VP of Mercer Health retires

Dr. Thangaraj Amaran, vice president of medical affairs for Mercer Health, has retired.

Amaran started at Mercer Health in 1981 as a urologist and spent more than 35 years in patient care. He became vice president of medical affairs in 2018, serving as a liaison between administration and medical staff.

“Dr. Amaran’s legacy is one of compassion, innovation, and unwavering dedication,” said Robert Rose, president of the Mercer Health Board of Governors. “We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to honor his remarkable career.”

During his career, Amaran also served as chief of staff three times, vice chief of staff and past chief of staff.

He led initiatives including the Medical Staff Education Series, which encouraged peer-to-peer learning and awareness of specialized services, and Community Health 101, an educational program addressing public health risks.

Amaran has been nominated for the 2026 Ohio Hospital Association’s Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award.

Liechty named

Kent A. Liechty of First Bank of Berne will serve as a constituent director for the Indiana Bankers Association this year.

The association announced its leadership last week, with David M. Findlay of Lake City Bank in Warsaw as chairman of the board of directors. Lisa Arnold of Home Bank in Martinsville will serve as vice chair.

Liechty is one of four constituent directors in a group that also includes Garry D. Kleer of First Bank Richmond.

J. Daniel Maddox of Citizens State Bank of New Castle was named as a director representing the north region.

Ribbon cuttings

Jay County Chamber of Commerce has several ribbon-cutting ceremonies scheduled:

•4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 — The Brass Bell, 135 S. Union St., Pennville

•11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 — Two Mama’s on Tap, 2 W. High St., Redkey

For more information about the chamber, visit jaycountychamber.com.

Expanding plant

POET Biorefining has announced plans to expand its Shelbyville location.

The biofuels firm based in South Dakota plans to nearly double the Shelbyville facility’s bioethanol production. The upgrade will also double its dried distillers grains and corn oil output and add 20 new full-time employees.

“This expansion reflects POET’s confidence in the future of biofuels and our commitment to American agriculture and domestic energy production,” said Jeff Lautt, POET president and chief operating officer. “By growing this facility, we’re strengthening markets for local farmers, creating good-paying rural jobs, and ensuring we can meet the growing global demand for our suite of bioproducts.”

Construction is planned to begin in March, with completion by the end of 2027.

The company also owns and operates POET Bioprocessing in Portland.

Grants available

Main Street America is offering a $20,000 Small Business Grant.

The grant is targeted for businesses that support the community and are interested in expanding those efforts alongside business growth. Examples include businesses that host community events, meetings, fundraising or art exhibits, provide pro bono services, make public art or gathering spaces more accessible or lead collaborative efforts with other organizations.

For more information, visit mainstreet.org. The deadline to apply is Jan. 16.

The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center is offering assistance with the application process. Reach the center by emailing [email protected].

While there is an emphasis on “Main Street” or downtown-style businesses, being part of Main Street America or OCRA Main Street is not a requirement for applying.

Hosting drive

Menards stores are holding a pet supplies drive through the end of March.

Supplies needed include food, treats, feeders, collars and beds. Items collected will be donated to local humane associations.

Donation boxes will be near the doors at Menards locations, including in Muncie, Richmond and Celina, Ohio.

Priorities set

Indiana Manufacturers Association announced its priorities for the 2026 legislative session last week.

The organization that represents Hoosier manufacturers is focusing on conforming state tax law with recent federal changes, tort reform and modernizing Indiana’s environmental statutes.

“The IMA's priorities this year reflect the feedback we have heard from our members across the state,” said Andrew Berger, IMA president, in a news release. “We are committed to working with lawmakers to pass legislation that cuts costs and streamlines government."

State sues Lilly

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has added Eli Lilly to the state’s ongoing lawsuit that alleges insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers manipulated the price of diabetes medication.

Rokita said he added Indianapolis-based Lilly to the suit after the state was unable to resolve claims from an original suit in 2024.

"Pharmaceutical companies should not take advantage of Hoosiers or any other American — this includes Lilly, regardless of its Indiana roots," Rokita said. "For two years, I attempted to resolve this matter with them amicably and without litigation — an effort not required by the state and one not afforded to Lilly's out-of-state competitors. Lilly, which maintains by far the largest market share for insulin, rejected this outreach and consumed two years of time."

The lawsuit claims Lilly, Sanofi-Aventis and Novo Nordisk separately conspired with pharmacy benefit managers CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx to artificially inflate insulin prices in exchange for payments.

Now trading

Versant Media Group, a spinoff of Comcast properties, began publicly trading last week.

The new company includes MS Now (formerly MSNBC), CNBC, Golf Channel and USA. Comcast had announced its plans for the spinoff in November 2024.

“As part of Comcast and NBCU we had other priorities as a company,” Versant CEO Mark Lazarus said on “Squawk Box.” “We made different decisions, because we had a different company and a different strategy. Now we’re bringing these [assets] into their own company, we’re going to be able to invest into them. We’ll invest organically ... and hopefully the market is listening to what we’re saying.”

New brand launched

Advance Auto Parts announced the formation of new brand ARGOS last week.

The brand will feature oil and fluid auto care products. The company said the launch came as a result of feedback from customers.

“Affordability, reliability and strength are the three clear priorities we hear from our customers when it comes to quality automotive products,” said Bruce Starnes, executive vice president, chief merchant at Advance Auto Parts. “ARGOS delivers on those qualities. It’s a product line built for today’s drivers, DIYers, and professional technicians. We’re excited to help our customers’ cars last longer, for an affordable price.”

The ARGOS brand will be available at all Advance and Carquest locations in the U.S. beginning in mid-February.