business exchange southside
February 2016
A DAILY JOURNAL PUBLICATION
STILL
LEARNING Mike DuKate attributes success in part to his thirst for knowledge
also inside APPROVED MORTGAGE CORP. greenwood chamber newsletter
PRESORTED STANDARD FRANKLIN, IN PERMIT NO. 110
business exchange february 2016 I volume 14 I number 2
On the cover
Mike and Craig DuKate of DuKate Fine Remodeling of Franklin Photo by Mark Freeland/correspondent
february 2016 calendar Business to Business Networking Group
Where: Firehouse Subs, 884 N. U.S. 31, Greenwood When: 7 a.m. Tuesday Info: Tim Weko, 317-966-7101, or Mark Stansbury, 317-281-2930
Business Exchange Team
Where: Ann’s Restaurant, Franklin When: 8 a.m. Thursdays Info: Louis Annee, 317-370-4776
Business First
pg. 4
Design and build: DuKate Fine Remodeling focuses on integrity, continual education.
pg. 10
Greenwood chamber: Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce newsletter.
pg. 13
Corporate Chatter: Companies making news on the southside.
pg. 15
pg. 8
Continual growth: Derrick Christy has led Approved Mortgage Corp. for more than 20 years.
pg. 12
People on the Move: Business leaders making news on the southside.
pg. 14
Southside Snapshot: Facts, stats and quotes concerning the local business landscape.
pg. 18
State of the Cities: Franklin, Greenwood mayors discuss some of their goals for 2016.
Where are they going? Traditional mall anchor stores disappearing along with nation’s middle class.
COPYRIGHT © Daily Journal, 2016 All rights reserved.
E-mail: biz@dailyjournal.net
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 ADVERTISING: Chris Cosner 736-2750 ccosner@dailyjournal.net POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Daily Journal, P.O. Box 699, Franklin, IN 46131
Where: Financial Center Credit Union, 20 N. Emerson Ave., Greenwood When: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays Info: Mike Crumbo, 317-777-1710
Business Networking International
Where: Logan’s Roadhouse 600 Greenwood Park North Drive When: 11:30 a.m. Thursdays Info: Jon Wright, 317-622-8602
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 When: Varies Where: Varies Info: 812-371-1699
Franklin Chamber of Commerce
Info/RSVPs: 317-736-6334 or www.franklincoc.org
Franklin Kiwanis Club
Where: Pizza King Station, 2770 N. Morton St. When: Noon Fridays Info: indkiw.org
Deadlines
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.
Franklin Lions Club
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, youth center When: 7 p.m. first and third Mondays Info: James McCay, 317-736-6580
Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce
Feb. 4: Membership 101, 8:30-10 a.m., chamber office, free Feb. 19: Legislation Matters Luncheon: Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers’ State of the City Address, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center. $20 advance; $30 at the door Feb: 25: Connections! 7:30-10 a.m., Stones Crossing Health Pavilion $40; $20 for members RSVPs/Info: 317-888-4856/www. greenwood-chamber.com
Greater Greenwood Toastmasters
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: Paul Humbles, 317-738-4436, phumbles@amfam.com Web: jcbrgonline.com
Kiwanis Club of Perry Township
Where: IHOP restaurant, 7521 U.S. 31 South, Indianapolis. When: 7 a.m. Thursdays Info: Jeff Udrasols, 317-888-4405
Power Circle Network
Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10-11 a.m., Coffeehouse Five, 323 Market Plaza, Greenwood Tuesdays, Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Jockamo’s Pizza, 401 Market Plaza, Greenwood RSVPs/info: MikeTollar@gmail.
com 317-455-5656 Web: www.PowerCircleNetwork.com
Rotary Club of Franklin
Where: Franklin College Dietz Center When: Noon Tuesdays Info: Stephanie Wagner, president, 317-738-3000
Rotary Club of Greenwood
Where: Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria, I-65 and Main Street When: Noon Mondays Info: Rob Bailey, 317-517-0343
Rotary Club of Greenwood/ White River
Where: Dye’s Walk Golf Club When: 6:30 a.m. Wednesdays Info: Eric Johnson, 317-383-7575
Rotary Club of Johnson County
When: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m. Where: TBD Info: Rotary Club of Johnson County Facebook page.
Sertoma Club of Greenwood
Where/when: 6:45 p.m. first, second and fourth Thursdays, Fireside Brewhouse, 997 E. County Line Road, Greenwood Where/when: 11:45 a.m., third Wednesday, Fireside Brewhouse, 997 E. County Line Road, Greenwood 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
Did you know that you can read past issues of Southside Business Exchange online? Go to dailyjournal.net, click on ETC. tab, then Special Publications
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february 2016 I southside business exchange
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Built on a solid
foundation DuKate Fine Remodeling founder treasures integrity, education
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STORY BY AMY MAY
ike DuKate has learned a few things during his 25-plus years in business. Such as: “Don’t be a Lone Ranger.” “Pay attention to the things that matter.” “Be a laser, not a flashlight.” Dissatisfied with his job in 1988, DuKate started his own business, a remodeling company. He had been working at a die shop in Franklin making point-of-purchase displays for alcohol products. He had a coworker who was an alcoholic and remembers watching the person struggle with his addiction. “I saw how it (alcohol) ruined someone’s life,” DuKate said. “I resigned and put in rèsumès. There was nothing out there.” While job searching, DuKate got a temporary job painting some windows for a friend. DuKate’s dad, who had more experience with this type of work, helped him. “I had the attitude but did not know anything about construction,” he said. “Dad and I put on a tool belt and got out there. I did not have a business model. I didn’t know anything about business.” But suddenly they realized they had a business. “We rented a little storefront on Hurricane Road and outgrew that. Then built a building on Graham Road and outgrew that. Then 13 years ago, we built this,” he said, gesturing to the modern and spacious space near Franklin’s I-65 exit. He uses social media and advertising to keep his name out there, but he learned
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that the best marketing tool is a satisfied customer. So, DuKate stays in contact with past clients, sending out a newsletter once a month. “We rely on that word of mouth and referrals,” he said. “By and large, we had some really good clients who were gracious to us. It’s really a story of relationships.” DuKate Fine Remodeling works with both residential and commercial customers, doing everything from kitchens to new storefronts. Many commercial clients are churches who want an updated exterior with new bricks. Many clients own older properties and want to preserve the look. One notable recent client was Irwin Gardens in Columbus. The company’s masonry division refurbished the stone statues and fountains at the historic property. Having a physical office is important, DuKate said. The front section of the
The National Association of Home Builders, a professional organization, put him in touch with other remodeling companies all over the country. NAHB offers a variety of credentials and online and in-person classes, helping its members with business management skills, sales methods or remodeling-specific topics like lead removal or sediment control. DuKate teaches “Aging in Place” techniques through NAHB. The company has been recognized for high quality. Guild Quality, a professional organization that allows customers to rate its members, awarded DuKate Fine Remodeling the Guildmaster with High Distinction in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. In 2010, it was named to the Top 55 Quality Leaders. It also earned the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award in 2007. The honor recognizes outstanding local businesses that maintain a solid commitment to ethics and trust.
Integrity is everything
Before and after photos of a poolside deck that DuKate Fine Remodeling did. Before photo submitted/ After photo by Mark Freeland
business at 2111 Holiday Lane has a conference room for potential clients to visit and go over blueprints and see photos of previous work. There is a receptionist and large, professional photos on the walls showcase previous projects. The interstate access is convenient, as DuKate has clients all over central Indiana. The back area is for equipment and vehicle storage, as well as a place for employee meetings.
A little help from friends DuKate attributes his success to help and support he received from others, as well as a determination to be a lifelong learner. He’s in a peer group of other local remodelers that meets twice a year to hear from expert speakers, visit each other’s businesses, and read and learn from one another. “That helped me learn the business side of it,” he said.
DuKate Fine DuKate says he avoids letting his business be “good old Remodeling Inc. boys,” a term he uses for unprofessional businessmen. Most Address: 2111 Holiday Lane of the time, it’s “some guy with a messy truck who pays little Franklin, IN 46131 Phone: 317-736-9961 attention to details.” Website: www.dukate.net He keeps business hours and see clients during the day. He Owner/founder: Mike DuKate says he does not low-ball a bid or throw in free visits to get Founded: March 1988 Number of employees: 7 the job, instead giving the potential client an honest and upfront appraisal of the work that will be done and how much it will cost. “We do accurate cost analysis with them. We have a reputation for being expensive. I say ‘No, we have a reputation for being accurate,’” he said. Paying attention to details is another attribute of a professional, he said. He uses a system where employees “clock in” and account for their time with their iPhones. They are held accountable and treated as professionals, he said. DuKate and the employees work together to solve problems and improve the company culture. He also leads weekly white board meetings, where everyone works on company culture. “They (employees) see themselves as craftsmen. What we’re after is having that cohesiveness where we’re all pulling together,” he said. “Integrity is not just being truthful and honest but bringing all of yourself and being completely present.” “Even when you subcontract, which is frequently done in the remodeling business, you have to transfer your culture of ‘doing the right thing the right way at the right time.’” Working with subcontractors can be risky for a business owner because the sub-
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contractor’s work reflects on the business that was originally hired. DuKate has cultivated relationships with the ones who best fit with his work ethic. “They are trades partners. I’ve worked with some of them for 28 years. We’ve got a history. It’s very satisfying.” Work with contractors who share your values and avoid the “good old boys,” he advised. Listening to other people has often changed his opinion about how to approach a problem, he said. One of his favorite books, “The Wisdom of Crowds,” by James Surowiecki, discusses that very idea. The main point of the book is that large groups of people sharing information are better at solving problems than a few elite individuals. His worst early mistake, he said, was “trying to be a Lone Ranger.” “It doesn’t work. It’s exhausting. You have to cross-pollinate. That’s why you have to have a team. I never knew that until recently. If something’s bothering me, I now get input from others.”
Sourcing others DuKate was born and raised in Franklin. A graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, he served on the Franklin Chamber of Commerce board of directors and as a chairman of the board for the Better Business Bureau of Indiana. He has been married to Debbie since 1977, and they have five children: Chris, Craig, Amy, Evan and Ryan. He is working toward a master’s degree in organizational leadership at the Townsend Institute at Huntington University, with plans
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Before and after photos of a bathroom that DuKate Fine Remodeling did to make the area an aging-in-place friendly environment. Before photo submitted/ After photo by Mark Freeland
Before and after photos of akitchen that DuKate Fine Remodeling did. Before photo submitted/ After photo by Mark Freeland
to finish in July. He often brings the lessons to the real world at his business. DuKate is looking to his next phase in life, which is taking his knowledge and experience and using it to help others. “I really enjoy the executive coaching. It’s just a good fit,” he said. He is especially interested in helping pastors, who have a difficult job. They are on call 24/7 and usually have few resources to work with, he explained. The pastors and their families must maintain a level of decorum and be willing to volunteer and par-
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ticipate in all manner of church and community activities. Even though they are dedicated to the work and love what they do, it can be psychologically draining. “If anybody has to be the perfect ideal person, who is it? He has to be the ideal man,” DuKate said. “Who can they turn to with their problems? I want to source those who source others. They can become the Lone Ranger, too. Their hearts get broken. They get critiqued. It’s just a tough game. “I’m going from renovating homes to helping renovate lives. It’s a passion, and I need to
pay attention to it.” Craig DuKate, who runs the masonry division, is being prepared to take over the business when his father is ready to move on. Debbie is close to finishing her post-college training to be a licensed therapist, hoping to work in family counseling. While her children were young, she was a stay-at-home mother and homemaker, so she is undergoing a major life change and preparing to “source others,” as well. “Here we are at 60 reinventing ourselves,” DuKate said. B
It (trying to be a Lone Ranger) doesn’t work. It’s exhausting. You have to cross-pollinate. That’s why you have to have a team. I never knew that until recently. Mike DuKate
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MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE Approved Mortgage founder enjoys trying to find right loan for clients By Greg Seiter Correspondent
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hile working at a mortgage company in the early 1990s, Derrick Christy found himself increasingly dissatisfied with his employer’s lack of willingness to offer conventional mortgages to applicants who had less than perfect credit. So, he decided to go into business for himself. “The one thing I didn’t like about the business was denying someone’s mortgage,” he said. Above: Derrick Christy founded Approved Mortgage Corp. in 1994. Opposite page: Concepts that are important to the company are etched in the glass above the front desk. From left: Enthusiasm, integrity, progressive and versatility. Photos by correspondent Don Meyer
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Approved Mortgage Corp. Founded: 1994 Founder: Derrick Christy Employees: 40-plus Address: 107 N. State Road 135, Suite 301, Greenwood, IN 46142 Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 317-882-2255 Toll free: 800-411-6650 Fax: 317-882-2266 Email: info@ approvedmortgage.com Website: approvedmortgage.com
“Therefore, I opened my own company and named it Approved Mortgage. We offered conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, subprime and reverse mortgages to help more clients overcome
challenges with either their credit, income or equity.” As with many start-up businesses, there were challenges to address when Approved Mortgage Corp. launched in 1994 in a 1,200-square-foot office. “In the beginning, our company was predominantly doing refinance transactions,” Christy said. “However, we worked hard to develop relationships within the real estate community to increase our purchase mortgage business.” Approved Mortgage grew quickly, and Christy elected to purchase an office building in 1998. The business occupied 4,300 square feet until company leadership decided to construct and move into its current location in 2003. Approved Mortgage began with four team
members, but now boasts more than 40 employees. Today, 80 percent of its business involves purchase mortgage transactions, according to Christy, the corporation’s president. “The most difficult period was the financial crisis from 2009 to 2010,” he said. “Many lenders went out of business. But we survived, thrived and gained market share.” Christy said the company has always been client-focused and has relied heavily on repeat business and customer referrals. “We have countless reviews listed on Facebook that are from only a fraction of our satisfied clients,” he said. “That served us very well in the downturn of the economy.” As a direct mortgage banking firm that offers a wide variety of mortgage loan programs to aggressively compete with banks and other lenders, Christy attributes part of Approved Mortgage’s success to a specific focus on hiring employees who exemplify the company’s core values — enthusiasm, integrity, loyalty, being progressive and versatility. “We have hired extremely talented, well-qualified team members who are highly productive and have created a great reputation for the collective company,” he said. “They have a positive outlook, and it reflects on the work they do. “Our shared purpose is to foster lasting relationships by exceeding the expectations of our clients and the real estate community through communication, reliability and value.”
Happy work environment Christy believes a happy work environment for his employees helps inspire them to provide high-quality customer service. “We offer food, snacks and a Starbucks beverage center at no cost to all of our team members, as well as our clients,” he said. “We also have an
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electric car charging station and a solar-powered outdoor conference table where we can hold outdoor meetings to incorporate nature and a relaxed atmosphere.” The approach seems to be working. Approved Mortgage, which has reportedly funded billions of dollars in mortgages, recently ranked 22nd in the United States in the Small Company category on Entrepreneur magazine’s and CultureIQ’s 2015 Top Company Culture’s list. In order to qualify for the Small Company classification, businesses must maintain 25 to 49 employees. Staying abreast of ever changing governmental regulations also helps Approved Mortgage exceed client expectations, Christy said. “The most challenging recent government regulatory changes involve TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures,” he said. “The requirements have to do with providing a loan estimate at loan application and closing disclosures three days in advance of the mortgage closing.” The apparent goal of this is to help borrowers be prepared for what is hoped to ultimately be a smooth closing process. “Many fear changes in the industry, but we
work hard to train our staff well in advance so they can navigate these changes and advise our clients with confidence,” Christy said. “The disclosure procedures are a good thing for our clients and we have welcomed those changes.”
Technology’s role Christy also believes industry-related technological advances have been and will continue to be beneficial to future customers. “Technology’s role has been the greatest adaptation in our industry,” he said. “Reports and documents involved a lot of manual input and updates in the past. But electronic submission and delivery has improved our closing time period and has streamlined the overall process to enhance our client experience. “Technology continues to evolve in our industry and I expect that in our office, it will play an even larger role in the future,” Christy continued. “It will enhance the mortgage service, which will give the borrowers greater control in a realtime environment. “We have also worked on a mortgage app that will keep clients apprised of the status and steps throughout the mortgage process for increased transparency.” B
Our shared purpose is to foster lasting relationships by exceeding the expectations of our clients and the real estate community through communication, reliability and value. Derrick Christy
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Direc
FEBRUA
The Top of the Ninth set for Thursday, March 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. We are excited to continue our expanded Legislation Matters series in 2016, which includes “The Top of the Ninth.” Johnson County is at the northern edge of Indiana’s 9th U.S. Congressional District but home to a larger portion of voters and donors. As part of our leadership, we will host an evening reception called “The Top of the Ninth” with candidates running for the IN-9 congressional seat. Visit our website for more details and to register to attend.
Chamber news Chamber awards The chamber now welcomes nominations for its business awards. Please tell us about businesses demonstrating successful growth and/or stability, commitment to quality, creative/unique solutions to challenges, entrepreneurial spirit, outstanding new construction or renovation. Visit our website to fill out an online nomination form or contact Stacie Hindman at the chamber office. The nomination deadline is March 31.
Greenwood’s Mayor Myers to present State of City Address Feb. 19 Attend the February Legislation Matters Luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center to hear Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers’ fifth State of the City address. The Greater Greenwood Chamber hosts Greenwood’s State of the City so the local business community and area residents MYERS can learn about the initiatives and directives the mayor plans to undertake. Info: greenwoodchamber.com or call 317-888-4856
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 co-workers 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.
Decemb Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza 997 E. County Line Road Greenwood, IN 46143 317-881-7272 papamurphys.com Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza 1011 N. State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46142 317-889-8888 papamurphys.com Dermatology Associates of Indy — Greenwood 1700 W. Smith Valley Road Greenwood, IN 46142 317-215-5834 indianaderm.com The Art of Healing 3019 Meridian Meadows Road Greenwood, IN 46142 317-360-6336 www.theartofhealingindy.com Indiana Wedding Decorators 181 S. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 317-412-1185 www.indianaweddingdecorators.com Indiana University Credit Union 996 S. State Road 135, Suite R Greenwood, IN 46143 888-855-6928 www.iucu.org Indiana University Credit Union 800 U.S. 31 South
Benefit spotlight
Event Discounts and Passes
Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Staff: l Tricia Bowen, Member Services Manager l Stacie Hindman, Events &
Operations Manager l Christian Maslowski. President & CEO l Anna Murdock, Membership Development Manager
Four of our five levels of membership receive complimentary event passes included with membership to several Chamber events. Contact Tricia, Member Services Manager, at 317-8884856 or Tricia@GreenwoodChamber.com to activate your benefits and register for an event. l Connected Members: One Connections! pass ($20) l Engaged Members: Two Business Matters Luncheon tickets ($40), one Annual Chamber Celebration ticket ($29), two Connections! passes ($40) l Advocate Members: One Business Matters Luncheon season pass ($60), two Annual Chamber Celebration tickets ($58), three Connections! passes ($60) l Impact Members: Two Business Matters Luncheon season passes ($120), two Annual Chamber Celebration tickets ($58), four Connections! passes ($80)
Nov. 17: NTsupply.com, 2011 Southtech Greenwood celebrated its grand openin
A publication of the Greater Greenwood Chambe
ctions
Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Greenwood Commerce Center 65 Airport Parkway, Suite 140 Greenwood, IN 46143 317.888.4856 GreenwoodChamber.com
ARY 2016
Our member experts Calendar
ber new members Greenwood, IN 46143 888-855-6928 www.iucu.org Crestwood Village South Senior Community 8809 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-888-7973 www.crestwood-living.com Stones Crossing Health Pavilion 3000 E. State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46143 317-497-6000 http://www.ecommunity.com/s/ community-health-pavilions/ stones-crossing/ Community Cancer Center South 1440 E. County Line Road Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-497-2841 https://www.ecommunity. com/s/south-cancer-center Wow-Factors P.O. Box 547 Greenwood, IN 46142 317-574-9691 www.wow-factors.com Heartland Payroll Processing & HR 41 Sara Court Whiteland, IN 46184 317-409-0201 www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com
Drive, Suite 100, ng.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
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top feeling guilty about not getting that will you promised yourself you would finally get last year. Do it this year. You know you should have a will, but if someone asks you why you need a will, what is your answer to that question? “I think that’s one of those things you are supposed to do when you are an adult.” Here are some better responses: 1. I want to direct the transition of my business after my death. 2. I want to control how my estate will be distributed. 3. I want to designate who will handle my estate. 4. I want to give specific items of personal property such as heirlooms to specific individuals. 5. I want to designate who shall inherit my home and any other real estate I own. 6. I want to make financial gifts to specific
individuals and/ or charitable organizations. 7. I want to designate who will serve as the guardian of my minor children. 8. I want to set up a trust for my children to designate the timing and the conditions my children will receive funds. 9. I want my funeral and burial preferences to be known. 10. I want to designate how my last expenses, such as medical bills and funeral expenses, are to be paid. 11. I want to designate how any taxes I may owe are to be paid. 12. I want to disinherit certain individuals who would otherwise inherit. 13. I want to minimize family arguments. Van Valer Law Firm LLP is available to discuss estate planning and wills. For more information, call 317-8817575. The firm is at 225 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite 181, Greenwood, IN 46143.
Register for all Chamber events at 317.888.4856 or GreenwoodChamber.com
Thursday, February 4 Membership 101 8:30-10 a.m. Chamber Office No cost to attend
Tuesday, February 9 Statewide Chamber Day at the Statehouse
Friday, February 19 Legislation Matters Luncheon Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers’ State of the City Address 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center $20 per person; $30 at the door
Ribbon cuttings Thursday, February 25 Connections! 7:30-10 a.m. Stones Crossing Health Pavilion $40; $20 for members
Nov. 23: I-65 and Worthsville Road Interchange was officially opened with a ribbon cutting.
er of Commerce l www.GreenwoodChamber.com
Dec. 9: Dermatology Associates of Indy — Greenwood, 1700 W. Smith Valley Road, Suite B1, Greenwood opened.
people on the move people making news on the southside
Attorney joins Franklin law office
Catherine Kyle has joined the Eggers Woods law office at 58 W. Jefferson St. in Franklin. She assists health care providers, small businesses and nonprofits with contracting, risk management and compliance, and other business law needs. Her practice also includes civil litigation, family law and personal injury matters. KYLE A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, she has been in practice since 1996. Info: www.ckylelaw.com, info@ckylelaw.com or 317-738-9564
2 join Franklin-based insurance agency
Dana Rhorer, a Franklin native, recently joined Franklin-based Hometown Insurance as an insurance agent. The company also announced that Shelbyville resident Lee Edwards has joined the office. RHORER Info: 72 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, 738-4663
Franklin College recognizes employees for service
Franklin College has honored two employees: • Jim Carter, lead HVAC technician with the physical facilities department, has been selected as the 2015 recipient of the Margaret Hommell Staff Service Excellence Award. He received the award at the annual Employee Appreciation Holiday Celebration in the
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Napolitan Student Center Dec. 18. He joined the staff in 1980 and resides in Franklin with his wife, Shirley. Colleagues selected Carter for the staff service award based on his willingCARTER ness to help others, excellence in internal customer service and outstanding work ethic. The award is named in memory of the late Margaret Hommell, a Franklin College staff member who served on the award selection committee for several years and passed away in October 2006. The recipient receives a $250 cash award and an engraved plaque. • Kathryn L. Johnston, instructor of modern languages, is the recipient of the Franklin College Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award. She joined Franklin College in 2010. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as the Liberal Arts Seminar Faculty Coordinator and is a Diversity Task Force member. She also previously served as an assistant JOHNSTON coach to the Franklin College volleyball team. She resides in Indianapolis with her wife, Mary. • Full-time employees honored for years of service: 5-year awards: Tom Armor, Debbie Foster, Natalie Haynes, Kathryn Johnston, Mary Johnston, Ben O’Neal, Joanne Parish, Eric Schwarz, Mary Stoia 10-year awards: Karen Bauman, Ginger George-Nelis, Christine Hendershot, Brad Jones, Brenda Moore, Jeremy Smelser, Amy VerSteeg, Katie Wehner 15-year awards: Kirk Bixler, Vicki Cook, Nelson Preston 20-year awards: Barbara Chambers, Janet Dowty, Christina Lucas, Deana Pierson 25-year award: Kathy Remsburg 30-year awards: Joel Cramer, Ron Schuetz 35-year awards: Jim Carter, Greg Cataldi 40-year award: Janet Schantz • Part-time employees honored for years of service: 5-year awards: Connie Clark, Thomas Dirks, Karla McConnell, Linda Morse, Elizabeth Stillabower 10-year award: DeeAnna Woods 40-year award: Stephen Huddleston
New physician establishes practice with Psychiatric Specialists
Dr. M. Shahid Kamal has joined Franciscan Physician Network Psychiatric Specialists at 610 E. Southport Road Suite 200, Indianapolis.
february 2016 I southside business exchange
Board-certified in general psychiatry, Kamal has clinical interests in geriatric psychiatry, drug abuse, anxiety disorders and psychopharmacology. He is also certified in suboxone treatment for opioid addictions. He most recently served KAMAL as a full-time psychiatrist with Valle Vista Health System in Greenwood.
Greenwood native, Vectren leader joins Indiana Youth Institute board
Jeff Whiteside has joined the board of directors for the Indiana Youth Institute. He has served as the vice president of community sustainability for Vectren and president of the Vectren Foundation since 2010. Whiteside earned his bachelor’s degree in social science from Pacific Christian College and his WHITESIDE MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. In addition to his position on IYI’s board, Whiteside also serves on the boards of Evansville Sports Corporation, Community One and Healthy Communities Partnership – Vanderburgh County. He was born in Greenwood but currently lives in Newburgh.
Broker ranked top 15; new associates join office
Associate Broker Johnny Andy Kap was ranked in the top 15 of sales associates within Carpenter Realtors in 2015. Kap successfully sold more than $7.5 million in home sales predominately in Perry Township and Greenwood. He was KAP the No. 1 agent in MIBOR sales for the 46217 zip code in 2015. Associate Brokers Anne Montgomery and Lisa Blanford have found a new home in the Carpenter montgomery Realtors office located at 8901 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Montgomery previously worked out of Carpenter’s County Line Road office and Blanford out of the Shelbyville office. Both agents are excited to apply their skills to working in Marion, Morgan BLANFORD and Johnson counties.
Physicians selected for Distinguished Service Awards
Two specialty care physicians were honored in January with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award presented by Franciscan St. Francis Health. Dr. E. Michael Keating is a retired orthopedic surgeon from the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery and Joint Replacement Surgeons, a practice of Franciscan Physician Network. He retired after 25 KEATING years at the Mooresville location. A member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Keating has served as chairman of the program committee for The Knee Society. Dr. David C. Pound is a gastroenterologist with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology Inc. He continues with an active practice in the Indianapolis area. He also serves as president of the Indianapolis Gastroenterology Research POUND Foundation, is a board member of Franciscan Alliance in Central Indiana and holds an academic appointment at Indiana University School of Medicine. B
Small business workshop The Johnson County Development Corp., the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and Flagship Enterprise are hosting a free small business on Feb. 4. Attendees will learn about technical assistance, business and marketing plan assistance, microloans and other resources. Representatives from the Small Business Administration, Indiana Small Business Development Center and others will give presentations and will be available for one-on-one consultation. The workshop will start at 9 a.m. at Johnson County REMC in the Community Room, 750 International Drive, Franklin. RSVP to Dana Monson at dmonson@ jcdc.org or call 736-4300 by Feb. 2.
nationally recognized guidelines. Additionally, the AHA reports Franciscan St. Francis has met specific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center for the rapid diagnosis and treatment related to patient care.
eBook gives business owners some ideas
corporate
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companies making news on the southside
Franciscan St. Francis strikes Gold twice
Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis has received national recognition for its delivery of care to heart failure and stroke patients. The hospital recently earned Get With The Guidelines Heart Failure Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Foundation’s secondary prevention guideline for patients with heart failure. Franciscan St. Francis also received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. This acknowledges the hospital’s commitment and success to ensure stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment, according to
If you own or manage a small business or are thinking about starting one, the Johnson County Public Library has a downloadable resource that may help. The library’s eBook, “Bright Ideas for Business,” provides hints on being an entrepreneur. Sections include: • Getting started — including how and where to file your paperwork. • Nurturing customers — including where to meet clients for lunch or coffee. • Starting somewhere — including tips on working from home. • Leveraging technology — including how to promote yourself with social media. Download the eBook at www.pageafter page.org/landing/bright-ideas-for-business-ebook
Community Health Network receives heart care certification
Community Health Network has received Chest Pain Center with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. Community Heart and Vascular Hospital, Community Hospital East and Community Hospital South have been reaccredited for the distinction. The society is an international nonprofit organization that assists facilities streamline quality, cost and patient satisfaction for cardiovascular patients.
Building materials supplier picks Franklin for new facility
84 Lumber Company will locate an 84 Components manufacturing facility in
Franklin, creating up to 100 new jobs by 2019. The certified women’s business enterprise, which is named for its founding city of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, will invest $5.59 million to purchase, renovate and equip the former Trussway facility at 1850 N. Graham Road. In the facility, which has been vacant since 2009, the company will manufacture wood roof trusses, floor trusses and wall panels. Renovations on the long-vacant, 84,000-square-foot facility started in January, with installation of the latest software, computerized saws, specialized jigging equipment and precision wall panel systems.
For info and rules or to nominate an organization, visit www.imcu.com/60th.aspx.
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce board of directors and staff welcomed two new businesses to its membership during its January 2016 meeting: • Gigi’s Sugar Shack, 377 E. Jefferson St., Franklin • Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza, 229 S. Main St., Franklin
Convenient care clinic opens in Franklin
Franklin chamber adds two
IMCU begins ‘Give Back Campaign’
Indiana Members Credit Union will host the IMCU Gives Back Campaign awarding $6,000 to not-for-profit organizations each quarter in 2016. The $24,000 will go to organizations that serve health, education, veterans and homeless/basic needs. The campaign is to celebrate IMCU’s 60th birthday. Organizations may nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else at imcugives back@imcu.com. Each quarter, a category will be highlighted on IMCU’s website where the public can vote for the favorite. The organization that receives the most votes will be awarded $6,000. Eligible organizations must be organized as a not-for-profit with a physical address.
Franklin named American Heart Association Fit-Friendly worksite
The American Heart Association recognized 58 Indiana companies and organizations as Fit-Friendly Worksites for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace. The city of Franklin received Gold designation by implementing activities and programs to encourage physical activity, nutrition and culture enhancements such as on-site walking routes, healthy food choices in cafeterias and vending machines, annual employee health risk assessments and online tracking tools.
WindRose Health Network opened a convenient care clinic at 55 N. Milford Drive in November. The clinic is similar to a minute clinic, where patients can get treatment for maladies such as a fever or cough.
Bar Louie opens in Greenwood
Bar Louie has opened in Greenwood at 1251 U.S. 31 North, R140. This is the first location in Greenwood, and the second for local entrepreneur, Frank Sweeney, who owns another bar in Mishawaka and has plans to open a total of four locations, with the third slated for summer 2016. The new bar will create 85 jobs. Bar Louie, a bar and eatery with a casual, social atmosphere, is known for handcrafted signature martinis and an extensive collection of imports, 20 wines by the glass and 30 beers on tap. The Greenwood location features local options from breweries including Flat12 Bierwerks, Fountain Square, Daredevil, Tow Yard, Black Acre and Taxman. B
noteworthy The Franklin Chamber of Commerce announces its 2016 Board of Directors. The board comprises member volunteers who represent the chamber and provide guidance and direction for the organization. Board members serve a two-year term and may be asked to serve a maximum of two additional consecutive terms for a total of six years. Seated, from left: Janice Bullman, Executive Director; Cheryl Morphew, Johnson County Development Corporation; Tandy Shuck, Leadership Johnson County; Aaron Brown, Green-Owens Insurance; Angela Chamberlin, Chamberlin & Taylor LLP; Terry Miller, Johnson County REMC; Rosie Chambers, Assistant Director. Standing: Mark Gavorski, Homeview Health & Rehabilitation; Bryan Epperson, Hilliard Lyons; Chase Schletzer, Edward Jones Investments; Dustin Huddleston, Huddleston & Huddleston Attorneys at Law; Theresa Lehman, Franklin College; Kim Henderson, Mutual Savings Bank; Sheelee Pietras, Promise Advisory Group; Dale Hughes, Dale Hughes Interior Design; David Clendening, Franklin Community Schools; Krista Linke, City of Franklin, Bethany Wilson, Zoe Facility Services.
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southside snapshot
business indicators for johnson county what did they say? Percent Change Nov 15/ Oct 2015 Nov 2015 Nov 14 Labor Force 77,276 77,723 1.74 Employed 74,506 74,762 3.15 Unemployed 2,770 2,961 -24.35 Unemployment Rate (pct) 3.6 3.8 -1.3 Note: All figures not seasonally adjusted SOURCE: Ball State Center for Economic and Business Research
by the numbers
U.S. Housing Indicators Difference % Change Latest Value from year ago from year ago All-Transactions House Price Index 364.48 in 2015 Q3 Purchase Only House Price Index 222.35 in 2015 Q3 Housing Affordability Index (Composite) 167.4 in Nov 2015 Housing Affordability Index (Fixed) 166.3 in Nov 2015 Homeownership percentage 64.5 in 2014 Home Vacancy percentage 1.9 in 2014 Rental Vacancy percentage 7.6 in 2014
up 19.17 up 11.99 down 4.5 down 3.3 down 0.6 down 0.1 down 0.7
up 5.55 up 5.7 down 2.62 down 1.95 down .92 down 5.0 down 8.43
SOURCE: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
“A lot of change is happening in Old Town and downtown Greenwood. The idea is to improve this corner of the intersection which could aid pedestrians and lead to key changes in traffic infrastructure. This corner is a unique asset.” Greenwood special project assistant Kevin Steinmetz on the city purchasing a house at 1 E. Main St., at the southeast corner Main and Meridian streets. The house will eventually be torn down to make room for improvements to the intersection.
“We’ve been in the Greenwood area for decades. We believe in this area, so as Greenwood grows we’re able to grow with it. With the size of the parking lot, we thought it would be a great place for a used car supercenter.” John Haines, facilities director for Hubler Automotive Group on the company purchasing the 31,000-square-foot former Marsh store on U.S. 31 in December.
“We have so much to offer here, and even some of our own residents don’t realize what all we have to offer here.” Janice Bullman, executive director of Franklin Chamber of Commerce, on why she wanted to join the Johnson County Tourism Board.
By Rex Huppke
T
he fun of the holidays is over and most of us are back at work, hoping to focus on new goals. That brings us, inevitably, to the archenemy of goals: procrastination. A good example of procrastination, and I’m not making this up, is me typing one-anda-half sentences of this column and then thinking, “Oh, I should check out what’s new on iTunes this week,” and almost clicking away. That really happened. (It’s possible that I have a problem.) But enough about me. We all possess the human inclination
14
How to stop putting things off at work
to put off things that aren’t fun. But we can’t do that all the time, so in the spirit of moving everyone forward, I found some wise advice from Heidi Grant Halvorson, a social psychologist and associate director for the Motivation Science Center at the Columbia University Business School. On the Harvard Business Review’s website (I read it to keep up on the latest in erotic workplace jargon), Halvorson has an article under the headline: “How to Make Yourself Work When You Just Don’t Want To.”
february 2016 I southside business exchange
She presents a few strategies, but I found one of the key points to be this: “Figuring out which strategy to use depends on why you are procrastinating in the first place.” How dare you force us to engage in self-reflection, Halvorson! Nobody has time for that nonsense. I’ll get to her strategies, but first consider how often we look for advice on improving a bad behavior without ever considering what’s actually causing the behavior. I asked Halvorson via email (she had a wicked sore throat and couldn’t speak by
phone) about the importance of looking inward when considering a work behavior that needs improvement: “First, if you don’t understand why you are doing something — you just try to tackle the behavior itself — then the underlying cause remains, which will keep pulling you back into bad habits. It’s like taking something for a runny nose and expecting it to cure the cold; your nose will be just as runny when the meds wear off, and you’re right back where you started. huppke, page 15
Rex Huppke writes for the Chicago Tribune. Send him questions by email at rhuppke@tribune.com or on Twitter @RexWorksHere.
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109 acres of forest near Trafa
to grow, Marion County continue “As the counties around at risk for development. our natural areas are more while we can.” We want to protect them
BY BAILEY LOOSEMORE
DAILY JOURNAL STAFF WRITER bloosemore@dailyjournal.net
director of Central Indiana
Land Trust
Heather Bacher, executive nature preserve of 109 acres near Trafalgar will be able as a Walkers and joggers On the planned development for birds in to use paths and watch Trafalgar a redwood forest near local organizations from $500,000 in from multiple Bacher said. that is being preserved The nonprofit raised a to buy the land, a 4,000-acre to buy the land from development. The land is part of Land Trust, donations wants the land to be The Central Indiana that the land trust environ- family who directer block of forest executive protect ceran Indianapolis-based preserved, has wants to preserve to group, mental nonprofit Bacher said. The nonprof- tain species, such as the Eastern forest off of Heather grant warbler bought 109 acres of the received a $180,000 worm-eating also it turtle, open box to of plans Indiana Department Hougham Road and hooded warbler, conservation the public from the and donations and it as a nature preserve Natural Resources can visit.
conservation make their land a said. director Cliff Chapman identified easement. is protect“It’s part of one of our In both cases, the land It repre, core conservation areas. central ed forever from development of sents the best slice Chapman said. has said. Indiana,” Chapman Land that the nonprofit Indiana “Some people think Johnson County, includresourc- bought in doesn’t have great natural beaches ing the 109 acres near Trafalgar have Grove es because we don’t 77 acres in the Center we’re rich in and as state or big mountains. But area, has been dedicated have, we the that meaning the hardwood forest People nature preserves, the and it’s really beautiful. before land will be protected under it Act, can enjoy and appreciate state’s Nature Preserve it’s all gone.” is to Chapman said. The land trust’s mission by buying it (SEE TRACT PAGE A2) conserve land either landowners to or by working with
School fix-ups moving forward
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“The second reason the ‘why’ matters is that different whys point you in the direction of different ways to improve. Let’s say you want to get along better and work more effectively with your coworkers — if the problem is that you behave arrogantly at times, then being a bit more modest and valuing the opinions of your colleagues more is the way to go. But if the problem is that you don’t communicate very effectively, then modesty isn’t going to help you. “Doctors diagnose the ‘why’ to decide on the right course of action. We all need to do that when we want to improve.” Any suggestions on how to overcome the difficulties of taking a critical look at oneself? “Something I like to do is to not just focus on the moment I’m in, but to take the longer view. You assess where you are now — say, how effective a leader you are, or how good you are with time management. Then you think about how far you’ve come with respect to that skill — say, where you were a year ago, or five years ago. Then you think about where you want to end up — what does success look like? “This ‘where you were, where you are, where you are going’ pattern is great for giving feedback, and for self-assessment too. It gives you a (deserved) sense of progress, while still keeping you focused on improvement.” Whether your goal is to overcome procrastination or address some other flaw, following advice just isn’t enough. You need to figure out what causes you to behave in a detrimental way. Specific to procrastination, I asked Halvorson for the main reasons people put things off. She gave these three: we’re afraid that we won’t do something well; we don’t “feel like” doing something; or the
C
continued from page 14
thing we need to do seems unpleasant. If you’re afraid you might screw up, Halvorson suggests adopting a “prevention focus,” which means you consider the trouble you’ll get in if you don’t complete the task. Worry can be a strong motivator, and realizing you have to get something done to maintain your good standing at work can help override fear of failure. What if I just don’t feel like doing something? That, Halvorson wrote, “is nonsense.” “Most of us don’t feel like getting out of bed in the morning, but we do it anyway. Action does not require good feelings — it requires commitment. Just do it, seriously.” Yes, ma’am. For the last item, not wanting to do something because it seems unpleasant, Halvorson recommends “if-then planning.” You tell yourself: “If it’s 11 a.m., then I’m going to work on my expense report until noon.” Or: “If Bob hasn’t apologized for eating the last doughnut by 2 p.m., I’m going to confront him about it.” This creates a specific time when you have to do whatever it is you’re dreading, making it harder to put off. I’ve long argued that no matter how much you love your job, there will always be parts of it that are a drag. As long as you can say 51 percent or more of your work is enjoyable, you’re probably doing OK. So don’t let procrastination get the better of you. Figure out what prompts you to put things off and then build a strategy that will work. I’m going to start working on mine. As soon as I check out what’s new on iTunes. (I definitely have a problem.) B
YO UR
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Coming renovation will add alternative academy to district BY TOM LANGE
DAILY JOURNAL STAFF WRITER tlange@dailyjournal.net
newsroom. You can subscribe by sending @ an email to newsupdate dailyjournal.net. Put “subscribe” in the subject line.
INNOVATION EDUCATION
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DEATHS
technology, real-world skills Students’ projects meld new
Franklin
Frances A. Reynolds, 81
BY TOM LANGE
Greenwood
Ailene Gumm, 72 Helen G. Smith, 102 New Whiteland
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14
$
Clayton Lee Nichalson,
DAILY JOURNAL STAFF WRITER tlange@dailyjournal.net
A
Community new class at Franklin for ways to High School is looking costs with cut schools’ energy special education solar power and help they’re taught students master what through tablet devices. each The course’s 22 students projects selected individual innovation on their they work for the class. And as also helping a assignments, they’re company Seattle-based technology market a new product. by The new class was created
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Indianapolis
Mary Rosalie Boese, 81 Donald R. Garo, 68 Whiteland
Stephen F. Sichting, 57
INDEX
A6 Accent................................. ..B6-B8 Classifieds ................... B5 Comics................................ A4 Editorials .............................
Franklin Community High
11
Broadcast teacher Don Wettrick
Community On the goal of Franklin class High School’s innovations Wettrick, who broadcast teacher Don improved stuwanted a course that ion and dents’ research, communicatshowed but also collaboration skills skills outside of them how to use those school. students for the Wettrick hand-picked
School senior Brandon
THURS/SAT PRINT + DIGITAL
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/MO.
“It’s getting them out of the school. It does not get more real-world than this.
Dale, 17, researches in
wouldn’t class, knowing the format select their work for everyone. Students based on the projects and are graded set, whether those projects’ goals they academic goals cover Indiana’s they’re standards and how hard goals. To get a working to attain the need to be able to good grade, students and prove they’ve work independently to meet their done everything possible deadlines. is to start The goal of the class kinds of jobs they showing students the to think and work can get if they’re able said. creatively, Wettrick
Don Wettrick’s innovations
(SEE INNOVATION PAGE A2)
class Thursday at the school.
sleyA renovated Nineveh-Hen will that Jackson schools building academy and house an alternative center should an adult education year. be open by next school plans to The school district renovating spend about $300,000 a former the Ragsdale building, now used administration building Internet acfor storage, by adding classroom cess and creating space. curNineveh-Hensley-Jackson courses rently offers alternative in struggled for four students who through the traditional classes Center in Educational Resource ent Edinburgh. But Superintend an create to wants Matt Prusiecki that’s open to alternative program more students. Ragsdale By renovating the district could building, the school program to as offer the alternative Prusiecki many as 15 students, said. allow the The work also will an adult edschool district to open ucation center. open to curThe center would be School sturent Indian Creek High to take the dents who wanted the school courses offered. But to provide district also wants students, inclasses for former dropped out, cluding those who courses they who want to make up on a college missed or begin work The school degree, Prusiecki said. having converdistrict has started Community sations with Ivy Tech options. College about course some high “The focus will be we’re looking school courses, but education,” definitely at adult Prusiecki said. who could Specific details about academy enroll in the alternative are still or adult education center The renovated out. worked being have room building would likely
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By Abby Armbruster Daily Journal staff writer
Greenwood
FRANKLIN
Rob Goebel | Daily Journal
FRANKLIN
big IDEAS for 2016
Goals include roadwork, downtown development, jobs
T
he leaders of Franklin and Greenwood are focusing on improving key areas of the cities, improving infrastructure and attracting higher-paying jobs in 2016. What that means for you is detours in downtown Franklin when work begins to improve Jefferson Street, a new stoplight at a busy Myers Greenwood intersection and added trails in both communities. While construction projects are wrapping up in Greenwood, such as along
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february 2016 I southside business exchange
Worthsville Road between U.S. 31 and Interstate 65, more than two miles of construction will begin in Franklin in 2016. The first leg of a four-year overhaul of Jefferson Street started last year, but replacing the pavement and installing new sidewalks, curbs and lighting in downtown Franklin will start in McGuinness August, Mayor Joe McGuinness said. While the downtown portion of Jefferson Street is under construction, McGuinness also hopes to
tackle the lack of street parking, using a parking study completed last year that showed ways to maximize the existing space to fit in additional parking spots. The construction will be broken into small chunks, and done out-of-order, to help local business owners and nearby residents. Instead of blocking off all of Jefferson Street, or working from one end of the road to the other, the construction will be done in pieces so businesses aren’t hit with months of detours, city officials have said. Further east, work is planned to begin on King Street, near I-65, in the spring,
LEADING RESOLVE
Here’s a look at what projects city officials want to tackle in 2016:
Franklin
Greenwood
■■ Start the Jefferson Street and King Street road projects, slated for mid-2016 ■■ Improve downtown parking ■■ Discuss adding a shared entrepreneurial space for people who want to use Wi-Fi, a desk or other office equipment to develop their businesses ■■ Install 3.5 miles of trail along Eastview Drive and Commerce Drive that connects with the Franklin Community High School trail west of U.S. 31 ■■ Improve stormwater infrastructure through grant money
■■ Push for a food and beverage tax to provide more money for police and firefighters ■■ Have a balanced budget and set money aside in savings again this year ■■ Bring in higher-paying jobs, with an average salary of $60,000 to $70,000 per year ■■ Bring high-quality grocery stores, such as Trader Joe’s or Jungle Jim’s International Market ■■ Install a stoplight at Main Street and Graham Road ■■ Add more play pockets, or educational interactive equipment, at parks ■■ Connect trail systems throughout the city
“
I believe in the free market. I believe that we have to make ourselves available to the market to put our best foot forward. We have a lot of work ahead to make ourselves more attractive for businesses. Chuck Landon Greenwood council member
”
including installing an archway, 30-foot-tall statues, walking trails and a tree line between the west and east lanes, McGuinness said. Once the projects are complete, the city will have a welcoming entrance for visitors to drive into Franklin, McGuinness said. Greenwood has a few road construction projects planned for 2016, including adding a stoplight at the intersection of Main Street and Graham Road, which is currently a four-way stop. Widening Worthsville Road from U.S. 31 to Averitt Road may start in late 2016, Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers said. But Myers’ main focus of 2016 is to provide more money to public safety, such as firefighters and police officers, through a local food and beverage tax. Last year, state lawmakers did not approve the 1 percent tax on meals out at Greenwood restaurants. Myers is asking for legislators to consider the proposal again this year, he said. The food and beverage tax would bring in between $750,000 to $1 million per year, and Myers wants to use it to hire more firefighters and police officers. If approved by state lawmakers, the Greenwood city council would have to approve the new tax. Attracting new businesses is another top priority for both Greenwood and Franklin. Rob Goebel | Daily Journal. Myers plans to help look for shops and restaurants to move City officials hope to give buildings along Main Street at the intersecinto the new Greenwood Town Center, a 700,000-square-foot tion with Madison Avenue in Greenwood a facelift. shopping center that is slated to open in 2017. Myers has ourselves available to the market to put our best foot forwanted to bring in higher-end restaurants or grocery stores, such as Trader Joe’s or Cincinnati’s Jungle Jim’s International ward,” Landon said. “We have a lot of work ahead to make ourselves more attractive for businesses.” Market, he said. In Franklin, McGuinness wants to set up a shared office New Greenwood city council member Dave Lekse said space for entrepreneurs, where they can use a desk, Wi-Fi and higher-end grocery stores would be welcomed by Greenwood other office equipment for a few hours at a time to establish residents. their business, McGuinness said. “I think Greenwood is under-appreciated in terms of what Other cities, such as Fishers and Lafayette, have launched our customers want, and our tastes. I think they’re a lot shared office spaces, along with about 30 other cities in the higher than a lot of retailers would expect,” Lekse said. state, McGuinness said. Once a company becomes estabLekse also wants to bring more higher-paying jobs to Greenwood, including in high-end manufacturing or science, lished, the hope is the business will find a larger, permanent technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, he said. home in Franklin, he said. McGuinness also expects more science and technoloBoth Lekse and new at-large city council member Chuck gy-based companies to consider moving into Franklin after Landon want to work with the city’s economic development commission and redevelopment commission to make the city biomedical science company B2S Labs opens later this year. Franklin College students will be able to intern and work more attractive to businesses. For example, updating the building facades along Main Street and Madison Avenue will with the company on projects and for college credit. The new business is likely to draw fellow science- or technolohelp bring a resurgence to downtown Greenwood, Landon gy-based companies to Franklin in the future, McGuinness said. “I believe in the free market. I believe that we have to make said. B february 2016 I southside business exchange
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By Suzette Parmley The Philadelphia Inquirer
trends
Traditional mall anchors fading away
T
he American middle class is disappearing, and with it, the mall anchor store. The middle-of-the-road shopper, neither low-end nor high-end, who in recent years has become elusive for shopping malls — is the reason why Macy’s, Sears, and J.C. Penney are shutting stores. l The number of households living below the poverty level has doubled since 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Stamp Program. With that, disposable income has
Shopper Ahmet Kisla, 45, at a TJ Maxx in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, shows off two TJ Maxx coupons worth $10 each. Philadelphia Inquirer photo
18
decreased. l Off-price chain retailers like Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, and high-volume, low-price, trendy upstarts such as H&M and Forever 21 are growing. l Department stores that are the traditional mall anchors tend to have higher prices, and shoppers are looking for the best deals at the lowest prices. l The enclosed shopping mall, as we know it, also is at a crisis point, what with those challenges and increasing online competition. “The structural pressures facing malls should show no signs of abating,” said
february 2016 I southside business exchange
retail analyst Simeon Siegel, of Nomura Securities International. That doesn’t mean all department-store anchors should close. “Stores provide an experience that e-commerce cannot, so the challenge becomes figuring out the right balance,” Siegel said. “But generally speaking, I believe the growth of e-commerce is going to reduce profitability. For better or worse, it is the new norm.” That new norm has been nothing less than brutal on the former mall stars, whose glow continues to dim nationwide. Sears has closed 152 mall stores since 2007. JCPenney closed 40 locations in 2015 alone. Meanwhile, Macy’s plans to close up to 40 stores early this year. “This is a continuation of a struggle,” said Keith Jelinek, senior managing director for the retail and consumer division at FTI Consulting. “And what we’re going to see in 2016 is a strong market for integration with mergers, especially in the regional markets.” Fifteen years ago, Jelinek said, there were 20 department-store brands anchoring U.S. malls; now, there are eight. That’s the result of industry consolidation. (then Federated Department Stores) merged with May Co. in 2005, meaning the end of the Strawbridge’s and John Wanamaker chains. “Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Lord and Taylor, among others, are adding stores that are not on the mall,” said Howard Davidowitz, a retail consultant in New
York. “They are all going in the off-price (direction) because T.J. Maxx and Ross stores are killing them. “In terms of sales, margins and ROI (return on investment), these guys are grabbing market share by offering brands at a lower price because they have lower costs,” Davidowitz said. Department stores “are high-cost operators with multi-level stores that are oversized and inefficient in these dumpy malls.” Howard Riefs, a spokesman for parent company Sears Holdings, cited other examples over the past five years in which Sears has rented out space to retailers and restaurants, including Whole Foods, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom Rack, Forever 21, and Aldi. Davidowitz, said that the closing of mall anchors isn’t likely to end, and that imperiled retail chains are trying to control their destinies. “Department stores are currently working on expanding in new outlet-center formats, off-price divisions, and off-the-mall concepts and smaller urban store formats,” he said. “One in 12 lived in poverty seven years ago, and now we have 1 in 6,” Davidowitz said. “It is totally understandable that more people are shopping for cheaper alternatives. The middle class is getting decimated. It hasn’t had a raise in seven years. “People are shopping off the malls at Walmart, Dollar General, Target, T.J. Maxx, Ross, Burlington Coat,” he said. “Those are the guys doing the business. B
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