ECI in Focus: Directions 2012 by Phil Beebe

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SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

ECI in focus

DIRECTIONS 2012 Week 2 of our annual report lets area businesses tell readers, in their own words, of how they keep East Central Indiana consumers in focus

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Photographer Kyle Evens captures one of East Central Indiana’s many natural beautys — the White River.

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2 | Emens Auditorium; First Merchants Bank 3 | Delaware County Fair

ECI in focus

4-5 | American Chevrolet Cadillac

52 | All Steel Carports 53 | Muncie Mall Merchants 54 | Bethel Pointe Health & Rehab

8-9 | T&H Sweeper

56 | Meeks Mortuary & Crematory

10-11 | Stoops 12-13 | IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

51 | United Way of Delaware County

55 | Habitat for Humanity

Automotive Group

Local businesses share their stories of how they keep ECI in Focus

50 | Morrison Woods

6-7 | Minnetrista Company

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49 | Toyota of Muncie

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DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

By Stacey Shannon his year’s Delaware County Fair is all about family fun, according to Jim Mansfield, president of the fair board. And families will notice a few changes as well as familiar favorites at the fair July 16-21. One of the biggest changes will be in the new grandstand facility. Mansfield said not all details are finalized, yet, but the board hopes to include new restroom facilities and more with the new grandstand. “It’s not just placing new bleachers in there,” he said. “We’re looking at making the seating more comfortable. We’re looking at easier access for people to get to those seats, including easier access for folks with disabilities.” The grandstand will feature a variety of events this year including hog wrestling on Monday, the truck and tractor pull on Tuesday, a rodeo on Wednesday, high school marching band contest on Thursday and demolition derbies on Friday and Saturday evenings. Mansfield said motocross is tentatively scheduled for Saturday afternoon. And while the grandstand events have admission fees, Mansfield said the south stage at the fair will offer free family-friendly performances. The board is looking into a variety of options including circus and animal acts, dance troupes and comedy routines. “We’re trying to create an atmosphere or an environment that families will want to come to and feel safe and secure, and recognize that it’s going to be a very economical mini-vacation for a lot of folks,” Mansfield said. Along with the midway activities, Mansfield said the fair will continue to host a wide array of 4-H events starting July 13. The displays and animals will be housed in the fair buildings, as usual. Another change coming to the fair is the reduction of admission for cars to $5, and the addition of a $2 fee for walk-in visitors. “A lot of that is targeted toward bringing the family atmosphere back into the fair setting,” Mansfield said. “We try to listen to a lot of folks before we make decisions on things.”

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AMERICAN CHEVROLET CADILLAC

H By Ken Wickliffe

ome to one of Chevrolet’s biggest truck plants, as well as numerous General Motors suppliers and one of America’s highest percentages of GM owners, Indiana has a longstanding connection to both of the brands at American Chevrolet Cadillac. In the same way, Steve DeAnda and the staff at American have forged a personal relationship with Muncie residents, who come to the dealership for skilled and knowledgeable sales assistance, expert service by World Class-certified technicians, and an extensive parts department that stands ready with Genuine GM accessories as well as replacement parts for do-it-yourself mechanics. “Above all, I want to thank our customers for the confidence they continue to place in us,” DeAnda said. “Our entire staff is committed to our fellow residents of Muncie and Delaware County, and our local market share continues to increase due to the loyalty of our existing customers and their willingness to recommend us to their friends and family members.”

Meeting Today’s Demands

With rising fuel prices that are forecast to go still higher, Hoosiers are more concerned than ever about fuel economy, and Chevrolet offers more ways to save gas than any other car company. Starting with the zero-gas Volt, Chevy’s lineup includes several models that achieve 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway or more, including the full-size Impala, the Cruze and Sonic, and the all-new 2013 Malibu Eco, which gets 37 mpg on the highway with its new EcoAssist gas-electric power system. Later this year Chevy will roll out the Cruze Diesel, which will draw on GM’s European diesel expertise to bring a highefficiency, environmentally-friendly diesel that will deliver the kind of refined driving experience American owners want. In the Cadillac line, the exceptionally popular CTS sedan and SRX crossover, both of which merge luxury with efficiency, will soon be joined by the ATS and XTS — two new models that assert Cadillac’s global preeminence in crafting luxury performance cars that meet today’s needs. Weighing less than 3,400 pounds, the ATS will be one of the leanest and most efficient sport sedans on the planet, offering

30-plus miles per gallon as well as a new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) control system that will be completely user-customizable and will offer the ability to respond to hand gestures. Due at American this summer, the ATS is expected to bring Cadillac virtues to an entirely new kind of buyer. And the all-new XTS, arriving within weeks, will wrap Cadillac’s finest technologies in a new flagship. Replacing the DTS and STS, the XTS will bring “the space, elegance and dramatic presence that are Cadillac signatures, but with entirely new and technically advanced methods tuned for a new generation of luxury customers,” the automaker says.

Experienced, Value-Driven, Community-Involved

In an industry where turnover on sales staffs can exceed 100 percent per year, American still has most of the same salespeople it had in 2003, when DeAnda purchased the dealership. “My objective from the beginning has been to have a smaller staff of dedicated employees who stay at the dealership longterm,” he explained. “This way, when you as a customer come back in, you know the person who gave you his or her word will still be here.” Training and experience are vital to success in all departments at the dealership, and everyone at American — sales associates, service advisors, technicians, and dealership management — receives more training than GM requires, making all staff members product experts on whom customers can rely. American Chevrolet Cadillac also searches prices at dealerships within a 500-mile radius before setting its own price on a vehicle, ensuring that Muncie-area residents always get the best value for their dollar at American. “For pre-owned vehicles, we set our price at 92 percent or less of what others are charging for comparable models,” DeAnda said. “In the service department, we compare our prices with those of other dealerships and service providers, setting our prices lower so our customers get a better deal here than they’d get anywhere else. “We care about our customers, and we want to provide a lot of value for residents of Muncie and surrounding areas.” An active member of the community, American Chevrolet Cadillac has supported more than 100 area groups, organizations and charities, including A Better Way Foundation, the American Cancer Society, United Way of Delaware County, Ball State University, many area schools and several Little League teams. “Community awareness and involvement comes naturally for us,” said Rod Huffman, general sales manager at the dealership. “Our staff members are also citizens who care about making our community an even better place to live.”

Convenient and Accessible

Located at 4101 W. Clara Lane, American Chevrolet Cadillac’s sales department is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. The service and parts departments are open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. The dealership may be contacted at (765) 289-1801, or online at driveamerican.com.

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innetrista is surrounded by art; architectural art, nature’s art and art exhibitions add beauty to every corner of Minnetrista. Nature surrounds us with fascinating color, textures, and varying shapes and sizes in trees, flowers, animals, and landscape. Architecture highlights elements of the artist’s style and design. Minnetrista offers a variety of art exploration opportunities to artists and art lovers through art exhibits, workshops, and tours. The 22nd Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show & Sale showcases artists and art from East Central Indiana. With nearly one hundred artists entered, this year’s exhibition will provide visitors with a variety of exciting pieces to view and opportunities to purchase selected works available to the public. Casey’s Clubhouse Juried Art Show is another exhibit soon to open at Minnetrista. Casey’s Clubhouse Juried Art Show showcases the works of young artists age 13 and younger. In its second year, Casey’s Juried Show has 104 participants representing eight counties across East Central Indiana. Tanya Brock, Visitor Services manager and organizer of this exhibit said, “My hope is the young artists participating in Casey’s Clubhouse Juried Art Show will advance as adults and enter the Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show & Sale someday.” Minnetrista’s Annual Juried Art Show and Sale and Casey’s Clubhouse Juried Art Show both opened on Feb. 25 and remain open through April 29. Minnetrista will launch a new exhibition in May, GLASS: A Juried Art Show. This show is a partnership with Minnetrista and the Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass at Ball State University. The exhibit is supported by a grant from the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass. GLASS: A Juried Art Show will have art from contemporary glass artists around the

nation at Minnetrista. Vice President of Visitor Experience Rebecca Holmquist said, “We are excited to partner with Ball State and the Glick Center for Glass to present this exhibition, as well as provide programming for our region. This exhibition celebrates contemporary glass artists and the 50th anniversary of contemporary glass in the United States.” Holmquist added, “Given the rich glass heritage of East Central Indiana, this seemed like a natural fit.” Minnetrista celebrates the Ball family’s history in glass and East Central Indiana’s glass heritage with this new exhibition opening May 12 and running through Aug. 12. Art shows aren’t the only way to inspire and enhance creativity. Minnetrista has several glass and canning workshops throughout the year for anyone to participate in. Mosaic Light, Copper Enameling, and Stained Glass Mirror are just a few of the upcoming glass workshops people can enjoy. Culinary art is edible art! Workshops for canning are scheduled throughout the year; Strawberry Kiwi Margarita Jam, Quick Pickles, and Zesty Salsa are among seven canning workshops being offered. For more information about workshops, exhibits and other events available at Minnetrista, visit minnetrista.net or call (765) 282-4848.

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T&H SWEEPER COMPANY

McGalliard Road in Muncie

53rd Street in Anderson

Scatterfield Road in Anderson

By Dawn Brand Fluhler ince 1965, T&H Sweeper Company has been the area’s premier vacuum cleaner business. Bob and Mary Hickey opened the first store on Walnut Street in Muncie. Their son, Tom, joined the business in 1973, as did his wife, Kathy, just a few years after that. They had five employees then. “Tom eats, breathes and thinks the sweeper business 24-7,” Kathy said. So much so that in 1994 he bought the business from his parents, and one month later opened a second store on McGalliard Road. Six years later, the Hickeys opened a T&H Sweeper store in Anderson on 53rd Street, and in another six years opened a second Anderson store on Scatterfield Road. “We sell vacuum cleaners. That’s our top priority,” Kathy said. “But we are also a warranty store for pretty much all makes. We have the best technicians, too. They know just by listening what brand the vacuum is, what the problem is.” They sell both upright and canister vacuums, as well as central vacuum systems. They also keep a full stock of bags, belts, brush rolls, stain removers and floor cleaning products, room deodorizers and commercial equipment. Four years ago T&H Sweeper Company added commercial cleaning to their repertoire of specialties. T&H customers can be sure they’ll not only get the lowest price, but also that they’ll go home with the vacuum that fits both their needs and their budget. Guaranteed. “One benefit of a small, locally owned business is that we’ll meet you at the door and take you to what you need,”

Walnut Street in Muncie

Kathy said. “We listen to customers and get to know them by name.” She said they do, in fact, have a vacuum for every need. They have several choices of starter vacuums that are ideal for college students. They even have a tent sale when Ball State University students return to campus each fall. “We have a real soft spot for college students. At any given time we will have 2-3 students working,” she said. People shopping for vacuums will find popular brands in the T&H showroom, from Dirt Devil to Dyson to SEBO and numerous others. Key factors — apart from budget — that help in determining an individual’s needs are pet ownership, allergies and how many people will use the vacuum. Another benefit of T&H is that they have every type of flooring in the showroom and can demonstrate each sweeper’s capability. They also have pet hair-like materials, a dirt mixture and tennis shoes to show exactly how effective each vacuum is on each floor surface. “We put the vacuum together for you. Whatever you want, we try to please you,” Kathy said. “Then you take it home and try it in your surroundings to be sure.” Annual vacuum check-ups are part of T&H’s business, too. The $18-$29 service includes an examination of the bearings, cord, bag system, roller and brush system, as well as motor lubrication. T&H also does trade-ins and recycles used vacuum parts. With about 100 models on display in every store, buying a vacuum at T&H isn’t just going to the store and getting a box off the shelf. Kathy guarantees it. “I would put our people up against anyone for knowledge and expertise,” Kathy said. “They know vacuum cleaners. They really do.”

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STOOPS BUICK GMC

By Ken Wickliffe or Randy Stoops and his team at Stoops Buick GMC, being a Hoosier business in East Central Indiana means excellence in automotive sales and service as well as a commitment to people. “People in the community want to do business with us because we have between 70 and 75 employees here who have the same vision, which is to ensure that we do everything we can for each of our customers and future customers — every time they visit our dealership for any reason,” explains dealership owner Randy Stoops. Charles Venable, new vehicles sales manager at the dealership, believes the difference at Stoops can be summed up in four words: taking care of people. “I would rather take care of a person than take care of a car because I find when I put people before cars, the cars follow people,” he said. A lifelong Muncie resident and a graduate of Southside High School, Venable believes customers can sense the level of commitment a business has to them. “When people sense that you have a love for them, everything else will come,” he added. “People feel comfortable doing business with you when they can feel that you care about them as individuals.” Randy Stoops is a past recipient of Ball State University Benny Award. Named after the famous Beneficence statue, the Benny Award is the university’s top honor for service to Ball State or its alumni association. Stoops is also a current board member of the university’s Cardinal Varsity Club. “The relationship between the Stoops Buick GMC and Ball State athletics has been tremendous through the years,” said Joe Hernandez, associate athletic director at the university. “Mr. Stoops and the Stoops family have been more than generous to Ball State athletics through many ways of support. It is because of the people at Stoops the Ball State family can accomplish many of the things it does in its athletics department.” Stoops has also been active in supporting the Roy Buley Community Center in Muncie, Yorktown Youth Baseball, Munciana Volleyball and many other local groups. “There are a long list of organizations Randy sponsors, usually behind the scenes, with the goal of positively impacting the lives of as many young people in the Muncie area as he can,” said Shelby Cloyd, Stoops’ administrative assistant.

Service, Parts & Collision Center: Unmatched Personal Service Offering convenient Saturday hours, a shuttle service, after-hours vehicle pickup and — most importantly — highlyskilled, ASE certified technicians who know your vehicle, the Stoops Service and Tire Center takes the guesswork out of every maintenance and repair need. The Collision Center brings Stoops’ expertise to all vehicle owners, offering auto body and frame repair and painting of all makes and models by certified collision repair specialists. Free repair estimates are always available, and the Direct Repair Preferred Program takes care of all insurance paperwork so there’s no need to run from place to place. For added confidence, all collision repairs are covered by a lifetime warranty.

Stoopsauto.com

The ideal first stop for car shoppers, Stoopsauto.com offers the ability to shop for and compare vehicles, check pricing, search new and used vehicle inventory, get an appraisal of a trade-in, apply for financing, schedule service and shop for parts and accessories. Visiting Stoopsauto.com from a smartphone or tablet accesses the mobile site, which offers the same services as the original site but is optimized for people on the go. Social media users can also connect with Stoops via Facebook and Twitter. Located at 4055 W. Clara Lane, Stoops Buick GMC’s sales department is open 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. Service hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. The Collision Center is open weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The dealership is always open online, 24-hours a day, at Stoopsauto.com.

World-Class Vehicles

From the all-new, critically-acclaimed Buick Verano, to the 36-mile-per-gallon LaCrosse eAssist, along with GMC’s extensive truck line that includes the tough Sierra and the featurepacked Terrain and Yukon SUVs, Stoops offers the technology today’s drivers want. Cutting-edge features include mobile connectivity that streams Pandora and other webcasts, as well as the MyLink smartphone app that lets a driver monitor and control a vehicle remotely. OnStar, standard on every model, provides owners with unparalleled assurance and peace of mind, offering 24-hour, coast-to-coast assistance at the press of a button. Stoops is the perfect place to discover Buick’s worldwide renaissance, as more East Central Indiana customers come to know the luxury, quality and technical prowess of America’s fastest growing automotive brand, as well as the superior quality and reliability of GMC’s Professional Grade trucks.

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SILVERTOWNE

roken necklace? Don’t wear those earrings anymore? Or are you just willing to part with that ring for extra cash? For many ECI residents, the downturn in the economy has them saving every penny. And many need to find creative ways to earn a little extra to help pay the bills. One such way is selling gold, and locally, SilverTowne is the place to go. SilverTowne Coin Shop officially began in 1949 out of a cigar box in the Rainbow Restaurant in downtown Winchester, which Leon Hendrickson owned at the time. It soon outgrew its humble beginnings and was moved to Hendrickson’s home in 1959. It took over the entire basement and was still being operated as a part-time business. But what was once an avocation is now a multimillion dollar business on the northeastside of Winchester. SilverTowne L.P, located at 120 E. Union City Pike, consists of a 23,000-square-foot building with Coin, Gift, and Jewelry departments. A separate facility operated by SilverTowne custom-makes coins in a wide array of metals for a broad spectrum of customers, including the military, businesses, individuals and churches. Each coin has its own custom die made and those with color are hand-painted.

Gold is big business for customers

On March 1, the gold market was around $1,715.00 per ounce. That’s a big jump from 2006, when the going rate topped out at just more than $600. SilverTowne buys gold Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. They pay by check only.

If you have several pieces, call ahead to see if you will need an appointment. Be sure to have a valid driver’s license with you. Kristen Fields, marketing specialist at SilverTowne, says, “Just because your gold or silver coins are old doesn’t necessarily mean they’re worth a lot of money. Also, if you are unsure as to whether your item is silver or gold, give us a call; we can also test your item for free at our store.” (Coin appraisals are by appointment only. Call for details.)

How it works

The gold is separated into piles based on karats. Each of those piles is weighed. A pricing chart is used to determine how much the customer gets for each troy ounce of gold (or by the pennyweight, if there is less than an ounce). Then, they take the gold and the customer gets a check. Once sold, the specialists at SilverTowne melt down the gold (they melt their gold at least twice a day). When enough gold is collected, it is sold to a refinery, which then gets that gold to people who will make more jewelry.

Customer service is a priority

The customer service at SilverTowne is based on Hendrickson’s personal philosophy of having a good attitude. “Attitude is very important in any business,” he said. “A good, positive attitude is probably the most important thing a person can have.” He’s conveyed that to his nearly 100 employees, many of whom have been with SilverTowne for 25 years or more. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any questions you may have about buying and selling your gold and silver coins and jewelry.

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WESTMINSTER VILLAGE

Standing from left to right: Dr. Jeffrey Hiltz, Medical Director; Beverly Wilson RN, Residential Services Director; Mike Dobbs, Physical Plant Director; Cheryl Imes RN, Director of Nursing; Tony Elder CDM, Dietary Services Director; Judi Harris, Marketing Director; Connie Taylor, Controller. Seated: Mary Jo Crutcher HFA, Vice President; Dale Lindley HFA, CPA, President.

estminster Village Muncie, Inc. was established by local Community Leaders for the purpose of providing safe, secure and carefree living for area residents in their retirement years. It is operated as a not-for-profit corporation under the direction of an all volunteer Board of Directors and is managed by President and Administrator Dale E. Lindley and Vice President Mary Jo Crutcher, also a licensed Administrator. Westminster employs more than 250 individuals who care for approximately 240 residents. Located on 65 beautifully landscaped acres, Westminster incorporates a First Merchants Branch Bank, a gift and Sundry Shop, a media center with high speed internet and theater, beauty and barber shops, a physician’s office, a fitness center, four dining rooms and the entire Village all under the same roof. A variety of recreational, social and spiritual activities highlight Westminster’s active aging concept. Affordable retirement apartments are available in many shapes and sizes, some with hide-a-way kitchenettes and others with convenient full kitchens. Floor plans vary in size up to 1,300 square feet. Many custom options are available to allow each resident to make the apartment truly a home. For those who require special help to enjoy life to the fullest, there is Assisted Living for an all-inclusive daily rate with no surprise add-ons for services. These apartments are also available in several spacious floor plans that combine the highest pos-

sible independence with supportive services around the clock. Memory Care is the specialty at Featherstone Way, where Assisted Living is specially designed for those who need an extra measure of security. Private accommodations with the resident’s own furnishings and personal items, combined with family style dining and activities, create a safe and comfortable home-like setting. Completing the continuing care circle is Westminster’s Health Center, where Medicare Certified Skilled Care is tailored to the specific needs of each resident. Unique to Westminster’s Health Center are special Rehab-to-Home options. Among them are comfortable residential apartments where the resident’s spouse can stay on-site, as a Village resident. Family and Friends are always welcome to dine with residents in a private dining area. If a resident is not quite ready to return home following a rehabilitation program, therapy can be continued in an apartment. Westminster handles all the details so the resident can just concentrate on getting better. Care, compassion and peace of mind is the focus of Westminster Village. Westminster Village is a proud community sponsor of the Muncie Mall Walkers, Minnetrista Senior Free-Admission days and many community programs and events presented for the enhancement of the lives of all seniors in East Central Indiana. Westminster Village provides fulfilling life services and excellent continuing care empowering residents to experience an exceptional quality of life. Experience you can trust since 1974.

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BILL MCCOY FORD LINCOLN

A By Ken Wickliffe

dealership that combines America’s highestquality automotive brands with an experienced, professional staff and 33 years of local, family ownership, Bill McCoy Ford Lincoln brings topranked Ford Motor Co. products to the people of East Central Indiana. “My dad founded the dealership in 1979, and many on our staff have been with us 20 years or more, which makes for tremendous customer loyalty,” said Mike McCoy, owner of the dealership. “We know our customers, and they know us. “All of us here take pride in being upfront, honest and straightforward with all of our customers, whether someone has bought several vehicles here or is buying his or her first one.”

Innovation and Quality

With the widest selection in the area of Ford and Lincoln cars, trucks and SUVs, Bill McCoy is the local partner of Ford Motor Co., whose world-class product line has come to symbolize the ability of an innovative American company to compete around the world. Ford did not need to take any government “bailout” money, McCoy noted, because the company has engineered vehicles and technologies that answer the needs of today’s drivers. Examples include EcoBoost powertrains that blend power with efficiency, as well as a host of in-car communication and entertainment systems such as SYNC and MyFord Touch. All of these systems are designed to enhance safety, economy and convenience, and they offer drivers the high-tech, premium feel they want in a vehicle today. Ford has already been honored for having quality that exceeds that of Japanese imports, and many of the company’s vehicles have received Car and Truck of the Year honors. And the awards keep coming: Ford’s soon-to-be-released 2013 Fusion was recently named Autoweek magazine’s Best in Show vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Available with a gas-fueled powertrain as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations, the new Fusion is expected to offer best-in-class fuel economy in all of its forms. The new model will fit well into a product line that already

offers drivers many innovative ways to cope with rising gas prices. Another example, Lincoln’s MKZ Hybrid, is America’s most efficient luxury sedan. Achieving up to 41 miles per gallon and selling for the same price as the non-hybrid version of the car, MKZ buyers enjoy the luxury of a Lincoln as well as the economy and “green” technology of a hybrid without having to pay extra for it. “Henry Ford’s original vision and innovation stay with the company today, which is why Ford remains a leader in the United States, as well as Spain, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, and throughout the world,” McCoy said.

Ford Quality – Hoosier Values

Ford’s commitment to customers is paralleled locally by an equally-strong ethic of customer service at McCoy, which has led to such innovations as being one of the first dealerships in the area to offer Saturday service hours. “The service department helps customers keep up with their vehicles’ maintenance needs and avoid the need for major repairs,” McCoy said. “In today’s economy, people want to save money and prolong a vehicle’s life, so having it serviced regularly by the people who know it better than anyone else makes more sense than ever.” To serve customers and ensure their vehicles remain safe, technicians at McCoy perform a thorough multi-point inspection on all vehicles brought in for service, paying special attention to the brakes, exhaust system and other safetyrelated systems. The body shop offers expert, full-service collision repair of all makes and models, works with all insurance companies, and offers car rentals, towing and courtesy transportation to and from the dealership.

In Person or Online

Located at 2001 E. McGalliard Road, Muncie, Bill McCoy Ford Lincoln’s sales department is open 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. The service and parts departments are open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. The phone number is (765) 289-0431. The dealership’s website, www.mccoyford.com, allows shoppers to find special offers, browse the inventory of new and used vehicles, search for a specific vehicle, apply for financing or schedule a service or body shop visit.

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MUNCIE AND DELAWARE COUNTY, INC.

Dub and Nancy Fike

By Chris Bavender ub and Nancy Fike may split their time between Indianapolis and Florida these days, but the many years the couple spent in Muncie raising their family haven’t been forgotten. The couple set up endowment funds through The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Inc. that are helping five local agencies provide for others. “We just feel dedicated to the community; we felt it was a town that was concerned about education,” Dub said. “It had a low crime rate and a sense of community.” It was in 1966 that the couple first arrived in Muncie when Dub transferred there with the phone company. “By the time Brian, our oldest son, was in the third grade, he had been in five different schools. I told the company I wasn’t moving anymore and I told Nancy the same, and we didn’t,” explained Dub. The Fikes first considered setting up an endowment after an experience Dub had with the United Way. “I was campaign chair at the time and it was an agency I wanted to continue to give money to, but I was trying to figure out the best way to do that,” Dub explained. That’s where The Community Foundation came into play. Established in 1985, the Foundation today manages an endowment asset base of more than $42 million that is used to award grants to local nonprofits. “What we considered at the time we did this was that the Foundation will accept the money, invest it, grow it and keep helping the agencies we chose,” said Dub. “We know that The Community Foundation will be there long after we are gone and continue to give contributions in our name for a long time.”

And that is exactly what will happen. “Dub and Nancy were interested in long-term sustainability of these organizations that provide important but varied services to the residents of Delaware County. Having been longtime donors to the Foundation, we had developed a relationship of confidence and a true understanding of how the Foundation would carry out their charitable wishes,” said Roni Johnson, President of the Community Foundation. Now that the endowment has been established, the Fikes are assured that these organizations will receive an annual distribution from the Foundation, forever, in their name. In addition, these organizations’ endowment funds are promoted in our Annual Report, our website and periodic newsletters. Through these vehicles, the Fikes hoped that other community members would support these agencies that provide valued services to so many in our community. In addition to the United Way, the Fikes are helping the Boys & Girls Club, Muncie Children’s Museum, Children’s Clothing Center and Ball Memorial Hospital Foundation. All of the agencies chosen have special meaning to the couple. “The Clothing Center was a favorite charity of my wife, and I like it because I grew up during the Depression,” Dub said. “The hospital was chosen because when my sister came to live with us, she was able to get a job in the kitchen and then my two youngest kids worked in the kitchen, so I was indebted to the hospital.” “With the lifestyle I had growing up, I never thought I would be able to do something like this, I can and I really appreciate it,” Dub said. “I hope others see this and think they can do it too.” It’s just part of the ongoing mission Dub and Nancy have to help Muncie residents.

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What does it mean to be a Hoosier?

t is no secret that our great state had the honor of hosting the 2012 Super Bowl. And while it wasn’t a surprise to us, one of the most discussed topics surrounding the Super Bowl was “Hoosier Hospitality.” As a self-proclaimed “jaded New Yorker,” NBC Sunday Today co-anchor, Jenna Wolfe stated, “I’ve covered a number of these (Super Bowls) in the past and this one—by far—stands out as having given the warmest welcome I’ve ever received.”1 We believe the welcome, the volunteers and all of the great experiences Ms. Wolfe had while in Indiana were simply part of daily living here in the Midwest. At MutualBank, experiences like Ms. Wolfe’s are part of our Hoosier culture, which happens daily, not just the first week of February. That’s what Hoosier Hospitality really is: a culture that puts others before self. It’s a culture that, for MutualBank, has existed for more than 100 years. It all started when the founder of MutualBank, George Higman, opened the doors back in 1889 to assist prospective homebuyers in obtaining a home and providing a safe place to put aside money. Even then, the intention was helping people realize dreams of home ownership and helping people live a better life. During the Depression, people struggled in many aspects of their lives. It was difficult to pay bills on time and in some cases, difficult to put food on the dinner table. Some customers struggled making their mortgage payments. We don’t know how other banks handled this difficult economic time, but we can tell you how it was handled at MutualBank. If a delinquency became too serious, the usual policy called for the property to be deeded back to the bank, which, in turn, renovated it and rented it, sometimes to the original purchaser with an option to re-acquire it at a later date. We look back at those who led our organization at that time and see that they didn’t have to be this flexible. In fact, it probably wasn’t an easy decision to make. But sometimes a business

decision needs to be made even when it’s tough. Sometimes in business, though, you can create a win-win situation. During this difficult time, our culture guided the decisions made to support the families and communities we served. Living in East Central Indiana today provides its own set of challenges. Business today is, in some ways, very similar to the 1930s. We’re also faced with economic challenges and we see some of our customers and communities struggling. Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope and “Hoosier Hospitality.” There is a sense of community and giving that rises above the challenges we face today. For example, many Hoosiers quickly gave their time, money and efforts to help the tornado victims in Southern Indiana. It is this “Hoosier Hospitality” that gives Hoosiers the peace of knowing there will be people to help in their time of need. MutualBank employees stepped in and donated money to help the Red Cross serve those who suffered loss and devastation from the storms in Southern Indiana. This was just one small way to give back to our fellow Hoosiers in a time of need. This sense of community and “Hoosier Hospitality” comes from a deep-rooted culture of compassion and doing the right thing. The legacy of our culture is so important to us at MutualBank that character and compassion are included in our company core values. We take pride in our friendliness, personal service and professionalism. We know that whatever we do, whether it is community outreach or working with our customers’ finances, it’s about helping people live better lives. Sometimes that means we are helping a newlywed couple buy their first home together and other times it means we are lending a hand at Habitat for Humanity. MutualBank will always be invested in our communities, displaying not just a kind act here or there, but the “Hoosier Hospitality” that tells a story: a story of giving and a culture of kindness. We are grateful to be a part of the wonderful communities that we serve and we are proud to be an Indiana bank. (1) http://allday.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/03/10311135-jenna-wolfe-at-super-bowlhoosiers-tackle-me-with-hospitality

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