July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Sertech gets $77,000 grant
Business Roundup
Portland-based Sertech Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. recently received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue its development of solar heating technology.
The company was awarded $77,000 to continue work on solar cell research, which traps and stores the sun's energy for use as fuel in heating.
"In Sertech's technology, Indiana has another great idea with great implications," said Gov. Mitch Daniels in a press release. "Companies like this that see innovative solutions are the future backbone of the Indiana economy."
The Solar Thermal Energy Storage Vessel developed by Sertech is about the size of a residential water heater and contains a mix of chemicals that can be heated to temperatures higher than water's boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit allows for a controlled release of heat energy.
"We are excited about the advancement of Solar Thermal Energy Technology advancement by Sertech, a terrific family owned company in Portland, Ind.," said Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier in the press release. "We appreciate our partnership with Sertech and look forward with the implementation of this new technology and energy saving method in our city facilities."
Sertech is one of more than 120 companies that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation has assisted in securing grant funding. Sertech is owned and operated by Wayne Blevins.
New manager
A rural Redkey man was named as the manager for the newly opened Fuqua Automotive in Portland.
Jeff Miller, a lifetime Jay County resident, will manage operations at the new auto branch, 1104 N. Meridian St., Portland. Miller had spent more than 18 years as a local banker before taking the position.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be hosted by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce at Fuqua Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
New VP
Second National Bank announced that Eric McKee will take over the duties of vice president.
McKee, who joined in 2006, will be responsible for managing the bank's indirect lending program. He came to Second National with 15 years experience in indirect lending and dealer development.
In other staff moves, H.B. Hole III was transferred to the main office loan center as a consumer lender, leaving his position as branch manager for Second National's branch inside Wal-Mart.
Melanie Smith was also named administrative manager, filling the position left open by Hole. She served as manager of the extended hours office in the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Greenville, Ohio, before taking on the new role.
There is a Second National Bank in Fort Recovery.
Sale possible
A Metaldyne plant in Bluffton may be part of a sale proposed by the bankrupt company.
RHJ International is looking to purchase the powertrain line from the defunct Metaldyne for $100 million. That proposed sale could include the Bluffton plant. The deal must be approved by a judge overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings before anything is certain.
RHJ owns Asahi Tec, the company that owns Metaldyne. The purchase would move the powertrain operation under a new subsidiary of RHJ.
More speed
Verizon Communications Inc. will boost its fiber-optic Internet speeds to FiOS customers.
The company announced Monday that it would bump up the upload speeds from 2 megabits per second to 5 megabits as well as increasing download speeds.
FiOS is available to some customers in the Fort Wayne area.
Taste of Randolph
The Taste of Randolph County will kick off July 18 at the courthouse square in downtown Winchester.
The Taste will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also feature the arts and crafts festival, which will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be miniature samples from local restaurants at reduced prices throughout the Taste.
OSHA training
The Indiana Chamber will host two Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance courses in August in Indianapolis.
The Chamber will offer 10-hour and 30-hour compliance courses for OSHA certification. Both seminars will begin on Aug. 18 at 8 a.m. at the Indiana Chamber Conference Center, 115 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.
Cost for the 10-hour class is $599 and $899 for the 30-hour course. To register for either course, visit www.indianachamber.com/conferences or call (317) 264-6885 or (800) 824-6885.
Zero Home
All American Homes LLC, Decatur, recently completed the "Living Zero Home" for the U.S. Department of Energy.
The model home will travel across the country, showing visitors practical ways to conserve energy and reduce utility costs. The first stop for the Zero Home will be the Taste of Chicago, starting July 1. The tours will conclude at the Denver Zoo in November.
The house features the Smart Living System, a home monitoring system that will be available in all All American Homes.[[In-content Ad]]
The company was awarded $77,000 to continue work on solar cell research, which traps and stores the sun's energy for use as fuel in heating.
"In Sertech's technology, Indiana has another great idea with great implications," said Gov. Mitch Daniels in a press release. "Companies like this that see innovative solutions are the future backbone of the Indiana economy."
The Solar Thermal Energy Storage Vessel developed by Sertech is about the size of a residential water heater and contains a mix of chemicals that can be heated to temperatures higher than water's boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit allows for a controlled release of heat energy.
"We are excited about the advancement of Solar Thermal Energy Technology advancement by Sertech, a terrific family owned company in Portland, Ind.," said Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier in the press release. "We appreciate our partnership with Sertech and look forward with the implementation of this new technology and energy saving method in our city facilities."
Sertech is one of more than 120 companies that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation has assisted in securing grant funding. Sertech is owned and operated by Wayne Blevins.
New manager
A rural Redkey man was named as the manager for the newly opened Fuqua Automotive in Portland.
Jeff Miller, a lifetime Jay County resident, will manage operations at the new auto branch, 1104 N. Meridian St., Portland. Miller had spent more than 18 years as a local banker before taking the position.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be hosted by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce at Fuqua Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
New VP
Second National Bank announced that Eric McKee will take over the duties of vice president.
McKee, who joined in 2006, will be responsible for managing the bank's indirect lending program. He came to Second National with 15 years experience in indirect lending and dealer development.
In other staff moves, H.B. Hole III was transferred to the main office loan center as a consumer lender, leaving his position as branch manager for Second National's branch inside Wal-Mart.
Melanie Smith was also named administrative manager, filling the position left open by Hole. She served as manager of the extended hours office in the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Greenville, Ohio, before taking on the new role.
There is a Second National Bank in Fort Recovery.
Sale possible
A Metaldyne plant in Bluffton may be part of a sale proposed by the bankrupt company.
RHJ International is looking to purchase the powertrain line from the defunct Metaldyne for $100 million. That proposed sale could include the Bluffton plant. The deal must be approved by a judge overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings before anything is certain.
RHJ owns Asahi Tec, the company that owns Metaldyne. The purchase would move the powertrain operation under a new subsidiary of RHJ.
More speed
Verizon Communications Inc. will boost its fiber-optic Internet speeds to FiOS customers.
The company announced Monday that it would bump up the upload speeds from 2 megabits per second to 5 megabits as well as increasing download speeds.
FiOS is available to some customers in the Fort Wayne area.
Taste of Randolph
The Taste of Randolph County will kick off July 18 at the courthouse square in downtown Winchester.
The Taste will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also feature the arts and crafts festival, which will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be miniature samples from local restaurants at reduced prices throughout the Taste.
OSHA training
The Indiana Chamber will host two Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance courses in August in Indianapolis.
The Chamber will offer 10-hour and 30-hour compliance courses for OSHA certification. Both seminars will begin on Aug. 18 at 8 a.m. at the Indiana Chamber Conference Center, 115 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.
Cost for the 10-hour class is $599 and $899 for the 30-hour course. To register for either course, visit www.indianachamber.com/conferences or call (317) 264-6885 or (800) 824-6885.
Zero Home
All American Homes LLC, Decatur, recently completed the "Living Zero Home" for the U.S. Department of Energy.
The model home will travel across the country, showing visitors practical ways to conserve energy and reduce utility costs. The first stop for the Zero Home will be the Taste of Chicago, starting July 1. The tours will conclude at the Denver Zoo in November.
The house features the Smart Living System, a home monitoring system that will be available in all All American Homes.[[In-content Ad]]
Top Stories
9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
Chartwells marketing
September 17, 2024 7:36 a.m.
Events
November
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
250 X 250 AD