Muncie Magazine February 2024 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

Booming Business Championing the Next Generation of Business Professionals at Ball State’s Miller College of Business

STRIKING SUCCESS

JACK SURFACE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP BOWLING TOURNAMENT ENTERS THIRD YEAR OF SUPPORTING TRADE EDUCATION

Sweat It Out The Arsenal Equips Clients With the Means to Improve Physically and Mentally FEBRUARY 2024

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PUBLISHER JEFF HERN jeff@townepost.com (317) 796-0912

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FIT FOR THE FIELD

Ivy Tech Community College Advanced Manufacturing Labs Get Students Workforce Ready

Jack Surface Memorial Scholarship Bowling Tournament Enters Third Year of Supporting Trade Education

HOW SWEET IT IS

The Sweet Shop Serves Up Scrumptious and Surprisingly Healthy Options

15 FEBRUARY 2024

SWEAT IT OUT

The Arsenal Equips Clients With the Means to Improve Physically and Mentally

LET’S COVER IT

Kurt Kramer of Kramer Insurance Talks Coverage for Those Over 40 /MUNCIEMAGAZINE

4 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

KEY CONTRIBUTORS JENNIFER CRISS LESLEY DEVOSS ALYSON MADSEN AIMEE MACARTHUR DYLAN SENKUS LINDSEY THOMPSON JERRY WINANS

STRIKING SUCCESS

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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BOOMING BUSINESS

Championing the Next Generation of Business Professionals at Ball State’s Miller College of Business /MUNCIEMAGAZINE

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FIT FOR THE FIELD

IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING LABS GET STUDENTS WORKFORCE READY Writer / Lesley DeVoss, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Ivy Tech Community College Muncie/Henry County Photography Provided

drawings and specifications. The lab space provides students with all the tools and materials they need to complete the course section they are studying. When the class is studying drywall, students will practice hanging drywall and learn what works and what doesn’t.

Ivy Tech’s Advanced Technology Center, located at 4101 South Cowan Road in Muncie, houses the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science, and the high-tech labs that support students entering the workforce, primarily in the manufacturing sector.

students will need to complete the process. Students can tear down and rebuild vehicles. The vehicles that students work on are donated to the college, and include newer and older gasoline, hybrid and electric models.

The School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science offers degrees and certifications in: • Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology • Automotive Technology • Building Construction Technology • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology • Industrial Technology (including Welding) • Machine Tool Technology

A special project that students complete during their time in the lab is the she-shed. This experience provides the students hands-on learning in building a house on a smaller scale. The she-shed has electrical wiring, including isolated outlets for window air conditioning units and heaters, insulation, wood framing, subflooring, vinyl or laminate flooring, drywalled walls and ceiling, two windows, and asphalt shingles BUILDING CONSTRUCTION LAB on the roof. The only elements that the sheshed is missing are plumbing and built-in In the Building Construction lab, students HVAC systems. are given the opportunity to complete hands-on projects that teach them how to “As an instructor, I love to see the students read and interpret construction documents, use the tools for the first time and ask all

Each program has a dedicated, state-ofthe-art lab space to provide students with hands-on learning experiences before entering the workforce. Students are required to know how to operate and repair the technology present in the labs. Instructors create or program faults in the machines that the students must discover, research and repair to use the machines.

“We are growing this program, bringing in new, state-of-the-art equipment, and following industry standards to develop and graduate talented technicians who can work on any automobile that they are faced with,” said Joseph Schloegl, automotive instructor. “Our students can step out of the college and into any automotive shop with the skills and knowledge needed for top-level performance.”

AUTOMOTIVE LAB When a student enters the automotive program, they learn how to work on various types of vehicles and complete automotive repairs ranging from engine to chassis to tires. The lab has six bays with three twopost and three four-post lifts. Two of the lifts are drive-on alignment racks providing students with hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment. There is an area set up for the complete tear-down of a vehicle that includes all the tools the TownePost.com | February 2024 | 7

the questions,” said Ike Gonzales, industrial technology instructor. The she-shed is auctioned off each semester when finished, to help with material costs for the Building Construction courses. CDL LAB While the newly created CDL program is located at the Advanced Technology Center, this non-credit program is not part of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science. It is a collaboration between the Muncie/Henry County, Marion, and Anderson campuses, and community partners Jones Brothers Trucking, Carter Express, and Hogan Trucking. The lab is located in the parking lot at the Advanced Technology Center. Students are given hands-on training in driving tractor trailers.

older furnaces and air conditioners, as well as cutting-edge equipment that meets new Department of Energy guidelines. Units in the lab include gas furnaces, electric furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, geothermal units, and a full sheet-metal lab for the duct fabrication course. Every course includes lab activities that challenge students to disassemble, diagnose, test efficiency and test refrigerant charge in the units. Students learn the difference between old and new refrigerants, as well as their impact on the environment. The most recent addition to the lab is a variety of “mini split” heat pumps. This type of heat pump is becoming popular across the United States and is used in the advanced heat pumps course.

Technology program, the space presented at local manufacturer is a tool room.

“My favorite part of the Tool Room is when a student writes a program for a CNC [computer numerical control] machine, and seeing their look of accomplishment when they see the finished part, and students having the opportunity to operate manual machines and CNC machines,” said Instructor Tom Priddy. “This can determine what pathway is best for them in the machine tool trades.”

The HVAC program achieved the HVAC Excellence Programmatic Accreditation in April. This accreditation verifies that an HVAC program meets established standards HEATING, VENTILATION, AND required to prepare students for successful, The Tool Room contains four manual AIR CONDITIONING LAB entry-level positions in the HVAC industry. vertical mills, four manual engine mills, The HVAC lab introduces students to two Haas CNC mills, a Haas tool room the field of heating, ventilation and air CNC lathe, and a Haas CNC turret lathe. MACHINE TOOL ROOM conditioning. The lab was designed during Students use all these machines for handsthe conception of the Advanced Technology For Ivy Tech, this space acts as a lab, but on learning to prepare them for careers as Center with input from stakeholders. Due to it is called a Tool Room. This is due to tool makers, machinists, CNC operators this collaboration, the lab space fits the fact that when a student graduates and CNC programmers. The Ivy Tech Tool the HVAC course structure. from the Machine Tool Room mimics a real tool room as closely as Students learn Priddy can make it. firsthand with

8 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

MECHATRONICS Mechatronics is the multidisciplinary field that involves skill sets required in contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing. It combines computer science, mechanical technology, electrical technology, and control-systems technology. The labs at Ivy Tech use the same equipment that industry facilities use in manufacturing and distribution, providing students with hands-on experience with the same equipment they will use in their careers. Ivy Tech instructors have real-world industry experience, and use the equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting with the most common and uncommon faults seen on the job. “The best part of this program is the setup and maintenance aspect of our equipment,” said Brandon Gonzales, department chair for the Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology program. “For instance, the instructor can simulate damage and errors in the lab equipment, providing the students extra training for real-world scenarios.”

controllers, robots, and other industrial software. As with all the labs, the robots can be programmed with faults to train students how to use electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills. Over the course of the program, students learn how to diagnose, repair, test, and return to service failed components.

located across the drive. In April, Ivy Tech completed a 12-week skills training class at the MACC for metal inert gas welding. The class had six students enrolled, and they attended a rigorous, condensed version of the three classes that would allow them to take the physical welding test. There was a 100% pass rate on the qualification test. “All the students achieved their qualification by the end of the 12-week term,” said David Jones, faculty instructor for Welding Technology. “I have been here going on five years now and this is my first 100% rate for testing.”

WELDING LAB

The welding lab provides 20 welding booths, a virtual welder, a demonstration table, and welders. Students gain hands-on experience in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding, learning how to create different types of welds and how they work on different types of materials. When a student enrolls in the full associate degree program, they are ROBOTICS LAB taught how to read blueprints, set up the The robotics lab at the Advanced machines and use them for the different Technology Center includes state-of-the-art processes, and get opportunities to take a industrial FANUC robots. The FANUC weld test to earn their American Welding robotics system is the primary brand used in Society qualification. They learn more about the Delaware County community, providing the processes, setups and materials than students with training on the same those who do the certification and technical equipment they will use in their careers. certification courses. Students learn how to design, program and troubleshoot computers, In addition to providing education in programmable logic advanced manufacturing, the location supports the Muncie Area Career Center (MACC),

To learn more about the Advanced Technology Center and the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science, visit online at ivytech.edu/ muncie, email askmuncie@ivytech.edu, or call 765-289-2291, ext. 1232. About Ivy Tech Community College Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The college provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.

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How Sweet It Is THE SWEET SHOP SERVES UP SCRUMPTIOUS AND SURPRISINGLY HEALTHY OPTIONS Writer & Photographer / Alyson Madsen

Listening to his daughter has paid off for Muncie restaurateur Jeff Carrigan. Fifteen-year-old Emma convinced her dad to offer açai bowls and smoothies after indulging in them while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since their introduction to Muncie last November, these healthy choices comprise about 50% of the orders at The Sweet Shop, adjacent to Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders.

The smoothies are like none other in Muncie. Made with 100% fruit with no added sugar, they are all natural, non-GMO and teeming with antioxidants. Options include the Harvest Greens and Detox, a blend of kale, spinach and fruits, in addition to the Blooming Berry, a mixture of berries, açai, and the superfood goji.

“Sometimes we forget we still sell ice cream,” says Carrigan, who also offers at least one daily flavor of vegan ice cream. For those who choose to throw caution to What sets these options apart from more the wind, homemade cookies, ice cream generous and reasonably priced at $6.95. decadent offerings? sandwiches, and Hershey’s ice cream always “Customers often split these with a friend or await. Açai (pronounced “a SIGH ee”) comes from take the rest home for later,” says longtime a dark purple berry found in the Amazon With The Sweet Shop right next door to employee Danielle Knodel, a Yorktown rain forest. Loaded with antioxidants, and Mancino’s, customers can enjoy lunch or student who often eats one for dinner. both dairy and vegan friendly, it has found dinner on one side and a fun dessert on the its way into the western world. other. “People are discovering açai for the first time when they come here,” explains “My first thought when I sampled an açai “Mancino’s is definitely the full-meal deal,” Carrigan. bowl was that it tasted like dessert - no way says Carrigan. it could be healthy!” says Carrigan. Some health-conscious customers stop in Mancino’s Sweet Shop is located at 4104 after a workout at the Y, appreciating its The PB&A bowl comes with peanut butter digestive and immunity-building properties. West Bethel Avenue in Muncie. For more and açai, layered with fresh bananas, information, visit mancinosmuncie.com Others just love it for its taste. Options strawberries, gluten-free granola and honey, include the standard bowls or build-youror contact them directly at 765-287-1300. and the Coconut Sorbetto is piled high You can also visit their Facebook page @ own concoctions. with fresh fruits and granola. Servings are MancinosofMuncie. 12 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

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SWEAT IT OUT THE ARSENAL EQUIPS CLIENTS WITH THE MEANS TO IMPROVE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY

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ou can instantly become an athlete by walking through the doors of The Arsenal. It doesn’t matter if you’re overweight, out of shape, or if it’s been years since you played on a sports team (or never did). You’re seen as an athlete by the coaches at The Arsenal. “Our purpose is to create a world where being fit is normal,” says BJ McKay, cofounder and owner of The Arsenal and Ball State graduate. “We do this through a variety of programs for all ages, from kids starting at age 9 all the way up to the most advanced senior citizens.” McKay leads a team of coaches who partner with each athlete-client to create the best version of themselves. “We use a proven, four-step process,” he says. “First, we do assessment and goalsetting. Second, we build meaningful milestones to measure success. Third is onboarding and accountability, and fourth, we do targeted training and development. “Our largest service is CrossFit,” says Emily Martin, coach director of operations, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State. CrossFit uses constantly varied, functional movements, done at a high intensity. “Every person’s high intensity is 16 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

relative to them and can be defined as just hard work,” Martin adds. During COVID-19 lockdowns, when exercise facilities weren’t allowed to open, McKay says they learned to be resilient. That’s when Head Coach Eric Van Matre, a Ball State grad, created 32Fit. This online video program consists of six strength and conditioning videos, one for each day of the week with one day for rest, that can be done in an 8-by-8-foot space. “In June we started offering our longevity program geared to individuals age 55 and above,” Martin says. “It’s been a big hit. It’s been amazing seeing the health changes - for example, people being taken off of some medications.” “For a lot of people, the older you get, your pill box tends to get a lot bigger, whereas your limitations tend to increase,” McKay says. “That’s what our longevity class is meant to remedy.” The program uses some strategies developed by Dr. Peter Attia, author of “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity.” Plus, Nutritionist and Coach Veronica Russell offers a program combining nutrition information, coaching and accountability. The Arsenal also develops workplace

wellness and fitness consulting for companies. “I ask owners, CEOs and human resources managers, ‘Would it be better if your people had more energy - more productive and more self-motivated?’” says McKay, who is also a senior leadership consultant. “We have programs they can install in their organization.” It can be intimidating for someone to start a fitness program and learn how to do repetitions of exercises, or “reps,” and continue going once they join. “When someone shows up at a class, I tell them they just did the most important rep,” McKay says. “You pulled on that door handle and came in here! During onboarding we get them comfortable not only with the gym itself and what clothes they wear, but also the vernacular, the terms we use. We get on their level, listen and help them understand that everyone’s got a starting point.” The Arsenal Fitness/Muncie CrossFit is located at 210 East Centennial Avenue in Muncie. You can contact them by calling Martin at 260-705-7776, and visit them online at arsenalfitness.com for more information.

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Let’s Cover It KURT KRAMER OF KRAMER INSURANCE TALKS COVERAGE FOR THOSE OVER 40 Writer / Jerry Winans Photographer / Alyson Madsen

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n 1991, Kurt Kramer earned a teaching degree from Ball State University, when there weren’t many available teaching or coaching jobs near Muncie. Then, a fellow teaching student who was working as an insurance agent introduced him to his employer.

A client in their 40s may have life insurance as an employer benefit, but if the person loses their job or retires at age 65 or earlier, that benefit ends. Life insurance costs significantly more for someone over 60 than if the policy started when the person was in their 40s.

“I thought, ‘Well, worst-case scenario, I’ll sell insurance for a while until teaching jobs open up, then I’ll be a teacher,’” Kramer says. “I just never left the insurance business.”

“Age 40 or younger is a perfect time to purchase a 30-year convertible term policy that stays in force for 30 years,” Kramer says. “When the person is 70, it becomes an annual renewable term policy. Around age 50, the person should look at converting part of that policy into whole life or universal, and build cash value.”

Today he is principal agent and owner of Kramer Insurance in Muncie. In July 2024 he’ll celebrate 30 years in insurance.

After life insurance, Kramer recommends “My best advice is for clients to build a focusing on home and auto insurance. For relationship with their insurance agent,” homeowners, he stresses the importance Kramer says. “Having a relationship makes it of liability and property damage coverage. a lot easier to call with questions than those For auto insurance, he recommends full folks who want to just jump around looking coverage including comprehensive coverage for a cheaper price.” and collision coverage, plus an umbrella policy to cover a client’s assets. “It goes Many of his clients are in their 40s or older. over the top of your home liability and your Kramer shows them how to protect their auto liability,” Kramer says. He suggests financial assets with several insurance coverage for scheduled items like jewelry, policies: life, home, auto, and liability for gun collections, or collectibles like baseball small-business owners. cards. 20 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

If a client owns a small business, Kramer recommends general liability insurance, property insurance and umbrella coverage. “As a small-business owner, you’re a target for lawsuits,” Kramer says. In winter, some homeowners learn the hard way that snow and ice damage may not be covered by standard home insurance. A home may qualify for a comprehensive peril policy, which is the most coverage available. “It covers the home if we get five feet of snow and the roof collapses, or you have an ice-damaging situation and water comes back through your roof,” Kramer says. Kramer’s most famous employee on Facebook is his marketing manager, a 7-year-old pug dog Named Reggie. “Reggie posts on his own page,” Kramer says. “Sometimes I’ll get into funny conversations with Reggie in the comments.” Kramer Insurance is located at 3612 North Wheeling Avenue in Muncie. You can contact them by calling 765-896-8852, and visit kramerinsuresit.com for more information.

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STRIKING SUCCESS

JACK SURFACE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP BOWLING TOURNAMENT ENTERS THIRD YEAR OF SUPPORTING TRADE EDUCATION Writer / Jennifer Criss Photography Provided

Planning for the third annual Jack Surface Memorial Scholarship Bowling Tournament is currently underway. The nonprofit organization H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Every Day) in Delaware County is organizing the fundraiser with the assistance of local sponsors, including Midas, their major supporter. The fundraiser aims to raise money for scholarships to support community members in trade industries 22 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

such as automotive, plumbing, electrical, construction, HVAC and cosmetology. The fundraiser, named in honor of the late Jack Surface who passed away in 2021, reflects Surface’s personal philosophy of giving back to the community. Surface was the owner of two Midas franchises, one in Anderson and one in Muncie, and was committed to contributing to

his community in any way possible. He supported several organizations such as First Choice for Women, A Better Way, Second Harvest Food Bank, the Muncie Mission, and local sports organizations, among others. He was also actively involved in the 100 Men Who Cook event, which he held in high regard. Surface understood the value of learning a

trade in his decades of working with Midas, growing his business and developing his employees. He often assisted those around him in going back to school to learn a trade, and it was important to him to support this effort. He started as a technician at Midas and worked his way up through the ranks. Just when some would have retired, he decided to buy the Muncie store in 2011, and the Anderson store in 2015. After his passing, his daughter, Jackiy Farmer, and son-in-law, Marshall Farmer, took ownership of the Muncie and Anderson Midas franchises. They have been working diligently to keep the business in the family, maintain its high service standards, and carry on the tradition of giving back to the communities they serve. They continue to be major supporters of the fundraisers that meant a lot to Surface, and continue to honor him in that way. “We didn’t know how magical he truly was until after his passing,” said Jackiy. “It’s been an incredible journey over the last few years. People have really come out of the woodwork telling us all the things he did and how special he was to them. It’s been truly special to find out what he meant to this community.” Over the past three years, the Jack Surface Memorial Scholarship program has raised funds to help send students to local trade schools. Each year, deserving candidates are selected from the applications submitted to receive a scholarship of $1,500 towards their training. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have resided in Delaware County for at least one year, and intend to stay in the area after their graduation. Additionally, they must be enrolled in a trade school that specializes in one of the specified fields. Another stipulation is that they, too, must commit to serving their communities by joining a community growth initiative or volunteer opportunity. This initiative aims to support, develop and retain local talent in the Delaware County community, and also builds on a spirit of giving back that was so important to Surface.

group comprised of local entrepreneurs and like-minded community members. It was cofounded in 2020 by Jack Surface, Tina Black and Lisa Buckner, and has grown a great deal since. In addition to the Jack Surface Memorial Scholarship fundraiser, they also hold golf events, charity auctions and various other community outreach endeavors. They work all year long to fill gaps and assist wherever help is needed, such as collecting food and blankets for the unhoused and gathering diapers and baby items for First Choice for Women. Just this fall they were able to feed 44 individual families for Thanksgiving. “Jack was always the first person to step up and help someone in need,” said H.O.P.E Board President Dustin Clark. “He felt like he’d done well for himself but recognized that things may not be so easy for others. He believed in second chances and giving folks a helping hand if they needed it.” Clark said he can recall several instances where Surface dug into his own pocket to buy tools or other items for those around him. “He turned lives around, one person at a time,” said Clark. “It’s just been a blessing to have Jack’s family still so heavily involved.” Marshall Farmer is now an active member of H.O.P.E. “I know I can never fill Jack’s shoes, but it is an honor to represent him and represent this company,” said Marshall. “Midas was not just a job to him. It was also an avenue to serve and help others. He treated everyone he met as if they were the most important person in the world. It’s just an honor to follow in his footsteps in that way.” Surface also created a H.O.P.E. for Madison County organization shortly before he passed away, once again trying to spread his spirit of giving into the communities that meant so much to him. To apply for the Jack Surface Memorial Scholarship, email hopedelco@gmail.com and request an application. The submission deadline is March 31.

H.O.P.E. in Delaware County is a nonprofit TownePost.com | February 2024 | 23

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE 4

C R

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A M E E D A J D E R

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SOLUTIONS ACROSS

1. Cooking vessel 4. Cause of trembling 8. Groundless 12. Ram’s ma’am 13. Tie up 14. Junk in the box? 15. Provided 17. Color for the tickled 18. Kind of ad 19. Isn’t serious 20. “Cast Away” setting 23. Rope fiber 25. Labors 27. Knave 28. Chem class 31. Ready for shipping 33. Academic’s achievement

35. Any boat 36. Celebrity, briefly 38. Alphabetizes, e.g. 39. Fragrant wood 41. Grant 42. Loser to Lewis 45. Domestic 47. Foreign dignitary 48. Medal contender 52. Adolescent development 53. Cartoonist’s supplies 54. Pro 55. ___ to riches 56. Function 57. Hardly extroverted

24 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

DOWN

1. Pricing word 2. What borrowers do 3. Gymnastics ideal 4. Hopper 5. Takes in 6. Sour 7. Danger signal 8. Drive forward 9. Keynoter’s spot 10. It’s picked from pockets 11. Lodge fellows 16. Live in the past? 19. Wears out 20. Yen 21. Miffed 22. Make-up artist? 24. Emulated Jack Horner

26. Evening hour 28. Angler’s attachment 29. Liberal pursuits 30. Top 32. “___ not!” 34. Romance, e.g. 37. Copper finish 39. Hearts 40. Military standings 42. Eye drop? 43. Pantomimed disco title 44. Do a number 46. Halloween purchase 48. In shape 49. Possibilities 50. Mi, fah, ___, lah 51. Really test

EIGHT TIPS TO CREATE A FUNCTIONAL HOME OFFICE SPACE Writer / Lindsey Thompson Photography Provided

It’s a castle, a sanctuary and a place to rest. It’s where meals are shared and memories are made. Home is a place to sleep, eat and play, but for many, home is also a place to work. According to a survey done by Global Workplace Analytics, the number of people working from home has grown 91% in the last 10 years. As work-from-home jobs become more common, many people are looking for ways to turn their homes into functional working spaces. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a lot of money or a lot of space to create an effective home office. Check your company’s policies Before you set up your home office, check to see what costs your company will cover. Depending on the company, you could get everything from the furniture to the internet covered. Keep receipts for anything that you purchase yourself. The federal government allows taxpayers to take deductions for home offices, whether you’re a homeowner or a renter.

START WITH THE BASICS

ORGANIZE YOUR SPACE

When putting together a home office, you’ll want to start with a desk or a table. This is where you’ll spend the majority of your day, so you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable. Invest in an ergonomic chair that offers proper lumbar support, or use pillows to create your own lumbar support. Take plenty of breaks during the day to stand up, walk around and stretch your muscles.

Be sure your desk has enough room for your computer, as well as your mouse and keyboard if you use those. You’ll also want a spot for pens, pencils, notepads and whatever other office supplies you use on a regular basis. Store these in a desk drawer to keep everything organized. You can also use decorative baskets or boxes to keep things handy and tidy if you don’t have drawers.

Employees who see clients or colleagues at home should provide comfortable seating for those visitors. Check out Facebook, Craigslist and other web sites for inexpensive options for desks, chairs and office decor.

To tame all those computer cables, phone chargers and other cords, purchase fabric cord covers or cord storage boxes to keep everything hidden but accessible. Bookshelves provide plenty of additional storage, or use floating shelves if you’re tight on space. Bulletin boards and dry-erase boards don’t take up a lot of space, and give you a spot for notes and important documents.

For an even healthier option, purchase a standing desk and avoid sitting altogether. Studies have found that sitting too long during the day can increase your risk of dementia, diabetes and anxiety, among other issues. If a standing desk isn’t in your budget, you can make your own using books, or build a simple one with inexpensive plywood.

TownePost.com | February 2024 | 25

PICK THE RIGHT SPOT If you don’t already have a dedicated home office or extra bedroom in your home, find a spot away from traffic and noise if you’re easily distracted. If you thrive on noise and activity, nearly anywhere in your home will make a good home office space. Either way, you’ll want to be sure your office space affords you enough privacy for phone calls or online meetings. Working on a computer without proper lighting can cause eye strain and headaches. If the space is dark or doesn’t have any windows, find a lamp or two for soft, natural light. It doesn’t hurt to have a window that gives you some natural light, fresh air and a view of something other than your computer screen.

INVEST IN A QUALITY PHONE AND RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTION Sometimes your company will cover phone and internet costs for your home. If not, check your current packages to be sure you have enough bandwidth to be able to do your job effectively. PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE Make your office space your own with pictures, art and other decorations that inspire you, make you happy and remind you why you’re working in the first place. Put up family photos, paint the room a color you love, or bring in a little of your personal style with window coverings, pillows and rugs. SET EXPECTATIONS Once your space is all set up and you’re ready to work from home, set expectations for yourself, your employer and your family. Just because you’re able to work from home doesn’t mean you should be on the clock 24/7. Make

26 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

time for breaks during the day and set office hours, just as you would when working in an office. Let your family know if your home office is off limits during the workday or if you’ll just need specific times for peace, quiet and privacy. SHARING A SPACE Sometimes more than one person in the household has the opportunity to work from home. You can create two separate work spaces, or create one space that two people can utilize. When sharing an office space, think creatively to maximize space. Instead of two desks, share a large table. Have designated storage areas for each person’s work items and office supplies. If possible, share a printer, fax machine and any other bulky items to save on space. Your home office is where you get business done, but it should also be comfortable so that you actually want to spend time there working. Regardless of your budget or space constraints, you can create a functional home office space with a little creativity and planning.

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BOOMING BUSINESS CHAMPIONING THE NEXT GENERATION OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS AT BALL STATE’S MILLER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Writer / Aimee MacArthur Photography Provided

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all State University is known for its talented and engaged students, challenging programs, and commitment to intellectual curiosity, innovation and diversity. The university welcomed Cathy DuBois, Ph.D. in July 2023 as the Bryan Dean of the Miller College of Business. DuBois brings a wealth of skills, years of mentoring, teaching and managerial expertise, and an extensive research background to the college. She is thrilled to be at Ball State University. “It’s just been delightful,” she says. “I’ve so enjoyed being here because of a number of things. First of all, I really resonate with the mission and values of the university. They were exactly what I was looking for. Helping students connect with their purpose so they can find a fulfilling career and a meaningful life that’s profound.” DuBois is proud of what the Miller College of Business has built to attract and mentor students, and plans to allow for more growth. She dove into her busy role and met with faculty to hear ideas for new courses. Each working day is different for DuBois. Sometimes she spends her days in meetings, dealing with student, faculty or program matters, or meeting with employers to make sure the Miller College of Business has a strong presence. Her role as dean includes travel and she embraces the many opportunities she has to continue to help attract talented faculty, students and employers. DuBois loves the variety in her role and engagement with her faculty. “The caliber of people I get to work with, they are just experts,” DuBois says.“They’re just so excellent and there’s so much joy. We love what we do. It’s a great place.” The university leaders care about the students and recognize some of the critical

30 | February 2024 | TownePost.com

the business world and researching business trends, to make sure the curriculum is engaging and inspiring. The college also relies on its advisory boards, which are staffed by highly successful business professionals who review the curriculum and make sure it is challenging and

needs facing students worldwide. They want to make sure the curriculum and the university support students’ mental health and well-being. “Ball State University is doing a great job at addressing some of the mental health needs that students have now,” DuBois says. “Student anxiety is much greater everywhere, not just Ball State, but at all universities. There’s a whole lot that the university is offering and the college is building upon that strong base.”

forward-thinking.

The Miller College of Business offers programs such as the Office of Student Success and Engagement that help support first-time freshmen on their learning journey. There is also a professional development program named SOAR that mentors students in their first three years of undergraduate studies.

DuBois says the university has done a fabulous job through the years of staying connected with alumni, who are doing amazing and impressive work in business worldwide. DuBois sees a lot of growth for the future and is thrilled to be a part of it.

The Miller College of Business attracts thousands of students to its undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs. The most popular undergraduate program is business administration, which encompasses a variety of business knowledge and skills. The most popular graduate program is the Master of Business Administration (MBA), which has been ranked in the top 20 online MBA programs for the last decade by U.S. News & World Report. The Miller College of Business stays ahead of business trends with its talented and hard-working faculty. The faculty balances busy teaching schedules with consulting in

One of the unique experiences offered to business students is Dialogue Days, which takes place during two days in October. Students attend two back-to-back days of panels led by over 100 professionals and alumni. It is an opportunity for students to learn about a variety of real-world business topics and to network and interact with alumni.

“The Miller College of Business is in a really strong position right now,” she says. “We have a really strong base of students. Our increase in first-time, full-time freshmen last year was even higher than the university’s overall increase. We’re doing really well attracting students. We have fabulous programs and faculty.” For more information on undergraduate and graduate programs, or to arrange a visit, check out bsu.edu/academics/ collegesanddepartments/mcob or call 765-285-8192. You can also follow the Miller College of Business on Instagram @MillerCollege or on Facebook @ MillerBusiness.

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