Marturello to lead KPC newspapers

KPC News has named Michael Marturello as its new executive editor following the departure of former CR reporter Steve Garbacz.

Marturello’s promotion was announced Friday. He will take over leadership of KPC’s daily newspapers that serve DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties. He has worked with the company since 1981.

Garbacz, who worked at The Commercial Review from 2008 through 2012, stepped away from the journalism field two weeks ago. He had been KPC’s executive editor since 2019.

“We are pleased that Mike has agreed to take on the additional responsibilities of being executive editor,” said KPC general manager Jenny Ernsberger. “Mike is a veteran newspaper professional who has served his community well and the newspaper industry in many state leadership roles over the years.”



Ardagh to create

Ardagh Group last week announced the first steps toward creating its “Centre of Excellence” in Cape Town, South Africa.

The new facility is planned to provide IT services to Ardagh’s businesses across the globe. (The company has glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester.)

“With world-class technology skills and an established infrastructure Cape Town provides the perfect home for Ardagh’s new Centre of Excellence,” said Ardagh chairman Paul Coulson in a press release. “We look forward to growing our presence to support our global business objectives.”



Pepsi closing

The Pepsi distribution facility in Muncie will close.

PepsiCo announced in a statement Thursday that its 2901 N. Walnut St., Munice, site will close. A specific closing date was not set.

The facility currently has about 100 employees.

“PepsiCo is always evaluating our network solutions and reviewing the best possible ways to optimize our service,” the company said in a statement. “With many recent distribution changes, we have determined that in the coming months, PepsiCo Beverages North America’s operations in Muncie, Indiana will close and be redistributed to neighboring locations. We will be working closely with leadership, unions, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition during this process with minimal impact to our employees and customers."



Gannett striking

Journalists who work for Gannett held a strike Monday during the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

The strike was planned for more than two dozen newsrooms in an effort to demand that Gannett reinvest in local news. The one-day walkouts were planned in seven states, including Indiana.

Gannett owns The Indianapolis Star, The Star Press (Muncie), The Palladium-Item (Richmond), South Bend Tribune, Journal and Courier (Lafayette), The Herald-Times (Bloomington) and The Courier and Press (Evansville) in Indiana.

The Austin NewsGuild is also striking June 5 to advocate for fair pay at the newspaper, which is also owned by Gannett.

The most recent round of Gannett layoffs eliminated about 200 jobs in December. That move followed about 400 jobs being eliminated in August.



Applications open

The Indiana Best Places to Work in Manufacturing program is accepting applications.

The program, in its second year, provides awards to Hoosier manufacturers based on assessments of each company and a two-part survey. Also considered are reports regarding demographics, employee comments and other benchmarks.

In order to apply, organizations must be involved in manufacturing, have a physical operation in Indiana and have at least 15 full- or part-time employees.

Manufacturing firms can apply at bestplacestoworkmanufacturingin.com. The deadline is July 28.



Clemons selected

Prosperity Indiana on Thursday announced that its board of directors has named Aspen Clemons as the organization’s new executive director.

She will take over for Jessica Love, who stepped down from the positive after five years of service.

Clemens has worked in administrative roles at several universities as well as the Indiana United Ways and the Indiana Commission for Women. She received an executive leadership certificate from the University of Chicago, a master’s degree in social policy from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Spelman College.

“Ms. Clemons' vision, passion, and approach impressed the Search Committee,” said Steven Meyer, Prosperity Indiana board president, in a press release. “The Board of Directors is confident Aspen will be an inspiring leader of Prosperity Indiana members and our community partners across the state.”



Lyles donate

Gerald and Nanette Lyles recently committed to donating $10 million for Purdue University’s Mitchell E. Daniels Jr. School of Business.

Lyles, a Purdue graduate, is president of Lyles United and Lyles Investments and serves as chairman of the board of Lyles Diversified. His family also donated $15 million in 2014 to name the Lyles School of Civil Engineering.

“It’s only natural that we give back to Purdue because the university has played such a big part in our success,” Gerald Lyles said in a press release. “We truly believe in the new direction Purdue is taking with the business school, and we want our gift to amplify the impact it can make for the facilities, faculty and students.”



Two appointed

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb recently appointed J. Timothy Morris and Kyle Seibert to the Indiana University Board of Trustees.

Morris is a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at IU and a partner of Proprium Capital Partners. He is the senior managing partner of chief investment officer.

Seibert is a graduate student at the university’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He served as student body president during the 2022-23 academic year.

“With their impressive service to IU, wealth of knowledge about the university and unique perspectives, Tim Morris and Kyle Seibert will be incredible assets to the Board of Trustees as they build upon IU’s reputation as a leading research university that strengthens our state and world,” Holcomb said.