Special edition created by
20th anniversary year commemorative edition
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Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday, March 25, 2016
To: Toyota Indiana’s 5000 Team Members From: Our 200 Kenny Kent Toyota Associates
Thank you for your commitment to Southern Indiana and for manufacturing the best vehicles on the road.
Sequoia
Sienna
Highlander Hybrid
Highlander
"Doing things the right way"
Discover why we are Indiana's
1
# 5600 Division Street, Evansville, IN Tri-State and local area call Toll Free
866-831-2623
www.KennyKentToyota.com +Toyota new retail vehicle sales for 2015.
V l Volume Toyota Dealer+
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Princeton Daily Clarion
March 25, 2016 7A
Proud supporter and supplier to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana for 20 years.
Your Gibson County Build-To-Suit Specialists. GCWI offers much more than just warehouse space. We also offer on-site and on-call management to assist you for any need you may have. Railcar access is available at our central location. Our highway access fits any means of transport while being centrally located in the Midwest.
Crabtree Trucking Inc. offers crossdocking services as well as forklift rental and machinery location services. We offer local-haul trucking through our affiliate company, Crabtree Trucking, Inc. For hauling information call Crabtree Trucking at 812-453-5353 or 812-386-5192.
40 Acres available for build to suit, in various locations. Building Gibson County Together Since 1996. Providing a place for over 500 Employees.
The CAN DO Company Rail Service (CSX)
80,000 Expandable 120,000 12,000 Ft.
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MIKE CRABTREE - PRESIDENT
2499 S. Crabtree Dr., Princeton - One Mile South Of Princeton
Office - 812-386-5192 • Cell - 812-453-5353 www.gcwi.net gcwi@insightbb.com
Mike
Kristi
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Princeton Daily Clarion
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photo provided
15 years Above, team members and the media gather in the lobby of the Toyota Visitors Center for a 15th anniversary event in 2011 At right, Bafunno presents $15,000 checks to Salvation Army of Gibson-Pike County, South Gibson Community and Teen Center and to Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville to commemorate the company’s 15th anniversary in Gibson County.
Con gratu lation s
Toyota on
20 Y ea rs!
Extraordinary customer experience ...equals successful outcomes
Congratulations
TMMI on
20 Years
The Gibson County Chamber of Commerce, established in 1922, offers assistance to area business both large and small. They are ran by a board of directors that aim to advance the general welfare and prosperity of Gibson County’s business community. They are in the unique position of being a business that helps other businesses. The Chamber provides a structured organization to assist the business community with economic and community concerns.
Prin ceton ,IN
812-385-3814
While the Chamber provides numerous business services only available to its members, the organization also works with the community to enhance the Gibson County experience for visitors, residents and businesses. The Chamber of Commerce is your ultimate business source in Gibson County as the largest, most influential business organization in the country with hundreds of members. Most are small businesses throughout southwestern Indiana and neighboring areas, with 25 or fewer employees.
202 E. Broadway St., Princeton, IN 47670 Phone: 812.385.2134 Fax: 812.385.2401 www.gibsoncountychamber.org
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Princeton Daily Clarion
March 25, 2016 5A
photo provided
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana team members commemorate the 4 millionth vehicle manufactured at the Gibson County plant on March 6, 2015. The company hits another milestone in May, marking the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking for the plant south of Princeton.
Planting time Continued from 3A
In addition to the recycling bins, the afforestation areas are a landmark of sorts for team members and their families who helped plant the trees. During company open house events, family members can see the growth. “We still have a lot to do, but our focus on the environment is among our highest priorities,” he said. Quality products Bafunno said the company’s success can be largely attributed to the team members’ dedication to quality. “Our quality circles have 75 percent voluntary participation, and the results are amazing,” he said. Quality starts with customer
satisfaction, and that’s invigorating, said Bafunno, who notes the local plan manufactures vehicles for customers in 20 different countries. In addition to the U.S. market, Highlanders are exported to Australia. Sienna minivans are exported to South Korea, where they’re used as limousines for movie stars. Sequoias are sold in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. Maintaining the versatility to build vehicles for a diverse consumer base requires highly capable team members, he said. In the next decade, Bafunno believes the plant will focus on flexible manufacturing, assembling vehicles with as many options and variations as customers demand.
Clarion 2014 archive
President Obama’s signature on a fender in the Toyota Visitors Center commemorates his October 2014 visit to Princeton.
Congratulations to TMMI
Celebrating 20 Years of hard work and delivering Quality Production! Jasper, IN uebelhortoyota.com
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Princeton Daily Clarion
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Daily Clarion archive/2003
Juli Bafunno, center, and Tomoko Okamoto, right, play with several students in the toddler classroom at the new child care facility in 2003. The three youngsters, from the left Alex Hemingway, Asa Corwin and Samantha Worthington, were playing in the sand with cars, dump trucks and airplanes, as they were studying transportation.
photo provided
Daily Clarion archive/2014
Toyota Indiana President Norm Bafunno shows children at Toyota’s child care center which end of their white pine saplings they can plant at home, after celebrating the planting of the 100,000th tree in Toyota’s afforestation area just north of the center in April 2014. The project, begun in 2008, involves planting trees indigenous to Indiana on the grounds.
Youngsters at the Gibson County Toyota plant’s child care center check out path signs in the 160-acre woods Toyota planted near the facility. The afforestation project began 16 years ago with former plant president Seizo Okamoto’s vision for a nature trail near the child care center. Some 10,000 saplings of 17 native species were planted along a one-mile loop. Planting stepped up with more than 90,000 trees planted, with the goal of planting a total 125,000 trees.Team members and their families volunteered and hand-planted 1,000 trees in just a few hours, creating new habitats for native animals like the white-tailed deer and red-tailed hawks.“The goal of sustainable growth that is in harmony with the environment is part of our global vision,” said TMMI President Norm Bafunno. “TMMI is proud to support and enhance the communities where we live and work through environmental stewardship of our land, community service and environmental education programs we offer to our local school children each year.”
Highlander
Sequoia
Sienna
Prou d To Be Pa r tO fIt!
Congratulations Toyota on 20 years of success!
Friday,
Princeton Daily Clarion
March 25, 2016 3A
Planting time 20 years ago brought record harvest ANDREA HOWE
T
Editor, The Daily Clarion
his month marks his 19th year with the company, but Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana President Norm Bafunno says it seems like it was just yesterday. “Who could have imagined this model of growth?” he mused recently, discussing the upcoming 20th anniversary of Toyota’s May, 1996 groundbreaking in Gibson County. Because of a truck An all-new truck to be created in Gibson County was the lure for Bafunno, a Purdue engineering grad with a master’s degree in management from Northwestern University. He joined the team in March, 1997. Prior to coming to Toyota, he worked for 14 years in General Motors’ truck manufacturing group. The Gibson County plant launched the Tundra pickup and manufactured nearly 1 million trucks before that line moved to Texas. “It was so well received, our team members here still have personal pride in that truck’s success,” he reflected. Now the Gibson County plant produces Sienna minivans, Sequoia fullsize sport utility vehicles and gas and hybrid versions of the Highlander mid-size SUV. Bafunno has seen the plant and team at Toyota grow from the original 1,300 team members to approximately 5,000, plus suppliers in neighboring facilities in the area. Community climate “The friendliness of the community, the capability of the community in partnering with us has exceeded all expectations,” he said. “That kind of partnership is something you cannot take for granted. In this community, we have faced everything straight on, from how to grow our plant to the impact on our neighbors...it has been a partnership the whole way.” Bafunno said the manufacturing plant’s first president, Seizo Okamoto, set the tone for success at the plant and working with the community. Bafunno said it’s been fascinating to watch the area transform, with the schools, downtown revitalization, work at the Gibson County Fairgrounds, YMCA Camp Carson and Gibson General Hospital improvement projects. In Toyota’s time in Gibson County, team members have witnessed development of new attractions in the county ranging from the Azalea Path to events sponsored by the Gibson County Tourism Commission, and Lyles Station’s heritage school/museum. Volunteers have worked on projects at the fairgrounds and educational programs at Camp Carson. Plant members used the Lyles Station facilities for training events. Bafunno enjoys recalling the memory of a dinner at Warrenton’s Log Inn with Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda (son of the company’s founder) about ten or 11 years ago. Sitting at the family-style restaurant, Dr. Toyoda told Bafunno through
Daily Clarion archive/2003
Bafunno speaks at the celebration of the Sienna minivan production. an interpreter, how much he felt at home. “He felt at home. We feel at home,” Bafunno said of the community. Partnerships Toyota’s successes come in partnership with the region’s units of local government, university cooperation and collaboration with University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville, Vincennes University, Ivy Tech Community College, Oakland City University and others, as well as and supplier companies. The longtime suppliers came to the area and continue to grow as top-performing suppliers, creating more jobs for the area. When the plant starts a new line, there’s a lot of work to be done, notes Bafunno. “Without them, we couldn’t grow.” Atmosphere for growth Bafunno said it’s rewarding to look at the local team and see long-term employees build their careers, growing into managerial roles. Karen Johnston is assistant manager of external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing America. She said she started working at Toyota in 1998 through a temp agency — and kept working and learning with more opportunities for growth. “There’s a work environment that allows people to innovate and grow,” she said. The local plant saw peak volume production in 2015, with more than 376,000 vehicles assembled in Gibson County. And employment is at the highest point ever, with more than 5,000 team members. But a third of the team members working today at the plant weren’t on board during the recession. Bafunno said the economic downturn was a stressful time when gas prices were high and production was idled for three months — “but everyone came to work and we continued training on fundamental skills.” Team members turned areas of the plant into classrooms, and other members took voluntary dispatches to
Congratulations Toyota on 20 Years!
What’s for Lunch? DAILY SPECIALS
Grill Days, Hot Plate Specials, Desserts Galore
Clarion arvhive/2015
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana’s Norm Bafunno speaks at a press conference at the visitor’s center in the summer of 2015.
Daily Clarion archive/2003
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana’s first president, Seizo Okamoto, speaks at a line-off celebration for the Sienna minivan produced at the Gibson County plant. other plants for work assignments. The benefit of turning that idle time into training time became apparent with the ramp-up for production of the Highlander SUV. “The quality levels were higher than ever before,” he said.
Environmental focus The plant’s focus on recycling and re-using resources is remarkable, with a record of zero trash going to the landfill from the plant for the past 11 years.
Continued on 5A
Proudly working with Toyota and their partners for 20 years!
LOCATED DIRECTLY EAST OF TOYOTA
Text Orders To 812.385.6609
AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES Butcher Holler Deli On Mon.-Fri. 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. • Delivery available CATERING ON 3888 S. 100 E., Princeton, IN 47670 • 812-385-0772 & OFF SITE
Toyota: Doing it the American Way – The free market at its best.
Great products Great services Great people Great Corp. Citizen Thanks Toyota, you make representing District 64 a joy. Indiana State Representative Tom Washburne Paid for by Washburne for State Representative
Need Employees? Let Us Help! 104 N. Third Ave., Princeton (812) 386-JOBS (5627)
MPS Modern Personnel Services, Inc.
Congratulations,
TMMI
The United Way of Gibson County wishes to thank both TMMI and TMMI Associates for building a better Gibson County.
THANK YOU FOR OVER…
$360,000 In Contributions During fiscal year 2015
YOU’VE HELPED FUND……
• Activities for youth • The Albion Fellows Bacon Center • American Red Cross • GCARC • Gibson County Council on Aging • Gibson County Youth Center • Catholic Charities
• Tulip Tree Health Services • Deaconess VNA Plus • Salvation Army • Gibson County CASA • YMCA Camp Carson • Scouting programs for youth • Annual Day of Caring
WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING PARTNERSHIP WITH BOTH TMMI AND ALL TMMI ASSOCIATES!!
United Way of Gibson County, Inc.
United Way of Gibson County P.O. Box 235 Princeton, IN 47670 Phone: 812-386-6120
Building A Better Gibson County……
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Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday,
March 25, 2016
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Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday,
March 25, 2016
local...responsive... committed
to Gibson County
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Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday, March 25, 2016
5B
Congratulations Toyota on 20 year’s of success!
photo provided
High 5 for Highlander
FULL MENU SERVED
ALL DAY LONG
Toyota Indiana President Norm Bafunno gives team members a high five to celebrate the line-off of the Toyota Highlander.
Congratulations Toyota Thank You For Your Business
Rea d y-M ix •Pre-C a stC on crete:S tep s& S ep ticTa n ks 81 E.S .R.16 8,Ft.Bra n ch 812-75 3 -4 25 2 JeffSellers-Sa les Cell:812.430.2442 jeff.a tco n crete@ gm a il.co m
Mon - Thur: 6am - 11pm Fri - Sat 6am - Midnight Sunday: 7am - 11pm 2840 W. Broadway, Princeton, IN
812-386-8002
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Tax not included. Offer includes SONIC® Cheeseburgers (single-patty, 1⁄4 pound precooked) and Footlong Quarter Pound Coneys (approx. 1⁄4 pound and 12 inches precooked), Medium Soft Drinks and Medium Tots or Fries only. Add-Ons and Add-Ins cost extra. See Passenger Menu for legal information. Limited time only at participating SONIC® Drive-Ins. TM & ©2016 Jan America’s Drive-In Brand Properties LLC
Congratulations Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana on
20
Years of Excellence!
When Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) broke ground on its assembly facility, we knew that its local accomplishments and impact would make our community proud. From its dedication to Team Members, to the generosity of time, talent and donations to community projects, and to production milestones, TMMI has continued to make Gibson County and the surrounding area a better place to live and work. From the very beginning, Gibson General Hospital has been very proud to partner with TMMI to ensure that its team members are safe, healthy and productive. We thank you for your support of our hospital, our Foundation, and our community. We look forward to continuing to work with you over the years as you accomplish more milestones! Thank you for 20 years of excellence and dedication to Gibson County.
Centered Around You.
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Princeton Daily Clarion
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Daily Clarion archive 2000
Sequoia debut Toyota Motor Corporation President Fujio Cho greets Indiana Gov. Frank O’Bannon for the debut of the Gibson County-made Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle. At left, Norm Bafunno. At right, Mike Goss.
Hats Off To Toyota For 20 Years In Gibson County Drainage Pipe Sales “Making Your Job Easier” 3301 W. Broadway Princeton, IN 47670 Office: 812-386-RENT (7368) Fax: 812-386-0317 www.kobersteins.com Hours: M-F 7:00AM to 5:00PM Sat. 7:00AM to 12:00PM
Daily Clarion archive/2003
Sienna line-off
TMMI administrator Brett Barrett opened the garage door and unveiled the first 2004 Toyota Sienna rolled off the assembly line in Gibson County. Inside the van were representatives from each department at TMMI, Amy Crago, Mark Tullis, Andres Chapperro, Vicky Mackey, Ron Maurer, Sherrie Zimmer and Dave Brown. As the van drove out of the driveway, the driver turned on the windshield wipers, as has become tradition at TMMI vehicle line-offs.
We have tools and equipment for Industrial, Commercial or Home Owner use.
Con g ra tu la tion sToyot In corpora ted o a M otorM a n u fa ctu rin g n 20 Y ea rs ofS u ccess
Paul & Kelli Goedde, Owners & Operators
• Lubricants • Motor Oils • Shell™ Oil & Grease • Methanol Fuel • Alcohol-Free Gasoline • Gasoline • Diesel - Soy, Premium, Off & On Road
Being able to sponsor and contribute to the community we work and live in has been one of the most satisfying aspects of being a business owner in Gibson County. Keeping our business on a level where we are on a first name basis with our clients and creating a relationship built on trust, quality products, excellent customer service is part of our day to day operations.
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Call Anytime For Info, Ordering & Deliveries
Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday, March 25, 2016
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photos provided
Milestones
Above, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana President Seizo Okamoto commemorates the 1 millionth vehicle manufactured at the Gibson County Toyota plant.
At left, the entire crew present for the December 1998 photo with the first Toyota Tundra made in Gibson County.
Congratulations Toyota Motor Manufacturing Incorporated
20 Years of Success Senator Jim Tomes 49th District
20
Congratulations Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
Vail Estates A
P
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M
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(812) 386-5925
N
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www.mrdapartments.com
Congratulations On 20 Successful Years! • Electric Motor Repair • New Motor Sales • Pump Repair • Custom Controls mfg.
1603 E. Broadway • Princeton, IN 42670 www.altek.us
Congratulations on 20 Years in Gibson County
C ongratulations
T oyota on 20 years in G ibson C ounty Cindy Hocking
Residential/Resale Sales Manager ADT Security Services 2225 North Burkhardt Road, Evansville, IN 47715 812.469.2780 Direct Line • 812.449.8456 Mobile • 812.471.5211 Fax chocking@adt.com • www.adt.com
Con g ra tu la tion s for20 Yea rs! Dray Patel General Manager Super 8 - Evansville North 19601 Elpers Road, Evansville, IN 47725 phone and fax 812-867-8500 08597super8@gmail.com
Matt Walker, Agent
810 E. Locust St., Ft. Branch, IN 47648
matt.walker.jw9w@statefarm.com
www.statefarm.com • Mon.-Fri. 9a.m. to 5p.m. • 812-753-3737
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Princeton daily clarion
Friday, March 25, 2016
YOU’RE MORE THAN A RESUME.
Aerotek, in partnership with Toyota Motor Manufacturing, is hiring candidates for manufacturing positions. We are looking for candidates who are ready for a job that is not only challenging, but a true opportunity to have a long-term career. Begin the application process today at AerotekIN.com.
Aerotek is an equal opportunity employer. An Allegis Group Company. Š2016
Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday, March 25, 2016
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Biggest project in the nation landed here
I
ANDREA HOWE Editor, The Daily Clarion
t was the largest economic development project in the country. It landed in Gibson County. And it’s even larger today. Approximately 5,000 good manufacturing jobs at Toyota, plus another 2,000 or so in the area from suppliers Nearly $80 million paid by Toyota alone in property taxes since 1997. At least $14 million in donations to local causes since 1996. The impact is astounding. May marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking for Gibson County’s new Toyota manufacturing plant on 1,160 acres of farmground just south of Princeton. And what is most remarkable is this: The largest economic development project in the land that year was accomplished by local volunteers. Toyota announced in 1995 that Gibson County was the site for the planned $700 million investment to build a truck manufacturing plant that would hire 1,300 people. The announcement came at a huge community event at Princeton Community High School’s auditorium, followed by flying confetti in May, 1996, as Toyota turned soil on a bumper crop for the county’s economy. But the work that went into the invitation to Toyota actually started more than 30 years ago. Retired Princeton attorney George Rehnquist remembers Toyota taking its first glimpse of Gibson County in 1985. Hiroshi Okuda was a member of the site selection team, which eventually chose Georgetown, Kentucky as the location for Toyota’s first whollyowned American manufacturing plant. The Indiana impression wasn’t lost on Okuda. Rehnquist, who served as vice president for economic development with Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce at the time, remembers PACC got a letter confirming the Gibson County site was among the top three on Toyota’s list. Ten years later, Okuda was President of Toyota Manufacturing Corporation, and Toyota was looking to build another plant in the U.S. Jerry Stilwell served as County Attorney for Gibson
County Commissioners at the time. He remembers getting a long list of questions. And Rehnquist remembers learning during the Labor Day holiday of 1995, that Gibson County was a serious contender for the new plant. Helen Hauke, executive director of PACC, was the only full-time employee of the organization. Rehnquist and Stilwell said Hauke worked night and day, communicating with Toyota representatives in Japan, as the opportunity began to unfold. “We had an opportunity and we didn’t mess it up,” Stilwell reflected. PACC didn’t have the money, but was able to obtain legal counsel with Ice Miller Donadio and Ryan, financial advice from H.J. Umbaugh and Associates and engineering work from United Consulting, among others. “There was no money available, but all these people stepped up to the plate,” said Stilwell. Hauke, Stilwell, Rehnquist and other PACC members and professionals in the community, as well as city and county government leaders worked together to put an invitation together and obtain options from owners of the approximately 1,200 acres of farmground. Obtaining those options meant meeting with 23 landowners plus tenant farmers. Stilwell and Rehnquist said Phil Hofman and J. Robert Kinkle and other chamber members worked to make it happen. Unlike Kentucky’s invitation that lured Toyota to Georgetown a decade earlier, Gibson County’s invitation included more local than state incentives. Stilwell and Rehnquist, both active at the time in opposite political parties, worked deftly with local leaders and the state to make sure the invitation wasn’t tainted by politics. The city of Princeton, the county, redevelopment authority and redevelopment commission, local utility companies were all a part of the invitation. Stilwell still has folders full of faxes and notes from that era, and smiles when he remembers some of the meetings and phone calls that took place. Rehnquist said looking back on the efforts, “the local government officials were amazing. They couldn’t have had a true concept at the time, of the vastness of the project.”
Archives/1996
Toyota President Hiroshi Okuda breaks ground with Gibson County youth and leaders of the community in May, 1996, for the new manufacturing plant south of Princeton.
Rehnquist said he learned that “you don’t do anything to ‘bring them here,’ they choose you — if they do, you cooperate.” That meant meeting upon meeting, some in Japan and many in Princeton, Indianapolis and Evansville — and Hauke working from the PACC office late at night to make sure facsimile communications to and from Japan
were in order. “She worked unbelievably hard, and she was extremely dedicated,” said Rehnquist. “She was superb in being able to handle everything so professionally.” “We know that they were a world class company, and they still are,” said Rehnquist. “They more than kept their word.”
Co n gra tu la tio n s TM M I
o n 20 Yea rs in G ibso n Co u n ty! from your Friends at Vuteq
W e a re tha n kfu l for you r com m itm en tto ou r com m u n ity! Vuteq ispro ud to be a n o n-site supplierto TM M Ifo rthe pa st15 yea rs.
An Environment Friendly Company ISO 14001 Certified
819 East 350 South Princeton, Indiana 47670
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Princeton daily clarion
Friday, March 25, 2016
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Princeton daily clarion
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Proud to serve the health care needs of the Toyota community.
RAISING THE BAR IN HEALTH CARE 520 S. Seventh St. | Vincennes, IN 47591 | 812.882.5220 | gshvin.org
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Princeton Daily Clarion
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Toyota debuts 2017 Highlander mid-size SUV TORRANCE, Calif.—Toyota’s significantly enhanced 2017 model year Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) debuted March 23 at the New York International Auto Show. The third- generation model, now entering its fourth year, offers room for up to eight, a choice of three powertrains and six model grades, including a new SE model. The Highlander Hybrid adds two new grades, (LE and XLE) to its existing lineup of Limited and Platinum models for a total of four. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to be all-wheel drive (AWD). The six Highlander gas models will continue to be (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum) available in both front-wheel and AWD. Performance will be enhanced in the 2017 Highlander gas models with new direct shift 8AT (automatic transmission) paired with a new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine. The 8AT will be standard on all V6 Highlander gas models. The new 3.5-liter direct injection V6 engine is available on all Highlander gas models and standard
on all Hybrid grades. The new engine generates more horsepower, enhanced fuel efficiency, and delivers a more direct driving feel by expanding the lock up range. The new direct shift 8AT and 3.5-liter V6 direct injection engine powertrain will also be equipped in the 2017 model year Toyota Sienna van. Highlander V6 models (excluding LE) will come standard with a new Stop and Start Engine System. While driving the Highlander, the S&S allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and restarts when the driver lifts their foot off of the brake pedal. The standard powertrain on Highlander 4x2 LE gas model remains the 2.7-liter 4cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to receive the electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will r a new upper and lower front grille design for all grades. Each grade will be distinguished by different grille finishes that will also carry
into the headlamp housing. Highlander will receive three new exterior colors: Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl, and, exclusively on the new SE, Salsa Red Pearl. The new SE model features 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, tuned suspension for a sportier ride, and dark paint treatment to the front grille, also incorporated into headlamp housings and roof rails. The 2017 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS), a new multi- feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking. TSS bundles Pre-Collision System (with Forward Collision Warning and automatic emergency brake), Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Pedestrian Pre- Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The PCS uses camera and radar to detect objects ahead of the vehicle. When the system determines there is a possibility of collision it prompts the driver to brake with an audio and visual alert. If the driver notices the hazard and brakes, the system provides additional braking force. If
the driver fails to brake in a set time, the system automatically applies the brakes, reducing speed in order to prevent or mitigate the collision. Lane Departure Alert uses a camera to detect visible lane markings. If the system determines the vehicle is starting to deviate from the lane, LDA alerts the driver and will provide steering assist to help get the vehicle back into its lane. Automatic High Beam helps enhance forward visibility, using a camera to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles and tail lights of vehicles ahead, then automatically switches between high beams and low beams so as not to dazzle other drivers. The Highlander XLE grade will also adopt blind spot monitor as standard equipment. Highlander Limited Platinum grade will come standard with a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, four cameras mounted to project a panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the central touch display monitor. The system offers drivers assistance when parallel parking, and when pulling in and out of parking spaces.
Congratulations for 20 Years! CONGRATULATIONS Toyota M otor M a n u fa ctu rin g In corp ora ted
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Dear Toyota Motor Manufacturing, 20 years ago, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana presented a $500,000 check to the Gibson County Community Foundation. That gift became an endowment to fund educational programs and projects throughout Gibson County. Who knew 20 years ago all the good that would be done from this one donation. Since 1996, 159 grants have been awarded, totaling over $432,240. These grants have gone to organizations such as Junior Achievement, the Salvation Army, Dollars for Scholars and libraries throughout the country. Thanks for the past 20 years. The Gibson County Community Foundation looks forward to working with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana for many years to come. Gibson County Advisory Board
20 Y ea rsofS u ccessin G ib son C ou n ty.
Princeton
RR #3, Broadway & 5th Ave. Princeton, Indiana 47670
812-386-7664
Oakland City
W. Morton St. Oakland City, Indiana 47660
812-749-3072
www.myiga.com • 100% Employee owned
20 Years and Still Going Strong
Our sincere congratulations and thanks to Toyota for keeping prosperity in Southern Indiana. By manufacturing excellent products, providing a wide range of employment opportunities, continuous community support in Gibson and surrounding counties, and for having the foresight to see the need to support local businesses from the beginning, Toyota has continued to develop this area. The staff of Stagg Safety Equipment would like to say “THANK YOU” for allowing us to be there from the beginning supplying quality products and support to help make a safe workplace for all TMMI employees. We look forward to sharing in the success of Toyota for the next 20 years and beyond...
For Good. Forever.
Gibson County Community Foundation 127 N. Hart St. Princeton, IN 47670 Phone: 812.386.8082
www.gibsoncountyfoundation.org
163 South Third Ave., Evansville, IN 47708 PH 1-800-343-9505 or 1-812-464-5916 Fax 812-429-1132 e-mail: sales@staggsafety.com
www.staggsafety.com
HALL,
Friday, March 25, 2016
Princeton daily clarion
Hilliard Lyons would like to congratulate Toyota Manufacturing on their 20th Anniversary
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PARTENHEIMER & KINKLE
Celebrating over 125 Years of service to Gibson County Families, Business, Industry & Government!
We proudly offer services for: DIVORCE & DUI
SMALL BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
TRUST & ESTATE PLANNING OIL & GAS
Financial Consultants: DAVID E. OLDHAM, CWA® | Senior Vice President JAMES PEARSON, CWA® | Senior Vice President MATT GRABBE, AAMS® | First Vice President CATHY KITCHIN, CWA® 707 Vail Street | Princeton, IN 47670 812-385-3323 or 800-840-5966
REAL ESTATE & AGRICULTURE
The Attorneys & Staff:
Verner P. Partenheimer – J. Robert Kinkle – Roman Ricker Joni Roark – Jana Higginson – Kim LaMar
www.hpklawyers.com jrkinkle@hpk-law.com
219 N. Hart St. • Princeton, Indiana Securities are offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC Member NYSE, FINRA, & SIPC
Congratulations, Toyota on 20 excellent years in Gibson County! We look forward to many more productive years!
(812) 386-0050
Customizing America’s Workforce with Superior Quality
Locally owned & operated with over you an advantage with a menu of services 40 years of experience. and an array of skills that offers an unlimCustom Staffing Services objective is ited choice of staffing strategies. to understand how your business operates, Custom Staffing Services determine your goals and objectives. With this knowledge, our customers benefit provides the following: from targeted recruiting and candidates • Payroll Services/taxes suited for your organization. • Processing and submitting Our commitment to our customers will W-2 Forms give you the confidence in and reliability • Weekly invoicing of our ability to deliver solutions with • Workers Compensation truth, integrity and accountability. • Unemployment Insurance Successfully competing in this new • Employee Benefits workplace requires staffing flexibility. • Advertising Our primary focus for business success • Recruitment, screening, must be to overcome the difficulties of testing and selection staffing challenges. The top business chal• Quality control monitoring lenges include employee turnover and • 24-hour on call service rising costs of recruiting, training and • Extensive Customer Service benefits. Our service is designed to give • On Site Supervisors
Connecting Career Paths Attract Top Talent to Your Business With Our Employer Services. Recruiting • Advertising • Screening • Evaluation
Full-Time, Part-Time, Contract & Temporary Opportunities • Assembler • Production • Warehouse Worker • Machine Operators • Welders • Distributors • Fork Lift • Maintenance
HIRING? Talk to a staffing
solutions expert today about finding the right fit for your business.
812-386-7410
118 N. Main Street, Princeton | 812-386-7410
Introducing compatible candidates and companies is what we do best.
4C
Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday,
March 25, 2016
photo provided
Tram tour Toyota Indiana team members at work in the manufacturing plant as a Visitors Center tram tour takes place.
Congratulations Toyota on 20 years. We are “hear� to serve you & your employees. Come & see us at our new location 1-888-387-3068
Prin ceton -M ira cle-Ea rCen ter,405 W Sta te St. Boon ville M ira cle-Ea rService Cen ter Lin co ln Cen ter-1201 M illsAve. By a ppo in tm en t o n ly
W a shin g ton M ira cle-Ea rService Cen ter In sid e W a lm a rt, Sta te Rt.57
Ja sp er M ira cle-Ea rService Cen ter 1090 New to n St. W ed .& Thu rs.by a ppo in tm en t
Vin cen n es M ira cle-Ea rService Cen ter 2704 W a shin gto n Ave. By a ppo in tm en t o n ly
Eva n sville M ira cle-Ea rCen ter 524 S.Green RiverRd . No rth Pa rk Sho ppin g Cen ter 4492 A First Ave. By a ppo in tm en t
To yo ta Insura nce Accepted
photo providced
Steel topping
Steel goes up at the Toyota plant in March, 1997, following the May, 1996 groundbreaking at the 1,100-acre site.
Friday,
Princeton Daily Clarion
March 25, 2016
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provided photo and Daily Clarion Archive
TMMI Tundra Above, Gibson County Toyota plant team members admire a Tundra pickup modified for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. At right, Darrell Waltrip, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver, climbs out of a new 2007 Toyota Tundra during the plant’s off the line ceremony. Princeton produced the Toyota CrewMax before the Tundra pickup line production was moved to San Antonio, Texas.
Happy 20th Anniversary Thanks for being Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Inc.
Gibson County Area Rehabilitation Centers, Inc.
a part of our community. E-Z GYMNASTICS & TUMBLING
1801 Bayou St., Vincennes, IN
TMMI has been instrumental in helping GCARC accomplish its mission of serving individuals with disabilities in our community.
Classes in Gymnastics, Tumbling, Cheer, Strength Training & Trampoline…over 150 ft. of TRAMPOLINES. GREAT EXERCISE & FUN / COME JUMP & TUMBLE AT
E-Z Gymnastics 812-887-2429
OUR MISSION
The mission of Gibson and Pike agencies is to:
Assist persons with disabilities to realize their goals of learning, living and working in the community. Provide advocacy and support systems for individuals addressed above and their families in obtaining programs and opportunities for growth and development. Make efforts to advance the general public’s knowledge, understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities within the community. P.O. Box 5, 4207 W. State Rd. 64, Princeton, IN 47670
Phone: 812-386-6312
www.gcarc.org • gcarc@gcarc.org
Providing Services to Gibson County since 1963
Special Good thru 4/15/16
2C
Princeton daily clarion
Friday, March 25, 2016
“I attended the Ivy Tech Community College Mechanical Drives and Rigging class at the Princeton location after my assistant manager told me about it. I felt like I had a lot of knowledge in this area, but more training is always good. One thing I learned that I didn’t know before, was how to double choker a sling. I also learned tons of formulas and how to calculate weights, which have come in handy. I have already recommended this to a lot of other people.”
Dennis Sayle Facilities, Skilled Team Member
Ivy Tech Community College Has Classes Designed to Help Businesses and Corporations Expand Their Employees’ Knowledge.
IvyTech.edu
PARTNERSHIPS MAKE COMPANIES AND COMMUNITIES STRONG. THANK YOU, TOYOTA! To learn more about Ivy Tech Community College Custom Courses for Business and Industry, call 812-429-9810.
Friday,
Princeton Daily Clarion
Archive photo 2003
Princeton Mayor Shirley Robb, right, and Evansville Mayor Russell Lloyd talk at a Toyota line-off celebration.
March 25, 2016
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archive photo 1998
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana’s first president, Seizo Okamoto, announces in 1998 the first of several plant expansions. In the background, Gov. Frank O’Bannon and Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan.
Archive photo 1995
Gibson County celebrated the winter 1995 announcement that Toyota would build a plant on 1,100 acres of property south of Princeton at the Princeton Community High School auditorium, where a T-100 pickup was parked on the stage. Congressman John Hostettler, Sen. Dan Coats, Toyota Motor Corporation President Hiroshi Okuda, Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh, Gibson County Board of Commissioners President Roger Myers, Gibson County Council President Hubert Crawford and Indiana Lt. Gov. Frank O’Bannon are pictured above at the event.
Archive photo 2014
Eleven members of Tahara City, Japan’s friendship delegation to Princeton, helped dedicate Bicentennial Plaza during Prineton’s Golden Heritage Days Festival in 2014..
Congratulations on 20 years in the community, you deserve the biggest of celebrations! Thank you for all that you do for the community, we are truly grateful for everything!
D6
Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday,
March 25, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS
We’re powered by what’s most important. photo provided
Interactive fun Toyota’s Visitors Center provides interactive displays that youth and adults both enjoy. The center, constructed after Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana’s 10th anniversary in the community, offers free tours of the Gibson County manufacturing plant and exhibits tracing not only Toyota’s history, but also the history of Gibson County and the area. For more information about the visitor center, phone 812-387-2266 or toll-free 888-696-8211 or email info@tourtoyotaindiana.com
At Duke Energy, we care about delivering reliable energy.
Whether we’re working to keep the lights on, day in and day out, updating you with the latest realtime information with our online outage maps, or helping you prepare for the next big storm with weather warnings and safety tips, we’re always powered by what’s most important – you.
Learn more about how we’re powered by you at
duke-energy.com/Community.
Congratulations Toyota on 20 years of Excellence and Community Service!!
We’re proud to call you our neighbor.
CLARION PRINCETON DAILY
Serving Gibson County for more than 169 years 100 N. Gibson St., Princeton, IN •812-385-2525
Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday, March 25, 2016 5D
TMMIToyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Salutes TMMI for being a strong, positive economic force within the southern Indiana community and for partnering with VU to provide the leadership, skills, and training needed to succeed in today’s competitive economy!
Vincennes University is a proud partner with Toyota Indiana. From co-hosting with Toyota an Advanced Manufacturing Career Conference at VU this summer to preparing tomorrow’s workforce today, VU and Toyota Indiana are working side by side to ensure plentiful career opportunities for local people. Many workforce programs are offered at VU’s Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, which also provides general education courses. The Center features certified, licensed faculty and staff who have significant experience both in industry and instruction. Instruction also includes the valued soft skills needed by Indiana’s 21st century technician, including problem solving, communications, ethics, leadership, teamwork, management, organization, and financial planning. The Gibson Center’s programs are designed for growing fields such as logistics and distribution, robotics, electronics, industrial maintenance, heavy equipment operator, and mining. The $12 million facility, spanning 57,342 square-feet, serves employers, employees, and prospective students within southwestern Indiana’s industrial corridor. For more information about VU’s Gibson County Center, located on U.S. 41, call 812-888-2888.
Vincennes University’s partnership with Toyota Indiana also is focused on the highly successful Toyota Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program (AMT) that blends classroom instruction with on-site experience at Toyota Indiana. The program received an Award for Excellence at ceremonies at the State Capitol on February 23. The AMT program includes a two-year degree in Advanced Manufacturing Automation Technology that combines cutting-edge curriculum, paid work experience, along with learning highly sought after business principles and best practices of a world-class manufacturer. AMT program prepares graduates to excel in the job market or pursue a four-year degree. Students can also earn as much as $30,000 while attending VU, which reduces the need for student loans and prepares students for a successful career and life. And the potential to make $64,000 plus benefits after just two years of college is remarkable. VU and Toyota Indiana will co-host an Advanced Manufacturing Career Pathways Conference at VU on May 17-18. The conference will attract participants from across the nation to learn about VU’s award-winning partnership with Toyota Indiana.
Building on a two-decade partnership with Toyota Indiana, the best is yet to come!
4D
Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday,
March 25, 2016
Supplier partner powers up in Gibson County Daily Clarion archive/January 2003
Total Interior Systems America team members chant “Power up” in a pep rally as they prepare to mass produce seats and door panels for the 2004 Toyota Sienna. L-r in front: Jason Miller, John Loeffler, Mark Like and Dawn Christensen. Standing on the platform, Karl Takeuchi, TISA vice chairman; Randall Carrol, Lear Corporation vice president; Naoki Noda, Takanichi president; Jeff Willis, TISA general manager of human resources and adminstration; Seizo Okamoto, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, president; and Norm Bafunno, TMMI vice president of production and quality.
“Congratulations, TMMI! Looking forward to another 20+ years of working together!”
TOYOTA BOSHOKU INDIANA Toyota Boshoku Indiana is proud to be a Tier 1 Supplier of Seats and Interior Components to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana. We are honored to be part of the Toyota family designing with passion to ensure safety, quality, and comfort.
Toyota Boshoku Indiana, LLC 1698 South 100 West Princeton, IN 47670 (812) 491-9100
TBPrinceton.com
Friday,
Princeton Daily Clarion
March 25, 2016 3D
Toyota again ‘Most Admired’ motor vehicle company in Fortune Magazine study PLANO, Texas— Toyota was once again named the top motor vehicle company in Fortune Magazine’s annual list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” Toyota is also ranked at 28 overall out of all companies surveyed and was in the top ten in both talent and running a global business. The “World’s Most Admired Companies” survey measures nine attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, including quality of management, social responsibility, people management and global competitiveness, among others. Toyota ranked No. 1 across all categories in the motor vehicles sector. The list, widely considered to be the
definitive report card on corporate reputation, is based on company surveys and peer ratings from senior executives, directors and analysts. “Toyota is honored to once again be recognized as a most admired company,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “All of our team members and partners worldwide contribute to enhancing Toyota’s reputation by creating the future of mobility and contributing to a better society through safer, greener, and more fun driving experiences. This recognition is a reflection of their dedication to continuous improvement and exceeding customers’ expectations.”
Daily Clarion archive/2003
Yuji Yokoya, chief engineer, for the 2003 Toyota Sienna, waves to the crowd at the line-off ceremony for the Gibson County-produced vehicle.
photo provided
Toyota partners with Kenny Kent Toyota in donating a vehicle in the 100 Cars for Good campaign, which benefits local charitable organizations.
Congratulations for 20 years!!!
Daily Clarion archive 2014
National Public Lands day is the largest single-day volunteer effort to clean up public lands. Toyota donated $27,000 to the City of Princeton to commemorate Princeton’s bicentennial celebration. With the donation, enhancements were made to Bicentennial Plaza, landscaping a pocket park in downtown Princeton and upgrades were made to Lafayette Park. Princeton Mayor Bob Hurst and Rich Whittington, Toyota Indiana spokesman are pictured at a walking path created on the east side of the square
1244 Vail Street, Princeton, IN 47670 812-385-0794 • riveroakshc.com
@TrilogyLiving
Trilogy Health Services
TOYOTA , Congratulations on your 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN INDIANA!
e r a We to be d u o r p art of a p team! your Providing Industrial Maintenance, Industrial Cleaning and Filtration Services to Toyota. We are proud to be part of the Toyota team.
VOITH
Improved Quality • Increased Productivity • Reduced Costs Voith Industrial Services Inc., 4000 Tulip Tree Dr., Bldg 901, Princeton, IN 47670
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Princeton Daily Clarion
Friday,
March 25, 2016
Gibson County’s Premier Hotel! The Princeton Hampton Inn is honored to be the preferred hotel of Toyota, Duke Energy and many other local and national companies for over 10 years. From our cozy Hampton beds to our free hot breakfast, we continue to offer the amenities guests prefer and the service they expect.
Princeton, Indiana
(812) 385-2400 107 S. Richland Creek Drive
Friday,
Princeton Daily Clarion
March 25, 2016 1D
photos provided
Volunteerism Above, Toyota volunteers paint at the Gibson County Visitors Center at the Princeton Train Depot during the economic downturn. At left, Toyota team members help with cleanup in the community of Haubstadt after a 2012 tornado.
Logistics Ser vices
Congratulates TMMI on 20
years.
A Proud Partner of Toyota North America
OUR VALUES
We are TLS. We are the finished vehicle logistics provider for North America.
We are committed to providing seamless, efficient and responsive processing, accessorization, and delivery of finished vehicles to our North American dealers and global distributors. With logistics expertise derived from both in-house and outsourced operations, we have the capability, knowledge, and resources to deliver to our customers timely, flexible, high-quality, and efficient business solutions that effectively respond to changing customer needs, business disruptions, and volume fluctuations.
We are TLS. We find joy in serving our customers and each other.
We believe operational excellence is only achieved through strong collaboration with our business partners and colleagues; that together, we create logistics synergy. We get the job done.
Safety is a priority for the TLS Team. The team has worked in excess of 1,380 days without a loss time injury. NORTH AMERICA
We are One Team. One Toyota. Team Toyota.