Hamilton County Business Magazine October/November 2011

Focus: Real Estate/Development

October • November 2011

Hometown TV Takes its Game to the Next Level Plus...

The Ethics of Wardrobing Double rehab in Noblesville Boosting Women and Minority Businesses

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October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

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

Editor/Publisher Mike Corbett ~ mcorbett@hamiltoncountybusiness.com Creative Director Melanie Malone ~ melzee@indy.rr.com Correspondents Deb Buehler ~ deb@thesweetestwords.com Jeff Curts ~ jcurts@att.net Rosalyn Demaree ~ ros_demaree@hotmail.com Stephanie Carlson Curtis ~ stephcurtis.com@gmail.com Shari Held ~ sharih@comcast.net Chris Owens ~ zetus77@gmail.com Martha Yoder ~ klmyoder@sbcglobal.net Contributors Emmett Dulaney DBA ~ eadulaney@anderson.edu David Heighway ~ heighwayd@earthlink.net Robby Slaughter ~ rslaughter@slaughterdevelopment.com J. Michelle Sybesma ~ jms@skillsconsulting.com Andrew Thompson ~ andrew@businesslawindiana.com Wiiliam J. Wilhelm PhD ~ wwilhelm@indstate.edu

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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 2011 Hamilton County Media Group.

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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October/November

’11

Features

14 17 20

HomeTown Sports

Entrepreneur

10 Ethics 12 Michelle’s Got It Covered

The Bridges

13 Guest Column 22 Focus Columns 24 Legal

The Roper Lofts

Cover photo by Mark Lee, Great Exposures

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October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

25 Ear to the Ground 26 Chamber Pages 32 Dining Out 33 Pitch-In 34 Hamilton County History 35 Business Resource Directory

In 1875 the building now known as The Model Mill was erected.

After more than 125 years service this space still thrives in the heart of downtown Noblesville.

Mill Top features six unique event spaces to accomodate groups of near any size in style

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

Original architecture adds character and charm to this late 1800’s building.

Hardwood style floors, brick walls, exposed wood beams all create warm and interesting event space.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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Letter from the Editor/October • November 2011 I’m a historic preservationist. I can’t help it. I do appreciate new building technology, but I admire the style, scale and workmanship of many historic buildings.

They really don’t build them like that anymore, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. Good because the building industry has improved in so many ways.

Bad because, well, I miss the craftsmanship that went into so many of our old buildings and I want to retain as much of it as we can.

Mike Corbett Editor and Publisher

So I was delighted when I learned HAND was going renovate two buildings on Noblesville’s south 8th St. I know how tempting it is to raze an old building and start over. It’s often cheaper, cleaner and easier. But it’s not necessarily better. In a city like Noblesville, where historic buildings are part of the city’s character, tearing them down is often a mistake unless they are so far gone they just can’t be saved.

HAND ended up having to remove much of both buildings, but they did what they could to save the facades. It cost more, but it was worth it. Shari Held tells the story on page 20. I am proud to serve on one of HAND’s committees and I will do what I can to ensure they continue to honor Noblesville’s heritage.

Ironically, just a couple of blocks away, another historic building met a very different fate. The city acquired a modest home as part of a deal to purchase an adjacent lot that had substandard trailers on it. The trailers had to go but the house could have been saved. I’m sure it was cheaper, cleaner and easier to bulldoze it. But, I’m not convinced it was better. We now have a gravel lot in the middle of a residential block that is far less attractive, and certainly less useful, than the affordable home it replaced. You be the judge:

Before

After

I consider our historic building stock to be invested assets that we need to preserve and improve. Destroying those assets, except in the most extreme circumstances, is wasteful. Furthermore, it changes the character of our streetscapes and that’s something that is very difficult to replace. They just don’t make them like that any more, so let’s keep what we have.

Editor and Publisher

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October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

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Hamilton County Business Magazine/October â&#x20AC;˘ November 2011

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Entrepreneur Emmett Dulaney

Special Programs for Women and Minorities Business Certifications Can Boost Business Certain business certifications can help small business owners bid on and obtain new contracts. Some are specific to each state in which the business operates, while others (such as Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Small Business: SDVOSB) are recognized in all fifty states. We will look at two of the most popular Indiana certifications - the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE).

Businesses are certified for the MBE or WBE through the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA). To qualify, the firm must be at least 51% owned by qualifying minorities or women and the owner must possess expertise in the field, control the business, and be a United Stated citizen. All funding should be free of any questionable standing; in other words it cannot look like the business was set up for the sole purpose of obtaining this certification.

Advantages

The certification can help you acquire additional business by differentiating your

A Closer Look at Obtaining MBE/WBE Certification 1. Businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State 2. Businesses must obtain a Bidder Registration Number 3. Obtain and complete the application. Those who wish to have assistance can schedule a consultation, but should be prepared with their application and all application documents at the time of their appointment.

4. A site visit will occur to verify the information provided on the application.

To get more information or to get the application, visit: http://www.in.gov/idoa/2490.htm

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company from others but there are other incentives too. For instance, your firm will appear in a directory of certified businesses. Organizations with government contracts are strongly encouraged to use certified vendors and suppliers, so those in the directory have more opportunity for contacts, contracts, and expansion.

The IDOA will also notify you of upcoming events, which serve as networking opportunities. These notifications can provide resources for small businesses that they would have been unaware of or unable to access.

One further incentive comes from the state government’s attempts to increase the success rate of businesses owned by women and minorities. Both public and private organizations that are supported by the government are strongly encouraged, through financial incentives, to purchase from MBE/WBE certified businesses.

Applying

To receive certification, the business owner must fill out the application on the IDOA website. Be forewarned that the application is both onerous and time-consuming and you have to provide records and artifacts since day one (which can make it easier for a business that has been around two years to comply than one that has been around longer). An on-premises site visit is mandatory.

The state requires businesses to update their certification annually, which means filling out a 2-page form with any changes or verifying that there were no changes to the business. Every three years, businesses

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

must fill out a longer form as well as attach anything new. The state also does another on-site interview.

While the application process can be lengthy and time-consuming, the benefits of becoming MBE/WBE certified are apparent. Certified firms can gain access to resources they may not have been able to otherwise. Because of the many benefits, these certifications can be valuable resources for Indiana companies hoping to increase business.

Submitting Artifacts:

The application requires a large number of artifacts, which differ depending on the legal structure of the business. For example, an LLC would be required to provide: • Birth certificate of owner • Driver’s license of owner • Passport of owner • Work resumes of all owners • Equipment list • Professional list • A list of all active contracts • Proof of company owned real estate/lease documentation • Title or registration to any company owned vehicles • Notarized letter from a CPA • Minutes of the past 3 years stockholders and board meeting • Proof of equity contribution/stock purchase • Prior year’s 1040, Schedule C or E • Minutes of last 3 years LLC board meeting • Articles of organizations and amendments • Operating agreement • Corporate bank resolutions and bank signature cards • Proof of capital invested • Copies of W-2’s for the past three years along with personal income tax returns To learn more about the application process, and the artifacts that your business would need to submit, visit: http://www.in.gov./idoa/2489.htm.

Emmett Dulaney teaches entrepreneurship and business at Anderson University.

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

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

Photography for: Magazines Newspapers Fitness Family

Special Events Fundraisers Modeling and more

Great Exposures Mark A. Lee

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

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October â&#x20AC;˘ November 2011

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Ethics Bill Wilhelm

Rationalized Dishonesty Wardrobing is put to the ethics test We all know from experience (and much research done in the area of behavioral economics) that given the chance, people cheat. Typically, people rationalize an act with the justification that the cheating is not affecting anyone, or that the consequences are minimal.

A trend in retailing called “wardrobing” is often justified in these terms. “Wardrobing” is the practice of buying an outfit - like special occasion apparel, a certain electronic device, or other non-consumable product, wearing or using it for a while, and then returning it to the retailer (often with the tags still in place) for a full refund; the pretense being that it was not “used.”

Wardrobers may not be breaking the law, but is the practice ethical?

Nearly 62% of the companies surveyed in a recent survey reported problems with wardrobing. That’s up from 46% the previous year. Loss prevention executives estimated that the retail industry would lose about $3.68 billion to return fraud in the 2010 holiday season, up nearly a billion dollars from the year before, and that return fraud cost retailers an estimated $13.95 billion during the 2010 calendar year, up more than $4 billion from 2009.

Some wardrobers claim that they are not violating any laws if the retailer has a return policy that can be exploited in this

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way. They may be right about not breaking the law, but is this behavior ethical?

Is it stealing?

First of all, let’s identify the moral standard that’s being violated. Certainly we can’t say that exploiting a retailer’s return policy is immoral. But doesn’t the practice seem to stir in us a question about whether this can be considered stealing? Stealing certainly is an immoral practice, but does wardrobing fit the definition of stealing? If so, from whom is the wardrober stealing? Let’s look at the stakeholders involved: • Wardrobing customer • Store owners, managers, and employees • Other customers of the store Now we can apply the first of several simple yet effective ethical criteria. First, a cost-benefit analysis (utilitarian ethics) using the effects that wardrobing has on each stakeholder. Certainly the wardrober “wins” by using this fraudulent purchasing practice since he (or she) had the use of the product at absolutely no cost.

Store owners lose revenue because they have to either sell obviously used merchandise at a great discount or not at all, thus reducing their income. Owners have two choices: they can raise prices to cover the losses from wardrobing, or eat the losses and generate less profit. Either way, owners lose.

Managers are tasked with the responsibility of finding remedies for curbing the losses caused by this practice. They likely will revise return policies so they are more restrictive and less user-friendly to all customers. Managers can also be vilified

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

by customers as being too rigid, unsympathetic, or rude about accepting returns.

Managers must also implement policies against this practice by training and closely monitoring their employees in the implementation of new, more rigid return policies. In sum, managers lose.

Store employees will also feel the brunt of some customer dissatisfaction when implementing more rigid return policies.

If the losses in revenue are significant enough, some employees may be let go.

Employees lose.

What about other (honest) customers?

Businesses that choose to focus on making a profit and not absorb continuing losses – which likely is most of them - will raise their prices on ALL customers. Higher prices and more rigid return policies have a net negative effect on honest customers.

Customers lose.

All stakeholders in this simple cost-benefit analysis with the exception of the wardrober lose. Can this practice be construed as stealing? Certainly it can.

Duty ethics and the Mother Test

Another ethical tool that we have in our toolkit to assess the morality of this practice is duty ethics. Duty ethics, in a nutshell, compels us by our duty toward our fellow human beings to treat them with dignity and to extend to them the rights that they deserve as humans beings.

Does wardrobing treat all stakeholders with dignity and ensure their rights as human beings? Of course not.

Another ethical test is the “mother test” inherent in virtue ethics: How would your

mother feel about your decision if she knew about it? (referred to as The Wall Street Journal test when applied to management decisions). Assuming that your mom is not also participating in wardrobing, she would likely be ashamed of your behavior.

So, while the question of legality is somewhat up in the air about the practice of wardrobing, three other ethical tests find that wardrobing is unethical.

What can retailers do to curtail this costly practice?

1. Post a comprehensive written return policy (covering these points) in the store and attach it to the merchandise.

2. Shorten the return period to 30 days or less, depending on the type of merchandise.

3. Specify the return requirements regarding condition, purchase location (if multiple stores involved), and require the original receipt and original price tag.

4. Ensure that employees know how to inspect merchandise carefully upon return.

5. Restrict refunds to only in-store credit for future purchases.

6. Track repeat wardrobers in your customer database.

7. Thoroughly train your employees in all aspects of the return policy and approval process to reduce subjectivity and ensure consistency.

8. Inform your customers (via newsletter, email, website, Twitter, etc.) of a new or revised policy and why it is being implemented Wardrobing, no matter the product, is unethical. Retailers should take precautions against this costly fraudulent practice by balancing their return policies with outstanding customer service and open communication.

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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11

Management

MICHELLE’S GOT IT COVERED

J. Michelle Sybesma

You Can Still do Business on a Handshake Also, “good sense” guidelines will help your company grow, and tips for building a sales team MGIC: I recently started a new business in Fishers.

I would like to encourage “old fashioned” relationships with my clients, doing business on a handshake instead of using contracts.

My father ran a small business for many years.

He used to say to all of his clients, ‘if you like us, please tell others. If you don’t like us, please tell ME’. Can this old-fashioned approach apply in today’s world? ~ Ken Carite Owner and General Manager PROSHRED Indianapolis Ken: Ken, you are at the right place at the right time. The mere fact that society fashions its world around a “like” button tells us that the simple phrase “please tell others” is certainly not passé. More than ever, people are doing business with people they trust, and the “call us when you need us” approach will likely create some new customers who prefer not to sign a long-term agreement.

Your father’s words are wise. Business owners often spend years and a lot of money developing marketing plans to meet customer needs.

For small business owners rooted in ethics, who maintain accessibility and care about their clients, business is so much easier.

Your service staff must realize they ARE your sales staff for referrals. The image they project is important. Capitalize on this powerful form of social un-media. Ensure that all your employees adopt and appreciate your message as part of the organization’s identity.

Try to gain a deep understanding of your new customers’ needs. Watch for patterns that help you stay a step ahead of them. If you happen to be in their area and you believe they might be due, call and inquire if they want a pickup.

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The closer you and your staff stay in touch with your customers the better the odds you will know where to gain the honor of their referral.

Ask them, “Who might you know that needs honest and prompt service with no long-term service mandate?”, and then of course “shake on it.

MGIC: Our once small engineering firm is now much bigger. We have always encouraged our engineers to use our resources to further their own professional creative pursuits. How do we retain that small-firm flexibility as we grow? ~ Andrew M. Senior Engineer Company Name Held Andrew: Andrew, it is very common for smaller companies with flexible environments to face “policy” challenges as they grow. Communication gets more complex, which may lead to common sense failures.

Start by establishing “guidelines of good sense.”

Make sure that supervisors/management have the authority, and the expectation, to enforce them. Spend a few weeks with a small group of good sense folks refining the guidelines. Once you have established a top ten set of guidelines, have a creative member of the team make a poster. The more creative, the more it will feel like a minor transition in their way of life, not a major one.

Don’t make a policy until it has been fully tested. Remember, people who cannot follow guidelines will likely be no better at following policy. Establish a quick and swift reminder from supervisors that only behaviors that meet the guidelines are acceptable. Best of luck and glad to hear you are growing!

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

MGIC: I am an Independent sales associate for a private label-clothing manufacturer of women’s clothing. I would like to build a sales team.

What resources would you recommend to ensure candidates are an appropriate fit? ~Andrea Liebross Independent Sales Associate and Wardrobe Consultant ~ W by Worth Andrea: You said the “MGIC” word: resources— Time, Space, Money, People, and Tools. You know your clientele and your instincts will tell you with whom they will NOT connect. Therefore, the important details are in the candidates’ responses to your non-sales questions. Work with questions that are resource-focused and reveal how a good prospect uses those resources.

For example, you might ask someone to give you an example of a real situation where they: • needed to manage expenses on limited budget (Money), • were creative in managing their sales office space (Space), • used an innovative online marketing strategy (Tools), etc.

Keep your questions focused on performance so you don’t venture into illegal territory.

There are many websites to help with legality of questions; stick to those sites that are academically based.

Remember that your nerves can change the environment, so avoid rushing through your questions or dominating the conversation.

Making the interview interactive by asking the candidate to “sell your line” to you will tell you who has done their homework or thinks well on their feet. Good luck to you in your pursuit.

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

Guest Columnist Charles Waldo

Your Career and My Dad’s Sweet Corn

Apply marketing principles to boost your personal business value Marketers often classify a product in terms of buyers’ behaviors. It’s not an idle exercise; these behaviors help set strategies like distribution, pricing, packaging, product placement, and so on. Believe it or not, product classification has lots to do with YOUR career advancement and growth.

Marketers generally classify products in one of four ways: • Convenience (Impulse or Commodity) • Shopping • Emergency or Unsought goods.

• Specialty It’s harvest time in Indiana. Let’s use sweet corn to illustrate each classification.

How would you classify sweet corn on the husk? If you are in your local grocery store, have sweet corn on your shopping list and find a big pile on a table that looks good, you would probably just buy it. You are not going to take the time or spend the gas money to shop around. It’s just not worth it. Classification? Convenience good. Some might also add commodity –corn is corn. But what if you didn’t have corn on your list and your spouse calls because the corn she had planned for supper looks bad? Now this purchase makes corn an emergency good. You need it now and don’t have time or energy to go corn shopping.

Now assume you did not have sweet corn on your shopping list but see that pile of corn and think, “Some fresh, sweet corn sure would taste good tonight.” You toss some ears in a bag and keep rolling.

Again, you probably are not going to visit other stores. Now sweet corn becomes classified as an impulse convenience good.

Let’s now take a trip to one of the many

farmers’ markets in Hamilton County.

Whether you had corn on your shopping list or decided on the spur of the moment to get some, you have several options.

You might assume that corn is corn (a commodity) and, since prices are posted publicly, they’re going to be about the same at all stands. You can just stop at the nearest stand and get your corn (Convenience), or you can visit every stand to compare and make a final decision based on value (for you, sweet corn is definitely a shopping good.)

Another option is to see if my My Dad’s Sweet Corn is available there. If so, go, park and get in line. My wife usually won’t go to a farmer’s market unless My Dad’s is going to be there. Why? Because we have found after shopping around that

When cuts are coming, you are in the circle being considered for retention. When a choice project or opening comes along, you are among the employees considered for it. You are offering a bigger bag of assets to your employer. The best position of all is to be the My Dad’s of your company: the specialty employee has so many skills and so much knowledge and experience, coupled with a winning personality, that the company doesn’t want to lose you.

So you get paid more, get choicer assignments, and move ahead faster. Headhunters are making their pitches.

Of course, becoming and staying a specialty employee is easier said than done.

You have to know what qualities your “customers” (including your boss and your employer) most value….then acquire

To be subconsciously classified by your employer as a convenience or commodity employee is career death. the locally grown corn (Tipton County) is simply the best. Listed prices are sometimes 15% – 20% more than competitors but we feel the high quality is worth it.

How is My Dad’s product classified by us?

You guessed it: Specialty.

Now what’s this got to do with your career?

Plenty. To be subconsciously classified by your employer as a convenience or commodity employee is career death. You are seen as “just another body” and will be among the first to go in a downturn. You’re not offering your employer anything special. A better position is to be mentally classified as a shopping good employee.

and consistently deliver them. This takes time, effort, probably some sacrifice, some risk taking, usually a set-back or two and, truthfully, a little luck….although “luck” is more often made than found.

Figure out how to be the My Dad’s Sweet Corn in your organization – then be it – and watch your career grow.

Dr. Charles Waldo is a retired Professor of Marketing at Anderson University’s Falls School of Business and recruits for Anderson’s Hamilton County night MBA learning sites. He has no interest in My Dad’s Sweet Corn other than as a satisfied customer.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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Keeping His Eye on the B ll…

By Jeff Curts Photos by Mark Lee

HC’s Hometown TV Evolves with Technology

Rick Vanderwielen

H

amilton County may seem an unlikely source for a new era of television production and digital content, but longtime Noblesville resident Rick Vanderwielen may have hit a home run with his latest venture. Vanderwielen previously founded startup companies like Indiana Automation, Inc. (later Integrator.com) and Flexware Integration.His newest venture is Webstream Sports, a merger of HomeTown Sports and Webstream Productions.

Hometown Sports Indiana recently ended its agreement with Comcast and is now partnering with WRTV 6’s digital channel, RTV 6.2.

pected to give Central Indiana sports fans increased accessibility to local sports with a mix of live and encore athletic events.

RTV 6.2 features a variety of games from the IHSAA, the University of Indianapolis and Franklin College. The station is available on nine cable systems throughout Central Indiana and reaches nearly 830,000 viewers. At a million watts, the RTV 6 digital stream is supposedly the strongest broadcast signal available.

Hometown Sports Indiana is the official TV producer of the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). Vanderwielen sees the partnership as the next step in his effort to produce “a quality product that is profitable and adds value.” It’s ex-

From its inception on Channel 19, Hometown offered a mix of original programming and old classics. An avid

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Early days on cable

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

community supporter who saw opportunity in covering local high school sports, Vanderwielen put his time, talent, and money into the fledgling business and soon developed a niche.

While Hometown Sports Indiana employs only six or seven people and no longer has a “brick and mortar” presence in down-

town Noblesville, many local observers feel its influence far exceeded its economic impact. Longtime friend and business associate, Jim Wafford, owner of Logan Street Signs and Banners in Noblesville, states, “Rick believes in supporting the local community, even though in my opinion the community at times took it (the tv production/station) for granted. He under-

Wafford offers Channel 19’s programming on Hamilton County TV, an internet site (http://www.hamiltoncountytelevision. com). Wafford describes the business plan for Hamilton County TV as ”quite simple: create a platform for people to view classic movies and classic tv shows, provide a place for “local

Recipe for success

Reflecting on his latest venture, Vanderwielen muses, “there is no doubt that being in the right place at the right time with the right skill set is my recipe for success.”

Indeed his track record speaks for itself,

Rick understood a need for homegrown local sports…That is where he put his money, skills, and dedication years ago, and now it seems to be the norm. Rick is just far ahead of the crowd.

-Jim Wafford stood a need for homegrown local sports.

The mainstream TV networks/stations were at the time more concerned with dollars/advertising and were forgetting about youth-high school sports. That is where he put his money, skills, and dedication years ago, and now it seems to be the norm. Rick is just far ahead of crowd.”

producers” such as churches and non-profits to showcase their productions, create live productions, AND OF COURSE revisit Hometown Ch19 highlights. We will develop it into its own identity.”

as his companies have won Mass Mutual’s Blue Chip Award and have been selected as the Noblesville Chamber’s Business of the Year. Vanderwielen was designated one of the state’s 100 most influential businessmen by the Indiana Chamber in 1997.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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Broadcasting From Noblesville: WHMB-TV 40

Nestled off IN Highway 37 in unassuming fashion adjacent to Greenfield Avenue in Noblesville sits the studios of an unheralded, but preeminent over-the-air television station. WHMB-TV 40 is the longest continuously-operated Christian/ Family television station in the nation.

The station signed on in 1973. Owned by LeSEA Broadcasting, which is headquartered in South Bend, WHMB’s coverage area includes all of central Indiana, reaching from north of Kokomo to south of the Bloomington/Columbus area.

Besides office space, the station houses two production studios, two state of the art editing suites and chapel facilities.

WHMB has been honored by the National Religious Broadcasters as the “Television Station of the Year”.

There have been bumps along the way. The agreement with Comcast ended when Vanderwielen and the cable giant disagreed on rights usage fees, with Vanderwielen claiming Comcast wanted to charge him a $12,000 fee.

He refused and, no pun intended, took his ball with him. Comcast’s Maria Weber, Vice President, PR and Community Affairs for Indiana, offered this comment: “Comcast and HomeTown Sports worked together in an agreement where HomeTown Sports productions was carried across Comcast’s statewide system in Indiana…This agreement ended May 1, 2011.

Comcast wishes HomeTown Sports every success in its endeavors.”

As Vanderwielen introduces his programming to new viewers, he’s also participating in a digital firm that is making huge waves in the sports landscape. Webstream Productions, founded by John Servizzi, a 33 year-old former Butler University lecturer, is quickly becoming a major player in video production, streaming, and content creation, counting Turner Broadcasting and the NCAA among its clients. The two met at an IHSAA state tournament game and later became business associates by virtue of sharing many of the same principles

This year marks the station’s 20th anniversary for broadcasting high school sports. It typically produces and broadcasts over 80 games a year. The emphasis is on Christian programming, as well as high school and college sports. Annual sales revenue generated by the station is estimated at $5-$10 million (source: Manta small business news/research website). The station employs approximately 15 people.

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October • November 2011/Hamilton CountyMagazine Business Magazine June • July 2011/Hamilton County Business

and ideas. Servizzi’s belief that “content is king” and stated goal of producing “highlevel, network quality productions at a reasonable cost” meshed with Vanderwielen’s vision. The two used their respective firms to complement one another before merging in September. Hometown Sports Indiana’s niche is the local high school and small college contests, while Webstream Productions focuses on offering NCAArelated championship events over the internet. The two companies produced more than 1000 sporting contests for TV and the web last year and expect to exceed that as one company this year.

While emerging technology continues to change the way viewers access their information and entertainment, the outlook for content appears rosy. If local businesspeople like Vanderwielen, Servizzi, and Wafford have their way, Hamilton County will be among the forerunners in providing that content. v

The Bridges Planned for US 31 Corridor Mixed use development getting mixed response from future neighbors

By Robert Annis Renderings courtesy Gershman Brown Crowley Inc.

C

entral Indiana developers, residents and government officials are keeping a close watch on a 63-acre property at 116th Street and Spring Mill Road, as a local developer plans to launch one of the most ambitious projects Carmel has seen in years.

ent neighbors, but also office workers whom he believes are underserved by the current options within a short drive.

The property, owned by the Pittman family, is being developed by Tom Crowley, the mastermind behind Hamilton Town Center and Clay Terrace. Called the Bridges, due to the planned bridges spanning the decorative drainage ditches, the project will be a $100 million mix of retail, office and residential apartments … probably.

Although Crowley admits details of the project -250,000 square feet of retail, 800,000 square feet of office space and 300 apartments -- are subject to change based on market demand, he’s promised to meet skeptical neighbors as needed to update them on the progress.

The project, which is expected to create up to $350 million in direct and indirect benefits to the city and county, is slated to be built in phases over the next 15 years — with construction of a grocery store-anchored shopping area beginning as early as next spring.

Crowley hopes the restaurants and shops will attract not only the exceedingly afflu-

Crowley anticipates site work to begin within the next 120 days. The level of interest from high-end restaurants and retailers is “very high,” Crowley said, but he has yet to ink any solid deals.

Unorthodox agreement

Because of the unique way the deal was structured, Crowley said there’s no rush to sign anyone. Instead of the Pittmans selling the parcel outright to Crowley and his partners, they have an option to become equal partners at some point in the future.

If they decide to pass on that option, they will simply get paid for the land.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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merce. In June, the Carmel City Council voted 6-1 to change the zoning from a residential to a planned-use development designation.

Neighbors are among the most affluent in the state, according to local land consultant Ross Reller, with houses in the surrounding area ranging from $300,000 to beyond $1 million.

Crowley and his partners downplay the suggestion they’re alienating the very same people they’re trying to attract to the Bridges.

A traditional deal would “force developers to make deals because they have to pay the bank,” Crowley said. With the current deal, “we’re free to take our time. We can look at things from a long-term perspective.”

Interestingly, Crowley claims there’s no set price for the 63-acre parcel at this time, but instead a 10-page formula for determining the cost.

With most buildable spaces along US 31 taken by existing office buildings, city officials see outward expansion as a way to grow the outrageously successful economic area. Mayor Jim Brainard has been involved behind the scenes, letting potential developers know

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early on what the city desires at the site.

Carmel was an early leader of planned unit developments in the state, pushing the sustainable advantages of live-work-play lifestyle. Duke Realty had planned an office park at the location years ago, but Brainard balked, instead preferring multiple uses at the site.

Wary Neighbors

Despite howls of protest from neighbors in the nearby Williams Mill and Spring Mill Place subdivisions, who fear their quiet suburban lifestyle will be destroyed by the development, the plan has earned almost unanimous approval from Carmel officials and the local Chamber of Com-

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Dozens of neighbors, including former Carmel City Council candidate Ron Houk and investment banker Ed Skarbeck, have threatened to boycott the project once it’s built. They claim they’re not against development at the site, but want it on a much smaller scale than Crowley has planned.

They fear multi-story office buildings and potential big box stores will lower property values, increase traffic on an already overburdened Spring Mill Road and ruin the area’s aesthetics, charges that Crowley denies.

“We’re going to build something we’re proud of and the neighbors are going to be proud of,” Crowley said. “Ten years from now, when they look back on this, they’re going to forget they were ever concerned.”

City officials concede traffic will likely worsen in the short term, but believe the taxes generated from the project will help pay for a long-planned extension of Illinois Street that will wind through the development down to 106th Street and render neighbors’ concerns moot.

Carmel is seeking to fast track construction of the Illinois extension, which could begin as early as next year, according to city engineer Mike McBride. The city is currently working with the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization to find funding sources to build the road as soon as possible. McBride said there are two funding plans being discussed, but wasn’t at liberty to elaborate on either.

Once started, construction would likely take a year, McBride confirmed.

Crowley downplayed another suggestion that the Bridges would negatively impact Clay Terrace, the outdoor shopping center he helped create seven years ago, and the already struggling Merchants Square.

“Clay Terrace is a destination, while (the Bridges) is more of a neighborhood setting,” Crowley said. “They’re very different. Merchants Square doesn’t need help losing businesses; they’re already in pretty bad shape.

It’s a shame, because that could be a viable spot. It needs redeveloped, probably using public investment.”

Redeveloping Merchants Square does appeal to Crowley, who said the location at 116th Street and Keystone Avenue makes it ideal for a university-based mixed-use development.

Gears are now starting to turn on other projects happening at the 106th Street and Spring Mill Road intersection – potential plans about the 300-acre parcel at the northwest corner are being discussed with the city, while a Mormon temple and housing development is projected for southwest corner and IU Health owns a great deal of the property on the northeast corner.

Crowley doesn’t anticipate much development happening to the north any time soon, citing the current lack of rooftops. v Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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The Roper Lofts Lofty Venture Enhances Community Pride

By Shari Held

H

But What About the Bottom Line?

ouses and businesses boarded up and in various stages of disrepair.

Missing windows, missing roofs, neglected and abandoned. It’s an all too familiar sight in many downtowns, and until recently that was the case for two buildings in Noblesville.

at 347 S. 8th Street was built around 1898 and has historical significance—it housed Roper’s Grocery Store, Hamilton County’s first African-American owned business.

Over the years both had been repurposed into apartment buildings. For the last few years they were vacant and in foreclosure.

The property at 304 S. 8th Street, built in 1870, was originally used as a restaurant and tavern. The property across the street

In the case of these two buildings, however, a fortunate series of events resulted in their restoration. It all began with the county being awarded federal funding for the rehabilitation of foreclosed properties.

Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development (HAND), a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide affordable housing in Hamilton County, heard about it and submitted a proposal to the county commission requesting funding to rehab the two buildings.

It was a classic “right place; right time” scenario, and HAND received approximately $1.8 million to purchase and rehab the two properties. “The stars all aligned for this project in terms of the funding and the buildings’ proximity to down-

Before: 304 S. 8th Street

After: 304 S. 8th Street

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October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

town Noblesville and to each other,” says Stephanie Burdick, executive director for HAND. “It was kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Rehab began last December and the properties, collectively named Roper Lofts, are now fully refurbished. Each building houses four one-bedroom apartments, and the building at 347 S. 8th Street has two office spaces—one of which is HAND’s new office. “These buildings are a wonderful opportunity for us to further our mission in proving affordable housing within the county,” Burdick says. “Also, just given the location of the building, it’s a great opportunity for us to put ourselves out there and become more visible in the community.” Burdick hopes to rent the other office space to a non-profit organization with a mission that compliments HAND’s mission.

Partnering with the city

HAND also received funding from other sources, including the City of Noblesville, to pull the transformation off. Getting that was also a stroke of luck. “With non-profits, we give them tax dollars but they don’t pay property taxes, so we don’t get that recycled benefit,” says Christy Langley, assistant director for economic development for the City of Noblesville and program administrator for the city’s Façade Grant Program. “But, the location of HAND’s project was key—and probably the main factor why we decided to grant this project. Eighth Street is one of our highlighted corridors that we are looking to redevelop, and we realize it needs to be a public/private relationship to do that.”

HAND received $17,073 from the Façade Grant Program and additional funding from the State Farm Community Development Grant.

Before: 347 S. 8th Street

During construction of 347 S. 8th Street

Other rehab is going on in the 8th Street Corridor. The Nickel Plate Arts Trail purchased the Judge Stone house at 107 S. 8th Street to house its cultural center. All of this rehab and restoration is great for the city from an aesthetic viewpoint. Langley says it has made a psychological difference as well. “When people drive down that corridor, they see this momentum and this action, and they start to think a little bit differently about 8th Street,” she says.

“That’s what we are going for.”

Sentimental sally or solid business sense?

That’s not always been the case. In the ‘70s downtowns and town centers were

Before: Interior, 347 S. 8th Street

After: Interior, 347 S. 8th Street

thought to be passé, with economic development moving to the suburbs. When development did occur in downtown, older buildings were typically destroyed in favor of new construction. Mike Higbee, managing partner of Indianapolis-based DC Development Group, says we’ve come 180 degrees since then. “We’ve learned over the last three or four decades that that was a mistake,” he says. “We lost some very valuable buildings that contributed to the fabric of the community and that made the community more attractive from an investment standpoint.” He notes that Indiana towns such as Elkhart, Goshen, Columbus and Madison managed to retain their original downtowns with success. “In almost every instance, those downtowns have come back and are going great guns again,” he says.

market that really sees that type of space as attractive and appealing.”

Higbee says the “big picture” is not more important, but just as important to the evaluation as the number-crunching component.

For the people of Noblesville the completion of the Roper Lofts puts them one step closer to the rejuvenation of the 8th Street Corridor. The eight apartments have already been leased, pointing to a demand—at least in the affordable multifamily housing market.

“We are happy we are supporting the area, and revitalizing the area and making it a better neighborhood,” Burdick says.

“Hopefully this will spur additional investment to other properties around us.” v

How can you tell if it makes sense to rehab from a business standpoint?

Higbee says the answer depends on several factors.

Assuming the location is desirable, the first thing to determine is whether an adaptive reuse that meets a market need can be done economically. Which is less expensive—restoring the property or tearing it down and putting up new construction? Don’t forget to factor in historic tax Before: 347 S. 8th Street credits, or check into community or state funding.

“Those things can make a difference to the bottom line,” Higbee said. “But the second analysis is, do I have in this historic or unique property something that is not replicable? If it’s a unique asset that can’t be replicated, you can almost get a premium in the right marketplace. There’s a finite quantity of that kind of space, and there clearly is a measurable part of the After: 347 S. 8th Street Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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Focus: Real Estate/Development Mark Robbins

You Can’t Take it with You

But You Can Get a Tax Benefit Now for a Real Estate Donation Later Fred and Betty Harris were in their 70’s and were one of the nicest couples I had ever met—hard working, loyal, smart.

They were working through a pivotal time of life; they wanted to retire from their 200 acre farm and downsize to a more manageable home and life. Their children were grown and doing well so Fred and Betty, a generous couple, wanted to make some significant gifts to a charity that was close to their hearts.

First they created a charitable trust that provided them with lifetime income, reduced taxes and took care of their children. Then, Fred and Betty decided to create one more agreement: to gift the future ownership of their home to charity, commonly called a “life estate.” Lower real estate values have created an incentive for retirees to stay in their homes, making the life estate more appealing for many people.

Lower real estate values have created an incentive for retirees to stay in their homes, making the life estate more appealing for many people.

What is it?

The term is somewhat of a misnomer. A life estate is a plan that enables an individual or couple to receive a large income tax

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deduction for the future gift of their home while continuing to live in the home. The agreement separates two interests in the property. The Harris’ retained the life interest (life estate) in the property and transferred the remainder interest to the charity. They received an income tax deduction for that remainder interest. While the name may be confusing, the concept can provide wonderful benefits.

The income tax deduction is based upon the age of the donors and the value of the property. In the case of the Harris’, they received a tax deduction of over $55,000 based on a home value of $117,000. Their attorney prepared and filed new deeds as well as an agreement that identified which party (the Harris’ or the charity) was responsible for certain expenses.

Normally, the donor is responsible for the maintenance, insurance and taxes on the property. For all practical purposes, the Harris’ lifestyle was the same as before the agreement was created.

Upon their passing, ownership transferred directly to the charity without going through probate, saving money and relieving their children of the burden and cost of selling the property. The charity sold the property just as the Harris’ directed and funded the scholarship they created in their names with the sales price of $166,000. Alternatively, a donor and charity could agree that the property will be used to further the charity’s work. All of this is identified at the time the agreement and the charity decides whether or not to accept the property.

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Why would you consider a life estate agreement?

• You want to make a charitable gift to a cause you care about with the proceeds of the future sale of your home • You want to retire, you own a debt free home, vacation property, farm or ranch, and you want to create an income tax deduction while retaining use of your property • You don’t have children or they have left home and don’t intend to keep your property when you die • You would like to perpetuate your family’s legacy by funding a scholarship or donor advised fund that will draw your heirs together to make giving decisions There are many ways to keep your wealth working for causes that are important to you even after your death. The advantage of the life estate is that you can continue to live in your home while receiving an income tax deduction now. Check with your financial advisor to see if it makes sense for you.

I still remember sitting in Fred and Betty’s new home and signing the agreement.

They loved it because it helped them accomplish their family, tax and giving goals.

It could be a great option for you and a tremendous benefit to the charities you support especially when combined with a donor advised fund.

Mark Robbins is vice president of the Legacy Fund. Contact him at markr@cicf.org

Focus: Real Estate/Development Robby Slaughter

The Psychology of Office Space

Our Workplaces Help Define our Company Culture As the commercial real estate industry begins to turn around, I’m reminded of the bizarre psychology of office space.

A beautiful, gleaming lobby with fountains and marble floors will impress some clients but dissuade budget-conscious investors. A bullpen of noisy cubicles might inspire friendly competition among sales professionals, but could ruin productivity for copy editors, graphic designers and anyone who works best in relative silence.

Commercial buildings represent incredible opportunity but mind-bending tradeoffs.

What’s the right place to work?

The problem of designing an office setup is compounded by technology and modern culture. These days, we can work from practically anywhere. Yet this is not just a 21st century phenomenon: the first professional on record to buck the office trend was a Boston bank president. To avoid a commute, he ordered a telephone line to be routed back to his office in Somerville, Massachusetts. The year was 1877.

Furthermore, we live in an era with an entirely different perspective on work.

The first offices existed before electricity and were really only practical during daylight hours. Now, we have round-theclock operations even here in Hamilton County, from call centers to emergency services to third-shift manufacturing. We knock out email after the kids go to sleep and make international conference calls on the weekends. We work in airports, coffee shops and hotel rooms. The office is just one of a multitude of places we go to get things done.

Many people are ditching the concept altogether. According to author Kate Lister and the Telework Research Network, approximately 2.8 million Americans consider their home their primary place of work—and this figure does not include unpaid volunteers or people who are selfemployed. As long as Internet connection prices stay low and gas prices stay high, this population is likely to grow. More people than ever will make their daily commute to work little more than a stroll across their living room.

To solve the dilemma of office space, you need to work with both your realtor and your fellow employees to define your priorities. For some businesses and some types of personalities, a large common area with tables, great lighting and plenty of character will inspire creativity. For others, private offices with doors are essential: either for confidential meetings with clients or for long stretches of uninterrupted time to concentrate. Some groups only need a space at regular intervals, like a weekly conference room for staff meetings. Other companies may perform best by rotating their way through coffeeshops or encouraging team members to set up home offices.

By analogy, our experience in the world of work begins in the first place we learn to complete assignments. Schools tend to require attendance and punctuality because doing so streamlines the administration of education, not because schools are the only place to learn. Likewise, office spaces can have immense practical value in busi-

ness operations. Sitting at your desk, however, doesn’t prove you’re actually getting any work done. Face time might indicate that you are present, but not that you’re valuable. This may be the most profound challenge of the office: it lures us into measuring attendance rather than output.

If unchecked, it engenders a culture that reveres those who arrive early and stay late, rather than those who are efficient yet perhaps unseen.

This may be the most profound challenge of the office: it lures us into measuring attendance rather than output.

If this year finds you considering a change to the place where you work, take the time to deeply contemplate the bizarre psychology of office space. Consider where you truly need to be and what aspects of your environment you find distracting, empowering or impractical. Engage your team in challenging the paradigm. Decide together if it’s time to move out, move on, or move up.

Robby Slaughter is a Principal with Slaughter Development, an Indianapolis-based productivity and workflow consulting company. His new book, Failure: The Secret to Success, is available now at www.failurethebook.com.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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Legal Andrew Thompson

Dodging the Land Mines

Legal Hurdles Are Inevitable When Developing Real Estate Even in a healthy economy, development projects encounter multiple legal hurdles before owners, tenants or customers pay the first dollar toward the success of the venture. In this economy the hurdles can be even higher.

Once a property is identified, most developers seek necessary approvals for their plans from local authorities before purchasing the land.

In fact, unless the developer is a cash buyer, it’s likely to be necessary to attain the appropriate zoning, plan amendments and other approvals before a lender will approve the financing for a deal.

The scope and type of development will generally dictate the amount of time it takes to get the approvals necessary to get shovels in the ground. It’s easy to understand how cost affects the overall timeline; it’s a little harder to see how the matrix of commercial versus residential development, owner occupied versus rental property, or single versus multi-use development may affect the process.

Largely due to the economy, residential rental properties are “hot” at the moment.

Regardless, this type of project can be very slow to progress. Why? In Hamilton County communities, rental properties have been disfavored among city councils, development commissions and the electorate. Multi-family buildings have been particularly unpopular, but now, with the protracted housing slump, they are sometimes the only projects that can obtain financing, and there is an extraordinary demand for rental residences right now.

Commercial development proposals usually come with considerable complexity, lots of public inquiry, and sometimes additional steps in obtaining approval. The environmental im-

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pact of a commercial project is much different than a residential project, and it is generally weighed against nearby residential interests in the “quiet enjoyment” of one’s own property.

Financing

If a project is to obtain some form of public financing, an entirely new layer of legal consideration is likely to come into play. If any kind of bond financing is to be used, the underwriting guidelines must be reviewed carefully to ensure that the project remains in compliance with the requirements of the bond’s conditions for financing.

Public finance is often tied very closely to investment in public infrastructure. Infrastructure improvements are often the ultimate deal makers or deal breakers for a new venture.

If there is poor traffic flow, a lack of parking, inadequate water and sewer resources, etc., the project is not likely to succeed. This means local government has a vested interest in making sure the infrastructure fits the project.

Private financing comes into play once the deal is approved on all levels in the local community. Generally, a bank is waiting in the wings and watching to see that the deal that is approved is one that fits within the bank’s underwriting guidelines. Bank financing is the most common source for capital for all but the largest development projects. A thorough review of all loan documentation is critical in closing on a new loan. Retaining an attorney to review these documents and assist you in closing the transaction is vitally important.

There are numerous risk management issues to consider, and important covenants a borrower will be required to abide by to obtain the financing and make draws against a line of credit as the project proceeds.

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Minimizing Risk

Current economic conditions play a significant role in managing the legal risks of development. If a developer cannot find tenants, or sell subdivided units of his property, the deal can quickly turn upside down. Once this point is reached, it can be very difficult to correct.

That said, there are steps a developer can take on the front end to protect its interests. Of course, the most obvious is to minimize draws except where there is income lined up to cover the debt service. Most development deals come with key tenants or buyers already lined up. The “anchor” clientele becomes much more important when the economy is slow, and leasing other space is challenging.

Property management agreements can play a dominant role in the process and a developer should negotiate these carefully, as well as any other agreements in play as the project moves toward final success.

“Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you’re generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don’t make.” - Donald Trump

Real estate investment and development is more challenging than any time in recent history. Planning wisely for the many contingencies helps keep the downside in check.

Andrew J. Thompson is a sole practitioner at the Thompson Law Office, LLC in Carmel, helping small business owners and their families. Reach him at andrew@businesslawindiana.com.

Ear to the Ground

By Robert Annis

Although fairly minor deals continue to get inked throughout the county, Hamilton County Alliance Executive Director Jeff Burt warns few major projects will get off the ground until the sluggish economy improves.

“There’s always a lot of nibbles and people doing legwork,” Burt said. “Businesses know what they want to do and where they want to do it, but they’re afraid to make that final decision because of concerns with the economy.”

Companies the county seeks to attract – small-to-mid-sized companies with a capacity to grow quickly – are particularly vulnerable to market conditions, Burt said.

Carmel

Data Networking company Belden is expanding its Carmel operations, with plans to move into a larger space. The Carmel workforce is expected to more than double to 79 employees by 2014. The $3.1 million expansion is made possible in part by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s $750,000 in performance-based tax credits.

Retailer Tuesday Morning is moving to a new, smaller space in Merchants Square, filling the former Finish Line space.

Retailer Garden Ridge is open in the former Sears space on Ind. 37.

Two disparate Carmel eateries closed their doors recently. Both the Glass Chimney and WG Grinders were shuttered; Grinders, in fact, lasted just a short time in its new location near U.S. 31.

Body One Physical Therapy has relocated to Cherry Street Plaza on E. Main Street, just down the street from the newly opened Good Life Coffee House and the relocated MaxIT.

Noblesville

Orthopedic implant manufacturer Rochester Medical Implants (RMI) inked a deal to move its headquarters from Fulton County to Noblesville’s Corporate Campus by October.

The company didn’t receive any tax breaks from the city, county or state to move; they told city officials they wanted to tap into the community’s well-educated work force. It’s not believed RMI’s move will necessitate a name change.

McDonald’s and Firestone Auto Care recently opened at Exit 10 along I-69. A gas station may be in the works as well.

Westfield

V. Van Tiem Gallery Portraits, specializing in digitally painted portraits, opened a new studio on N. Union Street.

Fishers

Harmony Wines and sign maker T3 designs opened at 7350 Village Square Lane.

St. Vincent Health has begun the expansion of its Medical Center Northeast to a 40-bed inpatient hospital. When completed, the updated facility, located in the 13000 block of Southeastern Parkway, will include 30 surgical beds, 10 observation beds and 10 delivery rooms. The 110,000-square foot expansion will likely create more than 200 new jobs.

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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   

 

    

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     

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October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

new faces of the chamber

*Photos taken by Focal Point Studios

Monte Chamberlin Cost Stewardship

Scott Gipson Of?ce Pride

Angel Cummings University Dermatology Center

Bea Gustin Mathoo’s Eggrolls

Bill Cathcart Managepoint

Donna Daniel Teachers Credit Union

Greg Rohler Greg Rohler, Inc.

Julie & Matthew McCord Welcomemat Services

Ken Carite ProShred

Lena Lucas Metamorphosis Consulting

Margie Koyak Koyak Communications

Michael Neff Flanner & Buchanan

Upcoming Events: October 19, 2011 Monthly Luncheon “Networking at Noon” FORUM Conference Ctr 11313 USA Parkway 11:30a.m.-1:00p.m.

October 25, 2011 Morning Motivator “Networking & More” Hampton Inn & Suites 11575 Commercial Dr. 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

October 26, 2011 Business After Hours E.F. Marburger Fine Flooring 9999 Allisonville Road 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

November 9, 2011 Navigating the Chamber Fishers Train Station 11601 Municipal Drive 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

November 9, 2011 Business After Hours Golf 365 9625 E. 150th Street 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

November 16, 2011 Chamber Luncheon FORUM Conference Ctr 11313 USA Parkway 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

11601 Municipal Drive 317-578-0700 www.FishersChamber.com

FISHERS

Mark Robbins Legacy Fund

www.?sherschamber.com

James Reddick Dream Weaver Salon & Day Spa

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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HAMILTON NORTH

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

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Upcoming Events!

OCTOBER 2011

Tuesday, October 4 HNCC Luncheon ~ 11:30 am Red Bridge Park, Cicero

NOVEMBER 2011

Tuesday, November 1 HNCC Luncheon ~ 11:30 am Red Bridge Park, Cicero

CICERO TRIATHLON The 28th Annual Cicero Triathlon was a successful event!

Thank you to all participants, sponsors and volunteers!

july luncheon

Steve Holt, Hamilton County Commissioner, was the speaker for the July Joint Hamilton North/Sheridan Chamber luncheon

Jane Hunter, Executive Director (left) and Carmen Clift, Ambassador Committee Chair (right) present the 3rd Quarter Bell of Recognition to Jenna Majors, Meridian Title

2011-2012 Hamilton north chamber executive board august membership breakfast

Greg Morris, Publisher of the Indianapolis Business Journal, was the speaker at the August Membership Breakfast

Front row: Maureen Price; Treasurer, Larry Christman; Debbie Beaudin, President; Corey Sylvester; Craig Penwell, Vice President Back row: Dave Galt; Abe Evans; Ron Adamson; Jake Doll; Jim Hogle, Secretary; Andy Sheets

NEW MEMBERS Joanne Hogle, Community Assistance Program joined the Chamber in August

Community Assistance Program Joanne Hogle 968 Quiet Bay Circle Cicero, IN 46034 (317) 965-0967

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

Arcadia Wine & Spirits Brandon Anderson 121 W. Main Street Arcadia, IN 46030 (317) 606-8055

Cicero Pool and Spa Martyn Furnish 770 S. Peru Street Cicero, IN 46034 (317) 984-3212

UPCOMING EVENTS!

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

OCTOBER 2011

NOVEMBER 2011

October 5 – 8:00 a.m.

Chamber University

November 3 – 7:30 a.m.

NetWORKS!

Chamber Office

Mudsocks Grill co-hosted with Carmel & Westfield Chambers

October 26 – 11:30 a.m.

Membership Luncheon Purgatory Golf Club

Dale epitomized community service for which the Pinnacle Award is presented. He served on the Noblesville Common Council, the Noblesville School Board, and the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville board for many years. He made a positive and lasting impact on many young people as a coach and teacher and co-founded the Noblesville Elementary Football League.

CHAMBER RELEASES SURVEY RESULTS The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, through its economic development committee, recently surveyed Chamber members on preferences for recreational, cultural and outdoor activities. Recognizing that Noblesville businesses benefit from residents and guests who use these activities, the commitee’s goal is to assess current usage and receive suggestions for changes and improvements from Chamber members.

The committee was pleased to note that 88% of the survey respondents indicated they frequent Noblesville restaurants and retail establishments when participating in these activities. Questions posed to members involved trail system usage, trails connectivity, favorite City venues, types of concerts and events frequented, and types of retail and restaurants visited during these activities.

The goal of the Chamber’s economic development committee is to focus on business retention/expansion in Noblesville, and to act as a business advocate group on behalf of the Chamber membership. Visit www.noblesvillechamber.com to see the results.

NEW MEMBERS

Cristi Downing Buca di Beppo

DECEMBER 2011 December 7 – 11:30 a.m.

Holiday Membership Luncheon Purgatory Golf Club December 8 – 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Holiday Business After Hours Mr. G’s Liquor

Nominations are now being accepted for the prestigious ENTERPRISE AWARDS. The recognition banquet for this, the 8th annual event, will be held on Thursday, November 17 at Purgatory Golf Club. The program is presented by the City of Noblesville and the Noblesville Chamber, and proceeds go to the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation.

The program will feature businesses in six categories: Business of the Year Business Person of the Year Best New Construction or Renovation Best New Business Best Small Business of the Year Best Green Initiative

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

Maureen Lindley and Michael Neff Flanner and Buchanan

Angie Hall Hoosier Park

Lee Johnson Mill Top Banquet & Conference Center

www.noblesvillechamber.com

Suzanne Snelling accepted the 2011 Pinnacle Award on behalf of her late husband, Dale Snelling. The presentation was made at the Chamber’s membership luncheon on August 24.

Purgatory Golf Club

NOBLESVILLE

PINNACLE AWARD PRESENTED

November 17 – 6:00 p.m.

Enterprise Awards Banquet

Laura Wohlschlaeger and Kristi Marcella Women’s Specialty Health Centers

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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

2011 Monthly Luncheon Dates October 27

Steve Powell AT&T, Guest Speaker

November

www.sheridanchamber.org

SHERIDAN

NO Member luncheon Happy Thanksgiving

December 1

Christmas Lunch, Community Center 11:30

Grand Opening Webster Law

Please join us for the

Sheridan Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Thursday September 22, 2011 ~ 7:00pm - 8:30pm The Palomino Ballroom 481 S. County Road 1200 E., Zionsville, IN 46077 Our Guest Speaker for the Evening will be: Andy Cook Mayor of Westfield, Indiana Cost per person: $25.00

Will Webster, Parvin Gillim

Make your reservation now by phone or email (317)758-131 chambermail@ sheridanchamber.org Learn about upcoming events, the new direction for the Sheridan Chamber, Door Prizes and More!!!

J. Andrew Cook, Westfield Mayor Patty Nicholas, Will Webster, Parvin Gillim, Greg Morgan

Will and Robbi Webster and family.

Mayor J. Andrew Cook (Andy) has been a resident of Hamilton County for over 25 years. In 2007, he was the Westfield Town Council president and worked to transition Westfield into becoming Indiana’s newest city on January 1, 2008.

After graduating from Northwestern High School near Kokomo, he received a degree in Biology and Environmental Health from Indiana University, Bloomington. After careers with the State Department of Health and the private sector, he joined his son in 1997 to develop Tradewinds, a transportation and logistics corporation, headquartered in Hamilton County.

Mayor Cook is dedicated to managing Westfield’s gift of growth and is continuously working to maintain Westfield’s character and charm while striving to increase its economic viability.

Mayor Cook and his wife of 37 years, Barbara, a physician assistant, live in Westfield and are the parents of two sons and a daughter, and have eight grandchildren.

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

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October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

OCTOBER 2011

Economic Development Meeting Monday, October 3rd ~ 11:30 a.m.

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

Hamilton County Job Fair Tuesday, October 4th ~ 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Candidates Forum Wednesday, October 19th ~ 7:00 p.m.

Westfield Candidates for Mayor Westfield City Hall ~ 130 Penn Street Presented by the Hamilton County League of Women Voters

2011 Business Showcase & Taste of Westfield Luncheon This luncheon will be devoted to showcasing a variety of Chamber members- including some of our great restaurants! The room will be set up to accommodate tables that will showcase businesses and organizations that are members of the Chamber. The nature of this event lends itself to great networking while providing a change of pace and a time to meet other members. Show Case Tables are available to Westfield Chamber members on a first come first served basis.

The following dates are from the Hamilton County website: www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov Voter Registration for this election ends October 11, 2011.

• October 11, 2011 - Voter Registration Deadline for the November Municipal General • October 10, 2011 - Absentee/Early Voting begins • November 7, 2011 at 12:00 noon - Absentee/Early Voting ends • November 8, 2011 - Municipal General Election Day • Please note: You may vote in the General Election even though you may not have voted in the Primary Election Also on the Hamilton County website’s home page you can find information on the following: • Absentee / Early Voting • Current Election Information • Voter Registration Instructions • Precinct Maps – where you vote

Joint Networking Breakfast Thursday, November 3rd ~ 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Network with members of the Westfield, Carmel and Noblesville Chambers Mudsocks ~ 14741 Hazel Dell Crossing $10 for members; $20 non-members Registration required by October 31st online at www.westfield-chamber.org

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

Mayor Andy Cook Annual State of the City Address The Bridgewater Club ~ 3535 East 161st Street $15.00 for members with reservations ~ $20.00 for all others and billables. Online registration due by November 11th at www.westfield-chamber.org

18880 N. East Street (One quarter mile east of US 31 at 191st Street; then south on East Street one quarter mile). www.eaststreetcenter.com Members with a reservation: $15.00 ~ All others $20.00 Register online at www.westfield-chamber.org by October 14th

NEW MEMBERS Carpenter Realtors Steve Benedict NorthStar HR Consulting Michael Russo Central Christian Church Lisa Russell Hamilton County Chiropractic Alicia Woods Kindred Healthcare Healthcare Doug Daudelin Sponsor of the 2011 Lantern Awards

St. Theodore Guerin High School Pamelia Storms-Barrett Innovative HR Solutions, LLC Joe Boone

Dr. Jody Friedman, along with his wife Christy, celebrated the opening of his new office with staff, family and community members. The new office is located south of Indiana Members Credit Union on SR 32 East.

Sherwin Williams Patrick King IBJ Greg Morris

www.westfield-chamber.org

Membership Luncheon Thursday, October 20th ~ 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Vote ~ November 8th

WESTFIELD

Hamilton County Fairgrounds 2033 Pleasant Street ~Noblesville, 46060 For details please visit www.westfield–chamber.org

NOVEMBER 2011

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

Welcomemat Services Sheryl Eickman

Owner Lisa Howe and her family members join Mayor Cook and Chamber Board Member Randy Graham in cutting the ribbon celebrating the opening of Good Life Coffee House located at 108 East Main Street in downtown Westfield.

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

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

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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Dining Out European Bakery, Noblesville Address Logan Street Bakery and Cafe Story and photos by Chris Owens

Take an idea formed on a Saturday morning at the Noblesville Farmer’s Market, mix it with years of professional experience in the food industry, add two talented bakers with personality and you’ve found the essential elements that make the Logan Street Bakery and Café.

Katja Baird (L) and Molly Herner

Located as the name suggests on Logan Street in Historic Downtown Noblesville, this local Bakery and Café offers European-style pastries, a full lunch menu, specialty cakes, catering, and more.

Molly describes the menu as ‘stuff we really like’ The Logan Street Bakery and Café is the result of more than a year of intense work, honing recipes and a business plan, and seeking input from family and the local business community to materialize into this new business for coowners Molly Herner and Katja Baird.

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The pair began working together at Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano around the corner several years ago. It was there they began to see the demand for a local bakery.

Often, they noticed customers coming to purchase Matteo’s signature bread based on a family recipe. This shaped a need in their minds. The demand led to their first table at the local farmer’s market two years ago selling the signature bread, which the two enjoyed while starting conversation about the initial bakery idea. The idea was really solidified when Katja returned from a trip to her hometown of Bologna, Italy. It was that trip that triggered the process of bringing to Noblesville a traditional bakery you’d find in larger European or American cities.

Timing seemed to be everything to the pair as they started to formulate their strategy, working through everything from profit and loss statements to the ounce-by-ounce details of recipes. They knew location would be a key element and they began to scout sites in Noblesville, Carmel and Zionsville. A bold approach to the owners of the Logan Street Marketplace would eventually provide the home for their business. The location at 937 Logan Street came equipped with most of the necessary equipment for their needs. Katja and Molly made some aesthetic changes and put their touch on the location. Their storefront houses the café with outdoor seating and features local art by Randall Scott Harding, which is available for purchase.

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

True to form in putting their own spin on the favorites, Molly describes the menu as “stuff we really like”, and it’s easy to see why.

Their offerings include everything from scones, Danish, and bagels, to croissant, Panini, soups, and salads. They also offer appetizers, catering, and custom cakes for whatever the occasion. “Nothing is set in stone and we can accommodate whatever you want” according to the ambitious duo.

It’s easy to see that Molly and Katja have a great deal of pride in their home community of Noblesville and as they stated “want to be a part of your household.” As the business grows they hope to be even more involved in the community and aspire to be a wholesale baker for other local eateries. They currently provide donations to the Hamilton County Food Bank and aspire to do more. Staying true to the birthplace of their idea, you can find their booth at the Noblesville Farmer’s Market each Saturday, where you can purchase their bread, baguettes, scones, focaccia, and more. You can also find more information on the Logan Street Bakery and Café Facebook page.

The Pitch-In

Notes from all over the countyâ&#x20AC;Ś Chaucieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place, the Carmel-based child sexual abuse prevention organization, is moving from its 100-year-old farm house on West Main Street. Martin Marietta is renting the new location to the charity for $1 year. Development along west Main prompted the move.

Michael Engledow, a 1999 graduate of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy and former Board President, is this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HCLA Dean.

TheSwankyAbode.com launched a popup shop at the Indiana Design Center.

The online store specializes in mid-century modern furniture, accessories and gifts, and also has a store in Columbus Ohio.

Put That Ironing Board Away!

Opening in Carmelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arts and Design District: Adara Day Spa, CafĂŠ St. Tropez, Aunti Emâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Frozen Custard and Cupcakes,and Shiraz Wine Experience and Art CafĂŠ.

GVC Mortgage, Noblesville, hired Joanne Holman as marketing director.

Engledow is a principal with arcDesign in Indianapolis.

Press Only $1.99 per item We can maintain that professional look while saving you money.

Ten Convenient Locations on Indyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northside: Visit our website @ www.morellisdrycleaners.com Locally owned and operated since 1985 Ihp^k^] [r

United Way kicked off its Hamilton County campaign with a fundraising goal of $3.1 million.

United Way is also launching a reading tutoring program in Sheridan. A cooperative venture between United Way and Sheridan Community Schools, and partially funded by JBS United, ReadUP is seeking adult volunteers to read to elementary school children. Volunteer at www.readupindy.org.

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Sisters Colleen and Jenny Page, and mother and daughter Dr.Connie and Jenn Kampmeier launched EventzPlus event venue at 1117 Range Line Rd in Carmel.

In Cicero, Kid Again, a childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clothing resale store, opened in the Port Cicero Shopping Center. Arcadia Wine and Spirits and RD Moore Upholstry opened in Arcadia, and CafĂŠ Atlantis and Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grill opened in Atlanta.

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Hamilton County History

African American Business in Noblesville

David Heighway

Roper Building

T

he recent restoration of the Roper Building has brought attention to the long tradition of African American owned business in Noblesville. It has existed from the time of the founding of the county, when Pete Smith, an African American fur trader, was the first settler in the Noblesville area. It

Ad from the November 6, 1893, Noblesville Ledger for John Roper’s barber shop. John was David’s older brother and they were probably working together at that point in time.

continued up to and after the Civil war, notably with Stephen Roberts, a livestock dealer who was part of the Roberts Settlement family. His wife Nancy became famous locally in the 1890’s for her catering business and provided the food for the finer weddings in town. (She was also known for being the first African American child born in Noblesville, and for being 100 years old when she died in 1952.)

Other Black families in Hamilton County did well for themselves, including the Robbins family. Dan Robbins was a former slave who came to Westfield after the Civil War to farm and who had become wealthy enough by 1914 to own an automobile.

The Roper family was also probably a group of former slaves who Nancy Elliot, AKA Aunt moved to Indiana.

Nan, who ran a successful The patriarch, Greencatering business at the turn of the 20th century. berry (1828-1906), was

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originally from Kentucky. Interestingly, he may have had a relative in Marion County named David Roper. David was a farmer, originally from Kentucky, who enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War. He was one of the men killed in the assault on Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863, which was later portrayed in the movie Glory. Although Greenberry apparently didn’t serve during the war, he was very civic-minded. He helped to organize a political rally for Ulysses S. Grant’s presidential campaign in 1872. He was also appointed to the county Petit Jury in 1880. Of his nine children, the son born in 1860 was named Abraham Lincoln and the son born in 1866 was named Grant.

Greenberry’s primary occupation was that of a barber. It’s not known whether he owned his own shop, but his sons certainly did. His eldest son, also named Greenberry, and two other sons named John and David ran a barber shop on 8th Street.

David (1856-1945) continued to be a barber when he occupied the building at 347 & 357 S. 8th Street sometime before 1920. The building had gone through several incarnations since it had opened as a bottling plant around 1905. It had been vacant by 1914 and no. 357 was still vacant when Roper opened his shop. His first wife had died in 1917 and his second wife, Olivia, ran a boarding house in the building. It evidently attracted a variety of people.

One of her boarders was an emigrant named Alfred Molefe, who was from the area in South Africa that today is called Lesotho.

In the early 1920’s, Roper decided to change his occupation and open a grocery store in his building.

It was interesting that this happened at a time when the Ku Klux Klan was a dominant power in Indiana. It’s not known if he did this simply because he had the opportunity or if it was a response to rising racial tensions. Whatever the reason, the store was an important part of the community for several

October • November 2011/Hamilton County Business Magazine

A political rally for U. S Grant during the 1872 presidential election, put on by the Hamilton County African American community, who were deeply involved in local political activity.

The 1905 Sanborn map when the building was a bottling plant

years. Along with continuing to run the boarding house, his wife ran the grocery when Roper became ill in later years – he died in 1945, she died in 1947.

Among other things, her obituary noted that despite her business career, she was “one of the most active political women workers among her race in the county” and that she “found time to give much attention to Republican politics.” v David Heighway is the Hamilton County Historian

BUSINESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY Commercial Lease Space

Service Club Rotary International

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

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 David Heighway at 774-7747 is the Hamilton County historian

Computer Consulting

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

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

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

340-4802

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

Signs and Banners 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

Digitally printed signs and banners of any size, vehicle wraps and graphics, T-shirt printing, laser engraving. Great customer service, fast turn-around.

Family Owned and Operated. Serving Noblesville and Hamilton County since 1992. Also home of Noblesville Trophies.

773-7391 Open M-F 9-6 Sat. 10-2

Freelance Graphic Design Mezign Design 11505 River Drive East Carmel, IN Call Melanie at 317-306-8984 imartist58@yahoo.com

Mezign Design offers graphic design services for anything from business cards to billboards, specializing in print and web advertising. Reasonable rates, modern design and fast turnaround. Give Mezign Design a try. You’ll be glad you did.

THE PROFESSIONAL BARBERS Dave Snider - Owner - Master Barber

Classic Barber Shop

317-843-2500

2462 East 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032

M, T & F ~ 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

W & Th ~ 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sa ~ 7 a.m.-4 p.m. www.barberclassic.com

Walk-in no waiting.

Next Edition:

BANKING AND FINANCE

Advertising deadline: october 21, Mails November 18

Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2011

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