Organization becomes Forge ECI

East Central Indiana Regional Partnership has rebranded as Forge ECI.

The organization, which works to drive economic development and regional collaboration in east central Indiana, has unveiled a new website at ForgeECI.com and look to go along with its new name.

“Forge ECI represents more than just a name change — it’s a statement about who we are and where we’re headed,” said Garrett Doan, board chair of Forge ECI, in a press release. “For 20 years, this organization has worked to connect communities, support economic opportunity, and promote the assets of East Central Indiana. As a board, we’re proud to support this new path and confident it will help us amplify the incredible work already happening across the region.”

The organization will also host its 20th Anniversary Gala with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun as the keynote speaker on Tuesday, July 29.

Meet the directors

Jay County Development Corporation and Jay County Chamber of Commerce will hold a meet and greet from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, to allow members of the community to get to know their new executive directors Ceann Bales and Amanda Blair. 

The event will be at Community Resource Center, 118 S. Meridian St., Portland.

Sponsoring swimming

Southern Thunder Fireworks is sponsoring free swim days at Portland Water Park.

Patriots will be able to visit the water park for free from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, and noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 1.

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.

Bowen starts project

Bowen Health broke ground Friday on a new healthcare facility in Wabash.

The new site will feature dental care along with primary health care, mental health care, addiction recovery treatment and life skills coaching. It is expected to open in late 2026.

“The area is a hub for health care in our community for all ages, and Bowen Health, constructing this beautiful new facility, will ensure that our citizens have additional health care resources available to them,” said Wabash Mayor Scott Long in a press release. “This is especially important in light of cuts to health care funding at both the federal and state level. Many communities in this area struggle to have adequate health care providers, and Wabash is blessed to add additional services for our residents.”

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.

Ground broken

The Indianapolis Airport Authority broke ground Thursday on a new hotel on the Indianapolis International Airport terminal campus.

The hotel is intended to serve as “the front door to the front door” for travelers visiting Indianapolis. It is a $205.8 million project that will feature 253 rooms, a full-service restaurant, a fitness center and meeting space.

“The original plans for the Midfield Terminal complex included a terminal-connected hotel, and through the years we’ve proceeded with careful and strategic planning to ensure the right build at the right time to increase the value of the airport to the public and increase our contribution to the Central Indiana economic landscape,” said Mario Rodriguez, IAA executive director, in a press release.

Seeking nominees

Indiana Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for its annual awards.

Awards include the Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year, Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year, NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year and Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year.

“We’re eager to recognize the impressive recipients that make Indiana such a great place – showcasing its brightest is always a highlight of our annual awards dinner,” said Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO, in a press release. “There certainly is no lack of worthy individuals and communities around the state so we hope to receive many nominations for our slate of awards.”

Nominations can be made at indianachamber.com/annualawards. The deadline is Friday, June 20.

Preparing for social

Kate’s Kart is preparing for its ice cream social next month.

Ice cream shops in 15 counties will participate in the organization’s fundraiser on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22. Money will be used to support its mission of providing free books to hospitalized children.

Among the locations participating on June 21 are:

•Dairy Queen, Portland

•The Tasty Spoon, Hartford City

•BerryWinkle Frozen Yogurt, Muncie

•The White Cottage Sweet Shoppe, Berne

•The Old 27 Ice Cream Shop, Decatur

•Ashley’s Ice Cream Cafe, Marion

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. Tuesday, June 24.

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.

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

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.