Shop Local campaign gets underway

First Bank of Berne is partnering with local chambers of commerce on its Shop Local campaign.

The goal of the effort is to highlight the “critical role that local shops, restaurants, and service providers play in creating jobs, fueling economic growth, and preserving the unique character of each community.” It will involve advertising, promotions and community events to encourage residents to make everyday purchases locally.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Kent Liechty, president of First Bank of Berne, in a news release. “They employ our friends and neighbors, sponsor local programs, and give each place its character. This campaign is a reminder that choosing to shop local keeps dollars close to home and strengthens the future we all share.”

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.

The chamber has also welcomed The Tipsy Glass, Jay County Community Thanksgiving Dinner and The Brass Bell as new members.

I&M gets approval

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved an agreement last week between Indiana Michigan Power, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and consumer groups for the acquisition of Oregon Clean Energy Center.

The natural gas-fueled electric generation facility located in Oregon, Ohio, generates 870 megawatts of energy. Indiana Michigan Power plans to work over the next few months to transfer ownership and operations, expecting to take over completely in March.

“The Oregon Clean Energy Center is an important opportunity to further diversify I&M’s current generation portfolio, acquire dependable generation, and position us for future growth to the benefit of all our customers,” said Steve Baker, I&M president and chief operating officer, in a news release.

Site launched

Ardagh Glass Packaging – North America launched an upgraded website for its bottles last week.

The site — BuyOurBottles.com — has a new design for craft food and beverage producers to browse and purchase products. The site includes improved product searches and filtering, order tracking and an optimized mobile platform.

“Ardagh Glass Packaging is excited to introduce the new BuyOurBottles.com experience, designed with our customers in mind,” said Rashmi Markan, chief commercial officer for AGP-North America.  “Built on Shopify’s powerful platform, the site offers a one-stop shop for craft food and beverage producers to browse, quote and purchase a variety of high-quality glass packaging that is proudly made in the USA, direct from the manufacturer.”

The site includes more than 20 glass bottles and jars in various shapes, sizes and colors.

Ardagh operates glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester.

Chamber honors

The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony last week.

Honored with awards were:

•Enterprise Plumbing and Intersection — Small Business of the Year 

•YMCA of Muncie — Economic Impact 

•Kylene Swackhamer of Metropolitan Planning Commission — Excellence in Public Services

•Chris Walker of Muncie Central High School —Excellence in Education

•Jonathan Chambless of CRU Construction — Young Professional of the Year

•Summit Christian School — New Member of the Year

Ending, modifying

Tyson Foods announced Friday that it will close one of its beef processing facilities and modify another.

The company plans to close its beef facility in Lexington, Nebraska. It will convert its facility in Amarillo, Texas, to a single, full-capacity shift. Production at other facilities will be increased.

Tyson operates Tyson Mexican Original in Portland.

Hospital recognized

The American College of Cardiology awarded Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne with its Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation.

The accreditation is based on “the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.” To earn designation, facilities must have primary PCI always available, comply with protocols and be equipped with a “robust hypothermia program” for post-cardiac arrest patients.

“It takes a dedicated and coordinated support and care for a village, and that is what we have here at Lutheran Hospital,” said Dr. Jack Scott, medical director of the emergency department at Lutheran Hospital, in a news release.

Worth $1 trillion

Eli Lilly became the first health care company to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization on Friday.

Lilly hit the $1 trillion mark during morning stock trading, CNBC and other outlets reported. It was only the second non-technology company to reach that level, following Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.

Purdue in top 10

Times Higher Education’s 2026 Interdisciplinary Science Rankings report released last week placed Purdue University at No. 10 for research excellence.

Purdue was also ranked No. 3 among U.S. public universities. The list included 911 institutions from 94 countries.

“Purdue’s global reputation is reflected in years of growing research expenditures, eclipsing $1 billion for the first time ever this year,” said Purdue provost Patrick Wolfe in a news release. 

“As we continue to pursue with vigor our goal of becoming one of the top five public U.S. research universities, we will relentlessly focus on our growing role as a national leader in critical interdisciplinary areas ...”

Named chair

CVS Health announced that president and CEO David Joyner has been elected as chair of its board of directors.

Joyner was named president and CEO of CVS Health in October 2024. He will take over as board chair on Jan. 1.

“David has sparked a renewed focus and energy for CVS Health in our commitment to be the most trusted health care company in America,” said executive chair Roger Farah in the news release. “The Board believes in the leadership that David and his team have demonstrated. We have determined that now is the right time to have one leader with deep industry experience in the combined Chair and CEO roles, and that this structure will provide the best opportunity to execute on our long-term strategy and create stockholder value. We are bullish on the future of CVS Health in delivering a simpler care experience and better health across our country.”

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.

Hosting drive

Menards is hosting a toy drive through Dec. 15.

Toys collected will be donated to those in need. Menards is requesting donations of new, unwrapped toys.

Menards locations in Muncie, Anderson, Richmond and Celina, Ohio, will have drop boxes available for donations.

Courses scheduled

Indiana Chamber of Commerce has several programs coming up.

General Occupational Safety and Health Administration courses will be held beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Also, the Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo will be held from Feb. 23 through 25. It will feature a variety of speakers as well as more than 60 educational sessions.

The courses and expo will be held at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Conference Center in Indianapolis.

For more information, visit indianachamber.com.

••••••••••

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