/ en shuffman@wellscoc.com Copyright 2012 2012-03-13T15:35:47+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/mike-row-resigns-economic-development-position http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/mike-row-resigns-economic-development-position#When:15:35:47Z Mike Row, executive director of Wells County Economic Development, has resigned, effective March 30. His resignation was announced by Suzanne Huffman, executive director of the Wells County Chamber of Commerce. Both organizations essentially operate as one entity – Wells County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development – and have a single board of directors and two executive directors. Huffman said Row has accepted a position as chief operating officer of Buffton-based Edge Manufacturing Inc., a custom manufacturer of a variety of products using plastics, metals, fiberglass and wood. She said the board of directors will discuss finding a replacement for Row when it meets March 20. General, 2012-03-13T15:35:47+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/legislative-update-from-the-regional-chamber-of-ne-indiana http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/legislative-update-from-the-regional-chamber-of-ne-indiana#When:14:39:57Z Click here for news from the Regional Chamber Advocacy, 2012-02-16T14:39:57+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/marklebank-opens-in-ossian http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/marklebank-opens-in-ossian#When:16:44:32Z Congratulations to MarkleBank on the opening of its new branch in Ossian! Chamber Ambassadors joined MarkleBank staff members for a ribbon cutting on January 30, to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new location. The Ossian branch will be celebrating its Grand Opening throughout the week of January 30 - February 4, 2012, with daily refreshments, giveaway items, special CD rates, and Kids’ Day on Saturday. Five employees will be working at the new location, and Cathy Whitesel is the Banking Center Manager in Ossian. MarkleBank now has eight banking center locations throughout Northeast Indiana with the opening of the Ossian branch. Visit MarkleBank’s Ossian branch at 1001 Dehner Drive throughout the week to help celebrate the Grand Opening!   Ribbon Cutting, 2012-02-13T16:44:32+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/ribbon-cutting-for-shear-heaven http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/ribbon-cutting-for-shear-heaven#When:16:41:18Z Chamber Ambassadors joined Kellie Stevens, owner of Shear Heaven, for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the hair salon’s grand opening on February 1, 2012. Shear Heaven is located at 808 West Washington Street in Bluffton. Rachel Sammons joins Kellie working as a stylist at Shear Heaven. The salon is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For further information or to make an appointment, please contact Kellie Stevens at (260) 224-8562. Ribbon Cutting, 2012-02-13T16:41:18+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/business-of-the-month-lorens-body-shop http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/business-of-the-month-lorens-body-shop#When:16:29:50Z January 2012 Chamber Business of the Month The Wells County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited Greg and Rick Lobsiger at Loren’s Body Shop in Bluffton on Thursday, January 19, 2012, to honor Greg, Rick, and their staff as the January Chamber Business of the Month. Loren and Lillie Lobsiger founded Loren’s Body Shop in 1951. Greg, Loren’s grandson, purchased the business in 2000. Rick began working at Loren’s in 2010, and three experienced technicians work at Loren’s, as well.  Renovations were made to the auto shop in 2010, which have benefited the company with a more functional work space and ability to better serve customers. The company is a full-service auto repair shop, and rental cars are kept on site at Loren’s Body Shop for customer convenience. For more information, call Loren’s at (260) 824-3523 or visit them online at http://lorensbodyshop.com/. Business of the Month, 2012-02-13T16:29:50+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/chamber-supports-sb110 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/chamber-supports-sb110#When:16:48:56Z STATEHOUSE (Jan. 4, 2011) — State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) announced today he will author legislation during the Indiana General Assembly’s 2012 session to give counties the option of restructuring the offices of county commissioner and council. “I believe these changes would bring greater efficiency and fairer representation to county government, along with the potential for cost savings,” Holdman said. “Indianapolis should not make that decision for the counties; the local citizens should be able to make it for themselves. Not all Hoosier communities are the same, and they don’t all need to follow the same structure for their local governments.” The bill Holdman plans to introduce would allow counties to establish one county commissioner to replace the existing multiple-member boards. The bill would also let counties create a uniform makeup for their county councils by electing all members to represent equal districts, instead of some members representing districts and others representing the county at-large. Accompanying these changes – which could only be enacted together – would be the transfer of the county commissioner’s legislative duties to the council, to maintain appropriate checks and balances in local government. Holdman said his legislation stems from state leaders’ continued focus on streamlining and modernizing local government in Indiana. He said the proposed alternate arrangements for county commissioners and council members reflect the recommendations of many current county officials. “My experience in town and county government leads me to favor the one-commissioner concept,” said Grant County Commissioner Mike Burton. “It makes the officeholder more accountable to the public. I also support the idea that counties get to decide whether to retain the current system or change to one commissioner.” "I've never been a fan of the state telling counties how they should be run," said Kevin Woodward, president of the Wells County Commissioners.  "I believe the voters should make that decision." Holdman’s bill is based on time-tested systems that have worked at other levels of government. “This idea is the basis for our nation’s presidency, states’ governorships, the mayors of hundreds of cities and countless company CEO positions.” Holdman added that his proposed option for restructuring county councils would create more equitable representation for all residents of a county. “Electing all county council members by districts would level the playing field so each member’s vote represents a similar number of citizens – just like in the U.S. House of Representatives or here in the General Assembly,” Holdman said. “When some council members represent an entire county and others represent only part of that county, it can leave rural residents at an electoral disadvantage and create the appearance that certain members’ opinions carry more weight than others.” Holdman said his bill would give counties three avenues by which they could change their government’s structure: a 3-0 vote by the county commissioners, a 2-1 vote by the commissioners triggering a voter referendum, or a voter referendum started by petition. “This bill represents a great opportunity for Indiana,” Holdman said. “Hoosier voters would have more say in what their local government looks like.” Advocacy, 2012-01-13T16:48:56+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/right-to-work-resolutions-passed http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/right-to-work-resolutions-passed#When:13:35:53Z NORTHEAST INDIANA - On the eve of the 2012 legislative session in the Indiana General Assembly, six Northeast Indiana Chambers of Commerce and six Northeast Indiana Local Economic Development Organizations have passed resolutions urging the Indiana General Assembly to pass Right to Work legislation in 2012. “There is nothing more important that the Indiana General Assembly could to promote job growth in Northeast Indiana than passing Right to Work legislation,” said Matt Bell, Executive Director of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana.  “Chambers of Commerce and Local Economic Development Organizations representing thousands of businesses in communities across Northeast Indiana are standing together to support the legislature’s efforts to make Indiana the nation’s 23rd Right to Work State in 2012.” The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of LaGrange County, the New Haven Chamber of Commerce, the Wabash Chamber of Commerce, and the Wells County Chamber of Commerce joined the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana in introducing board resolutions supporting the passage of Right to Work legislation in 2012. The Fort Wayne-Allen County economic Development Alliance, the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation, the Economic Development Group of Wabash County, Wells County Economic Development, and the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation joined the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership in passing board resolutions in support of the passage of Right to Work. “Right to Work is about opportunity.  Our communities have worked tirelessly to create a product that is attractive for investment.  They have created sites that are shovel ready, unique incentive packages, and regulatory practices that are pro-development and pro-growth,” said Bell.  “Yet, despite theses tremendous efforts, Northeast Indiana is eliminated from consideration for business attraction projects somewhere between 33-50% of the time before we even have the chance to compete based solely on the fact that Indiana is not a Right to Work state.  Our communities deserve the opportunity to compete for every job project.  When we have that opportunity, I am more than confident that we will win more projects and employ more folks in Northeast Indiana.” “Right to Work is also about worker freedom.  All of us believe that the freedom to associate to associate is an inalienable right that should never be infringed,” said Bell.  “We also believe that the constitutionally promised freedom of association also guarantees people the freedom not to associate if they so choose.  Hoosiers should not be compelled to either join a union or pay commensurate fees in order to be employed.” The General Assembly will meet for Organization Day tomorrow, and the legislative session will begin in earnest on January 4, 2012.  Constitutionally, the legislative session must end by March 14, 2012. “This is an issue that stirs passions and vigorous debate.  When we sort through the rhetoric two issues remain: the freedom of Hoosier workers, and creating more opportunities to compete for good jobs in our community.  Tackling an issue of this magnitude is a wonderful demonstration of political courage.  The business community represented by these 12 organizations stand strongly in support of the passage of Right to Work,” said Bell. “By mid-March, Indiana will have the distinction of being the first state east of the Mississippi River and north of the Mason-Dixon Line to be a Right to Work state,” said Bell.  “The leadership of Sen. Long, Speaker Bosma, and Governor Daniels coupled with the commitment of Representatives and Senators from across the state will create an environment that spurs investment and growth in an unprecedented fashion in Indiana.  These twelve Northeast Indiana organizations are committed to assisting in the passage of this important legislation in any way that we can.”    Advocacy, 2012-01-03T13:35:53+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/wells-county-historical-museum http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/wells-county-historical-museum#When:15:19:52Z The Wells County Historical Museum, located at 420 West Market Street in Bluffton, will be open Saturday, December 17, from 4-6 p.m. and Sunday, December 18, from 1-5 p.m. On Saturday, Pastor Jerry O'Neal from the Calvary Lutheran Church will be playing the piano and maybe the guitar. Come see all the Christmas trees decked out for the holidays! Everyone welcome! No charge! General, 2011-12-13T15:19:52+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/christmas-membership-luncheon http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/christmas-membership-luncheon#When:15:16:15Z Thank you to the Summit City Barbershop Group for entertaining Chamber members with their musical talent at the Christmas Membership Luncheon. Thank you to Carla Gerber and her staff at The Rosewood on Main for providing the delicious meal and venue for the event. General, 2011-12-13T15:16:15+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/legislative-breakfast http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/legislative-breakfast#When:15:21:29Z Thank you to State Senator Travis Holdman, Representative Jeff Espich, and Represntative Matt Lehman for answering questions posed by Chamber members at the Legislative Breakfast. General, 2011-12-05T15:21:29+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/october-business-of-the-month http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/october-business-of-the-month#When:14:55:38Z Auto Doctor 1150 North Main Street Bluffton, Indiana Joel Fillman, Owner Member since 1987   Business of the Month, 2011-10-28T14:55:38+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/study-committee-recommends-right-to-work-for-indiana http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/study-committee-recommends-right-to-work-for-indiana#When:18:25:57Z This morning the Interim Study Committee on Employment Issues passed a recommendation for the Indiana General Assembly to adopt legislation that would make Indiana the 23rd Right to Work state in the country. The vote was 5-4. The Regional Chamber's membership has adopted a policy priority supporting the passage of Right to Work legislation and has testified throughout the course of the hearings. Representative Sue Ellspermann (R-Ferdinand) cited the Regional Chamber's testimony as compelling evidence that communities need RTW to propel growth when she voted for the report. Please take time to THANK these legislators for making this courageous recommendation. They are sending a clear message that their number one priority is job creation and increasing opportunity for Indiana! Rep. Jerry Torr: h39@in.gov Rep. Sue Ellspermann: h74@in.gov Sen. Phil Boots (Chair): s23@in.gov Sen. Greg Walker: s41@in.gov Sen. Carlin Yoder: s12@in.gov Let's also thank Speaker Bosma and President Pro Tem Long for their willingness to lead on this issue!   Did YOU Know? • Northeast Indiana is eliminated on up to 25%-50% of site selector lists because Indiana is not a RTW state? • This isn't because our workforce can't do the job, because we can't deliver the product, or get it to market, but simply because we never make the list! • RTW is an initial threshold. So many companies never see the great things IN is doing. It's time to stop SELF ELIMINATING! Advocacy, 2011-10-26T18:25:57+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/read-the-october-2011-newsletter http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/read-the-october-2011-newsletter#When:19:04:21Z http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1102090197548/archive/1108003588188.html">http:// http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1102090197548/archive/1108003588188.html General, Member News, 2011-10-13T19:04:21+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/read-september-15th-chamber-news-update http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/read-september-15th-chamber-news-update#When:19:04:02Z http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1102090197548/archive/1107630528801.html Member News, 2011-09-19T19:04:02+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/daniels-jewelers-business-of-the-month http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/daniels-jewelers-business-of-the-month#When:13:45:42Z Business of the Month, 2011-09-07T13:45:42+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/september-chamber-newsletter http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/september-chamber-newsletter#When:13:25:27Z http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1102090197548/archive/1107372835699.html Member News, 2011-09-07T13:25:27+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/read-july-chamber-newsletter http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/read-july-chamber-newsletter#When:12:57:59Z http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1102090197548/archive/1106553844150.html Member News, 2011-07-15T12:57:59+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/kehoe-park-summer-concert-series http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/kehoe-park-summer-concert-series#When:15:02:40Z /files/inline/cm2510_20110706_101816.pdf General, 2011-07-06T15:02:40+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/sign-up-today-for-chamber-golf-outing http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/sign-up-today-for-chamber-golf-outing#When:16:09:40Z Click here for more information and to register online: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=mrwd8mcab&oeidk=a07e47l1gssbf8f8fa0 General, 2011-06-28T16:09:40+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/chamber-member-news-blast http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/chamber-member-news-blast#When:15:28:22Z Click below to read the latest Member news: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1102090197548/archive/1106161757163.html Member News, 2011-06-24T15:28:22+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/chamber-welcomes-new-member-markle-health-and-rehabilitation http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/chamber-welcomes-new-member-markle-health-and-rehabilitation#When:19:33:52Z Chamber Ambassador, Chon Michael of Ossian State Bank visited with Vicki Shepherd welcoming Markle Health and Rehabilitation as a new Chamber member.  Suzanne Huffman and Chon toured the facility and explained the advantages of membership along with explaining committees and ways to get involved. Member News, 2011-06-21T19:33:52+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/indiana-cuts-corporate-income-taxwill-feds-follow http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/indiana-cuts-corporate-income-taxwill-feds-follow#When:18:13:39Z This session, one of the General Assembly’s greatest accomplishments was to cut Indiana’s Corporate Income Tax. Despite the challenge of crafting a state budget at a time when state revenues are significantly depleted and the number of other difficult issues the legislature faced during the legislative session, legislators recognized the importance of this initiative and took action this year. House Bill 1004 reduces the corporate income tax from 8.5% to 6.5% over four years beginning in FY13. The legislation was in response to a recommendation of the Economic Development Summer Study Committee which found that reducing corporate income tax was one of the most important things our state could do to promote job growth and economic development. Previously, Indiana had approximately the 10th highest corporate income tax rate in the country. Fortunately, our overall tax climate has kept us competitive. But are Indiana’s actions in vain if the federal government doesn’t take action soon? The Tax Foundation released an article today suggesting that Washington lacks a sense of urgency in cutting US corporate tax rates. There is near unanimous bipartisan agreement in Washington that the US corporate tax rate is out of step with rates of most industrialized nations and America’s global competitiveness is suffering as a result. The following economic benefits were cited as benefits to cutting the corporate tax rate: * Cutting the corporate tax rate will promote higher long-term economic growth * It will improve U.S. competitiveness * It will lead to higher wages and living standards * Lowering the corporate tax rate will boost entrepreneurship, investment and productivity * Cutting the corporate rate also lowers the tax burden on low-income taxpayers and seniors * Cutting the rate will lower the overall dividend tax rate and taxes on capital * Cutting the corporate tax rate can attract foreign direct investment * It will lead to lower corporate debt and reduce the incentives for income shifting * Cutting the corporate tax rate can reduce compliance costs * And it can help the states compete globally Source: Scott A. Hodge, “Ten Benefits of Cutting the U.S. Corporate Tax Rate,” Tax Foundation, May 2011. Advocacy, 2011-06-21T18:13:39+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/summer-study-committees-announced http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/summer-study-committees-announced#When:19:13:13Z STATEHOUSE - Today the Legislative Council met to assign topics for study during the 2011 interim period. Every year after the legislative session is completed, the General Assembly’s Legislative Council meets to assign topics for study during the interim as well as establish any new interim committee that is needed to examine a particular issue. Legislative Council is composed of twelve voting members, with six appointed from the Senate by the Chairman of the Council, and six appointed members from the House by the Vice-Chairman of the Council. The following is an example of some of the issues that the interim committees and commissions will examine during the summer and fall: Proposals to amend the Constitution of the State of Indiana to establish an independent commission to draw legislative and congressional district boundaries, beginning with the 2021 redistricting Long range needs of the criminal justice and corrections systems and strategies to solve the problems Various crimes against children and the appropriate penalties for those crimes Needs of all returning Hoosier veterans Assessment of Indiana’s transportation infrastructure Advocacy, 2011-06-20T19:13:13+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/chamber-business-of-the-month http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/chamber-business-of-the-month#When:19:43:12Z Chamber Ambassadors surprised Perma-Column owners and employees in Ossian with cookies and balloons to honor them as “Chamber of the Month” thanking them for being Chamber members and running a strong and successful company in Wells County. Chamber Ambassadors: Preston Kaehr, First Bank of Berne; Allen Morrow, PNC; Troy Spath, Integrated Office Solutions; Michael Towne, Farm Bureau; Chon Michael, Ossian State Bank; Sid Schwartz, MarkleBank; and Mike Lampton, Farm Bureau. Business of the Month, 2011-05-12T19:43:12+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/ipsum-dolor http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/ipsum-dolor#When:20:43:20Z 201 S. Jefferson St.  Ossian, Indiana Ambassadors and friends welcomed the new business to Ossian. HomeTowne Realty: Linda Broman the owner of HomeTowne Realty. She is a lifelong resident of Wells County and has been selling real estate in Wells County since 1988. She along with her sales agents Dixie Moore, Laura Werling are here to serve their community thru the listing & selling of homes using innovative means such as their big screen display where they advertise listed homes and offering up to date emailing of new listings. They provide free market analysis services to homeowners wanting to know the value of their homes. They are full time, full service realtors promising to provide quality service. The building they are located in is owned by Kent & Sheila Meyer, owners of Tan-U. Ribbon Cutting, 2011-05-11T20:43:20+00:00 http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/lorem-ipsum http://www.wellscoc.com/news/post/lorem-ipsum#When:20:37:32Z INDIANAPOLIS (May 10, 2011) – Indiana was ranked as the best place to do business in the Midwest and the sixth best nationwide in a survey of more than 500 chief executives by Chief Executive magazine. The magazine’s seventh annual “Best & Worst States” survey asks CEO’s to evaluate states based on business tax policies, regulation, workforce quality and livability factors. Indiana’s 2011 ranking is up from 16th place in 2010. It’s among the highest year-to-year improvements in the survey. Read the entire article General, 2011-05-10T20:37:32+00:00