Hardwick reappointed to board

A Dunkirk native has been reappointed to the Ball State University Board of Trustees.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed Mark Hardwick, a 1989 Jay County High School graduate, to a new four-year term on the board. He will serve through 2027.

Hardwick joined the Ball State board in 2020 and chairs its audit committee. He is a 1993 graduate of BSU and went on to earn his master’s degree in business administration in 1999.

“I am pleased and honored to serve another term on the Ball State Board of Trustees,” said Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants Corporation, in a press release. “Since joining the board in 2020, our University has not only met the challenges of a global pandemic, but we have emerged even stronger. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue representing and serving Ball State and our wonderful students, faculty, staff, and alumni.”

The governor also appointed William “Craig” Doggs as a new member of the BSU board. Dobbs is head of The Dobbs Group and institutional consulting director at Graystone Consulting, a business unit of Morgan Stanley.

Hospital adds

Adams Memorial Hospital recently announced the addition of Dr. Michael Ryskin to its staff.

Ryskin is an obstetrician/gynecologist who will practice at the Adams Memorial Hospital medical office complex providing services in the maternal and newborn clinic. A native of the former Soviet Union, he completed his residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and most recently worked in Nebraska.

Planning to fly

Commercial air service will return to West Lafayette/Purdue University Airport for the first time in two decades.

Purdue and Surf Air Mobility have agreed to begin scheduled community air service with O’Hare International Airport in Chicago beginning during the second quarter of 2024. The Purdue airport has not had commercial service since 2004.

“Purdue and the neighboring community are pleased to welcome Southern Airways Express to the Purdue University Airport,” Purdue president Mung Chiang said in a press release. “With the economic growth momentum here, I know that Purdue faculty, staff, students and alumni will be thrilled for the university and local communities to once again have direct access to the global aviation network after 20 years without scheduled commercial airline service. “

Commercial air services was a goal of the Purdue Flies initiative that also includes expanding Discovery Park District.

I&M donates

Indiana Michigan Power recently donated thousands of LED light bulbs in partnership with food banks in southwest Michigan.

The company donated 8,000 four-packs of bulbs to be distributed to those in need. It also gave 10,000 three-packs of window insulation kits and more than 10,000 door and window weatherstripping.

The donations are part of the company’s effort to promote energy efficiency. In a press release, it indicated that the bulb donation will result in a savings of more than $675,000 annually.

Developing offshore

Invenergy last week announced the formation of Jersey Link, an effort to expand renewable energy transmission.

The company, which is developing Skycrest Solar in northwest Jay County, bought the project  previously known as Atlantic Power Transmission from Blackstone Infrastructure Partners. Jersey Link is planned as a high-voltage direct current transmission solution to allow for up to 3,600 megawatts of new offshore wind energy production.

“This announcement underscores Invenergy's continued commitment to building the critical infrastructure required to advance the offshore wind and transmission goals of New Jersey, and the US at large,” said Robert Taylor, senior project director for Jersey Link in a press release. “Invenergy’s deeply experienced team will ensure Jersey Link cost-effectively delivers offshore wind power to shore, invests in coastal and inland communities, and advances workforce development opportunities throughout the state.” 

Eyewear line added

Walmart recently partnered with eyewear line Karun.

The new brand made from traceable recycled materials including fishing nets, metals and other plastics, is available at Walmart Vision Center locations. It features 18 styles, including aviators, round, rectangle and square frames.

“At Karün, our mission is to create eyewear that helps protect nature,” said founder and CEO Thomas Kimber. “Through our Karün Traceability System, we enable customers to learn where their eyewear materials were collected, how far they traveled and where they were produced. We chose to work with Walmart as our U.S. national retailer to expand access to more sustainable eyewear options.”

Zepbound available

Eli Lilly announced last week that its obesity treatment Zepbound is now available in U.S. pharmacies.

Zepbound was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. It is from a class of drugs traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to reduce food cravings and cause the stomach to empty more slowly, according to a report from Reuters.

CEO honored

Indiana Society of Association Executives last week named Indiana Bankers Association president and CEO Amber R. Van Til as its Association Executive of the Year.

Van Til joined the Indiana Bankers Association as a lobbyist in 2002. She held several other positions before being named president and CEO in 2017.

"I am the daughter of two community bankers," Van Til said in her acceptance speech. "It is an honor to get to work every day for an industry that I am so passionate about, and to support the industry’s work in helping Hoosiers in their communities achieve their dreams of homeownership, starting their own business and so much more."

Dinner scheduled

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will hold its Chamber Day Dinner at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Richard Haass, author of “Bill of Obligations: 10 Habits of Good Citizens,” will be the keynote speaker for the event. He served in the U.S. State Department under Presidents George We. Bush and Ronald Reagan, in the White House under Presidents George H.W. Bush, and at the Pentagon under President Jimmy Carter.

For more information, or to register for the event, contact [email protected] or (800) 824-6885.