US Aggregates awarded at workshop

A business with multiple regional facilities was honored last week.

Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association awarded US Aggregates 15 Gold Excellence in Mining Awards during its annual Winter Workshop. The awards are determined by evaluating environmental, safety, employee relations and community relations.

The company, which has locations in Jay and Randolph counties, also had 11 of its plants recognized with safety awards.

The association also presented the 2023 Keystone Award to US Aggregates president John Schmidt. The award honors someone “who has shown exceptional leadership and outstanding dedication to advancing the goals, growth and wellbeing of the Indiana aggregates industry.”

Chamber calls

Indiana Chamber of Commerce last week urged businesses to take the Health First Indiana Pledge.

The call came as representatives from the chamber joined the Indiana Department of Health for Public Health Day at the Indiana Statehouse. The pledge involves establishing a series of goals intended to create community partnerships through collaboration and communication with local health departments.

Chamber president and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders addressed a 2023 bill that provided an additional $225 million to county health departments over two years in order to priortize public health and safety.

“The Indiana Chamber and Wellness Council believe that health is wealth,” she said in a press release. “We applaud the state’s investment in its public health infrastructure through Health First Indiana, which will lead to a healthier Indiana and ultimately support the state’s ability to attract and retain business.”

Two of the chamber’s long-term goals are to reduce smoking levels to less than 15% of the state’s population and the obesity levels to less than 20%.

For more information on the Health First Indiana Pledge, visit indianachamber.com/healthfirst.

College selected

The American Association of Community Colleges on Monday announced Ivy Tech Community College as a finalist for the Award of Excellence.

The college is being recognized in the Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership category for collaborating with Indiana Hospital Association and IU Health to address the state’s nursing shortage. The American Association of Community Colleges will announced the award winner during its annual convention April 8 in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Ivy Tech’s size and scope across the state allow our institution to play a vital role in solving Indiana’s most urgent economic and workforce challenges, and no challenge has been more pressing than responding to the state’s nursing shortage,” said Ivy Tech president Sue Ellspermann in a press release. “Hundreds more skilled nurses are serving in Indiana hospitals and health care settings each year thanks to our incredible partnership with Indiana hospitals, and we are thrilled that this collaboration has been recognized at a national level by the American Association of Community Colleges.”

Manga marketing

McDonald’s is launching a new campaign featuring the “WcDonald’s” restaurants from anime movies and shows.

The campaign will include a new Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce, custom packaging and episodic shorts. New videos will be released every Monday from Feb. 26 through March 18.

Walmart purchasing

Walmart announced last week that it has entered into an agreement to buy VIZIO for about $2.3 billion.

VIZIO is an electronics company that produces televisions and soundbars and created the SmartCast Operating System. Walmart plans to utilize the technology to connect to customers in new ways.

“There is a lot to be excited about with this acquisition,” said Seth Dallaire, Walmart executive vice president and chief revenue officer, in a press release. “We believe VIZIO’s customer-centric operating system provides great viewing experiences at attractive price points. We also believe it enables a profitable advertising business that is rapidly scaling. Our media business, Walmart Connect, is helping brands create meaningful connections with the millions of customers who shop with us each week.”

CVS invests

CVS Health announced last week that it will invest almost $35 million toward creating two new affordable housing developments in Hawaii.

The developments will be located in Lahaina, Maui and Kapolei, Oahu. Residents will also be offered supportive social and educational programs.

“These investments and collaborations echo our longstanding commitment to supporting and uplifting the people of Hawaii,” said CVS regional director Scott Sutton in a press release. “We’re providing community members with access to meaningful affordable housing, health care, and educational and workforce opportunities to ensure that they have the resources they need to improve their overall wellbeing.”