May, behavioral team earn honors

Local health care providers have been honored by their employer.

IU Health Jay’s Behavioral Health Team and nurse Parker May received IU Health Values Leadership Awards.

May serves as the nursing professional development practitioner. Members of the IU Health Jay Behavioral Health Team include Jennifer VanSkyock, Cassie Alexander, Johnna Badger, Lisa Blansett, Carey Brunswick, Tellissa Colglazier, Grace Felger, Monica Grayson, Tracy Heath and Michelle Wagner.

May was nominated because he supports teams clinically and “actively takes the opportunity to educate, mentor and foster our team’s professional growth. … He sees the potential in others and helps create pathways for them to develop and advance.”

The behavioral health team earned the President’s Values Leadership Team Award. It was recognized for its “patient-centered approach ensures even the most vulnerable individuals receive care with dignity, respect and hope. … Their innovative programs, such as free support groups and educational initiatives, empower patients and foster community healing. ”

Earns honor

QSR Magazine named Scooter’s Coffee as one of its Best Brands to Work For in 2025.

The magazine recognized 18 companies for “their dedication to providing employees with benefits, recognition programs, career pathways, and community efforts to drive employee engagement and retention.” Others named to the list this year included Chick-Fil-A, Penn Station and Donatos Pizza.

“At Scooter’s Coffee, we foster a culture of growth and care for our employees because it’s the amazing people that truly set us apart from any other QSR brand,” Mikala Friedrich, chief human resource and systems officer at Scooter’s Coffee, said in a news release. “When employees take pride in where they work and feel supported by their employer, ultimately, this trickles down to the customer experience and helps ensure that we create an amazing experience with every visit.”

Training offered

John Jay Center for Learning in Portland will host a free QuickBooks workshop from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4.

The in-person training will feature interactive and hands-on learning about the financial software. It is being offered in partnership with the Indiana Small Business Development Center.

Advance registration is required by visiting isbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/17247.

Ribbon cutting set

Jay County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Encompass Behavioral Health.

The ribbon-cutting is set for noon on Friday, Dec. 5. Encompass, a mental health counseling, therapy and wellness services firm, is located at 216 S. Meridian St., Portland.

Named director

Ball State University has named Bette Smith as director of its Center for Innovation and Collaboration.

Smith has more than two decades of experience in higher education and has served as principal of Destra Consulting Group since 2013. She will begin her new role in January.

“As we continue to build out the Center’s structure and programming, Bette’s experience creating and leading collaborative environments will be vital,” said Dr. Anand R. Marri, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Ball State, in a news release. “The Center for Innovation and Collaboration reflects Ball State’s commitment to connecting learning and discovery with real-world impact. Under Bette’s leadership, the Center will accelerate opportunities for students and faculty while advancing innovation throughout our city, region, and state.”

Paying for breach

The Federal Communications Commission said last week that Comcast will pay a $1.5 million fine after a breach led to personal data from more than 225,000 customers being exposed.

The FCC said Financial Business and Consumer Solutions, a debt collector that Comcast used, had a 2024 data breach that exposed the information of Comcast internet, TV and home security customers. Financial Business and Consumer Solutions filed for bankruptcy before the data breach was exposed, Reuters reported.

Comcast issued a statement saying it “was not responsible for and has not conceded any wrongdoing in connection with this incident.”

Firm awarded

The British Glass Focus Awards recognized Mark McColl of Ardagh Glass Packaging – Europe with a Rising Star Award.

McColl is the maintenance team leader for Ardagh’s Irvine facility in Scotland. He was recognized for his “outstanding technical expertise, strong leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement.” 

••••••••••

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