Bank named to Top 100 list again

A local bank continued its streak as a top farm lender.

The American Bankers Association recently named First Bank of Berne as a Top 100 Farm Lender in the nation.

It marked the fourth consecutive year that the bank has earned the honor.

The Top 100 list is compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is determined by farm loan value.

“We are proud that the American Bankers Association has recognized First Bank of Berne as one of the top ag lenders for the fourth year in a row,” said Jayde Ketring, First Bank of Berne agribusiness banking manager, in a press release. “Of course, I must give credit to our wonderful team of knowledgeable and experienced ag bankers, who make it their mission every day to exceed our customers’ expectations. Enabling local farms and agribusinesses to achieve their goals is what we love doing.”

Edwards awarded

The American Public Gardens Association’s Executive Garden Leaders Community recently honored Minnetrista Museum & Gardens associate director of horticulture James Edwards with the Gerry Donnelly Future Leader Award.

Edwards started his career as a gardener at Minnetrista. He has placed a focus on creating access to horticulture and engaging the community through innovative and sustainable practices.

“James has consistently demonstrated his commitment through his diligent work and innovative approaches not only on our campus, but throughout Community,” said Minnetrista president and CEO Brian Statz in a press release. “His passion for creative problem-solving and steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth distinguish him as a leader here at Minnetrista,” he said. “By empowering our staff to attend workshops, conferences, and educational programs, we ensure that our team stays at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.”

Bottles added

Ardagh Glass Packaging – North America has introduced a new series of 12-ounce craft beverage bottles.

The bottles are available in emerald green, flint and amber glass. They are designed and manufactured in the United States and utilize 100% recyclable glass.

“Ardagh Glass Packaging continues to focus on developing its portfolio of American-made glass bottles to offer craft beverage producers increased flexibility for packaging their products,” said Ardagh vice president of beer and beverage Rashmi Markan in a press release. “The new, 12-ounce craft beverage series of bottles complement a wide variety of craft beverages, offering brand differentiation with a trusted, sustainable glass bottle that fully protects the flavor of the beverage.”

Ardagh has glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester.

Job fairs set

The United States Postal Services is hosting a series of job fairs this month.

The job fairs are designed to make postal service staff available to provide information and answer questions about open positions. Applications are submitted online at usps.com/careers.

Job fairs in the area are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the following locations:

•205 S. Main St., Bluffton

•106 S. Ogden St., Ossian

•130 N. Meridian St., Winchester

Training scheduled

ServSafe training is held at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland.

The next session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 30. 

Additional sessions are set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays Aug. 20, Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26.

The certification course is open to all food service employees and emphasizes safe food- and beverage-handling practices to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses.

For more information, or to register, call (260) 729-5525.

Newly named

Stephanie Michaels has been named as the new director of programming for Muncie’s Cornerstone Center for the Arts.

Michaels previously served as curator of programs and collections management at the Anderson Museum of Art. She is a graduate of Ball State University.

“Working at an art museum for the past 10 years has been an amazing experience, but being able to add dance and music back into the mix is a dream,” said Michaels. “I look forward to working and being a part of the community I live in. One of my goals is to make all of the arts more accessible and to encourage creativity and exploration. Cornerstone has unlimited potential, and I am excited to help be a part of its growth and positive impact on Muncie and our surrounding communities.”

Applications open

Indiana Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Indiana Best Places to Work in Manufacturing 2024 awards.

Manufacturers can register for the program at bestplacestoworkmanufacturingin.com. For more information, email [email protected] or call (281) 602-5004.

The deadline is July 26.

Job fair scheduled

A job and resource fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center, 2820 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

The event will include various resources, including assistance with resumes. More than 70 vendors will be on hand.

Market returns

Indiana Grown and the Indiana Farmers Market Community of Practice will hold Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market again this year.

The event is a contest that allows customers across the state to vote for their favorite farmers market in an effort to encourage local engagement and statewide recognition. To nominate a farmer’s market, visit infmcp.org between now and Friday, July 26.

Voting will run from July 29 through Aug. 11, with winners announced Aug. 13.

“The Indiana's Ultimate Farmers Market allows for communities to support their local farmers market by voting for their favorite,” said Christina Ferroli, Indiana Farmers Market Community of Practice program coordinator, in a press release. “Not only can consumers show support of their favorite farmers market, but by voting, it helps others discover local products.”

Courses offered

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will offer a pair of OSHA general compliance courses in August.

A 10-hour course will be held Aug. 20 and 21. A 30-hour course will run Aug. 20 through 23. The courses will result in two to four credits toward Safety Compliance Specialist Certificates.

The chamber is also offering a Safety Leadership Principles seminar Sept. 19 and 20 in Indianapolis. The seminar will focus on helping attendees improve their skills related to worksite analysis, accident investigation, the impact of stress on safety, key performance indicators and employee involvement.

For more information, call or email (800) 824-6885 or [email protected].