ServSafe training set for next week

ServSafe training will be available at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland.

The next session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 19.

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.

Additional sessions will be held on Tuesdays, Sept. 23, Oct. 28 and Nov. 25.

For more information, or to register, call (260) 729-5525.

Upgrade coming

Adams Memorial Hospital is updating the software system in its lab department.

The upgrade will go live on Saturday, Aug. 23. Patients may experience temporary delays or longer wait times as the new system is implemented.

Hospital honors

Several area hospitals were recognized last week for participating in the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines initiative to improve outcomes for those who have heart disease or a stroke.

Hospitals recognized for their efforts include Indiana University Health Jay in Portland, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Reid Hospital & Health Care in Richmond, Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne and Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

“Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke or heart attack,” said Terri Ruff, chair of the American Heart Association’s board of directors in Indianapolis, in a press release. “High-quality care should be accessible to all, and sites awarded through the Get With The Guidelines program help work toward our shared vision of health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”

I&M partnering

Indiana Michigan Power recently filed a special, joint contract with Google.

The agreement details how Google can shift electricity demand by handling non-urgent tasks during off-peak hours for the electrical grid.

“I&M is excited to partner with Google to enable demand response capabilities at their new data center in Fort Wayne,” said Indiana Michigan Power president and chief operating officer Steve Baker in a press release. “As we add new large loads to our system, it is critical that we partner with our customers to effectively manage the generation and transmission resources necessary to serve them. Google’s ability to leverage load flexibility will be a highly valuable tool to meet their future energy needs.”

Google is working toward building a $2 billion data center in Fort Wayne.

Teaming up

The Indianapolis Colts and McDonald’s are partnering again for a special promotion.

The fast-food restaurant will offer a free order of 10 Piece Chicken McNuggets after every game, including preseason and playoffs, in which the Colts score a touchdown. It will be available through the McDonald’s app.

McDonald’s will also begin offering its new McDonaldland Meal today. It features a new Mt. McDonaldland Shake, a choice of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a 10-piece McNuggets, fries and a collectible character of Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese or the Fry Friends.

Ground broken

Bowen Health broke ground on a new integrated healthcare facility in Huntington last week.

The $11 million, 29,000-square-foot facility is expected to open at the end of 2026. It will offer dental care, health care, mental health care, addiction recovery treatment and life skills coaching.

“We knew we could return years to people's lives if we had a healing space designed around integrative care,” said Bowen Health president and CEO Dr. Rob Ryan in a press release. “The purpose of this new building is to be conveniently located, be the place patients and staff can be proud of, and design it around maximizing integrative health. These changes are not just for those struggling with mental illness; this is a campus of hope.”

Food band awarded

Reid Health Community Engagement announced almost $100,000 in grants on Friday, including $5,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana.

This grant cycle focused on physical activity, nutrition and weight by improving community health, encouraging healthy choices, and reducing disparities related to activity and nutrition.

“By supporting programs that improve access to nutritious food and physical activity, we're empowering local organizations to make lasting, positive change in our communities,” said Reid Health community health and engagement director Jess Przybysz in a press release.

Red Gold honors

Red Gold and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture honored Wittmer Farms of Valparaiso as its first-place winner of the 2025 Red Gold Stewardship award.

The award honors growers' continuous good efforts with soil and water conservation practices.

“We have had 100% participation in this program for several years,” said Curt Utterback, director of agriculture at Red Gold, in a press release. “Many of the growers are multi-generational operations and taking care of the land is a top priority for them.”

Wischmeyer Farms of northwest Ohio took second place.

Adding delivery

Dollar General and Uber Technologies are partnering to offer delivery from 14,000 Dollar General and pOpshelf locations.

Delivery is already being offered at some stores, with the rollout to continue throughout the month.

“Our customers will enjoy even greater convenience through our Uber Eats partnership, accessing everything from food to essential household items, saving them valuable time and money,” said Tony Rogers, Dollar General’s chief marketing officer, in a press release. “Providing communities with affordable, fresh, and accessible food options delivered right to their front door is aligned with our mission of Serving Others.” 

Named to board

Tyson Foods appointed Sarah Bond to its board of directors Thursday.

Bond is president of Xbox. She has worked for Microsoft since 2017, when she was hired as corporate vice president.

“Sarah is dynamic and passionate, with proven management strength, and her energy and personality are a wonderful fit for our culture,” said Tyson Foods chairman John H. Tyson in a press release. “As our management team, members of the board and the Tyson family got to know Sarah, we immediately felt that she would be a tremendous addition to Tyson Foods,” said Chairman John H. Tyson. “We are confident that her unique expertise will help us continue to grow and serve our customers, our team members, and our shareholders.”

Expo scheduled

Registration is open for the Indiana Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association and the Precision Machining Association Indiana District’s Indiana Manufacturing Suppliers Expo.

The event will run from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Embassy Suites in Plainfield. It will include educational tracks including AI in manufacturing.

“Indiana’s small manufacturers and suppliers are the heart of our economy — bringing cutting-edge tech, consistent quality, and real innovation,” said Dan Kendall, Precision Machining Association chair, in a press release. “This Expo unites that community, building meaningful partnerships and fueling growth. And with AI reshaping how we make things, this year’s expanded education sessions are essential — packed into one power-packed afternoon, they give manufacturing leaders the tools to not just keep pace, but lead.”

To register, or for more information, visit intma.org.

Nominate manufacturers

Nominations are open for the Indiana Manufacturers Association 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.

The awards honor Indiana companies and individuals for their contributions to the manufacturing industry. They are open to all manufacturers in Indiana.

Anyone can make a nomination by visiting indianamfg.com/2025-manufacturing-excellence-awards. The deadline is Sunday, Aug. 31.

Awards set

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host its annual awards dinner at 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.

Daymond John, founder of FUBU and a longtime star of “Shark Tank,” will be the featured speaker.

Individual tickets are $195. For more information, visit indianachamber.com.

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