Ardagh facility receives energy honor

An Ardagh Group facility has earned another honor for its energy efficiency.

The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the company’s distribution center in Fairfield, California, with an ENERGY STAR building certification. It was the eighth consecutive year the facility has earned the honor.

“Ardagh Group’s commitment to the environment goes beyond producing infinitely recyclable glass containers; we’re dedicated to protecting the communities in which we live and work, by saving energy and reducing our environmental impact,” said Ardagh chief sustainability officer Alex Winters in a press release. “Initiatives like the ENERGY STAR certification demonstrate Ardagh’s aim to be an environmental leader in the packaging industry.”

On average, ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants use 35 percent less energy, cause 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate than similar facilities.

Ardagh’s manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester have both previously been ENERGY STAR honorees.

Ribbon cutting

Jay County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the mural that was completed in July on the north side of Community Resource Center.

The ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Brick Alley, which is adjacent to the building. 

The City of Portland in April received a $10,000 grant from Indiana Destination Development Corporation for the mural as part of more than $400,000 in funding awarded for IN Indiana Public Art Activation projects. It is the second Portland mural for Zach Medler, a Geneva native and former Arts Place employee, as he also painted the Portland Rotary Club mural on the south side of the J&P Plating Building.

MSSL to host

MSSL Wiring System, Inc., of Portland will host its health fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday,  Oct. 26.

The event is designed to give employees information about health and wellness as well as to learn about healthcare providers in the community.

Individuals or companies interested in attending should contact Dakota Pettus at [email protected] or (260) 726-6501.

Classes scheduled

John Jay Center for Learning is continuing to offer ServSafe training.

The courses for those in the food-service industry are scheduled for Oct. 30 and Nov. 27. Each runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at John Jay, 101 S. Meridian St., Portland.

For more information, call (260) 729-5525.

EV event is Thursday

Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Drive Clean Indiana and Indiana Utility Group are launching GOEVIN: GO Electric Vehicle INdiana, an electric vehicle charging initiative.

The organizations will host a series of events to promote the program, including at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. Other events are planned for Portage, South Bend and Indianapolis.

For more information, visit goEVIN.com/events.

Trade fair is Oct. 6

Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne will host its Skilled Trades Career Exploration Fair from 9 am. To 2 p.m. Oct. 6 in the Steel Dynamics, Inc. Keith E. Busse Technology Center.

The event in the facility at 3701 Dean Drive, Fort Wayne, will feature more than 50 employers. It is designed as an opportunity for anyone interested in the trades to explore their options.

For more information, go online to link.ivytech.edu/skilledtrades.

Summit is Oct. 25-26

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host the Future of Indiana’s Workforce Summit Oct. 25 and 26 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

The summit, led by Ivy Tech Community College, will feature experts from industry and government who will share information about jobs and employer-led collaborations to address workforce needs. Details will also be shared about using data to make decisions about hiring and training.

“We are in a talent-driven competition,” said Indiana chamber president and CEO Kevin Brinegar in a press release. “Ensuring the quality of our workforce is an ongoing focus of the Indiana Chamber’s policy efforts and it’s critical to securing our economic position locally and around the world. This summit will tackle the main obstacles and challenges and bring together many stakeholders.”

For more information, Go online to indianachamber.com/inworksummit or call (800) 824-6885.

Indy airport honored

J.D. Power named Indianapolis International Airport best in customer satisfaction for medium-sized airports in North America.

It marked the fourth time in five years and the sixth overall that the airport has received the honor.

The recognition is based on consumer rankings from the J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. The survey looked at a variety of factors, with Indianapolis International scoring highest in airport arrival/departure (getting to and leaving the airport), security check, terminal facilities (concourses, lounges, signage, restrooms and gate areas) and food/beverage and retail factors.

“This award demonstrates the dedication of our team and airport business partners to the community,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director, in a press release. “The true magic is that our world-class team has a boundless capacity, year after year, to continuously improve the airport customer experience.”

Show is Oct. 18-19

The Design-2-Part Show is scheduled for Oct. 18 and 19 at Indiana Convention Center.

The free event, which will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the region's largest sourcing event for engineers and buyers of custom parts, components, design, prototypes and assemblies. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with suppliers, learn about new technologies, see sample parts and discuss solutions to manufacturing challenges.

For more information or to register, visit d2p.com.

Meetings scheduled

Indiana Department of Workforce Development will hold town hall meetings in the coming weeks to offer information to instructional providers about funding available to provide adult education.

The meetings will include an overview of the grant application process, including what funds are available, who is eligible and requirements for grant recipients. Funds available can be used to help adults attain a high school equivalency, transition to post-secondary education/training and assist migrants with English language classes.

The meetings include 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 4 in Allen County Public Library Meeting Room C, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, and 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Maring-Hunt Library Meeting Room, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. 

For more information, email [email protected].

Hosting events

The Central Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host the 2024 Indiana Safety and Health Conference Feb. 26, through 28.

The event will include the Indiana Forklift Rodeo, speakers, a 10-hour course for general industry, an innovation showcase and the governor’s workplace safety awards luncheon.

The Indiana chamber also has a safety leadership principles workshop scheduled for Sept. 21 and 22, safety for maintenance and machine operators on Oct. 4 and forklift safety on Oct. 5.

It will also host the 2023 Indiana Environmental Conference and Winter Technical Meeting Dec. 6 and 7. Various continuing education credits can be earned at the event.

For more information, or to register, call (800) 824-6885 or email [email protected].

Nominations open

The Indiana Primary Health Care Association is accepting nominations for its annual awards.

The organization selects an employee of the year, provider of the year, volunteer of the year, special exemplary project award, grassroots advocacy award, legislator of the year and health center dedication.

Nominations can be made at indianapca.org.