Development center adds staff

The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center recently hired Zina Bartle as its ecosystem navigator and Sherri Maslanik as an office administrator.

Bartle will help entrepreneurs with resources for small businesses. She has experience in corporate sales, marketing and business consulting.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Zina and Sherri to the East Central Indiana

SBDC team,” said regional director Judy Porter in a press release. “Their combined expertise and dedication will provide much-needed them to thrive and contribute to our

community’s economic growth.”

The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center serves 11 counties, including Jay, Randolph, Blackford and Delaware.

Seeking to purchase

Indiana Michigan Power recently filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission requesting approval of a certificate to acquire Oregon Clean Energy Center in Ohio.

The proposed acquisition of the 870-megawatt natural gas facility is part of Indiana Michigan Power’s long-term plan. The company expects its power demand to more than double by 2030.

“I&M has established the need for additional electric generation, and we believe the  Clean Energy Center is an important opportunity to further diversify our current generation portfolio and position I&M for future growth,” said Steve Baker, I&M president and chief in a press release. “It is our responsibility to ensure that our current and future customers have reliable and affordable power.”

Named to IEC

Indiana Electric Cooperatives named Jake Martin to its compliance team last week.

Martin will serve as a regulatory consultant responsible for helping members with federal, state and local regulations. He previously was supervisor of environmental health and safety for Lee County Electric Cooperative in Florida.

“We are excited to have Jake as a member of our team,” said John Cassady, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives, in a press release. “He’s a great addition to this team of professionals who meet our members’ safety and compliance needs through our highly valued regulatory compliance service.”

Martin is a Martinsville native and graduate of Indiana University.

Changes announced

CVS Health announced two changes to its leadership structure last week.

Brian Newman will become the new CVS executive vice president and chief financial officer designate beginning April 21. Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips will become its new executive vice president and chief medical officer on May 19.

Newman most recently worked as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of UPS while Compton-Phillips was the chief physician executive at health care performance improvement company Press Ganey.

“As I continue to build out my leadership team, I am confident that Brian and Amy will help us continue the momentum we have built over the past several months as we execute on our strategy to deliver better health care to the 185 million Americans we are privileged to serve,” said president and CEO David Joyner in a press release. “Their collective and individual experience and expertise are well suited to CVS Health and we welcome them both to our leadership team.”

Planning to build

Comcast announced plans recently to build the first Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe.

Plans for the theme park in the United Kingdom call for a theme park, several themed “lands” and a 500-room hotel. It will be located about 60 miles north of London.

“The unparalleled storytelling and technological innovation that the incredible team at Universal Destinations & Experiences brings to life is a perfect complement to the British creative arts and tourism industries,” said Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation, in a press release.

Offering course

Radius Indiana will host its Economic Development for Community Leaders conference from April 22 through 24 at French Lick Resort Conference Center.

The event will include educational sessions on topics including real estate development, population attraction programs, business retention and attraction, workforce, marketing, business finance and incentives, and community development and business district revitalization. It is open to community leaders and local and state officials interested in learning more about economic development.

“We are excited to once again offer our economic development course to our communities, and we welcome our neighbors from surrounding counties as well,” said Jeff Quyle, Radius Indiana president and CEO, in a press release. “Our program features classic elements of economic development and introduces community leaders to new topics that can impact the growth and vitality of cities and towns.”

To register, or for more information, visit radiusindiana.com or call (812) 277-9778.

Scheduled

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host its 2025 Indiana Workers’ Compensation Conference April 23.

The event, which will include tips on handling claims, controlling insurance costs and mental health, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ritz Charles in Carmel. There are in-person and virtual options available.

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