Bank honored as top 100 lender

Independent Community Bankers of America has recognized First Bank of Berne as a Top 100 Ag Lender.

First Bank of Berne ranked first in Indiana for 2024. It was 20th among banks with assets over $1 billion.

“Our commitment to agricultural lending has been acknowledged by the ICBA, placing us among the nation’s best,” said Jayde Ketring, agribusiness banking manager for the First Bank of Berne. “The strong relationships we build with our Ag customers, combined with the deep, local expertise of our Ag lending team, have helped us achieve over 133 years of success in this vital sector.”

Celebrating 50

LifeStream Services is celebrating 50 years of service this year.

The organization is planning various events and celebrations to commemorate the milestone, including during National Nutrition Month in March and Volunteer Appreciation Month in April.   T will hold its Healthy Aging Expo in May in Richmond.

LifeStream’s annual Aging Well Conference and official 50th anniversary celebration are scheduled for June 3 in Muncie.

It is also creating a keepsake cookbook of recipes from community members. To make a submission, go to lifestreaminc.org/50threcipecollection.

For additional details about the plans, visit lifestreaminc.org/50th-anniversary-landing-card.

Drop off food

Menards stores are serving as drop-off sites for food banks from now until the end of March.

Participating stores include those in Muncie, Anderson and Richmond in Indiana as well as Celina, Ohio.

Numbers accessed

IU Health reported that some Social Security numbers were accessed as part of a security incident.

The healthcare organization indicated that a “limited number” of Social Security numbers were involved. Information accessed may have also included addresses, ages, medical record numbers and diagnoses.

IU Health began investigating the issue Nov. 8 and started reaching out to those impacted at the beginning of the year. Those with questions can call (877) 721-3120 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"The investigation determined that an unauthorized recipient had access to the team member’s email account between August 27 and October 2, 2024, and may have obtained certain information," IU Health said.

Line expanded

Ardagh Glass Packaging – North America has expanded its line of Heritage glass beer bottles.

The company has added new 12-ounce bottles available in clear and amber glass. The clear bottles have a pry-off closure while the amber bottles are twist-off.

“Ardagh Glass Packaging continues to design and manufacture distinctive glass packaging that delivers brand differentiation for craft brewers and beverage producers,” said Rashmi Markan, chief commercial officer for Ardagh in a press release. “The new 12oz Heritage bottles have a nostalgic look, while offering a wider label area for additional design flexibility and branding options in a shorter, lightweight container, when compared to a traditional long-neck bottle.”

Ardagh operates glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester.

Helping out

Indiana Michigan Power sent more than 350 employees to Virginia and West Virginia to assist after last week’s winter storm resulted in extensive power outages.

I&M line workers, damage assessors, support staff and contractors from the Muncie, Marion, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Elkhart and southwest Michigan regions made the trip.

Positions announced

Indiana Bankers Association recently announced that Matthew W. Howrey will be its board chair for 2025.

Howrey serves as president and CEO of North Salem State Bank. He is active in the Hendricks County community, including serving on its community foundation board.

Other officers for the association this year will be first vice chair David M. Findlay of Lake City Bank in Warsaw, second vice chair Lisa Arnold of Home Bank of Martinsville and immediate past chair Benjamin J. Bochnowski of Peoples Bank of Munster.

Other board members include Kent A. Liechty of First Bank of Berne, Garry D. Kleer of First Bank of Richmond and J. Daniel Maddox of Citizens State Bank in New Castle.

Courses offered

Indiana Chamber of Commerce is offering various safety training courses throughout the year.

The chamber is offering 10-hour and 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration courses next week at the Indiana Chamber Conference Center in Indianapolis.

Forklift safety trainer training will be offered Feb. 4, with the 2025 Indiana Safety and Health Conference Expo to follow from Feb. 24 through 27 at Indiana Convention Center.

For more information about the training courses and details about other offerings, visit indianachamber.com.

Firm honored

Geswein Farm & Land of Lafayette was honored recently with the AgriBusiness Review’s Top Agriculture Real Estate Service Provider Award for 2024.

The was selected for the award by a panel of industry leaders and AgriBusiness Review’s editorial board.

“We are grateful to be recognized by our peers, industry leaders and AgriBusiness Review,” said Geswein co-owner Johnny Klemme in a press release. “We value not only our team members, but the community at-large, which includes farming families within Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.”

Geswein opiates in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.

Grants awarded

Indiana Grown recently awarded $25,000 in grant funding to promote products at trade shows.

The seven member businesses earning grant funding were Tell City Pretzels from Tell City Pretzels, Tulip Tree Creamery from Indianapolis, Bee Great from Churubusco, Cute as a Cupcake from Merrillville, Smoking Goose from Indianapolis, Market Square Popcorn from Indianapolis and Old Major Market from Indianapolis. 

Platform launched

McDonald’s has launched its new McValue platform.

The new McValue menu offers and expansion of value options at the fast food restaurant. It is also adding more options to its offerings on the McDonald’s app.