the player is a professional golfer or a weekend player with a high handicap.

he game of golf is in a slump, and a local business is leading a strategy to help revive it.

Statistics show that nationally golf attracts about 3 million new players each year, but it loses about the same number. Among the reasons: clubs are failing to place enough emphasis on developing casual players into avid players, or investing

in services to make the experience less intimidating.

To counteract this trend, an innovative concept is opening this fall in Noblesville.

Located at the Hamilton County Sports Complex on 150th St., Parmasters is a unique 15,000-square-foot indoor golf training center. Noblesville is a flagship franchise location because of the overabundance of golf courses in Hamilton County and the adjacent Indianapolis area.

An additional 73 franchises have been awarded across the U.S. and Canada.

“We are eager to bring more people into the sport in Hamilton County, so that demand matches or exceeds supply,” said Sam Foley, director and part owner of Parmasters Golf and a PGA Tour credentialed instructor. Partnerships are being created with area businesses and golf courses, designed to help drive traffic to the business community while providing additional value to members.

The flagship center includes sales of equity memberships to local investors. The remaining 50 percent ownership will be held

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

“We’re the only publicly traded golf franchise that guarantees a 25 percent reduction in one’s handicap,” said Scott Diehl, Parmasters Golf co-owner and business development director.

According to Mike David, executive director of the Indiana Golf Association, typically only 20 percent of golfers nationwide break 100, “so I think there is a market when you offer to improve someone’s golf game.”

Golf attracts about 3 million new people each year…and loses the same number.

One of the ways Parmasters accomplishes that is by emphasizing its Straight-Line Golf™ system. The system advertises, with a money-back guarantee, that a golfer will consistently hit the ball straight.

Using a PGA Tour simulator, golfers can work out in a special practice room where a ball is teed up and released every 1.6 seconds. The concept relies on not having to bend over to place the ball in position, permitting the golfer to maintain the proper position and focus solely on the golf swing.

“I guarantee in five minutes you’ll be sweating,” Diehl said, chuckling from personal experience. “Think of us as a health club for golfers. We can help you enjoy the game and not fight it.”

Another Parmasters feature is the 2,500square-foot putting and chipping green.

“Putting and chipping tend to be the most overlooked aspects of the golf game. This feature gives a golfer plenty of space to practice,” Diehl explained. Parmasters also offers ball fitting technology, allowing the golfer to see exactly what type of golf ball is most appropriate for his or her swing.

Recruiting Strategies

The owners acknowledge that to grow the game, Parmasters has to find ways to draw new people into the sport. Among their strategies: • Meeting place-Hi-tech meeting rooms are available for business meetings, a café serves healthy snacks and a familyfriendly room is dedicated to birthday parties and celebrations.

• Strategic philanthropy-The golf center

Golf in Hamilton County Five years ago Indiana was opening golf courses as rapidly as the most popular golfing states like California, Florida and Arizona.

“Many courses were built as part of housing developments to improve the appeal of the homes.

However, that didn’t necessarily bring any more popularity to the sport locally.” Sam Foley, director and part owner of Parmasters Golf.

Today, there are approximately 430 golf facilities in Indiana and 20 in Hamilton County, matching the national average.

Despite a national reduction of 40 to 50 percent fewer rounds of golf being played annually, across Indiana and within Hamilton County the game of golf continues to experience steady growth, according to Mike David, executive director, Indiana Golf Association. “This is a good time to play golf because supply outweighs demand, and many courses offer discounts to play,” explained David.

will donate a dollar from every paid golf lesson to Right to Play, an athlete-driven international humanitarian organization. On the local level, Parmasters plans to reach out to community causes, such as Riverview Hospital Foundation and Simon Youth Foundation.

• Flexible scheduling and membership-A month-to-month commitment with no annual fees or contracts, and affordable rates. Parmasters also offers companies an incentive for employees to get together

to practice golf. “For instance, if your organization partners with Parmasters, donors and supporters will receive 10 percent off new memberships, and a 10 percent donation goes back to your organization,” said Tom Matzen, president/CEO and cofounder of Parmasters.

The $1.5 million facility and its equipment are still being remodeled. Diehl and Foley are working out final details and expect Parmasters to open sometime this fall. v

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

21

How We Started

Have Fun, Will Travel: Mother And Daughter Travel Team

by Tracy Line • Photos by Mark Lee

travel needs. She joined Sterling Travel so she could provide a wider variety of services. Donna’s success piqued her daughter Brenda’s interest, so when Sterling sent Donna on a trip to see a cruise ship, Brenda tagged along.

“Sterling took us to see the Norwegian cruise ship Norway,” recalls Brenda, “ I thought it was the coolest thing.” Porter joined her mother in the travel business and the two worked out of Barker’s home.

Donna Barker and daughter Brenda Porter

D

onna Barker didn’t plan to get into the travel business, she simply wound up there. Barker owns Family Vacations, Inc., a Noblesville travel agency, along with daughter Brenda Porter, In October, the company celebrates 15 years in business, no small feat for a small family firm in this age of book-it-yourself Internet travel options.

Barker began her career in the newspaper business. She and husband Tom owned and operated the Indianapolis Trader from 1970-1995. Her foray into travel was a fluke. “We really did get into the travel

22

Later that year, the family purchased a rundown house with the intention of starting their own travel agency. “The business through the back door,” says Barker. “We had rental property in Florida, house was horrible,” laughs Barker, “When we bought it, the porch was about to fall and I rented it through ads in the paper.” off.” Yet beneath the dilapidated porch After her condo was booked, she continand outdated interior, the building had ued to get calls. In an effort to assist the potential. It also had a prime location on callers she contacted the building’s rental the corner of Lakeview and Logan Streets management company and began to rent their condos as well. The company was so in Noblesville. impressed they offered her a job. Barker The Barkers had the porch rebuilt and the declined, as she already had too much on entire family spent six months stripping her plate.

Things changed when the Barkers sold the Trader.

Donna began to rent condos for Condominium Travel Associates and eventually her clients began to contact her for help with other

October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

wallpaper and refinishing woodwork.

In October of 1995, Family Vacations opened its doors. Brenda and Donna worked night and day booking vacations.

The hard work paid off. Today, they and their staff continue to book trips for thousands of customers.

Indianapolis based photographer Mark A. Lee has been capturing the best in people and events for over 20 years.

He takes great pride in working with his clients to ensure the end results fit their individual needs in a creative and interesting way.

Though much of the travel business has moved to the internet, Barker and Porter offer something you can’t get online. “I think we’ve stayed in business because of the personal service,” says Barker, “We really do care about our customers’ vacations.” Porter agrees. “We’ve built loyalty with our clients,” she says, “Once we have a customer, they tend to stay with us.”

Photography for: Magazines Newspapers Fitness Family Special Events Fundraisers Modeling and more

Great Exposures

Barker and Porter have sometimes had to resolve issues beyond their control. Porter recalls a time when a client was unable to board her plane because the airline overbooked the flight. “It was Thanksgiving and I was stuffing a turkey and arguing with the airline at the same time” laughs Porter. In the end, both the turkey and the customer came out okay. v

Mark A. Lee

1529 N. Park Ave. #1 Indianapolis, IN 46202 317.443.8337 www.GreatExposures.net

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

23

News

United Way Launches Campaign

United Way of Central Indiana kicked off its Hamilton County fundraising campaign at the courthouse square in Noblesville by announcing a goal of $2.925 million. Five United Way agencies are headquartered in Hamilton County: Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Children’s TherAplay Foundation Inc., Promising Futures, Mental Health America in Hamilton County and PrimeLife Enrichment Inc. More than 45 United Way agencies come to Hamilton County to provide services and more than 117,000 Hamilton County residents benefited from the services offered through a United Way partner agency.

HCLA announces new class

The 2010-2011 class of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy includes: Casey Arnold, Community Bank; • Mark Boice, Noblesville City Council; • Mark Booth, Noblesville Schools; • Jeff Buck, Emmanuel United Methodist Church; • Todd Burtron, City of Westfield; • Garrett Doan, Key Bank; • Sarah Estell, Riverview Hospital; • Gavin Fisher, M&I Bank; • Glenn Gareis, Storrow Kinsella Associates; • Chuck Gearhart, Salin Bank; • Chris Grzeskowiak, Fifth Third Bank; • Sage Hales, HAND, Inc.; • Tammy Havard, City of Westfield; • Nancy Heck, City of Carmel; • Matt House, Beck’s Superior Hybrids; • Matt Kress, The Anker Consulting Group; • Kenneth Lay, Town of

Fishers; • Cathy Lowe, St Vincent Carmel Hospital; • Joseph Mangas, Hamilton County Sheriff; • Lugene McKee, St Vincent Carmel Hospital; • Jennifer Miller, City of Westfield; • Sam Mitchel, Hamilton North Public Library; • Jim Moran, FORUM Credit Union; • Alex Pinegar, Church Church Hittle & Antrim; • Kostas Poulakidas, Krieg DeVault, LLP; • Gabrielle Sauce, SaucePan Creative; • Chad Spitznagle, City of Westfield; • Loretta Moore-Sutherland, Prevail Julia Church Kozicki, 2003 graduate, will serve as the Curriculum Dean this year, which began with a retreat September 2.

SCORE in Noblesville

SCORE, the non-profit business education association, has opened a Hamilton County office in Noblesville City Hall. Business counselors will conduct free sessions Wednesdays, 9-3. Call 776-6324 to schedule an appointment.

Got a Business Idea?

The Entrepreneurship Advancement Center (EAC) is conducting a community-wide business plan competition for new or existing businesses. Participants will receive a half-day business planning workshop, access to an online business plan development course and plan outline, and feedback on your business plans from local experts. The

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

workshop is October 1 but you can submit a plan until November 10. Cost is $50. Details at www.goentrepreneurs.org

Carmel recognized for recycling program

U.S. Conference of Mayors awarded the Outstanding Achievement Livability Award to the City of Carmel at the Chamber’s September luncheon. Carmel is the first city in the U.S. to implement the Class A Biosolids program, which turns waste from the sewage treatment plant into a soil-like substance called Carmel Green. It will save about $100,000 in landfill costs alone, and it’s good for the environment.

Law Firm Relocates to Carmel City Center

Law firm Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP will relocate its headquarters from Keystone at the Crossing to Carmel City Center in January. The office will house 24 attorneys and 15 support staff in the Hopper Building on the southwest corner of City Center Drive and Range Line Road. The firm cited the scale of the City Center, the walkable urban aspect and the varied amenities of the development as important factors in their decision to relocate. DSV is one of the largest construction-focused law firms in the Midwest.

Beck’s Announces Expansion

Beck’s Superior Hybrids will invest more than $24 million in several new facilities to house expansion in research, production, processing and logistics operations. The Atlanta company will hire 10-15 more people by the end of the year and create up to 72 new jobs by 2015. Beck’s currently employs more than 175 people, producing and selling seed corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and forages to farmers in the Midwest.

Interview

Meet the new Executive Director of the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce

By Mike Corbett

Melissa Little, who took the position in August, has an MBA from Butler University and extensive experience in sales, marketing, and management. She lives in Cicero but has strong ties to

Sheridan as her husband, Brad, is a Sheridan HS graduate. They have 5 children, ages 17, 7, 6, 4 and 3. We spoke to her by email after a few days on the job.

Melissa Little

HCBM: What prompted your interest in this opportunity?

Little: I left my full time job about a year and a half ago. I like being home with my children, but I also need something that utilizes my skills and keeps me in tune with the business world. I volunteer a lot in the community by helping with various fundraisers, serving on the Lights Over Morse Lake committee and I am the 2nd grade Brownie Scout leader. I like to keep busy. When this opportunity came along I saw it as an opportunity to use my education and experience at a very professional level without requiring me to work full time. I love living in a small town and that made the idea of working in Sheridan very appealing.

HCBM: Well, with five kids and now this job I don’t think you’ll have trouble staying busy. Give us your first impressions of Sheridan from the Executive Director’s perspective. What do you think are its main assets?

Little: The people and businesses of Sheridan have a very strong sense of community. The roots run deep for many. However, the community is still open to newcomers. They seem to be genuinely excited to

Mission critical right now is to build our membership base… welcome people. They also appear to be very united. I attended the Sheridan Town Forum on August 24th and met many of the town leaders. I was impressed with how everyone wants to work together.

to have a better answer to this question in six months. Now, having said that, Sheridan has a lot of land, robust agriculture, easy access, good roads in and out, and an airport nearby. These are great assets that can and should attract development.

Mission critical right now is to build our membership base and provide value to our customers, the members. There are many businesses in Sheridan who are not currently members that should be. v

HCBM: What do you see as Sheridan’s best business and development opportunities?

Little: That is a great question and one that I don’t really have a good answer to at this moment. It is also a question that I sense has perplexed the chamber in terms of what is its role not only in the business community, but in helping to bring more business opportunity to Sheridan. I hope

Hamilton County’s Only Locally Owned Bank 830 Logan Street • Noblesville • 773-0800 8 Convenient Hamilton County Locations cbindianaonline.com Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

25

Ear to the Ground Fishers

Kite Realty is sprucing up Fishers Station Shopping Center (116th and Allisonville).

Anchored by a new Goodwill Store, (a donation center currently farther south on Allisonville will move to the new store), a Mexico City Grill Restaurant and a Dollar Tree, several new smaller businesses are filling in the spaces. Mudsocks Books, which had been in the shopping center, moved north and across Allisonville Road.

Driscoll Photography is opening a new office in the Town Center (behind Handel’s Ice Cream).

A Montessori School is opening in a former self storage facility at 96th and Olio to serve a growing number of families moving up from Hancock County to that area.

Hamilton North

Embry’s Market, which closed at the end of August, will be reopening soon as Cicero Market. In the works: an expanded meat counter, enhanced fresh produce, more frozen food options, fresh baked bread and desserts. They hope to have a beer and wine license by the holidays. Embrys are still running it but have brought in a new investor.

Two new businesses are opening at 230 West Jackson: Vegetarian Village Catering, owned by Georgianne Johnson and Kendra’s Kakery, owned by Kendra Ware.

Arcadia Celebrates AUTUMNFEST and reveals its newly renovated downtown district, October 9, 10-6. It’s a festival of the traditional arts and crafts, food and desserts, kids games, pumpkin painting and fun! Also performing arts demonstrations and antique cars.

Westfield

With three new restaurants open, it’s a great time to dine downtown: Murphy’s Table at corner of Main & Walnut Streets open for breakfast and lunch. Maneki Neko has relocated to downtown from Village Park Plaza and Mi Casita Cafe at 108 East Main Street offers a taste of Colombia.

Five Guys Burgers is opening in Village Park Plaza where Maneki Neko vacated.

Los Toros and The Original Pancake House are opening in Bridgewater Marketplace, 146th and Gray. And, The Mill Tavern is opening in Spring Mill Commons, 161st and Spring Mill.

Westfield is starting utility work on a new road connecting Greyhound Pass to 151st St. behind the Village Park Shopping Center.

The road will ensure smooth traffic flow once work starts on US 31. Eventually, it will include a roundabout on 151st St., a new entrance to Cool Creek Park and connectors from Natalie Wheeler Trail to Cool Creek Trail sout of 146th St. The city is taking suggestions for a name for the new street. Call Westfield City Hall at 804-3001.

Noblesville’s Linden Tree is opening a second location in the old bank building at Union St. and SR32 in Westfield.

Noblesville

Arcadia Arts Gallery is opening at 201 East Main Street in Arcadia, featuring creative works by members of the Arcadia Arts Initiative. Regular hours are Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 1-4.

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Kroger will start renovating its Logan St. store in November. Most significant changes will be in produce, floral, deli and bakery.

Plans call for a dining area inside and the grocer is seeking permits to add a fuel center in the outlet along Logan St.

October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Firestone has announced plans to demolish its Noblesville factory, which closed last summer. Located between downtown and the retail center on SR37, the facility is surrounded on three sides by homes. Firestone considered a renovation but the building proved too old and worn out to save. Once Noblesville’s largest employer, the plant opened in 1936 and manufactured a variety of rubber products in addition to tires.

A new restaurant and bakery is opening on the courthouse square. Rosie’s Place will serve breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and expects to be open by October 1.

Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development (HAND) received a façade grant for part of their redevelopment on 8th Street. HAND wants to convert an old abandoned grocery store into office space, retail and second floor senior apartments.

Aspire Indiana, a merger between BehaviorCorp in Carmel and The Center for Mental Health in Anderson, is scheduled to open its new headquarters in the Noblesville Business Park this Fall.

Carmel

The Indiana Design Center is more than half leased. The new building at 200 S. Range Line Road is about 85,000 sq. feet and will eventually be home to 20 - 25 luxury home showrooms, event space and a resource library for the design community.

Current and incoming tenants include seven showrooms, seven design professionals, three artists, two marketing firms and a café.

Tastes Great…Less Landfilling

Dining Out

Organic and Sustainable Upscale Burger Bar Takes Root in Fishers Scotty’s Lakehouse

Story and photos by Scott Tyree

estaurant owners in Hamilton County are a diverse group. Young, old, interesting, creative, bland, conservative and risky all define one owner or another. However, there are two constants in each of the successful owners I have met: A passion for the food they create

A distinct offshoot of Scotty’s Brewhouse, Scotty’s Lakehouse is an infusion of two trends: the upscale burger bar and the move towards organic and sustainable food sources. An upscale burger bar could be defined as a restaurant serving burgers topped with gourmet flavors and chef inspired combinations in addition to the full complement of unique drinks and local micro brews. They are currently a rarity in our area, but the focus on sustainability is what truly sets Scotty’s Lakehouse apart from nearly all of the restaurants in the Indianapolis area. The organic beef and chicken is raised

All of the food waste is…composted and returned to the soil, which improves the quality of the feed the cows graze on…

© www.johnbragg.com

and attention to detail. Scott Wise, owner of Scotty’s Lakehouse in Fishers exemplifies both of those qualities. Each of his restaurants is meticulously decorated, menus are well thought out and you can expect good food.

His passionate approach to each facet of the business has led to the explosive growth of his other restaurant, Scotty’s Brewhouse.

at Moody’s farms in Montgomery County (Moody’s meats are also available at the Harvest Fresh Market and Deli in the Village of West Clay). All of the food waste is returned to Moody’s, composted and returned to the soil which improves the quality of the feed the cows graze on.

The free range, grass fed beef has a distinct flavor and texture which is delightful to most burger fans.

Scotty’s will also cook it to order with the warning: “Eating undercooked foods such as beef increase the risk of food borne illness. It has also been known to cause complete burger bliss.” If you like jalapenos and spicy foods, burger bliss can also be found by ordering the #5. This burger is topped with a Texas pickle (a smokey Italian

dressing marinated jalapeno) and covered in jalapeno beer cheese. The jalapeno beer cheese can be found elsewhere in the menu and I encourage you to seek it out wherever you can find it. Fans of Caprese Salads will enjoy the #1. This burger is topped with fresh mozzarella, organic chimichurri pesto and balsamic marinated tomatoes. The elk burger is rising in popularity as more and more people try this tasty meat.

One constant at both of the Scotty’s restaurants is unique and interesting side dishes.

The fresh cut fries come with a variety of sauces and toppings, but be sure to try the Truffle Fries which are drizzled with truffle oil and black truffle salt. In what might be a first for Hamilton County, Scotty’s offers three styles of gourmet mac and cheese. A variety of lighter organic options will satisfy

the healthier eaters. Scotty’s Lakehouse offers many new flavors and surprises in a welcoming, family friendly location. This coupled with its reasonable prices make it a great spot to begin a night with friends or dinner with the kids.

Scotty’s Lakehouse 10158 Brooks School Road, Fishers 577-2900.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

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   

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   

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  

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  

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  

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                           

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Welcome New Chamber Members

Tom Bell Primrose School of Noblesville

Jack Park Park Avenue Eats, LLC

Nancy Kane-Fluhr & Ruth Jones Raphael Health Ctr.

Shawna O’Brien Working Dog Multimedia, Inc.

Matt Fischer Elbert Construction

Photo by Focal Point Studios

Gregg Gordon Cremer & Cremer

Ben Golfard Realty Group Insurance

Tim DiGioia Town Planner Community Calendar

Photo by Focal Point Studios

Michelle Lavelle Kaplan University Learning Center

Bradd Morse Daylight Donuts

Larry Sexton Office 360

Photo by Focal Point Studios

Adrianne Hull Fox & Hound Pub & Grille

Calendar of Events October 6/Wednesday/MORNING MOTIVATOR 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Wolfies - 7695 Cross Point Commons $10 - Reservations Required Dennis Schepper Hardees

Teshia Gallagher Castleton Square Mall

Photo by Focal Point Studios

October 13/Wednesday/NAVIGATING THE CHAMBER Orientation for New Member, New & Current Contacts 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Fishers Train Station 11601 Municipal Drive

FISHERS

Photo by Focal Point Studios

www.fisherschamber.com

Photo by Focal Point Studios

October 20/Wednesday/PILLAR AWARDS 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

FORUM Conference Center 11313 USA Parkway, Fishers $18 Pre-pay, $25 At the Door REGISTRATION: please visit www.FishersChamber.com or call 317.578.0700 Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

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www.hamiltonnorthchamber.com

HAMILTON NORTH

Hamilton North Chamber 70 N. Byron Street Cicero, IN 46034 317-984-4079

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Upcoming Events!

OCTOBER 2010

Tuesday, October 5, HNCC Luncheon, 11:30 am

Red Bridge Park Community Building, Speaker, Gary Hentschel, District President, Central Indiana KeyBank, RSVP by Wednesday, September 29

Saturday, October 30, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Business Showcase and Chili Cook-off

Cicero Red Bridge Park, annual event to showcase area businesses, this year with a hot & spicy theme!

NOVEMBER 2010

Tuesday, November 2, HNCC Luncheon, 11:30 am Speaker: Dr. Brian McCarley, “Wellness”, RSVP by Wednesday, October 27

The Hamilton North Chamber of Commerce wishes to

thank the many chamber member and community volunteers as well as our many

Triathlon Sponsors who helped make the 27th Annual Cicero Triathlon such as success.

Wendell Seaborne, Seaborne Leadership, encourages Hamilton North members to “fight inertia” and do something positive for their business now.

Heather and Craig Penwell accept the Bell of Recognition for the 3rd Quarter.

NEW MEMBERS

Janelle Sluka and Dustin Gary Zent, Dunlap Tavel Stines with the Arcadia Arts Wealth Management joined Academy joined the the Chamber in August.

Chamber in August.

ALIVE AFTER FIVE

Joanne and Jim Hogle, US Consumer Credit Restoration, at the Penwell Insurance Alive After Five.

Paul Munoz, Town of Cicero and Craig Penwell at the Penwell Insurance Alive After Five celebrating 5 years in business in Cicero.

AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Jim Hall, Spectrum Mortgage and Community Events Committee Chair, announces plan for our Business Showcase Chili Cook-off this fall.

Joe Robbins, Cicero Kiwanis President, shares with members the mission of the Kiwanis and explains some local projects of the Cicero organization.

October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Detleff Rathmann, Counselor with SCORE, talks about the services provided by SCORE and the new office that will be opening in Noblesville this fall.

Craig Penwell congratulates Sam Mitchel, Hamilton North Public Library, for receiving the HNCC sponsorship to the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.

Upcoming Events!

OCTOBER 2010

Noblesville Chamber 601 Conner Street Noblesville, IN 46060 317-773-0086

NOVEMBER 2010

October 14 – NetWORKS! 8:00 a.m.

The Hamilton Restaurant 933 Conner Street

October 21 – Business After Hours 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Diamond Gala - 75 and Counting November, 6, 2010

Paradise Bakery, 13230 Harrell Parkway, Suite 400

VIP -Reception 5:30 p.m. • Main Event Doors Open - 6:30 p.m.

The Mansion at Oak Hill 5801 E. 116th St., Carmel, IN 46033 Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, Honorary Chairman

November 11 – NetWORKS! 8:00 a.m.

7th Annual Enterprise Awards presented by the City of Noblesville and the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce Purgatory Golf Club, 12160 E. 216th St.

Paradise Bakery, 13230 Harrell Parkway, Suite 400

December 1 – Membership Luncheon 11:30 a.m..

SEPTEMBER NETWORKS!

December 2 – Holiday Business After Hours 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Mr. G’s Liquors, 2209 E. Conner Street

SEPTEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS NetWORKERS! at Mudsocks on August 12 plugged in and connected with new business acquaintances and further established relationships with people whom they had met before.

SEPTEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Sharon Smith, Maverick Public Relations and Noblesville Chamber board member, invited Maverick’s marketing intern Erin Pabody to the July membership luncheon which featured Olympic gymnast Bridget Sloan.

Noblesville Chamber’s Community Pride Award for Excellence for August was presented to the new Noblesville Visitors Center. Amy Donaldson and Sara Slavens accepted the award. Selection is made by the Chamber’s Member Services Committee.

Leeca Smith, manager of Maurice’s at Hamilton Town Center modeled the latest fashions during “Rescues and Runways” held on August 7 in partnership with the Humane Society for Hamilton County. 15 dogs/cats were adopted that day and around $600 was raised.

NEW MEMBERS

Heavenly Sweets hosted the August Business After Hours. Tanya Marshall, owner, and Autumn Frazier along with other members of the staff not pictured, offered delectable hors d’oeuvres, wines and beverages which were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, including Mary Noble, Noblesville Chamber and Bryan Miller, STAR Financial Bank, Judge Jerry Barr, Krieg DeVault, LLP, and Andy Illyes, Community Bank. Sunny Moon, the Original DJ Entertainment, provided background music while attendees admired the beautifully renovated building.

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Mary Noble, Noblesville Chamber Director of Member Services, held a New Member Orientation on August 4 at the Chamber office.

Joining the group were Tim DiGioia with Town Planner Community Calendar; Ron Wilson with Cancer Services of Hamilton County; Bobbi Lovell, new to Harbour Trees Golf Club; Susan Foellinger with ERA Real Estate Links; Greg Silcox with Re-Think, LLC; Sean Shuck with Woodshuck Hardwood Flooring; Mary Mahlstedt, new to Current in Noblesville; Brent Andrzejewski with Donatos Pizza; and Larry Miller with The Farmers Bank. Also attending were Michelle Ballenger, Candy Bouquet and Chamber Ambassador Gabrielle Sauce with SaucePan Creative.

Seek out our new members at the next Chamber event you attend and help make them feel welcome!

Curt Osweiler, Lee Wenninger & Kelly Chandler Express Employment Professionals

Trevis Stamper AMK Services

Jason Landwerlen, D.V.M. Noblesville Square Animal Clinic

Tim DiGioia Town Planner Community Calendar

www.noblesvillechamber.com

Holiday Entertainment by the NHS Singers Purgatory Golf Club, 12160 E. 216th Street

NOBLESVILLE

October 27 - Membership Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Danielle Boram Robinson Boram Lawn & Irrigation

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

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Sheridan Chamber 407 S. Main Street P.O. Box 202 Sheridan, IN 46069 317-758-1311

www.sheridanchamber.org

SHERIDAN

Upcoming Chamber Luncheons Thursday September 23, 2010 SHERIDAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL DINNER 7:00pm - 8:30pm The Palomino Ballroom 481 S. County Road 1200 E. Zionsville, IN 46077 Our Guest Speaker for the Evening will be:

Upcoming Events HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL October 2nd and 3rd, 2010 Biddle Memorial Park Sheridan, Indiana

Tuesday Oct. 26th The Sheridan Chamber of Commerce is hosting an OPEN HOUSE ~ 3:30-7:30 407 S. Main Street.

Please stop by to see the new look of the Chamber, meet the new director, enjoy some snacks and enter for the door prizes.

Kevin Brinegar President of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Topics he will cover include Policy debates in Congress, tax extenders, etc. and likely issues of the 2011 session of the General Assembly.

Cost is $25.00 per person Make your reservation now by phone or email(317)758-1311 sheridanchamber@sbcglobal.net Learn about upcoming events, the new direction for the Sheridan Chamber, Door Prizes and More!!!

THIS IS AN EVENT THAT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!

Thursday, October 28th Chamber Luncheon Stuart’s Steakhouse.

Do you have questions or concerns about Healthcare Reform? Our guest speaker will be Thad Thompson, a Group Marketing Representative for Pekin Insurance Company.

Sheridan Chamber of Commerce Holiday Luncheon Thursday Dec. 2nd ~ 11:30 a.m.

Community Center.

Dr. Derek Arrowood, superintendent of Sheridan Community Schools will be speaking.

2010 Golf Outing The 2010 winner was Advantage Golf.

Photos by Candi Shreve.

Be sure to visit the Sheridan Chamber Website, www.sheridanchamber.org for information on all upcoming events!

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

MARK YOUR CALENDARS A Big Thank You

to Huntington Bank for sponsoring the 2010 Lantern Awards

OCTOBER 2010

Economic Development Meeting Monday, October 4th ~ 11:30 a.m

This luncheon will be devoted to showcasing a variety of Chamber members. The room will be set up to accommodate tables that will showcase businesses and organizations that are members of the Chamber.

The nature of this event will lend itself to some great networking while providing a change of pace and a time to meet other members.

Show Case Tables are available on a first come first served basis.

The Palomino Ballroom ~ 481 South County 1200 East (Approximately 5 miles west of US 31 on SR 32, then .5 miles south on CR 1200)

Members with a reservation: $15.00 ~ Walk-ins, non-members, and all billables: $20.00 RSVP to (317) 804-3030 or events@westfield-chamber.org

Old Country Buffet, Village Park Plaza ~ Westfield Individuals pay at the door and gather in the Westfield Business Center room.Please mention you are with the Westfield Chamber to receive your Chamber discount

Westfield Young Professionals Group Wednesday, November 17th ~ 5 – 7 pm

Networking Event Visit the Chamber website at www.westfield-chamber.org for details!

Membership Luncheon Thursday, November 18th ~ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Mayor Andy Cook Annual State of the City Address The Bridgewater Club 3535 East 161st Street, Westfield $15.00 for members with reservations ~ $20.00 for all others and billables. Reservations: Due by November 12th to (317) 804-3030 or events@westfield-chamber.org

Business After Hours Thursday, November 18th ~ 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

City of Westfield Fire Department Westfield Public Safety Building, 17535 Dartown Road Come meet Westfield firefighters in a fun evening at the firehouse.

Don’t miss an evening at the firehouse with Firehouse Chili and drinks. Firehouse Tours - Door Prizes There is no charge for this event.

Reservations: (317) 804-3030 or events@westfield-chamber.org

Networking on the Nines Wood Wind Golf Club.

(L-R) Tom Dooley,Amy Sizemore, Kevin Buchheit, Terry Coyle and Debbie Underwood

2010 Networking on the Nines Wood Wind Golf Club

Connie Chesney of Huntington Bank and Dr. Michelle Wittler of Wittler Orthodontics

NEW MEMBERS

Ribbon Cutting - Mayor Andy Cook, Barry Turvy and State Farm staff

All Chamber event dates, timers and locations are subject to change.

Please call 317-804-3030 or visit www.westfield-chamber.org for details.

Express Employment Pros: Temporary Employment Agency Dave Kehlor 6233 Corporate Drive Indianapolis, IN 46278 Phone: 317-297-2341 www.expresspros.com

Castillo Agency Inc. Insurance & Financial Services Allan Castillo 160 W Carmel Drive Suite 235 Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-850-3821 www.castilloagencyinc.com

www.westfield-chamber.org

Monthly Membership Luncheon Thursday, October 21st ~ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

2010 Business Showcase Luncheon

Economic Development Meeting Monday, November 1st ~ 11:30 a.m.

WESTFIELD

Old Country Buffet, Village Park Plaza Reservations: (317) 804-3030 or info@westfield-chamber.org Individuals pay at the door and gather in the Westfield Business Center room. Please mention you are with the Westfield Chamber to receive your Chamber discount

NOVEMBER 2010

Westfield Chamber 130 Penn Street P.O. Box 534 Westfield, IN 46074 317-804-3030

Wittmann 20/20 Family Eye Center Tammy Wittmann Optometry Practice 2792 E. 146th Street Carmel, IN 46033 Phone: 317-843-2020

Visit our new website at www.westfield-chamber.org Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

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Hamilton County History

Boosting Business in Noblesville Chamber of Commerce Started During the Great Depression

David Heighway

The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce has been around for 75 years, which is an impressive time span for such an organization – particularly when you look at why earlier versions of the group failed.

There have been a few different organizations created over the years to support local business and promote growth. The first such group was the Commercial Club, which was created in 1893 and put together a booklet promoting the town in 1896. They held their meetings in the newly-built Wild Opera House. The group had been organized as a response to the prosperity of the natural gas boom and, unfortunately, they didn’t outlast it. The failure of the gas boom after 1900 caused a population drop that lasted until the 1920s. While Noblesville was not as badly affected as other areas of the county, several local factories closed, and the ebb and flow of unemployed people had a detrimental impact. There is little information about the Commercial Club after the turn of the century.

Time passed, and another group, actually named the Chamber of Commerce, published a newsletter called the “Noblesville Outlook” in 1917. Interestingly, it mentioned concerns about public restrooms and litter – points that are still discussed today. The newsletters were published in January, February, and March, and the US entered World War I in April.

It’s likely that people got distracted and, once again, the organization dissolved.

Then in the fall of 1935, in the middle of the Great Depression, local businessmen organized a new group.

Since they shared space in the newspaper with articles about the WPA and other government economic actions, this might have seemed overly optimistic. However, they had discussions about the successes and failures of the prior

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October • November 2010/Hamilton County Business Magazine

groups, and evidently tried to plan accordingly. The group survived the Depression and World War II and was in place for the post-war economic boom. As the population began to grow in the 1950s, the Chamber of Commerce created new promotional brochures, which show some unique images from the beginning of the growth of the suburbs.

The Chamber found some novel ways to interact with the community, such as in the 1970s, when the office was in a railroad car parked on North Eighth Street. (The car was on loan from the Indiana Transportation Museum and is now stored at their site.) The current Chamber office is in a former blacksmith shop on Conner Street. Today, like other Chambers of Commerce around the county, the Noblesville Chamber is continuing to encourage growth and economic development in its community. It will be interesting in the future to watch how the organization responds to events in the local area and the world.

The Noblesville Chamber will mark its 75 anniversary at a Gala Celebration November 6 at the Oak Hill Mansion.

See website for more details: www.noblesvillechamber.com

David Heighway is the Hamilton County historian.

BUSINESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY Service Club

Signs and Banners

Storage

Rotary International

The Noblesville Midday Rotary Club is one of 32,000 local Rotary clubs throughout the world and six in Hamilton County.

Open to all persons regardless of race, color, creed or political preference, Rotary brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Each club meets weekly. For more information on the Noblesville Midday Rotary Club. Call Gloria Davis 317-877-0051

JAS Thomas Storage 20799 Riverwood Avenue Noblesville, IN 46062 317-774-1500

Logan Street Signs & Banners 1720 South 10th Street, Noblesville, IN 317-773-7200 Open M-F 7-5 www.loganstreetsigns.com www.noblesvilletrophies.com www.noblesville.com

Need more room in your office or home?

JAS Thomas Storage can provide it. Climate controlled storage for all of your important documents or assets.

• 12’ x 60’ bays - Water Access-Electricity • 10 ’x 10’ areas - perfect for extra inventory or document storage • Great for boats and RV’s Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm or by Appointment Call 317-774-1500 for more details

Digitally printed signs and banners of any size, vehicle wraps and graphics, T-shirt printing, laser engraving. Great customer service, fast turn-around. Family Owned and Operated. Serving Noblesville and Hamilton County since 1992.

Also home of Noblesville Trophies 773-7391 Open M-F 9-6 Sat. 10-2

Freelance Graphic Design

Printing Financial Forms and Systems, Inc. www.financialformsandsystems.com 317-726-7385

FFS is a locally owned supplier of business checks, envelopes, commercial print, stamps, office supplies and anything else you need to keep your business running. We offer free delivery in Hamilton County and can usually have what you need the next business day.

Contact Scott Tyree at 317-726-7385 for a fast quote.

Mezign Design 11505 River Drive East, Carmel, IN Call Melanie at 317-306-8984 melzee@indy.rr.com Mezign Design offers graphic design services for anything from business cards to billboards, specializing in print and web advertising. Reasonable rates, modern design and fast turnaround.

Give Mezign Design a try.

You’ll be glad you did.

Commercial Lease Space River Edge Professional Center and River Edge Market Place Noblesville, IN Call John Landy at 317-289-7662 jcl@roamermaritime.com

65,000 square feet of flexible floor plans.

Design and build to your specifications.

Time Share space available. Retail space also available from 1,600 square feet up.

Easy access and abundant parking!

High speed internet. 3 minutes from Riverview Hospital.

Do Business Locally

When you do business with local vendors you are strengthening Hamilton County's economy and building a vibrant business community.

CHANGE

by

Real Estate Realm, LLC Home Improvement Specialists Custom Remodeling & Renovation Home Maintenance & Repair Investor Rehab Services Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Gary Bartunek General Contractor, member

(317) 902-2940 www.RealEstateRealm.net

RealEstateRealm@sbcglobal.net Find us on Facebook!

CARMEL’S SUPER BARBERS Dave Snider Owner - Master Barber

Classic Barber Shop

2462 East 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Shop: (317) 843-2500 • Cell: 698-6360 dwsnider@sbcglobal.net • www.barberclassic.com

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010

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