Fisher gets state grant

A local meat processing facility is getting a little help.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture announced $4 million in grants to 41 meat processing businesses, including $150,000 to Portland’s Fisher Packing, through the Indiana Meat Processing Expansion & Development Grant Program.

The funding was awarded to help mitigate the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on meat-processing businesses in the state. Funding came via the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Processing plants in our state are essential and this funding will help with a variety of necessities to strengthen this sector of our food supply chain,” said Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch  in a press release. “These grants will address issues caused by COVID-19 and help meet consumer demands in both normal and emergency situations.”

Others receiving funding include Oliver’s Butcher Shop of Union City, Munsee Meats of Muncie and Manley Meats of Decatur.



Cuttings set

Jay County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled several ribbon-cutting events.

T’opher’s, the new restaurant at Portland Golf Club, 124 W. 200 South, will host a ribbon cutting at noon Wednesday.

Additional ribbon-cutting events are set for noon Dec. 5 at Cute as a Button Salon & Spa at 1059 S. Main St., Dunkirk, and noon Dec. 11 at Craven Nutrition, 1510 N. Meridian St.



Preparing to buy

Motherson Sumi is looking to buy out several firms, according to a report this week by financial website Moneycontrol.

The company, which has a facility in Portland, is pursuing the buyouts as part of a plan to triple revenues to $12 billion by 2025. The most recent purchase was of the business assets of Bombardier’s Mexico unit.

“I have clear guidance that before March 2021, we should be announcing some good deals,” Motherson Sumi chairman Vivek Chaand Sehgal told Moneycontrol. “We are on the verge of it.”



To donate

McDonald’s on Tuesday announced a new program in which it will donate funds to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

In an effort to inspire support and awareness, McDonald’s will give $100 in the name of anyone who posts a photo or video making the Ronald McDonald House Charities heart symbol or other supportive message on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or Facebook using the hashtag #HereForRMHC.

“I’ve been so inspired by the way RMHC is there for families, day and in and day out, during the most difficult times in their lives — that’s what being part of a community is all about,” said McDonald’s president and CEO Chris Kempczinski in a press release. “That’s why we’re so proud to support this wonderful organization now and into the future.”



Advance recognized

Advance Auto Parts on Tuesday was named winner of the 21st Annual citizens Award in the sustainability category from the U.S. chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center.

The award honored the company’s Driving Hope program, an effort to partner with Good360 to keep auto parts out of landfills. The parts are then used for educational purposes.

“Advance is honored to receive a Citizens Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in the sustainability category for our Driving Hope initiative,” said Advance president and CEO Tom Greco in a press release. “Our focus on sustainability remains a priority in responsibly serving our customers, communities and planet. We intend to continue to develop and grow the Driving Hope program. Advance is incredibly proud to help individuals who are facing challenging life circumstances while giving automotive parts new life, reducing waste and helping to build resilient communities.”



New VP

CVS Health Corporation announced Monday that it has named Neela Montgomery executive vice president and president of CVS Pharmacy/Retail. 

Montgomery, who will step in to her new role Monday, previously served as CEO of Crate & Barrel. She is also a board partner at venture capital firm Greycroft.

"Neela is a seasoned retail industry leader with extensive digital and e-commerce experience," said Karen S. Lynch, who will become President and CEO of CVS Health in February 2021, in a press release. "She brings deep consumer insights that will allow us to better anticipate consumers' changing needs and deliver even more value to our customers in local, personalized ways. Neela is well-positioned to lead CVS Pharmacy today and into the future."