Meeker is part of funding venture

An investment firm headed by a Portland native was part of a fundraising round for a company in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Applied Intuition, which supplies software for autonomous vehicles, announced a $250 million financing round at a $6 billion valuation. Lux Capital led the round.

Among the new and existing investors announced by Applied Intuition was Jay County High School graduate Mary Meeker of BOND Capital.

Applied Intuition was founded in 2017 and creates software that involves simulations to let customers test autonomous vehicles.

“When they think like, ‘I have this software or AI problem,’ we generally want them to think about us,” company co-founder and CEO Qasar Younis told TechCrunch. “Like we want to be that first call.”

Open in Japan

Invenergy’s Rusutsu Wind Energy Center has started commercial operations.

The facility, which has a capacity of 63 megawatts, is the company’s first wind farm in Japan. It has had solar facilities in the country for about 10 years.

“Invenergy is proud to deliver another operating clean energy project in Japan,” said Invenergy senior vice president Masa Oya in a press release. “We are grateful for the people of Rusutsu Village, Hokkaido, the administrative agencies, GE Vernova and our construction partner Kajima Corporation for helping make this project a reality. We look forward to building on our track record to deliver more clean energy solutions in Japan.”

The company is planning a solar facility in northwest Jay County.

Fair scheduled

Jay County Chamber of Commerce announced that the 2024 Jay County Career Fair is scheduled for Sept. 12 at Jay County Junior-Senior High School.

Additional information about the event will be provided in the coming months. Businesses that would like to be placed on the list to participate should call the Jay County Purdue Extension office at (260) 726-4707.

Services added

Adams Health Network has added services to its James D. & Sara L. Briggs Medical Office Building in Geneva.

The location is now offering primary care, obstetrics, internal medicine, radiology, lab and rehabilitation services. Walk-in general x-ray exams are available as well.

Tips offered

Indiana Michigan Power offered some tips to prepare for storms as part of Indiana’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week last week.

Its tips include:

•Know the safe area of your home for storm shelter.

•Have a plan for extended power outages.

•Prepare an emergency kit including non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio or TV, a portable cell phone charger, a blanket, a first aid kit and any necessary medication.

•Secure outdoor furniture and other loose items that can be caught up in strong winds.

•Stay away from downed power lines

•Ensure proper ventilation if using lanterns, heaters or fuel-fired stoves.

Stores to close

Dollar Tree announced recently that it will close nearly 1,000 Family Dollar stores over the next several years.

The company, which owns Family Dollar, plans to close 600 Family Dollar stores this year. It added that an additional about 37 Family Dollar stores and 30 Dollar Tree stores will close over the next few years.

A list of stores to be closed has not yet been announced.

Airport honored

Airports Council International World named Indianapolis International Airport as the best mid-sized airport in the nation last week.

The organization surveyed more than half a million travelers in 2023 to determine its award winners. It marked the 12th consecutive year that the Indianapolis facility earned the honor.

“Indianapolis having the best airport in North America for this long of a run … is about more than bragging rights,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director, in a press release. “This kind of recognition of our world-class team and their special brand of Hoosier Hospitality translates directly to attracting top sporting events and conferences to the city – repeatedly.”

Advance appoints

Advance Auto Parts last week appointed A. Brent Windom, Gregory L. Smith and Thomas W. Seboldt to its board of directors.

Windom most recently served as president and CEO of Uni-Select, an automotive refinish, industrial coatings and automotive aftermarket parts distributor. Smith is executive vice president of Medtronic and Seboldt spent the majority of his career with O’Reilly Automotive.

“We are pleased to welcome Brent, Greg and Tom to the Advance Auto Parts board,” said Gene Lee, independent chair of the board of directors, in a press release. “These directors’ automotive industry and supply chain experience will help us progress in our plan to return the company to profitable growth. With new management in place, important strategic actions underway, and an enhanced board, we are confident that Advance is on the right path to create significant long-term value for shareholders.”

Donated to programs

Subway Cares Foundation last week announced $300,000 in donations to non-profit organizations.

Grants went to The Farmlink Project, World Central Kitchen, Folds of Honor, Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs, Boys & Girls Clubs and iMentor. They work to provide food, make higher education and vocational training more accessible and mentor children.

“We have an immense responsibility to ensure today’s youth are given the guidance, assistance and opportunities needed to succeed,” said Michele DiNello, executive director of Subway Cares Foundation, in a press release. “It’s rewarding to expand our impact around the world with the second year of grants to organizations doing outstanding work in line with our mission.”

The foundation also announced an expansion of its Subway Fresh State scholarship program to include the United Kingdom and Ireland.