Hamilton County Business Magazine April/May 2012

Page 1

Focus: Health and Wellness

April • May 2012

The

Wright Brothers Band Still Rockin’ at 40

Plus... Harold Kaiser Recognized for Lifetime Achievement Whistleblowing is Good for Business Blu Moon Café

(L to R) Keith Claghorn, Bryan Chrisman, Emily Gosser, Tom Wright, Lauren Bower, Tim Wright, John McDowell, Frank Bradford


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April/May

Features

Photo courtesy of Carmel Chamber

’12

4

Harold Kaiser receives the Carmel Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award named in his honor as Mayor Brainard holds the award.

14 12 16

Harold Kaiser

8

Entrepreneur

10 Ethics 20 Guest Column

Wright Brothers

22 Management 24 Dining Out

Free Clinics

26 The Pitch-In 28 Chamber Pages 34 Hamilton County History 35 Business Resource Directory

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine


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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 Robert Annis ~ noeraser@yahoo.com Deb Buehler ~ deb@thesweetestwords.com Jeff Curts ~ jcurts@att.net Rosalyn Demaree ~ ros_demaree@hotmail.com Shari Held ~ sharih@comcast.net Chris Owens ~ zetus77@gmail.com

8411 Fishers Centre Drive | Fishers, IN 46038 | 317-436-7488 | whitinger.com

Going above and beyond.

Contributors Emmett Dulaney DBA ~ eadulaney@anderson.edu Chris Gilmer ~ cgilmer@oedadvisors.com David Heighway ~ heighwayd@earthlink.net Tiffany Lunsford ~ tlunsford@indybiz.net Andrew Thompson ~ andrew@businesslawindiana.com Dr. Charles Waldo ~ cnwaldo@comcast.net William J. Wilhelm PhD ~ wwilhelm@indstate.edu

Real progress starts with people who are inspired to make a difference. At Duke Energy, inspiration is our fuel. It’s what drives us to generate the power of innovation. Here’s to those who look at things differently. Those who set the example. Those who inspire and serve others.

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 2012 Hamilton County Media Group. All rights reserved.

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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Letter from the Editor/April/May 2012 When Harold Kaiser was growing up in Cicero, there actually was a Red Bridge there. Today there’s a park named after the Red Bridge but Morse Lake inundated the creek so the bridge is gone. Eventually Harold was gone as well…moved south to Carmel where he opened a real estate business. Today Kaiser Land Company signs are planted on empty lots throughout the county. This magazine wasn’t more than a few issues old when I received a voice mail from Harold about a subscription. My circulation strategy is to distribute to business people as a benefit of belonging to your local chamber, so I wasn’t receiving a lot of subscription inquiries. Although Harold realized he received a copy at the office, he wanted his own delivered to his home.

Mike Corbett Editor and Publisher

This was a few years ago when the recession was just taking hold and everybody was cutting back. Harold could have saved $20 and read the office copy but he chose to support a fledging business with his subscription. That’s the kind of gesture that sticks with you and it is why I wasn’t surprised at all when the Carmel Chamber decided to name its lifetime achievement award after Harold Kaiser. We are honored to offer a profile of Harold in this edition. I am impressed by his humility and unassuming manner. I believe he sets an example for us all in the way he conducts his life and his business.

Still Rockin’

I’ll bet a good portion of us dreamed of being rock stars at some point during our high school years. I know my friends and I did as we set up garage bands and tried to duplicate the sound of our favorite rockers. It’s shortly after graduation when most of realize the market for our particular sound isn’t quite large enough to generate the funds to pay a mortgage, and we end up pursuing more traditional careers. Which is what makes the story of the Wright Brothers Band remarkable. They actually did find the right sound to sustain a career in rock and roll music, and have been at it for forty years now. Deb Buehler profiles this Hamilton County-based musical ensemble that has managed to make a living in a very challenging business.

Sales Inspiration

One of my favorite sayings is: “nothing happens until someone sells something.” Salespeople have taken a beating in this tough economy and (being a salesperson myself) I’m always open to a good pep talk. Read Tiffany Lunsford’s column and go get em’! There’s lots more great reading here…enjoy it. See you around the county…

Editor and Publisher

6

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine


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Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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Entrepreneur Emmett Dulaney

Five Important Elements of a Business Plan

These nuts and bolts will keep your business focused I don’t think much of texts that tell you exactly how to write a business plan and walk you through the process step by step. I believe every plan, just as every business venture, should be unique so there isn’t one cookie-cutter approach. As long as it starts with an executive summary and ends with a set of financials, the author of what’s written between should not have to follow a scripted formula any more than a novelist has to write the exact same thing between “It was a dark and stormy night” and “The end.”

Develop a diagram of the valueadded chain and the approximate number of firms at each level, and indicate the proportion that are large firms or chains.

There are two reasons why I like this one. The first is that it is indeed important to be able to identify the value chain and know who adds what where. The second is that thinking visually – developing diagrams, charts, tables, etc. – often makes it much easier for you to be able to explain it to an investor or anyone else. No reader That said, I recently came across a booklet wants to read three pages of text explaining a value chain if you can do so with a which deviates from this approach only slightly but has elements in it that I really diagram. The same can be said for many other sections of the plan as well. like. The Nuts & Bolts of Great Business Plans by Michael H. Morris can be found Identify at least three ways that for free online from a number of sites.

If your only differentiator is price, you’re in a market where profits either don’t exist or won’t exist for long. My favorite part is the “Forty Issues to Die For.” Here, forty questions/topics/ concerns (with a great deal of repetition between them) are presented as items to think through and address somewhere in your plan. Five stand out from the others and are worth dwelling on.

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companies are differentiating themselves in this industry.

If the only answer you can come up with is price, you’re in a market where profits either don’t exist or won’t exist for long. Ideally, you can easily identify three differentiators between competitors as well as your own. While you’re at, name the first three customers who will buy from you and why. This not only proves that you know the market but that your deviations from what is currently there are wanted.

What is the set of forces creating the opportunity? What is the likely window of opportunity?

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Whenever you hear of “unmet need” you have to wonder what the customer is spending their money on right now. Why is there an opportunity out there that no one else has chosen to fill and how long will it be before someone else does fill it? With legal protection in the form of patents, you can make a case that the window can stay open for quite a while. Barring that protection, you have to entertain the scenario that those currently filling the need will adapt to offer similar products/services to what you are proposing once the opportunity is recognized.

Develop a simple model of customer buying behavior for this product or service. How long is the buying process? Who is the decision-maker? Why do they buy? It is a high or low involvement purchase? How loyal are customers to existing vendors/products?

A diagram of the customer’s buying process from start to finish is invaluable for it

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can highlight areas where you excel or are weak. The diagram should show how the customer will learn of your product (website, friend, ad campaign), who they will consult with before making a purchase (parent, spouse, boss), how they will pay (charge card, purchase order, cash), how you will handle returns (online, in person), and so on. This topic crosses two sections of most plans – operations and marketing – and thus falls through the cracks of most.

A

THE RT OF PERSONAL SERVICE

Have you developed an integrated communications mix that matches your selling process to the customer’s buying process? Summarize the company’s complete mix of customer communications, including personal selling, advertising, sales promotion and publicity. Explain how they will be coordinated and managed as a mix.

All too often, the customer receives mixed messages. A coupon says something on it, but the website says something a bit different, and the company representative is contradicting the others. This inconsistency leads to confusion and uncertainty about whether or not you really know what you’re doing. Sometimes, you can’t help but have communication slip-ups in the real world, but there is no excuse for not being able to put on paper a plan for keeping them to a minimum. Having a documented plan in place shows that you are aware of the possibility of the problem, the seriousness of it, and the need to address it.

261-9000

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The answers to these five questions will help solidify a business plan, and help keep the business focused and on track. That makes The Nuts & Bolts of Great Business Plans worth reading, no matter how one feels about formulaic approaches. Emmett Dulaney teaches entrepreneurship and business at Anderson University.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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Ethics Bill Wilhelm

“Whistleblower” is not a ‘dirty’ word! Your code of ethics should encourage it In my business ethics courses I use a starter activity on the topic of whistleblowers. Each student writes on an index card the first thought that comes to mind when they see the word “whistleblower.” Invariably the majority of responses are negative, such as “tattle-tail,” “rat,” “fink,” and “spy.” There are usually a few responses such as “truth,” “moral,” and “good,” but they are always a minority. We have in our cultural DNA revulsion to the notion of our peers or colleagues “telling on” us to a superior authority. This revulsion is due to a misplaced loyalty to protect our friends or our colleagues from possible retribution. Empathy also plays a role because we do not want to be informed upon if we misbehave ourselves. We therefore feel guilty when we think about informing on another. But is this revulsion justifiable in a business setting where fraud and theft can cost businesses major monetary and reputational losses? I think we should encourage and facilitate whistleblowing in our organizations.

The Economic Argument

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, theft of money and

most common detection method, followed by management review and internal audit. This is compelling enough reason to encourage whistleblowing, yet it is shocking how it is often perceived and treated in business settings. A 2011 National Business Ethics Survey revealed that nearly half of U.S. employees observed a violation of the law or ethics standards at work. Among those who reported the misconduct, 22% said that they experienced some form of retaliation, like exclusion from decision and work activity by supervisors or managers, verbal abuse by supervisors, being passed up for promotions, and physical and psychological harassment. When all employees were asked whether they could question management without fear of retaliation, 19% said it was not safe to do so. Business owners and managers need to take heed of these statistics and focus attention on implementing non-retaliatory fraud reporting systems. The economic advantages are obvious given the two reports cited above, and the law also supports such programs. The revised Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations (FSGO)

Tips are by far the most common method of detecting fraud... tangible assets is the most common form of fraud, representing 90% of the cases and causing a median loss of $135,000. The study determined that tips were by far the

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stipulate that all organizations should have a formal system for employees to anonymously report potential criminal conduct without fear of retribution.

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Your whistleblower policy should be written into an organizational code of ethics, and employees at all levels need to be trained to use it. While examples of whistleblower policies can be found online and through many trade and industry associations, the components are quite straightforward:

Introduction

Articulates the importance of the whistleblower policy, how it fits with the code of ethics, its applicability to all levels of personnel, and its support at the highest level of the organization.

Reporting Channels

Although an employee’s supervisor may be the obvious first choice, anonymous alternatives should be offered in case the supervisors are perceived to be involved and, more importantly, when employees are fearful of reporting at all. Open-door policies to higher authorities are essential. Hotlines (voice and online) are very helpful as alternate reporting channels.

Feedback to Reporting Employee

The Compliance Officer must ensure that all complaints are given expedient attention and that the reporting employee is given prompt and regular feedback regarding the disposition of the case and any pending action.

No Retaliation

A clear statement about the rights and protections afforded the whistleblower needs to be made explicit. The policy should encourage employees to report violations internally to help preclude external reporting (such as to legal authorities or news me-


dia), which can prove more detrimental to the organization than if reported internally at the outset.

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers, by directive under FSGO, must have direct access to the highest authority in the organization, such as the audit committee of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. The Compliance Officer is often the chair of the audit committee.

Reporting in Good Faith

Individuals making knowingly false or malicious claims are severely detrimental to the integrity and morale in an organization, and such acts must in themselves be identified as violations of the code of ethics.

Anonymity and Confidentiality

Employees who report suspected violations directly to their supervisors or to another manager with an open-door policy cannot be guaranteed anonymity. They can, however, be assured of confidentiality. Revealing a reporting employee’s identity without that employee’s knowledge and permission should itself be a violation of the code of ethics. It can lead to retaliation on the whistleblower, which has resulted in innumerable lawsuits. A thorough investigation often requires confidentiality. Incorporating a whistleblower policy into your code of ethics will uphold the universal personal right to freedom of conscience. This freedom, articulated in U.S. organizational law as well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ensures employees the right to act on information that is contrary to good conscience and accepted practices of moral behavior. This right, when articulated into organizational codes of ethics and enforced at all levels in the organization, can prove to be monetarily and morally beneficial to any size organization. Dr. William J. Wilhelm teaches business ethics and social responsibility management courses at the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University, Reach him at wwilhelm@indstate.edu.

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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The Wright Stuff

Tom Wright and Don Larson

1970 -71 Wright Brothers Overland Stage Co. 1973

Tim Wright, Karl Hinkle, Tom

Wright 1982--83

r, Tom Steve Walke Tim Wright,

cDowell 1986

M Wright, John

By Deb Buehler

T

om and Tim Wright grew up with music. Their parents Connie and Bill both played instruments (the piano and guitar respectively) and the family sang and performed together in church.

inns were the place to play – Anderson’s Innterurban, and the State of Inndiana among others.

perform their first night for the person in charge of hiring bands for all 14 Ramada Inn show rooms.

Bill was a survey crew engineer who helped lay out I-465. In 1967, as he became more involved with the highway and bridge construction he moved his family to Fishers.

Not long after, they were approached by entrepreneur Ron Perry who saw their potential and suggested they put together an act. With Perry’s vision and marketing expertise it was easy to consider how they might really pursue a band career.

He hired The Wright Brothers Overland Stage Co. on the spot for all of the Ramada Inns. They were officially a road band.

Tom, the oldest of the Wright children, began his adult career in 1971 by performing with friend Don Larson. The duo called themselves “Synergy” and played regularly at the Bavarian Alpine Inn near the Indianapolis Airport and at a new north hotspot – the Stable Innfluence.

Tom said his parents were involved in early conversations. After all, the group would need to borrow money to move forward. “We were able to borrow money based on our relationship with a banker who loved the band,” he said. “We borrowed based on a stack of contracts. That’s all.”

While Tim was busy finishing high school, Tom was teaching for Hamilton Southeastern and performing with Synergy. By 1972, he and Don asked Tim to join them. At the time,

After they decided to go for it, the band went to Kokomo for three weeks where they put their act together. Tom explained that they assembled suits and equipment and learned how to perform. By the time they returned to Hamilton County they had become the Wright Brothers Overland Stage Company.

January 1983

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A big break

Not long after starting the band, a Ramada Inn opened on west 38th street with a restaurant called The Hanger. Hired as the opening act, the band happened to

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

“During the first five years, Ron Perry was a marketing genius,” Tom said. “It was unbelievable.” It was Perry’s idea to buy a truck for hauling all of the band’s equipment. He had the truck’s sides painted with the band name and a giant stage coach. Parked in front of every early venue across the country, the truck brought people in to hear the group play.

Career Highlights Performances with:

Dolly Parton Bob Hope Hee Haw Grand Ole’ Opry Dallas, Indianapolis and Minneapolis Symphony Orchestras

And at these venues:

Clowes Hall Starlight Musicals Emens Auditorium Fine hotels including the Bonaventure in LA, the Carlton Dinner Theater in Minneapolis and the Greenbrier in West Virginia

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With a growing following, things happened quickly. One of the band’s first big concerts was at Emens Auditorium in Muncie. It was followed by college campuses including a performance with Bob Hope at Mississippi State in 1974.

time, the brothers found that the business of being a band involved lots of expenses. But they were making a living in their dream jobs: performing full time without having to work day jobs.

Over the early years band members came and went including Don Larson, Karl Hinkle and John McDowell. The Wright brothers remained the constant of the band until they broke up in 1977.

“Nobody did this like we did,” Tom said. “With the truck and all our gear we were ahead of the game before we even struck a chord.”

Changes bring new opportunities

Five months after closing out The Wright Brothers Overland Stage Co., Tom and Tim joined forces again with Karl Hinkle and started playing under the name Wright Brothers in the spring of ’78. Later John McDowell rejoined and has now been the with the band for 32 of their 40 years. Business opportunities for bands were growing across the country; soon the Wright Brothers were being booked in hotels and casinos with large show rooms. From Opryland Hotel to Lake Tahoe to the Bonaventure in LA to the Carlton Dinner Theater in Minneapolis, the group started wintering away from Indiana. “We were only home about three months a year,” Tom explained. “It took a toll on everyone to be gone that much. When we were home there were lots of things to do.” The group’s home base continued to be Hamilton County though – it was an easy place to travel in and out of, and made sense to all of the members.

Music as business

The challenges of working in the music industry were many. In addition to being away from their families for extended periods of

And, though special bonds are common among band members, Tim feels the Wright Brothers bond was unique: “I think that treating everyone as an equal, and not just “hired sidemen” has been one of the ingredients that has allowed us to survive this long as a band.” Slowly the music industry began to change; during the ‘80’s major show rooms where bands performed were replaced by discos and comedy clubs. In the midst of changing music trends they still enjoyed surprising opportunities. 1987 brought the invitation for a cameo appearance as a band in a bar scene in the movie Overboard with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. The band spent the 80’s in Nashville, seeking that big break, but although they got close, they never did record a hit record. Says Tim, “That is when we chose to get off the road. With no records on the radio, there was no reason to be away from our families 265 days a year any longer.” All of the changes brought challenges and opportunities for each band member. Today both Tom and Tim have solo careers. You may find Tom performing at Jazz Squared in Noblesville on a summer night or Tim as a part of a bluegrass trio.

40 years and counting

“The years have passed so fast,” exclaimed Tom. “I know its cliché to say, but it’s true. When we get together now, we still act like the boys we were. We tease and call each other the same nicknames.”

Early success permitted the Wright Brothers Overland Stage Company to purchase advanced musical equipment and a promotional truck, photographed here in the early 70s in the desert near Tucson, AZ

Early special effects The Wright Brothers Overland Stage Co. became known for a signature piece the band performed at the end of every show. The song Dawson and the Rainmaker had extravagant special affects for the ‘70s – the stage rocked by a thunderstorm rolling in. People may not have remembered the name of the band – but they did remember the music and special effects! He went on to say that Hamilton County and Carmel have been good friends to the Wright Brothers. Hamilton County has been home, refuge and launching pad for their careers in music. “Starting at Steckley’s Old House to playing at Carmel Fest to playing for a sold out house at the Palladium and being Grand Marshals of the 4th of July Parade in 2011, Hamilton County has been home.” And Tim has no regrets. “We chose to enter a field that is pretty much a gamble: no union guarantees, no pension plans, no medical insurance, no golden umbrella - just your own determination to make it where few succeed in a big way. We’ve been able to make a living and provide for our families just because we love to play those guitars and sing songs. That is a certain kind of success that I may not be totally content with, but very thankful for. So, I continue to go to Nashville, recording with session players there and writing songs that may one day just complete the story - a hit song on the radio.” v

Left to Right - John McDowell, Tom Wright, Ron Perry, Tim Wright front - Steve Walker, Rex Thomas - 1975 Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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Profile: Harold Kaiser

One of a

Kind

I

Carmel Chamber names its Lifetime Achievement Award for Harold Kaiser

By Jeff Curts photos by Mark Lee

It seems like something out of a movie or a fictional novel. Yet, the real-life story of Harold Kaiser is very real, balancing a life filled with both service to the community and his fellow man. Feted recently by the Carmel Chamber of Commerce with a Lifetime Achievement Award named in his honor, Harold admitted he was shocked and “almost had a heart attack” when presented with the recent award in a ceremony so secretive that his wife and Kaiser reflected on his wide-ranging real estate career daughter-in-law didn’t attend, so as not to tip off the surprise. that helped transform Carmel from a sleepy, nondescript town to a bustling metropolis. He recalled Asked about the growth of Carmel, Harold’s bullish on the development, he in earlier attempts to form a chamber in the early 60’s part, helped to create. “It’s wonderful. The leadership has made us prominent with a group of Carmel business associates when in the world with the arts center. The only downside is traffic. It takes longer the community’s population hovered slightly above to get around.” He chuckled about a recent complaint regarding the congestion 1,000. As the organizers approached area merchants, when traveling with friends. “They said to me, Realtors started the whole thing.” Kaiser said they were heartily rebuffed. “Of the Along the same lines, Kaiser supports the idea of implementing mass transit, but 10-12 businesses we spoke with, they all told us they cautions that Carmel needs to keep its citizens shopping local to support homehad enough business and didn’t need a chamber.” grown merchants. Not one to easily give up on a good idea, Kaiser and his group persevered, officially launching the The Early Years organization in 1970 when the city’s population Kaiser began his decades long real estate career innocently enough. After had swelled to 6,500. Harold served as a board finishing high school and working in a Noblesville bank, he served in World member and treasurer for many years, beginning War 2. Upon returning, he took a job in Indianapolis where he became acquainthis 41-year association with the chamber. His selfless ed with a co-worker who dabbled in real estate on the side. Fascinated with the attitude prevented him from serving as President, as industry he describes as “a people business” and knowing he wanted to operhe wintered in Florida and didn’t want to shirk the ate his own company, Harold devised a plan to make his dreams a reality. He responsibility of being available on a full-time basis accepted a part-time position as a rural mail carrier to increase his knowledge to members and associates. At 91, he regularly and of the area and used his spare time to pursue his real estate license, which he faithfully attends the monthly meetings, though he obtained in 1955. admits the faces are becoming “less familiar.”

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April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine


Photo courtesy Carmel Chamber

With the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award

With son, Craig

Harold opened Kaiser Real Estate in 1960 with a clear vision to provide professional real estate services in the growing Carmel and Hamilton County community. Located at the corner of Range Line Rd. and Main Street, he remained there for 25 years until a lack of available parking necessitated a move. Continuing his civic involvement, he also helped create the Hamilton County Realtors Association, where he served as the group’s first chair and later was named “Realtor of the Year.” Harold ran the business until turning things over to son Craig in the early 80’s. The Kaiser family tradition still continues today as Coldwell Banker Kaiser consistently ranks near the top of residential real estate agencies each year in the Indianapolis and Carmel area.

did things, so I learned early on the proper way to conduct myself. People were always telling me things my dad was doing, and it made me proud. He cut a path for others to follow, yet always kept his ethics and did things the right way.” For his part, Harold says Craig, who upon graduation from Butler changed his mind from pursuing a law career to joining the family business “has taken the company to heights I had never foreseen.”

As father and son shared a moment together in the offices recently, it was evident there was mutual respect and admiration. “Dad has always led by example,” offered Craig. “Active in the church, active in the community, and active in business was the way he

A Community Man

But career success alone doesn’t define Harold Kaiser. He believes in giving back to the community. For 25 years, he was a fixture at the information desk at Carmel’s St. Vincent Hospital, a role he cherished and approached with the same dedication as the real estate business. A self-described “people person” who loves to talk, he loved meeting and talking with new people and the variety

of the position. “It was something different each day,” he stated fondly. Harold also found time to be involved with other organizations, including the Kiwanis, Carmel Friends Church, and the Masonic Temple. When he isn’t tending to business or donating his time to a good cause, Harold and his wife of 70 years, Ermina, have enjoyed traveling the world, especially on cruise ships. The Kaisers were once away for 55 days. He’s finally decided to slow down and cut back on some of his extra-curricular activities. The pace is slower, and the days are spent visiting with family and friends, as well as an occasional visit to the office and the monthly chamber meetings. Looking back, for someone who grew up in the midst of the Great Depression, Kaiser proudly states, “it’s been a wonderful life.” v

Hamilton County’s Only Locally Owned Bank 830 Logan Street • Noblesville • 773-0800 8 Convenient Hamilton County Locations cbindianaonline.com Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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Focus: Health and Wellness

When Health Care is out of Reach Free clinics fill prescription for county’s uninsured by Rosalyn Demaree photos by Mark Lee

H

Hamilton County’s free clinics are so busy they struggle to close at the end of the day due to the number of patients needing care. Trinity Free Clinic in Carmel, Hope Family Care Center in Cicero, and Heart and Soul Clinic in Westfield saw around 4,200 patients last year. They were people in pain from acute conditions − sore throats, infections, injuries − and a chronic problem: no health insurance. Demand is sure to grow.

The majority (of the people we see) are the working poor, people who never before had to access free or reduced care. - Maggie Charnoski, Executive Director, Trinity Free Clinic

“The majority of people we saw at first were from a cycle of poverty,” said Maggie Charnoski, director of Trinity, open since October 2000 when it saw 500-plus patients in the first 18 months. “Now the majority are the working poor, people who never before

16 16

had access to free or reduced care. They ran businesses and had staffs.” It’s humbling for people to admit they can’t afford health care. Patients’ appreciation is equally humbling to the mostly volunteer staffs. An unemployed couple needing physicals for job applications, for instance, donated $15 a month to Trinity for about eight months after they started working. “Patients are so grateful we’re here,” said Sandy Kirsch, Heart and Soul president and executive director. She recalls one turned away by 22 doctors who wouldn’t give her an appointment because she was on Medicaid.

Trinity Clinic, Carmel

Hope Clinic, Cicero

“And that’s what’s going to happen more,” Kirsch predicted. “Medicaid doesn’t pay doctors enough to cover the costs.” The number of patients Hope saw in January and February this year tripled the number seen the first two months of 2011. Despite the demand, each clinic wants to help more people.

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine June • July 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Heart and Soul Clinic, Westfield


Each wants more help, too. Including those who do clerical and maintenance jobs, Heart and Soul and Hope have about 30 volunteers apiece. Trinity has more than 500, but with its specialty care for vision, podiatry and other practices, they are stretched to have enough. Particularly needed are Arabic, Japanese, Chinese and Russian translators.

Making patients comfortable

If your mental picture of a free clinic is a ramshackle building where clean needles and birth control are distributed, erase that 1960s image. These clinics are in attractive, comfortable buildings; their care mimics what primary care offices provide. Hope and Heart and Soul resemble country doctor offices. They’re in cottage-like homes that have converted living rooms to

Sandy Kirsch with patient Mike Thorburn, Heart and Soul Clinic

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Front Desk, Hope Clinic

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When you need emergency care, St.Vincent has you covered with three ERs in Hamilton County. Visit St.Vincent Carmel Hospital, St.Vincent Medical Center Northeast or St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana*— 24/7. Because when you have an emergency, we’re right where you need us. *Heart emergencies only

Treating patient at Hope Clinic Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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Plaque outside front door, Trinity Free Clinic

reception areas, bedrooms to exam rooms. Furnishings are welcoming, a far cry from institutional. For four years, Hope used Cicero Christian Church classrooms, moving exam tables in and desks out each time the clinic was open, said Mike Jenkins, board president. When it opened its own facility in 2010, a couple of full-time staff were hired. Its nurse practitioner, volunteer nurses and doctor accept patients from any county. A $5 donation is requested, but no one is turned down and staff ensures that patients will have enough money for low-cost prescriptions before they make a donation. Through Reach Out and Read, every child leaves Hope with a book.

Front Desk, Heart and Soul Clinic

The newest clinic, Heart and Soul, has operated from a city-owned building in Westfield since late 2009. Its birth came when Kirsch, an RN who had been working for a social services agency, “got a nagging feeling that God had something he wanted me to do.” Among the first patients was a man with diabetes. He’d not had his blood sugar tested for three years when he first appeared at the clinic. Renovating the building that was slated to be razed was the biggest obstacle to opening. Volunteers came from as far as Brownsburg

to knock down walls, paint and tear out linoleum. An enclosed porch became a play room, and three exam rooms were created. As at Trinity, Heart and Soul doesn’t request a donation and limits its care to county residents. Patients are uninsured or pay such high deductibles they can’t afford visits for routine services like blood pressure checks. Trinity opened in 2000 by using Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School classrooms. The first week, it had 15 patients. It later converted a convent into a standalone clinic, and last

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April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine


Hope Clinic Mike Jenkins weighs in at Hope Clinic

year relocated to a building it shares with a pantry. It has six medical exam rooms, six dental exam rooms, rooms for podiatry, vision and other specialty services, a chapel, and pharmacy. In 2011, it had more than 3,500 patient visits. Funding is a constant challenge for all three clinics, which depend largely on business and personal contributions, foundation grants, and proceeds of fundraisers that include a 5K, a tea and fashion show, and a gift card program. Hope and Trinity also get substantial support from their founding churches.

Finding free care

The county’s free clinics see patients on a first-come, first-served basis. They offer similar care to treat minor illnesses and non-emergency needs, including physicals. Heart and Soul plans to add vaccinations this year; they are available now at Hope and Trinity. Grants, donations and fundraisers support the clinics. For information, visit their websites.

Heart and Soul Clinic

Open 9 a.m.-noon, second and fourth Saturday of the month 202 Penn St., Westfield (317) 804-5782 ~ www.HeartAndSoulClinic.org

Hope Family Care Center

Open 9 a.m.-noon, first and third Saturday of the month 270 W. Jackson St., Cicero (317) 984-3444 ~ www.HopeFamilyCare.org

Trinity Free Clinic

Open 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday. Call about

specialty clinics for vision, foot, asthma/allergy and women’s health care. 1045 W. 146th St., Carmel (317) 819-0772 ~ www.TrinityFreeClinic.org

Expanded care planned

While demand for medical care has been great, the call for dental care has been explosive. About half of Trinity’s patients last year required a dentist “The need is astronomical,” said Joannie Kinnamon, a nurse who proposed starting the dental clinic. “People are in pain, and oral health affects the whole body.” She tells the gruesome story of a man who developed an abscess. The hurt was so excruciating, he used a toothpick to puncture his swollen, aching gums. Kinnamon would like to see the dental clinic provide preventative care, but people in pain are the priority. Patients sometimes get turned away. “We can’t keep up with the need,” Kinnamon added. Hope will open a dental clinic this year, and the folks at Trinity stand ready to refer patients to it. Kokomo dentist Dr. Walter Brown has joined the Hope board and is guiding the dental practice’s development. He explains that furnishing a dental office requires a great deal of costly equipment that needs plumbing and other hook-ups. Cicero Christian Church members skilled in trades are doing much of the work. Jenkins explained that the church and its clinic have a goal to be open eight hours a day, five days a week with a full-time staff of nurse practitioners and assistants. It may take 10 years, he said, but “I think that we can meet the goal.” For patients without insurance and in pain, that day can’t come soon enough. v Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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Guest Column Tiffany Lunsford

It All Starts with the Salesperson

Here are five tips to ensure your sales process delivers results Maybe you’re the person who hates to be sold something. Maybe you’re the person that thinks sales might be your next job. Or maybe you’re the business owner trying to figure out the best way to guide your team. Regardless of your position or title, we are all aware of the sales stereotype: we are pushy, obnoxious, harassing, dishonest etc. Not all sales associates are evil people and I’m here to tell you that if you are in sales, you don’t have to be any of those things to win the race! While we face the constant pressure to stay on top of the mountain, there is always a time and place to step back and evaluate our methods. Here’s what I have found to be the foundation of a successful sales career. Take a dive into my perspective. Position yourself as an expert and a consultant. Gain a deeper understanding of your prospect’s wants, needs, and concerns before trying to sell them anything. This gives your recommendation credibility. With this information you can build a custom

If you need instant gratification, this is not the opportunity for you. solution instead of a generic one. One size does not fit all! It’s easier to put your arm around someone and guide them than it is to push and pull them uphill. Regardless of the amount of money a person is spending, in this economy it is hard to part with. Be sensitive to that fact and know that trust is

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the key to building a successful relationship. You never want price to be the deciding factor. Instead learn how to sell value. Flawless performance gains customer loyalty. Don’t step forward with the mind set, “just sell it and figure it out later”. In today’s economy and business environment the details count. Your goal should not be to make a quick buck, but to gain customer loyalty. Sales associates have a tendency to want to over promise and under deliver. Out of desperation, we want to make false guarantees. We want to say or do anything to get the “pink inked.” Not only is this damaging to your reputation, but when it comes time to renew or purchase new, those clients will not return to you based on their experience. Sell yourself as well as your product or service. Know that the customer not only buys the product or service but they are buying you as the face of the company. Be honest and never sacrifice your integrity. Your character should not have a price tag! Keep this in mind: Do you want to have to hide in the local grocery store because you happen to bump into the owner of a company you failed to provide what you promised? In the past, we’ve always had to be concerned with news traveling fast by word of mouth. Today, we’ve added social media to the mix. If someone has a bad experience they instantly “post” about it in the height of their fury. No one, in any industry, can afford any type of negative impact. Also, do not sell a client and then disappear; that only gives the customer buyer’s remorse. Make sure you check in with them during and/or after the delivery or installation. You want to continue to build that relationship. If you skip this step it’s like biting the hand that feeds you!

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Get creative and be passionate about what you can bring to the table. I try to remember that my position is what brings income into the business. Have pride in the thought of taking ownership. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Statistically, you will be rejected much more than you will actually gain a sale. If you need instant gratification, this is not the opportunity for you. Patience and persistence are two of the most valuable skills to learn. There is power in your attitude! It’s important to wear a thick skin and many hats! The best advice I’ve ever received pertaining to my career was to “listen to what they mean, not what they say.” This is especially useful when overcoming objections. Everyone’s initial reaction is to say no. We’re taught to have the mindset to be skeptical. It is so important to empower yourself with as many tools and skills as possible so that you can handle this delicate piece of the sales cycle. Sales is not a true career opportunity unless you truly embrace it. If you strive to be average, you most likely will not survive. Find what motivates you and force yourself to face it every day. For me, I am a visual person. So looking at my goal hanging on the wall daily is a constant reminder of what I need to accomplish and drives me to perform daily activities. Do what you need to do to keep yourself on target. There is a reason that sales is one of the most difficult careers to pursue but it is also one of the most rewarding opportunities. I hope some of my tips and tools are applicable and will help you advance your career to the next level. Happy Selling! Tiffany Lunsford is a Xerox Account Associate at Indiana Business Solutions


Welcome thousands of Hamilton County visitors to your business

The annual Welcome to Hamilton County Visitors Guide is distributed to hotels, visitors centers, and dozens of other locations all year long.

Start Your MBA Now Going to graduate school was a big step. Sharmila made it easy. At Indiana Tech, my personal admissions representative guided me through enrollment and connected me with all the right people. She even showed me how I could mix of online and classroom courses. If you’re thinking about earning a master’s degree, take that first step at Indiana Tech.

Call Gloria or Duncan at 317.863.3450 for graduate classes forming now in Fishers and online.

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Three preferred caterers to suit any taste or budget. Let them create a menu to perfectly complement your event.

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

Photo by Rick Walton Photography

or email for more info: mcorbett@hamiltoncountybusiness.com

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Management Charles Waldo

Do You Kaizen?

Continuous Improvement can be your Competitive Advantage I suspect that you have heard of the term “Kaizen.” But I also suspect you have but a passing acquaintance with its true meaning and underlying power. I didn’t have a clue back in 1989 when “Joe” Maasumi slapped a copy of Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success, by Masaaki Imai, on the table in front of me. Joe was the GM of a Japanese transplant, brought to Indiana to supply key electronic components to Toyota’s Camry assembly plant in Georgetown, KY. I was reviewing the supervisory development training I had just done for Joe’s plant when he asked me to read the book and teach Kaizen to his associates. With that I was off and running.

…the supervisors and engineers had a harder time adjusting away from their traditional roles than the front line workers. Some people know Kaizen as “constant improvements,” “incremental improvements,” “operating lean,” and so on, but it’s more than that. It’s a single term that carries a lot of meaning when fully understood. Specifically, “Kaizen” defines improvements which: 1) Are very small and incremental 2) Are derived and implemented by frontline workers or small teams 3) Are applied just to the employee’s own work site

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4) Cost very little or nothing to develop and implement 5) Can be quickly tried out with little or no red tape 6) Carry little risk (psychologically to the worker or financially to the company) 7) Are done throughout the organization, not just in the manufacturing arm. Kaizen can be done in all types and sizes of organizations, for-profit and not-forprofit. The foundations for developing a successful Kaizen culture revolve around these beliefs: A) Everything the company does and produces can – and must – constantly change and improve if they are to stay competitive B) Quality (delivering what the customer wants and expects) trumps Quantity; C) A bone-deep belief by managers that workers can and will come up with plenty of ideas for improvement if given the chance, training, tools, and rewards D) Motivational rewards are much more psychological (recognition, “atta boys,” etc.) than financial E) The role of supervisors and engineers is to help workers develop and implement their ideas rather than impede them F) The improvement system must be easy to understand and implement. As we implemented Kaizen, we found the front line workers, mostly women from nearby small towns and farms, got the message at once, loved the idea of having some control over their work place and process, and liked actually being listened to. The suggestions, and there were some

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

great ones, started to flow at once. Frankly, the supervisors and engineers had a harder time adjusting away from their traditional roles of being the “experts” and “bosses” to one of being “assistants to.” I found this phenomenon in virtually every company with which I later consulted. In some cases supervisors just couldn’t give up their control and tried to sabotage the new system. They weren’t around too long. I even had the president of a small company sabotage the effort because he felt he had all the brains and all he wanted from his workforce was their brawn. I didn’t stick around very long. Twenty years ago most American firms aimed for big returns on each suggestion while most Japanese transplants focused on a constant stream of Kaizens….incremental changes and returns. Today, more U.S. organizations have gotten on board but I sense they still prefer swinging for the “home run” improvement while Toyota, Honda, and their suppliers plug along with a constant stream of “singles” which, over time, pile up.

The Payoff

In terms of measureable, hard savings, “home runs” do generate much larger savings per adoption, perhaps 20 or 30 times as much as each adopted Kaizen. But the total number of measureable Kaizens adopted add up to overwhelm the “home runs” by 20 to 30 times overall. What doesn’t show up in the financials is the positive impact of “soft Kaizens” – those improvements related to safety, convenience, morale, fatigue, and so on that can’t be measured in dollars but


common sense says they are good for workers and lead indirectly to higher quality and lower costs. The good firms I worked with, both Japanese and American, regard these “soft” factors as just as important to contributing to overall quality as “hard Kaizens.”

people person and the Kaizen culture began to peter out. Quality began to drop and product shipment dates began to be missed. Toyota soon pulled half their production and the decline in quality prevented the plant from picking up new business elsewhere.

plant manager started Kaizen at his new operation and I had the pleasure of providing training assistance.

Space limits going any deeper here. If you want to learn more about the philosophy and practice of Kaizen, grab one of the many books available and start reading. A few suggestions are: Masaaki Imai’s Kaizen mentioned at the beginning of this article; How to do Kaizen, by Bunji Tozana and Norman Bodack; The Toyota Way by Jeffrey Likert; and Kaizen Teian 1 and 2 from Productivity Press. The Employee Involvement Association is a good source of experiences and ideas from American practitioners.

Now the plant is closed and with it over 300 U.S. jobs are gone. The GM returned to Japan for early retirement. The former

Dr. Charles Waldo is a retired Professor of Marketing at Anderson University’s Falls School of Business

A Warning

Many readers will find Kaizen intuitively appealing. But it’s a philosophical and cultural thing before a practice thing, often a major shift. Employees usually love Kaizen and jump in with both feet but it will be disasterville if management just gives lip service and really operates in its traditional bureaucratic or authoritarian ways. Finally, Kaizen can’t start as a “program” since programs have beginnings and endings. Kaizen must become part of “what the organization is.” It is not easy. Those who initiate the Kaizen effort often move on or retire. If their replacements are not also of a Kaizen mind-set, the organization will over time revert to a traditional, bureaucratic or autocratic operating mode. I saw this happen at my first Kaizen client when Joe headed back to Japan after three years and employees were averaging over 24 implemented Kaizens per worker per year. The #2 person, an American, took a job with another company to start Kaizen there. His American replacement was promoted from within, knew and bought into Kaizen, and was ready to carry on. Unfortunately, Joe’s Japanese GM replacement was not a

Do you want to try Kaizen? It takes committed, tenacious, people-centered leadership. Do you have it? Only time and effort will tell. Good luck.

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Dining Out Dining by Design Blu Moon Cafe By Chris Owens

T

he Indiana Design Center is home to designers, artists, and by their own website’s description, “there’s inspiration around every corner.” I found myself there recently on a random Tuesday afternoon to talk with Shelley Jordan, co-owner and founder of Blu Moon Café. The Center’s only restaurant is housed on the south end of the building located on Range Line Road, within the Carmel Arts and Design District. In a building so full of creativity, ideas and activity, the café served as a nice reprieve during a crazy day as I enjoyed a cup of coffee, listening to Eric Clapton’s Third Degree playing through their speakers, while I worked away from the office. Shelley and her husband Brian met in culinary school in Charleston, South Carolina. Their background is extensive in the food service industry and their training is very formal, both having graduated from Johnson & Wales University. The couple’s career paths have taken them from high end dining and wineries to catering and restaurant sales through other various positions. When it came time to start their family, they landed in Noblesville seven years ago. At that time they opened Logan Street Marketplace. That is where I first met Shelley and quickly became acquainted with their food. I was always impressed with the

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variety and freshness. Two years ago, Pedcor, the developer of the Indiana Design Center, approached the Jordan’s and Blu Moon Café came to life. Brian and Shelley operated the two restaurants simultaneously for almost a year before moving to Carmel full time. The Blu Moon Café concept differs a little from the original store. Where Noblesville was more of a family setting, Carmel is more of a contemporary place with a faster pace and different feel. The driving force behind both locations is a diverse menu with local food. The move from Noblesville, where the couple lives, presented some challenges, but has accounted for growth and expansion from, in Shelley’s words “a one person shop” to a full winter staff of ten with potential additions this summer.

The greatest compliment I could pay them is directly related to the quality and freshness of the food they serve. It’s top of mind and they clearly get how important that is. In Shelley’s words “what sets us apart from every other restaurant is that every single thing is made in-house. All of our bread is made in-house. All of our desserts are made in-house. We make our mayonnaise and everything is made here. That’s our biggest thing; I want to go as fresh as possible because that’s how we eat. I want to make sure everyone else that comes in enjoys that like we do.”

Edamame Salad

The menu has expanded as well. It is ever evolving, having recently been expanded with lunch options. Newer breakfast choices coming soon will feature as much local produce as possible. No dish, sandwich, or salad is permanent and all are subject to change if warranted by customer reaction or a new inspiration. Blu Moon Café also offers catering. I attended one of their catered events and ended up using them to cater an event of my own with outstanding reaction from our guests. Their services vary from event catering to an impressive lunch catering option perfect for an office appreciation lunch and more.

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the couple open a similar café elsewhere in the near future or maybe even a new concept offering the same level of service and same quality of food. Find Blu Moon Café online at blumooneats.com or look for pictures and menus on Facebook.



The Pitch-In

Notes from all over the county… Governor Daniels is suggesting a strategy known as contractor financing that would speed up the construction of US31 in Hamilton County. The proposal would bundle the remaining work into one contract and accelerate construction so the project would be completed by the end of 2015, three years early. St. Vincent Health was identified in the Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals: 15 Top Health Systems study as one of 15 best health systems in the nation, the only one in Indiana and the Midwest to be honored in the large health system group. Legacy Fund announced the following board changes: Peggy Monson, Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, elected Board Chair; Corby Thompson, Thompson Land Company, elected Vice-Chair; Ann O’Hara, Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim elected Secretary; and Mike Daugherty, Key Private Bank, named Treasurer. Larry Sablosky, retiring chair, remains on the board as Past Chair. The Town of Atlanta received a $600,000 Community Focus Fund grant for the installation of a storm water system. The City of Carmel released Carmel ‘round about right, a coffee table book about its growth and development. The book is available in book stores and at www. carmelbook.com. Hubbard and Cravens Coffee Company, The Bike Line and Jack & Jill Children’s Shoppe are opening in Carmel City Center. In the Arts and Design District, Atlas Fantasy Art House, a three-story art gallery specializing in Science Fiction and fantasy art opened on Main St. and Harrison Co, a store specializing in fine jewelry opened in Sophia Square.

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Campbell Kyle Proffitt was selected as general counsel for the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA), the quasi-governmental organization working on a mass transit plan. Conner Station Pub and Eatery is opening in mid-April on the corner of Conner and 9th St. on Noblesville’s Square. HG Studio (hair stylist) is moving to Logan St. downtown from the Big Lots Plaza on Conner St. The Fishers Chamber of Commerce presented the 10th Annual Pillar Awards. Business of the Year: St. Louis DeMontfort Catholic School Small Business of the Year: Express Employment Professionals Entrepreneurial Spirit: Herbal Art Employee of the Year: Jenny Bruce, Defur Voran Lifetime Achievement Award: Bert Cook, Fishers Do-It Center Carmel based Current Publishing is expanding its footprint to Boone County. Its weekly tabloid newspapers are mailed to households in Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville and Fishers in Hamilton County and will now also mail to Zionsville, for a total distribution of 104,339. Save Our Veterans (SOV), a non-profit organization that helps homeless and unemployed veterans get a fresh start, is planning a Hamilton County Spring Fashion Show April 14. More a LocalSpringFashion.com First Merchants Bank acquired the assets of SCB Bank of Shelby County after SCB was shut down by federal regulators. Its four locations will become First Merchants Banks. Westfield–based IMMI is expanding its Burrton, Kansas location, adding 30 jobs after the Collins Bus Co. agreed to make its SafeGuard XChange™ seats standard on all its School buses.

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

The Entrepreneurship Advancement Center is sponsoring its third annual Business Plan Competition. Registration deadline is April 16. More at www.goentrepreneurs.org. A new trade group called the Technology Association of Hamilton County, is forming to help elevate technology’s presence in the marketplace and create opportunities to help member companies grow. Any business where technology is a vital part of its service or operating structure is welcome to join. More info: Jeff Burt, Hamilton County Alliance (317) 573-4950. The Carmel Clay Historical Society and the City of Carmel are hosting a Founders Day Dinner Gala April 13 at the Ritz Charles to celebrate the city’s 175th anniversary. Steve Inskeep, host of NPR’s program Steve Inskeep Morning Edition, and Carmel High School grad, will be the guest speaker. More at www.carmel175.org. Challenger, Gray and Christmas, a national outplacement firm, reports 2011 was dismal year for start up businesses among unemployed managers and executives. A record low of about 3% of job seekers in that category started businesses last year, half the rate of even the dot.com bust in 2001. It blames the inactivity on a miserable business environment but sees promise in 2012. CGC also notes that the just 7.5% of job seekers finding employment relocated for their new positions in the second half of 2011. That’s a near record low and half the normal rate during a healthy economy. The firm blames that on the still struggling housing market, as employees are unable to sell their undervalued homes and the labor market isn’t tight enough that new employers are willing to cover the shortfall. Both findings are based on interviews with 3000 job seekers.


County-Wide Monthly Luncheon in April

Interview

By Mike Corbett On April 18, all six Hamilton County Chambers of Commerce will hold the first ever county-wide luncheon at the Oak Hill Mansion in Carmel. The topic? Regional collaboration. I got a preview from our Hamilton County Business Magazine: Regional collaboration is a big subject. How does it apply to the six chambers in Hamilton County?

presenter Ted Abernathy, Executive Director of the Southern Growth Policies Board, a think tank that provides economic development research and advice for 13 Southern states.

or relocate the top factors they consider are not usually confined to a political boundary. Labor markets, infrastructure, supply chains, even the overall cost of doing business are regional in nature. So we know we need to work Ted Abernathy: Both retogether, to collaborate, but we are all learning gionalism and collaborative how best to do it. leadership are big topics, especially in the economic Groups like the chambers in Hamilton County, development world. Some once they know they want to collaborate, have of the talk is driven by the to decide on the what, and how, and the who. need to look for new ideas I plan to share some thoughts on what has and tough times, but I think the main driver worked in other places and where the probis the changing competitive environment that lems are hidden. we are all facing. HCBM: I can see how the county would The biggest topic among Americans today have more to offer than an individual commuis the search for future jobs. Today, when nity. Can you give me an example of problems companies are deciding where to stay, expand that arise?

Abernathy: Lack of specific roles and unachievable expectations are usually two big ones. HCBM: Can you give us an idea of what kind of expectations the individual communities could have if they took a regional approach? Abernathy: Not until I do a little research‌ In general branding is easier, lobbying the state for priorities is easier and there can be efficiencies in service delivery. HCBM: What are the biggest barriers to regional cooperation? Abernathy: Usually resources and something specific to cooperate on. v

Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

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News & Updates April & May Events April

May

April 18:

April 26:

Monthly Luncheon - All Hamilton County Chambers 12 to 1:30 p.m. | Mansion at Oak Hill (details below)

May 9:

Monthly Luncheon 12 to 1:30 p.m. | The Fountains

May 10: Network Breakfast - All Hamilton County Chambers 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Bridgewater Club Business After Hours - Joint Event w/Indy & Fishers 5 to 7 p.m. | Prairie View Golf Club May 10: Arrows Young Professionals After Hours Network 5 p.m. | Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre

Events are subject to change. Visit carmelchamber.com for updates and to register for events.

All-County Chamber Luncheon Wednesday, April 18 | 12 to 1:30 p.m. Mansion at Oak Hill

May 17: Arrows Young Professionals Lunch & Learn 12 to 1:30 p.m. | Location tba

New Members Welcomed at January Luncheon (l. to r.) David Bowers, Centier Bank

The six Hamilton County Chambers welcome Ted Abernathy, Executive Director of the Southern Growth Policies Board, to their first joint luncheon.

Sarah Reynolds, ITEX

Abernathy will speak on collaborative efforts, global economic trends and changing leadership models. His 32-year economic development career has included work for cities, counties, regions and the private sector.

Jenn Kampmeier, EventzPlus Janet Pillsbury, My Toy Garden

Chamber members and non-members are invited to attend. Space is limited, and reservations are required. $18 for members of any Hamilton County Chamber $25 for non-members

Ribbon Cutting

Reservations: 317.846.1049 or carmelchamber.com

New Carmel Chamber Members ADDBAC American China Society of Indiana Atlas Fantasy Art House B&W Plumbing & Heating Braden Business Systems Carmel American Legion Post #155 Community Management Services Inc. Construction Process Solutions Ltd. Diabco Life Sciences LLC Dreamtime Dental Dunbar, Cook & Shepard P.C. Environmental Laboratories, Inc. Fetch! Pet Care Finance Center Federal Credit Union Home Services Unlimited/Etelcare Hunter Law Office ITEX in Indiana - The Cashless Marketplace

Kohler Realty ModSpace - Mobile & Modular Office Rental Mueller Consulting Group, Inc. My Mobile Fans Platinum Financial Recruiting Scentsy Wickless Dianna Napariu School of Rock Sullivan’s Steakhouse Swan Software Solutions LLC TechPro The Local Eatery and Pub The Next Step TRIphase Technologies ValuScript Pharmacy

ValuScript Pharmacy 102 E. Carmel Dr.

Interested in growing your business? Join the Carmel Chamber today and enjoy . . . Access to informative speakers & educational programs Networking & promotional opportunities | Exclusive member referral service | Voice in business issues | YP Group

We’ve moved! Our new address is . . . 21 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 300A | Carmel, IN 46032

carmelchamber.com  317.846.1049  21 S. Rangeline Rd., #300A  Carmel

28

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine


EVENTS

and

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome New

2012 CALENDAR of EVENTS APRIL

11th/Wed Morning Motivator Networking and More Breakfast 8:00am-9:30am ($10 pre-paid and pre-registration only) Hilton Garden Inn 9785 North by Northeast Blvd. 12th/Thurs Navigating the Chamber (no fee; please RSVP) 3:00pm-4:00pm Informational session for new members, and new and current contacts Fishers Train Station 11601 Municipal Dr. 13th/Fri Lunch and Learn 11:30am-1:00pm ($29 members; $49 non-members) Motivational Leadership/Dale Carnegie Team Indiana Tech, Fishers Campus 10765 Lantern Rd. 16th/Mon Legislative Breakfast 7:30am-9:00am ($15 members; $20 non-members) Mansion at Oak Hill 5801 E. 116th St. SE corner of Hazel Dell Pkwy & 116th St. 18th/Wed Monthly Luncheon* All Hamilton County Chambers Presenter: Ted Abernathy “Economics and Competitiveness” ($18 pre-paid members; $25 non-members) 12:00pm-1:30pm Mansion at Oak Hill 5801 E. 116th St. SE corner of Hazel Dell Pkwy & 116th St. 25th/Wed Business After Hours (no fee) 4:30pm-6:30pm Stratosphere Quality, LLC 12024 Exit Five Pkwy.

MAY

10th/Thurs Lunch and Learn 11:30am-1:00pm ($10 members; $15 non-members) Business Valuation CliftonLarsonAllen Fishers Train Station 11601 Municipal Dr.

Lee Clouse Community Mgmt Svcs

Marcus Colson Interface Financial Group

Mike Garvey Blue Key Technology

10th/Thurs Navigating the Chamber (no fee; please RSVP) 3:00pm-4:00pm Informational session for new members, and new and current contacts Fishers Train Station 11601 Municipal Dr.

Hannah Jess Drury Suites

Brad Kline Haute Taste Catering

Jessica Lyons Pinheads

16th/Wed Monthly Luncheon ($20 pre-paid members; $25 non-members) 11:30am-1:00pm Clark Kellogg, Indiana Pacers Basketball Analyst CBS Sports FORUM Conference Center 11313 USA Pkwy.

Todd McBride

Shanna Oh

Nick Robinson Blue Key Technology

Gus Rojas Five Star Catering

Stephanie Torr The Hagerman Group

John Wright

17th/Thurs Spring Fling Fishers & Noblesville Chambers (no fee) 5:00pm-7:00pm Logan Street Signs 1720 S. 10th St., Noblesville 23rd/Wed Business After Hours (no fee) 4:30pm-6:30pm IU Health Saxony Hospital 13000 E. 136th St. (I-69/Exit 10)

Evolution Business Solutions Old National Bank

Not interested in playing golf on June 1st?

To take advantage of coupons and discounts visit:

How about a day just for you at the clubhouse.

www.FishersChamber.com/Coupons

To register, please visit: www.FishersChamber.com or call 317.578.0700.

MediaWright Photography

Ladies Day on the Links

*Pre-pay for lunch by 10:00am Friday prior to the luncheon for reduced price.

REGISTRATION www.FishersChamber.com

Chamber Members

One small fee gets you the following:

t t t t t

Spa Services and shopping All day beverages Lunch and dinner Raffle prizes Take away gift

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 317.578.0700

Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

29


HAMILTON NORTH

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

30

Upcoming Events! APRIL 2012

MAY 2012

Red Bridge Park Community Building

Bridgewater Club

Tuesday, April 10 HNCC Luncheon ~ 11:30 am

Wednesday, April 18 Joint Hamilton County Chamber Luncheon ~ 12:00 pm The Mansion at Oak Hill

Thursday, May 10 All County Networking Breakfast ~ 7:30 am Thursday, May 17 “Taste on the Lake” beer and wine tasting event ~ 6:00 - 9:00 pm Hidden Bay Clubhouse, Cicero

JANUARY Chamber Luncheon Ivy Tech Corporate College - Business Spotlight for January

Tony Cook, Superintendent of Hamilton Heights School, addresses chamber members

Karl Fettig, US Architects, recently joined the Chamber

february chamber luncheon

Chamber members learn more about the Chamber website

Miller’s Merry Manor Business Spotlight for February

GRAND OPENING RIBBON CUTTING Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at Kid Again, Inc. children’s resale shop Members of the Chamber’s Executive Board and Cicero Town Council help celebrate the opening with Jamie, Jennifer and Brandon Davis

Bruce Kettler (left) and Jan Henderson (right) of Beck’s Hybrids accept the Bell of Recognition from Carmen Clift, Ambassador Committee Chair

NEW MEMBERS

TASTE ON THE LAKE

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

a beer and wine tasting event featuring taste sampling of area restaurants/caterers

Thursday, May 17 ~ 6:00 - 9:00 pm Hidden Bay Clubhouse, Cicero Open to the public Call the Chamber Office for $25 advance sale tickets

Visalus Shane Crabtree

107 N. East Street Arcadia, IN 46030 (317) 407-5508


UPCOMING EVENTS! APRIL 2012

MAY 2012

The Farmers Bank

The Bridgewater Club

April 12 – 4:30 p.m. Business After Hours

May 10 – 7:30 a.m. Network Breakfast (All County)

April 18 – 12:00 p.m. Membership Luncheon (All County) The Mansion at Oak Hill

New Employees at the Noblesville Chamber

May 17 – 5:00 p.m. Business After Hours Logan Street Signs

May 22 – 11:30 a.m. Membership Luncheon Harbour Trees Golf Club

May 22 – 1:00 p.m. Chamber Golf Outing Harbour Trees Golf Club

Community Pride Award Winners for January and February 2012

JANUARY Community Pride Award Winner Reynolds Farm Equipment, Inc.

126th & S.R. 37, off I-69, Noblesville Family Owned and Operated Since 1955

Gary Reynolds, President

FEBRUARY Community Pride Award Winner Ginger’s Café 1804 E. Conner St., Noblesville, IN

Mikki Perrine, owner and operator of Ginger’s Café

NEW MEMBERS

Dyane Roesler and Chris Irons Home Instead Senior Care 341 Logan Street, Suite L 100 Noblesville, IN

Zachery Rennaker and Brian Barrett Automated Payroll Services 10401 N. Meridian Indianapolis, IN 46240

www.noblesvillechamber.com

Cathy is the Member Services Coordinator and Alaina is the Program Coordinator. “We are genuinely pleased to welcome both Cathy and Alaina in joining our Business Development Director, Mary Noble, and me to serve our Chamber membership. Both bring exceptional skills and experience to our staff and will assist us in enhancing programs and services to our members,” said Chamber President and CEO Sharon McMahon. Cathy joined the Chamber in October 2011. Alaina joined the Chamber in February 2012

NOBLESVILLE

Cathy Berghoff and Alaina Shonkwiler have joined the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce office staff.

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

Bill Johnston Christopher Lingren Robynn Wilson Home Helpers Neverland Adventures Staples 54 N. 9th Street, Travel, LLC 16751 Clover Road Suite 260 10607 Sienna Drive Noblesville, IN Noblesville, IN Noblesville, IN

Scott Martin (not pictured) Meineke Car Care Center 1395 S. 10th Street, Noblesville, IN Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

31


www.sheridanchamber.org

SHERIDAN

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

Two Speakers Welcomed at Sheridan Chamber Luncheon

2012 Upcoming Events APRIL

The Sheridan Chamber of Commerce welcomed two guest speakers to February’s Member Luncheon: Kevin Jones, Business Advisor at the Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, and Cathy Langlois, Executive Director at the Entrepreneurship Advancement Center.

April 26th: Member Luncheon

Jones provided some statistics regarding small businesses. He stated that 67% of all businesses are started without borrowing money (U.S. Department of Commerce). He also stated the 90% of businesses are started with less than $10,000 of capital (Inc. magazine). Jones went on to say the businesses tend to fail not specifically because of money, but because of a lack of planning. He encouraged Chamber members who need help to go to www.isbdc. org to learn more, take an online business assessment and schedule an appointment with the Central SBCD office.

MAY

Langlois informed the Chamber about a loan program that is available to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and $1 million in revenue. The program called S.E.L.F. (Small Enterprise Loan Fund) has funding available from a grant issued by the USDA, and is administered by the E.A.C. More information about the S.E.L.F., businesses should contact the ISBDC at www.isbdc.org and the E.A.C. at www.goentrepreneurs.org.

Sheridan Chamber New Website The Sheridan Chamber has a new website. Jack Koning of Konehead Design built the site which now includes an event calendar, and local news. Check out the new site at www.sheridanchamber.org.

Sheridan Public Library Speaker: Susan Brooks, Candidate of Congress in Indiana’s 5th District Members $12 Contact Patty Nicholas at 317-758-1311 to register

May 24th: Member Luncheon

Sheridan Public Library Speaker: John Swisher, Chairman & CEO of JBS United Members $12 Contact Patty Nicholas at 317-758-1311 to register

JUNE June 28th: Member Luncheon

Sheridan Public Library Speaker: Mark LaBarr, Duke Energy Members $12 Contact Patty Nicholas at 317-758-1311 to register

Save the Date July 11th: Annual Sheridan Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing.

Wood Wind Golf Club Value Cards The Sheridan Chamber of Commerce is selling Wood Wind Golf Club Value Cards again this year. The 2012 Wood Wind Value Card provides the following benefits: 2 Complimentary 18-Hole Rounds of Golf: Monday – Friday (1) Complimentary 18-Hole Round of Golf: Weekends & Holidays after 11am, (5) Two for the Price of One 18-Hole Rounds of Golf: Mon. – Sun. (available after 11am weekends holidays) (1) $80 Golf Lesson for $25: At the Doc O’Neal Golf Academy at Wood Wind (one offer per person per year) Go to www.sheridanchamber.org for more information.

New Members Jack Koning Konehead Design Indianapolis

Ashley Neff Sheridan Auto Sales Sheridan

Robbie Webster Twisted Sisters Beauty Salon Westfield

Wanda Lyon Snyder Strategy Realty Sheridan

Susan Hunter/Lee Flaugher Hunter Law Office Fishers

Pastor Josh Kennedy Issachar Church Sheridan

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

32

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine


MARK YOUR CALENDARS

APRIL 2012

MAY 2012

The Mansion at Oak Hill ~ 5801 East 116th Street ~ Carmel, IN 46033

The Bridgewater Club 161st and Carey Road ~ Westfield

Wednesday, April 18th ~12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. All County Membership Luncheon

The six Hamilton County Chambers – Carmel, Fishers, Hamilton North, Noblesville, Sheridan and Westfield – will welcome speaker Ted Abernathy to an all-county luncheon in April to talk about regional collaboration.

SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, May 17th ~ 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Business After Hours

You are invited to the 9th annual “Race Into Summer” Presented by Noblesville Trophies & Logan Street Signs & Banners 1720 South 10th Street ~ Noblesville

Thursday, May 17th ~ 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monthly Membership Luncheon

The Bridgewater Club 161st and Carey Road ~ Westfield US 31 Update Members with a reservation: $15.00 Walk-ins, non-members, and all billables: $20.00 RSVP by Friday, May 11th online at www.westfield-chamber.org

All Chamber event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Please call 317-804-3030 or visit www.westfield-chamber.org for details.

www.westfield-chamber.org

Pre-registered Members: $18.00; all others: $25.00. Registration due April 13th. Register online at www.westfield-chamber.org. Due to the recent increased attendance at Chamber luncheons, pre-registered guests will be seated first.

“Speed Date” with members of all the Hamilton County Chambers Power network as you rotate from table to table during this fast-paced event. Make contacts and build your client database and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the same time. Come prepared with a two-minute “elevator” speech about your business and plenty of business cards and brochures to distribute. Reservations required by May 4th $10 for members; $20 non-members Register online at www.westfield-chamber.org

WESTFIELD

“Economics and Competitiveness” Ted Abernathy is Executive Director of the Southern Growth Policies Board, a 40-year-old think tank that provides economic development research and advice for 13 Southern states. Southern Growth specializes in the areas of technology and innovation, globalization, talent, civic engagement, alternative energy and leadership.

Thursday, May 10th ~ 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast

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

NEW MEMBERS Carey Tavern Matt Schachte 17421 Carey Rd Westfield, IN 46074 317-867-0397 People First Consultants Richard Doran 16265 Howden Drive Westfield, IN 46074 317-896-4443

Bragg Insurance Agency Brian Bragg 3901 W. State Road 47, Suite 7 Sheridan, IN 46069 317-758-5828 www.bragginsurance.com Community Management Services Lesley Stoeffler 941 East 86th Street Suite 115 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-631-2213

Eva Furniture Tamar David 3198 SR 32 Westfield, IN 46074 317-804-5354 FirstMile Technology Bart Saunders 750 Liberty Drive Westfield, IN 46074 317-600-7606 www.firstmile.net

Hunter Law Office Susan Hunter 10412 Allisonville Rd. Suite 113 Fishers, IN 46038 317-863-2030 www.hunterlawoffice.net Poblanos Mexican Bar & Grill Restaurant and bar Jessica Young 17417 Carey Road Westfield, IN 46074

Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012


Hamilton County History

When Saloons Weren’t Welcome in Westfield

F

rom the beginning of its existence, the town of Westfield did not have businesses that sold alcohol. The staunch Quaker citizens did not use them and openly discouraged any that may have been built within the city limits. However, in 1882, the

Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railroad, later called the Monon, was being finished. It would cross the Midland Railroad just outside of the town of Westfield. This railroad crossroads would increase business and bring in a new kind of settler. In the summer of 1882, a man named William Shaw decided to take advantage of this new population and established a saloon. Many saloons at this time were rough, board buildings where a plank across two barrels might serve as a bar counter. This is probably the sort of place that Shaw had, although he had gone to the trouble to get a proper liquor license from the government. The saloon was also built outside the city limits, which meant the city fathers were unable to take any sort of action. Therefore the city mothers decided to take matters into their own hands. The Quaker women of Westfield were always known for being strong-minded. They were leaders in the Hamilton County abolition movement, the Underground Railroad, women’s rights, and other social issues. When it came to temperance and prohibition of alcohol, their “intemperate” response to a saloon in their midst showed that they were willing to take physical action

34

The saloon had not been open long when a group of women came to the door. According to the Republican-Ledger newspaper, they requested that the owner close up his shop and offered to buy out his stock. He refused, whereupon the women descended on the building, trashed it and dumped out all of the liquor that was available. However, Shaw considered this a temporary setback and soon had the place rebuilt and restocked. Since the building was little more than a shanty, the cost of decorating was low. He continued like this for about another month Monday, August 14, was probably a fairly quiet day in Westfield – except for the forty women assembled at the Quaker meetinghouse. They had decided it was time to send a message. As soon as they were all assembled, they picked up their axes and marched west to the railroad right-of-way where the saloon had been built. There were both Quaker and Methodist women in the group. One eyewitness recalled how the drab gray and brown dresses of the Quaker women contrasted with the bright dress of the Methodist women. He also said the Quaker women were bareheaded, as the distinctive Quaker bonnet would only interfere with the action. As the women approached the site, a wagon was seen driving in the opposite direction as fast as it could go. Shaw had attempted to stalemate the protest by removing most of his stock to a safe place. He also stood guard. The women, however, were undaunted. (They were the wives of some of the most respected men in the county. Had anyone physically confronted them, the situation would have gotten much uglier.) They brushed past Shaw and set ax to wood. This time, they didn’t go for half measures. In the space of a few minutes, the structure was completely demolished. The women then took some last liquor bottles, poured them over the pile of scraps and set fire to them. The building was soon reduced to a heap of smoking ashes. The women hoped that Shaw would take the hint.

April • May 2012/Hamilton County Business Magazine

David Heighway

After the fire had died down, Shaw wanted to make a deal. He would give up his license and leave town if he was paid for damages and for the rest of his stock. The women then convened a meeting and $25 was offered to him as payment. He was also to promise never to open a saloon again. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse. The rest of the liquor was then brought back and poured into the creek. Before adjourning the meeting, the women passed a resolution, which was printed in the local papers. Whereas, we are informed that persons from a distance have asserted that they would set up saloons in Westfield, therefore, RESOLVED: That notice is hereby given that no saloons will be tolerated in our midst, and that all persons coming here to engage in the business will come at their peril. Mrs. M. H. Brown, President

August 14 was a quiet day in Westfield… except for the 40 women assembled at the Quaker meetinghouse. Sometime after this, according to the Noblesville Independent newspaper, Shaw was seen sporting a blue ribbon on his lapel. Since blue ribbons were the insignia of a temperance campaign started by Francis Murphy in the 1870’s, somehow the incident had inspired him to take a pledge not to drink liquor. Westfield would not allow alcohol to be sold until the 1970’s. By then, Hamilton County had become a very different sort of place. The site of Shaw’s saloon was eventually occupied by the world’s largest Dairy Queen. Although this kind of direct action is no longer condoned today, it put an interesting twist on the modern idea of community feedback. David Heighway is the Hamilton County Historian


BUSINESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY Service Club

Signs and Banners

Graduate Education

Rotary International

University of Indianapolis 1400 E Hanna Avenue Indianapolis, IN 317-788-3340 http://www.mba.uindy.edu/

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 Mike Corbett at 774-7747 David Heighway is the Hamilton County historian

Computer Consulting

Compumed 802 Mulberry Street Noblesville, IN, Suite B1 317-340-4802 Rocky@compumed-indy.com

The University of Indianapolis MBA Program offers a wide range of options to help secure your future. Our programs include on-campus programs in the evenings and on Saturday, off-campus programs including Carmel and Fishers, and we are the largest provider of on-site MBA programs in the area.

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

Sharp Business Systems of Indiana, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, can increase your company’s bottom line.

• Business Computer Hardware and Software Installation • Custom Application Development • On-Site Support and Service

GMG Architects LLC Design & Strategy for Communities and Living

Architecture

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

TRADEBANK Cashless Commerce

Planning

New Customers ~ Increased Profits

www.Tradebank.com

Urban Design

Next Edition:

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

Business Technology

We are serious about improving our clients businesses by updating office technology, managing office printing and streamlining critical business processes.

340-4802

Phone 31 7.694. 078 5

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

Glenn@ GMGA rchitects.com

(317) 819-8355 ~ (317) 225-8125

Agriculture/green business

Advertising deadline: APRIL 24, Mails MaY 26

Hamilton County Business Magazine/April • May 2012

35


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Scatterfield Rd

Next to Killbuck Golf Course

Bus 9

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Springs of Cambridge Across the bridge from the Geist Marina on East 96th St

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