Tutti Frutti is part of fundraiser

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

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

Studio launches

Launch Fishers has announced the completion of its podcast studio.

The facility, which was supported by a $28,000 grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, is offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to utilize the studio to share their stories for free. The effort, in partnership with the Innovation Connector, is open to businesses in Jay, Randolph, Blackford and Delaware counties.

The space, located at 12175 Visionary Way in Fishers, features a podcast room for up to four individuals and a video room for up to two.

For more information, visit launchfishers.com/studio.

Collaboration set

Ivy Tech Community College and Conexus Indiana are collaborating in an effort to increase the number of advanced manufacturing firms in the state that have integrated digital technologies.

The goal is to expand offerings including the Internet of Things (connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices and the cloud), cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning in operations and manufacturing. A Conexus Indiana report from 2022 showed that about 50% of firms plan on adopting new technologies but struggle to find employees with the necessary job skills. In order to address that issue, Ivy Tech will develop curricula with a goal of preparing more Hoosiers for careers in advanced manufacturing.

“We’ve seen tremendous progress recently in manufacturers increasing their investments in technology-enabled capital equipment, and investments in workforce digital skills are equally important for those firms to realize the full benefits of new technology,” said Fred Cartwright, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana, in a press release. “This partnership with Ivy Tech, which will allow us to inform the curricula that prepare future industry leaders, is a positive step toward bridging the talent gap in Industry 4.0 advanced manufacturing.”

Facilities named

The Ball State University Board of Trustees approved the details, budget and naming of the new Eric Foss Championship Performance Center. Also approved was the naming of the Rhonda Newport Kaspar Stage and Timothy M. Andrews Monumental Stair within the new Performing Arts Center.

The Eric Foss Championship Performance Center will be a $7.8 million construction project to build a 10,000-square-foot strength and conditioning facility adjacent to Worthen Arena and the Dr. Don Shondell Practice Center.

“We are grateful to Eric for his generosity,” said Ball State director of athletics Jeff Mitchell in a press release. “Eric enjoys a legacy of enriching organizations and leading them to record growth, and his family’s impact on our student-athletes will have a similar transformative influence as they pursue a new level of excellence in the Eric Foss Championship Performance Center.”

The namings of the Rhonda Newport Kaspar Stage and the Timothy M. Andrews Monumental Stair are the latest steps for BSU’s new Performing Arts Center, which is intended to be the catalyst for plans to revitalize The Village.

Also, Mark Erwin was appointed to the Muncie Community Schools Board of Trustees.

Sims honored

Indiana University Health’s Dr. Adrienne Sims was honored last week as the winner of the 2024 Ogletree Deakins Human Resources Professional of the Year Award.

Sims, IU Health’s senior vice president and chief human resources officer, received the award at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon. The award “recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their workplace … through implementation of best practices, organization design and effectiveness, and alignment and accomplishment of the strategic direction of their company.”

“Adrienne has had a powerful impact since joining IU Health in 2022 — and at a time that has been fraught with major challenges for HR executives everywhere,” said Indiana Chamber president and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders in a press release. “The scope of her career experience is extraordinary, having worked for a number of blue-chip companies, and at each one leading and pushing forward significant initiatives.”

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.

Blocked out

Comcast has blacked out 15 regional sports networks in the midst of a dispute with Diamond Sports Group.

The blackout impacts games for 12 Major League Baseball teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians. Diamond Sports Group, which distributes the Bally Sports networks, blamed Comcast for refusing to “engage in substantive discussions” while Comcast said Diamond Sports Group declined several offers.

Subway sold

Roark completed its purchase of Subway restaurants last week.

The transaction, which had been previously announced, puts the business in the hands of Roark, a private equity firm based in Atlanta. No leadership changes are anticipated.

“The entire Subway system is excited that our sale to Roark is complete,” said John Chidsey, CEO of Subway, in a press release. “As we look to our future, our growth journey is far from over. With a continued strategic focus on delivering better food and a better guest experience, our next chapter will be the most exciting yet.”

Brand launched

Walmart last week launched the new bettergoods brand.

The new brand is intended to provide “chef-inspired food” and is Walmart’s largest food brand launch in two decades. Items will range from $2 to $15 with 300 items.

“Today’s customers expect more from the private brands they purchase — they want affordable, quality products to elevate their overall food experience,” said Walmart senior vice president for private brands, food and consumables Scott Morris. “Bettergoods is more than just a new private brand. It’s a commitment to our customers that they can enjoy unique culinary flavors at the incredible value Walmart delivers.”

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