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2016
community
business
INSIDE: Profiles of local businesses and organiza tions
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Table of Contents 03 Indiana University Golf Course 05 Laminated Tops and Räke Cabinet and
Photo by Ray Brown.
Surface Solutions
© 2016 Schurz Communications, Inc. Published by Hoosier Times Bloomington, Indiana PUBLISHER
Cory Bollinger ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Laurie Ragle
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Brooke McCluskey
ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN
Marie Canning
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lee Hadley, Lacee Johnsen FOR MORE INFORMATION
Laurie Ragle lragle@heraldt.com 812-331-4291
07 Juannita’s Restaurant 09 Rapid Roofing 11 Greene and Schultz 13 Hallmark Home Mortgage 15 Mother Bear’s Pizza 17 Garden Tower Project 19 Sahara Mart 21 Panacea Pharmacy 23 Jerry’s Diagnostic Center 25 Siemens/Sound Hearing Care 27 Hidden Hills Golf Course 29 Gentry Park Senior Living 31 Hoosier Hills Food Bank
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Indiana University Golf Course The goal of the Indiana University Golf Course is to provide players with a challenging but enjoyable golf course which can not only test skills, but improve them. The IU golf course. Courtesy photos.
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uilt in 1957 on the northeast side of campus, the Indiana University Golf Course ing and golfing items with and without IU logos. Offerings include a full line of golfing offers a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of campus life and a chal- footwear, a variety of caps and hats, golf gloves, towels, ball markers and divot tools lenging test for players of all levels. The course is open year-round for public play, with the IU brand. The Pro Shop also stocks a selection of Indiana golf bags in school weather permitting. colors. Top-quality wedges and putters are displayed and available for purchase.
The centerpiece of the Indiana University Golf Course is its par-71, 18-hole Cham- The lighted driving range is one of the most popular practice areas in Indiana. Thirtypionship Course. No housing or commercial properties disturb an atmosphere that is six teeing stations with mats are available and as many as 20 grass-hitting areas may purely golf. The trees offer sufficient challenges that there are no water hazards or fairway be open when conditions permit. Buckets of balls and a selection of clubs are available bunkers. at the driving range building in season, and the Pro Shop has range balls during winter
A 9-hole par-3 course offers the perfect place for beginners and seasoned golfers alike months when weather permits play.
to work on their short games. The course includes eight par-3 holes and one short par-4.
A smooth, clean practice green near the driving range does not allow chipping in
Each player must have their own set of clubs at the IU Golf Course, or they are avail- order to preserve a perfect area for practice, but there is a chipping area near the first able for rent from the Pro Shop for $10. A dress code is in place to encourage proper hole of the Championship Course.
decorum on the course.
The goal of the Indiana University Golf Course is to provide players with a challeng-
“We are the best place in town to get IU Apparel that is not a t-shirt,” said Greg ing but enjoyable golf course which can not only test skills, but improve them. Golfers will find a well-tended environment that allows focus and builds expertise. Bishop, course general manager.
Tee times can be scheduled online or by calling the Pro Shop. Open year round, “The main rule we try very hard to enforce here is — while you’re here, enjoy yourself the Pro Shop has long been a favorite spot for shoppers in search of high quality cloth- and have a good time,” said Bishop. See our ad on the back page.
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• COUNTER TOPS • CABINETS - QUARTZ - SOLID SURFACE - GRANITE - LAMINATE
Ask us about our Summer Promotions 705 E. Dillman Rd., Bloomington 812.824.8338 • www.rakesolutions.com HT-82074-1
We offer newer products once we see that they are safe, dependable and worthwhile in the long term. –Richard Raake,
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Laminated Tops and Räke Cabinet and Surface Solutions
Rich Raake, owner of Räke Solutions, stands in his sample-filled showroom. Photo by Chris Howell.
owner and president
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s befits their German ancestry, the Raake family has high standards. When Robert living facilities in Indiana and surrounding states. They also partner with large-scale and Margaret Raake purchased Laminated Tops in 1997 with their son Richard, production builders in the Indianapolis area to provide cultured marble, laminate, solid Robert quickly set the tone for the family business. surface, granite and quartz countertops. Customers include many area home centers, lumberyards, kitchen and bath dealers and builders. “My father always said ‘the only thing you have to sell is service’,” said the younger Raake, now owner and president of Laminated Tops and Räke Cabinet and Surface Räke Cabinet & Surface Solutions services even the smallest of needs — from one piece of solid surface for a shower threshold or a simple vanity top to an entire home Solutions. Robert and Margaret retired in 2013. full of cabinets and countertops. Rather than chasing the latest fad, Raake prefers to “I really didn’t understand what he meant 20 years ago, but I do now. He always sell proven goods and services that are still relevant in the marketplace. “We offer newer told me that people can purchase the products we have many other places. It’s the products once we see that they are safe, dependable and worthwhile in the long term,” high level of service you provide that keeps them coming back to you.” said Raake. Laminated Tops manufactures laminated countertops and cabinet casework as One of the most difficult challenges Raake faces is maintaining an adequate staff to well as solid surface countertops throughout the state. The family opened Räke — fill the orders and provide the service people have come to expect when the size and pronounced Rocky — Cabinet & Surface Solutions in 2008 to provide a full line kitchen scope of orders is always variable. Raake says the best thing about his company is and bath showroom complete with cabinets, faucets and countertops of all varieties to the employees. Some of his 31 employees have been with the business for more than service retail customers in Monroe and surrounding counties. thirty years. “Räke is the original German spelling of my last name,” said Raake. “When my “It is an honor and a privilege to provide a place where our co-workers can grow ancestors immigrated to the United States, they changed our name to Raake so it in their talents and abilities, feel proud of what they do and who they are, feel safe and would have more of an American spelling.” appreciated and provide for their families with salary, benefits and time,” said Raake. Between them, Räke Cabinet & Surface Solutions and Laminated Tops manufacture “Our workdays are designed to allow our employees to have a life outside of work. They and provide all varieties of kitchen, bath and office cabinets and countertops, plus faucets are encouraged to participate in sports or fitness, travel and quality family time.” and showers, including design and installation of all their products. Some of their most This summer, Räke Cabinet & Surface Solutions debuted their Local Give Back popular items include Haas and Wellborn cabinetry, granite and quartz countertops — promotion. The company donates two percent of all sales to the customer’s choice of especially Cambria — and custom cultured marble showers. four selected charities. Currently, the charities are Habitat for Humanity, The Warehouse, Laminated Tops partners with a network of local and statewide dealers who sell Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington and Sycamore Land Trust. countertops that Laminated Tops templates, fabricates and delivers or installs. They “The response has been tremendous and we are excited to see this money go to work with millwork supply houses and specialize in providing countertops to senior good use here in the community,” said Raake.
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PREMIUM AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD & DRINK
HOMEMADE salsas made from unique local ingredients daily. Prepared and still being perfected by me.
JUANNITA M. CUAHUIZO
20 OFF %
Entire Bill
“Enjoy my
favorite family recipes!”
Monday & Tuesday Only. No combined discounts. Excludes Holidays. Must present coupon. Expires 8/31/16
620 W. Kirkwood Ave. • Bloomington, IN 47401 www.juannitas.com 812-339-2340
CARRY OUT HT-8 8215 54-1
CATERING
PRIVATE DINING
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Juannita’s Restaurant Poblano, molote, banana leaf tamales, melt-in-the-mouth chiles rellenos …
Juannita’s includes an outdoor patio for dining and drinks. Photo by Kathy Truss.
Daily drink specials showcase traditional Mexican libations as well as a selection or craft beers and quality wines. Juannita’s offers a free shot with any medium or larger margarita purchase. Soft drinks include real Coke in a bottle and Jarritos imported from Mexico. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. daily for lunch and serves dinner until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Juannita’s can accommodate This trio of tacos is one of many almost any size group in the two-story restaurant and offers rooftop dining with an authentic Mexican dishes found at Juannita’s. Courtesy photo. outdoor patio. Group and private dining reservations are available for meetings, private parties and other social events. A downstairs room and lounge room can each accomuannita’s Restaurant serves authentic Mexican food and drinks in a fun and friendly modate up to 30 guests. atmosphere at an affordable price. Family owned and operated since 2013, Juan- For customers on the go, Juannita’s has online ordering available for both pick-up nita’s Restaurant offers traditional dishes straight from the recipe collection of Abuela and delivery. The restaurant also has an electronic newsletter to keep customers up to Juannita Cuahuizo, for whom the restaurant is named. date about food and drink specials. Gift certificates are available and customers receive
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Every aspect of Juannita’s Restaraunt — from the bright yellow paint outside, to the fresh salsa verde, to the soda imported from Mexico and the homemade horchata — was carefully chosen to show Bloomington a real reflection of the Cuahuizo family’s Mexican heritage.
a free shirt with the purchase of gift certificates of $100 or more.
In addition to its core in-house business, Juannita’s offers a unique catering experience unlike any other in town. Juannita’s catering provides carefully-designed meal items for any event, including appetizers, salads, entrées, tacos, fajitas, tostadas and Most people know about burritos and tacos, but their take on more complex dishes other items prepared with the same freshness and high-quality ingredients served in the restaurant. like mole poblano, molote, banana leaf tamales, and melt-in-the-mouth chiles rellenos brings customers back to find new favorites. All food is made to order with delicious With a reasonably priced menu and daily specials, Juannita’s Restaurant has established itself as a Bloomington favorite. meats, fresh toppings and homemade tortillas.
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We handle all aspects of damage to your home or business after a hail or wind storm. –Sandy Haan-Cottrell, operations manager
Rapid Roofing’s truck is pictured outside a client’s home after the company repaired hail damage to the roof. Courtesy photo.
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Rapid Roofing & Restoration
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apid Roofing and Restoration is a general contractor focused on the replacement and can take anywhere from one day to two weeks. Gutters usually require one full day. of asphalt and metal roofs, gutters and siding, and full storm restoration. Founded Typically roofs, siding, fascia, trim, and gutters are completed in that order. in Indianapolis in 1997, the company moved to Bloomington 10 years ago. Of course, customers don’t have to wait for storm damage to make changes. Replac “We handle all aspects of damage to your home or business after a hail or wind ing a roof, adding gutters or updating siding can give an old house a new look and add storm,” said Sandy Haan-Cottrell, Rapid Roofing’s operations manager. “The benefit of value to the property. Upgraded siding can increase fuel-efficiency and save money by working with a general contractor is it eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple eliminating the need for periodic painting. vendors to get your home fully restored.” Replacing a roof is also a good time to address any ventilation issues that might Rapid Roofing is a family-owned and operated business. With more than 30 years exist — and some manufacturers’ warranties require ventilation to prevent premature of experience in the home improvement industry, it has built an outstanding track record deterioration of materials. For example, premature deterioration of shingles caused by of satisfied clients by using high quality materials and offering timely service by a knowlpoor ventilation can cause warping, create an ice dam that diverts water to the wrong edgeable team. The company uses modern technology for efficiency and accuracy, and place, and ruin a brand new wood deck. does a thorough inspection upon completion to assure customer satisfaction. Rapid Roofing prides themselves on taking care of the details, Haan-Cottrell said, Customers often contact Rapid Roofing after Mother Nature deals a blow with wind, and always provides full cleanup at its job sites. Dump trucks or trailers are used for the hail or destructive rainfall. If a customer suspects storm damage, Rapid Roofing’s free removal of roofing debris so customers don’t have to worry about an unsightly dumpster. inspection determines if there’s enough damage to submit an insurance claim. And if Tarps are placed for landscape protection and a Rapid Roofing employee runs a magnet damage exists, the company’s insurance-trained project managers help customers submit claims and work with adjusters on all the paperwork necessary to submit a claim with around the property to ensure all nails are removed. as little stress as possible. Rapid Roofing’s goal is to maximize a customer’s coverage The company considers itself to be founded on faith, and is guided by its core values and get them back to living comfortably in their home. of honesty, integrity and service, according to Haan-Cottrell. Employees are trained and After a customer has picked colors and various product options for a restoration committed to providing the highest level of satisfaction in all aspects of customer service. project, the project will be scheduled for completion. A Rapid Roofing project manager Rapid Roofing & Restoration is A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau and is a keeps customers informed about material delivery and any changes to the installation preferred provider for two well-known high-quality shingle companies, Tamko and Owens schedule. Corning. The company is locally owned and operated and takes pride in being Hoosiers Roofing projects are normally completed within one or two days. Siding projects vary serving Hoosiers.
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welcome to our grand new address. We’re proud to be located in one of Bloomington’s most iconic and historic buildings—the Buskirk-Showers Mansion in downtown Bloomington. Built in 1897, this iconic residence is a study in turn-of-the century craftsmanship. Like the building’s strong limestone foundation, Betsy Greene and Fred Schultz have built their practice on expertise, compassion, and a proven trial record. Welcome to our grand new address!
520 North Walnut Street, Bloomington HT-82167-1
GreeneSchultz.com | 812-336-4357
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Greene & Schultz
Trial Lawyers We decided to locate in Bloomington because we both love the community. – Betsy K. Greene
Betsy K. Greene and Fred Schultz are the partners behind Greene & Schultz. Courtesy photo.
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sudden accident or injury can change lives in an instant. Coping with pain, disability businesses engaged in price fixing, product liability claims and litigation against DuPont or the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. When someone else’s negligence regarding dangerous chemicals. Large commercial properties are common locations for leads to medical bills and missing income, it’s hard to know how to proceed. accidents, often because maintenance and safety policies are not followed. No corporation is too large to be held accountable by a firm like Greene & Schultz. The attorneys at Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyers are committed to making Bloomington a better, safer place to work and live. Since opening their practice in 2005, partners The key to any successful case, according to Greene, is diligent preparation — and Betsy K. Greene and Fred Schultz have provided legal advice and trial representation in it starts with communication between lawyer and client. Every case is different and significant lawsuits involving injury, negligence and wrongful death throughout Indiana requires its own strategy. Greene and Schultz have a small staff of four employees and manage cases themselves to ensure that they are intimately familiar with the details of and Illinois. their clients’ situations. Their proven trial record demonstrates the effectiveness of this “We are a law firm that represents people who have been hurt by the carelessness approach. of others,” said Greene, a graduate of Indiana University’s School of Law with over 100 “Our clients come mostly from referrals from satisfied clients,” Greene said. jury trials in her career. Both Greene and Schultz are former deputy prosecuting attorneys and board certified as civil trial advocates. This certification requires a rigorous independent peer review process, including evaluations of legal skills by both judges and opposing counsel, and by members of the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Greene and Schultz are both members of the Indiana bar and can practice before select U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Schultz is also admitted to the Illinois bar. They have each won numerous awards and honors from professional associations. Greene was recognized as a Distinguished Barrister in 2015 and both have been named Super Lawyers by Law & Politics Magazine for several consecutive years.
The city of Bloomington holds a special place in Greene’s heart. The opportunity to live and work in here was a significant factor in her decision to leave the prosecutor’s office for private practice. “We decided to locate in Bloomington because we both love the community,” said Greene. “I went to undergraduate and law school here. I raised my children here.” The success of the firm has allowed the partners to give back to the community by supporting high school athletics at Bloomington High School North and South, the Lotus Festival, the Community Kitchen and the YMCA. The firm is also the title sponsor of the Hoosier Half Marathon, an annual race event held in Bloomington each April since 2006.
After 11 years of being located in the CFC Showers Business Plaza, Greene & Schultz In addition to representing injured clients against negligent parties and their insurance Trial Lawyers recently moved into a new office in a historic building at 520 N. Walnut St. companies, Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyers has also handled cases involving wage-and- “We will be having a community open house — we just don’t yet have the date,” hour suits against Walmart and other large employers, antitrust class actions against Greene said.
HT-82116-1
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Offering products and services that allow people of the community to become homeowners is a privilege and an honor.”
Keith Trueblood
Cindy Wade Hester
Matt Lantz
–Keith Trueblood, senior vice president and branch manager Karan Rastall
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Hallmark Home Mortgage
Tanya Sullivan
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allmark Home Mortgage provides loan products to facilitate new home construc- Customers can apply securely online, print and fill out the application by hand, comtion, new home purchases, rehabilitation of existing homes, refinance transactions plete via telephone, or visit the local branch office to meet with a mortgage consultant and debt consolidation. who will find the best rates available and the most appropriate loan options for each In 2007 the company’s founders set out to create a mortgage company made up of situation. Hallmark Home Mortgage streamlines the mortgage process by involving an the best people in the industry with a commitment to put the customer first. Hallmark underwriter from the beginning. Income is also verified early in the loan process, so all Home Mortgage has strong financial backing and the ability to make decisions in-house. parties can move forward knowing that the customer is creditworthy. “In the mortgage business it is advantageous to find a location where there is stable employment and housing growth,” said Keith Trueblood, senior vice president and branch manager of the company’s Bloomington office. “As a native of Bloomington, I looked to pair up with a company that held the same values and vision for the Bloomington community.” Hallmark Home Mortgage strives to deliver a superior lending experience to its clients though high-quality customer support. Its goal is to focus on customer needs by providing industry expertise, state of the art technology, quality service, professionalism and integrity. The company has developed a number of programs to better meet specific needs of its clients with loan products such as Quick2Close, Toolbox Mortgage, New Construction and Reverse Mortgage.
Hallmark’s local focus keeps the process moving along quickly.
“Our clients can expect high service levels with the operation staff located in the Bloomington office,” said Trueblood. “All decision making, processing and closing is done locally through the Bloomington office.” The company also serves people beyond Bloomington. With additional branch locations in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Bedford, Spencer, Columbus Ind. — plus out-of-state locations in Denver, Toledo and Columbus, Ohio — Hallmark Home Mortgage employs 287 staff members.
Since the financial crisis of 2008, the mortgage industry has seen increased regulation, which required the implementation of new policies and procedures to stay compliant. While some mortgage companies suffered a slowdown as a result, Trueblood said, “Offering products and services that allow people of the community to become Hallmark bucked the trend. The company remained at the forefront of changes, and homeowners is a privilege and an honor,” said Trueblood. “We believe in doing loans experienced record growth. the right way, every day, for the best interest of our clients.” Hallmark Home Mortgage owns an affiliate business, Hallmark Home Mortgage Insur Whether a customer is looking for a traditional mortgage or a product tailored to ance, and is always looking to expand into new communities. their specific needs, Hallmark Home Mortgage aims to make the mortgage process the smoothest part of a home buying, building or refinancing experience. This starts by “I feel privileged to be surrounded by the exceptional group of professionals that making the application process fast and convenient, offering several ways to complete make up Hallmark Home Mortgage,” said Trueblood. “I am equally honored to be in a business that makes the dream of home ownership a reality for people every day.” an application.
Bloomington g Tradition!
SUN-WED 11AM - 1AM / THURS-SAT 11AM - 3AM
1428 E. 3rd St. • 332-4495 CARRY OUT • DELIVERY • BEER DELIVERY
www.motherbearspizza.com
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION
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HT-84038-1
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An Award-Winning
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Mother Bear’s Pizza We just try to make a great pizza every day. –Ray McConn, founder and owner
People magazine called it “one of America’s top 9 pizzerias” in 1982. USA Today named it “best pizza in Indiana” in 2013. Across the years, Mother Bear’s has won many local and national awards. Photo by David Snodgress.
Ray McConn co-founded Mother Bear’s with Bruce Storm in 1973. Courtesy photo.
Mother Bear’s Pizza. Photo by Kathy Truss.
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ay McConn didn’t plan to run a historic pizza joint. Although Mother Bear’s Pizza As a result, sales started to grow 20 to 25 percent each year. McConn kept adding is now a celebrated Bloomington tradition, 43 years ago it was just a kid’s hare- new sections to the restaurant and they kept filling up with customers. brained idea. “We used to do $600,000 a year,” said McConn. “We did $4.6 million last year. For As an Indiana University student, McConn always had a goal to run his own business a pizza place, that’s all right.” — and that goal was achieved when he and his partner Bruce Storm opened Bear’s Place According to an annual survey in Pizza Today, one of the leading publications in the Ale House and Eatery in 1973. Soon McConn decided he wanted to offer pizza as part pizza industry, that “all right” performance makes Mother Bear’s Pizza the second busiest of the experience, but there was a complication. Bear’s Place had little space to spare. single store operation in the country. “I was going to put pizza in down there, in my twenty-six year old naivete,” said Happy customers tend to spread the word, and Trip Advisor lists Mother Bear’s Pizza McConn. “There wasn’t enough room.” as the number one restaurant — that’s restaurant, not pizza place — in Bloomington. Fortunately, a solution existed just up the street in the form of a run-down Pizza King McConn freely acknowledges that part of the restaurant’s success is due to its close with poor sales and an absentee owner. The property needed some work but the partners proximity to the campus of Indiana University. Business is always booming when classes made a deal to acquire it and launched Mother Bear’s Pizza soon after. are in session and recent changes in the way IU conducts freshman orientation have From its humble beginning as an off-site kitchen for Bear’s Place, Mother Bear’s Pizza given an added to boost to summer sales. soon began to build a reputation of its own. For the better part of the next two decades, the business flourished at a respectable level. It was only a taste of the success the “It has been a boon for business — not just mine but Bloomington in general,” said McConn. “The kids come down with their parents and they’re walking around checking restaurant would come to achieve. things out. It’s been an excellent summer.” In 2000, changes in his personal life led McConn to take a more hands-on approach to the daily management of Mother Bear’s. Upgraded facilities, a change in market- Being so close to campus has its challenges, too. Space is at a premium, especially ing strategy and — most importantly — a commitment to consistency began to fuel for parking. Mother Bear’s Pizza has just 11 parking spaces of its own. Although some of unprecedented growth. McConn focused on training his staff to produce the same McConn’s business neighbors allow Mother Bear’s customers to use their spaces during quality product every time. He found that happy, well-trained employees stick around evenings and weekends, parking is still scarce during peak business hours. There is no place left nearby for the restaurant to grow, so McConn is considering adding another and create a culture in which excellence becomes the norm. restaurant on the west side of Bloomington. “We just try to make a great pizza every day,” said McConn. “Now the quality is part of the routine and not some exertion. We’ve got the system in place to guarantee this “If somebody did a ratio of sales to parking places we would win hands down,” said quality happens with regularity.” McConn. “We filled our footprint here so we’re looking at other locations.”
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The Garden Tower Project
It’s an ancient technology that has been around thousands of years, but no one has used it to improve container gardening.
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he Garden Tower Project, LLC is a company on a mission. Although its namesake product is a revolutionary vertical gardening system, what the business is really selling is a new way of thinking about food and where it comes from.
–Joel Grant,
partner and co-founder
Colin Cudmore developed the first barrel-based prototype of the Garden Tower after attending a lecture about the lack of access to healthy food in poor urban neighborhoods. “I was talking to my mom about how ridiculous it is that our system is set up that way and she said to me, ‘You’re an inventor. Why don’t you fix it?’” said Cudmore. “I said, ‘You’re right. I will.’” After six months of research, Cudmore had outlined the basic criteria of his gardening system. It had to be shippable, efficient, easy to use and fit in a small space. He built the first prototype in his mother’s garage but it worked better as a garden than as a sellable product. “I realized I had to get [construction] down to about an hour and 25 minutes to be able to make a profit,” said Cudmore. “My first one took three days.” By April, 2012 Cudmore had streamlined the manufacturing process and partnered with Joel Grant to found the Garden Tower Project, LLC to manufacture and distribute the Garden Tower around the country. The first several thousand towers were crafted by hand before the company was able to partner with a Noblesville manufacturer to produce them by injection molding. The Garden Tower and all of its parts are 100 percent made in the United States. The Garden Tower allows gardeners to grow 50 plants in four square feet of space. Plants live in rings of individual pockets that allow roots to penetrate to a central column of organic fertilizer created by vermicomposting. Kitchen scraps are added directly to the Garden Tower so there’s no need for a separate compost bin.
Photos courtesy Garden Tower Project.
Special price for Bloomington-area customers For a limited time, Garden Towers are available to local people at a discounted price — with free shipping from the company’s Zionsville warehouse.
Learn more about the Garden Tower Project: customerservice@gardentower.com gardentowerproject.com • 812-345-2511
Indiana residents can use the coupon code Bloomington90 to save $90 on a Garden Tower 2 and receive free shipping.
“The innovation is that no one had ever created what is essentially a vertical stacking keyhole garden in a container,” said Grant. “It’s an ancient technology that has been around thousands of years, but no one has used it to improve container gardening.” The company continually makes improvements to the system. The recently-released Garden Tower 2 incorporates many features requested by users of the original and adds numerous functional enhancements. An optional caster base raises the level of the plants and allows gardeners to re-position the entire tower. A soon-to-bereleased LED lighting system will allow year-round indoor gardening. Since the Garden Tower Project is ultimately trying to bring gardening to people with little or no experience growing their own food, education is an important focus for the company. “There’s an education bar just in terms of sales,” said partner Tom Tlusty. “We’re not selling flashlights. There’s stuff you have to know.” The company has partnered with supporters to provide towers to local schools and organizations. They also developed curriculum for teachers and students working with them. An active online community of enthusiastic Garden Tower owners offers tips and advice. “We’re putting something out there which has the ability to greatly improve peoples’ lives,” said Grant. “Our mission is to get this product out there and get people familiar with it and get people using it.”
Fast facts about the Garden Tower • Holds 50 plants in four square feet of vertical space. • Leaves little, if any, room for weeds. • Made of 100 percent recyclable food-grade high• Preserves rainwater and wicks water up through density polyethylene that is free of phthalates, BPA the tower through evapotranspiration. and other plasticizers. •Offers an easy solution for urban gardeners, small• Turns kitchen scraps into fertilizers. A six-inch space growers, young people, those with mobility diameter tube allows compost and worms to creissues — and simply anyone who desires efficient, ate nutrients for plants. organic gardening.
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The setup makes efficient use of water by collecting nutrientrich runoff in a bottom drawer so it can be recycled back into the system. The entire tower rotates on an internal ball bearing track and moves easily. By combining proven technologies into a unique package, Cudmore’s creation improves access to fresh vegetables and herbs — regardless of location, environment, age and other factors.
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Sahara Mart We take a lot of pride in the service and selection we are able to offer our customers. –Javad Noori, owner
The store’s downtown location. Photo by Kathy Truss.
A view of an aisle at Sahara Mart’s Bloomington east side location shows something they’re known for — an extensive selection of beer and wine. Photo by Jeremy Hogan.
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avad Noori knows that growing a small business takes hard work and dedication. vitamins, minerals and other health supplements. Even after 30 years in business, the Sahara Mart owner is just as focused on providing Even the beer aisles boast gluten-free options. Sahara Mart’s beer selection is among gourmet health and international food products as he was when he opened his first the largest collections of domestic craft beers in the state. There are also more than 1,300 tiny store at the intersection of two alleys between Third and Fourth Street in Bloomington. beers and ales from around the world and an array of local and international wines. “I am at each location daily,” Noori said. “It’s important for me to meet our customers.” Nothing pairs with wine like cheese, and Sahara Mart offers a range of cheeses After graduating from Indiana University, Noori recognized a market that no one else from Bulgarian to Greek feta to mozzarella. More than 100 types of organic and natural at the time was serving. He stocked his small store with foods from around the world, cheeses, from all over the world, are available on the shelves of Sahara Mart. based on requests from his international student customers. For coffee lovers, Sahara Mart stocks more than 100 varieties of bulk coffees, plus “I felt it was important that our foreign students and community have access to foods another 50 in bags and cans. Dark roasts, regular roasts, decafs, organic, bulk, and and products that weren’t available to them anywhere else locally,” Noori said. “We take flavored coffees can be purchased either as whole beans or ground. a lot of pride in the service and selection we are able to offer our customers.” Both loose and bagged teas are offered in over 250 varieties, as well as bulk teas, Today, Sahara Mart has two locations offering thousands of products from around bag teas, herbal, caffeinated, decaffeinated, organic and filtrate. To compliment the teas, the world. If a customer doesn’t find what they are looking for, Noori is still glad to hear a few aisles away customers can find a complete line of accessories, including pots, their suggestions. filters, strainers, cups, saucers and more. For healthy eaters, Sahara Mart offers a wide variety of natural foods, including locally Sahara Mart offers many grab-and-go premade sandwiches and salads for healthy sourced organic produce and more than 200 types of bulk foods and snacks. This wide selection of grains and seeds, snack mixes, chocolate, cereal, flour, spices, dried fruits, lunch alternatives to fast food. Customers can also purchase dinner entrees and desnuts, salt and beans gives customers the convenience of selecting not only what they serts. Deli creations are made fresh in the store every day. want, but also how much. Noori continues to evolve his stores to meet the needs of customers. The east side Customers with a sweet tooth might be more interested in Sahara Mart’s 30-foot wall location will soon be remodeled to give customers the best Asian food selection in town. of chocolate from all around the world — a display that often stops customers in their When the remodel is complete, the Second Street location will undergo expansion for a new beer and wine room. tracks. Sahara Mart carries many gluten free products. There is an entire department devoted “We have big things happening in our near future,” said Noori. “We are very excited to them, and gluten-free alternatives are also available in most departments in the store. about all the upcoming changes that will be taking place very soon to better serve our The supplements area maintains an extensive collection of herbs, extracts, essential oils, customers.”
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Just add water. Managing your medications has never been easier. Your medications come organized by date and time, securely sealed in individual easy-open packages. So when it’ss time to take your next dose you just tear the package off the roll and your pills are there. That’s all there is to it. Organized by date and time. Securely sealed Clearly labeled Preprinted reminders for things like liquuids and inhalers Easy to open Ideal for travel and everyday
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We strive to minimize the problems and work to make the experience quick and positive. -Lester Burris, pharmacy manager
Panacea, in Greek mythology, was the goddess of universal remedy. The bowl of Hygieia, left, is featured prominently in Panacea’s logo and is a Greek symbol of pharmacy and hygiene.
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Panacea Pharmacy
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hen Lucky’s Market was planning to open a Bloomington location, they decided multiple maintenance medications are encouraged to synchronize them to one monthly to pilot a pharmacy in the new store. Josh and Steve Anderson’s family had fill date. operated an independent pharmacy in Bedford for several years. Together with “This is a win-win service for us and the customer,” said Burris. “They only need to Lester Burris, a long-time pharmacist with extensive experience serving the Bloomington make the trip, or receive one delivery, each month and it saves us time by filling all the market, they launched Panacea Pharmacy when the new Lucky’s opened in May 2015. medications once each month.”
“There are many times that going to a pharmacy can be stressful,” said Burris, now Each fall, the pharmacy offers free Medicare part D plan reviews. According to BurPanacea’s pharmacy manager. “You are sick, you need an antibiotic; you need a refill ris, many seniors don’t realize that the best drug plan for them is highly dependent on and your doctor didn’t call it in; there is trouble with your insurance — the list goes on. their individual medication regimen, and that plans can change drastically from year We strive to minimize the problems and work to make the experience quick and posi- to year. Panacea pharmacists can use the customer’s medication list to find the best fit and offer a free consultation to answer questions regarding drug plans. tive.” Panacea Pharmacy offers all the standard services that any chain retail pharmacy Panacea Pharmacy partners with Garden Villa — a specialized rehabilitation center can provide. What makes them different is that their product offerings are tailored to in Bloomington — to provide medication for some rehab patients at time of discharge. individual needs. The pharmacy has acquired many customers through word-of-mouth The pharmacy places these medications in convenience packaging and offers medication adherence support to the patient. reputation and considers it a success when each customer walks away happy. Panacea’s signature custom service is convenience packaging. Convenience pack- The goal of this partnership is to help prevent readmission to hospital or nursing following discharge. Changes brought on by the Affordable Care Act make this an aging sorts medications into dosing pouches based on administration. For example, all important metric for nursing homes and hospitals. Studies have indicated that proper medications taken together in the morning can be packaged in an individually-labeled medication compliance reduces readmission and this is a role for the pharmacy to help pouch. Packing can be fully customized to each person’s schedule and preferences. the facility and patient. Personalization is a big part of Panacea’s approach. “Everybody says they offer great The pharmacy has also worked with the Monroe County Health Department to be customer service, but we try to actually live that out,” said Burris. a voice of support for the syringe exchange program that is run by Indiana Recovery Producing compounded medications on site, a process in which ingredients are Alliance and offers itself as a general resource for the health department and community custom-mixed to the dosage required by the patient’s prescription, is another Panacea at large. staple. Some medications — such as hormone replacement treatments — are only “We have a broad interest in having a healthy community and being a part of available as a compounded medication, which means they simply cannot be provided that in any way that we can,” said Burris. “We truly care about our customers, and by large chains. while we always want to grow the business, it will never be at the expense of friendly, Panacea offers free delivery for “synched” monthly medications. Customers taking personal service.”
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Jerry’s Diagnostic Center, Inc. No matter how technology changes, providing timely preventive maintenance is still the best way to ensure the longevity of a vehicle. Auto diagnostic technicians use testing equipment to determine and repair vehicle issues. Courtesy photos.
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erry’s Diagnostic Center, Inc. is a vehicle service center for automobiles, light duty Other services available include insurance estimates, auto electrical work, fuel injectrucks and recreational vehicles where talented service technicians meet difficult tions and air-conditioner testing and repair. For customers who have experienced a challenges with competence and integrity. breakdown and need their vehicle towed in for evaluation, Jerry’s Diagnostic Center has a preferred partner in another local business — Fleetwood Towing Service. “I started servicing vehicles in this area in 1956 at different dealerships and got to know lots of people,” said Jerry Krebbs, president. “My wife and I started the company The closing of Vernal Pike due to I-69 construction has made it a little more challengin 1973.” ing to reach Jerry’s, but customers can access the other end of Vernal Pike from North Krebbs and his wife Phyllis said they believe that honesty is the key to their success. Curry Pike. They maintain a high standard of excellence and approach every vehicle they service Customers have come to expect a high level of service from the diagnostic center with care and attention. They have ASE-certified technicians — meaning the technicians during the past 43 years — and Krebbs is proud to help their vehicles stay on the road. have accomplished the highest level of certification in the industry — so the diagnostic “Years ago we thought we had to get rid of our vehicle at the 50,000 mile mark,” said center can handle virtually any task on any make or model of vehicle. Krebbs. “Today these autos will go 300,000 miles — and sometimes more — through Automotive repair has changed dramatically since Krebbs first started out as a advanced engineering.” mechanic decades ago. As an increasing number of vehicle components became controlled by a computer, Jerry’s Diagnostic Center constantly updated equipment and knowledge. Fortunately, the business has grown with the industry and Krebbs has been able to keep Jerry’s Diagnostic Center at the forefront of automotive technology. A state-of-the-art computerized diagnostic testing system allows technicians to quickly and reliably diagnose vehicle troubles.
“Eight-five percent of issues in today’s vehicles will be electronic,” said Krebbs.
No matter how technology changes, providing timely preventive maintenance is still the best way to ensure the longevity of a vehicle. Jerry’s Diagnostic Center has a 16-bay service area to provide routine care such as oil changes, tune-ups, brake and suspension services and wheel-balancing. Nearby, a tidy waiting room is equipped with wireless internet access.
Inside Jerry’s Diagnostic’s service center, vehicles are connected to diagnostic equipment for information about repairs. Courtesy photos.
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SIEMENS/SOUND HEARING
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Siemens/Sound Hearing Care Today’s hearing aids are waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and can be invisible inside the ear.
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ick Crum — or Dr. Dirt, as he is known to his Indianapolis radio show listeners — is one of Indiana’s authorities on horticulture. As a beloved gardening expert, he often interacts with Hoosier gardeners seeking his opinion. But for years, Crum struggled to respond to the questions his fans were asking. “I’ll be honest,” Crum said. “I was slow to address my hearing loss, telling myself no one would notice but me. Finally I realized I was being left out of the conversation, or worse yet, I would say inappropriate things, not hearing all of what was being said.” Crum turned to Sound Hearing Care and was fitted with Seimens hearing aids. The devices were nothing short of life-changing for him. “I can once again hear what’s going on with my family and friends. I often wonder why I waited so long,” Crum said. Established in 1993, Sound Hearing Care has five Indiana locations — Bloomington, Zionsville, Avon and on the north and south sides of Indianapolis. The company has helped thousands of customers cope with hearing loss through the selection of hearing aids and hearing care. If you’re picturing the stereotype of a big, bulky old hearing aid, it’s time to update your understanding of what a hearing aid is. They have evolved in the past few decades, and South Hearing Care stays on top of cutting-edge technology. Today’s hearing aids are waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and can be invisible inside the ear. Some are as small as a pencil eraser — or even smaller. Adjustments are no longer made manually. The newest hearing aids make fine-tuned changes automatically as the wearer moves through different environments. As the technology has evolved, providing hearing aids has changed too. Sound Hearing Care employees are focused far beyond selling hearing aids. The company has a mission of providing hearing aid support, starting with a 45-day evaluation period and continuing with free batteries, free service and free advice from the experts at their store locations.
Did I Hear that Right? Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the U.S. and affects nearly 36 million Americans, according to the American Medical Association. Age, illness and genetics are the primary contributors to reduced hearing. Medications and environmental noise can also have long-term effects on how people hear.
Red Flags for Hearing Loss • Do you sense gaps in conversations? • Does it feel as if people are mumbling to you? • Do people seem confused by your responses to questions? • Is there a ringing or constant sound in your ears? • Does it seem like you used to hear more birds singing, and other soft, everyday sounds? • Do you often fail to hear the doorbell and telephone? • Do people tell you the television or music is turned up too loud?
Choosing a provider • Ensure the provider works with established and thoroughly tested brands. Siemens, Oticon and Phonak are several examples. • Check bbb.org to ensure the provider is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. • Ask to see the license of any hearing aid company. A reputable company has no problem providing it. • Expect an evaluation period of at least 30 days. • Inquire about a return policy. If the hearing aids don’t help, you should be able to receive a full refund.
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6599 S. Hidden Hills Springville, IN Located 22 miles from Bloomington www.hiddenhillsgolf.com
If you played this golf course 10 years ago, you’d think it was a different place. –Ron
Dinges, head golf professional and course superintendent
Views of the Hidden Hills Golf Course show the rolling hills for which the course is known. Courtesy photos.
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ew businesses are as aptly named as Hidden Hills Golf Course. Tucked away in the scenic countryside near Springville, Hidden Hills Golf Course is a premier course that attracts players from all over the state and beyond. Opened in 1999, the par-70 18-hole course makes use of rolling terrain to offer a golf experience unlike any other in the area.
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Hidden Hills Golf Course
After years of improving the main course, Dinges is now turning his attention to creating a world-class practice facility. Nature doesn’t always cooperate with his plans. Right after work was completed on a new irrigation system for the driving range, a windstorm destroyed most of the netting that keeps practice balls off of the course. His five maintenance employees stay busy.
“It’s a very challenging design,” said Ron Dinges, head golf professional and course superintendent. “You can be hitting the ball as well as you ever have and not score, if Hidden Hills Golf Course puts on three tournaments each year. There’s a Fourth of July Tournament and the Club Championship, but the big event is the annual Pigskin you’re not thinking the game.” Open held every Labor Day. Dinges launched this football-themed tournament in his first Dinges took over management of Hidden Hills Golf Course seven years ago after season at the course and it has grown to be a favorite among his regular customers. running his own golf pro shop in Bloomington and the former Tee to Green driving range. “We haven’t had anybody say they didn’t have a good time,” said Dinges. An Air Force retiree, Dinges has been golfing for 45 years. The course also plays host to 20 to 25 tournaments each year for outside organizations. Businesses from all over southern Indiana trust the staff at Hidden Hills Golf Course Dinges knew that Hidden Hills could become a superior golf destination — but in to put on an outstanding golf event. order for that to happen the course needed some work. He convinced course owner Bill C. Brown to invest in significant improvements, starting with an overhaul of the sand Hidden Hills Golf Course has a fully-stocked pro shop and its bar and grill is open daily with a full lunch menu. The course is open year round, weather permitting. Covered golf traps. Each year since, Dinges has tried to take the worst feature of the course and turn carts are available in the winter for hardcore players who don’t believe in an off-season. it into the best. He couldn’t be prouder of the result. The course will close for rain, snow or bitter cold, but otherwise if players want to play, “If you played this golf course 10 years ago, you’d think it was a different place,” said Dinges will give them a tee time. Dinges. “It was basically a mom-and-pop operation and it’s turned into a very, very good Word-of-mouth approval about improvements to the course has spread throughout golf course.” the region. The golfing world is a tight-knit community and good players are always The course is practically swaddled in nature. Its remote location and variable terrain looking for a challenge, according to Dinges. I-69 has also helped bring new players to combine to create an environment in which nothing comes between the golfer and game. the course.
“I made my passion my occupation,” said Dinges.
“I could have 80 people out there and you’d feel like you’re out there by yourself, just “You can get here from Bloomington in about 20 minutes,” said Dinges. “That has opened up a lot of doors.” the way the course is designed,” said Dinges.
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Introducing Resort-Style Retirement Living at Home in Bloomington Like the city it calls home, Gentry Park Bloomington will be a vibrant community, attracting discerning senior adults from all walks of life. It will be a center for the continuing pursuit of a purposeful and enriching life. Enjoy a wide variety of amenities in a service-rich environment, with three lifestyle options to suit whatever your needs may be – maintenance-free independent living in a charming garden home, assisted living with tfelt Connections – support services, or memory care, embracing Heartf ® A Memory Care Program .
Now accepting reservations! Call today for details. (812) 668-1200. Also ask about our Founders Club with special benefits for residents. 963 S. State Road 446 | Bloomington, IN 47401 | email: Info@GentryParkBloomington.com
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Gentry Park Bloomington Of all the companies I’ve worked for, Life Care Services just really makes me feel ... honored. Appreciated. Blessed to be a part of it. –Emilie
McGill, director of sales
and marketing, Life Care Services This artist’s rendering shows a portion of the completed Gentry Park. Courtesy Gentry Park Bloomington.
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loomington is a thriving retirement destination. The city has been named “When I started working for [Life Care Services], they lived up to that vision,” said a top location by Forbes Magazine and other publications. When it opens its McGill. “Of all the companies I’ve worked for, Life Care Services just really makes me doors Nov. 1, Gentry Park Bloomington aims to set a new standard for excel- feel ... honored. Appreciated. Blessed to be a part of it.” lence in senior housing. Gentry Park Bloomington has proudly partnered with Williams Brothers Pharmacy in “Bloomington has a lot of other senior living communities,” said Emilie McGill, director order to ensure their residents receive quality pharmaceutical services. “Williams Brothof sales and marketing for Gentry Park Bloomington. “A lot of those already have a great ers has such a great reputation and personality of service,” said McGill. “We’re thrilled name in the community. Our challenge is to set ourselves apart.” to be working with them.” Gentry Park Bloomington will provide resort-style retirement living for seniors, as well as Due to ongoing construction, the Gentry Park Bloomington information office is cura continuum of care to help them age in place. Residents have the option of independent garden homes, assisted living apartments or memory care suites. The community will rently off-site but will soon be transitioning into a permanent office in one of the garden also offer respite care for seniors returning home from a hospital stay, as well as respite homes on site. Interested community members can reach out to them at gentryparkbloomington.com. The community will also be hosting a Founders Club event later in the care for seniors who live with family or other caregivers. summer to give potential residents the chance to enjoy good food and ask questions “Sometimes caregivers have to take care of themselves for a little while, so we make about Gentry Park. sure that they’re able to do that,” said McGill. Gentry Park Bloomington is owned and managed by Life Care Services, which partnered with local builders, investors, and other professionals to build the physical structure of the community and will manage the community when it is complete. Life Care Services has communities in 31 states — including a sister community in Orlando, Fla. called Gentry Park Orlando — and serves about 38,000 seniors across the nation.
McGill is eager for residents to move in.
“A lot of times, when I’m talking with someone who wants to move into a garden
home and still be able to watch birds, or when I’m talking to a family that wants to know if their dad can still have his little dog with him or go watch IU basketball, they ask the
same question, ‘Do you understand?’,” said McGill. “They want to know if I understand “We’re the third largest provider of senior living, and we’re growing rapidly,” said McGill. what’s most important to them. To them, success at Gentry Park Bloomington is defined “I think a lot of that growth has to do with how Life Care Services treats its residents and by how well we’ve listened to our residents and their families — and how well we’ve their families, plus Life Care Services really treats its employees well.” delivered on promises that we’ve made.” According to McGill, Life Care Services’ goal is to be the premier provider of senior living first by putting their residents and their families first. Secondly, they want to recruit and keep the best employees in the field. The company’s vision is to serve people first and always do right by them — and they believe happy employees and happy residents will bring their business success.
McGill feels confident that Gentry Park Bloomington will keep its promises.
“If we’re honest with people about what we do, and then we deliver on those prom-
ises, our community will be full of happy residents and Bloomington will be full of happy families, who then tell other families about how great it is over at Gentry Park.”
Hoosier Hills Food Bank supports the efforts of over 90 agencies in 6 counties working to help
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people at every stage of life. We hold these truths to be self-evident: Human life, health and productivity require regular access to nutritious food. Children, seniors and the ill will suffer the most from lack of nutrition. Disposing of good food is not a sustainable practice. No one deserves or needs to go hungry. Hoosier Hills Food Bank is a wise and compassionate investment in community that pays dividends–through a regional approach.
Contact us to get involved.
Hoosier Hills Food Bank
P. O. Box 697 Bloomington, IN 47402-0697
812-334-8374 www.hhfoodbank.org
With food safety training, infrastructure, economies of scale, accountability and strategic purpose, we effectively connect food donors with mission-driven non-profits working to address hunger, poverty and a variety of community problems.
Donate. Advocate. Volunteer.
Community
Book Fair October 6th-11th Sponsorship Opportunities Available Contact: office@hhfoodbank.org
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From Head Start To Hospice
Julio Alonso, executive director, stands next to an advertisement for the Soup Bowl, a popular fundraiser for the food bank. Courtesy photo.
Our whole existence is based on partnerships. –Julio Alonso, executive director and CEO
Staff and volunteers spread the word about the food bank during Bloomington’s Fourth of July parade. Courtesy photo.
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Hoosier Hills Food Bank
This truck helps the food bank with food distribution. The organization recently celebrated distributing 50 million pounds of food. Courtesy photo.
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n 1982 a number of local citizens realized that many Bloomington residents were going to make pickups and deliveries. Fourteen permanent employees work with five interns hungry while food was being wasted by retailers and food distributors. A coalition of from Indiana University and more than 2,000 volunteers annually. citizens worked with the Community Action Program, VISTA, Gleaner’s Food Bank in All staff members — from interns to the CEO — are ServeSafe certified, which means Indianapolis and the City of Bloomington to found Hoosier Hills Food Bank. they have been trained in a national compliance program for food safety. The food bank “Rescuing food that would otherwise be wasted is just common sense but it’s not is inspected and audited by local, state and federal agencies, national partner Feeding something that just anyone can do,” said Julio Alonso, executive director and CEO of America, and an independent third party food safety auditor. HHFB since 2006. “We support over 90 other charities by making food available for pick “Our donors can be assured that their food will be handled in a timely and safe manup or delivery.” ner and only provided to legitimate charities so that it will be safely delivered to the end The food bank works with local businesses on a daily basis to collect donated food. user,” said Alonso. Their drivers visit a combination of more than 25 core retail or wholesale stores and 46 In addition to supplying food to partner agencies, HHFB has also implemented some prepared food donors along with about 75 other regular periodic donors. direct service programs to serve individual clients. The Families First Mobile Food Pantry “Walmart, Kroger, Marsh, MDV, Lucky’s Market and the IMU Tudor Room are among distributes food once every month to people in Bedford, Mitchell, Orleans and Shoals. our largest regular donors,” said Alonso. Together these four pantries serve about 400 households and more than 1,000 individuals every month. HHFB partner agencies consist largely of food pantries but also include shelters, kitchens, youth programs, senior programs, recovery programs, domestic violence “We’ve identified these communities as needing additional food resources, so we partner shelters and low-income daycares. Some of the key partners to which they provide food with a facility in each community to come down once a month and set up a food pantry,” in Monroe County include Community Kitchen, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Shalom said Alonso. “We also operate a senior food box distribution program in partnership with Center, Crawford Homes, Middle Way House, Boys and Girls Club, Area 10 Agency on the Indiana State Department of Health and the US Department of Agriculture. We provide Aging, Head Start, Positive Link and Monroe County United Ministries. a monthly box of staple foods to over 900 low-income senior citizens in seven counties.” “Our whole existence is based on partnerships,” said Alonso. “We are a United Way of A key part of the food bank’s mission is to engage the community to end hunger. Monroe County member agency, which provides not only crucial funding but also logistical HHFB would not exist without volunteers, food donors and financial supporters. support and partnership with a network of other agencies addressing community needs.” “We get help from individuals, groups, small local businesses, national corporations, Almost 3.8 million pounds of food was distributed by HHFB in 2015. Operating on government agencies, schools and people of all faiths, races, colors, creeds, orientasuch a large scale requires considerable infrastructure and expertise. The food bank tions and sizes,” said Alonso. “It is humbling when so many people come forward to maintains a warehouse on the west side of Bloomington and a fleet of refrigerated trucks help neighbors in need and we’re just happy to be able to be a conduit for that.”
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