Ford is retiring from CrossRoads

A longtime credit union employee is retiring next week.

Jeanna M. Ford will retire from CrossRoads Financial Federal Credit Union on Friday, Sept. 6. A retirement reception is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at the CrossRoads main office, 1102 W. Votaw St., Portland.

Ford serves as marketing director and human resources manager for CrossRoads. She started her career as a bookkeeper in 1989 before becoming member services manager. She was named marketing director in 2000 and later added the human resources manager title.

In 2020, Ford was named a vice president.

Staff added

East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center announced that it has hired three new employees, including program specialist Clint Albert.

Albert has worked as an insurance agent for a decade as well as in leadership roles in retail and coaching. He is planning various events, including QuickBooks workshops, an Exporting 101 course and a seminar regarding starting a business.

Claudia Metzger is the development center’s new ecosystems navigator. She has a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communication studies and sociology and a master’s in information and communication sciences. Her role “aims to foster an environment that supports small business growth and success by connecting entrepreneurs to resources.”

Lisa Green will serve as the new office administrator.

Registration open

Anyone with a business idea can now sign up for the chance at funding assistance.

Registration is open for Launch Jay!, a business pitch competition put on by Jay County Development Corporation and Jay County Chamber of Commerce.

The “Shark Tank”-style business pitch competition offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to earn funding for their ideas for a new business or expanding an existing business. Participants will go through a series of workshops leading up to the live pitch competition on Oct. 5.

Applications are available at Community Resource Central, 118 S. Meridian St., Portland, or by emailing JCDC executive director Travis Richards at [email protected].

For more information, call (260) 726-9311.

Named to list

Forbes last week named Ivy Tech Community College to its 2024 America’s Best In-State Employers list.

Forbes works with market research firm Statista to survey employees as part of the process of selecting employers. Ivy Tech has been on the list for three consecutive years.

“Ivy Tech is Indiana’s workforce engine, and we could not deliver on that commitment without the dedication of our faculty and staff. Our people are what make us great, and it’s why we strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, empowered and driven by a deep sense of purpose and belonging,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech, in a press release. “This recognition reflects the impact of our efforts to engage our employees, invest in their growth and enhance our policies and programs to support their success in work and life.”