Drive is underway

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.

"Pak-a-Sak has been a great supporter of The Salvation Army and we're excited that they're bringing back the Paper Kettle program this year," said Maj. Marc Johnson, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Indiana Division, in a press release. "As the cost of living continues to rise, we're seeing more and more Hoosiers turn to us to help put food on the table and keep the lights on. With partners like Pak-a-Sak, we know we can continue to answer those calls for help."

Open house set

Adams Woodcrest Assisted Living will host a Holiday Open House from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11.

The event will offer tours of the facility and a chance to meet with residents and staff. Refreshments will be available.

The facility is located at 1300 Mercer Avenue, Decatur.

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.

Bank donates

First Financial Bank recently made donations to local food banks following a drive at its locations in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois.

In total, the bank collected more than 5,700 items during its drive in October.

“We are grateful for such an incredible response on this important collaboration to give a helping hand to our neighbors,” said Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer for First Financial Bank, in a press release.

Agreement reached

Indiana Michigan Power filed a joint settlement last week with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, the Data Center Coalition and the Citizens Action Coalition.

The settlement requires new “large load customers” such as data centers to make long-term financial commitments to cover the costs of their energy usage. In turn, Indiana Michigan Power is required to invest in additional energy generation and new transmission lines to such facilities.

“I&M looks forward to working with some of the leading technology companies in the world that have chosen to locate in northeast Indiana. It is an exciting time for our region and I&M is committed to doing our part to support these customers as they bring investments and jobs to Indiana,” said Steve Baker, I&M president and chief operating office, in a press release. “I&M has the responsibility to serve the new customers, while also protecting existing customers, including residential, small business and those within other industries, from impacts related to necessary infrastructure improvements required to serve these customers.”

Flights added

Indianapolis International Airport will begin offering flights to Atlanta, Tampa, Florida, and Portland, Oregon.

Frontier Airlines will offer the flights to Atlanta and Tampa. Allegiant Air will fly to Portland. The new flights are slated to begin in the spring.

“Along with more flights and more options, this will be the first nonstop flight out of Indy to Portland,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director, in a press release. “These new flights enhance access to major cities on both coasts and into the Sun Belt — and brings our total nonstop count to 51.” 

Speakers announced

Brandon Schroeder and Chad Williams will be the keynote speakers for the 2025 Indiana Safety and Health Conference.

Schroeder is an electrician who speaks about safety. Williams is a former U.S. Navy SEAL who will discuss leadership and teamwork.

This year’s conference will run from Feb. 24 through 26 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will also offer forklift safety training classes on Feb. 4, May 20 and Nov. 13 and Occupational Safety and Health Administration courses in January and August.

For more information, or to register, visit indianachamber.com.

McRib returns

The McRib sandwich will make its annual return to the McDonald’s menu.

The sandwich, which has been a seasonal item for the chain, will be available beginning Dec. 3. McDonald’s will also offer half-gallon jugs of its McRib sauce at wholelottamcribsauce.com.

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.

Added to board

Eli Lilly has elected Jon Moeller to its board of directors.

Moeller currently serves as chairman of the board, president and CEO of Procter & Gamble. He has also held positions in finance, business and strategy.

"I am honored to welcome Jon Moeller to our board of directors," said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO, in a press release. "As the CEO of an iconic American company with global reach, Jon brings deep expertise in driving strategic and operational excellence at scale. His long-standing success in leading a consumer-centric organization and providing expert counsel will offer valuable perspective to our board."

Also, Karen Walker will transition to a new role with the company, leaving the board of directors at the end of the year and collaborating with Lilly on digital commercial activities.

Spinning off

Comcast last week announced plans to create a new company involving its television networks.

The independent firm — SpinCo — will include USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and the Golf Channel along with other assets. Combined the various channels will reach about 70 million households in the U.S.

“When you look at our assets, talented management team and balance sheet strength, we are able to set these businesses up for future growth,” said Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast, in a press release. “With significant financial resources from day one, SpinCo will be ideally positioned for success and highly attractive to investors, content creators, distributors and potential partners.”

Appointments made

Dollar General last week announced the appointment of Tom Hutchins as senior vice president for technology and Kevin Pinchon as senior vis president for distribution.

Hutchins has 25 years of experience in information technology and retail, including with Office Depot and AutoZone, and most recently served as vice president of technology and strategy at Tractor Supply Company. Pinchon will join Dollar General after serving as vice president of HD Supply.

••••••••••

Does your business have news to share? Email us at [email protected] to be included in our weekly business roundup.