Progress 2012

PROGRESS

For your Home.

For your Family.

Advertising Section of the

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2 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012

It’s Springtime, and with the season comes our annual economic report card. In these pages you will read about the progress, advancements and improvements many local businesses have made over the past year. These are businesses and advertisers that have stood up to difficult economic challenges and have embraced that there is only one way to move; that’s forward.

Welcome to Progress!

3 - West End Bank 4 - Smiley’s Pub 5 - Hoppe Jewelers 6 - Stitching Nook 7 - Habitat for Humanity 8 - Aire Serv 9 - Koons Home Appliances 10 - Warm Glow Candle Outlet 11 - Warm Glow Candle Outlet 12 - Luke Durbin 3 - Ambassador Healthcare 4 - Lamplight Inn at the Leland 5 - Lamplight Inn at the Leland 6 - Reid Cancer Center 7 - Friends Fellowship Community 8 - West Side Medical Center 9 - Center for Medical Weight Loss 10 - Civic Hall Performing Arts Center 11 - NAIFA 12 - Richmond Art Museum

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Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 3

West End Bank becomes publically traded Eastside office

newly renovated Hagerstown office

By Mike Bennett West End Bank recently took a major step in solidifying its commitment to being a leader in the community. “In an effort to continue providing opportunities for profitable growth and involvement in the community, we became a publicly traded company on Jan. 11, 2012,” said bank president John P. McBride. West End now is listed as WEIN on the over-the-counter stock exchange (OTCBB).

Many customers and local residents purchased stock. “It’s allowed the bank to increase its capital in excess of $24 million,” McBride said. “This will allow us to continue to grow profitably for our shareholders and continue the long term support West End Bank, S.B. gives to our community.

“In addition, this endeavor is part of our overall strategy to be a top-performing community bank in Wayne and Union Counties.” McBride said “West End’s mission statement has changed to the following: “to manage, protect and grow our shareholders’ investment, to be a top performing financial institution and continue our commitment to serve customers, support employees and reinvest in our community.”

West End serves as a major sponsor of community initiatives, including the Third Grade Academy, Reid Hospital Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County and Richmond Community Schools. The

bank also offers financial education in the classroom as well as two student operated bank branches in Richmond High School and Garrison Elementary School.

“We continue to play a major role in encouraging and providing resources to the community,” McBride said.

West End Bank also is serving as a sponsor of the upcoming golf event at the Elks Country Club to benefit research into Parkinson’s Disease. Doug Kuntz, the golf pro at Elks, is battling Parkinson’s.

West End’s commitment to the area is evident in other ways. Renovations were finished last September on the Hagerstown office and that update completed the West End Bank footprint in the area. Prior to the Hagerstown renovation, new offices were opened in Liberty and on the east side of Richmond and a major renovation project occurred at the Main Office.

The good news doesn’t end there.

West End Bank was awarded a five-star designation for the fifth year in a row by Bauer Financial Rating.

“That’s a nationally recognized rating agency for community banks,” McBride said. “That’s the highest rating on performance and other related strengths.”

He said the bank has another huge success for the community it serves. “We are particularly proud of the pharmacy discount card that we offer FREE at all of our locations and on our Web site,” McBride

said. “It has saved residents in Wayne County over $135,000 in prescription costs.”

The cards are available to everyone, not just customers, and also can be used by other family members.

Cardholders can use it around the nation at almost every pharmacy. “You can find the pharmacies that are closest to you on our WEB site, anywhere in the country and you can print out your card and start saving immediately. Simply “click” on the free prescription drug card banner,” McBride said. “You present the card and if there is a discount, it will be provided immediately.”

West End Bank continues to provide consumer and commercial loans, McBride said.

“We continue to spend a significant amount of time and resources to assist our customers in tough economic times,” he said.

He said West End Bank will continue using its core values and commitment to help customers and communities reach financial security by “providing a Distinctive Style of Banking.”

West End locations are at 34 South 7th St. and 101 S. 37th St. in Richmond, 10 E. Main St. in Hagerstown and 207 N. Main St. in Liberty.

Call (765) 962-9587 or visit www.westendbank. com for more information.

West End Bank

“We continue to spend a significant amount of time and resources to assist our customers in tough economic times.”

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4 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012

Smiley’s Pub

New owners will keep Smiley’s special

“We look forward to carrying on the great tradition they established.”

By Mike Bennett

Brian Wissler and Rob Clark know that fortune is smiling on them.

There’s a lot of “meant-to-be” fate involved in their decision to buy Smiley’s Old English Pub in downtown Richmond.

“This is where we used to come in our younger days,” Wissler said. “We love it.”

Speaking of love, Clark’s first date with his wife, Jennifer, took place in a quiet booth at Smiley’s.

He and Jennifer now have two boys, ages 7 and 5.

“Yes, it’s a special place,” Clark said with a smile.

“I’m real excited about it. It’s a lot of work, though.”

He said that with piles of papers in front of him on a day that Smiley’s was closed.

Wissler and his wife, Melissa, have a 7-year-old daughter.

Their ties to the area are extensive.

Both are graduates of Indiana University East.

Wissler graduated from Richmond High School and Clark from Centerville.

Wissler has more than two decades of experience running the popular restaurant at the Petro station on U.S. 40 just across the border in Ohio.

Clark has worked in management jobs in the automotive industry.

He had dreamed of running his own someday, a feeling shared by Rob. But, they jumped quickly when they heard about an opportunity to buy the pub from owner

Nancy Rankin.

“Rob said, ‘You know, Smiley’s is for sale.’ That was a Friday night,” Wissler said.

“We talked to our wives on Sunday and had a contract on Tuesday.”

The deal was meant to be. “The transition was so smooth,” Wissler said.

The pub, which employs a total of eight, remains open at 39 N. Eighth Street as they transition to a new menu and new attractions. “Hopefully, by the end of May we’ll have a reopening (event),” he said. “We’re looking to expand our burgers and appetizers. We want to go healthy, too. That’s a must for the lunch crowd.”

Wissler and Clark realize the opportunity doesn’t come along often to purchase a great bar-restaurant with such a history and such an upside. “We have an established regular crowd,” Wissler said. “We want to keep the integrity intact, then put our spin on it.”

They have plans to test menus and special events to please several crowds, including adding lunches and delivery in the downtown area. “We expect to grow every crowd,” Clark said. “We’d like to see more groups coming in and enjoying themselves.”

Those groups include the downtown lunch crowd, the college crowd, the dance crowd, the sports crowd and more.

“We have something for everybody,” Clark said.

They’ll also be expanding hours, opening on Sundays and Mondays starting in September coincid-

ing with the NFL season and opening at 11 a.m. for lunch starting in late May. “The growth potential is unreal in this area,” Wissler said. “We’re just two blocks from the Depot District. It was a no-brainer.”

He said Smiley’s attracted a large Earlham crowd on a recent Saturday night and many of the revelers were coming there for the first time.

Some of the new owners’ planned offerings are free delivery in the downtown area, live bands on Thursday night, special events in the beer garden, partnering with radio station G101.3.

You will even see their advertisements this summer at McBride Stadium supporting the River Rats.

Smiley’s will continue to have a British theme with a lot of beers available. “We love imports on tap. We have nine,” Wissler said. “The New Boswell Brewing Co. stuff sells well. We want to keep ties with the local brewery.”

It’s important for Wissler and Clark to maintain the feel and the history started by original owner Harold Rankin and carried on by his widow, Nancy Rankin, and former manager Ben Miller.

“They have been wonderful. We have worked so well together,” Clark said. “We look forward to carrying on the great tradition they established.”

Reach the pub by calling (765) 962-6388 or visiting www.smileyspub.com.

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Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 5

Mary Hoppe works with displays for multiple jewelry items.

Lyn Hoppe (left) with custom engraver Karen Thomas.

Scott Hoppe creates one-ofa-kind jewelry pieces.

“We have a passion to do better, to do more.

That passion drives us.”

By Mike Bennett Year after year, Hoppe Jewelers keeps it crystal clear.

Passion sells.

So does a continual push for creative new options for its customers.

That’s obvious in a multitude of ways, from topquality diamonds to detailed laser engraving and from new departments to uniquely designed necklaces.

Like the award-winning pieces produced by co-owner Scott Hoppe, the store is drawing notice outside town, too.

It was honored with the Innovative Retailer designation in the December-January issue of JCK magazine.

Jewelers’ Circular Keystone is the leading trade publication of the industry. The magazine marveled over Hoppe’s market growth as well as its constant focus on excellence, creativity and affordability.

“The article blew me away. I was pretty excited,” said Lyn Hoppe, who was quoted extensively in the story.

“My first response was, ‘How did we get this?’” she said.

In reality, though, it was only a matter of time before media outside Richmond and the region noticed the Hoppe success story.

That trait is on display in a variety of new ways in the showcase store at 3643 National Road E. in Richmond.

There’s a full new bridal department that features accessories, jewelry, popular tiaras and specialty engraving. For the first time, Hoppe is planning bridal events in the store with outside vendors.

A laser-engraving machine offers almost unlimited potential for creativity aside from doing traditional pieces like watches and charms.

A man recently had a sword engraved. “We are doing more and more custom work. Now we are able to do wood, rocks, leather, glass or any metals,” Lyn Hoppe said. “It’s a fun thing. People can actually stand and watch us if they want.”

The store has added a consignment or estate case to sell personal or estate jewelry. “We screen every piece, do an appraisal and clean it,” Hoppe said. “I think it’s proven to be a win-win for everybody.”

A new all-solar watch that is satellite-radio controlled is available from Seiko. “We have a fantastic complete assortment for men and women,” Hoppe said. “No matter the light, it absorbs it through the face and powers it. It’s amazing.”

What’s amazing, too, is that despite the advanced technology, the watch prices are consistent with others sold recently by Seiko, between about $250 and $600.

The store is featuring necklaces created by Scott Hoppe that use exotic stones in one-of-a-kind designs. They are in displays and also listed on the website. “There are some really beautiful pieces. We have the histories on the stones,” Lyn Hoppe said.

“It’s a matter of getting the word out. Most don’t have the capability and the talent that Scott does.”

He recently was honored with a worldwide award for designing with colored stones.

The store also has another honored craftsperson.

Paula Kolentus has reached champion status for sales of Hearts On Fire, a product that’s billed as the world’s most perfectly cut diamonds and is carried by only 400 stores worldwide.

Kolentus is one of only 62 people to have the

champion designation.

Scott Hoppe is rated a master craftsman, but until the past year had to spend as much time managing the store as creating necklaces.

Hoppe closed its downtown store last year. “That was tough. It was like our home,” Lyn Hoppe said.

“But, it really has been an advantage. It allowed us to expand in areas that we just couldn’t do before because of lack of time.”

Now, she handles the day-to-day operations. The store kept all of its employees after the move.

Lyn and Scott Hoppe are co-owners, while their mother, Mary, continues as the CEO. Robert Hoppe opened the business out of the family home in 1951.

Lyn Hoppe said the store has stepped up its web presence at www.hoppejewelers.com. “We have developed a fantastic website now,” she said. “Customers have the choice of buying on the web or coming in the store. We keep prices consistent (in both places).”

Many customers check out items on the web first.

“Then they want to come in and touch and feel it,” she said.

Jewelry is so personal, Hoppe said, so her store always works to keep it personal in new ways. “We have a passion to do better, to do more. That passion drives us.”

Hoppe also offers gem replacements, ring sizing, appraisals and repairs for watches, chains and bracelets.

The store also continues to offer free gift-wrapping, cleanings and inspections of pieces.

Hoppe Jewelers is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays and is closed on Sunday.

The phone number is (765) 962-7411.

Hoppe Jewelers

Jeweler honored for creativity, affordability, excellence

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6 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012

Stitching Nook

Classes integral to Stitching Nook mission

Diana Bruns, owner of the Stitching Nook – Machines for demos and classes and products for all your sewing projects.

“It makes us realize more than ever that we need to focus on serving the needs of our customers.”

By Mike Bennett

The Stitching Nook, located at 4629 National Road East, draws its customer base from eastern Indiana. and western Ohio, but welcomes visitors from all across the nation. The store carries a full line of Viking-Husqvarna sewing machines and sergers. It is certified in the repair and service of these machines and offers free new-owner classes with each machine over $500. Five years free service is also offered for these machines.

Classes are an integral part of the Stitching Nook mission to serve and educate their customers. The store offers a special blend of longtime expertise, great customer service and the constant creativity that’s needed in a high-tech world.

Classes this summer will feature totes, purses, tablerunners and even hand-stitching. Students attending the classes receive a 20% discount on supplies. The store’s five employees have decades of experience in stitching and in serving customers.

They are also able to advise customers on a variety

of products including threads, fabrics, notions and everything necessary to finishing their quilts.

As part of its committment to ongoing education, the Stitching Nook hosts several nationally known teachers each year. Eric Drexler will be representing the Sulky Corp. on April 18 and Linda Van Winkle from Viking will be here on June 5. Pat Knoechel will be welcomed on June 19. Pat is the sister of Eleanor Burns from Quilt in a Day and comes to the Stitching Nook each year. This visit will be special because Eleanor will be inducted into the Quilter’s Hall of Fame in Marion, Ind., this summer. Pre-registration for these events is a must and details can be found at the store’s website www.stitchingnook.com.

The Stitching Nook is also part of three Shop Hops, two of which are upcoming. The Mother’s Day Shop Hop is scheduled for May 4-12 and the Stars Over Indiana event will be June 28 through July 3. These are always fun and car-pooling only

adds to the enjoyment.

The Stitching Nook is always changing. There are new models, new ideas and new products on display often. “Life is about change,” says owner Diana Bruns. “All the online businesses have made it harder because it can be easier to shop in your ‘jammies’ at midnight. It makes us realize more than ever that we need to focus on serving the needs of our customers. We’re encouraging people to shop at local businesses.” A recent study shows that for every $50 spent at a local business, 63% stays local.

To learn more about The Stitching Nook, visit www.stitchingnook.com. Customers can sign up there for a regular newsletter that is filled with information about classes, new products and upcoming special events. Store hours are 10a.m.

- 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. 7 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The phone number is (765) 963-7678 and email is info@stitchingnook.comcastbiz.net.

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Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 7

Volunteers at the Women Build day on May 9 will help with the home being built for Brandi Lee and her children. (left to right) Top - Mykilah, Brandi Bottom - Javontae, Jamari

“We want to let the community know that we are here to help families and to better Richmond.”

By Mike Bennett Volunteerism is in Karen Vinson’s genes.

Her father started Habitat for Humanity in Elkhart County.

“I don’t think I was a teenager yet. My family always volunteered,” she said.

Vinson is carrying on that compassionate flame for affordable housing by coordinating the Women Build initiative for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Richmond.

On May 9, the Wednesday before Mother’s Day, women will band together in Richmond to frame and erect walls on the new Habitat home that’s being built for the Brandi Lee family at 1420 S. P St. Lee has three children: sons, Javontae and Jamari; and daughter, Mykilah.

“We want to let the community know that we are here to help families and to better Richmond,” Vinson said.

“We are a giving organization. We’re giving a chance for people to give back.”

Women Build is an endeavor that’s sponsored nationally by Lowe’s, which organizes free training workshops and fund-raising events.

The building and home-improvement giant offered a special day from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7.

Women Build is taking place for the first time in Richmond, said Mindy Reece, executive operations officer for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Richmond. “It’s just a chance for women to step out in alternative roles, try things they normally don’t try,” Reece said.

She underwent construction training before taking her leadership role at Habitat. “When I came, I didn’t have much building experience. Habitat trained me.”

She received hands-on training with Ed Nicholson, the former construction manager in Richmond.

Tom Wambo is the construction manager now.

Women Build will showcase a lot of giving back by dozens of women and many local sponsors, too.

Local sponsors include the Wayne County Foundation, First Bank Richmond, Richmond Toyota, IHOP and a group at Reid Hospital.

Kentucky Fried Chicken is donating lunch, while Walgreens and CVS pharmacies are donating bottled water.

G&S Jewelers is donating a piece of jewelry to be raffled off that day, while Tom Stroh from Centerville will provide live music, including a special song that he wrote about Habitat.

A fire truck from the fire department will be at the

event providing first-aid if needed. A mobile KICKS 96 radio broadcast from 7-10 a.m. will feature Angie.

Volunteers must sign up in advance at the Habitat office at 1114 S. F St. to take part in the building effort that’s scheduled from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Participants can take part all day or in morning or afternoon shifts.

An opening ceremony will take place at 7:30 a.m.

Training will be offered at Lowe’s. Call (765) 962-5986 for more information.

If the event is stalled by inclement weather, the event will take place Saturday, May 12.

Participants will be asked to get $200 in pledges through donations or sponsorships.

With donations, it costs $65,000 to build the new home that will be valued at $95,000.

Each participant will receive a T-shirt, a nail apron, a hard hat and other items.

“The basic things are ordered,” Vinson said. “We just need to get volunteers with pledges. I think it will be a great day.”

The Vinson family tradition will continue with her 17-year-old daughter, Charlie, joining in Women Build.

Habitat for Humanity

Women Build will help put family in home

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8 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012

Aire Serv

Family-style business delivers extras

“We try to go above and beyond to respect people’s homes.”

By Mike Bennett

MOUNT AUBURN/CAMBRIDGE CITY There’s no separating business, family and going the extra mile for Matt Webb. For one, he started going along with his late father, John, on heating and air conditioning jobs when he was 11 years old. For another, his neat office sits just down the hill from the home of his mother, Debby, and right across Old National Road from the historic Huddleston House.

The family foundation is ever present in his business philosophy that employs nine. The walls of Webb’s office are filled with photos of his employees and family, wife Emily, son Oliver, 5, and daughter Anna, 1. “We are family oriented,” said Matt Webb. “We work as a team.” His 10 year-old MRW Mechanical Inc. and the Aire Serv franchise provide a wide variety of commercial and residential services in the Wayne County and surrounding areas.

They include: • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing • Comprehensive Preventative Maintenance on heating and air conditioning equipment • Air Duct Cleaning • Indoor Air Quality • Electronic Air Cleaners • Blown In Insulation A rapidly growing part of the business is geothermal heating and air conditioning. “We’re really big in that right now,” Webb said. We’ve done 10 this year and have six on the books.” It takes a week to 10 days to put in a geothermal system depending on the size of the job.

Home Comfort Designer Kevin Werking coordinates the work from start to finish with a focus

on doing it right and making it as least-intrusive as possible on the homeowner. “We try to go above and beyond to respect people’s homes,” he said. That includes protecting floors and cleaning up. “Geothermal units can be installed in tighter places than before,” he said. “We just bought our own vertical boring machine,” Werking said. We’re self performing.” That fact helps separate the company from most others that have to subcontract out the vertical boring. Werking first provides a home comfort analysis that includes a study of heat loss and gain. “It’s crucial to the systems they want and to get it right,” he said. If something’s not right, it will be fixed. “Your satisfaction is guaranteed,” Werking said. “We take all the risks. You can’t lose.” Guarantees are crucial to all services of MRW and Aire Serv, Webb promises.

So are the important extras that are provided: Their services are around the clock every day of the year. “I remember going to Centerville High School on New Year’s Day,” Webb said.

• Charges the same regardless of the time of day, along with no overtime • Customers are given a price before service starts.

• Professional Cleanup after work is completed and throughout the job.

• The best extended warranties in the industry.

• Licensed and insured.

There’s a current deal offering up to five years no-interest credit. “We are the only IGSHPA accredited installer of geothermal systems and loops (in the area),” Webb said. That accreditation requires four days of schooling and training. “It’s very powerful designation,” Webb said. “They set

the standards on geothermal.”

MRW does work for major businesses and public institutions, including Reid Hospital, local banks, and high schools. The business is a comfort specialist for Trane products, “but we work on all makes and models,” Webb said.

With so much tasks going on at one time, it’s crucial to have a great front office. Webb has that with Mary “Jo” Close, the customer service representative and office manager. He also has Matt Fulton who handles the daily operations of the business along with being licensed and accredited throughout the heating and air conditioning field. This is somewhat unique to the industry having two heating and air conditioning licensed individuals within the same company. “Matt Fulton takes care of running and overseeing the jobs in progress and manages my workforce. With his knowledge and abilities it assures me the company is running smoothly and our customers are always taken care of,” Webb said.

“I have been fortunate to have such great employees. From my office personnel to my field technicians they are all great and do each job to the highest quality, I truly believe I have the best in the heating, air conditioning , and plumbing industry. Without Jeremy, Brent, Todd, and Grayson doing their best every day our company and myself would not be as successful as we are,” Webb said.

The mission, he said, is to “always deliver more than promised and always work as a team in the best interest of customers.”

For services or more information, visit AireServ.com/eastcentralindiana or call 765-478-9643.

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Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 9

Leisure beds a popular trend at Koons

By Mike Bennett People spend about one-third of their lives in bed, so why not get the best one that fits your sleeping needs?

That kind of thinking is helping drive a strong trend that’s being seen at Koons Home Center.

“We’re selling a lot more beds,” said Ron Koons, owner of the longtime store in west Richmond.

Koons is selling what are best described as leisure beds from brands such as Serta and TempurPedic.

The beds can be adjusted to fit personal needs. But don’t call them adjustable beds, he said, because that catch-all can conjure up a false image of hospital beds.

The new leisure beds are so much more.

The growth in them makes sense, he believes, because how people sleep affects so much how they live their everyday lives. “We spend a third of our life there (sleeping) to get ready for the other two-thirds,” he said. “It’s so important to get our proper rest. It puts people in a frame of mind to have a great next day.”

They are willing to pay more today for a great leisure bed. “You know, we spend $25,000 on an average for a new car,” he said. “When people start using leisure beds, it becomes a part of their lives.

It’s like when cars started getting power steering and brakes. It became hard to do without.”

Koons also is seeing a rising popularity in high-efficiency washers, something that is being pushed by the government because they use so much less water and detergents. Koons and his employees spend the time with buyers to to

explain how the high-efficiency washers work.

“The motion is completely different and the water use is substantially less,” Koons said. “You never want to see suds … people don’t want to accept that they can clean with little detergent.”

People driving at the intersection of U.S. 40 and S.W. 18th Street can easily notice one of Koons’ newest items: an electronic billboard that was erected last November. It lists specials and passes on other store information.

It has helped drive walk-in traffic, Koons said.

“The sign has definitely increased floor traffic. We experience times the store fills up.”

Koons still is seeing a trend where people are fixing up their homes, doing remodeling projects, rather than buying and selling homes.

“They can refinance and make it like they want it. You are not going to find one that has everything you like,” Koons said. “They personalizing to their needs. They are looking for a higher quality product.”

Other trends: Induction cook tops are catching on. “We have about a half dozen here on the floor,” Koons said.

Top brands such as Frigidaire and Maytag are offering less costly induction ranges (where the surface doesn’t get hot).

All appliances are electronically controlled.

“There are boards in all of them, no more dials,” Koons said.

The higher-tech appliances have helped the store grow. Koons has hired another sales

employee. “We fill a need rather than just selling a product,” he said. “The box stores have done away with trained sales people and service. That’s our niche, being full service.”

Features keep growing. For example, frontload washers range in price from $499 to $1,799.

“There is a load of difference (with them),” Koons said. “New features are brought forth that you have got to have it.”

It wasn’t that many years ago when it was a luxury to have ice and water dispensed out of the front of a refrigerator. “Today it’s a must or you are not in the game,” Koons said.

Koons Home Center is unique around the region in that it offers delivery, installation and service work for the huge variety of products that it sells. They range from fridges to freezers, from ovens to disposals, from microwaves to coffee machines, from vacuum cleaners to the leisure beds.

The store also has a large variety of parts available for old and new products. “We do a lot of parts business,” Koons said.

“We have a lot of do-it-yourselfers, people doing it on their own.”

Koons Home Center is located at 221 S.W. 18th Street.

The store is open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.

Call (765) 966-2616 or visit www.koonshomeappliances.com for more information.

Koons

“We fill a need rather than just selling a product.”

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10 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012

Warm Glow Candle Outlet

Warm Glow plans garden center, farmers’ market, expanded store

Warm Glow faces I-70 at the Centerville exit.

“We’ll always work on wonderful new things.

We create memories.”

By Mike Bennett

CENTERVILLE – Business is heating up at Warm Glow Candle Outlet.

That’ll be obvious for the rest of this year as the popular site embarks on a two-phase construction project.

The growth will increase offerings that range from its trademark candles to chocolates and will add a garden center and farmers’ market.

Other attractions and special activities will keep Warm Glow’s outlet filled with customers at its site along Interstate 70 in Centerville.

Following are more of the details: Construction is just starting on a 3,000-square-foot building that will contain a garden center and a daily farmers’ market. The new concept will feature an open-air pavilion and unique fresh-food items.

The second stage of the construction project will double the size of the current outlet store by around October and also repurpose parts of the original building.

New enhancements will include much larger offerings of chocolates and candies. The floral department is expanding. “We have two wonderful floral designers,” said co-owner Jackie Carberry. “We’re also hoping to be able to sell wine out there from 12 local wineries.”

The annual open house celebration is planned May 4-6.

“We’re excited about that,” said Carberry. “We

have so many activities.”

Those will include new artisans, a glass blower and a wood carver. The event will feature pottery displays, a hot-air balloon and events for all ages.

“We’ll have all the entertainment we always have,” Carberry said.

Warm Glow has lots to celebrate.

The new construction projects, which will cost close to $1 million, will help boost area employment.

“We anticipate six to 10 new people at the outlet store. That would equate to extra production here at our factory, too,” Carberry said.

Warm Glow still has plenty of room to add on: the candle factory in Centerville has 80,000 square feet over 10 acres.

The new construction project will boost the outlet’s size from 11,000 to 21,000 square feet, but there’s still room someday to triple that size in an expansion to the east.

The new garden center and farmers’ market will sit to the west of the outlet. It will offer garden accessories and some plants.

Warm Glow will buy wholesale from area farmers and sell the products themselves.

“We like to go organic or chemically free.

We’ll offer things such as free-range eggs and fresh herbs and vegetables,” Carberry said. “I’d love to get artisan breads.”

The market will offer items such as special

soaps. “We’re hoping to become a niche,” she said.

The changes stem from a growing popularity and from a core belief since Alan and Jackie Carberry started Warm Glow in their basement nearly two decades ago.

“We’ll always work on wonderful new things,” she said. “We create memories.”

Warm Glow always is working on new candle fragrances, ones that “remind us of the great smells of Grandma or Mom cooking when we hit the door,” Jackie Carberry said. “The new ones coming up will be real strong.”

She said a billboard marketing campaign has paid off in building visibility along Interstate 70 and delivering new customers. “We love the buses that stop by,” she said. “They (riders) don’t always purchase a lot, but word of mouth is invaluable. Most everybody is in a good mood. It really works wonderfully.”

Warm Glow also is getting ready to celebrate the birthday of its popular satellite boutique this June in historic downtown Winchester.

“They really have welcomed us there,” Carberry said. “It’s doing very well.”

The Warm Glow Candle Outlet is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is located off exit 145 of Interstate 70 and has a street address of 2131 N. Centerville Road.

Call (765) 855-2000 or visit www.warmglow. com for more information.

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Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 11

12 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012

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