BSU earns award for diversity

INSIGHT Into Diversity has honored Ball State University with a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award.

The honor goes to U.S. colleges and universities that show “an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.” This marks the ninth consecutive year that BSU has earned the honor.

“Ball State University is proud to be a diverse and inclusive education community where our students, faculty, and staff are supported and welcomed,” said Dr. Charlene Alexander, chief strategy officer at Ball State, in a press release. “We are honored to have earned this special recognition again.”

Training scheduled

ServSafe training is held at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland.

The next session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 26.

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.

Suit dismissed

The U.S. District Court in Indianapolis dismissed a lawsuit against IU Health.

Vascular surgeon Ricardo Vasquez filed the lawsuit against IU Health in June 2021, alleging that IU Health tried to eliminate him as a competitor, denied him referrals, breached hospital bylaws and made defamatory statements.

The dismissal of the suit came after Vasquez and IU Health reached a settlement last month.

Inside Indiana Business reported that IU Health terminated Vasquez’s medical privileges following an investigation by its medical staff. An independent review panel and the hospital’s board of the directors upheld that decision.

Trainer named

First Bank of Berne recently named Joe Davis as its new corporate trainer.

Davis is a graduate of Indiana University Fort Wayne and Bishop Luers High School.

“Investing in our team is essential for our growth, and hiring a new corporate trainer reflects our commitment to excellence,” said First Bank of Berne president and CEO Kent Liechty in a press release. “This addition will not only enhance our employees’ skills but also strengthen our service to the community we proudly serve.”

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.

“We are honored to be highlighting these small businesses through the second annual Indiana Grown Holiday Box” said Caroline Patrick, director of Indiana Grown. “The opportunity to continue highlighting local products throughout Indiana especially during the holiday season is an honor.”

For more information, visit indianagrown.org.

Named CEO

Ogden Newspapers regional publisher Michael Christman announced that Konrad LaPrade is the new president of Fort Wayne Newspapers and KPC Media.

LaPrade moves to the new role after serving as group publisher of The Daily State News in Dover, Delaware. He has also worked at newspapers in Maryland, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina.

He takes over the role from Lori Fritz, who is moving to a sales and marketing position with Ogden.

“It’s really been this guiding mission for me — our products strengthen the communities we serve by publishing unbiased journalism and also by helping local businesses grow,” LaPrade told The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne). “That’s been the mission statement I’ve shared with my team here and it’s also been the mission statement that has helped guide my life.

“I want to help businesses grow and help the local economy, and by working at the newspaper I’m also helping to guide and strengthen the fabric of our democracy. Each of those pieces are so important in helping our communities and our businesses succeed.”

Fort Wayne Newspapers and KPC Media, which are majority-owned by Ogden, own The Journal Gazette and various other daily and weekly newspapers in northeast Indiana.

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.

Changes announced

CVS Health announced Prem Shah as its new group president and Steve Nelson as president of Aetna.

Shah has been with CVS for more than a decade and has held leadership positions in the pharmacy benefit management, specialty pharmacy and pharmacy businesses. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief pharmacy officer.

Nelson previously served as CEO of ChenMed. He is the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare.

“Prem is a strong operator and innovator with deep experience across our businesses, and in his role, he will help me and the rest of our leadership team drive improvements in our financial and operational performance across our company,” said president and CEO David Joyner in a press release. “I am confident in the future of our integrated model, and that Prem and Steve’s leadership will help further position us to deliver greater value from our integrated business model.

“Steve is an industry veteran who has successfully led multiple segments of a diverse managed care company and driven innovation and growth throughout his career,” he added. “I will work closely with him and the team, building upon and accelerating the plan to advance Aetna forward.”

New site opens

Dollar General on Saturday opened its new distribution center in Aurora, Colorado.

The new facility is about 1 million square feet and is expected to result in 400 new jobs when at full capacity. It will also support the company’s DG Private Fleet.

“Today’s grand opening celebrations represent a milestone in Dollar General’s history in Colorado as our first distribution facility in the Centennial State, and we are excited to celebrate with our employees, their families and community partners,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO, in a press release.  “The Aurora facility will not only create positive economic impact through new jobs and long-term career opportunities for employees, it will also further support our ability to better serve our stores and customers throughout the western United States. We appreciate the constructive partnerships with state and local officials, including Governor Jared Polis, and we look forward to a longstanding presence in the state.”

Interim named

Dollar Tree has named Michael C. Creedon Jr. as its interim CEO and elected a new chairman following the resignation of chairman and CEO Rick Dreiling on Nov. 3.

Creedon had served as chief operating officer. The corporation’s board elected Edward “Ned” J. Kelly III as its chairman.

Dreiling indicated that his departure is health-related.

“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Rick for his leadership and for his contributions to the Company during his tenure,” said Kelly in a press release. “We support Rick’s focus on his health and wish him all the best. We are fortunate to have a talented leader in Mike Creedon to step in and help drive us forward.”