BJ’s Wholesale Club has opened its newest location right here in Noblesville – and it’s the very first one in Indiana!
New to Noblesville, BJ’s Wholesale Club is located at 13210 Tegler Drive, Noblesville, IN 46060. At BJ’s, members can find a wide variety of products from fresh produce and pantry items to electronics, seasonal decor, and everything in between. With all the amazing membership perks, it’s no wonder why members trust BJ’s for all their family’s essentials, all in a one-stop shop.
Having a BJ’s membership gives you access to both national as well as exclusive BJ’s brands at an unbeatable value. Every day, members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices. Plus, BJ’s allows you to shop YOUR way. With convenient shopping options like curbside pickup, in-club pickup, same-day delivery, and ship-to-home from BJs.com or the BJ’s mobile app, members can choose what works best for them. If you prefer to shop in-club, you can easily use the BJ’s mobile app to access the ExpressPay – a service that allows members to scan products as they shop and skip the checkout line at the end of each trip, helping to save time and money. At BJ’s, members will also find the option to stack savings by using BJ’s coupons on top of manufacturers’ coupons - a perk you won’t find at any other wholesale club!
At BJ’s newest club location in Noblesville, members even have access to an on-site gas station that offers quality gasoline at unbeatable prices. Plus, through BJ’s Fuel Saver Program, members can save even more by getting 10¢ off per gallon with the purchase of eligible items when shopping in-club or online at BJs.com or the BJ’s mobile app. At BJ’s Gas, members will find modern and thoughtfully designed facilities and equipment. Every location is designed to help members reach their destinations faster by offering one-way lanes equipped with extra-long dispensers so that members can fuel up from either side of their vehicle.
At BJ’s Wholesale Club, members will also find BJ’s exclusive brands: Berkley Jensen and Wellsley Farms. Shop Berkley Jensen to find a wide assortment of highquality products ranging from household essentials and paper products to health and beauty and home office necessities. And shop Wellsley Farms to fill your pantry with your family’s favorites and most-loved fresh food items. Wellsley Farms offers the perfect variety for all your weekly grocery shopping trips and guarantees that members will find outstanding quality at amazing prices.
Purchase a 1-year BJ’s Inner Circle
Membership or a BJ’s Perks Rewards
Membership in-club at the brand-new Noblesville location or visit BJs.com/ Noblesville to purchase online. New members can try BJ’s risk free with a 100% money-back guaranteed membership. Check out your neighborhood’s brand-new location in Noblesville and don’t wait to start saving!
13210 TeglerFor advertising information, contact:
PUBLISHER
BRANDON BALTZ
317.514.9522Brandon@townepost.com
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
FOUNDER/CEO
TOM BRITT
317.496.3599tom@townepost.com
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT 317.810.0011jeanne@townepost.com
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
ERIN TURK
DIRECTOR OF
JOSH BROWN
CREATIVE
TONI EADS AUSTIN
COPY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™
BJ’s Wholesale Club
HOUSE 304
Fashion Runs in the Family for Mom & Two Daughters
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™ Hamilton County Tourism
REACHING HIGH Women in Noblesville Organization Continues to Build Connections and Friendships
IU HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
SPOTLIGHT ON ART
Upcoming Fundraiser to Showcase Local Art and Benefit Children’s Causes
Fling Bungee Fitness Presents a Different - and Effective - Exercise Experience
Kelley Stacy Shares Her Journey to Becoming President and CEO of SMC Corporation of America
SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT
Kristi Lee Named to 2022 Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame
WORKING OUT WELL
Casey Wright Has Built an Empire of Fitness and Fun
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Kate Boice
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
Noblesville Chamber of Commerce
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038
Phone/Text: 317-810-0011
FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT
THE DRIVE TO EXCEL
Kathy Martin Harrison Goes Full Throttle in the Auto Industry
ALLI DONOVAN BRIAN BROSMER JUBILEE EDGELL GIBSON
Fashion is a passion and a creative outlet for Dawn Dickey and her two daughters, Lauren Slevin and Jessica Wood. The three women had a dream to open their own boutique store that allowed them to pursue this love for fashion. Thus, their boutique, House 304, was Houseborn.
304 is an online boutique that offers a variety of clothing that is inclusive and trendy for an everyday woman. The boutique focuses around Dawn, Lauren, and Jessica’s own personal style, each of which are very different. Plus, the family is taking advantage of the opportunity where their age group is underrepresented by other fashion stores.
“The three of us have a love for clothes and for fashion, but we felt
as though our age group was underrepresented. So, we decided to focus our articles of clothing around the 35-60 age range,” Lauren
fulfilling inventory for the store, Lauren, Jessica and Dawn like to pick pieces that they each personally could see on themselves – for full-time, working moms who have a love for fashion. Lauren loves glam, glitter and very distinguishable pieces. While, her sister, Jessica, enjoys pieces that are more conventional, trendy outfits. Their mother, Dawn Dickey, loves edgy-styled clothing. House 304 addresses all of these styles plus so much more.
Lauren, Jessica and Dawn have started from the ground up on this business. Launching in June of 2022, the three women do everything from selecting the clothing through market, to taking photography for the website, to shipping the orders out themselves. RUNS IN THE FAMILY FOR MOM & TWO DAUGHTERS
“We’ve personally dropped orders off at houses and picked returns up if they haven’t fit someone,” Slevin says. “I think that’s why we are unique. We have gone above and beyond for our customers. We want to build that trust with our audience.”
From trendy concert shirts to fun, fashion sneakers, House 304 allows women to be able to express themselves creatively and confidently through their fashion. The three owners hope to make all women feel confident, valued and beautiful in the handselected pieces they sell.
“I like to follow the rule - you love it, wear it,” Jessica says. “One of the ideas behind us developing this business was to empower women to buy the clothing that speaks to them, not what society or age or anyone tells them to wear.”
Although the store is only online as of now, there are opportunities for private events. The women have an office space that has room to host “Shop by Appointments,” private events, or Housesip-n-shops.304is
on social media. The boutique is on Facebook (House 304) and on Instagram (@shophouse304). You can shop their wide variety of clothing online at shophouse304. com. If you have any questions, send them an email at contact@ shophouse304.com.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, making it the most common cancer in American women. In addition, one in 833 men in their lifetime will also be diagnosed. When a friend or family member is diagnosed, many of us feel helpless to know how to help. Here are a few ways you may support a loved one through this journey.
It may be difficult for your loved one to complete all the tasks of everyday life while undergoing treatment. Offer assistance with simple activities like gardening, grocery shopping, cooking, driving to and from appointments, or dropping kids off at school. These tasks may seem small individually but will allow daily life to continue uninterrupted.
Sharing the story of your “best friend’s cousin who had breast cancer” may only increase anxiety levels for your loved one. There are many forms of breast cancer, and each has a different treatment journey. A better approach may be to ask, “Did your doctor discuss why they recommend this treatment plan?” This also helps to serve as a review for your loved one because historically, people do not remember the majority of what they are told in the office.
Breast cancer can cause a person to go through a wide range of psychological and physical changes, which may cause immeasurable emotional distress. You can offer emotional support by being present without being asked. Do not just offer help once and expect them to call on you when they need something. Every person has different needs and certainly some people
are very private; however, a phone call or visit “just to check in” will let your loved one know you are available and you care.
Many patients tell us that once treatment was completed, friends expressed, “That is behind you and you can get back to normal life”. We must recognize that breast cancer causes lifetime changes. Each time a breast cancer survivor has a follow up exam, an imaging test, or even common aches and pains, the first thought is frequently, “Is it back?” Knowing that you understand and are there to support them may make all the difference.
The IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center offers several free support groups for patients, survivors and friends and family members. Visit iuhealth.org/classes-events to learn more.
Writer / Leslie Clark, nurse navigator at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel
Leslie Clark
“I attended an event when I was in Atlanta that inspired me,” Lakes says. “It was a large fundraising event showcasing local art and artists. Afterward, I thought it would be a wonderful way to raise money in Hamilton County for various organizations.”
Spotlight on Art benefits children through Prevail, the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, and the Children’s TherAplay Foundation. The open-house-style event is presented by Smith’s Jewelers, and will take place on November 10 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Lakes utilized her connections to find participating artists in various mediums including painting, textile, jewelry, woodworking and children’s artwork.
at each of the three organizations. There will also be a booth of artwork created by children attending three different elementary schools in Hamilton County.
“I know it sounds clichéd to say, but children are the future and we need to invest in them,” Lakes says. “It’s imperative to me to help those who face challenges in their young lives. I’ve been talking about doing this for the last three years. My friends finally told me just to do it. They’ve been a wonderful help in planning too.”
Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Daren ShortEsther Lakes retired last year but felt compelled to do something worthwhile with her time. She and her husband O’Dell are the former owners of Smith’s Jewelers in downtown Noblesville. Lakes had been considering planning and organizing an art event to benefit the Hamilton County community. With a gentle nudge from friends, she decided the time was right and got busy creating Spotlight on Art.
“My friend is an artist and she reached out to other artists in central Indiana,” Lakes says. “They were all happy to participate. They’re all award-winning, juried artists. Guests will have the opportunity to peruse and purchase artwork to benefit local children in the beautiful Hotel Carmichael
tickets are $50 and include entry to the event, wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Lakes says the funds from the event will go directly to children’s programs
Lakes says Hotel Carmichael exudes elegance and ambiance. She says it was an easy decision to hold her premier philanthropy event at the beautiful new hotel. She says she’s not talented in art in any way, but does appreciate the art world. She says Carmel has a well-planned focus on
“It’sart.taken a large committee of wonderfully talented people and a year of planning to pull off,” Lakes says. “I know it’s going to be a spectacular event and I’d love to expand it in the future.”
She says with a bit of support from many people, helping to enrich the lives of a
Esther Lakes
diverse groups of kids, it’s possible to make many dreams come true. She hopes other Hamilton County residents share her vision.
Artists include Beth Forst, Randall Scott Harden, Rena Brouwer, Deonna Craig, Steve Haight, Gabriel Lehman, Pam Newell, J. Rodney Reveal, Beth Clary Schwier, April Willy, Sylvia Gray, Kathy Saucier, Jill Duzan, Mark Lisota and Gino Johnson.
Lakes serves as chairman and founder of Spotlight on Art. She is also on several boards, all of which focus on supporting children, whether they suffer from sexual and domestic violence or a disability, or simply need homework help and a hot meal.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit php?slug=spotlightonart.wedoauctions.com/bidapp/index.
OF NOBLESVILLE
TOM & SONI SHEEHAN
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
As a child, Kristi Lee had no aspirations to work in radio. In fact, the only reason she signed up for a radio class was because a classmate at Ben Davis High School suggested she do so. That one decision altered the trajectory of her life.
“I got the bug,” says Lee, who credits one of her teachers, Dana Webb, for instilling confidence in her regarding her natural broadcasting skills. Webb told her she had
“Nobodytalent. had ever said anything like that to me before,” Lee says. “Teachers are so valuable because one good teacher can
That certainly was the case for Lee, who began her broadcast career the summer she turned 16, working at WNON in Lebanon. From there, she worked part time all through high school at WEIR, 1430 AM, which at the time was a country music
Beforestation.leaving for college, Webb suggested that Lee get her Federal Communications Commission license in order to make her more marketable. She did, and in 1980 her phone rang with a job offer from WRTV. She stayed there for six years, working her way up to technical director.
She began working part time on nights and weekends in 1982 at Q95, finishing her shift at 6 a.m., when “The Bob & Tom Show,” a top-rated morning program, was starting. When they decided to hire a news girl in 1987, Lee was the perfect choice, as she liked to banter with them as they chatted between their shifts. That was 35 years ago and she’s still going strong. Lee says she feels
Lee was chosen to be included in the 2022 Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame, an exciting and humbling honor.
“This recognition acknowledges that I’m not just a sidekick,” she says. “I’ve done all of these things.” Some people may not be aware of the extent of her accomplishments in the broadcast industry. Besides being a radio personality, she has also worked as a television engineer, TV anchor, and correspondent for ESPN and ESPN2. For a while she worked full-time at “The Bob & Tom Show,” then traveled on the weekends for ESPN, catching a flight to the east coast on Friday as soon as she got off the air and returning on Sunday. For two years, Lee also hosted a podcast called “Kristi Lee Uninterrupted.” Born with an unfailing
work ethic, she worked seven days a week, including holidays, until her two children were born (they are now 24 and 20).
“A lot of people think of me as the girl that gets made fun of on ‘The Bob & Tom Show,’” Lee says. “Believe me, it was a long, arduous journey to be that person they make fun of.”
In addition to her vast body of work, the Hall of Fame honor acknowledges her commitment to community involvement. She’s on the board at Ascension St. Vincent Foundation and the Indianapolis Zoo,
she volunteers at Second Helpings, she’s participated in countless golf outings, and she has hosted events for charity galas. She even participated in Hamilton County’s Dancing With Our Stars.
“It’s hard for me to say no,” she says.
Through the years she’s worked every shift imaginable. In her 20s she enjoyed working from 4 p.m. to midnight, because she could go straight from work to Broad Ripple to socialize. Working mornings, however, gave her time with her children in the evenings. Not that rising at 4 a.m. is always fun.
“I don’t ever see the sun come up on my way to work,” she says. “Unless I
Speakingoversleep.”of sleep, she averages about six hours of shut-eye each night.
She’s gotten to meet all sorts of cool people and celebrities including Dolly Parton, who came to “The Bob & Tom Show” when Lee was eight months
“Duringpregnant.the
break, Dolly was brainstorming baby names with me,” Lee says. “She was so sweet and acted like she’d known me my whole life.”
Lee also got to meet - and befriend - her teenage idol, Peter Frampton.
“He was one of the first concerts I ever saw,” she says. “I was 16 years old at Balboa Park in San Diego, and I fell in love with him the minute he walked on stage. Now we have each other’s phone numbers. We both have goldendoodles so we get them together to play sometimes. The fact that I can call Peter a friend is mind-blowing to me.”
In her free time Lee likes to read, garden, golf, travel and practice Pilates. Though she openly admits that she can’t cook worth a darn, she’s proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the life she’s “Honestly,lived.
as I look back on my life I wouldn’t change a thing,” Lee says. “Well, except maybe to tell myself to just relax and know that everything will work out in the end.”
Not that the end of her career is coming any time soon.
“I’ll keep doing this until Tom quits, and he’s got a 6-year-old if that tells you anything,” she says with a chuckle. “Seriously, there’s no reason to leave my job. I love going to work every day. My radio family is my life. Those are my people.”
Towne Post Special!
Proud Platinum Contractor of
Casey Wright never intended to create a gymnastics and athletic empire in Indianapolis when she purchased Wright’s Gymnastics from her parents in 2005. However, since then she’s expanded the small business with six local locations into a national brand.
“We started opening more Wright’s Gymnastics locations throughout Indianapolis, primarily to serve the community’s needs and provide more career opportunities to my staff,” Wright says. “I grew up in the gym. My parents were coaches and I was a coach, judge, manager and choreographer.”
As the new owner, Wright knew she needed to keep up with the needs of her clientele. As a mother of boys, she was looking for a gymnastics program that wasn’t gymnastics. She says there weren’t many offerings for
young boys with high energy levels at the time. She created NinjaZone in 2014.
“The curriculum is designed for young kids and is a fusion of gymnastics, obstaclecourse training, martial arts and parkour,” Wright says. “It’s great for a lifetime for character development, goal setting, coordination, athleticism and fitness. NinjaZone became such a local success that we began to license it. There are over 300 licensees around the world.”
In June, Wright’s 360 Movement Academy in Westfield opened as a corporate headquarters, gymnastics facility and preschool. Wright says including “360” in the name was significant for two reasons. She says the staff members are there primarily to create a well-rounded child.
“We’re not here to create an Olympic athlete,” Wright says. “We’re here for the everyday kid, to give them the most we can from a well-rounded athletic experience. A
Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided
Casey Wright
37,000 square feet, the building has more than enough room to house Wright’s 150 employees. Wright says her goal has always been to do what’s best for the children and her employees.
“The growth of the business is really about what the smart next move was for all of us,” Wright says. “My allegiance has always been to my staff, and helping them to succeed and achieve their goals. You have to be able to adapt quickly and capitalize on opportunities as they arise. I had to be able to give up control and hand off duties to people I trust.”
She also attributes her success and growth to the skills she learned as a coach. She says she was lucky to be in leadership positions, which led to her success in business. She says coaching provides practical experience and teaches people about themselves, communication skills and group management.
For more information including details on all locations, visit wrightsgymnastics.com.
360 in gymnastics is a complete flip or
Introducing Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center. A partnership that brings all the experience and treatment protocols of one of the country’s top cancer centers to Indiana.
A hallmark of our approach is multidisciplinary care. It means you’ll have a care team made up of specialists and subspecialists, each with expert knowledge in your specific type of cancer working together. There’s no better way to put together a treatment plan, and there’s no other place to get this level of care in the region.
Now, more than ever, we want you to remember that when you’re part of a community, you’re never alone.
Let’s start the journey together at eCommunity.com/cancer
Owner Ed Martin Automotive Group, Kathy Martin Harrison as
Women entrepreneurs like Kathy Martin Harrison are gaining power and influence, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries. As the owner and CEO of Ed Martin Automotive Group, Harrison succeeded her father, Ed Martin, and has established herself as an innovative thought Accordingleader.
to a 2019 article in Forbes magazine, “the momentum is growing for women-owned family businesses, having increased by 58% since 2007, and nearly 25% of family businesses are led by a woman CEO or president.” While the success rate is typically at 30% for second-generation business owners, Harrison is thriving.
Harrison has helped build the company into the largest woman-owned business in the Indianapolis area, with 9 dealerships representing 12 manufacturers in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Anderson.
Ed Martin Automotive Group was her father’s life and Harrison spent the better part of her childhood at the dealership. Harrison had her own plans after college, and worked in other careers before her father asked her to come into the business and succeed him when he was gone. Harrison joined him and never looked back.
“My father was my mentor and I knew he regarded his employees as family,” she says. “I made my father a promise in his final years that I would keep his legacy going. We had 500 employees and I didn’t want to let them down. We actually have 23 employees that have been with us for 35 years. We are really proud of that. What motivates and inspires me every day is my father and carrying on his legacy.”
Harrison has been committed to finding and creating opportunities for people to work for her company and in the automotive industry. She realized that many technicians were beginning to age out, so she decided
to be part of the solution. In addition to a partnership with the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, she established the Ed Martin Automotive Group Careers Training Center, to bring career opportunities to students. She then went a step further and invited academic counselors to come learn about the Harrisonprogram.
recently created a new partnership with Ivy Tech that will allow her to use a fully customized trailer, called the Dream Trailer, to help spread the word about auto careers. It will involve a realistic view of a day in the life of an auto body technician, and is expected to be operational by January of Thanks2023.to
her perseverance, ingenuity, and commitment made to her father to keep the business growing, the Ed Martin legacy is a vibrant and growing business that will be felt for generations.
Among many local charities and causes that the Harrisons support are the Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High School athletics programs. They recently presented a $500,000 check for the naming rights of their outdoor stadiums. (Photo by Darnell Scott)
FOR WOMEN WHO ARE CURRENTLY BUILDING A BUSINESS OR WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS, HARRISON THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:
1. Surround yourself with smart people who know more than you, because it is hard to run a business and you need a strong team.
2. Let your employees do their job. Don’t micromanage them.
3. Every single day, make customer satisfaction your number-one goal.
4. Follow the golden rule, and be kind to your employees. It’s not that hard.
5. Be passionate about what you do, and be all-in.
6. Support and give back to your community.
When the calendar turns to September, that means fall is nearly upon us. Picture it: crisp air, the crunch of leaves under your feet, and the trees showing off their seasonal colors. Find inspiration for your fall adventure with the top things to do this fall.
2. CHECK OUT THE FALL FUN AT CONNER PRAIRIE. Conner Prairie is a year-round family attraction, but it shines bright in the autumn months.
It isn’t fall without an apple cider slushie or pumpkin doughnut. Visit a local pumpkin patch and cider mill to stock up on fall treats, pick a pumpkin and enjoy familyfriendly activities. Locations include Stuckey Farm Orchard & Cider Mill, Spencer Farm, Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch and Fishers AgriPark.
Step into the story of historic Indiana and visit costumed interpreters in 1836 Prairietown or Civil War Journey to see what life was like in the Hoosier state. Climb to the top of the three-story treehouse at Treetop Outpost or ride the 1859 Balloon Voyage high in the sky for aerial views of central Indiana and the corn maze. In October, make plans to attend the Headless Horseman festival, complete with spooky (or not-so-spooky) hayrides. Plus, the popular Apple Store is open in September and October with delicious caramel apples and other goodies.
Put on your hiking shoes and don’t forget to pack a jacket. Strawtown Koteewi Park is an adventurer’s dream. Be ready to soar through the air at Edge Adventures, an outdoor treetop obstacle course with ziplines. Feeling a little less exercise is in order? Then try horseback riding at K-Trails Equestrian Adventures, learn archery at Koteewi Range or hike along more than 10 miles of trails. Make it an overnight adventure and reserve a spot at White River Campground, adjacent to the park.
You don’t want to miss fantastic fall festivals like Atlanta New Earth Festival (Sept. 24 – 25), Carmel International Arts Festival (Sept. 24 – 25) and Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival (Oct. 1). All have free admission and dozens of arts and crafts booths to browse. For more seasonal events, check out our calendar at visithamiltoncounty.com/events/.https://www.
Fall is the season of “leaf peeping,” the unofficial term used to describe travelers who seek out fall foliage to view and photograph. Some of the best local spots to see the changing colors are Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers, Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville and the Monon Trail.
What’s on your fall bucket list? Tag us in your fall adventures using #VisitHC, and follow @VisitHamiltonCo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Writer / Alli PhotographyDonovanProvided
Since 1935, the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce has served the business community and fostered a healthy economic climate in the city.
In 2015, the Chamber created an initiative for businesswomen in Noblesville, to build a network and connect with other women in the city. Thus the Women in Noblesville (WIN) group was formed.
“Our purpose is to connect, engage, and to educate businesswomen and leaders in Noblesville,” says Kathy Young, a WIN co-
WIN was first created as a weeklong event for women to engage with one another, the group has grown into its own organization within the Chamber itself. WIN centers around education, as mentioned in their mission statement. With this mission, the group hopes to not only gain more attendees at their events, but also funnel more women into the Chamber of
Neilia Brown and other leadership team members planned an exciting year for 2022. The theme surrounds mentorship, and growing the number of businesswomen leaders in WIN and the Chamber itself.
“Women in the workplace need mentors
and need allies,” Young says. “Whether you’re younger or more experienced, you have something to share and you have something to learn.” With the theme of mentorship, the group has been very intentional about their events and the topics they touch on.
A few of the WIN events include monthly Coffee & Connect events, a Book Club, an annual Leadership Luncheon, and the annual Wine & Wisdom event in September. Additionally, after seven years of growth within the community, WIN leaders wanted to develop a way to recognize women in the community who were making an impact. They created a Woman of Impact award within the Chamber. The individual who earns this award must live or work in Noblesville. 2022 was the first year for the annual award, and the committee received 31
“Overall,submissions.wehope
for our attendees to not only build connections, but to build friendships,” Brown says. “That’s the type of relationship we want to encourage in WIN.”
WIN is hosting Coffee & Connect events for the remainder of the year. If you are interested in attending and meeting the women of this organization, you can register for their events online at noblesvillechamber.com/events. To find out more about the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, visit noblesvillechamber.com or email info@noblesvillechamber.com.
“Let’s start a fling,” Karrie Lacina suggests.
To clarify, Lacina means flinging into her new Noblesville fitness studio, Fling Bungee FlingFitness.Bungee
Fitness offers a unique fitness experience. Participants wear a harness
attached to a fitness cord. The cords, mounted to the ceiling, give assistance and resistance that work on both endurance and strength. Fling Bungee Fitness provides a low-impact, high-energy cardio workout with minimal impact on the joints and body.
“It looks easy, but everyone is covered in sweat,” Lacina says. “It’s a great workout, and you forget you are working out.”
Fling Bungee Fitness provides an array of class offerings including traditional bungee, low-impact trampoline, bootcamp, highintensity interval training (HIIT), and yoga. For those new to the studio, the Intro to Bungee class is a prerequisite and delivers an introduction to the bungee and harness. Lacina plans to expand class options in the future and offer all kinds of fitness classes under one roof.
Those 14 years and older are eligible to join a Fling Bungee Fitness class. Participants need to weigh between 90 and 240 pounds. Pregnant women and those recovering from a recent surgery should refrain from bungee classes. Lacina says attendees need to show up on time to get properly harnessed before class
in attending a class can purchase one single class, class packages or
has always been into fitness, but she got bored easily with other workouts. She stumbled upon a bungee fitness class on Facebook and she was captivated. Lacina went through the yearlong training and certification process for bungee fitness. Then, she found studio space in Noblesville and reconfigured the building to accommodate her studio needs.
The redesigned area now includes studio space, a bar filled with protein and energy drinks, healthy snacks and coffee, and restrooms with shower facilities.
Nicole McCloud has been attending Fling Bungee Fitness since its opening. McCloud says she did not exercise for 13 years, and she was looking for a workout that didn’t seem like a chore. She stumbled upon Fling Bungee Fitness on Facebook and tried a class.
“I was hooked from day one,” McCloud says. “You definitely don’t feel intimidated by the classes once you get in there and try it out. They want you to feel comfortable and enjoy the class, and they want you to want to come back.”
Wendy Bodenhorn has been working out at Fling Bungee Fitness for more than a month. She also expresses delight over her workouts at the studio.
“What I like about the classes is being in the bungee itself,” Bodenhorn says. “The bungees make it fun. I like the low impact on my joints, and it is also great cardio. I like the HIIT classes that also have weights used with the bungee.”
Fling Bungee Fitness is located at 14640 Herriman Boulevard in Noblesville. For more information on the studio and classes, call 317-646-1988 or go to flingbungeefitness.com.
Pam Niccum, Heather Graham, Karrie Lacina, Shannon Belcher and Alicia PayneKelley Stacy, president and CEO of SMC Corporation of America, is a prime example of how hard work, personal sacrifice and a willingness to speak up can lead to big
Thethings.Japanese-owned company has been working tirelessly to build a culture that values women, families and relationships. Now, with Stacy at the helm, the culture at the facility, which spans 2.6 million square feet on 345 acres in Noblesville, is accelerating that charge.
In 1994 Stacy left her job as a court reporter during her first pregnancy and, in search of new opportunities for her growing family, applied at SMC in a small office near the Indianapolis airport.
“I was looking for something temporarily and I was not familiar with the Japanese culture at all,” Stacy says. “I walked into the front lobby, and the general manager at the time spoke to me for a minute and hired me on the spot, never leaving the lobby area. On my first day I walked into a huge room with desks set up like a schoolroom and cords all over the floor with duct tape
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Brian Brosmer
everywhere. There were about 100 people there. I remember thinking, ‘This is not happening. No way.’”
Stacy sat in silence in front of her computer screen that day. There was no training and no direction, with the exception of a loud buzzer signaling lunch at noon.
Two weeks later she sat down with the manager and said, “I don’t think this is for
Stacyme.”
says from there, the manager begged her to stay, and they spoke about how her
skills in human resources could help them take steps that they had yet to accomplish.
She set to work learning everything about each area of the company, including much more about Japanese culture.
“I learned, from the ground up, the stepby-step manufacturing process,” she says. “I moved into purchasing and was able to incorporate what I knew. I was able to really be in the process and work with different managers, and learn every aspect of the business.”
More than 10 years ago Stacy became the senior vice president of the SMC U.S. headquarters, and she’s still the only woman at the table when attending administrative meetings in Japan. Three years ago she was promoted to president and CEO, though the job responsibilities are very similar.
She runs her branch of the business quite differently than her peers.
“The strength of my side of this business is customers and people,” she says. “Even though I was able to maneuver through the various divisions, I was able to get here because of people. My strength is managing, caring for people, making sure they each have a seat at the table, and making sure everyone is being treated fairly. When you overlook people, that’s what crashes a company. Being in all of those departments and listening to people, seeing what management paid attention to and what they didn’t, is what’s
made me successful today.”
And the numbers don’t lie.
At one point SMC had a 40% turnover rate, but today they have more than 250 employees that have been with the company for more than 25 years. Another 60 to 70 employees have been with the company for more than 30 years.
The company was also voted a U.S. BestManaged Company, through a program cosponsored by the Wall Street Journal, for the second year in 2022.
Driving by the huge campus, one might question what SMC does, or if there’s an opportunity for them at that location - and chances are, there is.
“Our products move air,” Stacy says. “We’re different than hydraulics. We’re pneumatics. We make thousands and thousands of components for our customers’ machines that enable human life to have those everyday products. The sound of the bus door when it opens and closes, the sound of the roller coaster coming to a stop, that’s us. We’re behind the creation of your phone, your television, and the car you drive. There isn’t an industry out there that isn’t enabled by our products.”
With more than 600 outside-sales employees, they are still finding new business and creating business as well.
“We find new applications every single day,” Stacy says. “We’re not only looking for it, but customers come to us and say, ‘I know you have this standard product, but can you make it this way?’ We have 140 engineers
in this building that design and redesign product. It’s really fantastic.”
One might think it’s time for Stacy to rest in her success, but she’s not slowing down any time
ago the company launched the Sales Academy, a six-month program that trains potential sales team members on everything SMC.
“Our product is very technical with hundreds of thousands of variations,” Stacy says. “Typically it takes a least three years for you to be productive as a salesperson in this industry, but we’ve shortened that through the academy. We recruit from all over the U.S. looking for people with experience in sales, but also engineers and those looking for a career change. As a salesperson you may be working with the president of the company, the engineers or the maintenance guy, and you have to be ready, and that’s exactly the sort of training we provide through our Sales Academy. In the meantime let’s say you decide you want to sell in Florida, New Jersey or California, we arrange for you to get training from and meet with that branch manager as well, so you’re ready to hit the ground running. You get your car, your phone, additional training at the local branch, and you’re off. It’s a pretty good gig.”
Recently SMC launched their Women in STEM program, with the goal of encouraging an environment that welcomes women in technical fields. Their first Lunch and Learn program reviewed how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people, and Stacy’s hope is the program will continue to foster mentorship and allies
“THE STRENGTH OF MY SIDE OF THIS BUSINESS IS CUSTOMERS AND PEOPLE.”—KELLEYSTACY
among the employees.
SMC also offers opportunities to grow, travel and learn more.
Many Japanese peers come to the U.S. headquarters to learn, help and participate in American culture. In turn, similar opportunities are offered to the staff in Noblesville.
“We are building great relationships,” Stacy says. “We have opportunities in Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan. It’s more
challenging here because it’s difficult to find someone willing to spend three years in another country, but it really helps us with understanding culture, and a win-win for Aboveeveryone.”allelse, Stacy’s goal is making the company a positive environment for all “Iinvolved.takecare of this building and everyone in it,” Stacy says. “The most important thing to me is the people, investors and the
customer, and as long as I take care of that, everything else is gravy.”
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 8, SMC will host a National Manufacturing Day event. The public is invited to visit the LEGO-themed event for facility tours, demonstrations by a local robotics team, outdoor games, a scavenger hunt and much more for the entire family.
For more information, visit www.smcusa. com/company/.
At just 14, Kate Boice of Noblesville is a teen of many talents. She is a certified scuba diver, participates in show choir, travel and speech team, and is a volunteer youth interpreter at Conner Prairie.
Yet somehow she finds time to perform in “Itheatre.havebeen
in 17 productions,” Kate noted. “I love singing and dancing on stage!”
“I love to learn and grow,” she added. “Each show challenges me to try to grow my skills. I really enjoy the whole experience, from rehearsals to bringing the characters to life and connecting with other characters and seeing the audience’s experience of it.”
The recent Noblesville West Middle Schooler just finished playing Jane Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. The musical is based on the popular “Playingfilm.Jane
Banks was truly one of my dream roles! I was so excited to play her,” Kate remarked. “I grew up listening to the music so it has a special place in my heart. I have always wanted to be in this show because I grew up watching the movie and loved it!”
“I also love the story of how Walt Disney really wanted to buy the rights of the
book to make a movie and how he and the creative team at the time brought it to life.”
This is not her first time on the Beef & Boards stage.
“I especially loved my first show at Beef & Boards because I got to be in it with my sister, which made it extra special. (We) performed at Beef & Boards for the first time in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (in 2017),” Kate
other shows are particularly memorable as well.
“Some of my favorite roles are Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at IRT because of the story and actors,” Kate remarked. “I always went every year with my family to the show. It was extra special to be cast in it and have my family come see the production. I also loved the Music Man and Matilda at Civic Theatre because of the incredible dancing
and singing. They were very fun shows!”
For Kate, the hardest part about performing is when the show ends.
“I always feel sad because of the relationships built and the love of the show.”
She truly enjoying being part of the magical Mary Poppins production at Beef & Boards.
“I am beyond thrilled and grateful to be part of this incredible cast that was so supportive and kind,” Kate said. “This is truly a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish forever. Opening night was a dream come
hopes of one day being a psychologist. “I really love working with children and want to specialize in
daughter of Mark and Kristen Boice, Noblesville.
Proud supporter of Lawrence Township, Hamilton Southeastern Schools and the Hamilton County Humane Society.
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