Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce

LEADING BUSINESS
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
THOR INDUSTRIES, INC.
June 2012
Page 7
Photo supplied by Thor Industries, Inc.
Inside This Issue
• PRESIDENT’S REPORT • CHINA TRIP 2013
• PREPARE YOUR RV FOR SUMMER • WHAT PRODUCTS ARE YOU SELLING?
• SERVING THE RV INDUSTRY FOR OVER 50 YEARS • ELKHART JAZZ FESTIVAL
The WorkSafe People™
GOLD SPONSORS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
President’s Report .................................................................4
Anniversaries .........................................................................5
New Members .......................................................................5
Ribbon Cuttings .....................................................................6
Serving the RV Industry for over 50 Years ............................6
Thor Industries, Inc ................................................................7
Calendar of Events ......................................................... 8 & 9
Biz-Ness Before/After Hours ...............................................10
Ambassador of the Month ...................................................10
News About You .................................................................. 11
Prepare Your RV for Summer Traveling and Fun ................12
Councils ...................................................................... 12 & 13
What Products Are You Selling? ..........................................14
ADVERTISERS
Accident Fund Insurance Company .......... Inside Front Cover
Clover Machinery Movers .................................................... 12
Cornerstone Christian Montessori School .......................... 10
Disney Institute ................................................................... 12
DIR Incorporated ................................................................... 3
Elkhart Jazz Festival............................................................ 15
Hansen Collision of Elkhart ................................................. 11
Horizon Bank ....................................................................... 13
Interra Credit Union .............................................. Back Cover
SILVER SPONSORS
Lasalle Bristol ........................................................................ 6
Presentation Products ......................................................... 14
Spectrum Eyewear Gallery .................................................. 12
Thor Industries Inc. ................................................................ 7
WFRN .................................................................................. 12
RV
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
3
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Philip E. Penn, Chamber President/CEO
“Leading Business…Leading Our Community” Several years ago our
Chamber adopted this line as our motto. “Leading Regional Growth”
heads the title page of the Chamber’s 2011-2014 Strategic Plan and
“Leadership” is listed as an important element in the Vision, Values, and
Growth Strategies segments of the Plan. Since its beginning over 90
years ago the Greater Elkhart Chamber has always been the bedrock of
business growth and leadership in Elkhart. This earned respect is due to
the vision and leadership of many volunteers and staff personnel over the
years, and our Chamber is very fortunate and proud to be in this position.
One of the key programs headlining this achievement is the Chamber’s
Leadership Academy. “The Crosley Flight Crew” – Class name of the
graduating Class of 2012 – represents 25 consecutive years for the
Academy. Over 550 business and community leaders have experienced
this remarkable program and many are active today in leadership roles
in their businesses, churches, schools and not-for-profit organizations
throughout Elkhart and the region. The mission of the Academy is “to
promote servant leadership through an awareness program that combines
key community issues and enhanced leadership skill development to
advance community leadership.”
We believe the Academy’s mission is right on target: Tomorrow’s leaders
are key to the future growth and prosperity of Elkhart. The Chamber
is currently accepting candidates for the Class of 2012-13, which will
begin with an introductory session in August and an overnight retreat in
September. Of course the continued success of this program depends on
support from our Members. Please consider nominating or sponsoring a
candidate for this important development program. Contact Denise at the
Chamber for more information. One more note: Chris Martin of MutualBank
has announced she is stepping aside as Chair of the Leadership Steering
Council after 5 years in that position. Chris, thank you for your service.
You represent what true leadership is all about.
Plans are well underway for the Chamber’s Annual Golf Outing set for
Monday, June 25, at Elcona. Many of those who have participated have
touted our outing as one of, if not, the premier outing of the year in the
entire region! For those golfers who have not participated in an Elkhart
Chamber outing, this is your golden opportunity. We still have foursomes
and sponsorships available, and again this is one of Denise’s projects
(guided of course by our Outing Council), so call her if you have an
interest.
There is so much more I could share about our programs and council
activities but I’m running out of space. Please check out the Chamber’s
website for more information. It’s going to be one
busy summer!
4
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
BOARD MEMBERS
MERRITT DILTS, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Board Chair
Deb Alwine, Concord Mall
Cien Asoera, Edward Jones Investments
Jacqueline Barton, Specialized Staffing Solutions, LLC
Steve Brown, PNC Bank
Brian Clark, Sanders Pianowski, LLP
Jill Drajer, Manchester Tank
Marta Elliott, Indiana Michigan Power
Rhett Fisher, Ancon Construction Co., Inc.
Ken Himes, Waste-Away Group, Ltd.
Ken Julian, Thor Industries Inc. - Thor Support Services
John Kraft, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center
Martin Madden, Overhead Door Company of Mishawaka
Michael Marston, Botkin & Hall, LLP
Jim Orbik, Nautic Global Group, Inc.
Jeff Peat, 1st Source Bank
Bruce Piekarski, Horizon Bank
Teresa Shaffer, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Amish Shah, Kem Krest
Rachelle Shuff, Teachers Credit Union
Brian Smith, Heritage Financial Group, Inc.
Darin Sorg, Sorg Jewelers
Chris Stager, Frontier
Vince Turner, MutualBank
Blake Unger, Majority Builders, Inc.
Council Staff Liaisons
Council
Ext.
Ambassadors.............................. Claudia Meenan, 134
Annual Outing .............................Denise Polachek, 132
Beautification ................................ Bridget O’Toole, 139
Bristol Business ..........................Denise Polachek, 132
Business Recognition ............ Jennifer Castaneda, 141
Economic Development.................... Kyle Hannon, 110
Education...................................... Kathy Cardwell, 122
Environmental................................... Kyle Hannon, 110
Government ...................................... Kyle Hannon, 110
Leadership ..................................Denise Polachek, 132
OSHA.................................................... Jim Walsh, 121
Technology ........................................... Jim Walsh, 121
Transportation ........................... Kay House-Clark, 138
Women’s ..................................... Claudia Meenan, 134
Young Professionals ...................Denise Polachek, 132
Have Other Questions? Who to Call:
Accounting ...............................................Bob Frey, 111
Accounting ...................................... Rolf Preibisch, 130
Biz-Ness Before/After Hours ...... Claudia Meenan, 134
Biz-Ness Expo ............................Denise Polachek, 132
Business Assistance/NCI...................... Jim Walsh, 121
Mailing Labels ........................... Kay House-Clark, 138
Membership ........................... Jennifer Castaneda, 141
Member Relationship Services ... Claudia Meenan, 134
Magazine .............................................. Abby Wier, 128
Research Department .................. Kathy Cardwell, 122
Ribbon Cuttings .......................... Claudia Meenan, 134
SCORE ....................................................................115
Seminars ....................................Denise Polachek, 132
Young Entrepreneurs Academy .... Kathy Cardwell, 122
Chamber phone number: (574) 293-1531
RV
NEW MEMBERS...
CHAMBER
ANNIVERSARIES
Please extend a welcome to these new members!
50 YEARS OR MORE
BBB of Northern Indiana
Elkhart Bedding Company, Inc.
Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Co.
Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home
Schuster Sheet Metal, Inc.
25 YEARS OR MORE
TR Arnold & Associates, Inc.
Bud’s Body Shop, Inc.
D & W Inc.
Elkhart Area Career Center
Harter Supply, Div. of DC Products, Inc.
Hawkins Water Tech, Inc.
KampCo Steel Products, Inc.
LaVanture Products Co., Inc.
McDowell Enterprises, Inc.
NoBi Security & Fire
Office Interiors, Inc.
Patrick Industries, Inc.
Sam’s Tire Service, Inc.
Sanders Pianowski, LLP
Superior Waste Systems
United Way of Elkhart Co., Inc.
YMCA
ZURN PEX, Inc.
514 E Marion St
Mishawaka, IN 46545
(574) 400-3869
Fax: (574) 968-1350
www.TEAMconsultingEHS.com
David F. Lucas
Consultants
Life Style Photography
205 Lincolnway W
Osceola, IN 46561
(574) 674-6740
Karen Wolff
Photography
Town & Country Builders
1925 Goodson Ct
South Bend, IN 46613
(800) 613-6667
Fax: (574) 288-4810
www.mcetoner.com
Laura Schlegelmich
Computer & Printer Services/Supplies
15 YEARS OR MORE
American Millwork Corp.
Austin Hardware and Supply
Broderick Chiropractic Center
Lee’s Wood Products
Service Specialties
Vincennes University
541 Roske Dr, Ste B
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 293-5274
Fax: (574) 293-8762
www.tcbldrs.com
Vern Heacock
Contractors: Design/Build
Nature’s Wood Products
10 YEARS OR MORE
JUNE 2012
CBRE | Bradley
Elkhart County Community Foundation
Golden Living Center
Intertek Distribution, Inc.
MapleNet Wireless, Inc.
Roberts Environmental Services, LLC
Waste Management - Earthmovers Landfill
Bail Home Services & Construction, Inc.
Butler
Day Fluid Power
DEHCO, Inc.
East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Elkhart Plastics
Envirosolutions, Inc.
Hess Karfomenos & Associates
LOF, Inc.
Michiana Human Resource Association
Mike’s Custom Painting, Inc.
Pinnacle
Riverside Village
Ryan’s Place, Inc.
Seifert Drug
Spearhead Sales & Marketing
Tammy’s Tune Up
TruPay Corporation
Better Living Technologies, LLP
Center for Community Justice
Com-Control, Inc
Digger Specialties, Inc.
ENS Group
The Growth Coach
Hansen Collision of Elkhart
Home Energy, LLC
Kemner-Iott Agency of Cass County
TEAM Consulting
Consultants
MCE, Inc.
Pokagon Band of
Potawatomi Indians
58620 Sink Rd
PO Box 180
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 462-4283
Fax: (269) 783-0452
www.pokagonband-nsn.gov
Paige Risser
Tribal Governance/Government
1712 E Lake Dr W
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 264-0274
Fax: (888) 435-8229
www.beacon-consultinginc.com
Tom Miller
Instant Auto Finance
Kitchens Etc, Inc.
Maple Lane Apartment Homes
and Executive Suites
1 YEAR
4117 Lincolnway E
Mishawaka, IN 46544
(574) 299-5282
www.bookthecoffeecart.com
Joann Rearick
Coffee Break Service & Supplies
Beacon Consulting, Inc.
20 YEARS OR MORE
5 YEARS OR MORE
American Espresso Catering
54693 CR 17
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 848-1900
www.natureswoodproducts.net
Cynthia Fifer
Recycling Services
RENEWING MEMBERS...
Our thanks to members who recently renewed!
A-One Signs & Graphics/Apparel
Advantage Truck Accessories, Inc.
Aegis Dental Group
AmSafe Commercial Products
Between the Buns
Sports Bar & Grill
Bock Engineering Company, Inc.
Calabria Restaurant
Carter Tire Sales & Service
Chubby Trout
Coffee Time/Keck’s Water
Coldwell Banker
Roth Wehrly Graber
CompressAir Inc.
Concord Family Medicine
Cornerstone Environmental
Health & Safety Inc.
Corporate Graphic Solutions, Inc.
Creekstone Investments
& Properties
Dec-O-Art, Inc.
DJ Construction Co., Inc.
Down the Road Tours and Events
Dunlap Dental Services, PC
Elkhart County Symphony
Association
Elkhart Steel Service, Inc.
Faries-McMeekan, Inc.
FOX 28
The Goshen News
Grubb & Ellis/Cressy & Everett
Hart Plastics, Inc.
Debra S. Hogan, CPA
Humana Specialty Benefits
iFiT: individuals and Families
in Transition
Indiana Wesleyan University
The Inn at Amish Acres
Interface Architecture
& Design, LLC
Investment Planning
Associates, Inc.
Irvine Shade & Door, Inc.
KinderCare Learning Center
Konica Minolta
KSmith Financial
M-3 & Associates, Inc.
Manchester Tank
Monroe Restoration & Cleaning Inc.
Morrison Industrial Equipment
MSC Industrial Supply Co.
MutualBank
Nautic Global Group, Inc.
New York Life Insurance
North American Forest
Products, Inc.
Northwest Interiors, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual Financial
Network
On-Site Health Solutions
Per Bacco Ristorante Italiano/
Bruno’s Pizza
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Pontoon Stuff, Inc.
Prairie Street Family Dentistry, Inc.
Regional Home Health Care, Inc.
Rental Car Momma
RV Surplus
Service Printers
Shaum Electric Company, Inc.
Sherwood Industries, Inc.
Soil Solutions Co. - Elkhart
Sorensen Insurance Agency
Stacy Custom Homes, Inc.
T. Shorter Manufacturing, Inc.
US Signcrafters, Inc.
WBYT - B100
Wilcox Environmental
Engineering, Inc.,
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
5
Kaizen Hibachi Grill & Sushi Bar, 2820
Elkhart Rd, Goshen, hosted a Ribbon
Cutting to celebrate the Grand Opening of
the restaurant.
Elkhart Public Library, 300 S 2nd St,
Elkhart, hosted a Ribbon Cutting to
celebrate the newly remodeled Main
Library.
All Ribbon Cuttings and Ground Breakings are celebrated with a complimentary balloon
bouquet from Bryan & Sarah Snyder and Lilly’s Party.
The Sergio Corporation - First
Response of Elkhart hosted a Ribbon
Cutting to celebrate a job well done by the
City of Elkhart Fire Department at a local
retail store.
Serving the RV Industry for over 50 Years
presents
DESIGNER CAREFREE ®
RESILIENT SHEET FLOORING
by
• ENGINEERED FOR THE RV INDUSTRY
• MOST RUGGED & DAMAGE RESISTANT
SHEET FLOORING
• RESISTS SCUFFS AND SCRATCHES
• 3 YEAR WARRANTY AGAINST COLD
CRACKING
• PATENTED STAIN AND SOIL REPELLENCY
• REALISTIC DEPTH OF TEXTURE AND
COLOR
• AVAILABLE IN 10 PATTERNS
• MANUFACTURED IN USA
For more information, contact your LaSalle Bristol sales representative.
P.O. Box 98 • Elkhart, IN 46515 • 574-295-4400
6
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
LaSalle Bristol is the recognizedServing
leader inthe
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of quality products for Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers and Aftermarket
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RV
THOR INDUSTRIES,
THOR
INDUSTRIES,
INC. INC.
Thor Industries, Inc., was founded
on August 29, 1980, when Wade F. B.
Thompson and Peter B. Orthwein acquired
Airstream, the most recognized name in
the RV industry. The name “Thor” was
developed by using the ¿rst
first two letters of
each entrepreneur’s last name.
Despite its venerable image dating to
its founding in 1931, Airstream had not
fared well during the economic downturn
of the late 1970s. As Wade and Peter
immediately focused on improving quality
and reducing costs, Airstream returned
to pro¿tability
profitability in its very ¿rst
first year under
the new Thor management. That same
entrepreneurial philosophy continues to
drive Thor’s success today.
By 1982, Thor was strong enough
to purchase the Canadian towable RV
company General Coach, with operations
in Hensall, Ontario, and Okanagan,
British Columbia. In 1984, Thor became
a public company and in 1986, was
listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol “THO”. That same
year, Forbes Magazine ranked Thor sixth
out of the “200 best small companies
in America.” In 1988, Thor entered the
small and mid-size bus industry with the
acquisition of ElDorado Bus. In 1991,
National Coach was purchased and the
two bus companies operated under the
ElDorado National trademark, with plants
in California and Kansas.
RV
Also in 1991, Thor acquired Dutchmen
Manufacturing, now one of the leading
brands of travel trailers and ¿fth
fifth wheels.
Four Winds International, manufacturer
of Class A and Class C motorhomes, was
acquired in 1992. Komfort Corporation,
builder of trailers and fi¿fth
fth wheels, became
part of the growing Thor family in 1995.
1996 saw the start-up of Thor California in
towable RVs, and in 1998, Thor solidifi
solidi¿ed
ed
its leadership in the bus industry with the
acquisition of Champion Bus.
When Thor joined forces with Keystone
RV in 2001, the company achieved
an unprecedented scale within the RV
industry. The subsequent acquisitions in
2003 of Damon, manufacturer of Class A
motorhomes, and Breckenridge, builder
of park trailers, followed by Crossroads
RV in 2004, cemented this position.
In 2005, Thor acquired Goshen Coach
to round out its holdings in the small and
mid-sized bus industry. Finally, in 2010,
Thor made two substantial acquisitions.
In March of that year, it acquired SJC
Industries, the second largest ambulance
manufacturer in the United States. Then,
in September 2010, Thor made its largest
acquisition to date when it purchased
Heartland RV Company, further reinforcing
its position as the world’s largest producer
of towable RVs.
Today, through various structural
realignments, Thor is comprised of six
RV companies and four bus companies,
including the recent consolidation of
Thor’s bus and ambulance operations in
Indiana.
Thor takes great pride in having the
concentration of its operations in and
around Elkhart, Indiana. With the highest
quality workforce available in Northern
Indiana, combined with its close proximity
to the RV and bus supplier network, and
the outstanding support of the greater
Elkhart community, Thor is best positioned
to succeed in its two industries. Indeed,
Thor has
each
of its
has been
beenpro¿table
profitableinin
each
of 31
its
+
years
31+
yearsininbusiness,
business,aatestament
testament to
to its
business model.
Over the years, Thor has received many
honors for its growth and management
success. In January 2000, Forbes
included Thor in its Platinum 400 list and
in April 2004, Thor was added to Standard
& Poor’s Mid-Cap 400. Also in 2004,
Forbes declared Thor to be one of the
“Best Managed Companies in America”.
In the subsequent decade, Fortune
Magazine named Thor one of “America’s
Most Admired Companies” and Industry
Week Magazine ranked Thor as one of
the ¿fty
fifty best U. S. manufacturers. Thor
has become one of the most admired
and respected companies, not only in the
RV and bus industries, but in American
business as well.
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
7
8
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
R
24
17
10
3
SUNDAY
Annual Golf Outing
25
Staff – Member Visits
18
Greenhouse Gas
Permits, 7:30 am
6
WEDNESDAY
Beautification Council,
8:00 am
12
26
Staff – Member Visits
Biz-Ness After Hours,
Image Motors,
2117 S. Nappanee St.,
5:00 – 7:00 pm
19
Leading Business 2012
Orientation,
8:00 – 10:00 am
27
Ambassadors Council
Steering Committee,
9:00 am
20
China Trip Informational
Meeting, 5:30 pm
Government Council,
8:00 am
13
Young Professionals
Council, 8:00 am
Women’s Council Steering
Committee, 9:00 am
Bristol Business Council,
4:00 pm
Leading Business 2012
Orientation,
8:00 am – 10:00 am
5
TUESDAY
Coalition of Chambers,
Elkhart County Convention Economic Development
and Visitors Bureau,
Council Luncheon with
11:30 am
Dan Hasler, IEDC,
Lerner Crystal Ballroom,
12:00 – 1:00 pm
11
SCORE, 9:00 am
4
MONDAY
JUNE
Executive Board,
8:00 am
Annual Outing Council,
4:00 pm
28
Business Recognition Council,
4:00 pm
Women’s Council Luncheon,
“Sugar ‘n’ Spice…Everything Nice,”
Hilton Garden Inn, Elkhart
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
21
29
Board of Directors,
11:30 am
22
Lean 101 Workshop
“Staying Competitive in a
Global Economy,” Goshen,
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chicago Cubs Game
9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Ambassadors Council,
4:00 pm
Economic Development
Council, 7:30 am
15
Leadership Council
Retreat,
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Transportation Council,
7:30 am
8
1
FRIDAY
Education Council,
7:30 am
14
Biz-Ness Before Hours,
Personnel Partners, Inc.,
2311 Cassopolis St.,
7:00 – 9:00 am
7
THURSDAY
30
23
16
9
Operation Clean Sweep
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
2
SATURDAY
CHAMBER
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
RV
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
99
23
30
29
Staff – Member Visits
16
Coalition of Chambers,
Nappanee, 11:30 am
9
SCORE, 9:00 am
2
MONDAY
22
15
8
1
SUNDAY
JULY
31
Leadership Council,
4:00 pm
24
Biz-Ness After Hours,
South Bend Silver Hawks,
501 W. South St., South Bend,
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Executive Board, 8:00 am
Staff – Member Visits
17
Biz-Ness Before Hours,
Cornerstone Christian
Montessori School,
23830 CR 106, Elkhart
7:00 – 9:00 am
Beautification Council,
8:00 am
10
3
TUESDAY
Ambassadors Council
Steering Committee,
4:00 pm
Technology Council,
8:00 am
25
DC Fly-In - Depart,
7:30 am
18
Bristol Business Council,
4:00 pm
Young Professionals
Council, 8:00 am
Government Council,
8:00 am
July 4th –
Chamber Closed
11
4
WEDNESDAY
26
Business Recognition
Council, 4:00 pm
Technology Executive
Committee, 8:30 am
DC Fly-In – Return,
8:30 pm
19
Ambassador Council,
4:00 pm
Education Council,
7:30 am
12
5
THURSDAY
27
Economic Development
Council, 7:30 am
20
Transportation Council,
7:30 am
13
6
FRIDAY
28
21
14
7
SATURDAY
> > > > > > > > > TO REGISTER VISIT WWW.ELKHART.ORG
BIZ-NESS
BEFORE HOURS
BIZ-NESS
AFTER HOURS
Since 1997, Collins & Co. has provided
quality products, unsurpassed service
and expert installations at competitive
prices. They offer an extensive selection of
residential and commercial flooring product
lines. Collections vary from the high trend
lines to value-priced. Design consultants are
available to assist with selections, provide
free on site measures and coordinate with
their knowledgeable installers. Visit their
showroom or www.collins-n-co.com and
discover the quality and variety of floor
coverings that offer comfort, style and
function to meet all your needs!
Atria Eastlake Terrace is a warm, vibrant
senior living community where residents
enjoy a range of daily activities to help
them stay healthy and active. They provide
scheduled transportation to various places
and community events which enables a
more fulfilling retirement living experience.
Atria Eastlake Terrace offers a wide range
of engaging events for residents, an
assisted living community with spacious
senior housing, and outstanding senior
care. To schedule a tour or learn more,
visit www.atriaseniorliving.com.
The Ambassadors Council wishes to thank
Imagination Pro Media for the great sound
system they provide at the Biz-Ness Events.
10 Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
RV
NEW S A B O U T
Goodwill Industries of Michiana and
Ancon Construction announce the
completion of a new building campus
in Mishawaka.
Edward Jones has ranked highest
in investor satisfaction with full
service brokerage firms, according
to J.D. Power and Associates 2012
Satisfaction Study.
Duane Sharp has been appointed Vice
President of Sales/Sales Manager at
Yoder Oil Co., Inc.
Advanced Imaging Solutions has
expanded their Information Technology
business through a merger with
Custom Computer Services.
You
Robert Yoder of Maple City Fire
Protection, Inc has received his
Backflow Testing Certification and
Jason Schwartz has recertified for
Installing, Servicing, and Testing Fire
Extinguishers.
The City of Elkhart’s Lerner Theatre
restoration project received the Cook
Cup award from Indiana Landmarks for
outstanding restoration. Cripe Design,
Majority Builders, and many others
were honored to have been a part of
the project.
Horizon Bancorp was recently named
to the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Honor
Roll for an exceptional 10-year track
record.
Ian Wulfsohn has joined the business
development team of Per Mar Security
Services.
Schrock Commercial has completed
a building project for a Bristol
manufacturer.
Matthew
Cummins
has
joined
Spherion Staffing as a Recruiting
Executive
and
Client
Service
Specialist.
Todd Allen Design won a 2012 Telly
Award for the agency’s TV spot for a
local health care company.
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PREPARE YOUR RV FOR SUMMER
TRAVELING and FUN!
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fleet repair shops. We put our years of
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RV
As the temperature steadily rises, RVs begin to come out of their
winter homes and are prepared for a summer full of traveling and
fun. However, that crack that seemed insignificant last fall has
grown, you’ve just noticed the dent in the rear end, scratches
down the side, decals cracking or curling up, or it seems the roof
has developed a leak.
It is important to thoroughly check your RV over after storage
so you can address any problems immediately rather than
letting them get worse.When repaired early, these problems can
be simple repairs, but when let go, they can cost thousands of
dollars down the road.
Hansen Collision can alleviate your problems. From body
repairs, paint touch-up, decal replacements, and roof repairs and
replacements, we can fix your damaged RV and make it like new
again. We also do glass repair and replacement for those cracks
and chips.
Do you love the latest RV looks and designs? Perhaps you’re
tired of your faded unit and feel like an upgrade. Before you spend
tens of thousands of dollars on a new RV, consider refurbishing
your unit to give it that new look that you loved at the RV show or
on the dealer’s lot! For a fraction of the cost it would be to buy a
brand new RV, you can update the outside. Let Hansen Collision
repaint or reimage your RV with a custom refurbishment package
to give it a brand new look.
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
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EXPERIENCE CHINA 2013 EDUCATION
This 9-day trip will include airfare, hotels,
meals, and wonderful English-speaking
guides who do an excellent job of helping
you learn about Chinese culture, business
and history. We will visit four cities,
including Beijing, the Capital of China. You
will walk on the Great Wall of China; walk
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden
City. You will visit Suzhou and Hangzhou
and walk through some beautiful gardens
at the Lingering Gardens. You will visit
the National Embroidery Institute with
1,000 years of history. Take an optional
canal ride or a boat on West Lake.
Finally you will spend time in Shanghai, a
wonderful example of the ancient meeting
the new. You’ll visit the Bund, a famous
waterfront park. Enjoy the Yu Garden,
a maze of marvelous pavilions, ponds,
rocky works and overarching trees.
Learn more on June 13 from 5:30 - 7:00
pm at the Greater Elkhart Chamber. If you
are interested in attending, please contact
Denise at (574) 293-1531 ext. 132.
Councils
Local Young Entrepreneurs
Show They Have What it Takes
to Make it Big in Business
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business mentors. They brainstorm ideas,
write business plans and actually launch
their own company or social movement!
To learn how to get involved or to get
an application for the 2012-13 YEA!
Program visit the Chamber website at
www.elkhart.org or email Kathy Cardwell
at kcardwell@elkhart.org.
Local high school students from the
Young Entrepreneurs Academy Class of
2012 from Elkhart Community Schools
revealed their new start-up businesses
to the public at the YEA! Trade Show on
May 23 at Concord Mall.
Their presentations were a culmination
of six months of hard work, resulting in
the graduates owning and operating their
own businesses.
At YEA!, students are taught by local
entrepreneurs and are introduced to guest
lecturers, successful entrepreneurs, and
Ivy Tech Corporate College
welcomes DISNEY INSTITUTE to
South Bend
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Machine Storage
Electrical Contracting
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Serving Michiana Since 1948
574-255-3195
Are you ready to bring clarity to your business?
To begin a new era of focused leadership
that will inspire excellence throughout your
organization? Then you’re ready to D’Think.
Bring your business challenges and we will
show you a clear, simplified way of looking
at the problems and seeing what’s probably
already right in front of you – easy, effective solutions. With Disney
Institute, you can learn to think differently. Are you ready?
Ivy Tech Corporate College
welcomes DISNEY INSTITUTE to
Hilton Garden Inn & Gillespie Conference Center
574-289-7001 ext. 5356
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
7:30 AM Registration, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Program
GS2012-6546
©Disney
Register Today! Space is Limited.
YOU CAN WIN AN UNFORGETTABLE 3.5-DAY DISNEY INSTITUTE PROGRAM AT THE
WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT IN FLORIDA!
Ivy Tech
TechCorporate
CorporateCollege
College
Ivy
is proud to be a selected sponsor of Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence
and wishes to thank its marketing partners.
Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, North Central Indiana SBDC, Warsaw-Kosciusko Chamber
12
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
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GOVERNMENT
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ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
DC Fly-in SOLD OUT
A group of business leaders from Northern
Indiana will be heading to Washington DC
on July 18-19 as part of our regional DC
Fly-in.
All 30 seats on the chartered flight have
been sold. Each year, your Chamber
arranges this trip to give members
the opportunity to meet with area
Congressmen and Senators in the nation’s
Capitol.
Although the plane is full this year, we
are accepting names for a waiting list
in case there are cancellations. To be
considered for any open spots, or to have
an opportunity next year, contact Kyle
Hannon, khannon@elkhart.org.
Presidential sponsors:
Indiana Michigan Power, Lake Michigan
Mailers, NIPSCO, 1st Source Bank
Congressional sponsors:
AM General, Elkhart County Convention
& Visitors Bureau, Memorial Hospital &
Health System, IOI/Interlogic Outsourcing
Legislative Briefing/lunch sponsor:
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Job creation luncheon with
the head of the IEDC
Elected Officials Reception
another success
The 17th Elected Officials Reception was
another great success. Elected officials
from all levels of government met with
Chamber members from all levels of
business.
Though no formal speeches were given,
conversation flowed near posters of the
new state legislative districts, the new
Elkhart bicycle routes, the new US 31
maps, the MACOG trolley routes, and a
drawing of the Prairie Street overpass
proposal.
Thanks to a generous sponsorship by
AT&T, this was a free event.
Indiana continues to climb the rankings of
business-friendly states. What does that
mean to job creation in Elkhart County? You
will have an opportunity to hear from Dan
Hasler, the CEO of the Indiana Economic
Development Corporation, at a luncheon
Tuesday, June 12, Noon - 1:00 pm at the
Lerner Theatre Crystal Ballroom.
Hasler was named to the state’s
top job-creation post last September.
He energized visitors from Michiana
Chambers during the Northern Indiana
Trip to the Statehouse event this year. His
background includes a 31-year career with
Eli Lilly and Company where he developed
international markets.
Registration is $20 for Chamber members
and $30 for non-members. Register online
at www.elkhart.org.
Thanks to Atwood Mobile Products,
Economic Development Corporation of
Elkhart County, and First State Bank for
sponsoring this event.
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Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
13
What products are you selling? We can show your customers!!!
Presentation Products has been designing and
building product selection displays of every type
for over 25 years. We know how important it is
to show your product choices to your customers
when they are making their decision to buy. By
using samples of actual materials, there is no
doubt about whether the colors and textures are
correct – they are right there to touch and feel!
(No guessing from electronic media screens!) We
know that your product is distinct, which means
every product we design is custom – for you!
From display boards, to binders and books, to
large product displays, we can show your
customer what you have to offer. Contact us
today for a consultation about how we can
display your products for your customers.
You may reach us by phone at 574-522-7604 or
email us at Prespro20@aol.com. We are located
at 620 Verdant Drive, Elkhart, IN
Sample It! Display It! Present It!
14
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
RV
June 22-24, 2012
THIS IS NOT JUST ANY YEAR — it’s the 25th anniversary of the nationally
acclaimed Elkhart Jazz Festival. This unrivaled music festival promises another
year of great entertainment!
The event comes to life on six downtown stages. With new faces and
new venues, the 2012 event will make your summer really swing.
So get ready — and join us for hours of jazz over an extraordinary
three-day weekend from more than 100 world-class entertainers!
For more information, visit
www.elkhartjazzfestival.com
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LEGISLATIVE REVIEW
Greater Elkhart CHAMBER
15
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage Paid
Elkhart, IN
Permit No. 96
418 S. Main St. • Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 293-1531 • www.elkhart.org
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