Dylan Johnson, Administrator - 8 years with Saint Anthony
PRIVATELY-OWNED 1-1 SPECIALIZED THERAPY SPIRITUAL CARE
At Saint Anthony Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, we believe in delivering the highest quality of client care. Our unparalleled expertise, commitment, and compassion assures that we provide the very best healthcare in each service we offer.
SHORT-TERM CARE
• Physical, occupational & speech therapy, both in/ out patient services
• Cancer Care
• Cardiac Care & Rehab
• Diabetes Care
• IV Therapy
LONG-TERM CARE
• Neuromuscular Rehab
• Stroke Rehab
• Pain Management
• Respiratory Therapy
• Physical, occupational & speech therapy
• Wound Care & Prevention
Nicole Hardy, RN, IP, Director of Nursing/Infection Preventionist - 23 years
Garry Gumasing, PT, CWS, LSVT-BIG Cert., Director of Therapy - 27 years
Tracie Shoults, RN, Corporate Compliance Officer - 29 years
GREATER LAFAYETTE MAGAZINE
Editor
- Carol Bangert
Art Director/Graphic Designer
- Kara Bishop
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
- Chelsie Freeman
Content Marketing Specialist
- Shelby White
MISSION
Greater Lafayette Magazine captures the spirit and vitality of the people who call Greater Lafayette home and what it means to live, work and thrive here. It tells the region’s success stories, from business expansions, entrepreneurship, leadership and philanthropy to quality of life, arts and cultural events. Our hope is that readers of Greater Lafayette Magazine will become active participants in the world around them and join in our mission to make Greater Lafayette the place where progress, creativity and community come together.
AUDIENCE
Greater Lafayette Magazine serves as the leading quality-of-life and business trade publication for the area. Leveraging our award-winning team of writers and designers, Greater Lafayette Magazine attracts a diverse group of readers who are engaged in the community as consumers, visitors, business leaders, volunteers, residents and future residents of Tippecanoe County. This publication is for anyone that appreciates a good story that not only reveals something new about our community but offers insight and pride for the place we call home.
ADVERTISING
To advertise or receive information about advertising in Greater Lafayette Magazine, contact Amy Sundell at (765) 742-4044 or amy.sundell@greaterlafayettecommerce.com
PRINTER
The National Group
CIRCULATION
Greater Lafayette Magazine is published four times a year (January/April/July/October), with a print distribution of 4,000, and up to 10,000 online subscribers/views. Distribution channels will include online, mobile, various newsstands, and pass-along venues including restaurants, businesses, organizations, community centers, hotel lobbies and healthcare facilities.
Greater Lafayette Magazine is a publication of Greater Lafayette Commerce
337 Columbia St., Lafayette, IN 47901
• (765)742-4044
• info@greaterlafayettecommerce.com
• greaterlafayettecommerce.com
Lafayette at 200: A time to get reacquainted with our history
What a time to call Greater Lafayette home. The year ahead promises to celebrate a historic milestone while recognizing and honoring how much our community has evolved and grown. If you haven’t heard, the City of Lafayette marks its Bicentennial this year, and Greater Lafayette is pulling out all the stops to make 2025 a year of celebration, reflection and vision.
A Bicentennial committee, made up of a diverse, knowledgeable collection of Greater Lafayette residents, has been collaborating for a couple of years now in anticipation of the 200 of Lafayette’s founding.
Not to be left out of the celebration, Greater Lafayette Magazine will be commemorating Lafayette’s birthday in each issue in 2025 with feature stories, photos, a Bicentennial events calendar and more (check out Pages 10 and 17 for starters), culminating in a special issue in October.
We’re going to ask 20 Greater Lafayette residents — from elected officials, artists, business leaders, athletes, musicians, scholars and more – to share the Top 10 reasons they love living in Greater Lafayette. Is it a fruit drink from the Frozen Custard? A Citizens Band concert at Columbian Park? Maybe it’s a spring hike at Clegg Gardens or a locally brewed beer at an area brew house. The possibilities are endless. Our hope is to create a wide-ranging and eclectic look at events, places, businesses, the arts and food that represent the best that Greater Lafayette has to offer.
If you’re interested in being considered for this year-end feature project, or know someone we should consider, contact me at carolbangert22@gmail.com, with Bicentennial in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!
I’m excited about the year ahead. It’s the perfect opportunity for Greater Lafayette to meet and reacquaint itself with its history in all its remarkable complexity.
Two hundred years in the making. Let’s make this special year one to remember.
Editor, Greater Lafayette Magazine
SUBSCRIBE TO GLM
Get to know the Greater Lafayette community by subscribing to Greater Lafayette Magazine. It’s easy! Go to greaterlafayettecommerce.com and click on the About Us tab. Then click on Greater Lafayette Magazine to view past issues and subscribe.
Small business energy. Big business experience.
You built your small business in greater Lafayette because it’s where you want to be. It’s a community you improve through innovation and by giving customers your very best every single day.
That’s why Wintek Business Solutions is here, too. We offer leading-edge connections, secure business protection and unrivaled customer service. It’s world-class support without the need to go around the world.
Just like you, we’re right up the road — helping make greater Lafayette a better place to call home. And there’s nothing small about that.
ON THE COVER:
BUSINESS & PROGRESS
Welcome Note|page 4
Edgar Degas' "Little Dancer" invites visitors into the 74-piece exhibit of the artist's bronze sculptures on display at Purdue University. |page 37 Photo by Christine Petkov 54 18 66
What You Got, Scott? |page 8
Steiner Enterprises thrives on innovation |page 18
Community has new housing options |page 30
Ask the Experts |page 48
Bruno's finds new home, same friendly vibe |page 54
Meet the 2024 Small Business of the Year |page 62
Sustainea plans 1st US plant right here |page 74
COMMUNITY & CONNECTIONS:
From Editor Carol Bangert 37
Sculpture celebrates Lafayette's sense of place |page 10
Check out the Sagamore Parkway Trail |page 24
Discover what's new at the Purdue Union |page 66
Downtown library renovated, rededicated |page 70
Our business is your business.
At Old National Bank, your business finds true partnership. One on one attention. Asking the right questions and anticipating your needs. Whether it’s equipment leasing or expansion loans, your business can reach the top of the charts. We take a thoroughly modern approach to the strength and stability needed for commercial banking. And we have since 1834. Old National Bank. Where relationships and results matter.®
Visit oldnational.com/commercial and get started today. It’s time to Get Old.™
Commercial Banking
What you got, Scott?
Time well spent building community, nurturing family and making lifelong connections
As I write this final column and prepare to depart Greater Lafayette for a new position in another community, I am full of gratitude and appreciation for the past decade my family and I have spent in Greater Lafayette. The support and kindness we’ve received from this extraordinary community have left an indelible mark on our lives.
For our children, Greater Lafayette has been more than just a home—it has been a place of growth and opportunity. This community has helped shape them into remarkable young adults, poised to make meaningful contributions to society. Jill and I are incredibly proud of them and deeply thankful they had the privilege to spend their formative years here at Central Catholic and at Purdue University, surrounded by such a supportive environment in Greater Lafayette.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome and enduring friendships we’ve built here. Jill and I have been truly blessed by
the connections we’ve made, and leaving will be bittersweet. I am especially grateful to those who championed my wife as she launched her business here. Her success is a testament to the welcoming and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Greater Lafayette—a community where new ventures can take root and flourish.
This is an exceptional place. I know that in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook just how special it is. I urge you to pause and take pride in what makes this community truly great: the collaboration and the shared commitment to a brighter future.
To the members and supporters of Greater Lafayette Commerce: thank you. These past 10 years have been the most rewarding of my professional career. When I began this journey with GLC, the opportunities and expectations for what we could achieve were boundless. Today, looking back on a decade of progress, I’m filled with pride.
Together, we’ve accomplished so much—from
launching a new community brand and this magazine to laying the groundwork for the Talent Attraction Campaign. We’ve celebrated milestones, such as being named the 2021 Indiana Community of the Year, securing $30 million in READI regional funding, and securing billions of dollars in investment from great companies. And today, we’re reaping the benefits of these efforts with a thriving economy and a bright outlook for the years ahead.
To the GLC Board of Directors: your dedication to this community is inspiring, and your support has made my work both meaningful and rewarding. To the Greater Lafayette Regional Board of Representatives: as you continue to advance our READI initiatives with another $35 million from the state, know that your efforts are laying the groundwork for this region’s success for generations to come. Your vision and hard work matter profoundly—thank you for your collaboration over the past four years. Finally, to the incredible teammates I’ve had
the privilege to work with at Greater Lafayette Commerce, both today and in the past 10 years: working alongside you has been an honor and a pleasure. Your dedication has made a lasting impact on this community, and I am so proud to have been part of this journey with you.
Greater Lafayette will always hold a special place in our hearts. As Jill and I prepare to embark on this new chapter, we leave with nothing but gratitude and admiration for the people and the community that have given us so much. ★
BE ,
Scott
Bicentennial sculpture celebrates Lafayette's sense of place
“On the Banks of the Wabash planned for corner of South and Ninth streets
HERE’S A RIDDLE:
What flows like water but is not water, is playful and glowing and has the ability to stop traffic upon a glance?
If you give up, that’s only because an exciting sculpture named “On the Banks of the Wabash” has yet to be installed. It will rise, dip and flow over a corner lot at Ninth and South streets in downtown Lafayette.
From our country’s beginning, monumental occasions have generated memorable art. So why should the 200th anniversary of the founding of Lafayette be any different?
In time for the Marquis de Lafayette’s birthday on Sept. 6 this year, the sculpture you see in this illustration (left) will become part of downtown Lafayette’s landscape.Years ago a convenience store was located on the corner of South and Ninth streets, then the city needed the site for utility connections and built a low-profile brick pump house surrounded by grass — about as attractive as a utility can be.
Lafayette’s Director of Economic Development Dennis Carson says the space was always on a list of sites for “monumental” artwork, and this undulating brushed stainless-steel river fits the bill, filling a space that’s 34 feet by 19 feet with varying elevations as high as 12 feet.
Out of 24 sculptors from around the country who expressed interest in the project, Cliff Garten of
Venice, California, easily won the hearts of the sculpture committee, made up of government people, arts supporters and site neighbors.
Members of the committee, like Marianne Rose, found all five finalists intriguing, but Garten’s “On the Banks of the Wabash” was not only visually exciting but connected with the community’s history on a deeper level.
It was the Wabash River that attracted Lafayette founder William Digby to plat a city on this particular site. Indigenous people lived on, and fished, its waters for hundreds of years. French fur traders plied its waters to swap trade goods for furs. Steamboats brought dream-filled settlers from the east.
“This speaks to the fact we haven’t forgotten what brought our forefathers to this community,” says Rose, retired development director for The Community Foundation. “Now we look to the banks of the Wabash to be major green space for all of us to use. We look for its trails to enjoy the environment around us.
“This sculpture raises up the fact of how important the Wabash, and its aquifers below us, are in sustaining us.”
Garten wasn’t aware that city and county residents were rallying to the defense of the Wabash’s water resources after a state project called LEAP proposed taking millions of gallons a day from the river’s aquifers for business development in Lebanon. But he did historical research, and that led him to state that “the Wabash River is not just a geographical feature but a
Cliff Garten is an internationally recognized sculptor and founder of Cliff Garten Studio in Venice, California.
Working between sculpture, engineering, architecture and landscape, Garten has been an important voice in advocating for what he calls “the expressive potential of public infrastructure.” His sculptures are built with careful attention to the development of each piece by seeing the development of landscape and its functions as a part of the total composition of sculpture. He refers to this hybrid art that forms urban spaces, plazas, infrastructure and memorials as “landscape sculpture.” Garten believes that the necessary facts of our public infrastructure are cause for the possibility of a public expression through the conscious design and integration of art. "Sculpture defines our interaction and movement by creating energy between things, generating interest in public activity, reframing our private lives and creating a sense of place within public and private," he says.
Cliff Garten, Artist
cherished emblem of Lafayette’s history, its resilience and its enduring connection to the land.”
Carson was the first to open Garten’s sculpture proposal, which arrived through email.
“I was pleasantly surprised because his submission was very different,” he recalls. “Of all the things he could have used, he picked the Wabash River and really captured it” in the sculpture’s flowing lines.
“The development of the river is something the community has really been rallying around for several years now. The river has played an important role throughout our history, and it’s playing a big role now in our future with all the riverfront developments and planning we’ve been doing,” Carson says.
Garten was aware of published studies of the changing meanders of the Mississippi River by Army Corps of Engineers cartographer Harold Fisk. It led him to take a closer look at the geologic history of the Wabash River.
“We looked at the larger scale path of the ancient preglacial river, the Teays, whose bedrock valley converges around Lafayette. This massive river and its meanders shaped the entirety of the landscape of Lafayette,” he says.
Garten included a map of the meanders of the Teays in his proposal, and those meanders can easily be seen in the finished plan for the sculpture. “Its shifting path was a source of inspiration for our sculpture,” he affirms.
When the sculpture is in place people will be able to walk under parts of it and kids can duck under parts of it. “Garten really made good use of the Ninth and South space, which is constrained by a lot of utilities,” Carson says. “There’s a larger lawn area by the pump house, and then there’s a little bit of lawn right on the corner of Ninth and South streets. He decided to use both.
“With the piece going over the sidewalk and connecting down to that corner, it’s really interesting how it makes a kind of enclosed area. In his rendering he had a band playing underneath a loop of the sculpture. He created a nice little public space within the sculpture.”
The sculpted “river” will boast the city’s name, Lafayette, laser cut into its surface as well as excerpts from the first verse and chorus of our state song, Paul Dresser’s “On the Banks of the Wabash.” The large letters in Lafayette will be made up of many smaller words and phrases describing the city, which were
crowdsourced in late 2024. Lights incorporated into the piece will make the words glow at night.
Money was budgeted by the city to pay half the cost of the $500,000 sculpture project, with private fundraising paying for the rest. But the sculpture has generated so much positive buzz that fundraising will likely cover the entire cost of the artwork along with landscaping and interpretive materials, says Carson.
Come September the sculpture will arrive in sections from Metal Arts Foundry in Utah, where it’s being fabricated. It is expected to take a couple days for installers from Indianapolis along with local workers to put it in place. The task may generate traffic congestion at the busy intersection as gawkers keep an eye on its progress.
Arts and culture projects like “On the Banks of the Wabash” are good for the city’s economic development and quality of life, says Carson, who hopes it will generate community pride.
“People will come here to see the public art and see the other things we are doing and that, in turn, attracts people to live here and attracts companies, too. When we recruit companies, they comment on our downtown and the arts and cultural offerings we have here because those kind of things are important to their employees.”
Whatever larger impact the “On the Banks of the Wabash” sculpture will have, Jane Turner, a Columbia Street “neighbor” on the selection committee, feels it will definitely have a local impact. She predicts: “It’ll be a gathering place for the neighborhood and the city, and the shape of it accommodates that.
“I think it will bind the 19th century to the 21st century.”
She points to St. Louis, where its monumental Arch sculpture provides a modern frame for the city’s 19th century courthouse. Will Lafayette’s curvy sculpture provide a frame for the 19th century houses around it, like the Moses Fowler House across the street? It’s designed to do that.
Knowing there are always skeptics ready to question anything new and different, Turner says, “I believe that in 20 years no one will want to take it apart. It will be a fixture here like the Arch is in St. Louis. The younger generation will embrace it and it’ll be a great unifier of the old and the new.” ★
“On the Banks of the Wabash joins a growing list of downtown sculptures
“Ouabache,” a wind sculpture installed in the 1980s, was the first modern sculpture in downtown Lafayette. It was originally placed on a surface parking lot that later became the building site for the Columbia Center. It was moved to its current home, an open space on the Lafayette side of the river between the east and west bound spans of the Harrison Bridge. There are currently more than 15 artworks in the downtown.
“We have locations for other sculptures identified in our streetscape projects,” says Lafayette’s Director of Economic Development Dennis Carson. “But right now we don’t have any plans to do a call for artists. They’re mostly on Main Street, but in the future we’ll probably see some on Columbia and South streets as well.”
Here are other outdoor sculptures:
• “Millennium Sundial,” John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge
• “Gateway” made up of “What Lines?” and “The Flame,” corner of Second and Main streets, erected to honor Indiana’s Bicentennial in 2016
• “Tribute to David Ross,” 320 Main St.
• “Transcend,” 102 N. Third St.
• “The Forge,” 1100 block of Third Street
• “George,” a bison, Tippecanoe County Courthouse lawn
• Marquis de Lafayette Fountain, Tippecanoe County Courthouse, Fourth and Main streets
• “Sandhill Cranes” bench, 133 N. Fourth St.
• “Farm Family,” Fifth and Main streets
• “Mattock,” 605 Main St.
• “We Rise Above,” corner of Seventh and Main streets
• “Edmund Guy,” a bison, 900 Main St.
• “Cloud Over Mountain and Markers,” 102 S. 10th St.
• “Crossings,” 1100 Main St.
• “Wabash Waves” and “Resting Dancer,” Art Museum of Greater Lafayette
A year for celebrating in Lafayette
Look forward to these events during Lafayette’s 2025 Bicentennial year. And this is just the beginning. Details and dates may change. Go to Lafayette200.com for up-to-date information.
★ JANUARY
• January - LSC and TSC will kick off 200 hours of community service for the year in celebration of William Diby’s January birthday
• January 23 - Haan Museum - Legacy in Clay: Remembering Hay, Herrold, Kemp Kirchmann & Tuck, opening reception Thursday, January 23, 6-8 pm, exhbit runs through April 26, 2025
• Bicentennial retail items introduced to community; visit Lafayette200.com
★ FEBRUARY
• February 1 through July 13 - Art Museum of Greater Lafayette – Bicentennial Exhibition: Regionally Related Works from the Permanent Collection
• February 14, ‘200 reasons we love Lafayette’ banner and social posts
• Bicentennial pop-up history exhibits on display; locations and dates to be determined
★ MARCH
• March 1-2, Imagination Station’s ‘Magnificent Me’ exhibit with Bicentennial pop-up history exhibits on display
• Kick-off Bicentennial ‘Walk & Talk’ Tours downtown for spring break activity
• Rock it Out – painted rocks by LSC and TSC schools to be distributed around Lafayette; rocks donated by Wrede Rocks
★ APRIL
• April 6, Duncan Hall Afternoon Tea
• Downtown business window painting by LSC and TSC art classes and orgainzations
• Bicentennial ‘Walk & Talk’ Tours
• Kick-off of Bicentennial Poetry and Essay Contests with LSC and TSC schools
★ MAY
• May 2-30, TAF Exhibit – Quilting Connection, Lafayette Quilters at the Bicentennial
• Open Mic Night - Duncan Hall
• May 3 - Haan Museum - Generations 2025 Fine Art Exhibition and Sale; opening event Saturday, May 3, 2-5 pm. Exhibit runs May 4-31, 2025
• May 24, 25, 26 Memorial Day Weekend - Community events at Columbia Park:
Saturday – Discount Day on padel boats, train rides and zoo entrance
Sunday – Free inflatable amusement on Loeb Stadium field with movie night that evening
Monday - Lafayette Citizens Band’s Bicentennial Concert, Memorial Island Amphitheatre
• May 25 - City Founder’s Day
• Bicentennial ‘Walk & Talk’ Tours
★ JUNE
• June 8 - Afternoon Tea at Haan Museum, 2-4 pm
• June 12 - Haan Museum - Celebrating 200 Years of Lafayette Art & Culture, opening reception Thursday, June 12, 6-8 pm. Exhibit runs June 13 - August 9, 2025
• June 21 - TAF’s TASTE of Tippecanoe, Downtown Lafayette
• June 28, Premiere Event - Bicentennial Costume Ball with dinner/dance and live entertainment, Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds
• Bicentennial ‘Walk & Talk’ Tours
★ JULY
• July 1 - Long Center - Kick-off of Sydney Pollack Film Festival in celebration of Lafayette native’s birthday; festival runs July 11-13.
• July 11-August 1 - TAF Exhibit by Michelle Wood-Voglund - Grand and Gone: Lost Buildings of Lafayette
• July 4 - Citizens Band’s Stars and Stripes Concert with Fireworks, Riehle Plaza
• July 12 - Riverfest
• Bicentennial ‘Walk & Talk’ Tours
★ AUGUST
• August 2 - Lafayette’s Past and Future, Civic Theater Youth Performance, Jeff High School
• August 21 - Haan Museum - Hoosier Heritage on Canvas: Indiana Farms & Gardens; opening reception 6-8 pm; exhibit runs August 22 - December 28, 2025
• August 21 - Haan Museum - The Best of Scott Frankenburger, opening reception 6-8 pm; exhibit runs August 21 - October 26, 2025
• Bicentennial ‘Walk & Talk’ Tours
★ SEPTEMBER
• TCHA Bicentennial Book Launch Event - date and location to be determined
• September 6 - General Marquis de Lafayette’s birthday (tentative monument/sculpture dedication)
• September 12 - October 26 - Bicentennial-themed Corn Maze at Exploration Acres
• September 21 - Afternoon Tea at Haan Museum, 2 - 4 pm
• Bicentennial ‘Walk & Talk’ Tours
★ OCTOBER
• October 11-12 - Feast of the Hunter’s Moon
• October 13-17, Schools' Fall Break - Family Game Nights at Duncan Hall
• Bicentennial ‘Walk & Talk’ Tours
★ NOVEMBER
• November 28 - December 28, Holidays at the Haan Museum
★ DECEMBER
• December 6 - Christmas Parade - Christmases Past, Present and Future
A technician operates a specialized test machine to ensure the accuracy and reliability of HVAC control systems.
INNOVATION
» at the heart of Steiner Enterprises
ince opening its doors more than three decades ago, Lafayette-based Steiner Enterprises, a contract manufacturer specializing in designing, engineering and developing mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical devices, has created a reputation as innovators in design and manufacturing.
Before Steiner Enterprises was established, its founder, Ed Steiner, and current owner and president, Tom Hicks, worked for a local, fully integrated manufacturing company. Frustrated with the limitations and lack of cost competitiveness of designing products to be produced on in-house machinery, Steiner envisioned a solution. His solution was to create a contract manufacturing business that leveraged the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturers to produce components. This innovative approach would free product designs from the constraints of in-house tools and equipment, paving the way for greater flexibility and efficiency while reducing production costs.
Steiner’s vision became a reality with the founding of Steiner Enterprises. Together Steiner and Hicks began building a network of local and regional manufacturers. They tapped into the talents of Purdue University students and early retirees to handle assembly, packaging and shipping, creating a dynamic and resourceful team.
Director of Engineering Josh DeWitt analyzes technical drawings for precision and strategic alignment in project development.
"Our customers really take the lead when it comes to forecasting. We stay in close contact with them.... so we can stay on track."
“Steiner Enterprises started with a $200 purchase order from a customer in the science education market who is still doing business with us today,” Hicks says. “Within five years, Steiner grew to be a major supplier in the science education market before diversifying into new markets in the early 2000s.”
As the company continued to thrive, Steiner made the decision to step aside and retire in 2007. That’s when Don DeWitt stepped into the picture as a partner, bringing along his electrical engineering expertise and passion for innovation.
Among such innovative solutions include their strategy of independently run business units for specialized production teams. “By dividing our business into specialized teams, we ensure that each project gets the
Above: Steiner Enterprises has developed and utilizes an array of machines that ensure accurate component placement, such as the automated PCB assembly (top); fan cart testing that evaluates test apparatus before packaging and shipping (middle); and a data acquisition cart that analyzes motion, force and energy in mechanical systems (bottom).
focus it needs, leading to more effective project management and better results,” says DeWitt. “With a single point of contact who understands your company’s culture, we take full ownership of your project, saving you both time and money while boosting efficiency and reducing errors.”
“Today, Steiner employs about 50 full- and part-time team members and serves a diverse range of industries, including sports equipment, electronics, consumer products, industrial applications and the RV industry,” Hicks says.
As for everyday operations, it can be described in one word: innovation. The company designs, engineers and prototypes products to solve problems for its customers.
“Often, these problems involve a product concept or just a few ideas for a new product. We take those ideas, design a finished product, and handle the production, assembly and packaging to provide a truly turn-key solution for our customers,” says Hicks. “Other times, our customers will bring us an existing product that isn’t meeting their needs, whether it’s due to functionality, quality or supply chain issues. We can redesign the product to address their concerns and leverage our global supply network to ensure their production needs are met.” The components come into its facility, located in Lafayette on Coleman Court, where it is assembled, tested, packaged and shipped.
Among the company’s milestones include growth from a regional manufacturing supply chain to having a global presence with supply chains across the United States and Southeast Asia. The company also has received two Manufacturing Readiness Grants, assisting in expediting its prototyping processes and bringing products to market sooner.
“It’s a testament to the vision, innovation and teamwork that define our company,”
Hicks says.
“At our core, we are dedicated problem solvers, focused on creating innovative solutions through the products we manufacture, and the products we manufacture are the solutions to our customers’ unique challenges,” says Josh DeWitt, director of engineering. “Whether it’s a single unit or 300,000, we bring ideas to life—from a simple napkin sketch to a fully functioning product.”
As demand constantly shifts, Steiner makes it a priority to keep up with current needs.
“Our customers really take the lead when it comes to forecasting. We stay in close contact with them, and they provide us with their forecasts so we can stay on track,” says Operations Manager Dave Barrett. “We also make
“From concept to design, from design to prototype, from prototype to mass production, and from mass production to assembly and packaging, we enjoy being a part of every step of the process...”
sure to have regular conversations with both our customers and suppliers to stay on top of things and make sure we’re ready to meet demand as it changes.”
Though Steiner serves clients throughout the United States, it certainly hasn’t forgotten its roots. “We have had good success working with and employing Purdue students as well as students from local high schools for summer employment,” says Wanda Miller, human resources manager. “We take pride in knowing that the experience they gain with us gives them a competitive edge in the job market.
“The leadership at Greater Lafayette Commerce has played a pivotal role in helping us establish valuable local connections. We have several business partners in the Greater Lafayette area that we rely upon as a critical part of our supply chain.”
In a field with an ever-growing amount of competition, Hicks says that unwavering passion for providing turn-key solutions that drive success and growth for its
A technician carefully prepares high-precision aluminum tracks for shipment, ensuring quality and protection during transit.
customers is the motivating factor to stand out among the crowd.
“From concept to design, from design to prototype, from prototype to mass production, and from mass production to assembly and packaging, we enjoy being a part of every step of the process,” Hicks says. “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We’re non-traditionalists who thrive on change and constantly look for new ways to improve and evolve.”
While the most recent growth has been in the RV market, Hicks says the company continues to explore expansion into other industries.
“As we continue to expand into new industries, we are dedicated to growing our engineering team and establishing additional business units to support new customers, innovative products and increased demand for assembly workers,” he says. “Whether you’re an engineer seeking a rewarding and challenging role, or a student or retiree interested in a flexible schedule,
we encourage you to reach out to explore the opportunities available as we embrace our continued growth and development.”
At the end of the day, one of Steiner’s greatest and most appreciated strengths is the client-customer relationship, making it known that they are more than just a vendor; they are a partner.
“Whether we’re creating something entirely new or enhancing an existing product, every product we produce is driven by the need to solve a problem for our customers,” says Josh DeWitt. “If there is an engineering, quality or supply chain solution we can provide, let us know how we can help. We’re always looking for new challenges.”
For additional information, including contacts, visit steineronline.com ★
A technician operates a digital thermostat test apparatus that allows precision testing and ensures accurate calibration and functionality of digital thermostats.
Advanced SLA 3D Printing Lab: These fast, precision-engineered printers allow for high-detail prototyping and complex geometries and were funded in part with an award from an Indiana Manufacturing Readiness Grant. This cutting-edge setup accelerates product development, enabling quicker market entry with rapid turnaround times.
BY BRAD OPPENHEIM PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV
Sagamore Parkway Trail extends, enhances
Greater Lafayette trails experience
After several years in the making, the cities of Lafayette and West Lafayette are jointly celebrating an addition to Greater Lafayette’s expansive trail network.
As part of the Wabash River Enhancement Corp.’s (WREC) ongoing commitment in promoting outdoor recreation and conservation in Greater Lafayette, the Lafayette portion of the Sagamore Parkway Trail, linking to the newly built West Lafayette portion, officially opened in October 2024. The new trail offers users multimodal connections to and from parks, neighborhoods, existing trail networks and business and retail destinations.
Planning for the trail, which spans 1.5 miles between the two cities, began in 2016 following the replacement of the Sagamore Parkway eastbound bridge over the Wabash River. The new bridge added a protected sidewalk for pedestrians to safely cross.
Stretching 0.9 miles in Lafayette and 0.6 miles in West Lafayette, the trail has connections to additional paths in both cities. It’s designed for hiking, biking and nature walks, and some of its amenities include
scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing areas, rest areas and accessibility to individuals of all abilities. It not only offers a space for physical activity and relaxation, but also serves as a vital connector to the Wabash River, encouraging an appreciation for the natural environment that surrounds it.
“The trail’s prominent location has also increased public awareness, reinforcing our commitment to expanding and improving our trail system,” says Myles Holtsclaw, senior community development manager at the City of Lafayette’s Economic Development Department.
As for funding, West Lafayette City Engineer Natalia Bartos says the West Lafayette portion cost roughly $6 million, of which 20% was funded by West Lafayette’s
Redevelopment Commission and 80% was funded by the Indiana Department of Transportation. On the Lafayette side, officials used a $2.7 million grant from Indiana’s Next Level Trails program to help build the trail. Administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the $180 million program is the largest infusion of trails funding in state history.
“The Sagamore Parkway Trail is a game changer for the Greater Lafayette trail network,” Holtsclaw says. “Before its completion, there was no continuous loop connecting Lafayette and West Lafayette. Cyclists could use the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge for a safe, bike-friendly crossing but had to either turn back or use one of the less bike-friendly bridges designed for vehicular
traffic. The Sagamore Parkway Trail now resolves this problem by offering cyclists the option to cross the river at either the pedestrian bridge or the Sagamore Parkway Trail, seamlessly connecting to existing trail networks.”
As far as feedback from the Greater Lafayette community, it’s been overwhelmingly positive.
“Its strategic location has generated significant attention, and there was a great deal of excitement leading up to its completion,” he says. “Since the trail only officially opened at the end of October, there hasn’t been much time for people to fully experience it yet. However, we’re hopeful that by next spring we will see a surge in activity along this trail and the connecting routes.”
Bartos says, “Our (West Lafay-
ette) engineering department has received positive feedback. Users appreciate the scenery and cycling opportunities.”
According to West Lafayette officials, a parking lot will be constructed at nearly the halfway point of the trail, as part of the WREC - READI 1.0 Wabash River Greenway Project. Individuals will be able to access the start of the West Lafayette portion near the Goodwill store on Sagamore Parkway W, and a halfway point via road access off the Sagamore Parkway westbound ramp.
Michelle Brantley, director of communications for the City of West Lafayette, says the trail will be open 24/7, but individuals should always keep safety in mind. In 2025, there are plans to install solar lighting
along the West Lafayette portion of the trail, improving visibility and safety for trail-goers in low-lit areas. These lights will be installed on the tops of existing fence posts along the trail.
As for future expansions, according to DNR, these projects are the first of multiple-funded trail projects, expected to create an eightmile looped section of the Wabash River Greenway connecting the communities, county and Purdue University to each other; Prophetstown State Park, and seven local, municipal and county parks.
Officials on the West Lafayette side say there are plans to connect the trail to Soldiers Home Road with construction beginning as early as 2028.
“West Lafayette’s trail system has
approximately 37 miles of paved trails and 15 miles of footpaths, and we’re always expanding,” says West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Superintendent Kathy Lozano. If you have yet to experience Greater Lafayette’s vast trail system, officials on both side of the river encourage you to take advantage of what the community has to offer.
“The Greater Lafayette trail system is an excellent resource for both cyclists and pedestrians,” Holtsclaw says. “If you haven’t yet explored the trails, now is the perfect time to start.”
“West Lafayette offers an extensive trail network that provides numerous benefits for residents and visitors alike,” Brantley says. “Engaging with these trails can enhance physical health, mental well-being
We’ve got you covered with three unique community center campuses. Visit us online to check out what we have to offer or stop by to see us. We’ll be happy to show you around!
and connection to the community. To get started, I encourage residents and visitors to plan their visit by identifying a nearby trail that aligns with their interests and fitness level. Many trails have multiple access points and varying lengths to accommodate different preferences.”
Brantley also encourages individuals to join group activities such as organized walks, runs or biking events, making the experience more enjoyable and opening the opportunity to make connections with others who enjoy utilizing the trails.
Holtsclaw says with the right preparation, winter can be one of the best times to explore the trail systems, but he wants users to be mindful and follow proper trail etiquette to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience.
“Always stay on the right side of the trail, except when passing other users, he reminds. “Before overtaking someone, make sure to communicate your intentions by calling out or ringing a bell. Be mindful to yield to slower trail users and uphill traffic. And remember the simple rule: “Wheels Yield to Heels” — cyclists should always give priority to pedestrians and other non-wheel users on the trail.” ★
For an interactive look at the entire trail network throughout Greater Lafayette, visit: homeofpurdue.com/things-to-do/ nature-and-outdoors/hiking-andbiking-trails
West Lafayette Mayor Erin Easter and Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski (center) helped celebrate the trail's opening in October 2024.
Affordable living options for all
As Greater Lafayette grows, so does the need for affordable housing.
A handful of projects are underway to alleviate that necessity. Some repurpose land that once was home to a high school and a hospital. Another will bring new life to a historic block in downtown Lafayette. A fourth project will reside in the heart of southside Lafayette business and recreational areas. »
ANVIL 26 APARTMENTS
After sitting unused for several years, a parcel located at the former Home Hospital site on S. 26th Street has been tapped as the location for the latest venture from Iron Men Properties.
“This site is perfectly located in the heart of the healthy east side of Lafayette with access to Columbian Park, Murdock Park and the businesses and retail outlets along State Road 26,” says Joe Blake, co-owner of Iron Men Properties. “The mission of Iron Men Properties is to look for opportunities to invest in ways that will benefit communities and encourage additional investment.”
Anvil 26 will have 79 units with a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two bed/two bath apartments. A garage will be provided under the apartments in addition to street-level parking behind the apartments.
Blake says prices for the units are yet to be established but he promises the rates will be similar to other new apartment projects in Lafayette.
“We expect that this property will appeal to Purdue and Ivy Tech students as well as senior citizens looking to downsize,” Blake says. “The building will be a nice place to live – nice finishes, great location, attentive management – an overall pleasant home.”
Blake says the plan is for construction to begin this winter with a projected completion date of spring/summer 2026.
“We want to add something to this corner that will be a source of pride for the community for decades to come,” he says. “I hope that we have the privilege of doing many more projects in Lafayette.”
THE JEFFERSONIAN
The Jefferson Historic District will be the site of another apartment building from Homestead Resources, which developed the Historic Jeff Senior Centre Apartments on the former high school site off N. Ninth Street.
“The Jeffersonian was an extension of our affordable housing in the community and increased the number of multi-family apartment rental units we could provide to seniors in the community,” says Morgan Hoover, associate executive director, philanthropy and marketing for Homestead Resources. “Through tax credits, philanthropic investment and government and corporate partnerships we were able to bring another 50 affordable rental units to the Greater Lafayette community.
“The neighborhood leadership is extremely strong in the historic Jeff neighborhood. They have in-depth knowledge of the neighborhood needs and a vision for what the neighbors want and desire in their community. We are honored to be a partner in the historic Jeff neighborhood’s community development and revitalization efforts.”
Seniors 55 and over along with residents who have disabilities are The Jeffersonian’s target audience.
“There is a shortage of affordable housing in the community, and one of the vulnerable populations in our community is seniors,” Hoover says. “We want to make sure seniors have the opportunity to live in a safe and affordable community that meets their needs to age in place and be connected to community amenities that improve their quality of life.”
One- and two-bedroom layouts will be made available in a smoke-free environment. Free parking will be available for residents and their caregivers.
Construction is underway with a targeted completion date of December 2025.
The old Jefferson High School may be gone but the Jeffersonian will celebrate the school’s athletic legacy with a showcase of donated Jeff sports memorabilia that will be collected throughout the next year. The gymnasium was home to three state championship basketball teams before a new high school was opened on S. 18th Street in 1969.
Anyone interested in donating sports memorabilia should contact Homestead Resources by email, marketing@homestead-resources.org.
JOHN PURDUE BLOCK
Easily the most visible of the new housing projects, the John Purdue Block Apartments are under construction between the two bridges over the Wabash River on Second Street.
The project, a joint venture of Barrett & Stokely, Inc., and Third Street Ventures, LLC, “will set a new standard for luxury multifamily living in Indiana,” according to CEO Bryan Barrett of Barrett & Stokely.
Plans call for a blend of modern architecture and historic preservation for the six story, mixed-use structure. The John Purdue Block will offer 157 multifamily units, commercial space and residential amenities that include a pool overlooking the Wabash River and a 161-car parking garage.
The apartments will feature oversized windows, private balconies, premium finishes and high ceilings.
“The John Purdue Block development is a shining example of how public and private partnerships can shape the future of our city,” Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski says. “This project not only enhances the downtown landscape but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable economic growth. The demand for downtown living and commercial space continues to be attractive for many individuals and businesses.”
The project cost is estimated to be more than $56 million, with approximately $6 million funded through tax increment financing from the John Purdue Block Allocation Area.
Anticipated completion date is June 30, 2026.
SNOWY OWL COMMONS
The project coming to Twyckenham Blvd. will offer 50 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units complete with an attached garage and in-unit washers and dryers.
Designed to meet the affordable housing needs of people 55 and over, Snowy Owl rents will range from $443 to $950 a month for tenants earning 30 to 80 percent Area Median Income.
Amenities will include a community building, pickleball courts and raised gardens. A trail will connect to Twyckenham Trail, which provides access to the nearby grocery store and dog park.
Snowy Owl Commons is a partnership between Area IV Development, Inc., and Keller Development, Inc. The project is expected to be completed by November 2025. Elva James, executive director for Area IV, says there is a waiting list of 250 individuals for this project. James says she hopes to send out flyers to those on the waiting list around June. Processing applications and leasing is expected to begin in August.
Snowy Owl was made possible through mixed funding opportunities to include five home units for seniors 62 and older as well as 10 units for special needs residents. Other funding is coming from the State of Indiana Develoment Funds, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and City of Lafayette HOME funds. Readiness funds will assist with infrastructure development.
James says it is the corporate mission of Area IV Development, Inc., to provide affordable housing and community economic development projects that benefit low-income persons, older adults, persons with intellectual disabilities and other special needs populations who reside in mid-northwestern Indiana. ★
Stunning gift of Degas sculptures finds a home at Purdue All together now
As a Purdue University student in the 1950s, Avrum Gray was so busy with mechanical engineering classes that he had very little time for the arts and humanities.
“I think I must have had two, maybe three, liberal arts courses in four years,” says Gray, who graduated with an ME degree in 1956. “You were immersed in engineering. That’s the way it was.”
Today, nearly seven decades after his graduation from Purdue, a high-profile gift from Gray to the university’s College of Liberal Arts – a collection of 74 bronze sculptures by the French impressionist Edgar Degas – has the potential to change the way students across colleges, disciplines and majors engage with the arts on campus.
The gift, which was announced by Purdue in February 2023, is valued at more than $21 million, with a market value of as much as $52 million and represents the largest gift in the history of the College of Liberal Arts. It immediately elevated the profile of Purdue Galleries, which is now one of the world’s premiere repositories of Degas’ artwork.
The collection – which includes “La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans (Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen),” one of the artist’s most iconic works – went
on view to the public in September in a new, specially designed gallery in the Purdue Memorial Union. The opening was accompanied by much fanfare and even international publicity, as it is believed to be the only complete collection of Degas sculptures currently on display anywhere in the world.
“This would be a significant contribution to most museums or collections. And for us, it’s a game-changer,” said Arne Flaten, head of Purdue’s Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance and professor of art history, in September, when the exhibition opened. That it has been given to Purdue University – an institution known for its STEM programs, and the only Big Ten institution without an art museum – is particularly notable.
“Art at Purdue will thrive as an essential dimension of a leading institution of higher learning,” Purdue President Mung Chiang said in a statement.
“The visionary generosity from Av Gray brings the largest collection of Degas sculptures to our campus, and we are truly excited about the transformational impact to the creation of beauty by Boilermakers.”
Edgar Degas, 1834-1917
A French impressionist artist active in the late 19th century, Degas is renowned for his depictions of modern urban life – including ballet classes, dance performances and horse races. Though he is known primarily for his pastel drawings and oil paintings, Degas also created 150 small wax, clay and plaster sculptures – representations of dancers and horses and studies of the human body – that were discovered in his studio after his death in 1917. In Degas’ lifetime, only the sculpture called “Little Dancer” was ever displayed. The rest of the figures were working models that, like some artists’ rough sketches, were never intended to be viewed by the public.
“Scholars think that he was making this set of sculptures to inform his two-dimensional work,” says Erika Kvam, Purdue Galleries director and head curator. In forming the sculptures, the artist could study movement or musculature before he ever put his brush to canvas, and by posing them he could observe the play of light and shadow over the lines and curves.
After his death, Degas’ heirs elected to commission bronzes of 74 of these sculptures – choosing the figures that were most complete or most representative of his work. Starting in 1919, a limited edition of 22 sets were cast by the Hébrard Foundry in Paris. One of those sets is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
Decades later, in the 1990s, the plaster casts for the sculptures were rediscovered, and 29 more sets were produced by the Valsuani Foundry in France, and it is one of these sets that was eventually purchased by the collector Avrum Gray.
‘I got the bug’
After graduating from Purdue in 1956, Gray served as a second lieutenant in the United States Army before returning home to Glencoe, Illinois, to begin a job in automotive manufacturing – a career that lasted 25 years. A second career as an executive in money management and venture capitalism lasted another 25 years.
“I was sort of a workaholic,” Gray says.
Through the years, Gray maintained a relationship with his alma mater. In 2006, Gray and his wife established the Avrum and Joyce Gray Directorship in Purdue’s Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship. In 2019, Gray was honored with Purdue’s Outstanding Mechanical Engineer Award.
Gray began building his art collection not long after his graduation from Purdue, as a young professional.
“I got the bug and was able to act on it,” says Gray, who had an eye for impressionist and early modern artwork, including works by Picasso, Monet and Kandinsky. “What I could afford were works on paper, so I found ones I liked, and I bought them.”
About 15 years ago, Gray purchased a complete set of Degas bronze sculptures through an art dealer. He displayed a few pieces, including “Little Dancer,” in his home, and kept the rest in storage.
“I mean, where do you put 74 pieces?” Gray chuckles. “Believe me, my house wasn’t big enough.”
Now, at age 89, Gray is taking care to ensure that his art collection will be cared for and accessible to future generations. He chose Purdue as the beneficiary of the Degas sculptures because he felt confident that they would have more impact on campus than at a renowned art museum.
“One of the difficulties with many of the museums – including the Art Institute [of Chicago], which I’m familiar with – is they have so much art, but they only have so many walls,” Gray says. “And in their sub-sub-basements, or wherever they keep their extra stuff, they’ve got enough art to fill up two or three institutions.
Class of 1956 alumni Avrum Gray donated 74 bronze Degas sculptures to the university, the single largest gift in the history of the College of Liberal Arts. The collection is valued at more than $21 million with a market value of as much as $52 million.
provided by Purdue University - College of Liberal Arts
Photo
“I wanted the art to be seen,” Gray continues. “To me, art should be enjoyed by people. And to have it go to some place that’ll put it in the basement and take it out every five years or something – that just didn’t feel right to me.”
Discussions with Purdue officials about the gift began in earnest in 2021. As the two parties worked to finalize the arrangement, Gray made it clear that he wanted to keep the collection intact, and that he would love to see the sculptures displayed together. Although in policy and practice, museums and other institutions do not usually accept gifts with conditions, university administrators and faculty members involved in the talks took his wishes into consideration.
“Av said, ‘I would really love to see this collection all together, all at once, even just for a week, even just for a day. That’s really important to me,’ ” Kvam recalls. At his home, “he had never been able to get it all out, to have it on display for a length of time. So that was kind of the guiding principle.”
An earthquake during the eclipse during the blue moon
From the beginning, Kvam says, Purdue administrators were on board, offering resources and support as Purdue Galleries prepared to receive and display the collection.
“We could not have been more supported by both the college and the President’s office,” Kvam says.
Without a dedicated art museum, Purdue had no existing gallery space ready to display the Degas collection. Various campus locations were considered for the exhibition, but, according to Kvam, Purdue President Chiang insisted that they use a space on the second floor of the Purdue Memorial Union –arguably the most visible and accessible building on campus.
“Essentially he said, ‘No, we’re not going to put this in some random building on campus. I want this in the Union. You can have the Sagamore Room,’ ” she recalls.
Kvam describes the opportunity to transform what was once a dark, wood-paneled faculty dining room
into a light-filled showcase for celebrated artwork as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“This sort of planning is not something that happens in one’s museum career. This is something like an earthquake happening during an eclipse during the blue moon, to be able to design the space around a collection of this caliber,” says Kvam, who, along with assistant professor of interior design Laura Bittner, was given “an incredibly healthy budget” to dream up a gallery space, from the tiles on the floor to the overhead lighting. “There was no road map. There was no person I could call and say, ‘Can you tell me how you did this?’ because it’s just not something that happens all that often.”
The Degas exhibition opened to the public on Sept. 18 in Room 231 of the Purdue Memorial Union, with the iconic “Little Dancer,” standing 39 inches high and wearing a sleeveless bodice and cloth tutu, prominently displayed near the entrance. The other sculptures – representing different themes found in Degas’ work, including dancers, bathers and horses – are arrayed in custom-designed cases at various heights throughout the gallery, so that they can be visible at once from a single vantage point.
Closer inspection reveals scratches from the artist’s tools, pinch marks from his fingers, and the wire armature undergirding the figures and makes it clear that Degas’ original sculptures were all in different stages of completion. Three sculptures arranged in the same display case, for instance, show dancers in identical poses: limbs stretched, muscles taught. But while one sculpture is very rough and almost rudimentary, the second and third are subsequently more polished, with details more finely rendered, as if the artist was practicing, reworking and refining his process with each attempt.
“This is, to our knowledge, the only display of all 74 of his sculptures all together in a single gallery. And that is extraordinary in and of itself,” Kvam says. “But I think that the fact that it is so accessible to our visitors – it’s in the PMU, right upstairs from the atrium and the big map – tells them how much importance is placed on this collection.”
“You can go to the Guggenheim and there will be a handful of these kinds of things on display, and you can go to other places for a few of them, but you really don’t ever get to see all of them anywhere. And this is the only complete collection of them in the Western Hemisphere,” Flaten says. “So, this was a really sort of exciting opportunity for a place like Purdue University to really double down on doing it right.”
‘Leaps and bounds’
Indeed, the exhibition has attracted a lot of attention to the university and helps to put Purdue on the map not just as an excellent engineering and STEM-based school, but also as a destination for arts and culture.
“A lot of people come here thinking about Neil Armstrong and Amelia Earhart, and now there are other reasons to think about Purdue,” Flaten says.
In November, Kate Saragosa traveled from Melrose, Mass., to West Lafayette for Fall Family Weekend. Her son, Adam, enrolled as a freshman earlier in the fall and plans to major in statistics. The weekend’s busy schedule included a football game, campus tours and dinners out, but Saragosa
made sure also to fit in a visit to the Degas exhibition, which she learned about in a “Purdue News Weekly” newsletter.
“I was very excited, because I’ve always been a huge Degas fan,” says Saragosa, who then posted about the exhibition on social media. “I was excited to tell friends that Purdue has this Degas exhibit. It definitely is a special, unique addition that they’re very lucky to have. It’s something to add to the pride of Purdue.”
Flaten emphasizes that the exhibition is not the end-all, but rather a step in the right direction. The Degas collection, while exciting and ground-breaking on its own, also helps to boost awareness and increase visibility of Purdue’s other arts and culture programs and offerings.
“Purdue has been playing catch-up in the arts, and I don’t think that Purdue’s mission should ever be to sacrifice one for the other,” Flaten says. “Purdue is big enough and strong enough and so well known that you don’t have to give up on one to be excellent in the other. And that’s sort of where we’re moving right now – to be excellent in all these areas.”
Abby Zickmund, a 2023 Purdue graduate in visual communication design, visited the Degas exhibition in November. To her, the collection represents a shift in priorities at Purdue.
“Purdue dominates the world of STEM in many areas. As an art student, or any student not in STEM, it was easy to feel left behind,” Zickmund says. “The Degas Collection on display puts the studio arts and technology program and the College of Liberal Arts on display. The hard efforts and brilliant teachers in the college will not easily be forgotten after this successful collection and gallery opening.”
Some are hopeful that the Degas acquisition takes the university one step closer to realizing the dream of a university art museum.
“The Degas collection helps us move in that direction,” Flaten says. “In and of itself, it’s terrific as it is. But the implications of where it could lead us down the road, if we’re patient and we’re focused,
could be really exciting.”
“Basically, this collection deserves to be in a museum,” Kvam says. “I think that it has put Purdue Galleries and our permanent collection on the radar of more people than we have ever been on before. Therefore, we are leaps and bounds closer to possibly having a museum than we have been before. I am hopeful that enough people are recognizing that, firstly, Purdue is the only Big Ten institution without a museum, and secondly, that this is actually a possibility for us. Hopefully we will be considered when the next building is being planned or strategic plan is being drawn up.”
For the time being, though, any talk about a Purdue University art museum is merely hope and speculation. And any realization of that dream would be years in the future. In the meantime, the Degas exhibition will be on view in the Purdue Memorial Union through at least the end of the year. Although Purdue Galleries’ lease on the space expires in December, Kvam says she is “cautiously optimistic” that funding will come through to keep the exhibition there indefinitely. If not, she says, she is considering options for relocating the collection.
“It’s such a beautiful space and so much time and money and energy was put into making that happen. It would be hard for me to imagine that that’s going away anytime soon,” Flaten says.
‘You still have to fail’
The fact that the Degas collection does not have a permanent home on campus does not mean that it doesn’t belong at Purdue, Kvam stresses. As the recipient of a renowned collection of Degas sculpture, the university was an unconventional choice. At the same time, it’s a very natural fit, she says.
“It is surprising that it is here, but it is quite obviously beneficial to this particular campus. I think that it may have had an impact at someplace like the art institute or the Met. But because it’s so unexpected here, it actually has a greater impact in the lives of our campus and our community.”
Flaten suggests that there are many different
ways that students can engage with the artwork within their majors. Kinesiology majors can study the musculature and movement of the dancers. Chemistry students can analyze the make-up of the bronze medium. Computer science students can practice 3D modeling of the figures. “Hopefully there will be an opportunity to start slowly, bringing in other parts of the campus to collaborate on different ways that these can be used and studied and catalogued,” he says.
If nothing else, the collection can inspire all scholars to think like artists, Kvam says. The exhibition reveals just how much study and effort and practice and failure go into the act of creation.
“A lot of people just kind of assume that artwork is either there, or it’s not; you are either an artist, or you’re not; you’re creative, or you just don’t have that. And the fact of the matter is that even if you are a world-renowned artist, you still have to practice and practice and practice. And you still have to fail. And you still have to figure out why you failed. And you still have to go through and learn.”
And, in the words of the donor, Avrum Gray: “You’ve got to broaden your education. For Purdue students to see a different side of the world by seeing art – I think it’s the right thing.” ★
Working together on jobs, housing, transportation, childcare, and prosperity.
Ask The Experts:
The Greater Lafayette Commerce Ask the Experts program is perfect for you. Greater Lafayette Commerce is teaming with experienced professionals who have the skills you’re looking for to help you overcome challenges and provide you with perspective and direction.
Ask the Experts provides small business owners with the information they need while also facilitating the development of lasting professional relationships.
Katie Westfall - Express Employment Professionals
Katie Westfall is a proud 42-year-old Lafayette native with deep roots in the community. She currently serves as the District Operations Director for Express Employment Professionals, a national leader in the recruiting industry, a role she has held for the past five years. Passionate about fostering growth and development, Katie is dedicated to empowering her team of skilled recruiters and support staff, consistently seeking innovative ways to encourage team building and create opportunities for professional growth. Her guiding mantra, “Take care of your team, and they will take care of your clients just the same,” reflects her commitment to a people-first approach. Outside of work, Katie is actively involved in the Greater Lafayette community, serving on multiple nonprofit boards and volunteering her time to causes she cares about. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Lafayette's Class 52, where she gained invaluable leadership insights to further support her mission to give back to the community.
Addressing the challenge of finding strong candidates with specialized skills
As hiring top talent continues to evolve, we are seeing some new challenges emerge that industries in Greater Lafayette are not immune to. One of the most pressing issues is the growing shortage of candidates with specialized skills, particularly in fields such as skilled trades, advanced manufacturing and traditional office services roles. Employers will face increasing difficulty securing candidates with the “right” skills and experience, as the demand for these qualifications far exceeds the available talent pool. In fact, current trends show there are three open jobs for every available qualified candidate. On top of this, companies must recruit talent who are not only technically proficient but also fit within their organizational culture. As collaboration and teamwork become increasingly essential in many industries, a lack of cultural alignment could lead to poor performance and high turnover. Additionally, maintaining competitive compensation and benefits packages will be vital, as employees now expect more than just a salary—work-life balance, flexibility, and opportunities for career growth will be key to attracting the talent necessary to take organizations to the next level of growth they hope to achieve.
As the job market becomes more competitive, employers will need to adopt a variety of strategies to address these challenges. One effective approach will be a shift toward skills-based hiring. Rather than focusing solely on traditional qualifications or academic degrees, companies will need to put an emphasis on prioritizing practical skills, relatable hands-on experience and relevant certifications. This strategy will allow employers to tap into a broader pool of candidates, particularly those with specialized skills gained through non-traditional learning paths, such as online courses, professional development programs and industry certifications. Skills-based hiring also will open doors for individuals looking to change careers or re-enter the workforce after a break, fostering greater diversity and inclusion within organizations.
I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up my personal passion for soft skills. As a hiring manager myself for Express Employment Professionals, I am a huge advocate for focusing on these attributes, as they are qualities that cannot be developed through traditional training or coaching. While technical skills and experience are undeniably important, it’s often the soft skills—such as communication, adaptability, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and teamwork—that truly determine a candidate’s success within an organization. These qualities are crucial for building strong relationships with colleagues, fostering a positive work environment and ensuring that employees can thrive in dynamic, fast-paced industries.
Additionally, to combat the ever-evident skill shortages and boost employee retention, employers also should consider investing in upskilling and reskilling opportunities internally. By offering existing employees the chance to learn new skills, companies can ensure their workforce remains adaptable and competitive. This approach also can reduce turnover, as employees who feel supported in their professional development are more likely to stay with the organization long term.
Lastly, as candidate expectations evolve, employers must dedicate time and effort to creating a more personalized and engaging recruiting process. While this may seem daunting for hiring managers or HR teams, it is crucial in today’s ever-evolving demographic and modern talent pool. Building a sense of belonging, fostering open dialogue and tailoring job roles and career development plans to meet the unique needs of each individual will help organizations build stronger, more engaged teams. By combining strategies like skills-based hiring, internal development programs, a focus on cultural fit, and personalized recruitment, employers will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of hiring in 2025 and beyond.
BRUNO'S
Iconic restaurant starts next chapter with new digs, old favorites
Bruno Itin, Jr.
BY CINDY GERLACH
Every community has its landmarks,
those businesses that define them. For West Lafayette, Bruno’s Pizza is one of those institutions. For nearly 70 years, the name Bruno’s has meant pizza, Bruno Dough, beer and Swiss favorites with a local twist.
But it’s more than a restaurant. Bruno’s is a sense of place. Bruno’s is, first and foremost, about family. It’s about community, about nostalgia. And Bruno’s wants everyone to share in that feeling.
The West Lafayette pizza place is an institution. Bruno Itin, Sr. opened the original Bruno’s Swiss Inn in 1955 at the corner of what is now State Street and North River Road. Expansion of that intersection back in the late ’90s forced the demolition of the original building, with a replacement opening across the way at Brown Street and Howard Avenue.
Now, with that space being ceded to plans by an Indianapolis developer, it’s moved on to yet a third iteration of the Swiss-inspired pizza chalet, this time at 2512 Covington St. in West Lafayette, next door to Brokerage Brewery.
And full restaurant operations have been handed down to a new generation of the Itin family, with Bruno Itin, Jr.’s daughters Holly Beattie, Krista Rodriguez and Angela McDonald taking the helm.
For the sisters, who grew up immersed in the atmosphere of Bruno’s, it’s the natural place for them to land. Because for the sisters, Bru-
no’s is all about a family legacy.
When Bruno’s closed its doors in February 2024, the sisters really thought that this second closing of the doors might be it.
“There was a real moment in time where it felt like a real possibility that Bruno’s might be done,” Beattie says. “It still gives me chills even thinking about that. Because I remember those feelings and that last day of working and thinking this is the last pizza that we’re going to make.
“Change is hard. Those last weeks at 212 [Brown St.] were really difficult. We knew what was happening and there were tears. You could just feel a sense of sadness. And I think that moving into this transition, there was always this feeling of, how can we ever recreate that? And in
some ways, you can’t. There are just some things in life that cannot be recreated. But they can be honored.”
“We never gave up hope, though,” Rodriguez chimes in.
The family was open to a new location. But so many pieces had to fall into place to find something suitable. They were alerted to the possibility on Covington Street, but it took some time for the deal to come together.
“We had been looking for a place,” Beattie recalls. “But the right thing had not come up. And it seemed like every road wasn’t the right road. And the last thing we wanted to do was get into something … you can’t force these things. We closed on a Wednesday, and on Friday got the call.
“The space had possibilities. We
could add a pizza kitchen. There were weeks of ‘Can it fit? Can we get our pizza oven in there? Can we make it functional?’ And we did.”
“We wanted to find something that would be a good fit for Bruno’s,” Rodriguez says. “There are certainly a lot of options around town. But we really wanted the neighborhood feel. Something unique, something a little bit different, personal, something that would be easily accessible for the community, with parking.
Proximity to where people live and work. So, we’re really excited about being here.”
It’s been fun, they say, recreating a beloved eatery in a new location. There are, naturally, challenges. They brought over as much from the old place as possible – tables and chairs, light fixtures, memora-
bilia, stained glass — even the pizza ovens. But as anyone who has ever moved can attest, not everything fit just right, so there have been adjustments.
One of the biggest challenges is the dining room. The former dining room seated 275 people; the current one now seats only about 50. Only a portion of Bruno’s famed sports memorabilia collection is on display.
“The size is the biggest difference,” Beattie says. “A lot of people in the community could come to Bruno’s and there was always a table. There was this welcoming feeling of ‘bring the team, bring the family, there’s room for everyone.’ And we still have that, just on a smaller scale.”
They have worked to come up with creative solutions. The foyer is not large enough to accommodate
dozens of people waiting to pick up a pizza. The answer? Send them next door to sit at Brokerage Brewery and have a beer while they wait; a text message lets them know when the pizza is ready. Or they can get their pizza to go and eat it at Brokerage.
“So many people say they can walk up or maybe they live close by and they’ll order a pizza for carry-out and go next door and enjoy a beverage while they wait for it,” Rodriguez says. “It’s been so much fun to see people enjoying themselves.”
It’s been a fun collaboration, they say, establishing a partnership with Brokerage. The two local, family-owned businesses blend well together. And Brokerage has even crafted a Bruno’s Swiss lager.
“It was released on our opening day,” Rodriguez says. “We also serve
it on draft. Switzerland is near and dear to our heart and our history. It’s kind of fun to see that merge together.”
And Bruno’s responded in kind, adding a Brokerage pizza to its menu, featuring pulled pork, red onions and a beer cheese drizzle.
“It has gone over really well,” Rodriguez says. “It’s just one other nice way that we complement each other.”
The Itin sisters feel as if they’re home again. With the support of their dad and familiar employees, they can look out at the restaurant on any given night, regular customers at the tables, and feel comfortable with the transition.
“We’ve been so fortunate to have employees return that worked with our grandfather at the original loca-
tion,” Rodriguez says. “So, they’ve been with Bruno’s over 40 years. And many others, 20-plus years. It was incredible, on opening night, to look around and see all these employees who’ve been around, who really we grew up with. They’ve been around our whole life. It really does feel like a team.”
Management has passed to the younger group. And they could not be happier — even if working at the family restaurant was not always in their plans.
“When my own children were little, I left and did some different things, but there was always a part of me that had hoped to be in this position someday,” Rodriguez says.
McDonald adds, “I tried to find something else, but I just kept coming back.”
Recreating the magic of Bru-
no’s has brought the sisters great satisfaction. Running a restaurant is hard work — that’s undeniable, they say. But the rewards make it worthwhile. Seeing happy families generation upon generation — enjoying themselves in a new place that still feels familiar brings them joy.
“I enjoy what I do and it’s great to be able to do it with family,” Rodriguez says. “And to get back to seeing all our regular customers that we’ve missed while we were closed.”
The feedback from customers has made it clear, too, that this new version of the restaurant is wanted. And they’re pleased to be able to bring it back to life.
“It’s always been such a special place, not just for our family but for our customers and the commu-
nity,” Beattie says. “And that’s one of my favorite things, hearing from customers, whether it’s their first date or an anniversary dinner or a birthday celebration, even end-oflife celebrations, that people choose to spend their time at Bruno’s. It just makes it so special.
“It makes it feel like it’s not work. It’s just something we really enjoy.” ★
EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS has exceeded goals in local job placement
Since 1993, Greater Lafayette Commerce has been selecting Small Business of the Year winners, and this year Express Employment Professionals was selected due to its prominence and success within the Greater Lafayette community for the 2024 year. Notably, Express Employment Professionals originally won Small Business of the Month in August 2023.
The success in 2024 can be attributed to the exceedingly passionate staff and leadership of owner Chuck Fish and director of operations Katie Westfall. The local effort of the company can be credited to meeting the goals and fulfilling the company’s mission statement:
“Our mission is to honor the unique value of every applicant, associate, and client, fostering an environ-
ment that enhances the quality of life and business success for all.”
In response to winning Small Business of the Year, Westfall says, “We were truly excited and honored to receive the notification. It brought a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, knowing that we were meeting the needs of our community and making a positive impact in the Greater Lafayette area.”
Fish and Westfall state that several key changes in the organization helped improve service, including enhancing recruitment and training processes to ensure that Express Employment Professionals consistently matched the right talent with the right clients. It also has invested in new advanced technology that has helped the business to “streamline
communication, improve efficiency and better track performance,” according to Westfall.
Westfall adds that improvements also have occurred that focus on fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. This effort has promoted continuous improvement, making sure the team stays motivated and united with the needs of the clients.
These various changes have permitted Express Employment Professionals to provide exceptional service and generate a meaningful impact in the community. Westfall adds, “Express Employment Professionals of Lafayette plays a vital role in supporting the Greater Lafayette community by connecting businesses with reliable, skilled talent and providing job opportunities to individuals.”
One main goal of the staffing agency has been to fill the gap between employers’ needs and the skills of those seeking jobs. These employment solutions allow Express Employment Professionals to contribute to all local businesses and permit candidates to build a career that is impactful and meaningful to them.
“We are committed to improving the overall quality of life in the Greater Lafayette area by fostering a strong workforce, promoting community development and being a trusted partner to both employers and job seekers,” Westfall says.
The company’s future goals include expanding the reach throughout Greater Lafayette to assist even more businesses and job seekers. Westfall emphasizes they also want to skillfully maintain their commitment to personalized, high-quality service. With technological advances that will continue to
improve the recruitment process, Express Employment Professionals can better ensure connections with top talent that will be given the most appropriate opportunities based on their skills and background. With the addition of expanding to more specialized markets, Westfall says their main goal is to “continue being a trusted partner in driving local economic growth and helping individuals build successful careers.”
Westfall and Fish are grateful to Greater Lafayette Commerce for awarding the company Small Business of the Year.
“This recognition is an honor, and we are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our community,” Westfall says. “We are proud to be part of such a vibrant and supportive network of local businesses, and we look forward to continuing our work to make a positive impact in the Greater Lafayette area. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.” ★
Express Employment Professionals has been operating globally since 1983 but started providing job placement and work solutions in Greater Lafayette in 2002. The Lafayette branch is located at 2200 Scott St., Lafayette. Call Express Employment Professionals at 765-449-5200 for pricing, hours and directions.
Join us in celebrating all of the Small Business of the Month 2024 winners: (Note: Winners were not selected in April, November or December)
BY JANE MCLAUGHLIN ANDERSON PHOTOS
Gems hiding in plain sight
The historic Purdue Memorial Union, built in 1924 as a memorial to students who served in World War I, has stood faithfully while generations of Boilermakers, visitors and residents whirl by. The Union Club Hotel was added in 1929 and began as a small 60-room affair to meet the need for guest lodging. Even after several additions, the iconic landmarks look basically the same on the outside as they did 100 years ago. Here lies the rub, nay, the sweet surprise. What was old inside is now made new in every way, every excellent way, that it bears a revisiting.
The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University is part of Marriott’s distinctive Autograph Collection. Only 200 independently owned boutique hotels in the world carry that distinction, which denotes being the best in upscale, luxurious accommodations. It is the first student-run hotel in Marriot’s Autograph Collection. Famed hotelier Bruce White, former Purdue trustee and founder and chairman of the industry-leading hotel company White Lodging, gifted $30 million to Purdue in 2018 to launch the modernization of the historic property, which reopened in 2020. His gift transformed the Union Club Hotel into a world-class destination, while also providing a learning laboratory environment with training and internships for Purdue hospitality students.
The décor in the guest rooms, lobby and restaurants in the redesigned hotel’s interior reflects the spirit of Purdue’s legacy of innovation and celebrated alumni. Classy, curated collections of Purdue memorabilia and symbolism, the black and gold color scheme, and historic books and photographs stimulate the senses, while the signature scent throughout adds another sensory layer to the experience. The beautiful furnishings and surroundings send welcoming messages to guests who unmistakably know they have arrived in Boilermaker Country.
Voted as 2024’s Travel and Leisure Magazine Top 500 Hotels in the World by readers’ ranking, the Union Club was the only university hotel that made the list. Only 200 winners came from the United States; it was the only one in Indiana on the list. The four-star hotel’s 182 rooms fill quickly during sports and commencement weekends. However, you can still enjoy the
Union Club Hotel’s excellent restaurants and new spa facilities without an overnight stay.
8Eleven Modern Bistro
A stellar tribute to space flight and its command pilot and Purdue alumnus Neil Armstrong, the 8Eleven was named after two of his NASA space missions, Gemini 8 and Apollo 11. Star-studded seasonal ingredients inspire the restaurant’s delicious American and French favorites. The drinks menu includes an impressive collection of premium and reserve list spirits, wines by the region, and seasonal cocktails. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner or dessert for a memorable dining experience created by Executive Chef Jack Mahoney. 8Eleven is the ultimate dining destination for celebrating special occasions, to wow clients or job candidates or to indulge in
dining and customer service excellence. Reservations recommended. For hours and reservations: 8elevenbistro.com
Boiler Up Bar
Treat yourself to Purdue’s most refined cocktail lounge. Boiler Up Bar honors treasured traditions and iconic alumni in a relaxing, sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoy a rotating selection of draft and local craft beers, small-batch bourbons and whiskeys or classic cocktails. The Signature Old Fashioned is a fan favorite. Nosh on tastefully prepared appetizers and drinks before or after the game or with friends after work. Open daily: 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Leaps Coffee
Surpassing coffee chain establishments by leaps and bounds, Leaps Coffee is all about connecting with
its customers through delicious coffees, teas, smoothies, made-inhouse pastries and sweet treats. Talented baristas brew beautiful morning and afternoon respites every day in the Union Club Hotel. Enjoy Free Cookie Thursday with the purchase of a drink, or a halfpriced pastry from 5-6 p.m. every day with a beverage purchase. Open daily: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. ★
Discover the hidden gems throughout the Union Club Hotel and Purdue Memorial Union. Bowling, e-sport gaming and restaurants abound. See the events calendar to attend cooking classes, concerts, films and much more. Purdue hospitality extends beyond the campus to touch all who visit its treasures. For more details visit: union. purdue.edu/events
Ties that bind community
Tippecanoe County Public Library rededicates Jos A. Holman Branch following 18-month downtown renovation
When the Tippecanoe County Public Library held a community celebration and rededication ceremony in August following its $6 million renovation, the TCPL board also revealed a new name for the system’s downtown branch. As the new sign out front identifying the Jos N. Holman Branch was unveiled, no one was more surprised — and overjoyed than Holman’s wife, Rita.
“I kept that secret for years,” says Holman, whose first name is pronounced Josh. “I didn’t even tell my wife.”
Plans for renovations for the 35-year-old downtown branch have been underway for years. It’s the capstone project of a vision 20 years in the making to expand library services throughout the community.
Just one month after Holman signed on as county librarian in March 2002, the library celebrated the opening of its first branch on the campus of Ivy Tech. It was the first joint public/college library in the state of Indiana. The successful partnership affirmed a need for library branches throughout the county. The Klondike Branch was opened in 2007 in West Lafayette, followed by the Wyandotte Branch on the east side of Lafayette in 2016. Wyandotte replaced the Ivy Tech location, absorbing much of the furniture, equipment and materials, and the Ivy Tech facility was turned over to the college.
Conversations among board members about potentially naming a branch for Holman began in 2019 while they planned for the construction of a new branch on the south side of Lafayette. That branch, opened in July 2020, was ultimately named Wea Prairie in keeping with the location-inspired naming theme. The board determined renaming the primary branch would be the most fitting way to honor Holman’s long tenure of service to TCPL.
“The library is so much more than books,” said Grant Fischer, TCPL board president, during the rededication ceremony. Fischer credited Holman and his staff for providing the community “with the tools and innovations that enhance learning and enjoyment.”
A welcoming environment
The 18-month renovation, primarily funded by a $5.575 million community bond, began in earnest in March 2023, and the library remained open throughout construction.
“It was important to me, and to the entire library staff, that we remain open,” Holman says. “We parceled out the building and completed work in phases.”
Following the renovations, visitors now experience a brighter, more open space. The mauve and forest green palette reminiscent of the 1980s has been replaced with a modern palette of blue, gray, orange and green. A greeter desk is positioned just inside the revamped south side entrance where patrons can quickly pick up and check out items they’ve put on hold. An enhanced South Street façade marks the north entrance. A designated teen area boasts bright colors and comfortable spots to lounge.
LED lighting has been installed throughout the facility, as well as new carpeting and study kiosks. New signage and furniture help add color and comfort to the space. The entire collection is equipped with RFID, technology that uses radio waves to identify objects, which allows patrons to check out materials independently.
“The library is a resource for the entire community,” Holman says. “In addition to our collection of print and digital materials, our staff themselves are a source of information. We have gathering spaces, meeting rooms, restrooms and free parking. There are people who come to the library just to be around other people. We have people who come to use our electricity or our WiFi. The Portal has computers for folks who don’t have their own digital devices. People come in to print bus tickets, to download tax forms or to apply for jobs online. The library serves a lot of purposes beyond its traditional role.”
A commitment to community
Beyond its tangible resources, library activities help nurture community as well. Storytimes and other children’s programming, afterschool teen events, book clubs, workshops and brown bag discussions represent only a handful of events held monthly. The library’s role of serving the community aligns with Holman’s personal ethos.
“I enjoy what I get to do at the library, but I also enjoy being a member of the community,” Holman says. “I’ve always believed in terms of living in a community that you ought to be willing to contribute back to the community. That’s just a personal mantra.”
Holman is treasurer for the Greater Lafayette chapter of Indiana Black Expo, an organization that offers programs and services that provide educational enrichment, health literacy, cultural awareness and economic impact throughout the state. Another way Holman gives back is by storytelling and performing poetry, both at the library and in other settings. Contributing to the library’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. program held in January is a favorite for Holman, who earned his undergraduate degree in theater.
Although Holman acknowledges the honor of having a library branch named for him, it’s the representation of his greater impact on the community that matters most.
“I receive a satisfaction, a joy from being involved, from knowing something was accomplished, from knowing that I made a difference.” ★
PHOTO BY CHRISTINE PETKOV
Did you know?
The Tippecanoe County Public Library’s collection of books began in 1882 through the interest of James J. Perrin, a Lafayette school trustee. During his term of office, Perrin gifted $10,000 for the purchase of books for a public library which was known as the Lafayette Public Library.
The first permanent library facility opened in August 1917 after Albert Wells, a local medicine manufacturer and owner of the Wells Yeager Best drugstore, donated a building at Seventh and North streets for the use of the public library. Wells stipulated the library be called the Albert A. Wells Memorial Library and that a place for children be included. Today, the building continues to serve the community as the Wells Cultural Center, home to The Arts Federation.
Holman’s favorite Black poets
County Librarian Jos Holman has loved poetry, particularly works by Black poets, since he was a kid. “It’s reflective of our history,” Holman says. “At the same time, it’s reflective of intellectual thought and intellectual challenges.” Here are a few of Holman’s favorite Black poets:
» Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
» Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000)
» Countee Cullen (1903-1946)
» Langston Hughes (1901-1967)
» Amiri Baraka aka LeRoi Jones (1934-2014)
» Raymond Patterson (1929-2001)
SUPERIOR CARE MEANS
SUPERIOR HEARING
Hearing loss is more prevalent than you might think and can affect communication. Our providers are specially trained to understand, support, and treat hearing loss with cutting-edge technology to keep you and your loved ones hearing clearly.
Jos Holman
$400M sustainable manufacturing plant coming to Greater Lafayette
BY ANGELA K. ROBERTS
new chapter in sustainable manufacturing is set to unfold in Greater Lafayette as chemical company
Sustainea prepares to invest $400 million in the construction of its first industrial facility in the United States. The plant, expected to begin production in 2028, will be a key player in the global shift toward bio-based chemicals and sustainable manufacturing.
The project is poised to boost the regional economy, create new workforce opportunities and enrich research efforts, leveraging Greater Lafayette’s educational institutions and Indiana’s growing agrobiosciences sector.
The cradle of new technology
Sustainea will use advanced biotechnologies to convert plant-based dextrose into Bio-MEG (monoethylene glycol), a plant-based alternative to petroleum-based MEG used primarily in the production of polyester textiles and beverage bottles.
The planned Indiana facility marks a major step toward the company’s goal of becoming the global leader in Bio-MEG production. “Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., will be the cradle of this technology,” says Gustavo Sergi, Sustainea CEO.
Sustainea’s plant will be co-located with Primient, a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plantbased, renewable sources. The two companies share visions of sustainable manufacturing and long-term innovation.
Meeting between Sustainea and Primient c-levels
Aerial shot of the facilities in Lafayette
Leveraging strengths of two companies
Primient will supply the plant with dextrose derived from locally grown corn. The partnership will leverage the strengths of both companies to create a sustainable, circular supply chain from farm to finished product while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering the carbon footprint of the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) industry.
“Long-term strategic partnerships have always been a part of the vision for growth and development at Primient,” says Travis Montoya, plant manager for Primient’s Lafayette facility. “They allow us to maximize efficiency by running at top manufacturing rates. Ultimately, this reinforces Primient’s commitment to sustainability and the Lafayette region by ensuring development for future opportunities.”
Co-location of their facilities will maximize efficiencies, further increasing sustainability. “Our environmental stewardship and reduced carbon footprint are critical to project success,” Montoya says.
Access to raw materials
Sustainea’s decision to break ground in Lafayette followed an in-depth evaluation of various factors, from access to raw materials and infrastructure to the availability of a skilled workforce. Indiana’s thriving agrobiosciences sector, bolstered by Purdue University’s engineering and technology programs, played a significant role in the company’s choice of location.
“Lafayette has a diverse source of industry,” Sergi says. “We believe we can easily find and attract people to our plant. It’s very exciting to have a first-of-its-kind plant.” An engineer himself, Sergi says the chance to work in a new facility on innovative technology should be a draw for talent.
The availability of corn nearby will be pivotal to the company’s supply chain, opening up new markets for local producers. Indiana is one of the largest corn-producing states in the nation. The state’s corn farmers will be key suppliers to Primient, which will convert the crop to dextrose and then deliver to Sustainea next door.
“Growing corn and soybeans is a big part of our regional economy,” says Paul Moses, vice president of economic and workforce development at Greater Lafayette Commerce. “Any time you can bring in a company that’s buying more corn or using more corn products like Primient, that’s great news for us, including our local farmers.”
Sergi speaks at Sustainea's office.
Jim Stutelberg, Primient CEO, and Gustavo Sergi, Sustainea CEO, sign a co-location and raw material supply agreement the site location.
A boost for local employment
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski says that Sustainea’s decision to build here aligns with the city’s long-term vision for growth and innovation. “They will bring $400 million of new investments into our community and create a significant number of new local jobs,” he says.
The new plant will create up to 191 high-wage, full-time positions over the next few years, with most jobs in engineering, operations and logistics. In addition, the construction phase is expected to generate around 650 indirect jobs, further benefiting the region’s economy.
Sustainea is committed to tapping into the local talent pool, drawing from Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana while also upskilling workers in advanced manufacturing and chemical engineering. As part of its workforce development strategy, the company is partnering with the Greater Lafayette Career Academy and West Central Indiana Career and Technical Education to create training programs for local workers.
The research connection
In addition to preparing students for jobs at Sustainea, Purdue also is positioned to contribute to the company’s research.
Fabio H. Ribeiro, the W. Nicholas and Elizabeth H. Delgass Distinguished Professor in Chemical Engineering at Purdue University, directs CISTAR (Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources), a multi-institutional collaboration dedicated to sustainable innovation, and co-chairs LEAPS (Leading Energy-Transition Advances and Pathways to Sustainability), a Purdue initiative.
Former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb met with officials in Brazil.
“The Bio-MEG project represents a cutting-edge use of bio-resources to produce monoethylene glycol, a critical chemical used in products ranging from plastics to textiles,” Ribeiro says. “Sustainea’s innovative process, combined with Primient’s highly efficient precursor production, creates a unique cost and sustainability advantage. This project is poised to be a benchmark for reducing dependency on non-renewable sources.”
Purdue University can significantly contribute to the initiative in two key areas, he says:
• Process optimization and scalability: The university can leverage its expertise to enhance efficiency, minimize waste and transfer learning to other bio-based manufacturing processes.
• Multidisciplinary innovation: Drawing from Purdue’s capabilities in agriculture, engineering, energy transition, lifecycle assessment and economic analysis, the university aims to create a living laboratory where faculty and students tackle practical challenges.
“By embedding this project within Purdue’s broader ecosystem — one enriched by renewable energy, smart energy distribution, carbon sequestration and a vibrant biomanufacturing sector — we aspire to position Lafayette as the Midwest’s epicenter for sustainable biomanufacturing,” Ribeiro says.
“This collaboration will not only shape the next generation of researchers but also establish pathways for sustainable economic growth and industrial leadership.” ★
W E M A J O R I N S U C C E S S
At Ivy Tech Community College, you’ll get an affordable education that will open doors and create a better tomorrow.
Learn more, schedule a visit, or apply today: ivytech.edu/lafayette
CEO Gustavo Sergi, CTO Gus Hutras, CBO Everton Van-Dal in a meeting.
