Barnum-Brown is agency of the year

A local insurance agency won a statewide award.

Barnum-Brown Insurance of Dunkirk was named Indiana Farmers Insurance Agency of the Year on Wednesday at the company’s Cooper Club celebration.

The company was honored at the event that recognizes top independent insurance agencies throughout the Midwest.

“Aaron Walter and the team at Barnum-Brown are representative of so many of our agents who operate in smaller communities across Indiana, Illinois and Ohio,” said Indiana Farmers Insurance vice president of sales Scott Miller in a press release. “They are deeply embedded in Dunkirk and greet their customers every day at the market, at local restaurants or at high school events. … Through these deep relationships they have maintained a profitable and growing book of business consistent with our company.

Barnum-Brown has been in operation since 1931.

Walter leads a staff that also includes Michelle Back, Gabe Faulkner, Shirley Karn and Stephanie Walter.

“I can not be more proud of our staff,” he said. “We continue to work diligently with Indiana Farmers Insurance to meet our customer needs and expectations on a daily basis.”

Training scheduled

ServSafe training will be held monthly at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland through June.

Training sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays March 26, April 23, May 21 and June 18. The certification course is open to all food service employees and emphasizes safe food- and beverage-handling practices to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses.

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

Donated for fair

Mercer County Fair announced last week that Mercer Health has donated first aid kits that will be stationed in barns at the fairgrounds during this year’s fair.

The first aid kits include bandages, compression packs, masks and gloves. Mercer Health will restock them as needed.

"We are excited to partner with Mercer County Fair to provide crucial medical supplies for fair participants, particularly 4-H members who work tirelessly with their animals during the event," said Mindy Kremer, vice president of development,marketing and communications at Mercer Health, in a press release. "Ensuring access to first aid resources aligns with our mission of serving and supporting the community's health needs."

Hosting drive

Bluffton Regional Medical Center is hosting a Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive through March 25.

Collection bins will be at the hospital’s main entrance. Donations will go to Wells County Food Bank.

“We recognize the impact hunger has on an individual’s health and wellbeing, and we want to help those in our community who are struggling with food insecurity,” said Julie Thompson of Bluffton Regional Medical Center in a press release. ”An estimated 95,000 people are facing food insecurity in Northeast Indiana. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive is a

great way to partner with community members to reduce hunger in our area.”

Partnering

Indiana University Health on Thursday announced a partnership with Indiana Joint Replacement Institute.

The partnership is intended to expand orthopedic joint replacement services. Indiana Join Replacement Institute currently has locations in Fort Wayne (7230 Engle Road) and Terre Haute, and plans to add one in Indianapolis next year.

“Through this partnership, we aim to elevate the standard of joint replacement services and increase access for all patients in the region, ensuring our patients receive the highest quality of care and experience unparalleled outcomes,” IU Health northeast region president Brian Bauer said in a press release.

Program launched

Indiana Economic Development Corporation last week announced the launch of the Legend Fund, a loan program targeted at providing funding for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, Indiana will have $29 million to distribute to local lenders to increase opportunities for small businesses.

“Indiana is leading the nation in providing the ideal environment to help small businesses start, grow and innovate,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg in a press release. “With even more funding and new programs like the Legend Fund, we’re taking our support of the entrepreneurial ecosystem even further, ensuring all small businesses have equitable access to the tools, resources and capital needed to succeed.” 

For more information, visit connectind.com.

Chamber hosting

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host its Indiana HR Conference and Expo April 30 through May 2 at Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The event offers a variety of workshops and sessions for HR professionals. Cara Silletto of Magnet Culture will be the keynote speaker on May 1.

“Human resources departments are at the heart of most employers’ operations,” said Indiana Chamber president and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders in a press release. “We’re pleased to partner with so many brilliant speakers and effective organizations to help Indiana’s HR staffers be the best they can be. As we continue to focus on how we can support talent attraction and retention efforts for businesses across Indiana, we hope this conference provides needed resources and best practices for those who attend.”

Scholarships offered

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is offering $10,000 in scholarships.

Three $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors preparing to enter college or a technical program and two $2,000 scholarships will got to students already pursuing a two- or four-year degree.

Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, leadership, participation in school and community activities, academic honors, goals and aspirations, recommendations and work experience.

“Our scholarship program is an excellent way for us to give back to our members, invest in the future of the next generation and affirm our support for continuing education,” Edge CEO Tim Trotter said in a press release. “Edge is committed to supporting our membership, empowering our youth and fostering growth within our communities.”

To apply, visit voiceofmilk.com. The deadline is April 1.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (715) 584-7117.

Adding flights

Indianapolis International Airport last week announced several new non-stop flights that will begin this year.

On Monday, Delta Air Lines reinstated its non-stop flights from Indianapolis to Salt Lake city.

Other plans for this year include adding non-stop flights to San Francisco as well as seasonal non-stop flights to Minneapolis, Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans through various carriers.

“Some of the nonstop flights flying soon are new routes, some are resumptions and others are key schedule changes,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, in a press release. “But all are proof-positive that our airline partners are listening to Hoosiers and bringing them opportunities to connect with their preferred business and leisure destinations.”

Joined network

Family Dollar announced last week that it has joined the Ibotta Performance Network.

Ibotta is a digital network that delivers promotions over various platforms. The collaboration is intended to enhance Family Dollar’s digital engagement.

“Helping our customers do more and save more is core to who we are, and now we can help even more with the IPN improved customer experience,” said Family Dollar chief marketing officer Emily Turner in a press release. “With this new platform, our customers should be able to get to even more offers from the brands they know and love, elevating their shopping and savings experience with our Smart Coupons program.”

Expanding service

Walmart on Thursday announced that it is introducing Express On-Demand Early Morning Delivery.

Customers will be able to get at-home delivery from Walmart beginning at 6 a.m.