Hardwick keeps spot on 250 list

A Jay County High School graduate is still considered one of the most influential individuals in the state.

Mark Hardwick was selected again as part of IBJ Media’s Indiana 250.

The fourth annual version of the list, released last week, recognizes the state’s “most influential and impactful business and community leaders, representing public and private companies, law firms, universities, not-for-profits, government and community organizations.”

“Every year, we see fresh faces stepping up and driving meaningful change across Indiana,” said IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman in a letter introducing this year’s list. “The Indiana 250 is a snapshot of those bold thinkers and doers who are shaping the future of our state — from innovative entrepreneurs to dedicated community advocates. It’s truly inspiring to witness the depth of talent and passion making Indiana a great place to live and work.”

A Dunkirk native, Hardwick graduated from JCHS in 1989.

He is CEO of First Merchants Corporation, which operates in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois. He also serves on the Ball State University Board of Trustees.

He has been with First Merchants since 1997 and was promoted to CEO in 2021. He was honored as IBJ’s Chief Financial Officer of the Year in 2012.

IBJ Media publishes the Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside Indiana Business and Indiana Lawyer.

App launched

CenterPoint Energy has launched a new mobile app for its Indiana customers.

The app includes account management, energy usage data and bill reminders. It replaces the previous Vectren app that was retired in July 2024.

“At CenterPoint, we continue to explore various ways to connect with our customers and provide updated mobile-friendly tools to enhance their user experience. Through  the new CenterPoint Energy app, customers can conveniently manage their accounts and receive important alerts directly to their smart devices,” said Tony Gardner, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “We look forward to continuing to provide tools that help us better serve our customers in managing their bills and energy use.”  

For more information about the app, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/App.

Firm acquired

Eli Lilly announced its purchase of Verve Therapeutics.

The Boston-based firm develops genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease. Lilly is a pharmaceuticals firm based in Indianapolis.

“This acquisition unlocks the opportunity to potentially transform the treatment paradigm for millions of patients worldwide by delivering lifelong cardiovascular risk reduction with a one-and-done treatment,” said Ruth Gimeno, Lilly group vice president of diabetes and metabolic research and development, in a press release. “We are excited to welcome Verve colleagues to Lilly and work together to develop innovative genetic medicines for cardiometabolic disease.”

Facility opens

CVS Health has opened its new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center in Columbus, Ohio.

The facility will offer free workforce training and health services in collaboration with various local workforce organizations. It will be focused on those seeking employment as pharmacy technicians, customer service associates, call center associates and retail associates.

“At our new WITC, we’re dedicated to helping individuals build skills for in-demand jobs, like Pharmacy Technicians,” said CVS Health senior vice president of corporate social responsibility and chief sustainability officer Sheryl Burke in a press release. “Working alongside the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and various local workforce organizations, we aim to make it easier for community members to access and find meaningful employment.”

Training offered

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.

Hosting drive

Menards is hosting a food drive through the end of July.

The company will accept donations of non-perishable food items through July 31. They can be placed in collection boxes near the exit doors to its locations.

Participating locations include stores in Anderson, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, Muncie, Richmond and Celina, Ohio.

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 going online to 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.