Ball State launches new toolkit

Ball State University launched its new Talent Pipeline Toolkit in an effort to help communities and businesses have better access to university resources for workforce development and economic growth.

Developed by the university’s Office of Governmental Relations and Industry Engagement, the toolkit is a hub for information about its programs. They include the County Ambassador Program, Indiana Connection Lounge, Immersive Learning projects, mentoring, skills infusion programs and other offerings.

“Our goal with this toolkit is to demonstrate how attainable and valuable these partnerships can be,” said Becca Rice, vice president for governmental relations and industry engagement, in a press release. “By putting these opportunities in one place, we hope to break down barriers, encourage collaboration, and strengthen local talent pipelines to allow communities to take action.”

The toolkit is available at bsu.edu/industry/engage.

Selling division

Sonoco Products company announced recently that it has reached an agreement to sell its ThermoSafe business unit to Arsenal capital partners.

The private equity firm will buy the business for $725 million. Thermosafe is based in Illinois and also includes the business’ manufacturing facility in Portland.

“With the planned sale of ThermoSafe, we are completing the next step in Sonoco’s portfolio transformation, which has resulted in significantly streamlining our operations from a large portfolio of diversified businesses into two core global business segments,” said Sonoco president and CEO Howard Coker in a press release. “This simplified structure features incredibly robust businesses with industry leadership and sustainable futures serving large global customers. … We know their knowledge, experience and leadership will be greatly valued by their new owner and wish the entire team continued success in the future.”

Expanding business

Mustard Seed of Jay County has expanded its offerings.

The business that has operated as Mustard Seed Remodeling has branched out with the addition of Mustard Seed Property Maintenance. The business will offer roll-off dumpster rentals and lawn care/mowing services.

Staying open

Dairy Dream of Albany recently announced plans to stay open year round.

The ice cream shop and eatery, which has typically closed through the late fall and winter, announced on its Facebook page that it will stay open. Hours may be adjusted.

Forum scheduled

The Region 8 Education Service Center will hold its Employer Work-Based Learning Forum from 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 10, at Parkview’s Mirro Center in Fort Wayne.

The event, held in partnership with the Don Wood Foundation, will explore work-based learning and its role in the future of Indiana’s workforce. Topics discussed will include aligning work-based learning with the state’s high school graduation pathways, opportunities for employer involvement and the return on investment for businesses.

Registration for the free event is open at forms.gle/GxguJUR5NiSJZjJFA.

The Mirro Center is located at 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive.

Job fairs set

The United States Postal Service will host another round of job fairs on Friday, Sept. 26.

Sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

•Muncie — 501 W. Memorial Drive

•Decatur — 213 Court St.

•Richmond — 400 North A St.

The fair in Muncie will also be used to hire for locations in Winchester, Lynn, Montpelier, Middletown and Yorktown.

The Decatur fair will also be used to hire for the Berne location.

Airport honored

Indianapolis International Airport ranked No. 1 amongst mid-sized airports for the fourth year in a row in the J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.

The Indianapolis airport ranked second overall, trailing only John Wayne Airport of Orange County, California. It ranked No. 1 overall for food, beverage and retail as well as terminal facilities. 

“This award serves as a shining reflection of the exceptional staff at the airport,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director, in a press release. “It stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to not only our community but also to every traveler who passes through. Their commitment to excellence ensures that the experience of arriving in our community is nothing short of extraordinary, making it a warm and welcoming grand entrance for all.”

J.D. Power ranks the airports based on customer ratings for ease of travel through airport; level of trust with airport; terminal facilities; airport staff; departure/to airport experience; food, beverage and retail; and arrival/from airport experience.

Association honors

Indiana Bankers Association recently announced its winners of Leaders in Banking Excellence awards.

Earning Awards were Thomas W. Dinwiddie, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Indianapolis; Donald E. Goetz, DeMotte State Bank; Karen I. Miller, The Farmers Bank, Frankfort; Christopher J. Murphy III, 1st Source Bank, South Bend. Awards were presented at a ceremony Sept. 8 at the organization’s annual convention.

Holding drive

Menards stores are serving as drop sites for local humane organizations.

Stores will accept donations from now through the end of September. Items needed include pet food, treats, feeders, collars, beds, storage containers and other items. Collection boxes will be near the doors of participating locations.

Taking part in the drive are Menards stores in Muncie and Richmond in Indiana and Celina in Ohio.

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.