SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010
CONSUMER SERVICES SECTION H
DIRECTIONS
YOUR GUIDE TO AREA BUSINESSES AND SERVICES What local landscaping company offers hardscaping — which includes things such as installation of driveways, sidewalks, patios and retaining walls?
Who built a “Kidsatorium” for its children’s church which allows kids to have plenty of space inside to play and learn together for events like Wacky Wednesdays?
What company made the prestigious Ward’s 50 list, recognizing it as one of the safest and best managed companies among property-casualty and life insurance companies?
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PRESENTED BY:
INNOVATION CONNECTOR
2H • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
Great Ideas Find the Perfect Place to Grow Question: What phrase sparks innovative and successful businesses? Answer: There’s gotta be a better way! That’s the consensus at the Innovation Connector, Muncie’s hot spot for tech entrepreneurs. The small business incubator’s clients saw a better way to do something and developed a business around the idea. It’s not easy. Each month, half a million Americans start a business. Half of them fail within 5 years. But according to a University of Michigan study, 87% of those who work with incubators make it to the 5-year mark. With the help of Innovation Connector, fledgling enterprises leap-frog the learning curve. IC’s experts demystify the process of going from idea to innovation to implementation, stripping away complexity and red tape. And the strategic connections so necessary to compete in the marketplace? They’re IC’s specialty. Here are just two of IC’s entrepreneurs: A Better Way to Communicate: Your Instant Info (YII) Andy Thompson and Mike Day hadn’t planned on developing a web-based instant alert system. Their company was conceived on a snowy morning, born of a tech partnership, and nurtured through infancy at the Innovation Connector. Thompson and Day simply wanted to know if their childrens’ schools would be closed. Watching the closings, delays and cancellations crawl across the TV screen, they were sure of only two things: 1) There were 118 schools in 14 counties
they’d never heard of, and 2) All barber- started to keep and manage his own elecshop quartet practices were postponed tronic files. As they grew, he saw the need til Tuesday. for a more efficient structure. There had to be a better way. Existing automated alert services didn’t fit the needs of schools, smaller municipalities and specific events. So they developed YII, a customized, opt-in service that uses fail-safe servers to instantly alert select groups. “IC is perfect for us” says Thompson, a virtual tenant of Innovation Connector. “We’ve made priceless connections, like Muncie-based, international software company Ontario Systems. With their feedback, we’ve developed YII into an awesome product with great market potential.”
There had to be a better way. There was. Shrader created a unique data set, retrievable from anywhere at any time. Seeing the potential for wider construction and engineering use, he expanded the applications. The result? A whole new system, intricately organized and functional-virtual 3-ring binders of project records-with blueprints, schematics, data and warranties that never get lost. His innovation took 1st place in IC’s Idea Blast competition. The judges were blown away. “IC is so much more than just a building,” says Shrader, who was IC’s building project manager before becoming a client A Better Way to Organize: Energy and tenant. “It’s a stimulating, encouraging place with connections that really Management Design (EMD) Electrician Steve Shrader became a help move the business forward.” tech design entrepreneur by accident and necessity. Return visits to job sites often Think you’ve got a better way? We’ve came months apart, and finding project got the perfect place to find out. Visit the drawings previously returned to a compa- Innovation Connector at www.innovationny wasn’t always easy. Frustrated, Shrader connector.com or call 765.285.4900!
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 3H
By Stacey Shannon
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HSA? A. HSAs are interest bearing accounts with the interest being tax deferred. The money will roll over year to year if unused. You may adjust your deposits based on your usage annually or even monthly. Most banks offer HSAs. You might want to look for online service, debit card and low or no monthly fees when shopping around.
ince its founding by Ball State alum Michael Stafford, Jr., nearly a decade ago, The Stafford Insurance Group has been offering a large line of insurance to customers through both its Muncie and Fishers offices. The Stafford Insurance Groups works independently with all the major insurance carriers to sell everything from life insurance to Q. What can I use the funds for? health insurance to auto insurance. Recently, A. You must use the funds for approved the company has gotten more requests for high deductible health plans with Health medical expenses only. Visit www.irs.gov Savings Accounts, according to Stafford. He for a detailed list of eligible expenses. These said customers often have similar questions. may include a much wider range of services, such as dental or eye exams. If you use your HSA funds for non-qualified expenses, the Q. Who qualifies for a HSA? A. To qualify for a HSA, you must have amount you withdraw will be taxable, and only a High Deductible Health Plan, which is you’ll also be required to pay an additional defined as a plan with a deductible of at least 10 percent tax penalty on the withdrawal amount. $1,200 individual or $2,400 family. Q. How much may a person contribute? A. The maximum contributions for 2010 are set at $3,050 for an individual and $6,100 for a family. These amounts adjust every year. HSA deposits can be deducted from your adjusted gross income when filing your taxes. Q. What happens to the money in the
A. Save all receipts and records of withdrawals for tax reporting to the IRS. If you use your funds for non-health-related expenses, you must report those withdrawals. Since the HSA is your plan, you — not your employer — are responsible for maintaining HSA records. Q. What insurance providers doing business in Indiana offer a HDHP? A. Almost all health insurance companies operating in Indiana offer a HDHP. A few that are among the leaders are Anthem Blue Cross, United Health Care, Medical Mutual, Consumers Life, Fortis and American Community. The Stafford Insurance Group works with all these providers.
Q. How much premium will I save with a HDHP over a traditional plan? A. Depending upon the insurance company and the deductible you choose, savings Q. Does my insurance premium include could be up to 50 percent of your current my savings deposit? premium. Other factors that may influence A. As a rule of thumb, your premium the premium are age, gender, lifestyle choices you pay to the insurance company does not and health conditions. include your savings deposit. The premium you pay is only for the HDHP, and you manFor more information on HSAs or any insurage your HSA on your own. ance offerings, contact The Stafford Insurance Q. What records do I need to keep Group at (765) 284-4416 or visit www.staffordinsurance.com. when I withdraw funds?
STAFFORD INSURANCE
Michael doesn’t just sell Health Savings Accounts, he has one for his own family: Allie, Ryan, Riley and Dylan (pictured left to right)
MUNCIE SANITARY DISTRICT
4H • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
By Ken Wickliffe
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ecycling programs such as those operated by the Muncie Sanitary District are now keeping one-third of Muncie’s solid waste out of landfills. Instead, these recycled items are being reprocessed to create new consumer products, which conserves natural resources and reduces the need for waste disposal space. But, that still leaves about two-thirds of our waste un-recycled, says Nikki Grigsby, public relations director for the Muncie Sanitary District. The result: Millions of tons of unnecessary items continue to wind up in landfills — not to mention consumers’ homes, garages and yards. Some of this waste includes hazardous materials, chemicals and other items that can cause health, safety or environmental problems. “Recycling is clearly an environmental success story, and community participation is the key,” Grigsby said. “We’re pleased at our level of local participation — 32 percent of items collected last year were recycled — and we want to encourage even more recycling among the citizens of Muncie and Delaware County.” Muncie’s “Blue Bag” curbside recycling program is one of the easiest ways to recycle, she explained. Instead of bagging all trash together, people can simply put all recyclables into a blue bag and put it in the green, 96-gallon “Toter” trash receptacle issued by the MSD, in addition to placing their regular trash in a dark bag and placing it in the same Toter. Coupons sent every four months entitle each Muncie household to four free packets of ten 30-gallon recycling bags. Many cooperating local businesses and agencies stock the blue bags, including Marsh grocery stores, the YMCA, the Cardinal Greenway Depot, Kirk’s Bike Shop, all Muncie Public Libraries, Muncie Mall Guest Services, and the Sewage Utility Office. Residents of Delaware County who live outside the Muncie Sanitary District trash pickup area can still participate in the MSD’s recycling programs by taking their recyclables to East Central Recycling. Droppedoff recyclables go into special dumpsters, so they do not need to be in blue bags, Grigsby said. Recyclable items include paper products, old newspapers and magazines, aluminum, glass (clear, brown and green), plastic bottles and jugs, and tin and steel products.
explained. “Citizens save money since there are no disposal costs, they receive a certificate for a credit, and it saves taxpayer dollars by providing a source of fuel to heat the sanitation garage.” Delaware County residents can drop off waste oil in gallon containers or barrels at East Central Recycling. Other automotive waste products, such as used tires (up to 6 per year for free) and batteries, are also accepted. Hazardous Household Waste Products labeled with the words “caution,” “warning,” or “danger” are often toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive. These items must be disposed of properly to prevent environmental damage and risk to those handling waste, Grigsby said. Hazardous items can be dropped off at East Central Recycling and deposited into special areas designated for different kinds of waste. The MSD’s web site, munciesanitary.org, includes detailed descriptions of hazardous items and disposal guidelines. Technology Waste As people replace cell phones, digital cameras, pagers and other electronic items, there is often a need to dispose of the old products that are no longer used. These items can be dropped off at the Muncie Mission or several other locations around Delaware County that accept “eWaste.” The technology waste disposal program benefits the Muncie Mission. Choose and Re-Use Center Featuring a wide variety of new and used donated items, the Choose and Re-Use Center is available to local teachers, churches and non-profit organizations. Open Mondays from 12 p.m.-5 p.m., the Choose and Re-Use Center is located at 600 E. Highland Ave., and stocks office supplies, tools, shop supplies, teaching aids, art supplies and many other types of items.
“People Make It Work” Working alongside their fellow citizens of Muncie and Delaware County to conserve natural resources and protect the environment, the employees of the Muncie Sanitary District are dedicated to the mission of recycling and responsible waste management, Grigsby said. “All of the programs we offer depend on the continuing dedication of the citizens and our staff,” she said. “We truly have the best people working here.” “Waste Oil” — No Longer A Waste As part of its community outreach efforts, the MSD One gallon of improperly-disposed waste motor partners with Union Chapel to conduct neighborhood oil can contaminate up to a million gallons of drink- cleanups. The next neighborhood cleanup will be in ing water. But, by taking their used motor oil to East the Industry neighborhood on April 10. Central Recycling, Delaware County residents can both protect the environment and help save energy. Location “The Muncie Sanitary District recently purchased East Central Recycling, located at 701 E. Centennial two waste oil heaters to recycle used motor oil and Ave., is the place to take recyclables, hazardous items, produce heat for the sanitation garage,” Grigsby said. waste oil, used appliances, and any other items eligible “Through its new program, the MSD is accepting used to be collected. Hours for disposal are Monday-Friday motor oil from the Muncie community, and expects to from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon. For save taxpayers thousands in heating costs. more information on recycling, check the MSD’s web “It’s a win-win,” she site, munciesanitary.org. Tours of East Central Recycling are available to school groups and others with an interest in learning about the technology and science behind recycling. For more information, contact Nikki Grigsby at (765) 747-4742.
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 5H
6H • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
MUTUALWEALTH Life is more than money.
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t MutualBank, we understand that for most people, finances don’t begin and end with bank accounts — they also include savings, investments and future planning. You’ve spent your whole life pursuing success. Now it’s time to enjoy its rewards. An excellent wealth management team can help you do just that. Don’t select just any wealth management team. You want a group of top-notch experts who will implement innovative strategies to multiply your wealth. One that will put together a customized strategy that protects your wealth while leaving some room for you to have a little fun, too. MutualWealth Management Group, a division of MutualBank, recognizes the trust and investment business is more than managing someone’s money; it is an act of stewardship focused on an individual legacy. We have one basic, uncomplicated objective — to provide smart and reliable trust and investment services to each of our clients. We conduct ourselves at the highest level of integrity, focusing on a personal touch for our clients through sincere, consistent and dependable service. We are poised to meet the immediate needs of our clients, both business and personal. Many individuals and businesses offer wealth management services. We try to approach it differently. We thrive on earning our clients’ trust and confidence. That’s why our first step is always to sit down and listen. MutualWealth is able to offer: • Investment management • General investment accounts • 401K and retirement plan rollovers • IRAs • Estate planning • Asset ownership review • Estate tax reduction planning • Estate administration • Unbiased representation in executing your final wishes • Continuity of service to your beneficiaries • Protection of your accumulated wealth
Bonita J. Ramirez, Vice President, Trust Officer, 765-283-3504
• Trust services • Revocable living trusts • Irrevocable trusts • Charitable trusts • Insurance trusts • Retirement Plan Administration • 401ks, SIMPLEs, etc. • Guardianships If you already have a plan in place, we can provide a review to ensure it properly reflects what you intend and is suitable for current tax laws. Our consultative approach to developing solutions tailored to each client’s specific need and situation is what put us on the map. And our flexibility to life’s ever-changing needs is what keeps us there. Change is inevitable. It’s our job to help you plan appropriately. Founded in 1889, MutualBank has a rich history
David Riggs, Vice President, Trust Investment Officer, 765-213-2702
of serving its community. MutualBank, headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, became a publicly-traded company (NASDAQ: MFSF) in 1999 and is made up of experienced professionals who can handle investment and trust needs. We are not a faceless, out of state company; we are your neighbors who will work for you every day. With offices in Carmel, Crawfordsville, Marion, Mishawaka and Muncie, MutualWealth is close to you. MutualWealth can help you craft a financial plan that works as hard as you always have. One that helps you create a legacy by allowing you to pass on your wealth without giving away too much in taxes. With smart strategy and the right planning, MutualWealth can ensure your money gets to its intended destination, so you can preserve your family’s wealth for generations to come.
“Our consultative approach to developing solutions tailored to each client’s specific need and situation is what put us on the map. And our flexibility to life’s ever-changing needs is what keeps us there. Change is inevitable. It’s our job to help you plan appropriately.”
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 7H
8H • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
“We’ve brought the best aspects of Selma United Methodist Church with us. Our music is contemporary, children’s church and nursery care are available during our service … The total package is an awesome combination!”
SELMA UMC
— Jeff Ellis, on The Compas Church
elaware and Randolph counties have experienced their share of disappointments in the past few years. Many businesses, government agencies, and non-profits have scaled back operations as the economic downturn has continued. Unemployment in Delaware county has increased by four percent in the last year, and as jobs leave, residents follow. It’s not surprising to see some companies and wellknown organizations face this recession as one would captain a ship facing an oncoming hurricane — batten down the hatches, sacrifice the cargo, lower the anchors, and pray for the dawn. This approach is fiscally responsible and makes sense. It seems the wise thing to do. Should churches captain their ship in the same manner- bar the doors and pray for salvation? Have churches fared just as poorly as some businesses? Is attendance down? Are the offering plates lighter on Sunday morning? One local church has disregarded conventional wisdom. In a decade marked by cutbacks and losses, Selma United Methodist Church has turned their ship toward the wind and throttled up — navigating into the teeth of the storm. Since his arrival at Selma UMC in 1992, Pastor Mark Ellcessor has led his congregation in such a way as to double the attendance on any given Sunday. Is there a formula resulting in this growth? In 1990, Selma United Methodist Church relocated from downtown Selma to an eighteen-acre plot of ground just north of Highway 32. “We were landlocked,” stated Susan Austin, an 18-year member of Selma UMC. “There was limited parking, limited worship space, and limited room for children and youth. We knew that without making a move, our growth was over.” Relocating gave the congregation the visibility, ministry space, and parking needed to enable new growth and opened new possibilities in outreach to the community. Nancy Shreve and Susan Shreve opened little Learners Daycare and Preschool that now serves over 100 families. The church’s food pantry has also expanded to assist more than 75 families monthly. But good wasn’t good enough, and in 2007 Selma UMC added on a building designed specifically for its expanding children and youth ministries. Children’s church now takes place in the “Kidsatorium” on their
own stage, and the junior and senior high youth have a room to call their own. Children’s events like “Wacky Wednesdays” and Vacation Bible School have plenty of space inside to run, play, and learn together. With the added space came new ministries and opportunities such as the annual Back to School Bash. This is an event open to the community that offers free school supplies to over five hundred elementary students. It’s a day of free food, games, and music attended by over 1200 people from Randolph and Delaware Counties in 2009. Even after coming so far, for the now burgeoning congregation, good enough was not good enough. Last fall Selma United Methodist Church launched The Compass Church, a new church plant in northwest Delaware County. “We don’t want to grow so we can become a megachurch,” explained Pastor Mark Ellcessor. “Our goal continues to be helping as many people as possible to find their way back to God. Making that goal a reality brought us to a fork in the road; we could add more square footage and pray for people to come to us, or we could go to where they live.” After two years of preparation, campus pastor Jeff Ellis and 100 members of Selma UMC launched The Compass Church in the Northside Middle School auditorium. “We’ve brought the best aspects of Selma United Methodist Church with us,” stated Ellis. “Our music is contemporary, children’s church and nursery care are available during our service, and small groups for adults as well as youth meetings for junior and senior high students occur weekly. We are able to share Pastor Mark’s messages via video combined with live teaching by Mark, myself, and other great staff. The total package is an awesome combination!” When asked how Selma United Methodist Church and The Compass Church have been able to move forward during a climate of uncertainty, Ellcessor summarized the church’s decade, “Jesus explained the mission of the church very clearly. As Christians, we are to love God and love people. Long before this recession began, many Delaware and Randolph county residents were battling messages of fear. We offer our friends, co-workers, neighbors, and community a message of hope: You don’t need to live in fear, because you can find your way back to God.”
Selma United Methodist Church • Located on the corner of State Road 32 and 600 East, Selma • Sunday morning services at 9:00 and 10:45am • Children’s church and nursery care available for both services • www.selmaumc.org
The Compass Church • Meets in the auditorium at Northside Middle School, 2400 W Bethel, Muncie • Sunday morning service at 10:45am • Children’s church and nursery care available for both services • www.thecompasschurch.org
By Todd Austin
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ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 9H
10H • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
CLEAN CUT LAWN & LANDSCAPE By Stacey Shannon
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“Clean Cut Lawn & Landscape has a wonderful landscape architect. We worked on our landscape solution together … I was very happy with the outcome.” — Muncie resident Lonnie Wilson, Clean Cut client. Troy Harshman
very neighborhood has homes that stand out because of their well-kept lawn and meticulous landscaping. The trained and experienced staff at Clean Cut Lawn & Landscape can make any home into that standout home. For more than 20 years, owner and president Troy Harshman and his team have been providing landscape services to make their clients’ lives easier and better. The company goes beyond just cutting the grass. “Our approach is simple,” Harshman said. “We listen carefully, work hard and deliver results on time, every time.” Clean Cut Lawn & Landscape offers both residential and commercial services including landscaping, hardscaping, regular maintenance and seasonal services. The company’s professional landscape architect approaches each landscaping job individually. “Clean Cut Lawn & Landscape has a wonderful landscape architect,” said Muncie resident Lonnie Wilson who is a client. “We worked on our landscape solution together. They started from ground zero making up drawings and suggesting different plans. I approved one, and they followed it. I was very happy with the outcome.” Hardscaping services include a variety of things such as installation of driveways, sidewalks, patios and retaining walls. Harshman said such features can even improve the value of a home. His customers see that as well. “They took a plain, old, cracked concrete driveway and entranceway and transformed it into a beautiful paver stone driveway with a paver stone entrance,” said Larry Simmons, a Muncie resident and client of Clean Cut Lawn & Landscape. “They got us where we wanted to be with a minimum amount of expenditures. I’m sure the value of my property has increased because of the increase in curb appeal this project has brought with it.” Along with landscaping and hardscaping, the company also offers regular maintenance and seasonal services such as mowing, mulching, edging, pruning, weed control, fertilization, aeration, leaf removal and snow removal. Harshman said clients, such as local resident Bob Ganter, can set up a contract for regular maintenance with Clean Cut Lawn & Landscape. The client pays a set monthly fee and can relax to know their needs will be taken care of. “Six years ago, I was working in my yard and realized I wasn’t keeping up,” Ganter said. “I was literally cutting the grass at 10 p.m. I called Clean Cut Lawn & Landscape, and I’ve never cut it again. Now they handle my mulching, snow removal, spring cleanup — I don’t even have to call.” For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Clean Cut Lawn & Landscape at (765) 759-8575 or visit www.cleancutlandscape.net.
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 11H
— Paul Caldwell, Director and General Manager
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ne of the most difficult decisions is deciding who we trust to care for a loved one, and deciding a final resting place. At Garden View, like family, they understand. As members of ICCFA, the International Cemeteries & Crematories Association, professionalism and service are assured through Garden View funeral Home and Gardens of Memory Cemetery. “We treat our families the way we would want to be treated,” said Steve Auten, Family Service Counselor. A loyal member of the Muncie community since 1954, Garden View Funeral Home and Gardens of Memory Cemetery has developed a rich heritage of service to families. The key to their success is the quality of services they provide. At Garden View, little touches that come from a deep sense of caring make a difficult time easier to bear. Like family, they are there to serve you. Creating memory photo disks for every family, to providing a specific area to commemorate our veterans, create the sense of time-honored respect many have come to know as the Garden View tradition. On Memorial Day, 250 full-size flags wave gently over well-kept lawns. Those
strolling through the gardens may hear softly playing music or bells ringing a familiar hymn. While Garden of Memory is a cemetery, it looks more like the neighbor’s lawn you always wished you had. A view can come through a window or by looking about a room. At Garden View, anywhere your eyes may gaze, you are assured of beauty and the stillness of peaceful surroundings. Due to the popularity of Gardens of Memory, they are in the pre-construction phase of a new mausoleum. Most importantly, there are special savings available to those wishing to take advantage of pre-construction pricing. In keeping with commitment to service, Garden View offers opportunities to benefit local charities. During Christmas they offer orna-
ments such as angels, doves, or stars to honor loved ones. The money collected goes to support such worthy causes such as the Little Red Door Cancer Society, Ball Memorial Hospice, Second Harvest Food Bank and many others. Four years ago, they began an event that has become a tradition, the annual Easter egg hunt. The first year they began with a mere 1,000 eggs. This year, they will have 10,000 eggs filled with candy. All children age nine or under are welcome. Difficult decisions require trust and honor, qualities you look for in a friend. Garden View Funeral Home and Cemetery, your friend in time of need. Take a moment and visit Garden View Funeral Home and Gardens of Memory Cemetery at www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.
AND GARDENS OF MEMORY CEMETERY
By Cynthia Downham
GARDEN VIEW FUNERAL HOME
“Real people caring for the community we live in.”
12H • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 13H
MUNCIE MISSION’S
ATTIC WINDOW By Constantina L. Spath ave you every shopped at the Mission’s Attic Window resale stores in Muncie, Winchester or Hartford City? If you haven’t you don’t know what you’re missing…..great bargains on gently used clothing, furniture, appliances, electronic and household items. It’s like a treasure hunt, daily the inventory can change. This past December the Mission opened a new store on Muncie’s north side. It is located at 3400 N. Broadway, east of the Mall, just north of the McGalliard and Broadway intersection. “After much time was spent researching the needs of the north and eastside of Muncie the decision was made to open the new location so that others could take advantage of the shopping and drop-off convenience,” said Ray Raines, Executive Director of Muncie Mission. Many things happen behind the scenes when items are donated to the Attic Window. First, items go to the Mission’s New Life Center, a training and recycling facility, located adjacent to their main facility on Liberty Street. Items are sorted and prepared to be distributed to one of the Attic Window Stores. This process provides 25 jobs for local people, a vocational training facility for 35-45 Mission residents and an opportunity for thousands of items of clothing, furniture and appliances to be given away to Family Service clients each month. Last year more than 49,300 items were given to needy families. The Mission has been “thinking green” long before it became a buzz-word. “Of course our main thrust has always been
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the recycling of broken lives but beyond that we practice good stewardship by recycling glass, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, rags and metals through our New Life Center. “Actually the Mission has been recycling since World War II,” Raines said. The Mission provides many services — most importantly emergency shelter and food for the hungry. In 2009 we served 77,480 meals and provided 23,100 night’s lodgings for homeless men. Addiction recovery programs require large amounts of resources, mainly trained counselors and support staff to provide the kinds of programming needed. Also, more than 1,350 families received services through the Family Service department last year. Many ask how they can get involved in assisting the needy and one answer can be quite simple: shop, donate and recycle with Muncie Mission. Items can be dropped off at one of our locations or a pick up can be scheduled by calling 288-9122 ext 442. But the important thing is that your used items will make a huge difference in the lives of needy people. Fifty-three percent of the Mission’s annual budget is generated by Attic Window sales and the New Life Center recycling program. “This is one way we can help ourselves. My hope is that the community will donate their items to the Mission knowing that 100% of what they give is kept right here in East Central Indiana, helping needy people build hope one step at a time,” said Raines. Visit www.munciemission.org for more information or call 288-9122.
“This is one way we can help ourselves. My hope is that the community will donate their items to the Mission knowing that 100% of what they give is kept right here in East Central Indiana, helping needy people build hope one step at a time.” — Ray Raines, Executive Director of Muncie Mission
14H • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
— Katy Sargent
By Mike Feeney
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inancial stability and personal service make Shelter Insurance a wise choice for clients,” said Katy Sargent. Sargent, an agent at the Shelter Insurance Muncie office on McGalliard Road since 2007, has 12 years of experience in the insurance business. Shelter offers clients a full range of services to meet insurance and other financial needs. Available insurance policies include auto, home, business and life. The company offers coverage for boats, inland marines, RV’s, ATV’s motorcycles, mobile homes, farms, apartments and rentals, and umbrella policies that offer large liability coverage. Through Shelter Bank, Sargent can help clients with auto, home, and home equity loans, as well as home equity lines of credit. Shelter also offers customers investment options including annuities and CDs. Sargent said Shelter Insurance had an “amazing year” in 2009 despite the struggling economy. Seven Missouri farmers created Shelter Insurance in 1946, and the company
now has offices in 12 states. “Other insurance companies out there are going bankrupt or having financial hardships,” said Sargent. “We’re still going strong.” The company’s risk is spread over 12 states, Sargent said, so if there were a large loss to clients in Indiana because of a storm, for example, the local office has the company’s financial strength behind it. Sargent is most proud of the personal service she offers clients. She visits clients’ homes to write policies, and she conducts financial needs analysis with clients to make sure they don’t purchase too little or too much insurance. She meets annually with clients to review their policies, and makes sure clients understand the wording in insurance policies and investments so customers know what they’re getting. “My office phone always goes directly to my cell phone, so a client is able to get hold of me 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Sargent. In addition, a convenient toll-free number is available to call Customer Service 24 hours a day: 1-800-SHELTER. “I think my clients feel comfortable with me. They
know I’m going to take care of them. They know if they need anything, I’m going to be there for them. “I try to educate my clients when we’re looking at investing,” said Sargent. “I try to get my clients to invest in something that has a guarantee.” One of Sargent’s favorite and most popular policies is the Junior Special for kids. Children from ages zero to seventeen can have up to $20,000 of life insurance, and coverage lasts until their 25th birthday. “You pay the premiums for only one year, and then you’re covered for the duration,” said Sargent. Clients are budgeting more than ever during the country’s slow economy, Sargent said, and she helps customers choose affordable coverage to meet their needs. “I look at my business as my future, and I look at my clients as my future, so I make sure to take care of them so that they stay with me,” said Sargent. “I don’t look at it as someone coming in here to purchase a product, and the sale is done. It’s a continued relationship that I cherish. “I’m most proud of the relation-
ship I have with my clients and the rapport I have with them,” said Sargent. “My clients know they can call and ask me any questions and I’m going to give them a straightforward answer. I think they respect me for that.” This summer holds a several events in store for Sargent and Shelter Insurance. “I do a lot of fairs in the summertime to connect with the community. We have a lot of giveaways.” This year, you can find Sargent at summer fairs in Delaware County, Parker City, Jay County, and the Muncie Mall. Shelter Insurance was recognized in the prestigious Ward’s 50 list in 2008 and 2009, recognizing the company as one of the safest and best managed companies among property-casualty and life insurance companies. Sargent is a New Castle native, and has lived in the Muncie area for many years. In 2009, Shelter Insurance change locations. “We essentially moved across the parking lot,” said Sargent. Shelter is now located at 414 E. McGalliard, right next door to Maly’s.
SHELTER INSURANCE
“I’m most proud of the relationship I have with my clients and the rapport I have with them. My clients know they can call and ask me any questions and I’m going to give them a straightforward answer. I think they respect me for that.”