Assistance program is introduced

CenterPoint energy recently announced that it is introducing a Customer Assistance Fund.

The fund will be used to assist customers in need with their energy costs. It will replace the Share the Warmth weatherization program.

“CenterPoint is committed to supporting programs that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Mike Roeder, CenterPoint's senior vice president for external affairs, in a press release. “This new fund gives our customers another option to better manage their energy bills.” 

Customers can apply to the program once per calendar year. 

The company also appointed Dean Seavers to its board of directors. He is the former president of National Grid U.S.

Firm awarded

DENA recently honored Ardagh Glass Packaging – Europe with its Think Big! Award.

The German Energy Agency honors projects “committed to climate protection and sustainability.” Ardagh received its award for complex energy transition projects, including its NextGen Furnace hybrid technology that natural gas with renewable electricity to significantly reduce the carbon impact of glass packaging.

“The furnace’s ability to melt glass at commercial scale using high levels of renewable electricity, while incorporating up to 70% recycled glass content, is a game-changer in energy efficiency,” said Ardagh project manager Joris Goossens in a press release. “To date, these innovations have enabled us to reduce carbon emissions by 64% for every glass bottle produced. We are proud to win the DENA Think Big! award, which reflects Ardagh’s leadership in driving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions within the glass manufacturing industry.”

Ardagh operates glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester.

Directors added

Indiana Chamber of Commerce on Monday announced new members of its board of directors.

The board will have 24 new directors who will serve three-year terms. New directors include Ball State University president Geoffrey Mearns, Reid Foundation president Jason Troutwine and First Bank Richmond president Paul Witte.

“We’re adding many talented professionals from around the state as we head into a pivotal year,” said chamber president and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders in a press release. “We will call on our board members to apply their specific knowledge and talents to get engaged and help shape not only the Chamber’s future, but the state’s as well.”

“These new leaders come from key sectors of the state’s economy and will also help us bolster efforts toward initiating action that aligns with the goals in our Indiana Prosperity 2035 economic vision plan,” she added.

Bank honored

Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council awarded Old National Bancorp as its Local Corporate Member of the Year during its annual awards luncheon in Indianapolis.

The council seeks to accelerate economic growth by driving opportunities and collaboration between corporations and minority businesses. During the award year, Old National spent $19.1 million with diverse suppliers out of a total of $27.3 million spent with small businesses.

“Old National Bank recognizes the importance of being intentional about fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in all of our business practices,” said Roland Shelton, Old National chief strategic business partnerships officer, in a press release. “Our ever-evolving supplier diversity program is a collaboration that has resulted in a forward-leaning vision, strategy and delivery focused on sustainability and positive community and environmental impact.”

Supporting literacy

Scooter’s Coffee CEO Joe Thornton visited Carroll Elementary School in Frisco, Texas, last week as part of the company’s support for Reading is Fundamental.

Thornton read to students, each of whom received three new books. Scooter’s was also set to present a $40,000 donation to Reading is Fundamental today during the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl.

“It’s not just a name. Reading truly is fundamental for children to not only succeed in the classroom, but to succeed in life. Improving literacy empowers students to advance in their academic careers and be prepared for opportunities beyond school,” Thornton said in a press release. “Scooter’s Coffee is proud to support Reading Is Fundamental’s mission to advance childhood literacy and disrupt the national literacy crisis.”

Collecting

Pak-a-Sak has launched its five week Paper Kettle Drive at 31 locations in Indiana.

The campaign will benefit The Salvation Army’s Christmas assistance and emergency assistance programs. Paper kettles can be purchased for $1 at Pak-a-Sak stores.

Hosting drive

Menards stores are serving as Toy Drive drop sites this year.

Sites will be near the exits of each Menards story. Shoppers can donate unwrapped gifts for children in need through the end of November.

Menards stores in the region include sites in Muncie, Richmond, Anderson and Celina, Ohio.

Offering boxes

Indiana Grown is offering a 2024 Indiana Grown Holiday Box for purchase as a holiday gift.

The boxes feature items from Indiana Grown members. The initiative seeks to highlight local products.

This year’s boxes include a variety of items including travel-sized scented lotions from The Lotion Company of Muncie.

For more information, visit indianagrown.org.