October is Careers in Construction Month

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a declaration making October Careers in Construction Month in Indiana.

Careers in Construction Month is an annual initiative that seeks to increase “awareness about the rewarding and diverse career opportunities available in the construction trades.” It is a partnership between Indiana Builders Association and Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation.

“The Indiana Builders Association appreciates the continued recognition of our industry’s essential role in advancing Indiana’s economy,” said Indiana Builders Association president Kenny Reinbrecht in a press release. “The construction industry offers meaningful, well-paying career paths, yet we face a workforce shortage. Through our partnership with the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation, we are working to attract students and adults to this growing field. It’s critical that we expand efforts to make young people aware of the lucrative and fulfilling opportunities that careers in construction provide.”

For more information about careers in construction and training opportunities, visit indianaconstructionfoundation.com.

Joining team

Mercer Health announced last week that cardiologist Dr. Todd Brophy will begin seeing patients in early 2025.

Brophy, a St. Henry High School graduate, specializes in the prevention, evaluation and management of cardiovascular disease. He is currently working in Texas.

He will work out of the Mercer Health Medical Group Cardiology office in Mercer Health’s Marion Campus, 8106 Booster Drive, Maria Stein, Ohio.

Searching

Ivy Tech Community College announced the formation of a presidential search committee.

The committee is made up of board members Andrew Wilson, Kim Emmert-O’Dell, Marianne Glick, Kerry Stemler and Michael Dora, and faculty member Autumn McNichols. They are tasked with the job of identifying the next leader for Ivy Tech.

Current Ivy Tech president Sue Ellspermann has announced that she will be stepping down from the role June 25.

“We are committed to a transparent and inclusive search process,” said board chair Andrew Wilson. “This is an important moment for Ivy Tech, and we are confident that this process will result in the selection of a leader who will continue to build on the College’s legacy of excellence.”

Offering tips

Indiana Michigan Power recently offered tips for winterizing homes to prepare for colder temperatures.

The company is offering chances to win a $50 gift card to those who take its winterization quiz at surveymonkey.com/r/IM2024EE. It will be available through Oct. 15.

Tips for winterization include:

•Eliminating air leaks by checking problem spots such as attic entrances, ducts, door frames and window frames and using weather stripping if needed.

•Scheduling a heating system tune-up

•Checking furnace filters and handling other routine maintenance

•Clearing gutters of debris to prevent ice damage.

Free home energy check-ups can also be scheduled at electricideas.com or by calling (833) 566-0583.

Session set

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host a forklift training session from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.

Trainer Bobbi K. Samples, owner of The Safety Firm, will lead the session. The Safety Firm is an OSHA safety and health training company dedicated to providing training designed to help companies obtain, maintain and exceed OSHA compliance standards.

For more information, visit indianachamber.com.

Grant awarded

The U.S. Small Business Administration recently granted $550,000 through the Indiana State Trade and Export Promotion (IN-STEP) grant program to Indiana Economic Development Corporation to support the export activities of Hoosier small businesses.

The program seeks to help small businesses develop and expand exports. Through the program, companies can receive reimbursements of costs associated with export-related activities, such as participating in international trade missions, trade shows and export educational programs.

“In Indiana, we’re focused on building a global economy of the future, and our Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses will be critical to advancing future-focused innovations and solutions,” said Indiana secretary of commerce David Rosenberg in a press release. “Indiana ranks in the top 10 states for exporting, and the IN-STEP program aims to build on this momentum, helping more Hoosier small businesses reach customers in international markets and find success in the global economy.” 

For more information, visit iedc.in.gov/programs.

Bank holding drives

First Financial Bank will host a food drive from Oct. 7 through 25.

Bank branches will accept canned and non-perishable boxed food donations in bins at:

•Portland — 112 N. Meridian St.

•Hartford City — 101 W. Washington St.

The items donated will be distributed to local organizations.

Last year, First Financial Bank associates and volunteers donated over 6,600 food items throughout its four states of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois.

Inductees announced

Indiana Manufacturers Association will induct six companies into its Hall of Fame during a ceremony next week.

The association announced that inductees will be Carman Industries Inc., Jeffersonville; Charleston Metal Products Inc., Waterloo; Balemaster, Crown Point; General Motors, Indianapolis; Hiler Industries, LaPorte; and U.S. Granules Corporation, Plymouth. They will be honored at a luncheon Oct. 16 at the Biltwell Event Center in Indianapolis.

Hall of Fame companies are selected “for their longevity, community impact and economic contributions to Indiana's manufacturing economy.”

The Indiana Manufacturers Association also announced this year’s award winners:

•Lifetime Achievement Award — Robert Kersey of Rochester Metal Products, Rochester; and ALM/Great States Corporation, Muncie/Marion

•Community Impact Award — Baron Advanced Manufacturing/DeKalb Central High School, Waterloo; and Caterpillar, Lafayette

•Emerging Leader Award — Leah Konrady of Konrady Plastics Inc., Portage; and Heidi Melton of Interactive Design Inc., Indianapolis

•Innovation Excellence Award — Matthew Hendey, THG Automation LLC, Indianapolis

•Manufacturing Talent Champion Award — Luis Aldrey, dormakaba, Indianapolis; and Major Tool & Machine, Indianapolis