Donations support literacy

A company that operates stores locally donated more than $13 million in support of literacy last week.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation on Thursday announced the donations that will support adult, family and summer literacy programs across the country, including in schools, libraries and with non-profit organizations. Funds can be used to increase access to instruction or to purchase new technology, equipment, books or other materials.

“It is a joy to celebrate this historic grant announcement during our 30th anniversary year,” said Dollar General Literacy Foundation executive director Denine Torr in a press release. “We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and access to a quality education, and we look forward to seeing these literacy grants inspire reading and build brighter futures.”



Ferren named

Indiana University Health has named Melora Ferren as its vice president of learning and development.

Ferren, whose selection was announced Thursday, had been IU Health’s vice president and associate chief nurse executive. She has worked with the organization for 13 years.

In her new role, she will oversee the implementation of a new learning and development strategy for IU Health employees.



Growing in India

Walmart is continuing to make a push in India.

Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, and other members of the company’s leadership team visiting Bangalore last week to meet with suppliers, merchants and others as it works to build a network in India. The company has set a goal of sourcing $10 billion in goods from India each year by 2027.

“We are committed to India and are here for the long term,” McMillon said in a press release. “I was excited to meet with the diverse Indian ecosystem of suppliers, small and medium enterprises, merchants and partners who are innovating and driving growth and opportunities.”



Appointed

Kimberly Howe Ferguson of Patterson Block Muncie, has been named director of Ball State University’s Entrepreneurship Center.

Ferguson is a Ball State University graduate who went on to receive her master’s of business administration in international business from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has been involved in entrepreneurship for more than a decade.

“As a female entrepreneur and a Hoosier, I am passionate about everyone — particularly women — investing in small businesses, in themselves, and in their futures,” Ferguson said in a press release. “I look forward to using this position to encourage and shape the next generation of entrepreneurs.”



Purdue announces

Purdue University last week announced its eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations Purdue Engineering Initiative.

The effort will focus on building “a community of faculty, students and industries at the intersection of physical, digital and sustainable manufacturing.” It will be run through the Purdue College of Engineering.

“This initiative provides another important arena in which we can help deliver tremendous benefits to the American people, our economy and our society,” said dean of the college of engineering Arvind Raman in a press release. “Reshoring and reimagining manufacturing for the 21st century is crucial to our future as a country, and we are proud to do our part in the revitalization of American manufacturing might.”



State hosting

The Indiana Secretary of State’s Office will host The International Association of Commercial Administrators Conference next week in Indianapolis.

The event, which runs May 21 through 25, is for government administrators of business organizations and secured transactions registries. It is expected to draw attendees from 40 states and about a dozen countries.

“Indiana is the perfect spot to host this incredible conference. We invite professionals from Mississippi to Slovenia to Africa and everywhere in between to experience the Hoosier State during the month of May,” said Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales in a press release. “I’m looking forward to developing relationships on a national and international level and showing attendees the meaning of Hoosier Hospitality.”



CVS fined

CVS was fined $6.5 million as part of a settlement of a civil lawsuit for selling expired items in its store.

A dozen counties in California sued the pharmacy and convenience store for selling outdated over-the-counter-drugs, baby food and infant formula. The suit was settled Thursday.

In response to the suit, CVS did an internal investigation and has put new protocols in place in an effort to ensure that items are not sold past their expiration dates.

"CVS was cooperative and conducted internal checks for expired over-the-counter drugs, as well as infant formula and baby food, which were past their use by' dates at all their California retail locations," Riverside County District Attorney's Office said in a press release.

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