Coopers finalists for regional award

The leaders of a local company have been named as award finalists.

Jim and Gary Cooper of Cooper Farms are finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award.

The Coopers are part of a pool of 34 regional entrepreneurs that were selected by an independent panel of judges. They were evaluated for “demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.”

“My brother Jim and I are honored to be nominated for this prestigious award,” said chief operating officer Gary Cooper. “When Jim and I joined the company 50 years ago, we never could have guessed where it would be today. We’re happy to be maintaining Cooper Farms as a family owned and operated company that continues to grow.”  

Regional award winners will be announced Thursday and will be considered for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards.

Workshop set 

Jay County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a leadership workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 27, at Community Resource Center.

The Fusion: Leading Multi-generational Teams event will cover social, political and economic influences that shape the attitudes of individuals across generations. It will focus on improving leadership and communication skills.

For more information, or to register, visit shaferleadership.com/fusion-jay-county.

Jay County Chamber of Commerce will also host ribbon-cutting ceremonies for a couple of new businesses.

Welsh awarded

The DAISY Foundation recently honored Jennifer Welsh of Adams Medical Group with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses.

Welsh works with pediatrician Dr. Adam Will at Adams Medical Group Berne. She has worked in the community for three years.

A nomination submitted by a patient referred to Welsh as “always kind and helpful in all that she does and treats every child like they were her own. She truly makes a difference for each patient every day by going above and beyond to make sure their needs are met.”

“Jennifer exemplifies the meaning of serving patients with kindness and compassion as she lives it every day,” said Adams Medical Group chief operating officer and nursing officer Chris Butler in a press release. “Her contribution as a nurse at Adams Medical Group Berne and to our community reminds us of what a difference a nurse can make every day.” 

Building planned

Purdue University’s board of trustees has approved plans to build a new academic success building on its Indianapolis campus.

The build near the intersection of West Street and Michigan Avenue will include about 248,000 square feet. It will feature new classrooms and laboratories and residential and dining space.

“Purdue University in Indianapolis is heavily focused on experiential learning and immersing ourselves into the community,” said David Umulis, senior vice provost Purdue University for Indianapolis, in a press release. “The Academic Success Building will create a welcoming arrival to the Indianapolis campus and serve as a thrilling way to provide our students, the Indianapolis area and our partners from around the globe with cutting-edge learning environments, study spaces, residential space and eat-in accommodations all under one roof.”

Drug backed

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted unanimously to back Eli Lilly’s experimental Alzheimer’s drug donanemab.

The panel agreed that trial data shows the drug was effective for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Its vote clears the way for the FDA to make a final decision on the drug.

“We really are pleased that the advisory committee recognized donanemab’s strong positive benefit risk,” Dawn Brooks, Lilly’s development leader for donanemab, told Reuters after the vote.

Raising for Kate’s

Various area businesses will take part in the Ice Cream Social Fundraiser for Kate’s Kart.

Proceeds from sales on June 22 and 23 will help to support Kate’s Kart, a not-for-profit organization that provides books for children in hospitals. On those days, Kate’s Kart will be on hand to provide goodie bags to children.

Participating ice cream shops include:

•Tutti Frutti of Portland

•The Tasty Spoon of Hartford City

•Iceburg Ice Cream of Albany

•Berry Winkle Frozen Yogurt of Muncie

•The White Cottage Sweet Shoppe of Berne

•Toppings Ice Cream and Zesto Ice Cream of Bluffton

•Old 27 Ice Cream Shop of Decatur

•Sophie’s Ice Cream of Gas City

Tips offered

Indiana Michigan Power offered tips for summer energy savings with high temperatures climbing into the 90s.

Tips from the electricity provider include: 

•Proper air conditioning maintenance, including cleaning the outside compressor with a garden hose and trimming nearby vegetation. 

•When purchasing a window air conditioner, finding one that is the correct size for the home.

•Keeping furnishings away from floor or air return vents and properly utilizing ceiling fans.

For additional advice, visit ElectricIdeas.com.