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COVID-19: Resources for businesses--pgs 4-5 LOCAL POSTAL PATRON PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WABASH, IN PERMIT NO. 233 The Business Herald Grant County Business Volume 1, Number 3 A Good News Ventures publication Spring 2020 Loans available for COVID-19 One of several resources available to assist businesses The Grant County Economic 2020 financials. Growth Council recently an- The loan program is not the nounced that businesses impacted only resource available to busi- by the current pandemic can get nesses during the COVID-19 financial assistance through its pandemic: COVID-19 Loan Fund. Business- es operating in the county that Facebook page have fewer than 30 employees are The Growth Council, Gas City eligible to apply for up to $7,500 Area Chamber of Commerce, and in funding. the Marion-Grant County Cham- Grant County businesses expe- ber of Commerce have partnered riencing or anticipating revenue to launch and monitor a new loss in the upcoming weeks or Facebook page for Grant County months can use the COVID-19 businesses to communicate with Loan Fund to offset these losses, been operating since receiving a the community during the pan- help sponsor sick pay for workers, grant from the U.S. Department of demic. (Search for: Grant County prevent staff reductions, and miti- Agriculture Rural Development Local Business Support During gate other challenges presented Agency in 2004. The Growth COVID-19.) by event cancellations, reduced Council said that it has adapted its The supporting organizations foot traffic, self-quarantining, and Revolving Loan Fund application are encouraging Grant County work-from-home policies. The to make a more accessible and businesses to use the page to com- Growth Council is now taking applications. The Loan Fund is an extension of the Revolving Loan Fund, a program the Growth Council has efficient process. Businesses that apply are required to provide basic contact information, approval for a credit check, a record of all business debt, and copies of their municate with the public about hours of operation, take-out delivery options, online ordering, >>COVID-19, pg. 4 relief Uncertain times will come to an end Whew. Take a deep breath. We are living in a completely different world than the one we inhabited when the last issue of The Business Herald was released in January. Heck, things are drastically different than they were even a month ago. I'm not sure about you, but to me it feels like we've spent the last few weeks simply reacting. Let's take a deep breath. Inhale. 1. 2. 3. 4. Exhale. 1. 2. 3. 4. Repeat. For as many times as you need. First, I want to send a huge thank you to those essential businesses and employees that continue to serve our community� healthcare, law enforcement, first responders, grocery stores, manufacturing, distribution centers, bankers, and so many more. We are grateful for your dedication and sacrifice. Yes, these are indescribably difficult times for our entire world. We are facing unforeseen challenges that will change the landscape of our communities for years to come. At this point there are many more questions than answers. I don't know about Chamber news Kylie Jackson The Business Herald postal information you, but I have been incredibly inspired by the stories I've heard of businesses stepping up to serve their employees and their community. At the end of the day we are one community, Grant County, and we will be stronger for the love and support we show each other during these tests. The uncertainty we are facing right now will end. We hope it happens sooner rather than later. We will come out on the other side of this and it will be you�our business community�that will >>Chamber, page 8 Page 2 The Business Herald People Spring 2020 Spring 2020 The Business Herald The Interview Page 3 Jamie Walker Walker certified Jamie Walker, RN, has received board certification as a lac- tation consultant from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). Walker earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Ball State University. She is also a CPR instructor and childbirth educator. Walker has been employed at Marion General Hospital for four years in the MGH Family Birthing Center. "I have a heart for education, breastfeeding, and this community," Walker said, "I am so excited to utilize this certification to serve my family, friends and neighbors." Marion firefighter Yeakle retires Greg Yeakle has retired from the Marion Fire Department (MFD) after more than 30 years. Since joining MFD in 1989, Yeakle served in every position except chief, having served as deputy chief from 2012-2015. He served as president of the Marion Professional Firefighters Local 676 for 15 years. He also ran the Fireman's Tournament for Grant County Little League Baseball for nearly 12 years. "It's been quite a ride. It's all been worth it, and I would do it all again," said Yeakle. He offered words of wisdom to new firefighters. "Get as much training as you possibly can. When you're on a call and you don't know what to do, your training will take over." Yeakle also encouraged firefighters to learn the role they're best in. "Not everyone is good at every position, but everyone is good at a certain position," expressed Yeakle. Fire Chief Paul David said: "Yeakle put the department's needs before his own. He was always a pleasure to work with. We've had a lot of laughs and shared many serious times. I'll miss his great cooking and being around in general. The Deptartment wishes him all the best." Yeakle looks forward to working on his hobby of restoring antique radios and fans, as well as spending time with family Ken Hussong including grandchildren. Hussong retires On January 1, 1992, the City of Marion hired Ken Hussong to serve in the Code Enforcement Department following his nine years (`77-'85) in law enforcement with the Marion Police Department. During his first couple years as a civilian employee, Hussong was the only one in Code Enforcement. "One of the best and most fulfilling programs I've been a part of was the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program where grant funding was used (through IHCDA) to rehabilitate homes of eligible elderly and/or disabled homeowners. The owners were grateful, but it was also good for the jail inmate work crews; it served as a morale booster and character builder for them," Hussong said. He also cited working with different clubs such as Kiwanis and Lions as a huge help in cleaning up the city. "In order for the City of Marion to thrive, these organizations should be activated more often for cleanups, inactive citizens should get involved and take initiative to clean up around their neighborhoods, and more efforts need to be in place to educate the community on what a nuisance property actually is, and so forth," said Hussong. Building Commissioner Jerry Foustnight, who oversees Code Enforcement, said, "He's a good guy with a lot of knowledge. Kenny has been very active in his efforts to serve citizens not only as a CE Officer but in trying to rid the city of abandoned vehicles and trash. We will miss him and his passion for his job." In retirement, Hussong looks forward to spending more time with family including grandchildren, as well as traveling and Stephanie Hilton-Siebert doing things he and his wife have been wanting to do, without time constraints. Hilton-Siebert a "CEO to Know" Stephanie Hilton-Siebert, president and CEO at Marion Gen- eral Hospital, has been named to the "60 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know" 2020 list. "I feel so honored to have received this recognition; however, in my eyes this recognition is the direct reflection of the daily dedication and hard work of the staff, employees, and physicians of Marion General Hospital," stated Ms. Hilton-Siebert. The CEOs featured lead hospitals consistently recognized by the National Rural Health Association, American Hospital Association, IBM Watson Health and The Leapfrog Group as top institutions. Marion General Hospital has earned numerous awards and accreditations in recent years. In 2019, the hospital was named a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital by the National Rural Health Association and a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital by The Chartis Group and iVantage. Hilton-Siebert first came to MGH in 2015 as the hospital's chief administrative officer before stepping into the organization's top leadership spot in 2016. Via Credit Union's Melton retires Tony Melton, vice president of human resources at Via Cred- it Union, has announced his retirement after 20 years of service. In addition to his service at ViaCU, Melton has also served as a board member for Junior Achievement and serves on the Governance Committee for United Way of Grant County. Through the years, he has supported Hands of Hope and conducted numerous fundraisers for Cancer Services of Grant County. He has also donated his time and HR experience to conduct mock interviews for veterans at the VA and served as Credit Union Healthcare Consortium Trustee. Melton serves as a trustee of Westview Wesleyan Church. Luzadder named Teacher of the Year Brad Luzadder, a teacher and chef from Heartland Career Center in Wabash, recently earned recognition as Indiana's ProStart Teacher of the Year. Luzadder, the culinary arts instructor at HCC, was chosen for his dedication to his students and his community. Heartland officials said Brad always has a positive attitude and is willing to help others. According to one of his students, "Chef was always there for positive support and I now am more confident in my abilities. He believed in me and trusted me to grow and excel when no one else did and when I did not trust myself." Greg Yeakle Tony Melton Payne joins MCS as next Director of Special Services Marion Community Schools has named Eleese Payne as the next director of our Special Services Department. Payne will move into the role this summer. She lives here in Marion. Payne has been with KIPP Indy since 2014, first as assistant school leader and then as director of special education. Prior to that she was assistant principal at Howe Community High School with Charter Schools USA. She started her education career as a special education teacher in Hawaii Public Schools, and then served as a mentor teacher at Evansville Vanderburgh Schools and a curriculum resource teacher at Howe Community High School. Payne earned her bachelor of arts degree from DePauw University; a master's degree in special education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a master's of organizational leadership from Columbia University in New York. Alicia Hazelwood--We are `mission-driven' Alicia Hazelwood is the executive director of the United Way of Grant County, a role she has held since August 2012. A graduate of Marion High School, Hazelwood received her bachelor's degree in political science from Manchester University and later completed a master's of business administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. She also holds certificates in Nonprofit Leadership and Fundraising Management, both from the IU School of Philanthropy. TBH: Many people don't consider not-for-profit or nonprofit organizations when they talk about business. Hazelwood: They really should. We are mission- driven, but we still have to worry about revenues and expenses and operating in a business-like way. We still need to bring in money and we have to manage our staff. At the United Way I have a staff of one, and I need to make sure that we take care of her. We just do our business in support of our mission rather than in pursuit of profits. Our mission at the United Way is to support families and help other not-for-profit organizations in our community do that as well. We are mission-driven, but we still have to worry about revenues and expenses and operating in a business-like way. We still need to bring in money and we have to manage our staff. We just do our business in support of our mission rather than in pursuit of profits. People often talk about Grant County having a rich not-for-profit com- but people can't get to things like office expenses tion would you like to to support. Our work is to or lend their expertise just munity. It would seem them. There is some pub- and staff�are way down. address about not-for- connect those people with because they have a gener- that the United Way is lic transportation, but it's This type of scenario is profits? their passions. ous spirit. They don't in- right in the center of not available everywhere. happening at a lot of not- I react pretty strongly We have a great many vest their money and their that. Last week we helped out for-profit organizations. when people say I spend programs run by a vari- hearts into something, I don't know that I like at a food distribution and There is more money com- my time begging for mon- ety of organizations that though, unless they have a the word "rich," but it is a man was there with no ing in, but they can't spend ey. That's not at all an ac- people are willing to sup- passion for it. It's our job true that there are a num- car. He said he had a friend it freely, and, meanwhile, curate description of what port. Sometimes, though, to understand that person ber of not-for-profit orga- coming, but it took a while. their regular expenses we do. The truth is that the I ask someone to support well enough to discover nizations and they do serve I wanted to be able to call continue�even increase in people of Grant County a program and it doesn't their passion and then� a great many parts of the an Uber and get him where some cases. are extremely generous, match with their passion. when we find the proper community. People should he needed to be, but that's and they are passionate That doesn't work. They opportunity�we can con- know that [the leaders] of not an option here. He What other misconcep- about what areas they want may volunteer at an event nect them. those organizations meet had to wait several hours together regularly and dis- before his friend came cuss our programs and how and they could get home. to help each other serve the It would be great to have people of Grant County. other ways to get people to We coordinate what the programs and services we do. For example, the that agencies offer. YMCA does basketball for the youngest kids because How has the COVID-19 it is more central to their pandemic affected not- mission while the Boys & for-profits? Girls Club has a basketball People have a miscon- program for older kids be- ception about that, be- cause their facility serves cause they hear news of them better. We also sup- additional money being port each other. One agen- donated for the pandemic. cy may let us know that While not-for-profits have they have lost their jani- received additional funds, torial person and then an- most often those gifts are other organization will ask designated only for the their staff to help clean the pandemic. facilities at that other place That helps, and I don't until the first agency can want to discourage it at find and hire a new person. all, but it doesn't tell the whole story. At the United Is there an area that the Way, workers make pledg- not-for-profit agencies es made in the fall that in Grant County don't then get collected through cover? payroll deductions dur- The agencies cover a ing the next calendar year. great many needs, but in Because of the pandemic, discussions about their though, many of those programs, I often hear about transportation being a problem. Often the programs are available, workers are not getting paid, which means no payroll deductions, so our revenues�the ones that cover Page 4 The Business Herald Spring 2020 Spring 2020 The Business Herald COVID-19 Business resource guide COVID-19 Continued from 1 open positions and more. Grant County residents should use the page as a one-stop shop to find information on local shopping options and unique ways to support their favorite local businesses while following Governor Holcomb"s Stayat-Home executive order. "It's important to have a platform for Grant County's local businesses to share information with the public, said Pat Pearson, co-owner of Mama Pearson's Soaporium, "We all need each other to sustain the business community during this uncertain time, so I encourage residents and businesses to observe the page and support their community businesses." Additionally, the page will feature the "COVID-19 Business Spotlight," a biweekly post that features a Grant County business: how the business has adapted their operations during the pandemic and ways in which the community can immediately support the business. Community Foundation grants The Community Foundation of Grant County has its Give To Grant Community Impact Fund, from which nonprofits can get grants to respond to critical needs. The Foundation's COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants are intended to sustain and develop vital community services for residents who stand to lose the most from the unfolding emergency. The grants will address the emerging needs of nonprofits, such as food access, homelessness, medical services, and emergency childcare. The Foundation has already made several rounds of grants to organizations including: Family Service Society, Carey Services, Project Leadership, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Grant County Rescue Mission. SBA loans The Small Business Ad- ministration has several loan programs available, most importantly the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program. (See graphic for details.) United Way COVID-19 Assistance Fund The United Way of Grant County has established a COVID-19 Assistance Fund to: � Ensure local social ser- vice organizations have the resources to assist community members with obtaining basic needs, such as food, rent and utilities. We anticipate that there will be alterations to physical structures and/or additional equipment and supplies that will be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of agency staff and volunteers, as well as the patrons who visit their facilities. � Make local programming easier to access. � Ensure the development of sufficient childcare capacity and early childhood education opportunities for Grant County youth, especially (during this pandemic) for healthcare and emergency workers. � Encourage and support partnership strategies and solutions with local businesses to meet the immediate and long-term needs of residents in need. � Develop better access to current local information, especially when in a crisis mode. � Work with educators, parents and students to ensure that educational opportunities remain high, whether or not students are in a physical It takes a local business owner to protect one. As a small business owner in our community, I understand what it takes to protect your small business. Let me help you get insurance for your business at a great value. Stop in or give me a call. Nick McKinley, Agent 924 W 26th St Marion, IN 46953 Bus: 765-674-2265 nick@nickhasmyback.com 1706444 State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, Florida State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX classroom. � Promote technology up- grades that allow for secure, work-from-anywhere solutions for local workers. Encourage companies to identify and develop work-fromanywhere solutions for their workforce. Community Loan Center of Northeast Indiana The Community Loan Center of Northeast Indiana (www.clcnein.org/) offers workplace loans of $550 - $1,000 to workers who are 18 years old, have had their job for at least three months, have a checking account, a driver's license or passport number, and a social security number. This can be a great help to employees, at no cost you as the employer. The program requires the employer to sign up, then: � The employee/borrower applies for the loan. � The Loan Center then contacts the employer to verify employment. � The employee/borrower signs for the loan. � The Loan Center deposits the money into the employee/borrower's checking account (within two business days). � The employee/borrow- er pays back the loan through payroll deduction over a 12-month period. the loans are at 18% interest, plus a $20 administrative fee. This is considerably less than the 391 % that payday loan lenders are allowed to charge. There is no credit history or collateral needed, and no prepayment penalties. Borrowers can also get free financial counseling if they need it. Useful links. Go to: � www.dol.gov/news- room/releases/whd/ whd20200326 for information on paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the families first coronavirus response act. � www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/ whd20200326-0 for information regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act. � www.irs.gov/newsroom/ treasury-irs-and-laborannounce-plan-to-implement-coronavirusrelated-paid-leave-forworkers-and-tax-creditsfor-small-and-midsizebusinesses-to-swiftlyrecover-the-cost-ofproviding-coronavirus ?ei=185775&eri=260 99211&dsi=442237& sp_ tag =Full+Release +Here&sp_pvosi=24760 for the U.S. Treasury, IRS and Labor plans to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses. � calendar.in.gov/site/gov/ event/hotline-openstuesday-to-help-business-and-industry-withstay-at-home-order/ ?fbclid=IwAR0RF-vvm4e8Z_gTEJ2KNbZFXDPm8KK3ds-7qNYFZb c 0 i Q q C PA X S e 9 g YWXM to determine if your business is considered an 'essential' business. � www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ CISA_Guidance_on_ the_Essential_Critical_Infrastructure_ Workforce_508C_0.pdf for definitions of "essential businesses." � www.hoosierdata.in.gov/ covid19.asp is a page full of more links with important data. � www.uschamber.com/ sites/default/files/coronavirus_customizable_flyer-final.pdf for a printable graphic your business can use to promote "health priority." � www.uschamber.com/ coronavirus-responsetoolkit more printable graphics for your business. Page 5 Page 6 The Business Herald Spring 2020 Spring 2020 The Business Herald Page 7 Nonprofit News Business Briefs IWU adds master's in athletic training Indiana Wesleyan University is launching a new master's of science degree program in athletic training (MSAT), scheduled to begin in the fall of 2022. Based on new requirements by the Strategic Alliance and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), IWU's undergraduate athletic training program will transition to the new professional master's degree program. Accredited by the CAATE, the 54-hour professional athletic training degree will provide graduate students with the knowledge, values, skills and clinical education necessary to effectively practice as certified athletic trainers. Highlights of the program include taking a cadaver anatomy course and spending a semester in an immersive athletic training experience off-campus. Graduates of the program will be prepared to successfully pass the Board of Certification Inc., certification exam. IWU will also launch a 3+2 MSAT program for athletic training students interested in completing both their undergraduate and graduate degrees at IWU. The 3+2 MSAT degree allows students to complete an MSAT degree in combination with a bachelor's degree in exercise science in five years. The MSAT will also be available as a stand-alone program for students who already have a bachelor's degree and the required prerequisites. "I believe that IWU is uniquely positioned to provide an incredible experience for our MSAT students," said Dr. Jessica Keller, athletic training program director. "We have 30 years of successful undergraduate athletic training education experience to build upon, an experienced faculty and preceptors and incredible facilities. I think what we have is a really special combination that will be both a positive experience for our students and will produce great athletic trainers committed to Christian servant leadership." Carey Services holds `A Night' Carey Services honored five people for their service to, and advocacy for, people with disabilities at the agency's annual A Night at Carey dinner in March, which was National Disability Awareness Month. Carey Services started the "A Night at Carey" dinner in 2017 to bring people in the community together in a fun way to raise community engagement for disabilityrelated issues. The dinner has had a specific theme each year; this year's theme was "The '20s Roar Again," an homage to the 100 years since the beginning of the Roaring '20s. Many attendees took part by dressing in Indiana Wesleyan University announced the launch of a new master's degree in athletic training program to begin in the fall of 2022. Photo provided period-appropriate outfits. lead and creating men- Arts Commission, Marion "A Night at Carey is a fun tal wellness sessions in a Design Co., Carey Services, event for a serious cause," packaged and discounted the Division of Art and De- said Jim Allbaugh, Carey rate to be rolled out within sign at Indiana Wesleyan Services' president and chief the next couple of weeks. University, Lark's Song, lo- executive officer. "The dinner and The Carey Awards we present during the program are ways Carey Services is working to turn abilities "Our teams are part of the essential workforce and are on the front lines making sure children and families are safe and well," FSSI cal engineer Adam Wroughton, and local artist Henrik Soderstrom received a 2020 QuIP grant, a collaboration into opportunities for those said in a press release, "The between the Indiana Office we serve to help promote inclusion in everything we start making grants to local nonprofit agencies from its or cancellations resulting in revenue loss. changes we have made all come with the safety and se- of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Indi- do." Give To Grant Community The Foundation is also curity of our most valuable ana Arts Commission (IAC). The agency presented The Impact Fund for response to inviting all to donate to the asset�our employees--in The grant is for a project Carey Awards as part of the the COVID-19 pandemic. fund. It has already commit- mind." that will assist the Marion evening's activities. This "This Fund provides flex- ted $147,000 to the fund. community in activating year's winners were: ible financial support to Donors who would like Changes at Main Street the underused South alley- � Heritage Award (to some- trusted nonprofit partners to can contribute online at Marion way through implement- one in the agency's history who has continued to have impact on agency operations)�Jacquie Dodyk, Affordable Housing Corp., and a past agency board member across Grant County who are responding to critical needs," the Foundation said in a press release. "The Fund also allows the Community Foundation Board to be nimble in their response to GiveToGrant.org/Impact or mailed to 505 West Third Street, Marion, IN 46952� write IMPACT in the memo line. FSSI makes changes Main Street Marion (MSM) recently announced some changes, including new committee members: Megan Todd, of Tate Real Estate, who joined the Design Committee which is ing a collaborative public art piece. The vision for the installation is to highlight the community's growing self-recognition as an arts community and to connect � Mission Leader Award addressing our community's Family Service Society, chaired by Emily Hathway people from the Courthouse (to a Carey Services staff most pressing and emerg- Inc. (FSSI) has made some of Lark's Song and Circles Square to the Fifth Street member)�Michelle Percy ing needs, specifically with changes to adapt to "this of Grant County. Commons. The installation � Self-Advocate Award (to organizations working with new normal" it announced Kayla Johnson, a City of will create a passageway that an individual Carey Ser- our most vulnerable citi- recently. Among the changes Marion employee and the connects the spaces. vices serves)�Erik Smith zens." are: former executive director � Community Partner The Foundation will dis- � Meeting clients where of MSM, and Jaylan Miller, Marion General Hospital Award (to someone in the community who has been a strong advocate for people with disabilities)�Kellie Planck, Marion General Hospital and Tim Gerber, New Market tribute awards using its "rapid response grantmaking" method. The Foundation will make grants that address gaps in services and increase capacity of organizations to meet basic needs of indi- they are using ZOOM conferencing, a HIPAA compliant software that ensures client confidentiality � Enabling employees to work from home; this in- of The Chronicle-Tribune, joined the Promotion Committee, chaired by Alexis Wroughton of Designs Group. Also, Executive Director Heidi Peterson signed a named `Top 100' Marion General Hospi- tal (MGH) has been named a 2020 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital in the United States by The Char- of Gas City (for the first viduals and families, such as volved a quick inventory lease with The Chamber of tis Center for Rural Health, time, two winners were food access, homelessness, of technology and redistri- Commerce for a new office earning the designation for selected) medical services, and emer- bution of those devices space for MSM at 215 South the fourth consecutive year. "The awards are fun, gency childcare. � Working side-by-side with Adams Street, Suite 200, "Our medical staff and and we are thankful for the According to its press re- partners at the Department Marion; the organization healthcare team strive to award winners," Allbaugh lease, the Foundation will of Child Services (DCS) moved into its new space in provide exceptional care for said, "but are thankful the fi- give priority to human ser- to ensure that they are February. "The space will our patients each day," said nancial support of our sponsors and those in attendance who contributed to further our mission." vices organizations that have deep roots in the community and strong experience working with vulnerable populations. Once the state of meeting with the families that need the most attention � Creating and encouraging positive social engage- allow us to grow and add a new employee within the next 5 years," said Peterson. MSM also launched a new website (mainstreetmarion. Stephanie Hilton-Siebert, MGH president and CEO. "I'm pleased that the skill and compassion our medical Community Foundation to emergency has expired, any ment with the commu- org). Marion Design Co. staff, employees, contracted give grants for response remaining funds will sup- nity by creating the series, provided all of the design staff and volunteers consis- to COVID-19 port nonprofit organizations "Check Up from the Neck implementation. tently offer to our patients The Community Founda- impacted financially as a re- Up" Finally, MSM, the City of is being recognized for the tion of Grant County will sult of program disruptions � Following the telehealth Marion, the City of Marion fourth consecutive year." Marion gender pay gap improvement tops state The city of Marion has closed the gap in gender pay equity faster than any other city in the state of Indiana in the 10 years from 200818, according to LendE DU. The company released a report using earnings data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for fulltime year-round workers. In 2010, Marion had a gen der pay gap of 28.78%. That gap improved to 18.79% in 2018, a change of 9.82%. Marion ranked as the 34th city in the nation, according to the report. Five stars for Rolling Meadows Rolling Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center has earned an overall fivestar rating from the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS). The designation gives Rolling Meadows Health and Rehab the highest star rating it is possible to achieve. CMS created the FiveStar Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. Nursing homes with five stars are considered to be above average quality when compared to other nursing homes in the state. "We are very proud that we've achieved fivestar status," said Brad Needler, HFA, administrator for Rolling Meadows. "Our staff truly care about our residents and they've earned this recognition. This achievement is a direct reflection of their efforts." Rolling Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing facility located in LaFontaine, Indiana. The facility has 115 licensed beds and serves the community through rehabilitation services, memory care, out-patient physical therapy and longterm skilled nursing care. Visiting Nurse acquires Family LifeCare Visiting Nurse acquired Family LifeCare on March 1. Nonprofit providers of home health, palliative, hospice and grief support services, Visiting Nurse and Family LifeCare have similar missions, philosophies of care and staff dedicated to serving patients and families in need. The combined organization will now serve nearly 2,000 hospice patients annually and reach individuals in Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Noble, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties. "Working alongside Family LifeCare team members has been such a positive and exciting experience and I am looking forward to seeing all that we can accomplish together in this next chapter," said Leslie Friedel, CEO of Visiting Nurse. Over the coming months, the two organizations will align brands to be known as Visiting Nurse in all the counties in which they serve. "I appreciate the thoughtfulness, strategy and approach to honoring the history and community impact of Family LifeCare. Visiting Nurse leadership and board members have gone the extra mile to ensure that patients, families and employees are exceptionally cared for in this combined organization," said Keith Huffman, board chair of Family LifeCare. "We are also welcoming board members from Family LifeCare to join the governing board of the combined organization. It has been a pleasure to work alongside members of the Transitions Committee that made this partnership possible," said Joe Byers, Visiting Nurse Board Chair. Subscribe to The Business Herald We want every business in Grant County to receive a copy of The Business Herald when it comes out at the beginning of each quarter--in January, April, July and October. If you know of any businesses that did not receive this inaugural issue, please send us the name of the principal and the business' name and address and we will add them to our mailing address. Want extra copies? You can get extra copies of this issue ($1 each, or free for Chamber of Commerce members, while supplies last) at the Chamber's offices. You can have extra copies delivered to your business each quarter by subscribing (for $5/ year). Simply fill out the form below and mail it to: PO Box 1167, Marion, IN 46952. Name: ______________________________________________ Business: ____________________________________________ Address: ________________________ City: _______________ State: _____ ZIP: ________________ Phone: _____________ _____ The business above did not receive a copy of this issue. Please send it to them next issue. Please send _____ additional copies of The Business Herald ; I am enclosing a check for $5/copy for a one-year subscription. Send to: Good News Ventures, P.O. Box 1167, Marion, IN 46952 Page 8 The Business Herald Spring 2020 Growth Council honors county investors The Grant County Eco- The businesses honored nomic Growth Council at this year's event spanned and STAR Financial Bank across industry sectors, hosted the 21st Annual In- from manufacturing to food vestor's Awards Luncheon services to retail, demon- at the Tomahawk Lounge strating the diversity of in March. There were 67 Grant County's economy. Grant County businesses Some businesses were cel- that received awards for plated positive economic atmosphere for investment, ebrated for new investment their investment of at least prospects before the CO- and we are so glad that and others were celebrated $25,000 or more into the VID-19 pandemic changed those of you in this room for their long-time, contin- county's economy in 2019- everything. have chosen to invest in ued investments. -a total of $94 million in- Mikayla Marazzi of the Grant County." The Growth Council has vested. Growth Council delivered One of the honoree's, FC worked alongside many of More than 120 residents, the event's opening re- Tucker Realty, recently re- these companies through business leaders, and elect- marks: "This is such a fun located to downtown Mar- helping them obtain tax ed officials attended the event because we get to ion. "We are thrilled with abatements, access state event to celebrate the in- recognize hard work and our new location downtown incentives and grant pro- vestment, providing an af- commitment to the Grant in the city," Charmayne grams, apply for training ternoon of celebration and County community. The Saylors of FC Tucker said. programs, connect with lo- an energy of excitement Growth Council is commit- "The market prospects are cal suppliers, recruit and as the community contem- ted to creating a welcoming looking good in Marion!" retain talent and more. Chamber, Continued from 1 play an essential role in that recovery. You will provide the jobs, products, and services that will help our community return to a sense of normalcy. Here at the Chamber we are diligently working every day to support you through this unknown. We have created a business resource page that we are updating multiple times per day. Even though information is changing by the minute, we've tried to include many of those resources in this print edition. For the full offerings, check out our website. We are working hard to create content, webinars, and op- portunities that will prove valuable for your business as we pivot towards recovery. If we haven't spoken to you directly yet, you should expect a phone call or email from our team in the coming days as we assess your specific needs and work together to create solutions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Rhonda, Brittany, or me. We are here to serve you, and remember: we are stronger together. Be safe, wash your hands, and take care of each other! Kylie Kylie Jackson is the president and CEO of the Marion Grant County Chamber of Commerce.