Hamilton County Business Magazine Feb/Mar 2016

FEBRUARY • MARCH 2016

What’s Cooking in

Cicero?

Plus…

• Social Media Buzzwords: To Use or Not to Use • Finding and Keeping Employees in a Tight Hiring Market • SoHo Café and Gallery (left to right) SUE BAKER Our Town Cicero Promotions Director SHAE KMICIKEWYCZ OTC Community Development Specialist KRIS ELLIOTT OTC Vice-President MARY SUE DEVLIN OTC Treasurer

BRETT MORROW OTC President JANE HUNTER Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director PAUL MUNOZ Cicero Jackson Township Plan Commission Director

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February / March 2016

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

Dine on the Causeway, Cicero

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bridget Gurtowsky

bridget@gurtowskygraphics.com CORRESPONDENTS Christine Bavender crbavender@gmail.com

Features

13

Deb Buehler deb@thesweetestwords.com Stephanie Carlson Curtis steph@stephcurtis.com Jeff Curts jcurts@att.net

Cicero Kicks it up a Notch

Rosalyn Demaree ros_demaree@hotmail.com Karen Kennedy Karen@karenkennedywriter.com

Columns

16

The Challenge of Low Unemployment

18 20

The Crossing

22

The Pitch-In

10

24

Dining Out SoHo Café and Gallery

Marketing Kristin Fettig

12

Guest Column Mary Ann Wietbrock

30

History David Heighway

25

Retail Roundabout

Chamber Pages

6

Editor

8

Management Dr. Charles Waldo

Shari Held sharih@comcast.net Samantha Hyde samantharhyde@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS David Heighway heighwayd@earthlink.net

Robby Slaughter rslaughter@accelawork.com Mary Ann Wietbrock wellenssprogram@cardinalelements.com Dr. Charles Waldo cnwaldo@comcast.net Kristin Fettig info@yoursocialorder.com

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 2016 Hamilton County Media Group.

All rights reserved.

Cover photo by John Wright of MediaWright

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February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

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Letter from the Editor February • March 2016 My son gave me the book “Why Nations Fail” by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson for Christmas. One of the joys of the holidays is having a little extra time for reading. This book got my attention because it makes the point that political progress goes hand in hand with economic progress and that’s a concept to which I subscribe.

Although the authors go into some significant detail explaining why some nations thrive while others don’t, their thesis is pretty simple: when people are given the opportunity to operate in free markets with a reasonable expectation that their work will be rewarded, a nation’s wealth grows and the people prosper. To the extent that an individual or small group tries to control the market (usually for their own personal gain), a nation’s wealth contracts and poverty persists.

Mike Corbett Editor and Publisher

It’s all about inclusive economic (and political) institutions, as opposed to extractive ones.

Stick with me here. Inclusive institutions “encourage participation by the great mass of people in economic activities that make the best use of their talents…and enable individuals to make the choices they wish.” Extractive ones “are designed to extract incomes and wealth from one subset of society to benefit a different subset.”

History has rendered its verdict: The evidence is overwhelming that inclusiveness is the better path to prosperity and the authors show how inclusive societies become world leaders as they tap into the genius of their citizens. We all know who they are, with the U.S. as the prime example.

Considering conditions are so much better for so many more people, you would think inclusive economies would be the norm around the world and throughout history. Yet they are rare because the environment has to be just right for inclusive institutions to take hold, and it usually isn’t.

First, there has to be some undercurrent of pluralism…the idea that everyone ought to be participating. Then, those in power have to see the benefit to themselves of empowering others; that’s not always an easy hurdle to get over. These political currents may start small but when they hit a “critical juncture,” such as the death of a ruler, a plague or a political revival, they have the opportunity to blossom into inclusiveness and prosperity.

The beauty of it is that those movements, once they take hold, tend to grow in a “virtuous circle,” where positive feedback makes it likely they will persist. Unfortunately, extractive institutions are just as likely to persist in a “vicious circle” of decline.

Ok, so it was heavy reading for a holiday week but I found it refreshing and inspiring to reflect on how lucky we are here in America to be the beneficiaries of some very fortuitous circumstances and some very enlightened ideas by inspired people. Our system, as flawed as it may seem at times, gives us all the best opportunity anywhere to pursue our dreams.

For most of the world it’s not like that. Billions of people live under extractive conditions in economic systems that virtually guarantee they will remain poor for their entire lives. As we embark on a new year I am counting my blessings for my good fortune to live in a great state and in a great nation. Here’s to a prosperous new year.

See you around the county,

Editor and Publisher mcorbett@hamiltoncountybusiness.com 317-774-7747

6

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

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7

Management

By Dr. Charles Waldo, Ph.D.

A Short Course in Human Relations And other useful leadership tidbits Over the past fifty years or so I have collected quite a few books, pamphlets, magazines, videos, and so on covering various aspects of leadership and people development. Recently, while rummaging through a pile of “stuff,” I uncovered two, short, pithy publication “gems” that I hadn’t seen for quite a while, Bits and Pieces Magazine and Good Stuff Magazine. Each is chock full of brief, useful, positive quotes that any person working in any type of position or for any type of organization would benefit from reading —and doing.

Here are just a few that I hope you both enjoy and profit from: From Bits and Pieces Magazine

A Short Course in Human Relations: The six most important words a leader can utter: “I admit I made a mistake.”

The five most important words: “You did a great job.”

The four most important words: “What is your opinion?”

The three most important words: “If you please.”

The two most important words: “Thank you.”

The one most important word: “We.” The very least important word: “I.” (Anon)

Watch Your Thoughts… they can become words.

Watch your words; they can lead to action.

Watch your actions; they can become habits.

Watch your habits; they determine your character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. (Frank Outlaw) The Four to One Rule: For every criticism you make of someone’s job perfor8

mance, make sure you give that person four compliments. (Anon) From Good Stuff Magazine

The “Secrets” of Leadership: Forget past slights. Forgive and forget.

Admit it when you make mistakes.

Apologize. Shoulder the blame.

Seek out and listen to advice from smart people.

Keep your temper in check.

Make the best of things, whether good or bad.

Maintain high standards. Always do your best and expect the best from others.

Think before you leap.

Put the needs of others before your own. (Anon)

Quick Lines: “You can make more friends in a month by being sincerely interested in them than in ten years by trying to get them interested in you.”

(Charles L. Allen) “An apology is the super glue of life. It can repair just about anything.” (Lynn Johnston) “You can complain that rose bushes have thorns—or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. Successful living is mostly a matter of perspective.” (Anon) “God gave us two ears but only one mouth. Some say that’s because He wants us to spend twice the amount of time listening compared to talking. Others claim it’s because listening is twice as hard.”

(Anon) “I tell you and you forget. I show you and you remember. I actively involve you and you understand.” (Eric Butterworth) “The only persons you should want to get “even” with are those who have helped you.” (John Honeyfeld)

“Getting people to like you is simply the other side of first liking other people.”

(Norman Vincent Peale) “Always do right. That will gratify some people and astonish others.” (Mark Twain) “Measure wealth not by the things you have or want, but by the things you have for which you would not take any amount of money.” (Anon) “The best way to forget about your own problems is to help someone else solve theirs.” (Anon) “Things usually work out for the best for those who make the best of how things work out.” (Anon) “Only those who risk going too far will ever know how far they can go.” (Anon) On getting to be somebody: “Make all your co-workers think there is something special in them. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are your own.

Give everyone a smile. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.

Spend so much time improving yourself and helping others you have no time left to criticize others.” (Christian Larsen) “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” (Henry Ford) “Even if you’re on the right track you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” (Will Rogers) One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist or a Ph.D. psychologist to put these principles into action and reap their benefits —both to self but, more importantly, to others. Pick out a couple and work on them diligently for two weeks and see what happens. I’d be interested in hearing of the results. Contact me at cnwaldo@ comcast.net. Good luck. HCBM Charles Waldo, Ph.D. is Professor of Marketing (ret.) at Anderson (IND) University’s Falls School of Business.

He lives in Indianapolis.

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

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9

Marketing

By Kristin Fettig

BuzzFeed to Buzzwords Marketing words you should know…and a few you should forget!

The marketing world is “abuzz” with trendy and sometimes confusing definitions that attempt to explain what is going on behind the marketing scene.

Most of us have been known to pick up the latest trendy talk (buzzwords) to sound like we are “in the know” and give a little credence to our understanding of the latest developments. To help you sort through the rhetoric, here are a few of the top terms to look for. I’m also including a few more terms we suggest you leave out of your marketing vocabulary.

(Editors Note: Space restrictions prevented us from including all of Kristin’s buzzword definitions. The entire list of words appears here but some of the definitions are included only in our online version at hamiltoncountybusiness.com.)

Brand Advocate In social media, your brand advocate is the customer who is actually helping you market your product or service. They are a very valuable resource because they like you

or your product so well that they are spreading the good news on social media and extolling the virtues about your company completely on their own. Find your brand advocates on social media: engage with them and empower them! Throwing them a discount or incentive occasionally is also a great way to keep them engaged and “lifers.”

Brandjacking This is the hijacking of a brand by an unscrupulous company or individual to promote an agenda or damage a reputation. It is often a disgruntled customer, but it can also be an unethical, strategic attempt by competitors to gain more business. Brandjackers typically don’t hack into the social media accounts themselves but rather target an online identity through more indirect means like setting up fake accounts, creating inflammatory hashtags or marketing campaigns targeted to discredit a company. Brandjackers are unethical at best and illegal at the worst.

Call to Action (CTA)

BUZZ WORDS

10

The CTA is the direction to the consumer in marketing communication that gets them to perform the desired action or elicit the desired response. “Click here,” “check this out,” “Like us on Facebook” or “Buy this” are examples. The newest and most innovative CTA’s involve creatively asking your customer to do something, without it looking like you are asking them. Facebook is flagging almost all content with a call to action that is not a purchased ad, so creativity is born from the necessity of not spending ad money.

Clickbait This a term that describes a marketing or advertising ploy that sensationalizes a headline or puts a strange or engaging picture on a website to attract people to click on the story. Often there is no substance or a lot of hype for very little return. Think of it as the online Enquirer (you know that magazine with the crazy stories that you just have to look at in the checkout line at the grocery?) Most of us have fallen into the trap because our curiosity gets the best of us. There is just enough interest to get us to peek and we have fallen into the marketing or advertisers hands. We have given them a false “click-through” on our end but a clickthrough for them is the ultimate goal, whether we received anything from it or not!

Crowdsourcing The act of engaging “outsiders” and soliciting ideas or content from a group of people online. Think about it in terms of a cross between a survey and a focus group on the internet. You are collaborating with the online crowd to gather information that will help you to make better decisions for your business and/ or product. With the new Twitter surveys, this is a small-scale option to get a “crowd” opinion.

Find definitions of these buzzwords online at hamiltoncountybusiness.com: Employee Advocacy Community Management Content Marketing Conversion Rate Guerilla Marketing Geotargeting

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

of disruptive is something annoying that throws off the normal order. Now, is this something that you want your business related to in a positive way? We think not.

Inbound Marketing Meme Newsjacking Return on Relationship (ROR) Retargeting Social Proof Now that you are in the know about the latest marketing terms that are positive, let’s look at the other terms that you should strike from your marketing vocabulary right now (Notice that CTA?).

Bespoke. If you say this, it pretty much discredits anything else that you are going to say. It is a word that can mean anything. It is an adjective for anything commissioned to a particular specification, tailored commissioned, made to order or custom made. Translation—you do not know what else to say so you will say a word that sounds like you know what you are talking about.

Hack is a way to make something easier or a shortcut. It is also a way to gain access, unethically, to another computer or database. Growth hacking is the relentless focus on growth in a company or start-up even with not so scrupulous techniques. Let us find a better word

the most respectful of terms to be referred to as an output of a tree that hang from the branches closest to the ground that are ripe for picking. Only if you operate a vineyard.

Just sayin’.

Snackable Content. In the marketing world this is referred to as bite-sized pieces of information that can be consumed quickly and shared easily. Now in concept this is good and if you are sharing the right kind of “snacks” (think high nutritional value vs. candy) then it is acceptable. However, if the content is “junk food” then it is a waste of everyone’s time and is not good for the health of the company or consumer.

Here are a few of the top tech terms to know this year…

Disruptive. This happens to be the latest trend in marketing. The actual definition

than “hack” that in it’s true definition means “a writer or journalist producing dull or unoriginal work.”

Low-hanging fruit. In marketing this means a thing or person that can easily be persuaded without much effort. As a customer and a person it probably isn’t

We hope that this helps you to translate and speak the language. When in doubt, always ask. It might teach you more than you thought about your marketing team!

HCBM Kristin Fettig is CEO of Social Order, Inc., a social media marketing and management company specializing in small business.

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February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

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11

Guest Column

By Mary Ann Wietbrock RN MSN

Help Your Employees Stay Healthy This Year A Wellness Program Might Keep Them on Track A healthy staff is a happy staff. It’s no secret that healthy employees are more productive and help keep costs down by avoiding expensive medical care.

The Affordable Care Act offers incentives for employers to help keep employees healthy through a wellness program.

The problem is that only about half of eligible employees use wellness programs. The other half tend to have more medical claims and use more sick days.

One third or more of your employees likely have risk factors and are not currently working on lifestyle changes. They may have high blood pressure, are still smoking, or have diabetes.

One third of your employees are likely overweight or obese.

There are helpful activities to support a Fit-Friendly Workplace.

Most adults resist change and find it easier to continue behaviors they know are not good for them. Wellness programs should help adults gradually with a variety of activities. There are four types of individuals to consider when a wellness program is not engaging your employees.

The Four Types The first type are the employees that are fully engaged, meeting their goals, and taking full advantage of the wellness program. These employees need access to healthy food and snacks, walking tracks, and fitness facilities. A minimum of 25% of food and snacks options in the workplace should be healthy, along with vegetarian options.

The second type are interested but busy with their lives and families. These employees need a different focus. They respond to short versions of the program 12

and a supportive fit-friendly environment. They should have a standing work station and all business meetings should be standing if at all possible. Lunch and learns can provide an ongoing weight loss program for them during their busy day.

Stairwell postings should be posted weekly and provide lean and fit challenges.

The avoiders are not interested and do not want to be bothered with your program.

They have other interests such as financial investments. They may respond to a

One third or more of your employees likely have risk factors and are not currently working on lifestyle changes. financial wellness program that encourages long term health. They often are the type using digital devices to track their money. Offer this group digital devices to track their fitness and nutrition.

The last type are young adults focused on building their careers, busy with new families, and are interested in meaningful time off. They may be interested in immediate, easy to understand, and grab and go materials. Offer weekly email and social media materials they can use to improve their world today.

Wellness Programs One size does not fit all in employee wellness programs. Employees respond to different strategies to living healthier lifestyles. For a wellness program to make a significant difference in your health care dollars, a business should provide a variety of alternatives to motivate employees to make behavior changes.

The Affordable Care Act has defined wellness programs in two different categories. Activity based programs require the employee to participate in a walking, exercise, or diet program. A reasonable alternative must be a quality comparable activity and attainable per the recommendations of their primary care provider. Incentives to quit smoking should be tiered as the employees become more involved in a smoking cessation program.

Outcome based programs require the employee to attain a specific BMI (body-mass index) level, cholesterol level or non-smoking status.

A reasonable alternative for an outcome based program must require more than passive participation in a quality program and be attainable per the recommendations of their primary care provider. An example is a fitness & nutrition program that focuses on body fat reduction.

Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts provide funds to help employees to lower their weight, blood pressure, blood sugars, and to quit smoking. It can be far less expensive to support wellness programs than to fund expensive medical care.

Alternative wellness resources are important to help employees achieve wellness.

Consider these options if your wellness program provides only annual health risk assessments and phone coaches. Ask your employees to evaluate the program to ensure it is meeting the needs of the majority of your employees. HCBM Mary Ann Wietbrock is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certified in Fitness & Nutrition and owns Cardinal Elements Inc. More at www.cardinalelements.com

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

Photos courtesy Our Town Cicero

Photos courtesy Our Town Cicero

Cicero Sets the Table Culinary adventures are just the appetizer

By Rosalyn Demaree Photos by John Wright (unless otherwise noted) f a town could have a storefront window, Cicero’s would feature a brand new “open” sign shining brightly.

The small northern town is embracing its size, building on its assets, and putting new things in place to welcome entrepreneurs, residents and tourists.

It’s the work—and love—of Our Town Cicero (OTC), one of more than 100 Indiana Main Street programs.

OTC’s long-term goal is to make Cicero a culinary destination with restaurants

attracting people, while small town-sized, artisan food producers and boutiques create reasons to return.

town January 4, charged with community development, marketing and helping guide OTC. She will work for Munoz.

“We’re getting a lot of interest from residential builders and others due to the buzz from OTC,” said Paul Munoz, Cicero planning director for six years. “We’re very optimistic that ’16 and ’17 are going to be very good years.”

Kmicikewycz, an Avon resident, brings a keen and invaluable understanding of what can happen and how to make it happen. She led the Logansport Main Street program when it attracted millions of dollars of investment through economic development, redevelopment and improvement of downtown areas. For the past 11 years, she has directed the Indiana Main Street program in the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, where she met the OTC leaders and told them she wanted to work for Cicero to help bring their plans to fruition.

Many residents and Cicero watchers have heard such optimism before about too many plans that never left the drawing board. This one, though, has something none of its predecessors had: Shae Kmicikewycz, who began working for the

“Her vision to see what we want to be makes us more excited about what we’re doing,” Munoz said.

Crafting the Menu OTC will orchestrate three food events this year: Taste of Chocolate from February 8-14, a dinner mystery theater at popular restaurant 10 West in April and its signature event, Dinner on the Causeway in June, where tables will line the bridge that offers a picturesque view of Morse Reservoir, especially during a summer sunset.

Erika’s Place is a downtown favorite

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

“People are already saying they want to buy tickets for one or two seats, even full tables,” said Sue Baker, a 10-year Cicero 13

Downtown Cicero

resident and the volunteer Promotions Director for OTC.

“People come here for the dining

The organization’s treasurer, experience. We want to give them Mary Sue Devlin, calls Baker “one of our best bulldogs,” citing more reasons to stay and do more.“ her pivotal role in involving town department heads, town ~ Sue Baker, Our Town Cicero council members, business Promotions Director owners and residents in the handful of events OTC held or “The thing I was most impressed with helped grow in 2015. Those (about the events) was the amount of included a Wicked Walk with 5K run, pet volunteers that came out to help” said parade, and golf cart and kids costume Baker, who produces OTC’s monthly contests; a Christmas parade where ontwelve-page newsletter. She and Devlin lookers gave gifts to Santa, who delivered sold $5,000 worth of ads in three days them to fire department elves that made for the newsletter that spotlights townssure they went to families in need; and people, local history and buildings, and a holiday window decorating contest promotes events. that was so successful—17 businesses competed—it will expand to residences “People here are thirsty to help,” added this year.

Brett Morrow, OTC board president, a

residents said they love that Cicero is a small town. “They want to preserve that,” said Munoz.

Three new members seated this year on the five-person town council bring excitement and enthusiasm to Cicero’s support of the OTC, Munoz added. “That opens a lot of options.”

Cooking Outside the Box 10 West and the newer, lakeside Lazy Frogg brought fine dining to Cicero in the past two years. An Italian restaurant is expected to be added to the townscape this year. Morrow estimates 90 percent of diners at his 10 West are out-of-towners.

nearly lifelong resident of the area. Board members and Munoz point to Morrow’s community investment through a tax business in a repurposed old church, grocery store and restaurant for some of the excitement that inspired a Main Street program to be developed.

Cicero Coffee

14

“We’re not going to be a Noblesville or Carmel,” Morrow explained. “We’re not looking for big box stores. We don’t have the transportation infrastructure for that.”

“People come (to Cicero) now for the dining experience,” said Baker. “We want to give them more reasons to stay and do more.”

Townspeople aren’t interested in that kind of development, either. During the 2011 comprehensive plan process,

Attracting restaurants is one step in making Cicero a culinary destination.

Partnerships and building on what’s there

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

Cheryl Faulkner, Our Town Cicero Secretary

is another important one, and sometimes takes thinking outside the box. OTC is poised to do that.

Consider the example of Jim Yeary, who owns RAM, a company that designs and produces terra cotta cladding, sunscreen products, and composite panels and metal products for commercial projects (see HCBM cover story Oct/Nov 2012). The company is located immediately north of Cicero on Ind. 19, where he wants to de- Brett Morrow, Our Town Cicero President velop a craft brewery that will have a tasting room and one day expand to a winery gredients to make honey-based breads, and distillery, according to Munoz. Yeary Munoz said. She needs a facility, and has initiated the permitting process and is OTC has an idea for her. developing architectural plans.

The town’s Economic Development ComOTC hopes to partner Yeary with a Cicero mission is looking into how small busilandowner who’s interested in growing nesses like a bakery or boutique could be hops, but a link is missing. Hops must be sited in the older buildings along Cicero’s dried before they’re of any use to brewers. two main thoroughfares, Ind. 19 and Rather than dropping the idea, OTC met Jackson Street. Because converting houswith Purdue Extension to investigate what es to businesses can be expensive, Munoz it would take for Cicero to house a dryer. said the town council will consider how On a smaller scale, another town resiEDC money can be invested in grants to dent has a beekeeping operation. His developers, though no dollar figure has wife has the skill, knowledge and inbeen established.

Two OTC projects slated for 2016 would start redevelopment at the longago shuttered NRG plant on the south side of town and build a 50-by-20-foot T-shaped addition to the docks at Red Bridge Park. The addition could be a site for picnic tables and a place for boaters to drop anchor before heading to town or settling back to enjoy movies and concerts in the park.

Purkey’s Barber Shop

In everything it does, OTC is looking to put Cicero on the map—and on the menu. It’s a town that’s open for business. HCBM

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

15

Competing

for Workers Companies adjust to a tight employment market

By Deb Buehler

amilton County saw a steady decline in unemployment rates in 2015.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development reports that a year ago the county’s unemployment rate was 4.6%. By September it was down to 2.9% and has hovered around there since.

Lee Wenninger, co-owner of Express Employment Professionals, has been watching this trend. He explained that economists consider 5.5% unemployment to be the definition of full employment. This low rate means the workers their clients wish to attract are most likely already working.

mother with two children can receive nearly $27,000 a year in benefits or about $12.98 an hour. With the current minimum wage at $7.25 an hour, some are opting to remain at home.

Wenninger’s company analyzes current trends such as pay rates among clients versus those that job seekers expect to earn through employment. He discovered that, on average, companies are paying $11.81/hour while industrial associate candidates expect to make

their compensation packages. Not only do strong packages include a pay rate that matches their competition, they should also be touting the soft benefits they offer.

This might include an excellent family environment, flexible work schedules and opportunities for advancement.

“Employers are trying to fill positions, manage costs and fulfill services—we are at the forefront of the challenges they face and helping people find solutions,” Wenninger said.

Stressing Benefits Whether you are a nonprofit organization such as Conner Prairie or a full spectrum manufacturing company such as Helmer Scientific, on-going evaluation is essential. While Conner Prairie is facing hiring challenges getting prospects interested in working as an informal educator in a living history museum, Helmer Scientific is digging deep into their own data about employee turnover.

“Compensation is very rarely the reason people leave. Our number one reason is career development.”

“Studies show that the three things needed to entice candidates to switch jobs are 1) pay, 2) career advancement opportunities and 3) benefits,” Wenninger said. He went on to explain that after the economic downturn many who lost their jobs elected not to return to work, leaving hiring companies with fewer candidates for open positions.

At the same time, government assistance programs increased. In Indiana a single 16

~ Angela Acrey, Vice President of Human Resources, Helmer Scientific $12.36 an hour. Wenninger suggests that one of the ways companies can attract and retain strong local employees is by aligning their pay rates with the prevailing market.

As a result of Express Employment’s research and conversations with their clients, many companies are re-evaluating

Cathy Ferree, vice president of exhibits, programs, interpretation and facilities at Conner Prairie explained that their challenge is multi-faceted. Although entry level positions pay more than minimum

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

for delivery of their product.

“This is a challenge for nonprofits going forward,” concluded Ferree.

Move Quickly

$11.81/Hour AVERAGE PAY

wage, interest is low. Front line positions, those who deliver the experience to visitors, have college and sometimes master’s degrees. But, because the business is seasonal, Conner Prairie cannot offer full time hours and benefits and meet their financial goals all at the same time.

Ferree also said that the balanced calendar adopted by many schools has advantages and disadvantages. It means that visitor attendance is spread throughout the season, which runs from March through November. The disadvantage is that those front line employees who teach school in the “off season” return to their full time employment much earlier.

Shelby Slowik, director of human resources at Conner Prairie, added that many of the staff have at least one other job. The lack of medical benefits is challenging to those who need the coverage, she stated.

“What I’m seeing here and in the nonprofit world is that organizations are trying to offer multifaceted benefits packages,” Slowik explained. “We have a generous paid time off policy, offer lots of flexibility in work hours and various cafeteria benefits outside medical. Our retirement plan is also very generous.”

Helmer Scientific in Noblesville has been gathering data related to employee turnover. Angela Acrey, vice president of human resources, says employees there are paid well above minimum wage, but people can find another job fairly easily so many leave the company within the first year.

“We conduct exit interviews with everyone who exits voluntarily,” Acrey said.

“Compensation is very rarely the reason people leave. Our number one reason is career development. Some applied for several jobs at once, got hired by us and then in a few short months get an offer they really want.”

The impact of turnover is expensive so Acrey says they’ve been diving deep into their data to consider how they might modify their talent acquisition process and whether there were preventable reasons for employees leaving.

Most recently, Helmer Scientific has struggled to find candidates for temporary staffing.

“Anecdotally we suspect that people leave to go to work doing high paying seasonal jobs such as holiday package delivery,” Acrey said. Helmer works with two staffing agencies and both have had a hard time attracting temporary candidates.

4.6% 2.9%

Acrey added that the low unemployment rate has taught the company to move quickly when an appropriate candidate completes an application. For example, they recently sought to fill a custodian position. They responded the day the candidate applied, including getting the individual in for an interview. The person was offered a job the next day and began work the follow-

UNEMPLOYMENT

Ferree said that Conner Prairie is continuing to grow its year round program offerings; however they have to balance that with overhead costs.

And Slowik added that the organization will have to continue to assess ways to attract and keep the creative people needed

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

ing Monday. Waiting too long between application and selection can mean a candidate will no longer be available.

Flexibility Jon Tice, vice president of global human resources for IMMI in Westfield, said that their stable workforce has not seen a lot of attrition. The company offers a base pay of about $12/hour and wages go up from that number for skills or skilled trades.

“We see stability and employees who are interested in advancement,” Tice said. “We offer skill based training for the manufacturing floor so employees can improve their position. We also provide feedback knowing that everyone wants to know

$7.25/Hour

MINIMUM WAGE

how they are doing and how to do better.”

IMMI keeps an eye on the economy.

They know that economic slowdowns can have an impact on the bottom line and that IMMI may need to make adjustments. Tice said that a percentage of their workforce is flexible, giving them the ability to respond to the ebb and flow of the economy.

Keeping up with employment trends, assessing the nature of turnover, and responding to shifts in the market are all necessary to balance the bottom line with staffing needs.

Wenninger said that working with a staffing agency can support employer efforts to attract and retain employees. He also said that job seekers need to show up, consistently perform their jobs and be open to training and opportunities for developing new skills. In today’s economy there are excellent opportunities in skilled trades that include lucrative salaries. HCBM

17

Profile

The Last

Best Chance The Crossing gives kids an alternative

By Shari Held to traditional school Photos by John Wright ecent Hamilton County high school dropouts and students who aren’t prospering in a traditional school environment now have new hope for a better future. A future that includes a high school diploma and tools for success after graduation.

“We’re not here to compete with the public schools, because they do an outstanding job,” says Stan Good, The Crossing’s Director of School Development for Central Indiana. “What we want to do is be one more layer for a school that has exhausted all options.”

The Crossing was founded in 2003 to support public schools in their attempts to reach this at-risk population. The accredited private school, headquartered in Elkhart, has 28 locations throughout Indiana. Its Noblesville location, across from Noblesville East Middle School, opened its doors September 2015.

Why should residents and businesses in Hamilton County care about these students? High school dropouts commit 75 percent of all crime and 72 percent of dropouts are likely to be unemployed, according to the National High School Center.

Campus Administrator James Jakus with Marcos at the computer

18

You’ll never see a D or F on a report card. Instead, students work on a subject until they’ve mastered it.

Southeastern, and Sheridan, Tipton, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers and Lebanon high schools.

A Partnership

“Many kids who don’t have a high school education or proper preparation for a career do turn to crime,” says Hamilton County Superior Court Judge Steven R. Nation. “So why not try to reach out now before these kids get into trouble?”

Partners refer nearly 95 percent of The Crossing students. Dropouts are re-enrolled in their respective high schools so the schools receive state funding, a portion of which is given to The Crossing for its services. The Crossing raises private funds for students who don’t have a sponsor, so they can also attend classes.

Despite the high quality of Hamilton County schools, each has its share of students that fall through the cracks.

The Crossing’s Noblesville campus partners with Hamilton Heights, Hamilton

There’s a risk for partnering schools, however. Keeping at-risk kids on their rolls could lower graduation rates.

But Hamilton County high schools are stepping up.

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

“Our philosophy has always been that we’re going to do what’s best for the kids,” says Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent of Hamilton Heights School Corporation. “I think that sends a pretty powerful message that we value these students. For a lot of these kids, this is the last best chance.”

And the odds are excellent. In the last three years alone, 345 of The Crossing’s students earned their diplomas. The Noblesville campus graduated its first student in December.

“The real heroes here are the public schools,” Good says. “Because the easiest thing is to say, ‘hey, we’re reaching most all of the kids, and that’s good enough.’

But the superintendents in Hamilton County said, ‘no, that’s not good enough.

We need to offer one more option.’”

“If you raise the bar you get people to perform to a higher level,” Good says.

The teachers, many of whom are former missionaries, have chosen to work with this student population and also dispense counseling along with academics. Good says they often act as a “quasi-family.” The teachers, who are accessible to students by phone 24/7, engage in extracurricular activities outside the classroom, proving a support system for students.

Mrs. Martin with Conner

“They can deal with circumstances outside the classroom that might inhibit students from being successful,” Nation says.

“To me, that’s the biggest thing. If there’s no adult to help them, I don’t know how kids are supposed to become acclimated to overcoming obstacles.”

“The kids coming to us haven’t been successful anywhere else, so we have to do things differently,” Good says.

Students attend classes for three hours each school day—mainly in the computer lab, taking online, self-paced instruction. Small instructor-led “pullout” classes are offered to get struggling students on track academically and for

Making Headway While at Sheridan, Arrowood sent kids to The Crossing’s Frankfort location. He’s seen how the program can work miracles for kids.

Doing Things Differently

The biggest differentiator is the size of the campus and classes. The Crossing’s goal is to limit most campuses to under 80 students and maintain an 8:1 student/ teacher ratio.

“That’s where we’d like to get the community involved, too,” says Diana Good, who’s responsible for community development.

“We’ve already seen an impact on several students here [Hamilton Heights] that are going there,” Arrowood says.

Alex in group discussion

The Crossing is a faith-based program although it doesn’t offer a Christian curriculum. For 30 minutes of each school day students have the option to discuss life in general with their teachers.

“We’re not trying to convert people,” Good says. “We just try to love them where they are and say, ‘hey, no matter where you’re at there’s a future for you.’”

Family night, an evening of food, fun and games, is offered every nine weeks, and students can invite anyone they want.

Within three months, the Noblesville location enrolled 75 students. Good says a Lebanon campus is under discussion, and if the Noblesville location continues to grow, a second Hamilton County location will be considered.

To sustain that growth, the Noblesville campus needs the community, which is welcome at any time, to step up to the plate.

“I’m always looking for volunteers and mentors for our students,” Diane Good says. “And we’re always looking for jobtraining opportunities for our seniors so they can set their feet on a career path.” HCBM

888-421-0008 info@ yoursocial order .com

Conner and Isaac

special topics such as the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to spend the rest of the day in job training or community work, learning valuable skills and improving their odds for finding employment with local businesses.

You’ll never see a D or F on a report card.

Instead, students work on a subject until they’ve mastered it. There’s no free ride.

Every credit is earned.

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

yoursocialorder.com

@SocialOrder Inc 19

Roundabout

A Summary of Recent Retail Activity

By Samantha Hyde

levard. Spa Suites is opening soon on 116th Street near Guilford Road.

5 de Mayo Mexican Restaurant

NORTHERN HAMILTON COUNTY The former Brick House Grill at 100 W. Main Street in Arcadia is now the home of 5 de Mayo Mexican Restaurant.

Beck’s Hybrids is expanding its campus on 276th Street with new housing units for seasonal employees.

DeLullo’s Tratorria is moving from Atlanta to Cicero and hopes to be open for business at 230 West Jackson sometime in February.

A new mixed-use development called the Proscenium will replace the former Party Time Rental at Range Line Road and West Carmel Drive. The development will include 20,000 SF of retail space, underground parking, a public plaza and an upscale restaurant. The former Walgreens at 1215 S. Range Line Road is being demolished in preparation of a new Huntington National Bank branch.

Former Eye on Art Gallery Owner Jerry Points is teaming up with fellow artist Magdalena Hoyos-Segovia to open the

Magdalena and Jerry Points Gallery of Art

Zing Cafe

CARMEL Tom Wood Lexus at 4160 E. 96th Street is undergoing an extensive remodel.

The Village of West Clay has a new breakfast and lunch eatery, Zing Café, now open at 12710 Meeting House Road. The West Clay Pizzology closed in December.

A 90-room Hyatt Place Hotel is slated for construction on the property just south of the Ritz Charles, between US 31 and Illinois Street. Double Tree Hotel is being remodeled and rebranded as Homewood Suites, a sister chain operated by Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Magdalena and Jerry Points Gallery of Art at 27 E. Main Street. Fine Estate Arts & Rugs and Gallery Two has relocated to downtown Indy after eight months at the Indiana Design Center.

Indiana Members Credit Union is moving into the former Meridian Music Company building at 12725 Old Meridian Street. Indy favorite Mimi Blue Meatballs is opening a Hamilton County location at 12505 Old Meridian Street.

Caliente is a new Mexican Bar & Grill opening at Guilford Road and 116th St. The Wedding Studio recently opened its doors at Clay Terrace, while restaurants Henry’s Pub & Grill and Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Pizza have both closed at the outdoor shopping center.

Public Risk Underwriters has moved into remodeled space at 11595 N. Meridian Street. AssuredPartners is moving into the third floor of Two Meridian Plaza at 10401 N. Meridian Street.

The new Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic is being built at 14570 River Road. A Better You Fitness is opening soon at 4654 Killarney Drive.

Allnet Distributing opened a new fullservice branch at 12220 Hancock Street, its third location in the Midwest. Kopka Pinkus and Dolin are remodeling new office space at 550 Congressional Bou-

Balmoral Golf Club at 10101 Hamilton Hills Lane has a new event center called Balmoral House. HEROH Chiropractic Lifestyle Center is now open at 10412 Allisonville Road.

20

Painting with a Twist at 11680 Commercial Drive held its grand opening on December 1. The Switch will welcome siteselection consultation company Ginovus as a tenant starting in July. Meridian Title has a new office at 9885 E. 116th Street.

The owner of The Dancing Donut and The Flying Cupcake is opening a new business combining the two concepts, which will open in February at 13180 Market Square Drive. The Bagger Dave’s restaurants in Fishers and Carmel were among the five central Indiana locations that closed suddenly in December.

The Sleep Shop is opening a new location near I-69’s Exit 210 at 13910 Olivia Way. Edible Arrangements opened next to Handel’s Ice Cream on 116th and Maple Sts. Its previous Fishers location closed three years ago.

Habitat for Humanity’s Restore is moving from Westfield to 7998 Centerpoint Dr, scheduled to open in late February.

NOBLESVILLE Indy Premier Soccer Club has purchased Trinity Sports Park at 6835 E. 161st Street and has plans to convert existing ball fields into additional soccer fields. Marco’s Pizza held its ribbon cutting in December at its new location at 111 South Harbour Drive.

Goodwill Education Initiatives has opened a second-chance high school for adults, called The Excel Center, at 300 N. 17th Street on the Ivy Tech campus (see story Aug/Sept 2015 HCBM). The Senior Citizens Organization’s Recycling Center at 18336 Cumberland Road has closed after 36 years of operation in support of the Senior Center.

Dealers Auto Outlet built a new service center just south of their car lot on South 10th St.

FISHERS

Dealers Auto Outlet

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

Jimmy John’s sandwich shop is opening a new location on the site of the closed Boyz Express Car Wash at 16978 Clover Road. Starbucks is planning a new shop in the same building. Dura Products is building a new 15,000 SF office and manufacturing facility east of SR 37 at 17265 Harger Court.

property under construction at 601 E. 191st Street. A Hampton Inn has been proposed for construction southwest of the intersection of Wheeler and Westfield Park roads.

Westfield Community Investors plans to include a four-story hotel in the development of its 7-acre property at US 31 and SR 32.

Evereve, a women’s clothing chain formerly called Hot Mama, is taking over the recently vacated Wet Seal space at Hamilton Town Center. Also new to the shopping center is spa and salon MoCee Spa and Visionworks Doctors of Optometry.

Rickers

Sundown Gardens Sundown Gardens Landscape Services and Garden Center has moved to from Old Meridian St. in Carmel to Westfield at 505 W. 186th Street (southwest corner of Spring Mill Road).

Pathways to Healing Pathways to Healing Counseling & Education is open at 1212 Westfield Road.

WESTFIELD Grand Park out-of-town visitors will soon have several new places to stay, starting with the Grand Park Hotel, a 115,000 SF

A new food court is also under construction at Grand Park Fieldhouse. Culver’s plans to build a new restaurant nearby on the northeast corner of SR 32 and Sun Park Drive.

Monon Marketplace Waxing Studio is moving into 1001 SR 32. Rickers opened a new convenience store at SR32 and

Westfield Park Road. Westfield-based online sports decal retailer Indy Sport Stickers began operations in December at IndySportsStickers.com.

Cool Creek Commons is welcoming a new restaurant, Kukai Ramen & Izakawa, at 2450 E. 146th Street. The Walmart at 2001 E. 151st Street is undergoing a complete remodel. A new 10,000 SF neighborhood center, to be called the Harmony Lifestyle Center, is slated for construction at 1414 W. 151st Street. Urban Farmer held its grand opening in November at its new location at 120 E. 161st Street. HCBM

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Dining Out

There’s Always Something Brewing at SoHo Cafe & Gallery

By Chris Bavender Photos by John Wright

Walk into SoHo Café & Gallery and you’ll not only be greeted by the enticing scent of freshly brewing coffee, but enveloped in a relaxing atmosphere that invites you to grab a cup and sit awhile.

“We wanted the ambience to be similar to large city coffeehouses, particularly those in New York since we named our café after New York’s SoHo district,” said Vivian Lawhead, owner and manager of the cafe. “Older buildings, but turned into a comfortable space for community.”

The idea behind SoHo came about when Lawhead—a former teacher—realized there weren’t many independent coffee shops in the area. She already owned the Monon Square Shopping Center and thought the location would be ideal for what she had in mind.

drinks,” Lawhead said. “Espresso is made by measuring the grind, tamping, and brewing—never on an automatic machine like most chains. There is an actual skill involved, and true coffee lovers notice the difference.”

Community Space They’re also likely to notice the art at SoHo—thus the “Gallery” part of the shop’s name. All the featured work is by local artists. Open Mic nights give local musicians a chance to show off their skills as well.

“There were chain coffee shops only.

They are great marketers, but really don’t produce the quality coffee that a privately owned, smaller independent coffeehouse can,” she said. “We studied, trained, and are proud to purchase top quality organic cof“My family has always been involved in fees from award-winning micro roasters.” the arts. My husband is a musician all And, they are serious about their coffee. hours he’s not working his day job as an They attend annual coffee conferences attorney,” Lawhead said. “My grandfather and participate in continuing education was an artist; I am president of the Carmel through organizations that support indeArts Council and on the Board of the pendent coffeehouses.

Civic Theatre. We wanted to have a way “Continuing education ensures that our to include our community and introduce staff can produce top quality espresso local artists.”

Because of the large gallery, SoHo can seat 70-75 inside, and can accommodate another 40 on the patio—weather permitting.

“We have regular, daily visitors who work at a table as their ‘office,’ as well as weekly book clubs, a scrabble club, knitting clubs, and more,” Lawhead said. “The majority of customer feedback is always positive. Our focus on customer service and quality beverages and food ensures return customers.”

On the Menu Customer favorites include monthly Signature Lattes that fit the season.

“Those are always very popular. We are also one of the few local coffeehouses to offer more than 20 varieties of loose teas so we have a big tea crowd,” Lawhead said. “Kids, and adults, love our loaded hot chocolate—dark chocolate, caramel, white chocolate and vanilla.”

Other crowd favorites include the Thai Lentil soup, featuring “real” ingredients, and the curry chicken salad made by the chef at local caterer A Cut Above.

“Because of our large space we book several private parties in our gallery after hours,” Lawhead said. “Birthday parties, showers, office gatherings, etc. are common.”

In the five years since it’s opened, SoHo has seen its customer base grow steadily.

22

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

“We generally offer it in the spring and summer months but always have complaints if it’s not available in the winter,” Lawhead said.

“When creating our business we wanted to not only have a successful coffeehouse, but a business that was community focused.”

The menu also includes mouthwatering pastries from Renee’s in Broad Ripple, and selections for the “young artist” that include PBJ, Mac & Cheese, and grilled cheese.

SoHo Café & Gallery relies heavily on word of mouth, along with social media and an e-newsletter, for marketing the coffee shop. Lawhead also holds special events such as art classes, art shows and coffee tastings in the gallery to keep things “fresh” for customers.

“My family has been in the Carmel community for years,” Lawhead said.

620 S. Rangeline Rd. Carmel, IN 317.564.4800

SoHo Café & Gallery

Despite the success in its current location, Lawhead has no plans to expand SoHo to other parts of the community.

“I love SoHo as it is, and enjoy tweaking it constantly to bring in fresh ideas, new retail merchandise, and of course new artists in our gallery,” she said. “I am always looking for ways to improve, so that’s plenty for my current life.” HCBM

Hours Mon.–Sat. 7am–5pm Sun. 10am–4pm

YOU can be part of the incredible success of Westfield’s Grand Park.

Hundreds of families visit the park each week to participate in youth sports. Invite them to discover all that Westfield and Hamilton County have to offer with an ad in the Grand Park Fan Guide and on the Grand Park mobile app. We will print 20,000 copies of the print guide and distribute to families as they arrive at the park. We will also distribute to local hotels and it will be posted online.

PUBLISHED BY THE

In association with Grand Park and the City of Westfield

For more information or to reserve your space, Call Mike Corbett, 774-7747 or email mcorbett@hamiltoncountybusiness.com February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

23

Pitch-In

Notes from all over the county OneZone awarded its annual prizes for Business Excellence. Winners are: Business of the Year: [Small/Medium Business], Old Town Design Group; [Large Business], Tom Wood Automotive Group Green: Meyer Najem Construction HQ Lifetime Achievement: Alan Potasnik [Carmel]; Gary Reynolds [Fishers] Young Professional of the Year: Elliott

Somers, Citizens State Bank Most Valuable Volunteer: Thomas Branum, Jr., AXA Advisors Renovation: The Range Pet Lodge [Carmel]; Jarden Home Brands [Fishers] New Construction: St. Vincent Carmel Women’s Center & Hospital Connector [Carmel]; The Depot at Nickel Plate [Fishers]

Citizens State Bank colleagues congratulate Elliott Somers on winning Young Professional of the Year. (L to R) Jerry Daniken, Branch Manager, John DeLucia, Chief Lending Officer, Roger Wells, Retail Banking Director and Dan Maddox, President.

Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development (HAND) and its partners opened a new phase of Spicewood Gardens in Sheridan. Spicewood now includes 60 senior affordable apartments and represents HAND’s largest development.

John Swisher

Daniel Maddox

John Swisher retired as Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of JBS United in Sheridan. Doug Webel, Ph.D., previously COO of the Animal Nutrition Health Group of JBS United, was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, and John Corbett assumed the role of Chairman of the Board. Swisher founded the company in 1956 (see HCBM Oct/Nov 2009).

Daniel Maddox was elected president of Citizens State Bank, succeeding Bill Aitchison, president since 1996. Dan is the fourth generation of the Maddox family to be actively involved in banking. Based in New Castle, Citizens has 16 banking centers in Indiana, including two in Hamilton County.

Greg Clapp joined The Farmers Bank as Trust Investment Officer.

Greg Clapp

Brendan Aldrich joined Ivy Tech Community College as Chief Data Officer.

Carmel Clay Public Library hosts The Entrepreneurship Carmel Workshop Series, a free monthly workshop addressing business ownership issues from concept, to start-up, to succession planning specific to the Carmel community from 6:00pm-7:30pm on the second Tuesday of the month at the Carmel Clay Public Library. Pre-register at www. frannetmidamerica.com/events.

Norman O. Burns II of Richmond, Va. succeeds Ellen Rosenthal as president and CEO of Conner Prairie in late January. Rosenthal retired from the museum’s top position after Norman O. Burns 12 years at the helm.

She wrote a book about her experience leading the living history park.

Named “Conner Prairie,” the book is available at the Conner Prairie Store.

Ellen Rosenthal

Put us in coach. !

We’re ready

Corporate Partners help Children’s Bureau reach thousands of Indiana kids who need a hand up to realize their potential.

Will you join us?

Brendan Aldrich

Real estate broker Helen Metken joined RE/MAX to start a new brokerage in Westfield.

Helen Metken

24

Aadvanced Limousines Accelerent American Wholesale Furniture

City Securities Image Pros Penske Chevrolet Penske Honda

AAA Exterminating ADVISA Duke Realty

Expense Reduction Analysts Hurco Insurance Management Group

Miller Pipeline New World Collections Sam’s Club Sysco Indianapolis

Learn more at www.childrensbureau.org/corp-partners.

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

Showing off the best Noblesville has to offer. Open to the Public. $7 at the door. $5 in advance.

Show Off Your Business - Exhibitor Booths are Still Available

MARCH 3, 2016 • 4:00PM-7:30PM HAMILTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS EXPO HALL Are you interested in joining one of our working groups or committees? Contact info@noblesvillechamber.com

FEBRUARY 2016 February 6/7:30am-9:00am

ALL COUNTY NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Conner Prairie

February 9/11:30am-1:00pm

WIN (Women In Noblesville) SAFETY AND SECURITY LUNCH PANEL

Olive Garden at Hamilton Town Center February 12/7:30am-9:00am

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST SERIES

Bridgewater Country Club

February 18/4:30pm-6:30pm

HIPE (Young Professionals) AFTER HOURS

Chuy’s at Hamilton Town Center

February 24/11:30am-1:00pm

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Harbour Trees

February 25/6:30pm-8:00pm

WIN (Women In Noblesville) SELF DEFENSE CLASS

TBA

MARCH 2016

March 3/ 4:00pm-7:30pm

TASTE OF BUSINESS EXPO

Announcing Our New Board Members: Larry Riggs, First Merchants Brenda Parker Snyder, Noble Industries Leslie Craig Henderzahs, Church Church Hittle & Antrim Angela Acrey, Helmer Scientific Returning Board Members: Esther Lakes, Smith Jewelers, Board Chairperson Dr. Dan Clark, Ivy Tech Jim Kingsolver, Indiana Members Credit Union Karen Noel, Katz Sapper & Miller Christi Crosser, Nova 29 Dr. John Paris, Riverview Health Angie Sutton, State Farm Insurance Jennifer Fleming, SMC Corporation Jon Fohrer, Community Health Network Rebecca Gordon, Gordon Marketing Curt Osweiler, Express Employment Professionals Dr. Beth Niedermeyer, Noblesville Schools Leeca Smith, Maurices Executive Committee: Esther Lakes, Smith Jewelers, Chairperson Dr. Dan Clark, Ivy Tech, Vice Chairman Jim Kingsolver, Indiana Members Credit Union, Treasurer Karen Noel, Katz Sapper & Miller, Assistant Treasurer Christi Crosser, Nova 29, Secretary Dr. John Paris, Riverview Health, Immediate Past Chair

Hamilton County Fairgrounds

HIPE (Young Professionals) LUNCH AND LEARN

March 11/7:30am-9:00am

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST SERIES

Bridgewater Country Club

March 16/6:30pm-8:00pm

THE BUSINESS OF ART WORKSHOP

Hamilton East Public Library

March 23/11:30am-1:00pm

STATE OF THE SCHOOLS

Purgatory Golf Club with Dr. Beth Niedermeyer

Noblesville Chamber P.O. Box 2015 Noblesville, IN 46061 317-773-0086

— NEW MEMBERS —

March 10/11:30am-1:00pm Stony Creek Dining with Lindsay Boccardo

NOBLESVILLE

1 NIGHT, 10 RESTAURANTS, 80 SHOWCASE BOOTHS, 600 ATTENDEES AND YOU!

www.noblesvillechamber.com

UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Jarhead Holdings 716 Adams St., Suite F Carmel, IN 46032 The Excel Center 300 North 17th St. The Ivy Tech Building Noblesville, IN 46060 www.excelcenter.org

Visionworks 14139 Towne Center Blvd.

Noblesville, IN 46060 www.visionworks.com

Your Chamber is on the Move

Follow us at:

Legacy Partners

Coming this spring the chamber will have new offices and a training facility along with a new website! Contact the chamber for naming rights and sponsorship opportunities at 773-0086.

February • 2015 March• January 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine December 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

25

A stronger voice.

A significant presence.

A new business advocate in an ever-changing marketplace.

The Carmel and Fishers Chambers have joined to become OneZone.

OneZone Events February & March

February Luncheon Fishers State of the City Address Join business leaders, chamber members and guests to hear Mayor Scott Fadness deliver the annual State of the City address in Fishers. Corporate tables and individual seats are available.

February Wed., Feb. 3: Young Professionals Lunch & Learn 12 to 1:30 p.m. | Eddie Merlot’s Fri., Feb. 5: All-County Network Breakfast 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Wed., Feb 10: February Luncheon - Fishers State of City 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | FORUM Conference Center

Wed., Feb. 10 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FORUM Conference Center

Fri., Feb. 12: Legislative Breakfast 7:30 to 9 a.m. | The Bridgewater Club

Reservations are required.

Thurs., Feb. 25: Business After Hours [with Indy Chamber] 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Market District March Wed., Mar. 9: March Luncheon - State of the Chamber 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 502 East Event Centre

Legislative Breakfast Series February & March Keep up-to-date on the 2016 legislative session and issues that impact the business community.

Wed., Mar. 9: New Member Orientation 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. | 502 East Event Centre Thurs., Mar. 10: Young Professionals After Hours 5 to 7 p.m. | Matt the Miller’s Tavern

Fri., Feb. 12 Fri., Mar. 11 7:30 to 9 a.m.

The Bridgewater Club

Fri., Mar. 11: Legislative Breakfast 7:30 to 9 a.m. | The Bridgewater Club Wed., Mar. 23: Business After Hours 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. | NB of I at Prairie View Golf Club Reservations are required for all events. Call 317.436.4653 or sign up online at www.onezonecommerce.com.

Get Social with OneZone

facebook.com/ onezonecommerce



Reservations are required.

Visit onezonecommerce.com/advocacy for the latest information on issues and to make reservations.

@onezonecommerce

NEW Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Look for OneZone and download.

10305 Allisonville Rd., Ste. B | Fishers, IN 46038 | 317.436.4653 | onezonecommerce.com

26

February • March2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

New Members Silver Members

Ribbon Cuttings Painting with a Twist - Fishers

HEROH Chiropractic Lifestyle Center

Carmel Senior Living

CycleBar Carmel

CycleBar Carmel

Bronze Members Conner Insurance Delivra Wilson Wealth Solutions, LLC

Basic Members Arnett Management Solutions, Inc. Fidelity National Title FR International Guardian Protection Services Good Nature Inc. Grandpa’s Beef Jerky The Growth Coach Indianapolis Doulas iTech Digital Lifestyle Publications Matthew O’Malley - State Farm Insurance O’Malia’s Living Ridgestone Bank Same Day Deliver St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Swan Software Solutions, LLC

Want to celebrate your new business or renovation with a ribbon cutting?

Let’s talk.

Interested in joining OneZone?

Call 436.4653 or visit onezonecommerce.com.

OneZone Leadership Partners

OneZone 2016 Board of Directors OneZone is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors who contribute their time and expertise to the organization. This year’s officers and board members are: Executive Committee & Officers Jo Biggers - Chair MISO

Board Members [continued] Michael Garvey Lauth Group, Inc.

Angie Jaynes - Chair Elect Community Health Network

Brandon Gorin Marco’s Pizza

Jeff Welch - Treasurer FORUM Credit Union

Jeff Hagerman The Hagerman Group

Mike Rechin - Secretary First Merchants Bank

Michael Kile AlphaGraphics of Carmel

Dan LaReau - Past Chair St. Vincent Carmel Hospital

Don Kratz Kratz Law Office, LLC

Board Members Melissa Averitt Pedcor Companies

Courtney Lloyd STAR Financial Bank

Contact Us

Mike Chittenden St. Vincent Carmel Hospital

OneZone

Michael Drewry Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP

10305 Allisonville Rd., Ste. B Fishers, IN 46038 317.436.4653 info@onezonecommerce.com onezonecommerce.com

Matt Frey Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream Brad Fuson Krieg DeVault, LLP

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

Katie Smardo The National Bank of Indianapolis Lauren Taylor Holder Mattress Company, Inc. Lee Wenninger Express Employment Professionals Ronda Weybright RealAmerica Companies

27

NORTHERN HAMILTON COUNTY 28

UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 2016 Friday, February 5 7:30am ALL COUNTY NETWORKING BREAKFAST Conner Prairie Friday, February 12 7:30am LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST The Bridgewater Club Thursday, February 25 11:30am NHCCC LUNCHEON Sheridan

MARCH 2016

TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS

Friday, March 11 7:30am LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST The Bridgewater Club Thursday, March 24 11:30am NHCCC LUNCHEON Cicero

NEW MEMBER Red Bridge Real Estate Jaren Barnes

Cicero 70 N. Byron St. PO Box 466 Cicero, IN 46034 317-984-4079

Sheridan PO Box 202 Sheridan, IN 46069 317-758-1311

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

February

Thursday, February 18 The Bridgewater Club

Custom Concrete Installation of exercise equipment on the Monon in honor of Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation Photo by Zach Burton

Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics

March

Thursday, March 17 The Bridgewater Club Thrive Yoga

Gandolfo’s New York Deli

2016 Additional Upcoming Events February - March

Legislative Breakfast Series at The Bridgewater Club

April 19

All-County Chamber Luncheon

David Weekley Homes The Lakes at Shady Nook

NEW MEMBERS

June 6

Westfield Chamber Classic Golf Outing at The Bridgewater Club

August 5

All-County Women’s Luncheon

September 23

Lantern Awards at the Palomino Ballroom Also:

First Thursdays

Westfield Young Professionals

Third Thursdays

Westfield Chamber Luncheons

Throughout the Year

Several all-county networking breakfasts, and business after hours Be sure to check www.westfield-chamber.org for details.

For details and online registration, please visit: www.westfield-chamber.org or call 317.804.3030

Westfield Welcome www.westfieldwelcome.com

161st Street Roundabout Sponsored by Elsner Family Dentistry

Westfield Works Available jobs! www.westfieldworks.org

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

Corky Huston Huston Electric, Inc. 1105 E. 181st St. Westfield, IN 46074 317.804.9009 www.hustonelectric.com Heather Gordon-Edwards Gorman and Bunch Orthodontics 16407 South Park Dr. Westfield, IN 46074 317.867.1133 www.gormanbunch.com

WESTFIELD

2016 Membership Luncheons

www.westfield-chamber.org

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Indy & Janice Ruiz Indy’s Home Team/ Keller Williams Realty 647 Piedmont Dr. Westfield, IN 46074 317.413.7711 www.indysellshomes.com Scott Willis Jarhead Holdings 716 Adams St., Suite F Carmel, IN 46032 317.431.6961

Amit Khanna Smashburger 2560 E. 146th St. Carmel, IN 46033 317.798.2168 smashburger.com

Scott Rush The File Depot 17406 Tiller Ct., Suite 300 Westfield, IN 46074 317.558.9922 www.thefiledepot.com

Chris Wilkes Holladay Properties 5715 Decatur Blvd.

Indianapolis, IN 46241 317.856.9000 www.holladayproperties.com

Kurt Delong KD Landscaping 17377 Little Creek Ave. Westfield, IN 46074 317.896.9180 www.kdlandscapingllc.com

Jill Paris Rupp Insurance 400 Executive Dr., C Carmel, IN 46032 317.708.0159 www.rjruppinsurance.com

Derek Daly Derek Daly Group 733 E. State Road 32 Westfield, IN 46074 317.774.9101 www.derekdaly.com

Westfield Chamber of Commerce 130 Penn St. Westfield, IN 46074 317.804.3030

29

Hamilton County History

By David Heighway

lipsch Music Center has been the premier outdoor music venue in the area since 1989.

However, large outdoor concerts are not a new thing in Hamilton County. One such event preceded Klipsch by 50 years and then was forgotten by most people until now.

Recently, local history buff Sid Davis was talking to local genealogist and historian Stuart Neal when Stuart brought up a memory of a big event at Forest Park which had cars lined up for miles along Westfield Road (Highway 32) with cars overheating and being left on the shoulder of the road. Sid started doing research and found that in 1939, the Chicago radio station WLS had a “Sunday picnic” on July 30.

before the event. People began arriving early in the morning and by 9:00, all roads coming into town were jammed for miles.

License plates from Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky were spotted. The State Police and the American Legion were providing logistical assistance and, according to newspaper accounts, did a remarkable job. When it became obvious that there were not enough parking spaces, former Noblesville mayor Horace Brown offered his woods, (now the land along Lakeview Drive).

An Epic Event

A Picnic at Forest Park

Despite the huge crowd, there were no reported emergencies, except for a six-year-old boy who fell off a picnic table and fractured his arm. The park concessions were open and did an excellent business. The audience was seated on the hillside overlooking the golf course. Although this area is covered in trees today, at that time the park had been in existence for only about ten years and a lot of the trees that we can see now were just saplings then.

WLS was the home of the “National Barn Dance,” a hugely successful radio program.

(Among their leading acts were the Hoosier Hot Shots, a musical comedy group created by the Treitsch brothers from Arcadia, Indiana.) During the 1930’s, WLS broadcast shows from different venues around Chicago that could hold larger crowds, such as the amphitheater at the stockyards and the Century of Progress Exposition.

These attracted 10,000 to 20.000 people and were called “landmark occasions” by one historian.

Patsy Montana said later that performing for the crowd was “a staggering experience”. She said that WLS had not expected that large of a crowd and was not prepared for them, but the day went flawlessly. This speaks well for local organizers. She was very appreciative that the crowd was largely made up of farmers who had gotten up early in the morning to do chores and come to the show, and then driven a long distance after the show to get home in time to do the evening chores. She could still remember the event when she was dictating her autobiography nearly 60 years later.

That historian said, however, that the “most stunning” event was the picnic at Forest Park. Interestingly, it did not include some of the program’s most famous performers. This was on a Sunday, so they began with a religious service —“The Little Brown Church of the Air” with Dr. John Holland. The headliner of the musical performance was Patsy Montana, along with singing groups The Maple City Four and the Prairie Ramblers, and a Swiss singer, Miss Christine. Humorous sketches were provided by Rusty Gill and J.H. Otto, the “Hoosier Sodbusters.”

Whatever the content of the show, the response was overwhelming. Promotional articles had been appearing in the newspapers for about two weeks 30

Immediately after the event, park officials estimated the crowd at 27,000 to 30,000 with 7,000 automobiles.

However, the estimated number soon began to increase. Within a day, there were reports that it was 40,000. The next day, that increased to 50,000. By the middle of August, when WLS was using the event in its advertising, they claimed that it was 60,000 to 65,000 people.

In comparison, Klipsch Music Center can fit 6,000 people in the seating area and 18,000 in the lawn area. Whatever the correct number was, this was still an epic event for Hamilton County and one that reflected well on it. HCBM Thanks to Sid Davis for bringing this to our attention.

February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

BUSINESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

Logan Street Signs & Banners

Sharp Business Systems of Indiana 7330 East 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46256 317-844-0033 www.sbsindiana.com

We are serious about improving our clients businesses by updating office technology, managing office printing and streamlining critical business processes. Sharp Business Systems of Indiana, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, can increase your company’s bottom line.

SERVICE CLUB

Rotary International

1720 South 10th Street Noblesville, IN 317-773-7200 Open M-F 7-5 www.loganstreetsigns.com www.noblesvilletrophies.com www.noblesville.com www.HamiltonCountyTV.com www.HamiltonCountyCalendars.com www.HamiltonCountyRadio.com

River Edge Professional Center and River Edge Market Place Noblesville, IN Call John Landy at 317-289-7662 landyfortune@gmail.com

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

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, contact President Paul Roberts 317-509-6729

65,000 square feet of flexible floor plans.

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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.

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February • March 2016 • Hamilton County Business Magazine

www.ductznoblesville.com • 317.773.9831 31