business exchange southside
February 2015
A DAILY JOURNAL PUBLICATION
MUCH MORE THAN just
JAVA Coffeehouse Five owner aims to keep families together
also inside one-click ventures grows in greenwood greenwood chamber newsletter
PRESORTED STANDARD FRANKLIN, IN PERMIT NO. 110
100,000: TOP 2% : HEARTBEATS PER DAY
OUR NATIONAL RANK
The human heart is amazing, and at Franciscan St. Francis Health, our Top 2% National Rankings for Overall Heart Care and Heart Surgery are pretty impressive, too. We’ve been Indianapolis’ only 5-star rated hospital for heart valve repair and replacement surgery by Healthgrades®. We established Indiana’s first dedicated Heart Valve Center, and our team is renowned for treating the most complex cases, pioneering next-generation techniques and participating in landmark research. Schedule an appointment or second opinion with our valve team. It’s the best way to be sure that your heart is in the right place. Call 1-877-78-VALVE or visit FranciscanStFrancis.org/valve.
2014 – 2015
Inspiring Health
business exchange february 2015 I volume 13 I number 2
On the cover
Brian Peters, co-owner of Coffeehouse Five in Greenwood. Photo by Mark Freeland/correspondent
february 2015 calendar Business and Professional Exchange
Where: Greenwood City Building lower level, 2 N. Madison Ave. When: 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Info: Indy.South.BPE@gmail.com or 317-731-2734
Business Exchange Team
Where: Ann’s Restaurant, Franklin When: 8 a.m. Thursdays Info: Loren Snyder, 317-407-1837
Business First
pg. 4
Coffee and Counseling: Greenwood nonprofit aims to provide more than just java.
pg. 10
pg. 8
Venturing Out: Husband, wife find success with e-commerce business.
pg. 12
Greenwood chamber: Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce newsletter.
Corporate Chatter: Companies making news on the southside.
pg. 12
pg. 14
People on the Move: Business leaders making news on the southside.
pg. 15
State of the Cities: Franklin, Greenwood mayors discuss some of their goals for 2015.
Southside Snapshot: Facts, stats and quotes concerning the local business landscape.
pg. 16
Advice: Columnists discuss overcoming obstacles and crowdfunding. E-mail: biz@dailyjournal.net
COPYRIGHT © Daily Journal, 2015 All rights reserved. SUBSCRIPTIONS southside business exchange is published monthly by the Daily Journal. The magazine is mailed at no charge to businesses throughout greater Johnson County. To subscribe, send your name and address to: Daily Journal, P.O. Box 699, Franklin, IN 46131
EDITOR: Paul Hoffman 736-2721 phoffman@dailyjournal.net STAFF WRITER: Amy May 736-2726 amay@dailyjournal.net
Where: 435 E. Main St., Greenwood (Polk Place Building) When: 7 a.m. Tuesday Info: Mark Stansbury, 317-2812930, Cathy Claycomb, 317-2500467
Christian Businessmen’s Connection of Greater Greenwood
Where: Denny’s restaurant, Main Street and I-65, Greenwood When: 7 a.m. Wednesdays Info: Bruce Richardson, 317-8883901 or bruce@facilitatorsinternational.org
Edinburgh Lions Club
Where: 112 S. Walnut St., Edinburgh When: 6:30 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays Info: 812-526-2571
Edinburgh Merchants Association
Company, 911 N. State Road 135, Greenwood When: 7:30 a.m., last Friday Info: www.gorainmakers.com
Greater Greenwood Toastmasters
Where: Franklin College Dietz Center When: Noon Tuesdays Info: Loren Snyder, president, LASnyder@hillard.com
Where: Community South Hospital Education Center, 1402 E. County Line Road, Greenwood When: 6:45 a.m. Fridays Info: SFuller1@me.com
Greenwood Kiwanis Club
Where: Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria, I-65 and Main Street When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays Info: kiwanisgreenwoodin.com
Johnson County Business Referral Group
Where: Johnson County Museum When: 7 a.m. Wednesdays Info: Greg Heldman, 317-786-8001
Kiwanis Club of Greater Greenwood
Where: Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St. When: Noon first Thursday Info: kiwanisofgreatergreenwood@ yahoo.com or 881-1953
Kiwanis Club of Perry Township
Where: IHOP restaurant, 7521 U.S. 31 S. When: 7 a.m. Thursdays Info: Steve Hadley, 317-710-3199
Franklin Chamber of Commerce
Power Circle Network
POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Daily Journal, P.O. Box 699, Franklin, IN 46131
Franklin Kiwanis Club
Where: Pizza King Station, 2770 N. Morton St. When: Noon Fridays Info: indkiw.org
Franklin Lions Club
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, youth center When: 7 p.m. first and third Mondays Info: James McCay, 317-736-6580
Rainmakers - Greenwood Where: Stone Creek Dining
February 5: Membership 101, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Chamber Office February 10: Legislation Matters Luncheon, Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers’ State of the City Address, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Valle Vista Golf and Conference Center. February 22: Taste of the Southside. Private sponsor access, 3:30–4 p.m.; Early access, 4-4:30 p.m.; General admission, 4:30–7 p.m. Valle Vista Golf and Conference Center RSVPs/Info: 317-888-4856/www. greenwood-chamber.com
When: Varies Where: Varies Info: 812-371-1699
ADVERTISING: Chris Cosner 736-2750 ccosner@dailyjournal.net
Request advertising space by the 10th of the month for the following month’s issue. l Submit briefs, ribbon cuttings and other news items by the 10th of the month.
Business to Business Networking Group
Info/RSVPs: 317-736-6334 or www.franklincoc.org
Deadlines
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Where: Financial Center Credit Union, 20 N. Emerson Ave., Greenwood When: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays Info: Jerry Sparks, 317-296-1450
Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce
Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Jockamo’s Pizza, 401 Market Plaza, Greenwood Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m., Financial Center, 1301 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m., Golden Corral, 160 S. Marlin Drive, Greenwood Thursdays, 10-11 a.m., Coffeehouse Five, 323 Market Plaza, Greenwood Thursdays, 11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m., Jockamo’s Pizza, 401 Market Plaza, Greenwood Fridays, noon-1 p.m, Firehouse Subs, 884 N. U.S. 31, Greenwood RSVPs/Info: 317-455-5656, Mike Tollar Website: www.PowerCircleNetwork. com
Rainmakers Southside
Where: Dale’s Family Restaurant, 5209 E. Thompson Road, Indianapolis When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., first Wednesday. Info: www.gorainmakers.com, lora. popov@worldpay.us, 513-1535
Rotary Club of Franklin
Rotary Club of Greenwood
Where: Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria, I-65 and Main Street When: Noon Mondays Info: Tom Vander Luitgaren, 317881-7575
Rotary Club of Johnson County
When: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m. January: Oaken Barrel, Greenwood February: The Willard, Franklin March: TBD April: Oaken Barrel, Greenwood May: The Willard, Franklin June: TBD Info: Rotary Club of Johnson County on Facebook.
Rotary Club of White River
Where: Dye’s Walk Golf Club When: 6:30 a.m. Wednesdays Info: Charles Miller, 317-403-8281
Sertoma Club of Greenwood
Where: Southern Dunes Golf Course, 8220 S. Tibbs Ave., Indianapolis When: 6:45 p.m. first, second and fourth Thursdays, Info: Denny Rusher, 317-965-4966
Vineyard Toastmasters
When: 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays Where: Office of Perry Township Trustee, 4925 Shelby St., Room 400, Indianapolis Info: Ed Barrett at tmebarrett@ yahoo.com or Rob Rogers at rogers121241@yahoo.com.
Woodman Toastmasters
When: 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Thursdays Where: Baxter YMCA, 7900 S. Shelby St., Indianapolis Info: woodman.freetoasthost.net or Mangnus Jannson, 317-372-4709
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Nonprofit ‘for benefit’
Coffee shop owners aim to save marriages STORY BY AMY MAY l PHOTOS BY MARK FREELAND
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alk into Coffeehouse Five in Greenwood and it looks like any coffee shop. Guests relax on plush sofas and easy chairs and nurse their fragrant, steaming cups while reading newspapers, pecking away on laptops or talking quietly with friends at a small, intimate table. Behind the counter, a barista takes orders and prepares standard coffeehouse fare: flavored coffees, mochas, lattes and a variety of sweet pastries and muffins. But behind the scenes, owners Brian and Michelle Peters are doing much more than selling Coffeehouse Five Address: 323 Market Plaza coffee, they are working to save marriages. Greenwood, IN 46142 The coffee is not the end, but the means to the end, at Phone: 317-300-4330 Website: www. coffeehousefive. Coffeehouse Five, a 501(c)(3) ministry organization that calls itself a com “for-benefit coffeehouse,” a term the Peterses borrowed from a Founded: July 12, 2014 Seattle business, the only other similar shop they have heard of. Managers/owners: Brian and Michelle Peters The “five” in the name refers to the five benefits offered: Employees: All volunteer staff • Preparation: Free premarital Business hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; counseling and an early marriage Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. mentoring program • Counseling: Free marriage counseling and coaching • Recovery: Free addiction recovery programs • Training: Free training for couples to mentor other couples in developing stronger marriages and families • Support: 10 percent of proceeds are directed to local food pantries that provide basic food and clothing needs for a segment of the community Coffeehouse Five offers pastoral counseling to help couples who are struggling with their marriages or to help young couples get on the right track. Brian Peters has outlined many of the principles used in their counseling in his book, “Satisfied: Seven Essentials for a More Satisfying Marriage.” Addiction counseling is also available. “We are getting more and more addictions clients,” he said. “Addiction counseling seems to be the least successful. No one else is doing well. We get to the root of why they feel the need to drink. Abuse and addiction seems to go together closely,” he said. The desire to help other couples and addicts comes from the Peterses’ own experience with alcoholism and a marriage that nearly failed.
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We’re all very careful to take care of our cars. We should take care of our marriages, as well. — Brian Peters
”
Brian, originally from Columbus, and Michelle, who grew up in Nashville, met in 4-H at a cattle show. They married, both worked hard in their careers, and had three children. In early 1996, nearly 12 years into their marriage, they faced a crisis. Brian, who was then working as an attorney, was an alcoholic and engaging in an extramarital relationship, facts the couple discuss on their business website. Brian walked out on his family three days before their youngest son was born. “The marriage was a mess. But my wife decided she wanted to fight for our marriage,” Peters said. Michelle sought help and direction and joined Community Church of Greenwood. She felt that God was telling her not to give up on the marriage. Brian also sought help with his alcoholism and reconnected
with his family in the process, also eventually joining the church. According to their story on their website: “As a result of what God has brought them through, Brian and Michelle believe they have an obligation to help other couples and families. They don’t claim to have all the answers, but they do understand the pain of broken trust and lost hope. And they believe that, with God, all things are possible in your family.” Not only did the Peterses do what was needed to save their family, they changed their whole lives. Brian, who practiced law for 10 years then operated a software design business for five years, went into vocational ministry in 2000. He is now finishing a seminary degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and has spent the last 15 years researching and equipping himself to help couples struggling in their marriages.
Owner Brian Peters mans the espresso machine at Coffeehouse Five. Opposite page: The business, which opened in July, is located in Old Town Greenwood.
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Michelle holds a degree in communications and works at the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, a state program that helps members of the bar with mental health issues like depression and substance abuse. After they joined Community Church of Greenwood, Brian and Michelle were active in their men’s and women’s groups and often took on leadership roles. Peters was asked to join the pastoral staff in 2000. The couple was very open about their own story, he said, and other couples asked them for advice and help. Peters realized that the problem was affecting many people. Many couples have not necessarily reached the crisis level seen in his own marriage, but they still need help. “We’re all very careful to take care of our cars. We should take care of our marriages, as well,” he said. “A big problem is we drift apart. It’s that you’re not working at it. If you’re not working at it, I can guarantee it’s going to fall apart.” He cited a United Way survey that found the No. 1 issue of concern for Johnson County citizens was the breakdown of the family, i.e. divorce. Many families could benefit from counseling, but the No. 1 obstacle is the cost. Although help is provided free at many churches, many people don’t attend church for a variety of reasons. “It got to a point for me where I asked ‘what are we missing?’ The local church is supposed to meet the needs in the comfebruary 2015 I southside business exchange
munity. If we closed our doors tomorrow, we also want people to know what we do,” Peters said. would anybody miss us?” he said. Both of the Peterses can do the counselHe remembered other articles he read that pointed to a trend in Europe. Large, ing, which is done in a closed-door office formal churches were going away as more at the shop or after hours. They hope that people were choosing to meet in informal Michelle will be able to quit her job and settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Peters manage the coffee shop full time, so realized he already had a way to help cou- Brian can concentrate more on counselples foundering in their marriages. ing and continue with his writing. In 2011, the Peterses had opened a cofThe goal, he said, is for the shop to be fee shop in the Gathering Place, the self-supporting, but he isn’t necessarily church’s community activity center. interested in making money. “We served lots of people who were “We take things day by day. I’m doing there for the fitness center. It allowed us my best to be faithful as to what God has to get a start and figure out what we were called me to do. We’re not here to grow, doing,” he said. but to continue our work,” Peters said. They decided to combine their two skills In addition to the altruistic goals, and create their for-benefit coffeehouse. In Coffeehouse Five provides high quality 2014, they left the church property and products. The coffee is 100 percent organopened in Old Town Greenwood. ic, certified fair trade, and roasted fresh Technically, Coffeehouse Five is a by Ancora Coffee Roasters in Madison, “church plant,” an outreach ministry of Wisconsin. The Community Church shop offers mochas, of Greenwood. The espressos, lattes, hot church members chocolate, tea, have financially supsmoothies, cider and ported it for its spesodas ... all the stancific counseling and dards of a coffeeministerial duties. shop. Worship services are The baked goods conducted Sundays Brian and Michelle Peters, who struggled with are homemade, at 5 p.m. The service m a ri t a l i s s u e s o f th e i r ow n , o p e n e d mostly by Michelle, Coffeehouse Five in an effort to help other is about one hour married couples overcome their problems. and they experiment Above left: Cinnamon rolls with maple cream with new offerings all long, simple and cheese icing. Below right: Besides coffee bevinformal, and of erages, the business offers teas and a variety the time, he said. course, coffee is avail- of baked goods. Popular items Above photo submitted able to all. include cinnamon But an important rolls with maple cream frosting, scones, mission is to reach out to couples in the breads, cookies and muffins. In the sumcommunity who need counseling and are mer, fruit smoothies are a popular cool not affiliated with a church. drink. The first counseling clients were Merchandise is also available, which referred by the church, but Peters said includes copies of Peters’ book and coffee they are seeing more people who are not for brewing at home. members. “Now, since we opened in mid-July, people have found us through articles, word of mouth and our visibility, just knowing we’re here is drawing people in.” Peters said many people just come in for coffee and have no idea what the place is about, but have questions. Table tents, signage and the volunteers are there to explain what the “five” means for anyone who is curious. “We operate a typical coffee shop, but
The area where Coffeehouse Five is located is a hub of independent businesses, including the popular Jockamo’s Upper Crust Pizza and The Suds drive-in. “This is really developing here in terms of independent restaurants,” Peters said. “It’s really the only place in Greenwood like this.” In warmer months, the area pulls in classic car enthusiasts from all over central Indiana, who throw their hoods open and create an informal car show every weekend. Coffeehouse Five pays homage to the area’s automotive tradition, decorating with photos of classic cars and an industrial/garage look that includes corrugated metal, exposed duct work and a shop room floor. One wall is painted with 1950s-style signage for AC Delco and Greenwood Auto Supply, leftovers from a previous tenant, Peters said. “There was a Chevy dealership next door and someone had added on to the building. When we stripped off the drywall, we saw those (paintings.)” Peters said. “It seemed appropriate to keep them.”
At left: Soft chairs allow customers to enjoy their coffee, tea and treats in comfort. Above: Diana Ratcliff works on her laptop while enjoying a chai tea latte and a warm fire.
Want to help? Become a family advocate – join the work in building stronger marriages and families by: • Being a customer • Buying Coffeehouse Five whole beans for home and gifts • Volunteering to work at Coffeehouse Five • Following on Facebook (facebook.com/coffeehousefive) and Twitter (twitter.com/coffeehousefive) • Donating directly by clicking the Give Online Now tab above. Coffeehouse Five is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all contributions are tax-deductible • Shop at smile.amazon.com on behalf of Coffeehouse Five. For every purchase you make on Amazon, Coffeehouse Five receives a donation B
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Eyes
on the
Prize STORY BY GREG SEITER PHOTOS BY DON MEYER
Husband, wife focus on their booming web-based company
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andy and Angie Stocklin envisioned themselves as entrepreneurs almost from the beginning of their marriage in 2004 but it’s probably safe to assume they didn’t foresee one of their first joint businesses — One Click Ventures — gaining national recognition almost overnight. Founded by the Stocklins in 2005, the privately held e-commerce eyewear company, based in Greenwood, was recognized as one of North America’s fastest growing web merchants in 2014 after reporting $8.5 million in web revenue for 2013. “It was fairly clear from the beginning that we would do something entrepreneurial,” said Angie Stocklin, who serves as the company’s chief operating officer. “It wasn’t necessarily something that I saw for myself but Randy was really excited about the idea.” Initially, the couple experimented with business ownership through operation of a preexisting website — MailFromSantaClaus.com — that allowed them to play a role in the generation of holiday season letters from Santa. “Parents submitted information for their children and we plugged that information
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Above: Angie and Randy Stocklin founded One Click Ventures in 2005. Last year, the Greenwood-based business was named one of North America’s fastest growing web merchants. Top: Some of the sunglasses that One Click sells online.
into form letters that kids would get back from Santa,” Angie said. “It was exciting to come home from our full-time jobs and see how many we had received.” At that time, Randy was working as a software engineer and Angie was serving as a school psychologist in the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville. “We looked at many other business possi-
bilities too over a year-and-a-half period of time but we finally fell in love with e-commerce,” she said. “We also found out that we really loved working together.” While in search of a sustainable productbased online company, Randy and Angie discovered and purchased sunglass warehouse.com, a move that launched them into the eyewear business. The site, which still serves as a primary brand for One Click Ventures today, allows potential customers to shop for more than 1,000 designer-inspired styles and colors of sunglasses from the comfort of home. “We basically had to learn everything from scratch,” Angie said. “We had to learn how to add items to the website and how to ship products. We also had to learn how to do online marketing. “We did all that while keeping our other full-time jobs but we were really committed to doing things right so we started out slowly and separated ourselves from the outside world for a while.” Angie left her other job in 2007 to solely concentrate on One Click Ventures and Randy did the same in 2008.
“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t scary. It was.” she admitted. “Before I left, we were confident we could replace most of my salary. “The whole process has been very satisfying but it definitely keeps you on your toes.” By 2012, One Click Ventures had expanded to encompass a total of nine brands, but the Stocklins felt they were stretching their business venture too thin. “We decided it was hard to be an expert in nine different areas and we realized that if we truly wanted to build our brand, we needed to narrow our focus so we decided to concentrate on eyewear,” Angie said. That decision meant holding onto sunglasswarehouse.com and readers.com. On the readers.com site, visitors have the ability to examine more than 600 unique styles of frames that can be incorporated with bifocal, non-bifocal, reading, computer and reading sunglass lens. However, as time progressed, Randy and Angie had also realized One Click the importance of being able to fulVentures fill prescription-related requests Address: 1300 Windhorst Way, Suite A, Greenwood, IN 46143 while ensuring that purchased Phone: 317-215-6610 frames fit properly. Fax: 317-883-0738 “Filling prescriptions is very comWebsite: oneclickventures.com Founded: 2005 plex and we didn’t want to move Founded by: Randy and Angie forward until we found the right Stocklin Employees: 70 partner,” Angie said. Long-term goal: To serve as a “We also recognized an opening catalyst in changing the way in the market for people who aren’t people buy eyewear by moving them online and providing necessarily worried about trends additional choices. but are more concerned about what looks and feels good on them. “We noticed a lot of online brands didn’t have progressive choices and we wanted to be able to offer a nice variety.” With those things in mind, the entrepreneurs launched what would prove to be their third primary brand — felix + iris — (felixandiris.com) in September 2014. “No eyewear retailer has built a shopping experience around getting fit right for each customer,” Randy Stocklin said through a One Click Venturesissued news release. “Our promise is to deliver the perfect pair of glasses for each individual customer and to ensure that all glasses wearers, regardless of age or vision, can experience the convenience and affordability of buying online.” Angie seems particularly excited about the service options available through felix + iris. “We now offer the ability for you to try frames on
From top: One Click Ventures is located between Emerson Avenue and Interstate 65 just north of Main Street in Greenwood. The business features a snack bar, exercise room and rec room that employees can use.
ventures, page 18
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Direct
FEBRUARY
our member experts
Five business owner resolutions for a better 2015 By Melissa Duke Indiana Members Credit Union
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idn’t get to those business resolutions in January? Here are five ideas you can aspire to in 2015 to reinvent your business for a happy and successful year.
Set an exciting goal As Tim Ferriss puts it in his must-read book “The Four Hour Workweek,” a goal that makes your heart beat faster is easier to achieve than a hohum goal. DUKE That’s because there’s less competition when you’re doing the impossible and also because an exciting goal comes with a super adrenaline rush that makes you surpass what you thought were your limitations. Identify the 20 percent of activities that generate 80 percent of your results and focus
only on that. Don’t limit it — give yourself permission to call your biggest dreams “goals.”
Write a marketing plan The most frustrating part of being a business owner is there are never enough hours in the day. One of the best things you can do is get away from it all and spend a solid, uninterrupted block of time crafting a marketing plan for your business. Your plan doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s a living document, so expect to make changes throughout the year.
Get in front of compliance deadlines Jan. 1 is when many new regulations took effect. Take a look at the new regulations that may affect your business. Consult with your compliance personnel or attorney to figure out the steps you need to take to keep your company updated.
business, it’s holding you back. It’s never fun to be the bad guy, but as a business owner, it’s your responsibility to see to it that your team is doing what needs to be done and productivity and morale are high.
Keep learning and growing It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of working both in and on your business. Make 2015 the year you invest in your own knowledge by resolving to read one new business book a month. Make a list of websites, blogs and publications you’d like to read regularly. Revisit classic business books or ask others for recommendations. Regardless of how 2014 turned out for you, it’s over. Close the books and learn from the experiences. 2015 is here and it’s up to you to make it the best year ever. Bring on the challenges and rewards of another new year!
Trim the fat Is there a person in your organization who isn’t working out? Technology that takes more time than it’s worth? If it’s not an asset to your
Melissa Duke is the business lending officer for Indiana Members Credit Union. She can be reached at 317-554-8105 or mduke@imcu.com.
benefit spotlight Event discounts and passes Four of our five levels of membership receive either discounted or free event passes to some or all of the following: Connections!, Business Matters luncheons, the Annual Chamber Celebration, Business Expo After Hours electricity/booth space, etc. Contact Julie, Member Services Coordinator, at 317888-4856 or Julie@GreenwoodChamber.com to determine your membership tier or to use one of your event benefits. l Connected: One Connections! pass ($20) l Engaged: One free Business Matters luncheon ticket ($17), one Annual Chamber Celebration ticket ($30), free electricity for Business Expo After Hours booth ($50), two Connections! passes ($40) l Advocate: Two free Business Matters luncheon tickets ($34), two Annual Chamber Celebration tickets ($60), free electricity for Business Expo After Hours booth ($50), 50 percent off Business Expo After Hours booth ($100), three Connections! passes ($60) l Impact: Four free Business Matters luncheon tickets ($68), two Annual Chamber Celebration tickets ($60), free electricity for Business Expo After Hours booth ($50), free Business Expo After Hours booth ($200), four Connections! passes ($80)
Chamber news Greenwood’s Mayor Myers to present State of City address Attend the February Legislation Matters Luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center to hear Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers’ fourth State of the City address. The Greater Greenwood Chamber hosts Greenwood’s State of the MYERS City so the local business community and area residents can learn about the initiatives and directives the mayor plans to undertake. More info at greenwoodchamber.com or call 317-888-4856.
Nominate someone for a chamber award The chamber Board of Directors is accepting nominations for the “Salute,” “Member of the Year” and the “Pride and
Progress” awards, which will be presented at the Annual Chamber Celebration on Thursday, April 16. This is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments and leadership of a growing and successful business. Companies and individuals may nominate others or themselves. The nomination deadline is March 31. Download nomination forms at greewoodchamber.com or call 317-888-4856 for more information.
500 Festival, Inc. Kim Gale 317-614-6121 21 Virginia Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.500festival.com A.L. Smith Professional Corp. A.L. Smith 317-889-3050 843 N. State Road 135 Suite A Greenwood, IN 46143 Aboutium LLC John Kyle 317-865-6557 1090 State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46143 www.aboutiumfitness.com Access Mobility Inc. John Ausbrooks 317-784-2255 4855 S. Emerson Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46203 Allen Commercial Group Kristi Case 317-882-7850 1 Virginia Ave., Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Alpha Imaging Randy Barry 317-408-9283 4455 Glenbrook Road Willoughby, OH 44094 www.alpha-imaging.com AppraiserVender.com LLC Aaron Vaziri 317-889-4241 3195 W. Fairview Road, Suite C Greenwood, IN 46142 www.appraiservendor.com Arbonne International Stacey Siemons 317-403-6448 1026 Massey Court Greenwood, IN 46143 www.arbonne.com Axiomport Betsy Wyant 317-634-8020 646 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204 Bare Wax & Spa Paula Barger 317-640-1401 438 S. Emerson Ave. Suite 147 Greenwood, IN 46143 Barrett & Associates Insurance Group Joe Barrett 317-783-9495 786 S. Runyon Road Greenwood, IN 46143 Beaman Associates Robert Beaman 317-783-2343 5110 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 www.beamanassociates.com
Beck Automotive Ben Briggeman 317-736-8800 3070 N. U.S. 31 Franklin, IN 4613 Ben Franklin Insuran & Investments Greg Allen 317-497-0181 107 N. State Roa Greenwood, IN 4 www.benfranklin Blankenship & Haas Tom Blankenship 317-783-3167 7050 Madison A Indianapolis, IN 4 BNI Travis Sims 317-891-0355 P.O. Box 19827 Indianapolis, IN 4 Boyer Technologies Kevin Boyer 317-780-8342 5850 Kopetsky D Indianapolis, IN 4 Brew-By-U Jeremy Hough 317-550-1776 3021 Meridian M Greenwood, IN 4 www.brew-by-u Bright Ideas Jan Lorenzano 317-257-4111 7425 Westfield B Indianapolis, IN 4 www.bright-idea Builder Resource G Wendy McClella 317-281-8087 3985 S. Morgant Greenwood, IN 4 www.builderreso C & J Promotions Char Wade 317-251-3669 6111 Bramshaw Indianapolis,IN 4 www.cjpromo.co Cancer Support Com Central Indiana Eric Richards 317-257-1505 5150 W. 71st St. Indianapolis, IN 4 www.cancersupp Cardiovascular Syst Amy Koscielski 317-590-0396 5307 N. Illinois S Indianapolis, IN 4 www.csi360.com Center Grove Real E Inspections LLC Jim Schwarz 317-313-5362 3620 Tallwood Greenwood, IN 4
Your membership belongs to your company Don’t forget: Chamber membership benefits, especially attending events, are open to everyone in your company, not just the main contact! So invite your coworkers and employees to attend events with you (or in your place when you can’t attend). You can also add them to our email list for no additional cost. Your membership is designed to benefit your entire company. Spread the word!
A publication of the Greater Greenwood Chamber o
ctions
Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Greenwood Commerce Center 65 Airport Parkway, Suite 140 Greenwood, IN 46143 317.888.4856 GreenwoodChamber.com
RUARY 2015
ck Automotive Ben Briggeman 317-736-8800 3070 N. U.S. 31 Franklin, IN 46131 n Franklin Insurance nvestments Greg Allen 317-497-0181 107 N. State Road 135, Suite 303 Greenwood, IN 46142 www.benfranklinii.com ankenship & Haas Tom Blankenship 317-783-3167 7050 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 NI Travis Sims 317-891-0355 P.O. Box 19827 Indianapolis, IN 46219 oyer Technologies Kevin Boyer 317-780-8342 5850 Kopetsky Drive, Suite E Indianapolis, IN 46217 ew-By-U Jeremy Hough 317-550-1776 3021 Meridian Meadows Road Greenwood, IN 46142 www.brew-by-u.com ight Ideas Jan Lorenzano 317-257-4111 7425 Westfield Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46240 www.bright-ideas.org ilder Resource Group Wendy McClellan 317-281-8087 3985 S. Morgantown Road Greenwood, IN 46143 www.builderresource.com & J Promotions Char Wade 317-251-3669 6111 Bramshaw Indianapolis,IN 46220 www.cjpromo.com ncer Support Community ntral Indiana Eric Richards 317-257-1505 5150 W. 71st St. Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.cancersupportindy.org rdiovascular Systems Inc. Amy Koscielski 317-590-0396 5307 N. Illinois St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.csi360.com nter Grove Real Estate spections LLC Jim Schwarz 317-313-5362 3620 Tallwood Greenwood, IN 46143
new members Calendar Chris Rosser Edward Jones Investments Chris Rosser 317-888-0848 640 U.S. 31 South, Suite B Greenwood, IN 46143 www.edwardjones.com Chuck Horsman Design Chuck Horsman 317-865-7103 4158 Messersmith Drive Greenwood, IN 46142 www.chuckhdesign.com Clean Zone Marketing Inc. Matthew Murray 317-430-2939 14350 Mundy Drive, Suite 800, #228 Noblesville, IN 46060 www.czm360.com Coffeehouse Five Brian Peters 317-300-4330 323 Market Plaza Greenwood, IN 46142 www.onehopenow.com Color Cafe Joe Dowler 317-884-2222 1480 Olive Branch Parke Lane Greenwood, IN 46143 Comic Universe Robert Skorjanc 317-885-6395 7623 Shelby St. Indianapolis, IN 46227 Community Hospital South Bariatrics Courtney Moss-White 317-887-7771 1550 E. County Line Road, Suite 315 Indianapolis, IN 46227 www.ecommunity.com Compass Insurance & Real Estate Jake Stiles 317-883-9461 4922 Pebble Lane Greenwood, IN 46142 Crossfit Sworn Ryan Clark 317-300-9073 1052 Greenwood Springs Blvd., Suite C Greenwood, IN 46143 Dan Brackney Dan Brackney 317-460-6897 8299 E. County Road 300 South Plainfield, IN 46108 Dietel Richardson Team/My Agent Bruce Richardson 1637 W. County Line Road Greenwood, IN 46143 Dixon Plumbing Stephanie Dixon 317-786-0788 3725 S. Arlington Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46203 Domestic Violence Network Kelly McBride 317-872-1086 9245 N. Meridian St. Suite 235 Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.dvnconnect.org Don Allen's Hair Care Salon Don Allen 317-887-2772 828 South U.S. 31 Greenwood, IN 46142 Dugan Air Suzzane Dugan 317-422-4663 2000 S. State Road 135 Franklin, IN 46143 Duke Realty Travis Tucker 317-808-6975 510 E. 96th St., Suite 250 Indianapolis, IN 46240 www.dukerealty.com Everdry Waterproofing of Greater Indiana Matt Kaminsky 317-735-2498 5420 Rock Hampton Court Indianapolis, IN 46268 Fast Park Tonya Scully 317-241-7275 8550 Stansted Road Indianapolis, IN 46241 www.thefastpark.com
Fenway Real Estate Services David Ellis 317-414-1368 1035 S. State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46143 Fireside Brewhouse Gordon Cocke 317-859-9505 997 E. County Line Road Greenwood, IN 46143 First Farmers Bank & Trust Brenda Burkhart 317-422-9900 42 S. State Road 135 Bargersville, IN 46106 www.ffbt.com Golden Age Home Health Care LLC Tushar Lothe 317-893-2449 1711 S. State Road 135, Suite A Greenwood, IN 46143 www.goldenagehhc.com Grant Key's Lawn Service Grant Key 317-727-7999 P.O. Box 47430 Indianapolis, IN 46247 Graphic Worx John Devers 317-353-6650 5508 Elmwood Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46203 Greenwood Orthopaedics Michael Ryker 317-497-6497 1550 E. County Line Road Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46227 www.Greenwood,ortho.com Greg Hubler Chevy Howard Hubler 317-831-0770 13783 State Road 67 Camby, IN 46113 www.greghublerchevy.com Growing Spurts Donna Reintjes 317-882-4769 1001 N. State Road 135, Suite A3 Greenwood, IN 46142 Heavin Chiropractic LLC Kent Heavin 317-757-5106 130 E. Epler Ave., Suite C Indianapolis, IN 46227 Home Video Studio Bruce Lucas 317-888-4383 856 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46225 Honey Grove Educational Center Bonnie Buckley 317-519-9125 1709 S. State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46143 Hubler Financial Services Russ Hubler 317-413-7656 8220 South U.S. 31 Indianapolis, IN 46220 Imagine Virtual Assistant Service Lacey Ring-Verbik 317-268-6830 10680 E. County Road 100 South Indianapolis, IN 46231 www.imaginevas.com Indiana Brazilian Jui-Jitsu Academy James Clingerman 317-946-9447 1140 N. State Road 135, Suite P Greenwood, IN 46142 www.fighthubhq.com Indiana State - ProMBA - Plainfield Jeffrey Harper 812-237-2000 114 Federal Hall Terre Haute, IN 47809 isu-mba.edu Indiana Title & Closing Services LLC Rob Hudson 317-888-8222 494 S. Emerson, Suite I Greenwood, IN 46143 indianatitlecs.com Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Holly Johnson 317-639-4300 32 E. Washington St., Suite 600 Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.Indianapolissymphony.org Indy Procare Physical Therapy Fred Loeffler 317-881-6617 747 E. County Line Road Greenwood, IN 46143
Innovative Health Care Real Estate LLC 317-460-8721 652 E. Arch St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 InterDesign Group Inc. Jerry Cripps 317-263-9655 141 East Ohio St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.interdesign.com Irrigation Solutions John Price 317-727-1333 3756 The Courts Greenwood, IN 46143 Joe Meek 317-888-3020 710 Averitt Road Greenwood, IN 46143 Keltner Sheila Wells 317-408-0257 520 W. Carmel Drive Carmel, IN 46032 Krukemeier Machine & Tool Inc. Jeff Krukemeier 317-784-7042 4949 Subway St. Beech Grove, IN 46107 Landtree Realtors Steve Daniely 317-888-3331 1570 W. Main St. Greenwood, IN 46142 Lewark Newton Powers Insurance Greg Lewark 317-859-4237 1700 W. Smith Valley Road Suite A-2 Greenwood, IN 46142 LHD Benefit Advisors Bill Drew 317-705-1600 250 W. 96th St., Suite 350 Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.lhdbenefits.com Library Restaurant and Pub Ajna Morrow 317-243-0299 2610 S. Lynhurst Drive Indianapolis, IN 46241 www.thelibrary.com Life Care Services Rick Exline 317-881-5145 107 N. State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46142 lcsnet.com Lunar Strategies Mark Gause 317-508-0618 6340 Castleplace Drive Indianapolis, IN 46250 Madison Avenue Associates Virginia Reel 317-817-9730 7470 E. 82nd St. Indianapolis, IN 46256 Main Street Self Storage Nick Kirkendall 317-889-0793 2537 E. Main St. Greenwood, IN 46143 Make Your Mark LLC Scott Golden 317-536-2731 10896 Pickens Court Carmel, IN 46032 www.makeyourmarkllc.com MashCraft Brewing John Lee 317-709-1964 1140 N. State Road 135, Suite M Greenwood, IN 46142 www.mashcraftbrews.com McDonald's Pete Wojtowicz 317-888-0112 2524 E. County Line Road Indianapolis, IN 46227 McGail & Associates Steve McGail 317-965-9606 8049 Cherington Drive Indianapolis, IN 46227 Metronics Brian Volk 317-447-2270 2605 Tournament Drive Greenwood, IN 46143 MicroMed LLC Anders Weaver 317-750-6228 8730 Commerce Park Place Suite E Indianapolis, IN 46268
mber of Commerce l www.GreenwoodChamber.com
Mind Tripping Show Katalina Absolon 317-691-6399 6029 Amber Valley Lane Indianapolis, IN 46237 www.mindtrippingshow.com Network Electric Inc. Pete Olson 317-346-7411 3260 Graham Road Franklin, IN 46131 New Five Creative Matt Murray 317-409-3437 3209 W. Smith Valley Road Suite 217-4 Greenwood, IN, 46142 Obstetrics & Gynecology of Indiana, PC Timothy Dykema 317-575-7300 11595 N. Meridian, Suite 110 Carmel, IN 46032 Ohio Properties LLC Youvettia Smith 317-889-0793 201 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 110 Greenwood, IN 46143 One Hour Door Darrell Smith 317-225-7275 1438 E. Loretta Drive Indianapolis, IN 46227 Palms Banquet and Conference Center Agustin Rojas 317-839-9990 2353 E. Perry Road Plainfield, IN 46168 www.fivestarc.com Paul's Glass & Accessories Paul Nesses 317-885-1924 101 N. Meridian St. Greenwood, IN 46142 www.paulsmobileglass.com Phenix Investigations Carl Mason 800-980-9056 2555 Fairview Place Greenwood, IN 46142 www.phenixinvestigations.com Photon Measurements Plus Edward Wroblewski 317-755-9688 1427 West 86th St., Suite 282 Indianapolis, IN 46260 Piazza Produce Inc. Pete Piazza 317-872-0101 5941 West 82nd St. Indianapolis, IN 46278 www.piazzaproduce.com Premium Auto LLC Charles Colwell 317-412-2000 370 S. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 www.premiumautollc@ comcast.net Pressure Doctor Darl Hite 317-223-5693 7418 Donegal Lane Indianapolis, IN 46217 PrimeLending Brian Brent 1700 W. Smith Valley Road Suite A1 Greenwood, IN 46142 Protect All & The Sintz Group Insurance Agency Rick Ormes 317-353-1121 4625 S. Emerson Ave., Suite G-H Indianapolis, IN 46203 Quality Title Insurance Jim Schaefer 317-780-5700 750 E. Southport Road Indianapolis, IN 46227 R. Lee Money Attorney at Law 317-865-9607 310 West Main St. Greenwood, IN 46142 Radiation Services Alan Barnes 317-339-9909 422 Park 800 Drive Greenwood, IN 46143 Radiological Care Services Zac Gerdts 317-840-8715 8501 Bash St., Suite 600 Indianapolis, IN 46250
RE/MAX Select Linder/ McClurg Team Mark Linder 317-514-6275 484 S. State Road 135, Suite B Greenwood, IN 46143 Real Estate Mortgage Network Peter Broscoe 317-865-2150 1642 W. Smith Valley Road Suite A Greenwood, IN 46142 www.therealestatemortgage network.com Restoration Landscape Inc. Robert Pesto 317-800-2461 2818 Limber Pine Drive Whiteland, IN 46184 www.restoration-landscape.com Revery Mark Henrichs 317-215-4164 299 W. Main St. Greenwood, IN 46142 www.reveryGreenwood.com Ritters Frozen Custard Shawna Burch 317-889-1468 4949 E. Stop 11 Road Indianapolis, IN 46237 Ritter's Frozen Custard Duane Stahl 317-859-1038 3219 W. County Line Road Greenwood, IN 46142 Robertsons & Associates Kimberly Robertson 317-660-2454 616 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 Ronald McDonald House of Indiana Keri Brantley 317-267-0605 435 Limestone St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.rmh-indiana.org Roscoe's Tacos Colt Key 317-223-6040 914 Morton St. Franklin, IN 46131 Royal Title Services Inc. Matt Huffine 317-791-6000 365 E. Thompson Road Indianapolis, IN 46227 Ryan Fire Protection Mark Riffey 317-770-7100 9740 East 148th Noblesville, IN 46060 www.ryanfp.com Sauer Dentistry Ambrosia Sauer 317-865-1234 704 S. State Road 135, Suite A Greenwood, IN 46143 www.sauerdentistry.com Schmidt Associates Kyle Miller 317-263-6226 415 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204 School of Strength Marty Mills 317-370-2208 2506 Baywood Court Greenwood, IN 46143 Security Title 9225 Priority Way West Drive Suite 110 Indianapolis, IN 46240 Sign Solutions Monty Hopkins 317-881-1818 505 Commerce Parkway West Drive Greenwood, IN 46143 Stacked Pickle 317-300-9462 172 Melody Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 www.stackedpickle.com/ Greenwood, Standley Built Homes Phil Standley 317-332-7303 317 Hazy Lane Greenwood, IN 46142 Studio YOU Yoga Kimberly Williams 317-750-9547 862 S. State Road 135, Suite I Greenwood, IN 46143
Sullivan Law Office LLC Alaina Sullivan 317-984-3491 P.O. Box 1387 Greenwood, IN 46142 www.alainasullivanlawoffice.com Synergy Consulting Services Dana Harrison 317-446-9191 5782 Rolling Pines Court Indianapolis, IN 46220 www.synergycs.net Taxwright Mike Wright 317-620-1512 390 N. Madison Ave., Suite 103 Greenwood, IN 46142 www.taxwright.net Taylor Distributors of Indiana Inc. Kyle Witmer 317-888-7219 948 Sayre Drive Greenwood, IN 46143 Title Alliance Indy Metro Kristina Earhart 317-884-9327 1644 Fry Road, Suite B Greenwood, IN 46143 Tonn and Blank Scott Wells 317-423-1020 5721 Progress Road Indianapolis, IN 46241 www.tonnandblank.com Truster Building & Fence LLC Jessica Legan P.O. Box 542 Bargersville, IN 46106 U Dirty Dawg Stephanie Morrison 317-535-3647 2435 S. State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46143 Ulta Inc. Karry Surenkamp 630-410-5435 482 Chaney Ave. Greenwood, IN 46143 www.ulta.com VIP Home Solutions Jim Smith 317-883-4847 540 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 www.vip-homesolutions.com Visionary Video Karen McAndrews 317-435-3679 5251 S. East St., Suite 24 Indianapolis, IN 46227 Waddell & Reed Samantha Bush 317-690-2560 9000 Keystone Crossing Suite 350 Indianapolis, IN 46420 Wallace Construction Richard Wallace 317-422-5356 9790 Old State Road 37 North Martinsville, IN 46151 www.wallace constructioninc.com Warweg & Company Inc. Chad Warweg 317-885-8983 P.O. Box 357 Greenwood, IN 46143 We Fix Daniel Church 317-714-7591 1306 Secretarial Lane Indianapolis, IN 46217 Wildeflower Realty LLC Elizabeth Gestner 317-658-1155 189 U.S. 31 South Whiteland, IN 46184 WPB Constructors Inc. Bill Beaman 317-786-4521 4710 Carson Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 Your Chamber Connection Lorraine Deitchman 8208 Bridge St. North Richland Hills, TX 76180 www.chamberconnect.com Zoey's Pizzeria 317-893-3663 3115 Meridian Park Drive, Suite A Greenwood, IN 46142
Register for all Chamber events at 317.888.4856 or GreenwoodChamber.com
Thursday, February 5 Membership 101 Time: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Location: Chamber Office
Tuesday, February 10 Legislation Matters Luncheon Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers’ State of the City Address Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Valle Vista Golf and Conference Center Tickets: Preregistered, $17; at the door, $25
Sunday, February 22 Taste of the Southside Times: Private sponsor access 3:30 p.m.–4 p.m.; Early access, 4-4:30 p.m.; General admission, 4:30–7 p.m. Location: Valle Vista Golf and Conference Center Tickets: General admission, $35; early access, $40 (tickets expected to sell out in advance)
Staff: Stacie Hindman Events & Operations Manager Christian Maslowski, President & CEO Julie Spate, Member Services Coordinator
people on the move people making news on the southside
New plumber joins Carter’s
Carter’s My Plumber of Greenwood welcomed a new licensed plumber to its team. Jarrett Heintz graduated from Center Grove and attended Ball State University, where he majored in education. He realized he enjoyed the intricacies and challenges of the plumbing field, and decided to pursue a career as a licensed plumber. HEINTZ He graduated from Mechanical Skills Trade College in Indianapolis, along with accumulating the required 7,600 on-the-job training hours and passing the state licensing exam.
Occupational therapist joins Greenwood practice
Taylor Gurley has joined Hopebridge Pediatric Specialists as an occupational therapist in the Greenwood clinic. She will work with children with developmental delays, targeting
areas to help them strengthen fine-motor skills, activities of daily living, sensory integration and feeding. Therapy is centered around play activities. Gurley is certified and Indiana-licensed by the National Board for GURLEY Certification of Occupational Therapy. She earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology from Indiana Wesleyan University. Gurley previously worked with IU Health West Hospital in Avon and Memorial Children’s Therapy Center in South Bend.
College honors staff members
Franklin College honored employees with awards for excellence and years of service at the 21st Annual Employee Appreciation and Holiday Celebration on Dec. 12. • Natalie Haynes, executive secretary for the division of natural science, is the recipient of the Franklin College Margaret Hommell Staff Service Excellence Award. Haynes and her husband, Gary, live in Greenwood with their three children. • Steven Comiskey, a lecturer of English, is the recipient of Franklin College’s Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award. Comiskey and his wife, Nancy, reside in Nashville. • Full-time employees honored for years of service: 5-year awards: Jarrod Brett, Jamie Bromley, Steven Comiskey, Nicolas Crisafulli, James “Adam” Dunigan, Brenda Ferguson, Casey Hayes, Julie Leeth, Sarah Mordan-McCombs, Heather Myers, Craig Parker, Ivis “Rob” Robinette, Steven Rock, Randall Smith 10-year awards: Kim Eiler, Wendy Hagn, John Krull, April-Ann Matson, Beth Moore, Robin Roberts, Elizabeth Sappenfield, Judy Yarnell
Math, science added to martial arts lessons
Greenwood-based Pilsung ATA Martial Arts is giving local kids a new opportunity to learn physical fitness and science, technology, engineering and math lessons at the same time. Studio co-owner Brian Myers has been trained by master instructors from the American Taekwondo Association and Dignity Kids Inc., a national nonprofit organization focused on STEM education, to bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics educational opportunities to local public and private schools in a new way. Integrating physical education, martial arts and STEM topics in the Universal Principals of Sport Science curriculum, martial arts instructors can teach K-12 student interested in STEM fields. Info: 881-2762 or mrmyers@pilsungtae kwondo.com.
corporate chatter companies making news on the southside
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Franklin youth organization gets gift from Max and Erma’s
Max and Erma’s corporate offices presented a $2,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Franklin.
february 2015 I southside business exchange
15-year awards: Denise Baird, Raymond Begovich, Karen Cole, Ralph Guentzel, Shelia Rosario 20-year award: Cynthia Prather 25-year awards: Nazir Khatri, Cynthia Reese, Betsy Schmidt, Diane Shepherd 30-year award: Scott Cummings 35-year award: Kathleen Carlson • Part-time employees honored. 10-year award: Diana Hadley 15-year award: Dave Marendt
Associate broker named at local real estate agency
Niko Jameson, an associate real estate broker, has joined RE/MAX Select, Realtors. Jameson’s office is at 48 N. Emerson Ave., Suite 300, Greenwood. She can be reached at JAMESON 881-3700.
Banking group names board chairman
Larry Heydon has been named the new chairman of the board of directors of CITBA Financial Corp. and Citizens Bank. Heydon succeeds Stephen “Steve” Mills, who is retiring as chairman but will remain a board member. Heydon joined the board in 2012. He served as the president and CEO of Johnson Memorial Health in Franklin since 2008 and previously served as its chief financial officer. His experience also includes other senior executive and financial positions at hospitals and with Ernst & Young, CPAs. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Butler University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and an inactive license as a certified public accountant. He also serves on multiple other professional and civic boards. The bank offers consumer and commercial financial services in Morgan, Hendricks, Johnson and Marion counties.
Community Physician Network hires family medicine specialist
Community Physician Network recently hired a new southside doctor. Dr. Chaitanya Chekkilla is a board-certified family medicine physician whose areas of interest include preventive medicine and treatment of chronic medical problems. She was born and raised in Hyderabad, India, and attended medical school at Kakatiya CHEKKILLA Medical College in India. She recently worked in North Vernon for three years. Chekkilla’s office is located at 8920 Southpointe Drive, Suite B, Indianapolis.
Methodist Sports Medicine adds to staff
Methodist Sports Medicine recently added Tony Origer, a chiropractor and athletics trainer, to its medical staff. Origer specializes in the management of orthopedic injuries of the spine and upper and lower extremities. Originally from Iowa, he has more than a decade of experience working with athletes and teams, including the Indianapolis Indians, University of Indianapolis and Franklin College. He joins Methodist Sports Medicine after 14 years of operating Performance Chiropractic & Sports Rehabilitation in Greenwood. He practices at the southside location, 1401 W. County Line Road, Greenwood. He and his wife have three daughters and live in Greenwood.
Insurance industry vet plans Greenwood agency
Morgantown resident Chanda Gatton has joined with Voldico Insurance to open an independent insurance agency in Greenwood. Gatton has been in the insurance industry for many years. Chanda Gatton Agency offers a variety of insurance services for her clients. Info: 884-5055. The office is at 3209 W. Smith Valley Road, Suite 215. B
The check was presented in early December by regional manager Tim Blair, whose grandchildren are regular attendees of the club’s sports programs. The money will be used to support youth programs in the community. The club is a United Way agency. Info: boysgirlsfranklin.org.
IT (Kids in Crisis Intervention Team). For 12 hours, the salon staff cut hair for donations. The salon owners are Bruce and Frieda Dowler, and their son, Josh. The couple also own the salon Color Café in Greenwood.
A new Greenwood gym offers kickboxing workouts designed to help people get a full workout without spending hours at a gym. 9Round, which opened at 520 N. State Road 135, uses an intense, 30-minute workout focused on kickboxing techniques, according to a statement from the gym. There are no class times, trainers are always on site, and routines change daily. First-time visitors get a free 30-minute workout session. Info: 300-1830
Dave’s Farm Service in Edinburgh recently received the Country Clipper Key Dealer Award for top sales in 2014. Dave and Debbie Brown received the award while attending the Country Clipper dealer meeting in Richmond. Dave’s Farm Service opened in Edinburgh in 1981. It offers sales, service and repairs of all lawn mowers or tractors and sells new and used equipment. In 2002, the company began selling Branson Tractors and in 2006 added the Country Clipper mower brand. Dave’s Farm Service is at 50 N. Eisenhower Drive. The business may be contacted at 812-526-5504 or toll free at 866-778-5504.
Area gym offers kickboxing workouts
Salon conducts fundraiser for youth program
A new salon in Franklin recently hosted a fundraiser for homeless youth in Johnson County. Simply Stylish Color and Cut Express Salon, 43 N. Main St., raised more than $400 for KIC-
Edinburgh farm service earns award for sales
Franciscan Alliance selected for new Medicare program
Franciscan Alliance ACO has been selected as one of 89 new Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations, providing approximately 1.6 million additional Medicare beneficiaries with access to high-quality, coordinated care across the United States. Doctors, hospitals and health care providers establish ACOs in order to work together. Franciscan Alliance ACO will be one of 405 ACOs participating in the Shared Savings Program. Since ACOs first began participating in the program in early 2012, thousands of health care providers have signed on to participate in the program, working together to provide better care to Medicare’s seniors and people with disabilities. The 89 new ACOs will bring approximately 23,000 additional physicians and other providers into the ACO program.
Franklin Chamber welcomes new members
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce board of directors and staff welcomed five new businesses to its membership during its Jan. 7 meeting. Heather Harris Photography, Franklin; Key Bank, Franklin and Whiteland branches; Liberty Mutual, Greenwood; Radwell International, Inc., Franklin; and SERVPRO of Indianapolis South and Johnson County recently joined the chamber. Info: www.franklincoc.org or 317736-6334
Franklin Chamber annual meeting and awards
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and awards banquet is set for Feb. 12 at Beeson Hall – Cultural Arts & Recreation Center, 396 Branigin Blvd. Registration begins 11 a.m. with the banquet running from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featured keynote speaker for the event is Franklin Mayor Joe McGuinness. Community Service, Business Hall of Fame and Community Impact Awards will be handed out during the event, which is open to the public. RSVP’s are required by Feb. 5 and may be made online at www. franklincoc.org, or by calling 7366334. Cost is $25.
Food pantry gets $20,000 donation from HomeBank
The Interchurch Food Pantry, which helps about 70 families per day, got a $20,000 donation from HomeBank. The donation was the largest the pantry received in 2014, pantry co-manager Shelia Morton said. Last year, Interchurch Food Pantry received $10,000 to purchase a vehicle. Interchurch Food Pantry is the first
Johnson County recipient of HomeBank’s quarterly tithing fund. Every quarter, HomeBank sets aside 10 percent of its net income to donate to organizations in communities where their banks are located.
Jeff Air to provide services to Columbus airport
A father-and-son team from Greenwood has expanded its services to the Columbus Municipal Airport. Jeff Air Pilot Services LLC will provide aviation fuel sales, hangar services for local and transient aircraft, cargo handling, aircraft rental and flight instruction for corporate and general aviation aircraft. Rhoades Air Center, originally formed as Rhoades Aviation, has provided the services at the airport for the past 46 years. Rhoades turned the services over to Jeff Air after a approval from the city’s Board of Aviation Commissioners. Tom Jeffries is co-owner and operator of Jeff Air. The company has been providing aircraft rental and instruction at the Greenwood Municipal Airport the past four years.
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Franklin Chamber Cash Bash tickets on sale
Tickets are on sale for the Franklin Chamber of Commerce Annual Cash Bash set for Feb. 28 at the Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, Shelbyville. Two hundred tickets will be sold. Each ticket includes one entry into the reverse raffle, admission for two people and heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert bar and beverages. Tickets to the reverse raffle event may be purchased at the Chamber office, 120 E. Jefferson St., or to reserve your tickets, call the Chamber office: 317-736-6334.
Kiwanis of Perry Township raises money for projects
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Perry Township celebrate the holidays and raised funds to support Kiwanis projects. The 12th annual event included a party and dinner, auction of donated items and a 50/50 raffle. Community programs supported by the club include college scholarships for high school seniors, Baxter YMCA, Riley Hospital for Children, the Hunger Inc. food bank and other efforts. The club’s 30th Annual Fish Fry, BBQ & More, scheduled for July 17-18, accounts for a majority of the club’s annual fundraising. Proceeds support community programs and the Kiwanis World Service Project: Eliminate MNT, an inoculation program to eliminate Maternal Neonatal Tetanus in developing countries. Info: 317-710-3199 or kiwanisperrytownship.org B
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southside snapshot
business indicators for johnson county
Percent Change Nov 14/ Nov 14 Oct 14 Nov 13 Labor Force 77,428 77,407 3.06 Employed 73,461 73,835 3.62 Unemployed 3,967 3,572 -6.35 Unemployment Rate (pct) 5.1 4.6 -0.5 Note: All figures not seasonally adjusted SOURCE: Ball State Center for Economic and Business Research
by the numbers Interest Rates Difference from Difference from Latest value month ago year ago Bank Prime Loan Rate 3.25 on 1/7/2015 0.0 0.0 Effective Federal Funds Rate 0.11 on 1/7/2015 0.01 0.03 0.2 on 6/28/2013 0.0 -0.12 3-Month CD Secondary Market Rate (Discontinued series) 0.01 -0.04 3-Month Treasury Bill Secondary Market Rate 0.03 on 1/9/2015 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate 2.0 on 1/9/2015 -0.27 -1.01 20-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate 2.29 on 1/9/2015 -0.4 -1.4 Moody’s Seasoned Aaa Corp. Bond Yield© 3.54 on 1/9/2015 -0.36 -1.01 3-Month LIBOR (based on U.S. Dollar)© 0.2521 on 1/7/2015 0.0165 0.01 Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
what did they say? “It was pretty bumpy and turbulent at the beginning. We could easily have just washed our hands and walked away. I didn’t feel that was the right thing to do. Nobody in the city felt that was the right thing to do.” Franklin Mayor Joe McGuinness on the project to restore eight downtown buildings.
“That’s where your tax base is. When you’re getting those expansions that come in, those make a huge difference. That’s why we get excited when you see Pridgeon and Clay expanding, for example. That increases their property values that they bring in new equipment and that adds even more. Coming in with ULTA, that’s huge. That’s going to add.” Johnson County Development Corp. director of business development Dana Monson on projects in Johnson County that were started in 2014.
“The short-term push has definitely helped, and we’ve gotten more people educated actually on where we are. A lot of people didn’t know where we were located, so it’s been a great educational tool as well. The biggest thing we need now are people who are willing to give on a monthly basis.” Humane Society of Johnson County board president Janet Gorrell on how a recent fundraiser led to a big boost in volunteers and supplies.
from the IBJ
Indiana Business Journal staff reports
Small-business lender Goodwill not giving up expands in central Indiana on plans for southside Flagship Enterprise Center, the state’s distribution facility largest Small Business Administration microlender, has more than doubled its footprint and now serves a hefty chunk of central Indiana. The Anderson-based not-for-profit, which makes business loans at levels far below most banks, recently earned SBA approval to operate in 24 central Indiana counties, up from 10. The expansion comes on the heels of the Indy Chamber moving to bolster its role as a microlender in a largely uncharted frontier of finance. Prior to the expansion, Flagship could lend to businesses in Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Shelby counties in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, as well as nearby Delaware, Grant, Henry, Rush and Tipton counties. The additional 14 counties include Boone, Hendricks, Morgan and Johnson, which round out the metro area’s so-called donut. Since starting operations in 2005, Flagship has repeatedly led the state in SBA microloans made, including 2014 when it made 49 of the 65 loans. Behind Flagship was Accion Chicago Inc., with eight.
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Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana Inc is pushing forward with its pursuit to build a 125,000-square-foot distribution center in Greenwood, despite a major setback from city council members. The local not-for-profit operates three warehouses in Indianapolis, on West Washington Street, Georgetown Road and Shadeland Avenue, which serve as transportation hubs for its 57 stores in central Indiana. The facilities also house an outlet store where consumers can purchase merchandise cheaper that failed to sell in other locations — by the pound rather than by the item — as a last-ditch effort to avoid dumping leftovers in the landfill. Goodwill wants to build the distribution center in Greenwood to service south-side stores and filed to rezone, from commercial to industrial, 27 acres on the east side of Emerson Avenue south of County Line Road and west of Interstate 65. But on Dec. 16, the city council by a 5-2 vote denied the request. “The council didn’t want a distribution facility this far north where it’s (zoned) pre-
february 2015 I southside business exchange
dominately (for) commercial, health services and life sciences,” said Bill Peoples, Greenwood’s planning director. Under the city’s comprehensive plan, updated in 2006, warehouses are better suited to the south, around Main Street and Graham Road east of I-65, where the land is properly zoned for industrial uses, Peoples said.
Rapid transit set to give area lift A proposed rapid-transit bus line could help spur development along a key southside corridor in need of new investment. The mayors of Greenwood, Indianapolis, Carmel and Westfield agreed to invest a total of $1 million to pay for environmental and design work on the Red Line bus route, which would stretch 28 miles from Hamilton County to Johnson County. Planners also hope to use a $2 million grant from the federal Department of Transportation. Work could begin early next year, pending approval of the local funding and last two to three years. One of the key areas that has been recently discussed is Madison Avenue, which would be the route of the Red Line from the southside into Johnson County. The route came
up at a panel discussion this month to consider development opportunities. The session was hosted by the Greater Southside Business Alliance, Greater Southside Community Alliance and the Indiana chapter of the Urban Land Institute. Those who spoke were hopeful that, with U.S. 31 and national retail chains just a short distance to the west, Madison Avenue will attract more local, independent shops. Kim’s Kake Kreations and Bella Dog Bakery are among the independent stores that have opened in recent years along Madison Avenue. Leaders are targeting the area from Stop 11 Road north to Thompson Road.
Indy likely to prepare bid for college football championship After members of the Indiana Sports Corp. — including new president Ryan Vaughn — traveled to Dallas for the college football national championship game on Jan. 12, Indianapolis appears poised to bid for the massive event in the not-too-distant future. Glendale, Arizona, hosts the game in 2016 and Tampa in 2017. But 2018 and beyond is up for grabs. B
on the southside
Daily Journal staff report
Jobs, streets, walkways top cities’ lists for 2015
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welve months from now, the mayor of Franklin wants at least a couple of businesses in medical and technological industries considering his city as their new home. The hope is that will lead to word spreading throughout different industries that Franklin is worth considering, Mayor Joe McGuinness said. McGuinness’ eventual goal is to have a mix of companies in Franklin, so that if one industry falters the city’s economy doesn’t fall with it.
At a glance
Here are some of the goals Greenwood and Franklin officials want to pursue in 2015 Franklin Work with Franklin College to identify businesses in medical, technological and other industries that could consider moving to the area Repair alleyways damaged during the Main Street project; provide safer walkways for pedestrians trying to cross U.S. 31 Greenwood Pursue a facade grant that would pay for repairs and upgrades to buildings at the intersection of Main Street and Madison Avenue Find new and smaller businesses, such as restaurants, interested in moving into downtown Greenwood
“You don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket,” McGuinness said. “You never know when another 2008 could happen.” McGuinness and Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers already have longstanding projects in place for 2015, such as finishing the Main Street project in Franklin and the building of a pool in Freedom Park in Greenwood. But they also have ideas for bringing businesses large and small to their cities. That includes applying for and receiving grant money that can pay for touch-ups to downtown buildings, working with area colleges to identify which companies to pursue and convincing businesses why Greenwood and Franklin are better places to set up shop than in Indianapolis or Bloomington, the mayors said. Franklin College has been building programs and attracting students interested in careers in the medical and information technology fields. Now, McGuinness wants to work with the college to network with the kinds of businesses and companies those students will eventually apply to work for.
These companies won’t necessarily be household names, such as Eli Lilly, McGuinness said. But companies such as KYB have flourished and grown since moving to the area, and companies in medical and other fields who see that and learn about the graduates coming from Franklin College could also consider moving to Franklin, McGuinness said. What’s most important is for city officials to start building momentum by having discussions with those companies. In Greenwood, Myers wants to see smaller businesses, such as restaurants and microbreweries, move into vacant space near the intersection of Main Street and Madison Avenue downtown. To market Greenwood to smaller businesses, officials will need to emphasize the advantages of the city’s location. A business that sets up in Indianapolis risks being missed by the crowds of people quickly moving through the city. But Brown County may be too far away from Indianapolis, Myers said. Greenwood’s advantage is that it’s near downtown Indianapolis,
but just far enough away for a small business to flourish and not be overlooked, Myers said. “Those are the kinds of things we like to tout when we’re talking to those businesses,” he said. He also hopes a $400,000 facade grant the city plans to apply for will help redevelop downtown Greenwood. The grant, provided by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, would pay for upgrades and repairs in the downtown area. The city is writing its grant application, and officials likely won’t know whether the city has received the grant until the spring at the earliest, Myers said. Continued infrastructure work is also in both cities futures this year. In Greenwood, work will continue on the new city pool, and on roads, such as Worthsville Road near where a new Interstate 65 exit is planned. Franklin is planning to complete work on the Main Street project later this year, and months after that’s finished the city will begin rebuilding a section of Jefferson
Street, west of U.S. 31. In addition to those projects, the city also needs to monitor other routes leading to U.S. 31 and I-65 to ensure they’re safe and not in need of extensive repair since these are the routes that new businesses would use to ship their products, McGuinness said. Franklin city council member Steve Barnett also said many of the alleyways around downtown Franklin were well traveled during the Main Street work, and need to be repaired so that residents and owners and customers of existing businesses can get where they’re going safely. Barnett also wants to provide safer walkways for anyone trying to cross U.S. 31. Barnett has seen and heard stories about people, including students from Franklin Community High School, running across the road and narrowly missing traffic. The city needs to provide safer ways for people to cross the highway, possibly by adding pedestrian signals, he said. B
Top: Greenwood has developed a 12-step plan to make downtown more pedestrian friendly and to alleviate traffic congestion around the Main Street and Madison Avenue intersection by changing traffic patterns. Above: Workers were installing sidewalks recently along North Main Street in Franklin. Daily Journal photos february 2015 I southside business exchange
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small business professor
By Bruce Freeman
Perseverance can overcome almost any obstacle
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” —Robert Collier What personal qualities does a successful entrepreneur need? What are the essential ingredients of an entrepreneurial spirit? In my view, the most important is perseverance. Exhibit A: my own path to business ownership. I have managed a public relations agency, written this syndicated small-business column for nine years, co-authored a book, and I’m discussing a sec-
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ond book with publishers. I was also recently cited among the “50 business professors most followed on Twitter.” Not a bad track record, considering my writing skills were never grade A in college. In fact, they earned me a D in my freshman writing class. Whenever I handed in a paper, it returned with more red ink than black after the professor graded it. He asked me to come to his office half a dozen times and worked with me. On my last visit, he announced I was still getting a D.
In 2006, I received a “journalist of the year award” from the U.S. Small Business Administration and worked on an article for the alumni director from my alma matter. I told my writing class story. It was more than 30 years later, but I sent my former professor a note saying he deserved some of the credit for my entrepreneurial rise. He said the success was all mine; all he did was give me a few pointers. When my book, “Birthing the Elephant” appeared, my former freshman professor sent this
email: “Dear Bruce: Congratulations on the publication of your new book. Had you given this to me during the manuscript stage, I would have been happy to do some free editing.” I responded with a hearty laugh: “Free editing? I was not going to chance a D on my first book!” Subsequently, I chaired an entrepreneurship panel at an alumni event, where my former professor gave a speech. We had breakfast and I was absolutely thrilled to see him. Later, another email arrived: “Dear Bruce … It
ask the mompreneur
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xford Dictionaries may have chosen “vape” as their 2014 “Word of the Year,” but for entrepreneurs, it should have been “crowdfunding.” And indeed, crowdfunding was added to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary for the first time last year. So what is crowdfunding, exactly, and should you be doing it? The Investopedia website defines the practice as “The use of small amounts of capital from a large number of individuals to finance a new business venture.” The SBA’s online course Crowdfunding for Entrepreneurs adds, “... with crowdfunding an entrepreneur can attract a ‘crowd of people’ each of whom takes a small stake in a business idea, by con-
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was a pleasure seeing you and your wife at homecoming. I would not have missed the opportunity. The story of the ‘D’ is not only funny; it is inspiring. It proves that perseverance can overcome almost any obstacle.” I totally agree — and that’s why I’ve used it as a case in point: Perseverance pays! B Bruce Freeman is president of ProLine Communications. He is adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at Seton Hall and Kean universities. Info: bruce@ smallbusinessprofessor.com.
by Jennie Wong
What you need to know about crowdfunding tributing towards an online funding target.” But this dry, financial language belies the torrent of energy and innovation that this trend has unleashed. Look no further than the Coolest Cooler, Kickstarter’s most funded project to date. This Frankenstein piece of recreational gear combines an ice chest with a blender and Bluetooth speakers (among several other things) into one alluring package. And most importantly, its project page features a video compelling enough to blow away the original goal of $50,000, ultimately raising more than $13 million. It’s important to note that there are two types of crowdfunding: rewards-based and equity-based. Kickstarter and its brethren offer rewards-based
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crowdfunding, which means that contributors who kicked in the $180 for the Coolest Cooler received one of the first coolers off the production line, but no stock or ownership stake in the company. Kickstarter itself receives 5 percent of all successfully funded projects. Additionally, they use an all-or-nothing model, so if a project doesn’t hit the full amount, both investors and entrepreneurs are protected from loss and expectations. Equity-based crowdfunding, on the other hand, gives a fraction of your company to each investor, versus a reward. This is a newer type of investment, which was created by the 2012 passage of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. As of now, equity-based sites such as Crowdfunder.com allow for
accredited investors to purchase equity in early-stage companies. Per Securities and Exchange Commission rules, an accredited investor is someone whose net worth is more than $1 million (excluding the value of their primary residence) or who has individual income in excess of $200,000 or joint income with their spouse in excess of $300,000 a year. So, making a video of your waffle iron/curling iron combo and getting $13 million sounds pretty good, right? Julianne McCollum, owner of Charlotte, N.C.-based Yellow Duck Marketing, cautions, “It’s not just that you have to market it, but you have to be strategic about the message and understand what problem you’re solving and for whom. So you really have to be willing
to put in the time and the research. The campaigns that aren’t successful fail because people underestimated what it would take. I would also add that the quality of the graphics and the video make a big difference.” If this sounds like a viable path to financing your next business idea, you’ll want to pick the right type of crowdfunding and the right website for you. B Jennie Wong is an executive coach, author of the e-book “Ask the Mompreneur” and the creator of the product quiz website www. ABorC.com. Email her at TheJennieWong@gmail.com.
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HEADS UP: Local breweries on rise across county Daily Journal staff report
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ew businesses are brewing throughout Johnson County, bringing specialty beers and more dining options to local neighborhoods. While Oaken Barrel has operated for several years in Greenwood, the market for beers brewed in-house and the food to pair with it is quickly expanding. Small brewers have opened near downtown Greenwood and on State Road 135, a new Belgianinspired gastropub opened this fall in Bargersville, and two brewpubs are scheduled to open in Franklin this year. Johnson County’s large suburban population is ripe for small breweries, local brewers said. Residents earn a higher-thanaverage income, which allows them to eat out a few times per week. Cozy downtowns are ideal locations for breweries, which can become a destination for diners who want to check out what’s new on tap. And less congestion on the southside makes it easier for people to make a trip, compared with the north side of Indianapolis. At the same time, the popularity of craft beers is on the rise. Instead of grabbing a case of beer from the supermarket, more and more beer drinkers want to try something new and unique, brewers said. “One of the reasons that some of the bigger breweries had shied away from coming into Indiana was that the population as a whole wasn’t very craft-beer focused. But that trend is changing. The consumer is really driving the growth. It’s location, it’s demographics, population, household incomes,” said Nathan Huelsebusch, co-
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at home,” she said. “Just go to the site, pick out four frames that you like and we’ll send them to you. “The package comes with instructions on how to note your
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Restaurants brewing
Two new brewpubs are coming to downtown Franklin this year. Here’s what’s on tap: Old Post Brewpub Where: Former city hall building, 55 W. Madison St. Who: Phil Warrenburg, owner Opening: Summer What: Beers brewed in-house and pub-style food, such as soft pretzels, sliders, pub burgers. The pub will have outdoor patio dining. Fred Paris building Where: 176-188 W. Jefferson St. Who: Fred Paris, building owner. Brewery/ restaurant has not been named yet. Opening: Building renovation expected to be complete by summer What: Brewery and restaurant focusing on barbecue, steaks and chops. Restaurant will have outdoor dining under a retractable glass roof.
owner of Taxman Brewing Co. in downtown Bargersville. Local, community brewing was common before Prohibition in the U.S., but even after the alcohol ban was repealed, homebrewing wasn’t allowed until 1979, said Phil Warrenburg, who plans to open a brewpub in the former city hall building in Franklin this summer. As small breweries began to operate, beer drinkers became exposed to more types of beer, which has led to a higher demand and more brewers opening, he said. “The renaissance is appearing now,” Warrenburg said. “The swing is coming that flavorful, fresh beer is coming back around.” A heightened interest in craft beers has helped create demand, but the county’s location and population make it a good fit
for new breweries and brewpubs. Average income in Johnson County isn’t as high as other parts of central Indiana, such as Hamilton County, but still high enough that residents are able to afford eating out a few times a month or even a few times a week. A casual dining restaurant serving steaks or barbecue paired with a unique beer can be affordable and attract interest from both local residents and people outside Johnson County, said Fred Paris, who is renovating two buildings in downtown Franklin for a brewery and restaurant. The county also has less congestion than Indianapolis or the northside, so instead of driving north to an area like Broad Ripple, southside residents can travel south to Greenwood, Franklin or Bargersville, Huelsebusch said. Historic downtowns, such as Franklin or Bargersville, also offer a small-town atmosphere that fits a niche local brewers want, as opposed to opening on a highway, Taxman Brewing co-owner Leah Huelsebusch said. When she and Nathan lived in Belgium, just about every town, regardless of size, had its own brewpub. Each was distinct and became a highlight of the town, she said. The small community is one reason they chose to open in Bargersville, instead of a more high-traffic location in the Center Grove area or Greenwood, she said. Taxman has been distributing beer since last January, but opened the pub in September and the dining room has been consistently busy, they said. Paris said he has heard talk of a third brewpub that might be interested in
Franklin. The renovations the city has done to facades and the downtown are drawing more visitors, and having Franklin College nearby makes downtown an attractive option for new brewers, Mayor Joe McGuinness said. More breweries in Johnson County will create more competition, but brewers can create a wide variety of drafts by making small changes to ingredients, temperature or cooking style to create vastly different products, Warrenburg said. If the beers are distinct and each restaurant serves a different type of menu, they likely will be able to coexist, owners said. For example, Taxman offers Belgian-style beers and a pub menu of tacos, burgers and pomme frites, while Paris said the brewery and restaurant he plans would focus more on steaks, chops and barbecue. “If we don’t fill a niche, we’re not going to make it,” Paris said. Not all of the brewers have in-house restaurants. At MashCraft Brewing on State Road 135 or Planetary Brewing in Greenwood, customers can sample a beer, have a drink while there or take some to-go. So those brewers aren’t the same type of competition as a restaurant or pub. Having multiple breweries operating in Johnson County could open up opportunities such as beer tours, similar to what people can find in Indianapolis, Nathan Huelsebusch said. If the county had a dozen small brewers, beer tourism could help expose new customers to the county’s brewers and make Johnson County a destination, he said. B
The swing is coming that flavorful, fresh beer is coming back around. — Phil Warrenburg frame height and measurements. If the ones you choose don’t quite fit properly, all you have to do is send them back and we’ll work to adapt them to your needs.” To simplify the process, website visitors can simply fill out what’s
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referred to as a “Fit Profile” questionnaire that allows company technicians to make recommendations based on preferences, lifestyle tendencies and prescription needs. The site also allows customers to try on specific frames virtually
trends
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by uploading photos of themselves or connecting via webcam. “Currently, only 3 percent of eyewear is purchased online and we want to change that,” Angie said. “It’s not as much of a surprise that you can shop online for sun-
glasses but we want to educate people that there are also online options for other types of glasses. “We want to redefine the way people buy eyewear but we want to make sure they have a great shopping experience with us too.” B