SOUTH CENTRAL
Winter 2023
A publication of The Republic and The Tribune
Celebrating 100 years Poplar Street serves customers for a century ALSO INSIDE
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Payroll Vault Siho Insurance Services Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 1
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2 The Business Connection | WINTER 2023
Local business experts you can count on!
Karl Kissinger
Jonas Howell
SVP Business Services
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VP Commercial Relationship Manager
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Choose Centra for your commercial banking needs. Centra.org/contact-us 800-232-3642
Treasury Chief Growth Officer Management Officer
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Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 3
SOUTH CENTRAL
A PUBLICATION OF THE REPUBLIC and the tribune
Winter 2023
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5 On the Move 7 Around the Water Cooler 12 Improve productivity 14 Payroll Vault 18 Poplar Street Restaurant 24 SIHO Insurance Services 28 Appreciate employees 30 Building permits
4 The Business Connection | WINTER 2023
ON THE COVER
SOUTH CENTRAL
WINTER 2023
A PUBLICATION OF THE REPUBLIC AND THE TRIBUNE
Celebrating 100 years Poplar Street serves customer for a century ALSO INSIDE
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Comments Comments should be sent to Rachel Hensley, The Republic, 2980 N. National Road, Suite A, Columbus, IN 47201 or call 812-379-5630 or rhensley@ aimmediaindiana.com.
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PAYROLL VAULT SIHO INSURANCE SERVICES WINTER 2023 | The Business Connection 1
Priscilla Wischmeier at Poplar Street Restaraunt Photographed by Tony Vasquez
ON THE MOVE n Julie Phelps has been named branch development manager for Centra Credit Union’s Nashville location. Phelps has worked in the banking industry for 33 years and most recently served as branch relationship manager at Home Bank SB. Phelps is currently involved with Nashville’s local Rotary and serves on the board of the Chamber of Commerce. She also recently joined the Lions Club. n Thrive Alliance recently appointed Alison Simo to the
position of dementia care coordinator assistant. The dementia care coordinator assistant works within the Indiana University School of Medicine/ Area Agencies on Aging Dementia Capable System as outlined in the Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative.
n Martin University announced that John Girton, Jr. has been named executive vice president and chief of staff. Previously, he was the university’s vice president of marketing, communications and external relations.
If you’re advertising insurance, remove Member SIPC.
A graduate of Indiana University School of Nursing, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2007 and her Master of Science degree as an adult gerontologist clinical nurse specialist (APRN) in 2013.
Girton was hired as director of marketing and communications in August 2020 and held the position for a year before becoming vice president. In his new role, Girton will handle matters of policy and institutional importance on behalf of CEO and President Sean L. Huddleston.
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> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
Drew Robbins, AAMS® Financial Advisor (812)-376-3439
David E. Weiss, CFP® Financial Advisor (812) 375-9160
David Luken, AAMS® Financial Advisor (812) 799-7488
Eric Robbins, CFP® Financial Advisor (812) 342-8193
Heath Johnson, CFP® Financial Advisor (812) 378-0022
Jim Ostermueller, AAMS® Financial Advisor (812) 376-0370
Lisa Duke Financial Advisor (812) 378-2012
Andy Mann, AAMS® Financial Advisor (812) 378–1018
Paul Dayment Financial Advisor (812)-378-0022
Ryan Burchfield, CFP® Financial Advisor (812) 378-0611
Bob Lewis, AAMS® Financial Advisor (812) 378–5495
John Hayden, AAMS® Financial Advisor (812) 378-0475
Lonnie Tate Financial Advisor (812)-378-1018
Kara Bateman Financial Advisor (812)-378-2012
Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 5
ON THE MOVE n Horizon Bank’s Vice President and District Manager Josh Shelly recently announced Shana Quattrocchi as branch manager of the Greenwood office. Quattrocchi has 12 years of experience in the banking industry, from teller to branch manager. She has also participated in community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Young Bankers Club and Reading with Students.
n Toyota Material Handling (TMH) promoted Cesar Jimenez to vice president of regulatory affairs, product planning and product assurance. In this new role, he is responsible for Toyota’s industry-leading product line throughout its life cycle, including pre-development, launch, warranty and ongoing resolution of any technical problems. n Dr. Sean M. Wilson, a fellowship-trained sports
medicine surgeon, is joining Southern Indiana Orthopedics. Wilson specializes in sports medicine, total joint replacement surgery and trauma surgery. Wilson will be seeing patients at the Columbus and Greensburg offices. n Logan Valentine, CFP, a financial advisor for Raymond James Financial Services, has joined Forman Investment Services. Valentine attended Indiana State University and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in insurance and risk management. He came to Forman Investment Services after spending four years at Charles Schwab as a highnet-worth advisor and six years in the insurance and employee benefits space prior to that. n German American Bancorp Inc. (GABC) announced Bradley C. Arnett joined the company as senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, effective Sept. 25. He reports to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer D. Neil Dauby and is a member of the company’s executive committee.
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Arnett earned his law degree from the Chase College of Law and his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Kentucky University. He also carries a certified public accounting license in Ohio.
6 The Business Connection | WINTER 2023
n Barnes & Thornburg has added labor and
employment attorneys and legal professionals to its corporate, general counsel, health care litigation and intellectual property departments in its Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. offices. Columbus resident Casey Wright was hired as an associate in the firm’s Indianapolis office. He will focus on processing U.S. and international trademark applications, searching and clearing trademarks and intellectual property counseling, IP licensing and trademark enforcement. n Franklin College has announced that Nora Brems, former director of Planned Giving, has accepted an offer to become the institution’s first-ever assistant vice president for major and planned giving. In this role, Brems will manage a team of three employees, all of whom will be assigned to work with alumni and other supporters of the institution, to continue developing a culture of philanthropy at Franklin College. n Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Superintendent Jim Roberts has been selected as the presidentelect of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS).
— Staff Reports
around the water cooler Srivastava receives teaching award
Future Challenges Today with Industry Linked Project.”
Conference and Tradeshow in Salt Lake City.
Vipul Srivastava, Indiana University Columbus (IU Columbus) adjunct business professor, has been awarded the 2023 Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching (FACET) Innovate award. These awards recognize faculty who bring passion, innovation and creativity to the classroom to promote student success.
In this activity, teams of students supplement classroom learning by working with local businesses to gain insights on industry practices and challenges, present their findings and proposed improvements to the business and the class and receive feedback from various stakeholders.
The presentation, titled “Planning to Implementation: Three Examples of AAAs Driving Housing Solutions,” focused on housing projects by AAAs (Area Agency on Aging) in Indiana and different AAA roles being filled to develop housing solutions.
Mark Lindenlaub, Thrive Alliance’s executive director, recently gave a presentation to a panel at the 48th annual US Aging National
Dwight honored as state leader IBJ Media named Craig Dwight, chairman of Horizon Bancorp Inc. and Horizon Bank, to the 2023 class of Indiana 250, a list of the most
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Srivastava, the first FACET award winner from IUPUC, won in the category of Skills across the Curriculum for the classroom activity “Industry Ready: Learn
Lindenlaub presents at national conference
Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 7
around the water cooler influential and impactful business and community leaders in Indiana. Dwight was included in the Financial and Business Services category for his work and dedication to the community.
JCBank proud to support disabled veterans You may see JCBank’s logo on a fleet of 19 Ford Explorers belonging to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Indiana traveling throughout the state.
power — often during high winds, heavy rain and extreme cold or hot conditions. They compete in equipment repair, pole climbing and hurt-man rescues and get graded for their speed, agility, technique and safety procedures.
Stirnemann, New Whiteland, competed in the experienced division, having memorized 517 verses from the Bible. These verses include the complete books of Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Titus and Timothy I and II.
Duke Energy Midwest competitors advancing from regional rodeos to the International Lineman’s Rodeo include:
The team also represented Indiana as “Indiana 2” in the North American Bible Quizzing Tournament that took place July 2125 in St. Charles, Missouri. They tied for fifth place out of 58 teams.
Apprentice awards: First place – Oliver Huhta, Princeton
Columbus City Utilities lab honored
Sixth place – Riley Hilty, Huntington
Columbus City Utilities announced that its quality control lab received a Certificate of Excellence in proficiency testing for achieving 100 percent in the 2023 water study.
Journeyman Team awards:
Asher Mullins, 11, Columbus, and his teammate, Micah Alt, New Whiteland, represented Indiana as “Indiana 1” at the North American Junior Bible Quizzing Tournament that took place July 16-21 in Branson, Missouri. They memorized and were quizzed on over 276 verses from Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. The team was undefeated the entire season and took first place out of 89 of North America’s top teams.
First place – TJ Lewis, Aurora; Bret Lewis, Madison and Nick Meyer, Madison
Event raises $6.5k for individuals with disabilities
Second place – Andrew Hall, Carmel; Jason Washburn, Noblesville and Cody Kennedy, Noblesville
On July 22, the Inaugural Strummin’ and Grinnin’ for DSI fundraiser was a success, raising more than $6,500 for the Columbus-based, nonprofit organization. Together, this team created a BBQ and brew-filled fundraiser complete with loads of laughs, over 14 in-house, craft brew varieties on tap, stellar tunes and a tent filled with the sweet, smoky flavor that summer evenings in Indiana are best known for — BBQpulled pork.
According to Kevin Coley, State Department adjutant for DAV, the logos are part of a vehicle “wrap,” recognizing an important partnership for the organization that provides free, professional assistance for veterans and their families through support services and advocacy.
Proficiency testing evaluates laboratory performance, including accuracy, sample handling protocols and reporting practices. QC Lab was required to analyze the volume of fluoride, total coliform, E.coli and heterotrophic plate count in the city’s water.
Duke honors line workers in Lineman’s Rodeo After advancing from the Duke Energy Midwest Lineman’s Rodeo in Plainfield, fifteen Duke Energy line workers will compete this fall in the International Lineman’s Rodeo. Lineman’s rodeos showcase the job-related skills that line technicians rely on daily to restore
8 The Business Connection | WINTER 2023
Second place – Logan Pollei, Rochester Third place – Nick Gearhart, Carmel Fourth place – Calvin Fettig, Noblesville Fifth place – Tyler Adrian, Carmel
Third place – Travis Vidal, Nick Minnich and John Menefee, all from Columbus
Students compete in Bible Quizzing Tournament Columbus students competed in a national Bible quizzing tournament in July, along with their teams. The students memorized passages from Paul’s Epistles and competed against teams across North America, answering detailed questions from those passages. Judah Mullins, 14, Columbus, along with teammates Levi and Andrew
Hog Molly Brewing Company, a local favorite, known for its ability to make everyone who walks through its doors feel welcome, hosted and cosponsored the event. There were over 150 people in
attendance for the mid-July parking lot party. Among them was Scott Wilson, an insurance agent by day, and a rock star by night. Wilson was one of the sponsors of the event, as well as a founding member of the 3 Beards Strummin’ band, which delighted both attendees and passersby throughout the evening with its notable performance. The lineup also included resident comedian Jeff Bodart, who came prepared with his best jokes, and Nick Partin of Thompson Furniture, who kindly donated his time and talents to fire up the smoker and provide the meal.
Weight Loss Institute receives accreditation
With a team of surgeons, nurses, registered dietitians, certified personal trainers and psychologists, the Weight Loss Institute offers comprehensive treatment. Services include free information sessions, weight-loss surgery, non-surgical weight-loss options, nutritional counseling, psychological testing, support group meetings, exercise therapy and more.
Financial advisor Robbins named to Forbes list Edward Jones Financial Advisor Eric
M. Robbins of Columbus has been named to the 2023 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-inState ranking by Forbes/SHOOK Research. The list is comprised of more than 1,460 financial advisors nationwide, all under the age of 40. This is the fourth time Robbins has been named to this prestigious list. Robbins ranked No. 3 in Indiana.
Governor bestows ‘century’ awards Governor Eric Holcomb awarded 38 Indiana companies and organizations with the Governor’s Century or Half-Century Business Award at a ceremony in Indianapolis. Among the Half-Century Award honorees were Burt’s Termite & Pest Control, Bartholomew County and FPBH Inc. Engineering Services, Jennings County.
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The Weight Loss Institute of Columbus Regional Health applied for reaccreditation through the Health Metabolic and Bariatric
Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) in May. It was recently deemed eligible for the highest standard of accreditation as a comprehensive center for metabolic and bariatric surgery. It is currently the only accredited weight loss institute between Columbus and Louisville.
Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 9
around the water cooler Thrive Alliance’s Pulkowski completes leadership course
The expected grand-opening date is next March.
Thrive Alliance Compliance Coordinator Tiffany Pulkowski recently completed The Leadership Challenge Live course through People First Productivity Solutions. The challenge consists of nine, twohour classroom sessions and two, one-hour, one-on-one sessions.
Carothers named to Forbes list
Participants in the course take an assessment based on surveys of their supervisors, coworkers, clients and members of the community and the results give them a Leadership Inventory. The inventory consists of 30 behaviors of exemplary leadership — each is covered during classroom sessions.
Scheidt named NAR committee vice chair Randy R. Scheidt has been selected as a National Association of Realtors Committee vice chair for 2023. Scheidt attended the NAR Leadership Summit in Chicago for incoming elected officers of local and state associations, as well as incoming chairs and vice chairs for different association committees. In 2025, he will be the chair of the Federal Taxation Committee.
Pizza restaurant opening in NexusPark Mother Bear’s Pizza has announced it will open a restaurant in NexusPark. Mother Bear’s Pizza first opened in 1973 in Bloomington. A second location opened on Bloomington’s west side in November 2016. In 1982, People Magazine selected them as “one of America’s top nine pizzas.” The restaurant also offers wings, salad and pasta dishes. Mother Bear’s Pizza will occupy 9,015 square feet of space and will be located next to Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant.
10 The Business Connection | WINTER 2023
Matt Carothers, a wealth management advisor for Greater Horizon Financial Group, a Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group affiliate, was ranked No. 2 on Forbes “Top Financial Security Professionals Best-In-State” in Indiana. Carothers was hired by Northwestern Mutual in 1990 after interning with the company.
Financial advisor Johnson named to Forbes list Edward Jones Financial Advisor Heath Johnson of Columbus has been named to the 2023 list of Bestin-State Wealth Advisors in Indiana by Forbes and SHOOK Research. Johnson, a CFP, ranked number 79 in Indiana and has served the area investors since 2019. He is one of 154 Edward Jones financial advisors to be named to the list.
Financial advisor Hayden named to Forbes list Edward Jones Financial Advisor John Hayden of Columbus has been named to the 2023 Forbes Top NextGen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State ranking by Forbes/SHOOK Research. The list is composed of more than 1,460 financial advisors nationwide, all under the age of 40.
Franciscan Health receives top rating For the third year in a row, Franciscan Health Central Indiana has been recognized as the top hospital in the state for interventional coronary care. The 2023 ratings — announced by CareChex, an information service of Quantros Inc. — indicate that
Franciscan Health Indianapolis is No. 1 in the state and in the top 100 nationwide for medical excellence in interventional coronary care. Their heart center was the first facility in the country to pioneer an emergency heart attack response team protocol for heart attack patients. Franciscan Health participates in several research studies, including studies for medications and devices.
Community college named to Forbes list For the second year, Ivy Tech Community College was named in the annual Forbes America’s Best Stat Employers. Ivy Tech has more than 6,300 employees and about half of those are full-time employees. Indiana’s list included 73 employers, but only six in higher education. Only seven community colleges nationally made the list.
Toyota Material Handling receives award Toyota Material Handling, based in Columbus, was named a 2023 G75 Green Supply Chain Partner for leading the way in sustainability programs. The G75 list, curated annually by the editors of Inbound Logistics, recognizes 75 companies that go above and beyond to prioritize green initiatives and help global supply chains become more sustainable. Since 2018, the company has reduced its CO2 emissions by 34% at its Columbus manufacturing facility through the implementation of energy reduction projects, including LED lighting, air leak detection and repair, energy monitoring, weld fume collection systems, investment in wind energy certificates and equipment upgrades and replacement.
Local sustainability efforts, such as the company’s annual Environment Week, are planned and implemented by the Toyota Environment team. Through their efforts, over 2,500 trees and 2,000 butterfly garden seed packets were planted in the local community last year to protect the local butterfly population and support biodiversity.
Centra closes on Scottsburg property Centra has closed on a new property in Scottsburg. The 5-acre lot, located adjacent to the Centra Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) at 1050 N. Gardner St., will be the site of a new, combined Centra location. Construction on the new location is currently scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024, with an anticipated opening date during the summer of 2025. Once the new location is complete, all team members at the existing Scottsburg locations will be relocated to this combined, larger space.
First Financial receives NCAP award First Financial Bank has been selected by the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) to receive the Corporate Partnership Award, recognizing the bank’s long-term commitment in supporting community action and working directly to impact economic growth and increase opportunities for children and families. Nationwide, First Financial is one of only two organizations receiving this award in 2023. First Financial Bank was nominated by the Northwest Indiana Community Action Agency. McCullough accepted the recognition at the NCAP’s annual meeting in Atlanta on Aug. 24.
King, Douglass receive supply chain award Toyota Material Handling has announced Lea Ann King and Kim Douglass received the 2023 Women in Supply Chain Award. The award, given annually by the Food Logistics and Supply and Demand Chain
executive, honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and actions set a positive example for women at all levels of the supply chain network. King, Toyota’s vice president of legal and general counsel, is a dynamic leader who inspires others, and Douglass, an assembly team leader at Toyota, was the first woman to medal in the Toyota Material Handling Group’s Global Skill Competition, earning the gold in the 2022 competition for Assembly.
Family Chiropractic and Wellness donates $5,000 Family Chiropractic and Wellness donated $5,000 to Children Inc. Each year, Family Chiropractic and Wellness partners with local nonprofit organizations to fulfill its mission of “changing the health of our community” by donating a portion of each new patient appointment. Children Inc. provides highquality, safe, stimulating social and emotional foundations through childcare to the Columbus community.
JCBank elects two new board members JCBank and Bancorp of Southern Indiana Board Chairman Warren L. Forgey recently announced that Billy L. Bemis and Dr. Eric D. Fish have been elected to the JCBank board of directors. Johnson County native Billy Bemis is co-founder and vice president of Bemis Group, a Johnson County real estate development and property management company, and Dr. Fish is president and CEO of Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, as well as president of Health Development Corp. and Coordinated Health.
TMH launches new electric forklifts Toyota Material Handling recently launched a new line of electric pneumatic forklifts with 48V and 80V models.
With six different lift capacities, the forklifts can lift between 3,000 and 7,000 pounds. The regenerative braking system adjusts the speed of the forklift and conserves energy by returning it to the battery. Loadsensing power steering also keeps more power in the battery.
Lane appointed to state 911 board Gov. Eric J. Holcomb recently announced several appointments to various state boards and commissions. Bartholomew County Sheriff Chris Lane, Columbus, has been appointed to the Statewide 911 Board, where he will serve until Sept. 30, 2025. The Statewide 911 Board was established in 2012 and is responsible for Indiana’s wireless emergency telephone communications.
Hackman attends association conference Bartholomew County Treasurer Barb Hackman was one of more than 650 county officials and employees who attended the 65th annual Association of Indiana Counties conference Sept. 25-28 in Orange County for the election of officers. Hackman was promoted to vice president, the second in the company’s history.
Franciscan receives program accreditation Franciscan Health Weight Loss Center Indianapolis has received reaccreditation under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). As an MBSAQIP-accredited hospital, Franciscan Health also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches while maintaining a critical eye on the process at every step. — Staff Reports
Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 11
boost efficiency
»
5 tips to improve small business productivity by Family Features
Businesses that run efficiently often find continued, long-term success. However, running a small business comes with a multitude of challenges that can hinder productivity. Between hiring employees, managing payroll, handling customer relations, delivering products, meeting with staff and other tasks, it’s important to take steps to help your business work smarter, not harder, while maintaining productivity. More efficient workdays mean more projects or tasks can be completed, giving you an advantage in a competitive marketplace.
12 The Business Connection | WINTER 2023
To help improve productivity and create a more efficient work environment, consider these tips from the experts at Pitney Bowes, a global shipping and mailing company that has worked for more than 100 years to provide technology, logistics, financial services and solutions that help enterprises thrive and smallbusiness owners operate right from their homes, including the PitneyShip Cube, which simplifies shipping packages and e-commerce orders while saving time and space.
Delegate responsibilities Remember, you can’t do it all by yourself. In the same way, it’s important to prioritize your list of tasks, delegation is key to improving productivity. Passing on some of the work, such as designing email templates, writing blog posts, creating white papers and more, to your employees allows you to maximize your limited time. Think through additional ways for others to lessen the load, like using a cloud-based shipping solution to streamline the process and ensure alignment in task sharing. Even if you’re a solo entrepreneur, look at what tasks you may be able to outsource to a third-party vendor to free up some of your time. Simplify shipping If your business sells a product, shipping may be a time-consuming, expensive part of your operation. Leave the post office behind and save
valuable time with an option like the PitneyShip Cube, an all-in-one, Wi-Fi-enabled thermal shipping label printer with a built-in scale. It includes companion software and can integrate with your current online store to automatically import order details then easily print the shipping labels and postage. You can weigh packages, compare discounted shipping rates and automatically share tracking notifications via email. Streamline software A quick and easy way to increase productivity and efficiency is by taking advantage of technology like software as a service platform. Particularly true in this age of hybrid and remote workers, cloud-based communications software can keep your team members on the same page, regardless of their location, to help your company keep up with important information such as ever-changing carrier rates to quickly identify the best shipping and fulfillment options. With available platforms that combine team messaging, video conferencing, task management, file sharing and storage, it can be simple to stay connected with your employees. Additional cloud-based software for everything from payroll to word processing and graphic design is also readily available to help further streamline your business’s technology. Knowledge is power and combining all this information in one place can give you greater control over your organization as a whole.
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Learn from customers When looking for ways to improve, start by asking your customers for honest feedback. Creating customer satisfaction
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305 Washington Street • COLUMBUS, IN 812.372.7829 • JWInsurance.com
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Set goals Setting goals for your operation is vital to building a productive business and ensuring your employees understand your vision and how they can actively contribute to the company’s success. Whether you’re a startup or an established business with multiple employees, set realistic, welldefined goals that are in line with your business strategy, like investing in office tools and solutions that can help you discover efficiencies. Periodically revisit those goals to ensure you’re on track to meet them and make any adjustments as necessary. For example, working from home may provide an opportunity to save on rent and enable you to allocate those savings toward upgraded office equipment.
Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 13
Payroll Vault
Adam Schill
14 The Business Connection | WINTER 2023
Payroll
S
mad e
e asy
Payroll Vault helps local businesses with administrative needs
Small-business owners often find administrative matters stressful, and big businesses prefer to focus on the core of what they’re offering. Still, details having to do with paying workers, labor laws, insurance and human resources must be addressed. Payroll Vault is a nationwide franchise-model solution to this issue. Payroll Vault, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, has, since 2017, had a local office that’s currently serving around 120 clients. The office was originally in Crothersville and moved to Columbus in May 2023. “A lot of people don’t realize how much time they’re putting into some things until they don’t have to anymore,” said Adam Schill, the Columbus office’s business development manager. Adam grew up in Crothersville and moved to Columbus when he married. He sold real estate for ten years prior to joining his mother’s business. He feels like the business-development role is a great fit for him.
Story by Barney Quick | Photos by CArla Clark
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Servicing Bartholomew County and surrounding counties!
812-799-0357 / Service@jdserv.net Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 15
Payroll Vault
Payroll Vault Location: 1513 25th St., Columbus Phone: 812-200-2663 Website: payrollvaultindianapolis-in-134.com
“I’ve always enjoyed networking, being involved with chambers of commerce and Business Networking International,” he said. Adam’s mother, Debra Schill, had been a CPA for 30 years when she mentioned to a software representative that she was struggling to make payroll services profitable. The representative put her in touch with Payroll Vault. Basic Payroll Vault services include quarterly tax filings, payroll withholding, W-2 processing and
maintaining records. “Clients’ employees can go to our portal and get pay stubs anytime,” said Adam. Payroll Vault can manage workers’ compensation on a pay-as-you-go basis so that it’s based on actual monthly data instead of a front-end yearly estimate. The office is particularly interested in clients with fewer than 50 employees. “We’d love to get more restaurants and independent retail or franchise operations,” said Schill.
Clockwise from front left are, Jan Wray, onboarding specialist; Adam Schill, business development manager; Lori Travis, processor; and Mary Miles, processor from Payroll Vault.
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from the outset, Manning encouraged franchisees to get involved with their communities. This resonated well with Schill’s ethos. For several years, he has made appearances at events and parties as a clown, twisting balloons into animal shapes and this Christmas, he will be Santa in the Festival of Lights parade. The Columbus Payroll Vault office provides accounting services to nonprofit organizations and supports Little League teams. “I’m very communityoriented, and there are lots of opportunities for that in Columbus,” said Schill.
A company vehicle sits outside Payroll Vault in Columbus.
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Small businesses are particularly prone to cashflow pinches. While the money to meet payroll is going to be available at a future date, sometimes companies need short-term financing to make payroll proceed smoothly. Payroll Vault has a vendor that can help with this. “That alleviates a lot of stress for clients who would otherwise have to deal with a bank,” said Schill. In addition, the Columbus Payroll Vault office can order labor-law posters and send them to clients and use National Crime Search to conduct background checks. They even offer an array of human resources services. There’s a portal to an HR vendor that has a full library of hiring and firing laws, an employee handbook builder and real-time consulting. Jan Wray is the office’s onboarding specialist. She gets new clients into the system and trains them on how to use the platform. Lori Travis, Mary Miles and Lisa Mahan are payroll processors. They work to understand the unique needs of each client, so they can identify ways to improve as the client’s business grows. “You’ll have the same processor every month,” said Schill. “You’re not getting a far-off call center.” Like Debra Schill, Sean Manning, the founder of Payroll Vault, began as a CPA, working in and eventually buying his father’s accounting firm. He soon noticed that the payroll services aspect of the accounting field had never been fully developed. So
Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 17
Poplar Street Restaurant
Priscilla Wischmeier
18 The Business Connection | WINTER 2023
a
century of
memories
Poplar Street celebrates milestone anniversary By Jordan Richart | Photos by Tony Vasquez
P
Poplar Street Restaurant, located at 513 South Poplar Street and one of Seymour’s most cherished neighborhood bars and restaurants, will have a milestone anniversary to celebrate next year. The popular eatery will turn a century old in 2024, and the owner, Priscilla Wischmeier, said she is making plans to have a celebration in the spring or summer to mark the anniversary. “I don’t have the exact details, but we will do something to incorporate the small-town, friendly atmosphere,” she said. Elmer Brandt started the business, and Wischmeier said that as far as she knows, it’s always been named Poplar Street. At some point, Maude Prewitt took over the business, and it changed hands a couple of times before Dillard Wischmeier — Priscilla’s brother — purchased it from Donna and Richard Barker in 1980. Wischmeier said the building was constructed in 1924.
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Poplar Street Restaurant
“I’m grateful that my brother invested in this business. I can remember him buying it when I was in college,” Wischmeier said, “and I asked him what he knew about running a bar, and he said, ‘I know enough to make sure you always take care of your customers.’” Dillard, who died in 2020, sold Poplar Street on a contract basis to Randy Hornaday in 1993 but took the business back in 2016. Since that time, Poplar Street
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has undergone updates, and one was adding a large outdoor patio that has become a go-to spot for couples and groups wanting privacy. It’s become a hot spot for reunions, too. Wischmeier approached her brother in 2018 about adding the patio and said he supported the idea. She said she got the idea for a patio when she traveled for her former job at The Pardieck Law Firm. She would often travel to large
cities and go to restaurants with outdoor seating. She enjoyed the experience of having a drink or dinner outside on a patio. The restaurant added a large patio ahead of the 2018 Seymour Oktoberfest, and it’s been a staple since. “There are so many fun times had on that patio,” she said. “There’s lots of great memories of class reunions, John Britton’s 80th birthday party, Donna Sullivan’s celebration,
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“There are so many fun times had on that patio. There’s lots of great memories of class reunions, John Britton’s 80th birthday party, Donna Sullivan’s celebration, companies hosting retirement parties and families remembering loved ones who have passed away.” — Priscilla Wischmeier
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Poplar Street Restaurant
companies hosting retirement parties and families remembering loved ones who have passed away.” The patio has also given Poplar Street the opportunity to offer live music to customers. “We provide a variety of music and support local musicians and I wanted to offer a venue where people can relax, socialize and visit with each other and forget
Poplar Street Restaurant Location: 513 S. Poplar St., Seymour Phone: 812-522-9924 Website: poplar-street. com
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about all the stresses of life in general,” she said, adding that she has mostly booked local talent. “For a small town, Seymour has an incredible amount of talent.” But it’s not just the friendly atmosphere, landmark status, live music and outdoor seating that makes Poplar Street Restaurant such a popular place to go. Another big reason is the food. The menu is modestly priced and offers up quite a variety from burgers and pizza to fish, tenderloins and broasted chicken. The restaurant also offers prime rib once a month, and there are always specials added to the menu. “This past week we sold out
of three different homemade soups, vegetable beef, potato & beef & noodles,” Wischmeier said. The appetizers are a must-try. They include the legendary pepper jack cheese balls served with ranch or horseradish sauce. Wischmeier said all the meat comes from Darlage Custom Meats in Seymour, and Marion Kay Spices of Brownstown are used for spices and breading. “It’s not fancy, but we strive at it being a friendly environment,” Wischmeier said. “I enjoy chatting with people and sharing life stories.” Wischmeier continues to operate the bar under the same mantra her brother spoke about when he purchased the business. It was the same mantra that guided him, and the one that guides Wischmeier today. “If you take care of your customers, the bar will succeed,” she said.
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SIHO Insurance Services
Justin and Kathryn Williamson with son, Carson
Passion
fu e ls SIHO strives for accessibility, affordability, quality Story by Barney Quick | Photos by Melissa VanDePutte
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succ e ss
P
Passion is the factor that continues to impress SIHO Insurance Services Chief Administrative Officer Ashley Garcia in her decade with the organization. And to what is that passion directed? The three main drivers of everything SIHO does: accessibility, affordability and quality. Originally from Pendleton, Indiana, Garcia came to Columbus and SIHO in 2014 and quickly became enamored of both. “I plan to be here for the long haul,” she said. The firm was founded in 1987 by Columbus Regional Hospital, Multicounty Physicians and
Cummins. As the model for what it does has changed, so has the array of owners, who presently are Columbus Regional Health, Seymour-based Schneck Medical Center and Evansville-based Deaconess Health Systems. The current arrangement “makes sense for where we are and where we’re going,” said Garcia. ”A major part of our mission is working with local partners and brokers to come up with innovative insurance solutions. We feel our unique ownership structure really allows us to make that happen.” Brokers are insurance agents, and they are responsible for bringing customers to SIHO. “Sometimes, we might have an employer, a broker and a health provider at the table together,” said Garcia. “This is typically in cases of larger employers.”
SIHO offers three types of plans to its customers. The traditional plan is fully insured, and it’s typically for smaller employers. Under this plan, employers pay the premiums the policy is filed with the state’s Department of Insurance. Another is the transitional plan that is built with a hybrid structure. It works well for companies with 25 to 50 employees that are considering becoming self-funded. Self-funded products appeal to the larger businesses that determine the benefits offered to employees. Those employers often purchase reinsurance to guard against catastrophic claims. SIHO’s role in self-funded situations is processing claims, answering calls and maintaining eligibility. Lastly, healthsystem development is another important aspect of what SIHO
offers in its policies. “We have owner hospitals, but we also have hospital partners,” said Garcia. “We’ve had success administering health plans that those partners might rebrand and sell in their own markets.” Garcia happily announced that 2024 will be the fourth year that SIHO offers a Medicare Advantage plan called My True Advantage. It’s available to anyone Medicare eligible in eighteen Indiana counties. Also coming in 2024, fully insured plans will include primary care visits to Tier One doctors. This will also be available to Medicare Advantage clients. The interface with clients is the responsibility of the internal sales team. Starting in 2023, one staff person was dedicated to meeting with potential offsite clients.
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SIHO Insurance Services
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SIHO Insurance Services Location: 417 Washington St, Columbus Phone: 812-378-7000 Website: siho.org
SIHO team members practice what they preach. Wellness Works is an internal program staffed by nurses and diabetes coaches. SIHO sees health as having three components: physical, mental and social-emotional. Employees can earn points for getting annual physicals, flu shots, SIHO book club participation, running in 5K races and going to the gym. This internal program can be the starting point for conversations with employers about which aspects they might want. “Our team might go on an ask-a-nurse visit to an employer and conduct screenings for things like blood pressure and
sugar level,” said Garcia. “The medical management team has case managers for people going through pretty significant plans of treatment, helping them understand the bills that are coming in, and seeing that their providers are in-network, so they can focus on getting well. It’s all done in-house.” SIHO currently has around 165 employees. It works out of two Washington Street addresses, 417 and 435, and is in the middle of renovating its Seymour office. “It would not surprise me if we expanded our footprint to other partners’ areas,” said Garcia.
The big attraction for Garcia at SIHO is the people. “Many of our employees have been here a long time, she said. “That’s the strength of what we do. It’s incredible to see their passion. It’s fun to watch them craft a complicated plan design.” Community involvement is important to SIHO. CEO John Sadtler serves as Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce board chair, and Vice President Marc Rothbart chairs the Healthy Communities initiative. SIHO supports United Way, Foundation for Youth and the Seymour Boys and Girls clubs. Winter 2023 | The Business Connection 27
Showing appreciation 5 ways to support underappreciated professionals
by Family Features
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Unsung heroes make everyday living possible. They work behind the scenes and tackle some of the most demanding work imaginable, such as maintaining facilities and keeping them in tip-top condition. You can show your appreciation for deserving workers such as your favorite school custodians or office maintenance staff members in numerous ways.
Participate in events You might receive information from local schools or businesses about opportunities to support maintenance staff, such as hosting meals or helping with cleanup in classrooms or offices. Finding opportunities to support underappreciated custodial staff can allow community members to show thanks in meaningful ways.
Write thank you notes In today’s digital world, handwritten notes are a novelty. The times may be changing, but the impression a thoughtful handwritten message leaves behind hasn’t changed at all. Keep a supply of blank notecards so you can offer notes to those who make a difference in your life. The sentiments don’t need to be long; a simple expression of gratitude is enough to brighten someone’s day.
Recognize milestones Often, those in custodial roles blend into the fabric of everyday life. They’re rarely the focal point of celebrations, but often make it possible for others to honor special occasions. Make a point to know about the underappreciated professionals in your life, so you can recognize events like birthdays, work anniversaries and other dates that hold special personal meaning.
Do your part Think about what small steps you can take to make unsung heroes’ jobs easier. That might mean picking up after yourself or cleaning up a mess in your workspace. It could involve wiping down your table after lunch. Little gestures can add up to a big difference. Lead by example You don’t need to wait for others to join you in recognizing workers whose impacts are made behind the scenes. Speaking up and taking action can serve as a positive example for those around you. You can even take the lead and organize an effort to recognize individuals who rarely receive thanks, such as the custodian at your office or the janitorial team at your favorite retailer.
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Bartholomew County Commercial Building Permits July Commercial Remodel 161 Carrie Lane $16,000 Contractor: Avila Monzon Commercial Remodel 1900 25th Street $250,000 Contractor: Wathco New Commercial Building 1980 N. National Road $1,515,918 Contractor: The Sullivan Corp. Commercial Remodel 990 N. National Road $74,558 Contractor: Force Construction New Commercial Building 4324 Middle Road $6,000 Contractor: Centerpoint Energy Commercial Remodel 3040 Columbus Center $24,576 Contractor: Questec Mechanical Commercial Remodel 2410 Charleston Place $45,000 Contractor: Abplanalp Restoration LLC New Commercial Building 2685 Grissom Street $200,000 Contractor: Owner: John Malina New Commercial Building 699 Creekview Drive $1,500,000 Contractor: N/A Commercial Remodel 13730 N. 100 W. $40,000 Contractor: Slim Stone Designers Commercial Remodel 2025 Merchants Mile $1,000,000 Contractor: Quantum General Contractors August Commercial Remodel – Five Below 11691 N. Executive Drive $739,548 Contractor: Hunter Building Corp.
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New Commercial Building 588 S. Country Club Road $2,000,000 Contractor: Dunlap General Contactor Commercial Remodel – Columbus Regional Shelter 745 Washington Street $232,700 Contractor: Taylor Brothers Construction
September Commercial Remodel 2099 E. Tipton Street $29,762 Contractor: Royalty Companies of Indiana Commercial Remodel 2241 State Street $45,000 Contractor: Dayany Najera, owner
Commercial Remodel – Kroger 3060 N. National Road $906,130 Contractor: Gilliatte General Contractor
Commercial Remodel 3860 W. Carlos Folger Road $23,000 Contractor: Riverside West LLC, owner
Commercial Remodel – Columbus Behavioral Center 4105 Vickers Drive $185,000 Contractor: Strauser Construction
New Commercial Building 3930 W. 700 N. $1,050,000 Contractor: Larry Mohr Construction
Commercial Remodel 1637 N. National Road $10,000 Contractor: Indy Hoods Commercial Remodel – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 6045 State Street $250,000 Contractor: Driftwood Builders Commercial Remodel – Kroger 3060 N. National Road $10,000 Contractor: Ideal Heating & Air Conditioning Commercial Addition – Dyno One 14671 N. 250 W. $800,000 Contractor: Owner Commercial Remodel – Developmental Service Inc. 2920 10th Street $30,000 Contractor: Koors Heating and Cooling Commercial Remodel 1637 N. National Road $109,000 Contractor: Owner Commercial Remodel – Toyota Material Handling 5559 S. Inwood Drive $140,000 Contractor: Force Construction Co. Inc.
Commercial Remodel 14000 N. 250 W. $783,962 Contractor: Dunlap General Contractor Commercial Remodel 3183 N. National Road $6,900 Contractor; Dunlap General Contractor Commercial Remodel 1609 Orinoco Avenue $59,875 Contractor: New Suburban Roofing & Metal Commercial Addition 3780 Johnathon Moore Pike $100,000 Contractor: Tim & Daughters Inc. Commercial Remodel 921 Fourth Street $100,000 Contractor: Force Construction Co. Inc. Commercial Addition 1561 Cottage Avenue $700 Contractor: Michael Arbuckle, owner Commercial Remodel 281 N. Gladstone Avenue $3,000 Contractor: C&S Variety Store, owner Commercial Remodel 1560 28th Street $20,000 Contractor: PPC LLC
IN-35147755
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IN-35128140