Mercer hospital earns honor

Mercer Health’s Mercer County Community Hospital was honored recently with the 2024 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals for emergency care and patient safety.

The designation is based on patient satisfaction, patient recommendation rating, clinical performance and accreditations. Mercer County Community Hospital ranked in the top 3% for emergency care and the top 7% for patient safety.

“Our expectations are to deliver the very best care we possibly can for our community. Our team truly does provide some of the best healthcare in the nation, right here,” said Mercer Health vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer Susan Miller.

Also last week, Clayton Agler was awarded the 2023 Mercer Health Medical Staff Scholarship to Clayton Agler. The Parkway High School graduate is working toward his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The scholarship provides $2,000 annually to a medical student.

Purchasing

O’Reilly Automotive last week announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Groupe Del Vasto and its affiliates.

Groupe Del Vasto, which is based in Canada, operates two distribution centers, six warehouses and 23 stores. The purchase is expected to be complete next month.

“From their beginning more than 35 years ago, Vast-Auto has built a very successful business by focusing on the same fundamental culture values of hard work and excellent customer service that have also been key to O’Reilly’s success,” said O’Reilly CEO Greg Johnson. “This strategic acquisition represents another important milestone in O’Reilly’s rich history, as we extend our footprint into Canada and continue our long track record of profitable growth throughout North America.”

IBA elects president

The Indiana Builders Association board of directors recently elected Kenny Reinbrecht to serve as its president in 2024.

Reinbrecht is the founder of Reinbrecht Homes in Haubstadt. He has also served on the boards of Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana and Gibson County Economic Development Corporation.

Awarded for training

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, recently awarded a $114,823 IHOPE grant to Adams Memorial Hospital.

The grant will be used for training and educational outreach focused on sudden cardiac arrest, choking and congestive heart failure. It will focus on providing community members skills and supplies to reduce mortality and morbidity rates for cardiac arrest victims.

Editor hired

Indiana Electric Cooperatives last week announced the hiring of Britt Davis as its editor.

Davis previously served as editor-in-chief of Associated Construction Publications. She will lead publication of Indiana connection magazine in her new role.

“We are excited to have Britt as a member of our team and editor of Indiana Connection magazine,” said Indiana Electric Cooperatives vice president of communication Mandy Barth in a press release. “Her depth of magazine and editorial experience and management make her an excellent addition to our magazine and association staff.”

Lutheran awarded

Indiana Hospital Association recognized all five Lutheran Health Network hospitals, including Bluffton Regional Medical Center, at the INspire Hospital of Distinction program for their commitment to infant and maternal health.

The recognition is based on implementing best practices for infant safe sleep, breastfeeding, tobacco prevention and cessation, perinatal substance use, obstetric hemorrhage, maternal hypertension and social determinants of health.

“The daily work of our delivering hospitals makes a monumental impact on the lives of so many Hoosier moms and infants in every corner of our state,” said Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb in a press release. “These caregivers are much needed and appreciated, and we will continue to partner with them to support our shared goal of a healthy Hoosier tomorrow.”

Company honored

Dollar Tree last week announced that it received a score of 85 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index.

It was one of 1,384 U.S. businesses that were ranked in the 2023-2024 CEI. It rates companies on non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility.

“This is such a significant milestone for Dollar Tree and Family Dollar,” said Dollar Tree chief people officer Jenn Hulett in a press release. “Our score is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our people advocating for LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion within our organization and in the communities we serve. I am encouraged by our score of 85 out of 100 for our inaugural inclusion in the survey, and I am confident we will continue advancing our work in this space.”

Tips offered

Indiana Michigan Power has offered tips for energy efficiency during the winter months.

Ideas for saving energy include:

•Making sure windows are properly sealed

•Insulating the home

•Keeping curtains/blinds closed at night and open during the day

•Keeper furniture away from baseboard heaters

Local and federal assistance for paying bills is available by calling 211 or visiting 211.org. 

For more information, visit electricideas.com/home.

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.