Greater Lafayette Magazine: Winter 2023

Innovating for the future

Evonik poised for growth with Lipid Innovation Center

DOWNTOWN LIVING THE PLACE TO BE FOR AN URBAN VIBE

GETTING IT DONE WOMEN IN CHARGE AT LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFITS

A FOND FAREWELL PUNK ROCK LEGEND SHARES MEMORIES

PRIVATELY-OWNED

1-1 SPECIALIZED THERAPY

SPIRITUAL CARE

AtSaint 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 - 22 years

Garry Gumasing, PT, CWS, SVT-BIG Cert., Director of Therapy - 25 years

Tracie Shoults, RN, Corporate Compliance Officer - 27 years

Dylan Johnson, Administrator - 7 years with Saint Anthony

GREATER LAFAYETTE MAGAZINE

Editor - Carol Bangert

Art Director/Graphic Designer

-

Kara Bishop

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

-

Michelle Brantley

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

greaterlafayettecommerce.com

Contact: (765)742-4044

info@greaterlafayettecommerce.com

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

It’s easy to think big at the start of a new year. Big ideas are good – they give us inspiration and energy and motivation, whether for a New Year’s resolution or a personal goal or a bucket list item. But thinking small can be just as good and just as important.

This little light-bulb moment hit me as I read “Small businesses, big impact,” (Page 81) a look back at the 2022 winners of Greater Lafayette Commerce’s Small Business of the Month. Nine businesses specializing in everything from pastries to dry cleaning were honored, and each has a unique story and place in the Greater Lafayette business landscape. We at times overlook small workhorses such as these, especially in light of the multi-million dollar investments that have made headlines around here in the past few years. But they work hand in hand, and this issue of Greater Lafayette Magazine highlights examples of both.

One of those headline-making, mega-dollar investments is at Evonik, one of the world’s largest contract manufacturing facilities in the pharmaceutical industry. A $220 million project will be used to build a Lipid Innovation Center at the Evonik facility in Shadeland. Groundbreaking is set for 2023, and says one project manager, “It will open up a lot of growth for the local economy.” (Page 38)

For a look at other big economic development announcements in 2022, see “What you got, Scott?” by Greater Lafayette Commerce President Scott Walker. (Page 8)

Things are hopping all around Greater Lafayette, and perhaps this is most apparent in downtown Lafayette, where housing units are as hot as the dining and shopping scene. Explosive growth in the past five years has resulted in myriad living options – many in the upper floors of historic buildings or the total reimagining of those historic locations. Take a look at some of the newest downtown living options in “Urban Feel, Small Town Real.”

(Page 10)

Not-for-profits play a vital role in the community, and Greater Lafayette’s not-for-profits are robust in their efforts and results. Many of these organizations are run by women, and in “Women in Charge,” we introduce you to some of them. All are mission minded, all are equipped with special skills, and all are passionate about their work. (Page 62)

Also, we check in with John Hughey and Chris McCauley, executive directors of the Long Center and Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, respectively. Both have big ideas to make the arts more accessible to everyone in our community. (Page 20 and 33)

Finally, we share a story about Mass Giorgini, a legend in Lafayette’s punk scene. The story, which originally appeared in the Based in Lafayette news reporting project, tells of Giorgini’s time in and impact on Lafayette, his love for the community, and his move to Rome in July 2022. (Page 54)

This issue of GLM is packed with stories that highlight how Greater Lafayette is growing and thriving in ways big and small. Enjoy!

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.

WE ARE TOGETHER

No matter where you look, Greater Lafayette is thriving

Welcome Note |page 4

From Editor Carol Bangert

ON THE COVER: Evonik employee Brenda Downey inspects the operation of a centrifuge isolating a pharmaceutical product at the Tippecanoe Laboratories in Lafayette. |page 38

BUSINESS & PROGRESS: What you got, Scott? |page 8

Career+: Growing workforce readiness |page 26

Ask the Experts |page 52

2022 Small Business of the Month winners |page 79

COMMUNITY & CONNECTION:

Downtown living offers urban vibe |page 10

Meet 11 women running not-forprofits |page 63

Accolades for the Big Pine Creek Watershed Project |page 72

ART & CULTURE:

Chris McCauley: Meet the art museum's new director |page 20

Long Center and more: John Hughey's balancing act |page 33

Punk legend Mass Giorgini bids arrivederci |page 54

Photo by Christine Petkov

You

see the potential. We see your future.

You deserve a smart financial partner who knows you. One who’s ready to guide you—and your business— to the next level. One who shares your goals and is focused on your success. We’re Old National. Let’s talk.

YOUR SUCCESS IS EVERYTHING

What you got, Scott?

Collaboration a key to economic success in our region

From an economic development perspective, 2022 wrapped up as an exceptional year for Greater Lafayette and our region. New investment and expansions at Evonik, American Fibertech, TriClinic Labs, Dana Fairfield, Wabash and Rolls-Royce amounted to more than $423 million in the next few years and the creation of 310 new jobs. Couple those investments with the decision by SkyWater to partner with Purdue University and select a site in West Lafayette for a $1.8 billion investment and the word ‘exceptional’ seems understated.

It would be hard to imagine investments like that happening without the smart and collaborative leadership of our cities, county, Purdue University, Purdue Research Foundation and Ivy Tech Community College. Especially with Purdue. That collaboration doesn’t exist for every community with a major university.

The Mitch Daniels era as president of Purdue University came to an end in 2022. His leadership and interest in strategically growing Greater Lafayette has been appreciated and notably successful. We will leave it to others to provide thorough analysis of his tenure at Purdue, but here we will simply extend our gratitude. Thank you, President Daniels, for the time you committed to Purdue University and Greater Lafayette. We appreciate the leadership you demonstrated and the successes we’ve all shared.

While we will miss President Daniels, that does not diminish our excitement for Purdue’s new president, Mung Chiang. President Chiang served as a principal architect of many of the strategies and successes already noted here, and we have had the pleasure of working closely with him and his team during our pursuit and successful award of the READI program for the Greater Lafayette Region. We expect that spirit of collaboration we all work so hard to achieve to continue and flourish.

Finally, just a word about the Evonik article in this issue (Page 38). That project coming to fruition demonstrates the power of collaboration. Our partners at the county, the Board of Shadeland, the cities, Purdue University and Purdue Research Foundation all shared a role in attracting this investment to Greater Lafayette. We congratulate Evonik on the project and commend our partners for their support! ★

Scott Walker is the president and CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce. He can be reached at 765.742.4044

Purdue University President Mung Chiang speaks at the 2022 Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN) annual meeting.

LOOKING BACK...

A Very Merry Main Street Christmas Parade

Lafayette’s annual Christmas Parade was held on Saturday, December 3, in downtown Lafayette. More than 100 groups participated in the parade, including schools, businesses, service organizations and community leaders. The parade made its way down Main Street from 11th to Second Street, and the route was packed with festive parade goers dressed for the holiday celebration and the cold December temperatures. The parade’s big names Santa and Mrs. Claus welcomed the crowds and spread holiday cheer as they kicked off the unofficial start to the holiday season.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV

“Unique architecture and living spaces are a major draw with the kind of style and interiors you won’t find anywhere else.”

BY RADONNA FIORINI PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV AND PROVIDED

Livable, Walkable, Worth the Investment

Seems that more and more people are embracing what Petula Clark sang about for years. Downtown is the place to be.

While downtown Lafayette has seen a dramatic increase in shopping and dining options in the last few years, the number of housing units has also expanded with almost explosive growth occurring in the last five years.

Much of that growth has been in apartments and condominiums for rent, catering to young professionals, grad students and even retirees who have downsized and enjoy the vibrant restaurant and entertainment venues.

“Unique architecture and living spaces are a major draw with the kind of style and interiors you won’t find anywhere else,” says Dennis Carson, director of economic development for the City of Lafayette, emphasizing the historic nature of the area. “Other factors are downtown’s ‘urban feel but small town real.’ Downtown is a true urban center with the character of larger cities, but with that intimate feeling of a small town with friendly, inviting spaces, places and people that is walkable.”

In addition to unique housing options, Carson cites downtown’s amenities — such as restaurants, specialty grocers, boutiques, recreation and entertainment venues, and Indiana’s oldest farmers market — as the reason lots of people look to the area as a place to live.

More than 400 living units have been added since 2020, with more permits already issued for future projects, says Ryan O’Gara, director of the Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission. Most of that growth was in new construction, but the housing boom really started in the 1990s with the renovation of existing buildings.

As entrepreneurs began investing in downtown retail and dining establishments, the upper floors of many historic buildings still sat vacant, Carson says. Building owners gradually began renovating those spaces for rentals or for personal use.

Photos above by Robert Granoff

Photo (left) by Christine Petkov

The Gibson

Top photo by Robert Granoff, others by Christine Petkov

Photo (opposite page) of Chadd and Angela Gibson by Christine Petkov

“Over the years there were programs and assistance to renovate buildings and adapt upper floors as housing that helped build interest and momentum,” he says. “Over time, these upper floors of individual buildings, particularly on Main Street, became sought-after housing, and demand increased. So much so that larger infill opportunities started to be promoted and gain attention.”

Renaissance Place, a mixed-use project featuring office and retail space plus condominiums in the 200 block of Main Street, was one of the first such infill projects. That was followed by MARQ, also a mixed-use development located next to Riehle Plaza, bringing 99 modern apartments to the area in 2018.

And the growth has continued unabated. Here’s a look at some of the newest housing projects in downtown Lafayette:

The Gibson

530 Main St.

Eleven apartments, one short-term rental unit

façade of the 1868 Italianate buildings, and added many modern amenities in the threestory structure.

The buildings were linked and studio, oneand two-bedroom apartments were created that incorporate soaring 22-foot ceilings, large windows and original, exposed brick walls. New heating and plumbing, granite countertops and stainless appliances modernized the spaces, and an elevator was added allowing residents access to a roof-top patio. Sleeping lofts provide a creative solution for space in the smaller apartments. All the units were leased within 45 days of the building’s grand opening in July 2022.

The first floor features a separate, two-bedroom Airbnb available for daily or weekly rental.

The Gibsons received the Kurt Wahl Award for Historic Preservation in October at the Greater Lafayette Commerce Annual Celebration for their work on the building.

“Downtown has been revamped,” says Gibson. “There are nice bars, great restaurants, and shops. It has a big city feel but in a small town. It’s close to Purdue and is a really great place to be. I think it will only become better.”

Nova Tower

200

S. Fourth St.

A modern, five-story building with 76 units

Owners Chadd and Angela Gibson, who own and operate Gibson Painting Group, Inc., are lifelong residents who live in Rossville but frequently come to Lafayette, says Chadd Gibson. For three years the couple looked for a downtown apartment or condo to purchase where they could establish a second home. When they found two historic buildings that were adjacent but separated by a wall, their dream turned into an investment.

“These buildings hold a really nice historical presence downtown and we were determined to hold that historical presence, while creating modern living spaces,” Gibson says. The couple worked with Lafayette’s Historic Preservation Commission to retain and restore the original

In the works for about five years before opening in August of 2021, this complex is part of a movement to bring more upscale living to the southern portion of downtown Lafayette. The simple, angular shape of the building features lots of large windows and great views of the surrounding area, says the project’s main investor, Ric Li, who developed the property along with Jackson Dearborn Partners of Chicago.

“I had a vision of building apartments that were a little bigger and better quality than what was widely available,” says Li, who graduated from Purdue and lived in housing where he could “hear through the walls.”

Although Fourth Street was home to several warehouses and empty lots, Li saw potential in building apartments that would appeal to young professionals and graduate and doctoral stu-

Nova Tower - Photos provided

dents who wanted a modern, quiet place to live that was within walking distance of campus. The COVID-19 pandemic derailed plans for a nationally recognized fitness center to occupy the second floor, so four living units with floor-to-ceiling glass and beautiful light were added, Li says. The fifth floor apartments have high ceilings and the third floor units feature bedrooms with big windows and a view of the Wabash River and the Purdue campus. Each unit, ranging from studios to three-bedroom/ two baths, is unique with stainless appliances and luxury finishes. The complex has been fully occupied since opening.

“I thought my resources could make a difference locally and I received a lot of support from the city,” Li says. “City officials and the mayor were a pleasure to work with.”

Li named the complex with his family’s business in Taiwan in mind. The name of the family business means virtue or integrity and translates to nova or light in English. His grandfather, who passed away 10 years prior on the day Nova Tower was completed, started the family business and Li honored him with the name.

Pullman Station - Photo below by Christine Petkov, others provided

Pullman Station

500 South St.

Five floors containing 76 units, 13 floor plans

Opening in the fall of 2020, Pullman Station became one of the first completely new apartment complexes in the heart of downtown, says Rachel Shook with Shook Property Management Group.

The red and gray brick building features on-site parking and a host of amenities that appeal to retirees, graduate students and young professionals. Extra sound-proofing makes for quiet living, even in the middle of busy, historic Lafayette, she says.

The one- and two-bedroom apartments have such features as glass-walled showers, stainless appliances, granite countertops and extra closet space. The building has security, package delivery lockers and elevator access to all floors. The complex has been fully occupied since opening, says Shook.

Luna Flats - Photo by Christine Petkov

Luna Flats

615 Main St.

Scheduled to open summer 2023, 98 units

Still under construction, the newest addition to the downtown housing scene is named after the Luna Theater, which stood on the site until it was demolished in the 1960s. The site was a parking lot for years and the only open space on Main Street, says Luna Flats principal and local attorney, Andy Gutwein.

“Downtown is our favorite area for dinner and we’ve seen it get better and better with some real vibrancy,” says Gutwein. “I have other investments downtown and wanted to add to that vibrancy. It’s a place that’s walkable and has a variety of cultures and people you can interact with.”

Designed with 10,000-square-feet of retail space on the ground floor, Luna Flats' upper floors will have studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments with washers and dryers, hardwood floors and modern finishes. Residents will enjoy a rooftop green space and a large patio with a grilling area and a pet park so they won’t have to take their furry companions out on the street in the cold or at night, Gutwein says.

The lobby will be large and reminiscent of a luxury hotel lobby, while other amenities will include a fitness room, bike storage and underground parking. The brick building’s façade was

designed in consultation with historical experts in an effort to make it fit in with downtown’s more than century-old structures.

“We put a lot of effort into the architecture and had great input from the Historic Preservation Commission,” Gutwein says. “It will be a great addition to downtown.”

Other downtown apartment complexes built in the last decade include:

►The Ellsworth - 475 South St.

The building opened in the summer of 2022 and features studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Special amenities include a pet play area and washing station, bike storage and a rooftop terrace and courtyard. The complex is fully occupied.

►Brownstone Development Condominium201 S. Fourth St.

All five 2-bedroom units in this three-story brick building are leased. The condominiums opened in 2021 and have west-facing balconies on the top floor.

►Regency Springs - 103 S. Fourth St.

This four-story building has 64 one- and two-bedroom units, some of them furnished, and the complex also has a fitness center, clubhouse and garage parking. Opening in 2015, it was the first new apartment complex on the south side of downtown Lafayette in the last 10 years.

The Ellsworth Photo provided

Ar t beyond museum walls

Chris McCauley wants to cast a wide net to make art museum accessible, exciting

BY KATHY MATTER

PETKOV

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE

Who or what do the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette and the Boy Scouts of America have in common?

The answer to this puzzler lies in the upbeat personality of Chris McCauley, recently hired in a regional search for the executive director’s position at the Art Museum.

McCauley fits the scout motto of “Be Prepared,” which means one is always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do one’s duty. And after eight years of “doing his duty” on the organizational level of the Boy Scouts of America, most recently as the district director for the Algonquin and Pioneer Trails Districts of LaSalle Council of BSA, he brings a polished skill set to a different venue in 2022 – the arts.

If you’re having a hard time imagining the connection between starting campfires and preserving, growing and exhibiting consequential art works, it helps to know that McCauley’s not-so-secret passion lies in creating art.

“I love oil painting,” he professes, but that’s not the only art form that captures his attention. There’s woodworking that he learned from his grandfather and dad, photography, mixed media and visual design

as well as poetry, songwriting and screenplays. Oh, and he did teach a class in basket weaving to the scouts.

Raised in the tiny farming community of West Branch, Michigan, almost three hours north of Detroit, McCauley had little access to art outside of books, which he devoured. His family’s values were high on social justice, and thinking outside the box was encouraged — two things that shaped his career path in the long run.

“It was an eclectic path,” he says. “As a kid I loved Frank Lloyd Wright and kept drawing terrible A-frame houses with a river underneath. I thought, 'This is not it'.” Community college classes opened his eyes to a variety of art forms and at Ferris State University he ended up majoring in graphic design and marketing. One particular professor introduced him to art history and the impact of modern artists. “I just ate it up,” he recalls.

As he thought about careers, “I really wanted to make an impact, more than just myself.” Life took him first to Maurer Publishing where he put his degree skills to work. That desire to make an impact led him to join Kiwanis, the Lions

and other community focused organizations. It led him to scouting as well.

He worked at leadership levels in the scouts for eight years, and his main duties included membership growth, volunteer engagement and recruitment, fundraising and community engagement. McCauley’s duties extended to advanced project management, leading teams of volunteers in developing and implementing plans for growth. He was also in charge of multiple special events or campaigns throughout his years there.

Just as he was getting the itch to move in a new direction, he saw the job posting for the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. What McCauley discovered during the interview process was a museum that was financially sound, had an impressive collection, an active board; a museum that had benefited greatly from informed leadership provided by Kendall Smith, Mona Berg and others. But everyone saw a need for younger leadership going forward.

“There was no one in the wings. They needed to bring in people to curate the next generation, to hand down the knowledge, passion and love for the museum,” he says.

“Providing that next generation of commitment is a huge piece of what I want to do.”

Although he and his wife, Kate, have been here less than six months, McCauley says, “Lafayette has a collective consciousness that makes it a wonderful place to be. We found a niche here right away.”

Reaching out and making connections throughout the community tops his to-do list. Beyond that he’d like to see the museum “bustling with activity” by expanding class offerings – ones with appeal to a younger generation such as tattoo design, digital animation, henna, set design – along with a new look at workshops and artist talks. And at the same time, he’d like to take art outside the museum walls. “I want

the community to have touch points with art, make installations out and about in the community.

For the first time in 2022, the Art Museum served as coordinator for a favorite community festival, Art on the Wabash. McCauley feels it imperative to build on that and find more ways for the museum to give back to the community and enhance the quality of life in Greater Lafayette.

Making sure the museum continues to be a place where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated is also important to him. “I want to drown out any voices that say, ‘We don’t want you here’.”

Former director Kendall Smith gave birth to the idea of building an expanded museum campus on the

banks of the Wabash River in West Lafayette. That goal will move to the back burner for a couple years while McCauley enthusiastically builds support.

“I want there to be a community outcry for a new museum,” he says. “That’s a really big moment for the community, and we’ll be ready when the time is right.” ★

BY KAT BRAZ STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Enhancing workforce readiness

Program equips high schools with employability skills to pursue career pathway in manufacturing

Students who previously thought college might not be an option for them can now envision a future employed in the manufacturing industry while simultaneously pursuing a degree, thanks to a new program launched in fall 2022 by Greater Lafayette Commerce.

Supported by two grants from the Indiana Department of Education, Career+ aims to place more graduating high schoolers in locally available in-demand, high-wage jobs with full-funded post-secondary education. The initial grant specifically focused on manufacturing pathways. Several industry partners, including Cook Biotech, Evonik, Kirby Risk, Oscar Winski, Primient, Radian Research, Rea Magnet Wire Company, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Terra Drive Systems, Wabash National and WWS, have joined the Career+ ecosystem.

“Career+ serves the schools in our economic development region by training K-12 students in the 18 employability skills identified by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development as the key workplace skills for all

jobseekers regardless of experience or occupation,” says Kara Webb, workforce development director at Greater Lafayette Commerce. “It also helps the manufacturers in our region find local talent for their workforce.”

Of the regions 1,800 high school graduates in 2023, only 900 students will be heading to college. Only 600 of those 900 who start college will complete their degrees. That means there are 1,200 potential candidates for manufacturing pathways. With hundreds of available jobs across manufacturing — the largest sector in the region — industry partners are eager to establish a pipeline of local talent.

“We need workforce,” Webb says. “And we’re not seeing it coming from anywhere else, so we need to grow our own workforce. That is what Career+ is designed to do.”

Career+ students who start working in manufacturing roles straight out of high school will have an opportunity to pursue post-secondary education at no cost to them because the grant also funds tuition assistance and reimbursement for all participating

employers. The manufacturing pathways provide a career ladder for employees as they complete education while working at the company.

Greater Lafayette Commerce contracted Skyepack, a West Lafayette-based company that specializes in developing custom course content, to create digital modules that cover the 18 employability skills and 140 related competencies. There are video interviews with people who have careers in manufacturing and virtual tours of manufacturing facilities. As students complete modules, they are awarded badges that can collectively build a pathway within the program.

“The badges are verification that the student can show their potential employer they have demonstrated these skills in a classroom setting,” says Eric Davis, CEO of Skyepack. “The different pathways align with the skills employers are looking for in specific entry level jobs. So if a student wants to become a CNC operator or an assembler, there is a specific pathway that relates to each position.”

“ We need to grow our workforce. That is what Career+ is designed to do. ˮ

“ There’s a new movement in education, tearing the paper ceiling, which is all about finding alternative routes to gateway opportunities outside of earning a bachelor’s degree.ˮ

The online curriculum is complemented by activities and lesson plans that participating teachers facilitate in class. Currently, the program has been adopted by eight schools across the nine-county region. Career advisors and connect coaches within each school manage implementation of the program.

Additionally, two microcredentials have been developed as part of the work readiness program. Workplace Communication trains students in workplace communication skills such as working effectively in groups and giving and receiving feedback. Student Success, designed primarily for eighth graders, helps students build their four-year high school plan and think beyond graduation. Students and parents gain a better understanding of graduation requirements, the Core 40 diploma and dual credit opportunities.

The microcredentials are designed to be embedded into teachers’ current curricula. Program developers are also collaborating with Ivy Tech to align with the community college’s course offerings so students could earn college credits upon completion of their certificate programs.

“Earning a bachelor’s degree straight out of high school is not accessible for a lot of students,” Davis says. “There’s a new movement in education, tearing the paper ceiling, which is all about finding alternative routes to gateway opportunities outside of earning a bachelor’s degree. A large portion of students need better access to career opportunities. This program is designed to put students on a career pathway and connect them to an ecosystem of opportunities.”

Greater Lafayette Commerce continues to recruit more industry partners and schools to participate in manufacturing pathways. Next up, it plans to work with Skyepack to develop curricula for healthcare pathways.

“The whole goal of these pathways is to help students see that there are plenty of opportunities for successful careers in good paying jobs here in our region and they can still pursue post-secondary education, too,” Webb says. “We’re excited to expand to more schools in the counties that we serve and continue to grow our talent pipeline efforts in this community.” ★

BY KATHY MATTER PHOTO BY CHRISTINE PETKOV

Making his mark

John Hughey happily embraces balancing act that The Long Center role demands

John Hughey could sense a hint of nervousness in his interviewer’s voice as the conversation took an unexpected turn away from the Long Center for the Performing Arts – where Hughey was seeking the position of executive director — to another performing space a block away called the Lafayette Theater.

It was 2019 and Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski wanted the city to buy the deteriorating theater space. It would also be run by the person chosen for the executive director’s job.

“Would you still be interested?” he remembers being asked.

Would he? Feeling an adrenalin rush of enthusiasm, Hughey immediately responded in the positive. “I think I’m more interested. Not less.”

Running the Long Center with attention-grabbing national acts such as country artist Scottie McCreary and Master Chef Junior Live, overseeing a five-year renovation at the Lafayette Theater while booking small local shows there, and having sellouts at the first two shows at Loeb Stadium, Hughey seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Before Hughey, who was a resident of Fort Wayne and involved with the leadership of the Embassy Theater there when he was hired,

the executive directors of the Long Center had all come from Tippecanoe County. But the job, which expanded to the Lafayette Theater in 2019 and to Loeb Stadium in 2022, was tailor-made for Hughey’s skill set.

“I’m not a performer but I’ve always been involved in live theater,” he recalls. The “seeds” of interest in booking and managing shows were planted during his high school days when he booked a Canadian acrobatic troupe and later an illusionist for benefit performances at Indiana Academy in Cicero. Dealing with agents led to handling hospitality, recruiting ushers and all the things the shows required.

There was no magic leap to theater management, however. Hughey majored in journalism at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, which led him to newspaper jobs in Bedford and Bloomington, Indiana. Going for a master’s in journalism at Indiana University (with a concentration in arts administration), he started freelancing for the Indianapolis Star. He was covering the creation of the Palladium Theater in Carmel when the employment bubble burst at the Star and he got caught up in newsroom staff reductions.

It was then the magic happened.

His dealings with the Palladium management led to Hughey being hired as an arts marketer for Carmel’s grand new performance hall.

“The Palladium gave me a chance to thrive. I never thought I’d be on the same stage as Willy Nelson and Yo Yo Ma.” But he was. And he made things happen. When Yo Yo Ma expressed an interest in recording a digital single on the spot in the hall’s perfect acoustics, Hughey happily facilitated it.

His next stop as a marketer was the older and larger Embassy in Fort Wayne, where his charge was to up the already healthy show sales. And he did. The itch to take the next step – executive director — and oversee everything, including the always challenging job of fundraising, led him to the Long Center position.

With the pandemic on his tail as he moved to Lafayette, Hughey says, “I was so impressed with how we managed that.” One inventive use of the Long Center was to hold jury selection there because it offered the space for potential jurors to be socially distant and a stage for interviews.

“Giving back the quality that Mayor Roswarski wants to build here,” is Hughey’s mandate. “We want people to get excited about new ventures.” Everything, including the

weather, went perfectly for the new concert ventures at Loeb Stadium in 2022. “My takeaway is how many complaints I get after a show. There were zero formal complaints, which I took as a compliment that people really enjoyed the shows.

“And we pulled in 1,000 people who had never bought a ticket from us before.”

The key to making the Long Center financially stable is a mix of three things: the 12 shows that Hughey recommends for the Long Center Presents series; rental clients; and resident performing groups such as the Lafayette Symphony. “We’ve done really well with comedy shows with Netflix driving that (popularity of individual comedians),” he says. The stage will likely see more country music shows in the future

as well.

Local musicians who had used the Lafayette Theater stage in the past were worried about being homeless with Hughey’s arrival. It turned out to be a false worry. When Mayor Roswarski came up with money for badly needed new entrance doors for the Lafayette Theater, Hughey created the “New Doors Series” offering six performances in the fall, and again in the spring, where local musicians – think Sheeza, Graciously Departed, The Distance — and standup comedians are paid to put on a show.

“There is no list of people who can or can’t play in our facilities,” Hughey emphasizes.

Updating the Long Center’s main floor concession space and adding a new one on the balcony level are on

his immediate to do list.

Overall, Hughey wants all the performance elements to work together to make memories. “The experience of bringing family and friends together for a show is transformational,” he says. “The memories you’re making can last a lifetime. That’s the business we’re really in – making memories!”

To sign up for alerts to upcoming concerts at the Long Center, the Lafayette Theater and Loeb Stadium visit longpac.org

BY KEN THOMPSON

EVONIK

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV AND PROVIDED

Above: The administration building of Evonik's Tippecanoe Laboratories, one of the world's largest contract manufacturing facilities in the pharmaceutical industry

Below: Manufacturing facilities of Evonik's Tippecanoe Laboratories

Right: An Evonik employee walks up a staircase by a tank on the premises of Evonik's Tippecanoe site

INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE

estled near the Wabash River and tucked away from Greater Lafayette’s other industrial complexes, Evonik Industries’ Tippecanoe Laboratories is preparing for the next global pandemic.

During the summer of 2022, Evonik announced it would build a Lipid Innovation Center on the sprawling grounds of its Shadeland plant. The United States government, through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), is contributing up to $150 million toward the estimated $220 million project. BARDA’s goal is to promote the “advanced development of medical countermeasures” to protect Americans and respond to 21st century health security threats – such as COVID-19. Lipids played a crucial role for vaccine production during the pandemic.

“Certainly, the project is a boost to the image of Evonik in the Greater Lafayette community,” says Daniel Fricker, vice president and site manager for Tippecanoe Labs, one of the world’s largest contract manufacturing facilities in the pharmaceutical industry.

Customers big and small

Companies such as Evonik offer pharmaceutical companies comprehensive services ranging from drug development to manufacturing. In Shadeland, Evonik makes drugs for more than 20 industry clients.

“Customers big or small, the well-known pharma names or startups come to us with requests to produce a molecule,” Fricker says. “We have a deep knowledge of producing

pharmaceutical products and hold up the standards of good manufacturing practices.”

These skills also will be applied in the innovation center for lipids, products that almost became household names during the COVID-19 pandemic because of their crucial role in delivering novel mRNA vaccines to millions worldwide. Germany-based Evonik provided lipids to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from a facility in its home country.

Greater Lafayette was picked as the site for the new Lipid Innovation Center after a global search process.

“It made the most sense here,” says Yvonne Hurt, a leading project manager for the facility. “Tippecanoe has a strong infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce.”

'A secret weapon'

Fricker believes the decision went in Greater Lafayette’s favor partially due to the Midwest’s reputation for hard workers.

“The Midwest is a secret weapon,” says Fricker, who previously worked for Evonik in Saudi Arabia, Germany and Louisiana. “This speaks of people, society, and government realizing that the Midwest has the necessary capacities for such a strategic development. You are building on a proven Silicon Valley model.”

Modeled on California’s information technology cluster Silicon Valley, Indiana has become a home to a large, highly specialized and diverse health science industry.

The new facility is expected to add 80 highly paid jobs to the Greater Lafayette community

Quality control director Jason Plassard and senior lab specialist Tim Vickerman in Evonik's quality control testing laboratory

Evonik Tippecanoe Labs site manager Daniel Fricker with Yvonne Hurt, a leading project manager for the Lipid Innovation Center.

when production begins. That’s a significant boost to a current workforce of nearly 680 employees – plus an additional 150 contractors that assist with maintenance, logistics, catering and security on site.

The only larger Evonik facility in the U.S. is in Mobile, Alabama.

Groundbreaking is set for 2023, with production expected to begin in 2025.

“It will open up a lot of potential and a lot of growth for the local economy,” Hurt says.

What exactly is a lipid?

In layman’s terms, lipids protect a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA), which was the key ingredient in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The mRNA, produced in a lab, carries genetic information to teach our cells to make proteins. Those proteins then trigger an immune response inside the body.

Several different lipids form a lipid nanoparticle that encases the mRNA mole-

Above: A pharmaceutical product isolation centrifuge in the T27 manufacturing building of Evonik's Tippecanoe Laboratories. The centrifuge is part of a complex manufacturing process for filtering active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Test vials in Evonik's quality control laboratory. Products are tested before they are released for sale.

cules. In other words: Lipids are fundamental to producing highly effective mRNA-based vaccines.

“Without those lipids, mRNA wouldn’t work,” Hurt says.

The lipid nanoparticles are too small to be seen with the naked eye or a conventional microscope. “Think of them as tiny bubbles of fat protecting the mRNA so that it can get to where it needs to go,” says Hurt. “Without the lipids, the mRNA would break down in the body and never reach its target area.”

The potential of mRNA-based medicines seems limitless. “We’re working on every imaginable infectious disease,” says Drew Weissman, professor of vaccine research at the University of Pennsylvania. The list includes hepatitis C, HIV and malaria. But mRNA technology also can help treat diseases such as cancer.

Evonik’s lipid center in Tippecanoe County will ensure that there are enough lipids avail-

Testing apparatus for pharmaceutical products. Products are tested to ensure they adhere to the highest quality standards before they are released for sale.

Operations employee monitors the filling of a tote bag for intermediate pharmaceutical product. The packaged product is held for additional processing steps.

able for these new applications.

Granger, Indiana, and graduated from Purdue University — just a couple of miles away from Tippecanoe Labs, on the other side of the Wabash River.

Just three years ago, COVID was a word people couldn’t use in Scrabble. Now, it’s a reminder that a virus can cause worldwide deaths and serious damage to global economies.

Preparing a pipeline for lipids

When there is a next pandemic — and chances are there will be another in our lifetimes — how will Evonik Tippecanoe Laboratories be prepared to produce the lipids for a vaccine?

“We cannot foresee what’s coming, but we are working with a lot of partners, including many different universities, to build a pipeline ahead of time,” says Hurt, who grew up in

Purdue is an important partner for Evonik. “I’m thrilled with Purdue University, especially with their Alliance for the Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals,” Fricker says. “It exactly meets our needs. I don’t see a better partnership than this one.”

The Lipid Innovation Center is planned with an eye toward flexibility and quick adaptability to future needs.

“We are one of the key factors for the preparedness of the United States in case of a future pandemic by adding our assets, our competencies,” Fricker says. “The facility is also designed for different processes, so we can easily transfer a not-yet-known product into this plant.”

Evonik produced lipids within its Health Care business well before the COVID outbreak.

Barrington Lakes Phase II Contact Sales Representative Haley Tarter 765.430.6284 haley@tempesthomes.com

Barrington

“We have been working on mRNA and lipid technology for many years,” Fricker says. That capability was crucial for the quick reaction to the COVID outbreak and the strategic partnership with the German biotechnology company BioNTech.

“Using our ‘A’ team of engineers, we set up the lipid production in Germany in only eight weeks – months earlier than originally planned.”

The project’s name, “Speed of Light,” stated its mission to support the development of a COVID-19 vaccine in record time. Evonik played a pivotal role in that effort.

This success helped convince the United States government to make a significant investment with Evonik. The $150 million buys the U.S. a 10-year period of priority access to lipids in case of another pandemic.

History of innovation

The history of the Tippecanoe Labs facility goes back to 1953 when the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company completed its construction. Evonik, one of the largest specialty chemicals producers in the world, purchased the plant in 2010.

Brett Giltmier, an engineer and senior manufacturing manager at Tippecanoe, has been on site for 19 years. He witnessed its transformation from a facility serving only one company (Eli Lilly) to one that now collaborates with more than 20 customers –producing highly potent medicines for chemotherapy, for example.

“I’ve been here long enough to appreciate this trajectory. It’s wonderful to see a place with our history of innovation taking the next step into the future,” says Giltmier, who pointed to the innovation buzz in the Greater Lafayette community created by Purdue’s Discovery Park District, the massive mixeduse multidisciplinary research and business park. “We fit in very well with that as we have been doing similar things for a long time.”

Tippecanoe Labs, therefore, has deep community roots.

“The community involvement and support from our employees is our bedrock,” Giltmier says.

The inside of two dryers for pharmaceutical powders at the Tippecanoe site.

Right, top: An operations employee connects the fill spout to a tote bag for packaging. The process is contained to ensure that employees are shielded from potent pharmaceutical compounds.

Right, bottom: Evonik employee inspects the operation of a centrifuge isolating a pharmaceutical product at the Tippecanoe Laboratories.

With an annual budget of $75,000 for community outreach, Evonik aims to make an impact on the Greater Lafayette community. Evonik’s focus for these funds is education, social services and youth activities.

Among the programs it funds are Partners in Education, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), and the Wizard Science Program. Evonik employees also take part in United Way, Greater Lafayette Honor Flight, Junior Achievement, food drives, Taste of Tippecanoe, Clothe-A-Child and blood drives.

“We want to extend the partnership with the community,” Fricker says.

Next for Tippecanoe Labs

The groundbreaking for the Lipid Innovation Center will take place in late March. But executives are already looking at what might be next for Tippecanoe Labs.

“The master plan always foresees an expansion,” Fricker says. These decisions depend on market opportunities, scientific advances and smart business decisions, of course. The announcement of the new Lipid Innovation Center that made global headlines last summer is a case in point.

“A few years ago, nobody was thinking about a pandemic, and I don’t think a whole lot of people knew what messenger RNA was. But Evonik and a few other companies were already working on this – otherwise, the COVID-19 vaccine wouldn’t have been created so fast.” ★

Evonik employees walk through the fermentation hall at the Tippecanoe site. Fermentation is a processing technique to produce pharmaceutical products.

Tippecanoe Laboratories History

Tippecanoe Laboratories completed by Eli Lilly and Company

Start of pharmaceuticals production by natural fermentation

Start of chemical production of active pharmaceutical ingredients

Production of “High Potency APIs” (Compounds known for their ability to target diseased cells more precisely and selectively)

High Potency API Plant (T29) and Process Research & Development laboratory (T71) built

Tippecanoe Laboratories is acquired by Evonik, a top global chemical firm that reported 15 billion euros ($15.9 billion) in sales for 2021.

First successful PAI (Pre-Approval Inspection) and Food and Drug Administration approval of a customer product as a CMO (a company that serves other companies in the pharmaceutical industry on a contract basis)

Start of construction of new Lipid Innovation Center

Ask The Experts:

Do you have questions regarding business challenges you are facing?

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.

Dean Retherford

Dean Retherford is a 1989 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in agri-business management.  He has worked in professional farm management and farm real estate sales and acquisitions for more than 30 years with national footprint organizations.  He currently owns and operates Retherford Management and Consulting, as well as Schrader Auctions and Real Estate.  Schrader is the company that invented the multi-parcel auction process.  Dean can be reached at (765) 427-1244.

QUESTION: How do I maximize income on my land investments?

As someone who has been helping landowners for more than 30 years, I have heard this question quite often. Most of us that own property, specifically agricultural property, do so because we have an affinity for it, or some history with it, and wish to stay connected to it in some way. But as landowners, we wish to maximize our rate of return on this investment. That is where management expertise can pay real dividends.

The farm management industry came about during the Great Depression, as lenders needed help to look after the land that they got back in foreclosures. This has led many to condemn the profession, especially among the farming community. But as the profession has evolved over time, it has become less about controlling the land, and more about monitoring activities to assure that it is being properly cared for, and that income is maximized without doing financial harm to the farmers.

An expert manager knows the gross income potential of your land, as well as the annual costs of production that a farmer is paying each year, which can change rather dramatically. This in turn changes the net income for farmers, as well as the landowner. Farmers have been brought up to believe they should prefer landowners that do not know these numbers, as it keeps the negotiation strength on their side of the table. An expert source for this information is hard to come by but is vital to the integrity of negotiations.

My clients hire me to negotiate their leases with this knowledge, collect the rents, and monitor farming activities and fertility. A modern manager is simply a resource, someone to ask questions, and allow to handle the areas that you do not have the information or desire to address. We now offer these services at very low rates compared to the past, we invite the landowner to maintain a relationship with their farm operators, and in most cases actually enhance it, as we are taking the burden of negotiation responsibility away. We do not take over, we simply become a part of the team.

Do you have a business-related question for one of our experts? Visit: bit.ly/GLCAskTheExperts

Mass Giorgini, Lafayette punk legend, bids arrivederci

in a beautiful spot in my heart’

‘I shall forever be holding Lafayette

BY TIM BROUK FOR BASED IN LAFAYETTE PHOTOS VIA MASS GIORGINI, BY NEIL HITZE

This story originally appeared in August 2022 in Based in Lafayette, an independent local reporting project published by Dave Bangert. For subscription details –including free options –go to basedinlafayette.com

Before I moved to Indiana as a 22-year-old, the only things I knew about Lafayette were that it had a delicious Indian restaurant (Bombay, RIP), and some of my favorite records were created at Sonic Iguana Studios, which I envisioned as a magical and almost mythical punk rock Mecca.

Just weeks after moving into a meager apartment at Sixth and Hartford streets, imagine my elation when an old band buddy from Missouri, Matt Bug, called me to see if I wanted to meet Mass Giorgini, the producer extraordinaire behind such anthemic punk releases as Screeching Weasel’s “Wiggle” and Rise Against’s “The Unraveling.” It was an amazing early experience of being a new Hoosier as I geeked out over meeting the bassist of Squirtgun, touring the studios, and eating pizza at a long-since-closed Noble Roman’s with Giorgini, Bug and the Groovie Ghoulies, who were about to start a recording session that weekend.

Twenty-two years later, the Indiana punk rock legend and his young family — wife Leah Giorgini and young children, Giovanni and Aria — moved to Rome in July 2020, where Mass Giorgini will be close to his familial roots and relatives.

It’s bittersweet to live here without Giorgini and the bragging rights of being in a town with a recording studio — that unmistakable red concrete block building on Kossuth Street — where so many punk rock heroes created amazing sounds. Giorgini will be taking his music and studio projects with him to Italy — as well as his affinity for Lafayette.

“It is often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” Giorgini said, “and I shall forever be holding Lafayette in a beautiful spot in my heart.”

Giorgini’s mixing and mastering equipment is already overseas as Sonic Iguana’s audio legacy will continue. Giorgini revealed the existence of new Squirtgun demos, his band that played around the world since 1994.

Before appearing on MTV and the “Mallrats” soundtrack, Giorgini cut his teeth in the 1980s punk act Rattail Grenadier, which he formed with his younger brother Flav Giorgini. He then opened Spud Zero, an all-ages venue that ran from 1987 to 1988. The small club, once located at 1600 Main St. in the Five Points area, lives in the punk history books as one of only 28 venues that hosted Operation Ivy during the influential ska-punk band’s first and only national tour. In the ‘90s, Giorgini transitioned to recording and producing punk rock bands. Before the Kossuth location, Sonic Iguana had a busy stint in the 1990s near Fifth and Main streets.

No matter where in the world he resides, the Lafayette/Giorgini legacy will live on through the nearly 400 records he recorded, mixed and/or mastered, an incredible portfolio that only pales in comparison to Giorgini’s unwavering passion for his hometown of Lafayette.

Question: Why are you moving to Italy?

Mass Giorgini: My hope is that this move will give my children a similar cultural and linguistic experience to the one I had growing up between Lafayette and northern Italy. My own Italian upbringing was primarily in a smaller city — not unlike Lafayette in some ways — but I also spent a significant amount of time in Torino, which is a larger, industrial metropolitan center. Rome is not exactly the same — it’s an entirely unique place — but at least the language is the same, and we will be within driving distance of my parents’ hometowns and can visit with relatives on holidays.

Q: What is the future of Squirtgun?

Mass Giorgini: Squirtgun will pick back up soon enough. We had gotten to the point where our latest lineup was regularly doing a few shows per year in various locations, but the pandemic threw us for a loop and took the wind out of our sails. We have several demos for new songs ready, and our goal is to record some of those properly before planning more live appearances. I may get involved in some local performing among my dear musician friends in Rome, but I don’t plan for it to become a primary element of my time in Italy.

Q: Does this move make for more time to see your brother, Flav?

Mass Giorgini: This move absolutely means I’ll get to spend more time with my baby brother. As he lives in Leicester, England, we will be within a few hours of each other. Even better, flights in Europe are very affordable. It’s pretty common to get round-trip airfare from one country to the other for around a hundred bucks. That’s more like a local Greyhound bus ticket over here.

Q. Now that things have reopened during the last year, what does Lafayette-West Lafayette need to do to get its live music scene stronger?

Mass Giorgini: I truly believe it goes back to the idea that there needs to be a regularly operating all-ages venue. … All major concert venues are all-ages. You don’t hear of an over-21-only show at Wembley Stadium or Madison Square Garden. The simple reason is that the draw is not supposed to be the choice of beverages, but the performance. If a venue exists with music as it’s raison d’être, then the audience will primarily go there for the music. With that focus, people will leave the venue and talk about the bands they saw, the songs they heard, the new sounds and styles they witnessed being created in front of them.

The Lafayette area is actually quite fortunate to have fairly regular shows, often featuring some major underground forces from around the Midwest. Between The Spot (Tavern), the shows put on by Friends of Bob and Mom & Pop Productions and the various venues who less regularly put on shows, it’s been exciting to see that there is still the will to promote and attend shows — despite the pandemic. That said, there is a real need for an all-ages venue. The level of enthusiasm of under-21 audiences is unmatched by even the most diehard groups of adults. Those audiences are the ones who will determine the Nirvanas or Green Days of the future — both of those bands having been born of the scene of playing small DIY shows across the country.

It would be simple to open an all-ages venue — and it could easily be community-funded. Importantly, it would not only serve as a venue to see artists perform, but also as a means to inspire young audiences to generate their own creative output, whether musical or otherwise. From a community perspective, it would also provide a safe environment for younger audiences, rather than having them seek improvised concerts at off-campus parties, often including unsupervised distribution of alcohol.

Best corner office in town.

Mass Giorgini

Q: What are some tips for young musicians wanting to start a band, punk or otherwise?

Mass Giorgini: Your No. 1 motivator should always be your music. It’s easy to get carried away with things like where you are performing, your placement on the bill and who the “headliner” is, how many people attend the shows or how many records or T-shirts you sell. The truth is that ultimately none of that matters. It’s the music you share and its impact on you and your audience that is ultimately the most important part of the entire journey.

Q: What do you tell people from Europe about Lafayette-West Lafayette, music or otherwise?

Mass Giorgini: Believe it or not, Lafayette is brought up to me often by interviewers and music fans the world over. Because so much of the pop punk music scene internationally centered on albums I produced here, there is a belief that Greater Lafayette is a hotbed of pop punk bands, venues and record stores. The truth is that this area is quite varied in its musical interests, and we are no more pop-punk focused a city than most university towns. Despite that, it can’t be denied that Lafayette holds a special place in the history of the development of pop punk, and I am very proud to have been an integral part of that.

Q: If you had to just pick a few, what are your favorite Lafayette memories, musical or not?

Mass Giorgini: I still recall the Lafayette alternative music scene of the ’80s very fondly. From the birth of the Freakshow Bungalow on South Chauncey (Avenue), to the surprise appearance of the Dead Milkmen at a trailer park, to the extraordinary year of shows at Spud Zero, and the heavily attended shows put on at the old Morton School and other venues on the eve of the millennium’s final decade, it was a highly vibrant and creative period in Lafayette music. Those were the halcyon days, the golden age, and bands including the Atomic Clock, the Bored Cops and the Disease were the knights in shining armor who enriched and acculturated the music milieu of this area.

Q: What kind of impact do you think you’ve made in Lafayette since the Rattail years?

Mass Giorgini: I’d like to think that the many shows I set up in the ’80s and ’90s featuring top-quality bands, some of which ended up being influential on the world stage, enriched the local artistic environment. It certainly encouraged the involvement of a much larger youth segment in the arts.

When everything is considered, however, the studio may well be where I have left my biggest mark. A lot of the sound I tried to achieve has now become a de rigueur characteristic of melodic rock music at the level of the major labels, which I find rather ironic. The entire movement was trying to give a voice to the voiceless, a unique sound for a new generation that did not find itself represented in the mainstream. It was at least in part defined by its opposition to the status quo — and hearing it meant listening to the screams of the underground. Yet, now it is the sound of the institution, the establishment, and while the tonalities might tempt your ear, there is less and less certainty that the voice you hear is from like-minded folks of a similar ethical character.

Still, I am proud of my role in the creation of that sound as an artistic movement, and I love even more that when the name “Lafayette” is brought up in discussions of punk music around the world, the first thing mentioned is Sonic Iguana Studios.

Q: You’ve helped represent Lafayette punk rock so well since the ‘80s. What made you want to carry that mantle throughout the decades?

Mass Giorgini: When I say I love punk, I mean that for both the freedom of expression it represents and its focus on civil rights and the ending of oppression. But that’s not all — with the wave that began in the U.S. in the late-‘70s, it also began to emphasize the DIY development of an underground network independent of mainstream media and major label distribution. That meant bands started recording and releasing their own music and selling it directly to fans through mail order, and this was long before the

internet. The same happened with the live music circuit — fans began renting VFW halls and community centers and putting on their own shows.

In that context, it simply always felt natural to me to promote the growth of a music scene where I live. In the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams,” the mantra “Build it and they will come” is repeated several times. I suppose one could argue that that is exactly what I did starting a few years before the film — I opened a venue, and both internationally renowned bands and local fans came to Spud Zero. Sonic Iguana Studios was simply a repetition of that on a grander scale.

★ ★ ★

While we’re here, time for one more story?

In a different timeline, Mass Giorgini moves to California to be Green Day’s recording engineer. He recalled:

Mass Giorgini: In 1995, I co-produced an album with Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. The band was the Riverdales, who had recently formed from the ashes of the recently dissolved (for perhaps the third time) Screeching Weasel. We tracked the music and vocals in Lafayette at Sonic Iguana Studios — the second location, downtown on Fifth Street — and added overdubs and mixed in Berkeley (California) at a studio I helped Billie build. Following that partnership, Billie and Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt (who had worked with me prior when I produced him in another of his bands, and also performed guest vocals on the debut Squirtgun album) proposed that I become the head engineer and studio manager for a recording facility they planned to build. Of course, that would have required me to move to California, and I simply was not emotionally prepared to leave Lafayette and my house. My father had passed away in late ‘94 and abandoning the family home just wasn’t something I was willing to do. So, I turned them down and one of my assistant engineers, who I trained right here in Lafayette, went out and filled the position.

It was partly my deep attachment to this town that kept me from making that major career jump — but I don’t regret it. Lafayette has been very good to me in many ways, especially as far

as friendships and staying close to the memories of my parents. Coincidentally, Billie Joe Armstrong has recently gotten in touch with his Italian roots and has purchased a home in Italy. Although there are no specific current plans, I can predict I’ll be meeting up with Green Day in Italy at some point in the near future. As it so happens, when I was in Rome for a few months in 2019, Mike put me in touch with his daughter Estelle, who was in the Eternal City with a student group, and we went to dinner and strolled for hours together for three evenings in a row. It was very nice getting to know her better, as the last time I had seen her she was still in diapers.

Ultimately, it seems that while Green Day were not able to lure me away from Lafayette to Berkeley, Rome has a much stronger pull. As both my parents were from Italy, my first language was Italian, and I spent many years bouncing between the old country and Lafayette, it seems that the right combination of ingredients was finally able to get me to move away. However, I must emphasize, my intention is for this to be a three-year experience and then return to my beloved Lafayette. I guess in the long run I have been able to have my Rome and Green Day, too.” ★

Caring for the growing needs of the community.

BY CINDY GERLACH PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV

Women in charge

These 11 executives drive Greater Lafayette not-for-profit success

Not-for-profit organizations were designed to fill a niche between services offered by the government and the private sector. Their not-for-profit status allows any proceeds to be funneled back into the organization to help in fulfilling the mission, rather than be shared with investors or other stakeholders. Hence running a not-for-profit requires a special set of skills, as executive directors are tasked with running programs and staffing, as well as with development, fundraising and donor relations, all working under the guidance of a volunteer board of directors.

Several of these organizations in Tippecanoe County are run by women. Here is a look at just a few of the women who are at the helm of local not-for-profit agencies.

Tristen Comegys

Chief Executive Officer

Bauer Family Resources

Comegys developed a strong devotion to the nonprofit sector — and specifically youth serving organizations — early in her life, having benefited from youth development programming. Today her adopted daughter, Harley, has grown through her participation in similar programming. Her personal experiences led her to serve Bauer, an organization that empowers children and their families to thrive. She is a graduate of Purdue University with a B.A. in communications with a focus in advertising.

How did you become involved with this organization?

I originally became involved in the organization when I was serving as the CEO of a neighboring organization. We worked alongside Bauer in the community. When the previous CEO was set to retire, I was recruited to the organization.

What are your top three priorities?

• Enhance program delivery and accessibility: Embrace opportunities and create systems that allow for programs to replicate, expand, operate and innovate as dictated by the needs of the families and communities we serve.

• Amplify organizational impact: Communicate the difference that we are making, how we made that difference and why it is important in a way that elevates the organization.

• Proactively develop and strengthen our workforce: Become a sought-after employment destination with a culture that retains employees.

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

Bauer is one of the best-kept secrets in the community; often the work we do is in the background. With my team, I want Bauer, and the impact we make throughout the community, to be more apparent. We serve thousands of people every single year and have deep connections with families. We need to highlight that work to increase the number of families we are able to reach.

Christine Isbell Executive Director Public Schools Foundation of Tippecanoe County

Isbell is a graduate of Jefferson High School and Purdue University (1989, political science). She and her husband Dan have four adult children and five grandchildren. This is their 10th consecutive year with a child attending Purdue University.

How did you become involved with the organization?

My reintroduction to public education came when my first-born entered kindergarten in 1997 and I volunteered as “room mom.” As our other children entered school, my involvement increased with PTO leadership roles and special projects. When my youngest daughter entered preschool I decided to re-enter the work force and found a job listing in the newspaper for part-time director of PSFTC. In January 2023 I’ll begin my 21st year with the organization.

Our top three priorities are to:

• Provide resources that innovate classrooms and engage students in a tangible way.

• Create valuable classroom experiences for both students and teachers.

• Showcase the extraordinary effort and dedication that teachers, administrators and support staff exhibit in schools every day.

What changes do you hope to effect during your tenure?

I hope that during my tenure, rather than operate with a narrow focus, PSFTC will forge new partnerships with businesses and other philanthropic organizations to leverage resources and offer quality educational experiences to all students, and that we will continue to provide teachers with resources that provide varied instruction and materials to engage an audience with vastly different academic, economic and social backgrounds.

Don’t let hearing loss break your connections. Call today to schedule an appointment!

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.

Susan Taulia, Au.D., Licensed Audiologist • Joelle Beisel, H.I.S., Hearing Instrument Specialist Andrea Gray, M.S., Licensed Audiologist • Nicole Mielnicki, Au.D., Licensed Audiologist

Tetia Lee Chief Executive Officer The Arts Federation

Lee has impacted the cultural landscape of Indiana for more than 25 years. She has degrees from the School of the Art Institute, American Academy of Art, Florence Academy of Art, Indiana State University and Texas Tech. She is a classically trained artist and a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.

How did you become involved with the organization?

A member of the search committee reached out to my former boss who encouraged me to apply. After he asked three times, I sent in my resume, and the rest is history.

What are your top three priorities?

• Increase the accessibility of the arts to all people and communities.

• Continue to build The Arts Federation’s reputation as one of the strongest and best arts organizations in the nation.

• Cement the importance and role of the arts in community and economic development.

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

Increase the diversity of the arts, artists and communities that are represented and celebrated in our present and future.

Lindsey Mickler President and Chief Executive Officer,

Involved in violence prevention work with domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, Mickler is a versatile, highly adaptable, results-oriented professional with proven nonprofit leadership and management skills. During the summer of 2022, Mickler embarked on an eight-week embodied racial justice cohort for white leaders with fellow YWCA CEOs. She has a B.A. in psychology and a Master of Public Management from Indiana University, Kokomo.

How did you become involved with YWCA?

Like many, I have a connection to YWCA. In Kokomo, I attended YWCA as a child and was a swim instructor during college. When I was appointed as the CEO in August of 2021, it felt like an opportunity to continue to serve a mission that I was passionate about — four simple words that are challenging, but necessary: eliminate racism, empower women. I am honored to serve in this capacity and be entrusted with this community treasure.

What are your top three priorities?

• Develop bold initiatives that will allow us to drive our mission forward.

• Tell our story of one YWCA! We are an umbrella agency, with pillar programs that collectively support our mission and meet the needs of the community.

• Embrace collaboration — we know that the lift to effectively serve our mission will require action from both YWCA Greater Lafayette and the community.

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

Amidst a pandemic that has resulted in an increase in domestic violence, exposed inequities in access to health care, emphasized necessity for workforce development, and highlighted need for racial and social justice initiatives, our work is more important now than ever.

We will continue to strengthen collaborative opportunities and solidify YWCA Greater Lafayette as the leader in violence prevention efforts and social and racial justice initiatives.

YWCA Greater Lafayette has provided needed services for 92 years, and we will continue to lead the charge towards equality. Together, we shall continue to add to the legacy of YWCA Greater Lafayette. We will continue to foster empowerment in action through our events, our collaborations and our pillar programs that we extend to each of the communities we serve.

YWCA Greater Lafayette will continue to do our work until injustice is rooted out, until institutions are transformed and until the world sees women, girls, and people of color the way we do. Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.

YWCA Greater Lafayette

Brandi Christiansen President and Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health America, Wabash Vally Region

Christiansen is a U.S. Navy Veteran with an associates degree in law enforcement and B.A. in anthropology from the University of Iowa. She is a former semipro women’s football player and is the vice chair of the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund and a Certified Suicide Prevention Instructor (QPR Gate Keeper).

How did you become involved with this organization?

I was previously the executive director of Mental Health America-North Central Indiana based in Kokomo when I learned of this open position and was encouraged to apply. I did, and we merged with my old region last January.

What are your top three priorities?

• Staff/volunteer development

• Sustainable funding

• Innovative response to a mental health crisis. Without the first two priorities, we remain in reactionary mode and the crisis grows.

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

I hope to offer systemic opportunities for individuals and their families struggling with mental health and addiction who have not been successful in the current

mental health care and legal systems to get relief and empowerment so that they do not pass the trauma on to the next generations. I hope to take a tactical approach to youth mental health challenges and normalize early treatment and prevention of mental health and substance use disorders. I hope to challenge stigma in all its forms.

Christiansen stands next to the Mental Health Bell, a symbol of hope for the mentally ill that signifies the victory over mental illness.

mhanational.org/mental-health-bell

(Note: Bunder announced her retirement as this issue of Greater Lafayette Magazine went to press. Long-time Food Finders staff member Kier Crites Muller was named the new CEO upon Bunder’s retirement.)

Bunder joined Food Finders Food Bank in 2008 as the executive director. Under her direction, Food Finders increased food distribution from 2.5 million pounds to 14 million pounds, expanded the Backpack Program and added the Mobile Pantry Program. In 2014, Food Finders conducted a capital campaign that enabled the food bank to move into two newly renovated buildings. The Food Resource and Education Center teaches life skills and nutrition classes and offers resource coordination for food insecure households. In 2020, in response to increased demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Food Finders opened a grocery store. The Fresh Market, open five days a week, distributes high-quality nutritious food to low-income households and served more than 17,500 individual households in 2020.

Before joining Food Finders, Bunder worked for Purdue University from 1985 until 2008 and founded the nonprofit organization New Chauncey Housing, Inc.

Originally, from Arkansas, Bunder earned her bachelor’s degree at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. She completed her master’s degree at the University

of Virginia. Bunder and her husband, Peter, moved to West Lafayette in 1985. They have two grown daughters and three grandchildren.

How did you become involved with this organization?

In 2008 Food Finders conducted a search to find a new executive director, and I applied. I had previously founded a nonprofit and wanted to return to nonprofit work.

What are your top three priorities?

• Providing food to those who are food insecure.

• Running programs that help people overcome the root cause of hunger: poverty

• Making sure everyone in our community knows that people around us are hungry and those who can help donate or volunteer.

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

I am retiring in December 2022 and I have increased food distribution, added programs and moved Food Finders from an industrial park on the edge of Lafayette to the center of the city. It is much easier for those who need help to find it and easier for volunteers to help the food bank.

Katy O'Malley Bunder (right) passes the torch to Kier Crites Muller (left) President and Chief Executive Officer, Food Finders Food Bank

Laurie Earnst Executive Director, Tippecanoe County Senior Services

Earnst is the executive director of Tippecanoe Senior Services and has been in this position for three years. Her past work includes being the executive director of a family homeless shelter and program. She also has experience in social work, elementary education and early intervention for young children with special needs. Earnst has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Indiana University. She is originally from Elkhart and has lived in the Greater Lafayette area for 14 years. She is married and has five adult children and one granddaughter.

How did you become involved with this organization?

I became involved in this organization after a colleague suggested that I apply. I enjoy working with the senior population and being able to provide the services and resources they need to live a healthy and happy life.

What are your top three priorities?

• Raise more awareness of our agency

• Raise awareness of the services we provide to seniors

• Strive to continue to bring in the programming and services that will benefit the seniors we serve

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

I hope to change the way our society regards the senior population by promoting value, respect and honor within my organization and within our community.

Tippecanoe Senior Services operates Tippecanoe Senior Center, Meals on Wheels Greater Lafayette and SHARP (Senior Home Assistance Repair Program)

Exexcutive Director, Junior Achievement serving Greater Lafayette

A graduate of Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Edwards has a background in supporting local businesses, as well as local and national nonprofits.

She also currently serves as a Greater Lafayette Connector, on the Leadership Lafayette Selection Committee, Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette 100+ Women Who Care Steering Committee and President of the Jefferson High School Golden Broncho Club.

A connector at heart, Edwards’ leadership skills and community involvement has taught her that investing in people, organizations and workplaces helps keep our communities strong and vibrant. It is about empowering people by providing opportunities to grow, change and give back.

How did you become involved with this organization?

My love for education and workforce development come together at Junior Achievement. Serving my community through preparing students to succeed in a global economy is important to me. I truly believe our mission is truly making a difference in Greater Lafayette.

What are your top three priorities?

• Always be learning and growing as an individual

• Serve my community well

• Have fun

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

I hope to create a culture where staff feels appreciated and wants to invest in the organization. Additionally, I want to leave a legacy for the organization, that the work being done today will be appreciated in the years to come.

Jen Edwards

Jennifer Layton President and Chief Executive Officer, Lafayette Transitional Housing Center

Layton has worked for LTHC Homeless Services, formally Lafayette Transitional Housing Center, for the past 28 years. She began her tenure after graduating from Ball State University with a B.S. in public relations. She started as a case manager at LTHC thinking that the job would be relatively simple — to help homeless families. But what began as a job has turned into a lifelong passion.

For the last 22 years, Layton has been the executive director, now President/CEO, of LTHC. She has overseen significant growth in the ongoing effort to meet the changing needs of the homeless population of our community. During this time, the agency has grown from one program to seven, from serving nine families to helping over 250 families in 2021. Such programs include: Coordinated Entry, Day Resource Center, Night Shelter, Interim Housing, Medical Respite, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Re-Housing and Supportive Services for Veteran Families.

How did you become involved with this organization?

In 1994, when I started my career with this organization, I thought it would be easy for me to connect homeless families to housing options. I was from this area and could help navigate housing solutions. What I learned, very quickly, was there was a lack of affordable

housing options for single-parent households. The families who needed help also needed employment, child care, transportation assistance and more. There were many barriers associated that I did not understand.

What are your top three priorities?

• End homelessness for individuals, families and veterans.

• Educate the public about people who are experiencing homelessness and how they need a community response to help.

• Build additional housing units and collaborate with additional partners to ensure housing success.

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

I want to be part of the advocacy work across the state of Indiana to provide housing to all Hoosiers who are experiencing homelessness. This is not an issue just in Tippecanoe County. There is much work to be done.

Stephanie Long President and Chief Executive Officer, North Central Health Services, Inc. (NCHS)

Long has 20 years of health care administration experience in various leadership roles. Before joining NCHS in 2015, she was the chief executive officer of Indiana University Health White Memorial Hospital. Long has a B.S. in nursing and a master’s in business administration. Long is a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives.

How did you become involved with the organization?

Long joined the organization in 2015 as the president and CEO. NCHS owns and operates River Bend Hospital, an inpatient psychiatric hospital. NCHS also provides grants for eligible nonprofit organizations in an eight-county region.

What are your top three priorities?

The top three priorities of NCHS are based on the Community Health Needs Assessment, completed for our eight-county region every three years. The 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment identified the following critical health needs as our priorities:

• Mental/behavioral health and adverse childhood experiences

• Substance abuse

• Our community’s overall health and well-being

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

We are fortunate to live in a community where individuals truly care and are willing to work together for the greater good. I hope to remove barriers and support the mental health needs of our community, including access to care, social services and prevention programs for all ages. In addition to providing mental health services at River Bend Hospital, the goal of NCHS is to provide funding partnerships to expand and strengthen nonprofit organizations that improve health outcomes and develop healthy communities.

Leslie Martin Conwell Executive Director, Tippecanoe County Historical Association (TCHS)

Conwell is an anthropologist and historian who did undergraduate work at Purdue University and graduate work at Indiana University. She has been employed in various capacities with the Tippecanoe County Historical Association for 40 years.

How did you become involved with this organization?

After going to my first Feast of the Hunters’ Moon in 1975, the Feast sparked the development of a strong love for the history and archaeology of Fort Ouiatenon. The historical association hired me originally as a tour guide and gift shop manager while I was in college, and after graduation, they hired me as a museum professional. I was very fortunate to work with people there who recognized my interest and encouraged me all through these years to be the best I could be in the museum field. I’ve had incredible mentors.

What are your top three priorities?

• TCHA is dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing Tippecanoe County’s diverse history.

• A major priority is to keep the Feast financially viable, inclusive and relevant, so that it continues to contribute to the quality of life in the community.

• Ensuring TCHA’s fiscal viability through grants, community connections and interpersonal relationships.

What change do you hope to effect during your tenure?

My time as executive director has been all about ensuring the historical association’s survival and viability. I came on board in June of 2020 — the height of the COVID pandemic. I worked in tandem with the board, staff, membership, sponsors, granting agencies, donors and volunteers to ensure the survival of the Tippecanoe County Historical Association through the significant challenges posed by the COVID pandemic and the subsequent cancellation of the 2020 Feast of the Hunters’ Moon. TCHA met its mission during the most challenging time the association has ever endured, and we accomplished much toward ensuring the future financial security of TCHA. I will be retiring from the executive director position in the very near future, and it has been an honor to serve TCHA and my community. ★

The pot Conwell is holding was found in the area of the archaeological site of Fort Ouiatenon It is constructed of copper, and is identified by experts as a cooking pot dating from the second quarter of the 18th century (roughly 1725-1750). The construction and style is identified as French.

BY KEN THOMPSON PHOTOS PROVIDED

BIG PINE CREEK

WATERSHED BALANCES CONSERVATION AND PROFITABILITY

Photo by Jason Whalen

rowing up on a farm in Fowler, Indiana, Johnny Klemme developed a passion for the Big Pine Creek.

“The Big Pine was kind of my stomping grounds as a kid,” says Klemme, who enjoyed fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Now in his career as a Warren County-based land advisor and broker, Klemme is doing his part to make the Big Pine Creek Watershed an example of how teamwork between farmers, landowners and other stakeholders can combine profit with preservation of the natural environment.

“I’m really passionate about making sure these natural resources, particularly our soil and ecosystems of this creek, are taken care of so the next generation can enjoy them like we had the opportunity to do,” Klemme says.

Spanning 209,000 acres across Benton, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties, the Big Pine Creek Watershed is fulfilling its mission to voluntarily conserve and improve the natural environment while balancing the interests of those living within its boundaries.

“One of the big goals of this project is ensuring these farms remain profitable while making these types of conservation changes,” Klemme says. “If we can’t ensure the farmers remain profitable, then it all falls apart.”

“We have seen that farms and generational farms specifically are some of our best stewards of our farmland. We are able to demonstrate that profitability can be there while also improving the water quality downstream.”

Big Pine recently earned a 2022 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence from the state of Indiana. Big Pine was recognized in the land use/conservation category.

“The Big Pine Creek Watershed Project is a water-quality improvement program focused on preventing nutrient and sedimentary run off,” the citation states. “In addition to implementing practices like cover crops, other goals include educating farmers and landowners on the impact they have on the watershed, as well as raising funds to support this work.

“Since the program’s inception (in 2014), it has prevented over 110,000 tons of sediment from entering local waterways, hosted 6,500 participants at area events, reached 30 percent of watershed residents regarding the importance of water quality in the watershed and raised over $6 million to accomplish this work.”

The Big Pine Creek empties directly into the Wabash River upstream of Attica, the next step in a waterway journey that traverses the Ohio and Mississippi rivers before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

Educating others to think about that big picture has been Leslie Fisher’s job since 2016. Fisher was hired as coordinator of the Big Pine Creek Watershed project by the Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Fisher’s background of working with Purdue Extension-Benton County and local farmers, along with experience in resource management, made this job a natural fit for her skills.

“As of last year, the efforts of our

farmers and landowners have prevented 289,478 pounds of nitrogen, 145,654 pounds of phosphorous and 110, 454 tons of sediment from entering waterways,” Fisher says.

Reducing nitrogen and phosphorous in our water helps minimize damage to aquatic plants, fish and lake organisms. Too much of both elements in water can result in overgrowth of free-floating plants that can block oxygen and sunlight needed for survival.

Excess sediment depletes the oxygen supply and can lead to killing fish.

In sports terminology, Fisher is the coach bringing together players with many different interests in order to achieve a common goal.

“The community needs to know that this project is possible through the efforts of 40-plus partnerships from several different types of organizations that would not typically work together,” Fisher says. “And that it’s only been successful due to those relationships and the commitment from our local landowners and farmers to become better stewards of their land.”

Major corporate conservation initiatives were formed with local coop Ceres Solutions, Land O’Lakes, Coca-Cola and Tate & Lyle, plus other Indiana-based companies.

Complicating the mission is the fact that contrary to public belief, Indiana is not a flat-land state.

The northern and western regions of the watershed once upon a time were prairie, while woodlands covered the southern and eastern regions.

“Big Pine is one of those places where you’ve got this unique blend of very productive farmland that also feeds a major creek that has rare flora and fauna species on it,” Klemme says. “You’ve got smaller farms and more rolling wooded areas in the southern part of the watershed. As you get up in the northern parts of the watershed, those are all former prairies and former wetlands. It’s 90-plus percent row crop agriculture.

“The way we like to say it, there’s no better place to work on a giant case study of how we could implement conservation practices and have a positive effect on water quality than this particular watershed.”

The success story of Big Pine Watershed has been profiled in a 20-minute documentary, “Land –Values,” directed by Klemme with the aid of a small grant from Indiana

Humanities. It premiered for online streaming Dec. 9.

“We’re just really fortunate that here in Benton, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties we do have some of the most productive farmland in the Midwest,” Klemme says. “Our area is being looked at and seen across the country as a leader in these type of practices, as well as a leader in technology, sensors and equipment that are being tested, developed and manufactured in the greater 10-county region through organizations such as the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network.”

Funding for the Big Pine Creek Watershed project has been extended through 2027.

There’s much more that can be done during these next few years, Fisher says.

“If (you) farm or own land, I would highly encourage you to reach

The Big Pine Creek Watershed Project crew members.

out to your local USDA Service Center to discuss potential options on your land,” Fisher says. “There are all kinds of conservation practices that can make a huge difference both environmentally, but also economically.

“These could include planting cover crops in between the cash crop, reducing tillage, soil health testing and nutrient management plans and even adding pollinator strips on field borders. These conservation practices can solve many natural resource concerns such as erosion, improving soil health and improving water quality. They also can add some major value to the land.” ★

The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence from the state of Indiana was awarded to Big Pine Creek for Land Use and Conservation Watershed in 2022.

BY MEGAN FURST PHOTOS PROVIDED

Mecko’s Heating & Cooling

meckosheating.com

418½ Sagamore Parkway N., Lafayette 765-447-7555

According to Dave Mecklenburg, owner of Mecko’s Heating & Cooling, helping people in need and building relationships based on loyalty, trust and honesty have been key to their mission for the past 18 years.

“We will do all things possible to help our clients,” Mecklenburg says. “Hearing our clients call in and say that our employees did an awesome job and were very professional while in their home is one of the most satisfying and proud moments of being a business owner in this incredible community.”

Mecko’s Heating & Cooling offers both residential and commercial services on HVAC systems. They also provide a 24-hour emergency service, where someone from the company will respond and immediately address the client’s needs.

Giving back through community service opportunities is important to Mecklenburg. He serves on the Lafayette Parks and Recreation board and delivers food for the food pantry and Lafayette Urban Ministry. Mecko’s also has supported numerous charity events such as the Ebony and Ivory Ball, Toast of Mental Health, Blue Knight Auction, March of Dimes, Transitional Housing Bingo and 100 Men Who Cook.

Great Harvest Bread Co.

greatharvestlafayette.com

1500 Kossuth St., Lafayette 765-742-7323

Another longtime small business in Greater Lafayette is Great Harvest Bread Co., co-founded by Jerry and Janet Lecy nearly 17 years ago. The bakery welcomes you to its historic Kossuth district location with the delightful smells of freshly baked bread and pastries, hot coffee and other delicious treats.

The Lecys came across the Great Harvest Bread Co. franchise while living in Orlando, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Jerry and Janet had been considering a new chapter in their lives, and they knew immediately that it was the perfect business for them.

“I try to avoid fear. It definitely took us out of our comfort zone — my wife more than myself,” Jerry says. “Even the first year, she was like, ‘Do you miss our old life?’ And I’m like, ‘No, I don’t even think about it. This is happening. This is good.’”

Greater Lafayette’s locally owned businesses are the heart of our community. Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, energy, money and passion into their companies. Join us as we look back at the small business of the month winners recognized by Greater Lafayette Commerce in 2022.

In addition to coffee, sandwiches and desserts, Great Harvest Bread sells on average 150 to 200 loaves of bread daily. Their bread ingredients are simple and include honey rather than high-fructose corn syrup.

“We are about the bread. We are about quality ingredients,” Jerry says. “The honey whole wheat, which is our signature bread, has five ingredients: water, salt, yeast, honey and flour. You can pronounce everything.”

Great Harvest Bread also values community and regularly donates leftover bread to charitable organizations such as Lafayette Urban Ministry, Trinity Mission, a local women’s shelter and more.

Sweet Revolution Bake Shop

sweetrevolutionbakeshop.com

109 N. Fifth St., Lafayette 765-743-7437

Since opening in June 2017, Sweet Revolution Bake Shop has doubled its size to accommodate the growing business. Located in historic downtown Lafayette, Sweet Revolution is family-owned by siblings Sarah McGregor-Ray and Jonathan McGregor and mother Debbie McGregor.

Chef Sarah had always dreamed of running her own bakery, while her brother Jonathan had a hunger for being an entrepreneur.

“I knew Sarah was gifted with food when she was 10,” Debbie says. “She would help me cook, and I just let her do more and more all the time. She is very gifted. It’s fun to watch.”

Sweet Revolution features specialty, freshly baked pies and pastries with natural ingredients. They also offer made-from-scratch savory quiches, coffee and teas.

Mecko’s Great Harvest Sweet Revolution

Following the success of Sweet Revolution Bake Shop, the McGregor family opened Revolution Barbeque in 2020, also located in downtown Lafayette. They’ve appreciated the support of the community and their loyal customers and look forward to additional projects in the future.

Sparkletone Dry Cleaners

238 E. State St., West Lafayette 765-743-2007

Customer service has always been the top priority at Sparkletone Dry Cleaners — over the past 66 years. Sparkletone was founded in 1956 by Robert Dudley and handed over to his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Jeanne Dudley.

They’ve always focused on delivering the best service to their customers, and Jeanne, especially, has enjoyed getting to know each one.

“If you don’t have customers, you don’t have a business,” Jeanne says. “I’ve always liked people. I always have, so it’s easy for me.”

Scott and Jeanne’s two daughters, Kristin and Robin, took over the business after their parents’ retirement so Jeanne could provide care for Scott. He passed away last year, leaving behind a wonderful legacy and a thriving business.

Robin focuses her attention on customer service and enjoys talking to all the customers, much like her mother. Kristin manages the dayto-day operations. Together, they provide an in-house dry-cleaning and shirt laundry service. Their twoday services return clothes clean, pressed and ready to wear.

“We keep it simple. Customer service has always been our number one priority,” Robin says. “We greet

our customers with a friendly smile, listen to their needs and provide an affordable and timely service. We thank our loyal customers for our continued success over the past 66 years.”

The Homestead homesteadbuttery.com

155 Win Hentschel Blvd., West Lafayette 765-838-1590

The Homestead, located on Win Hentschel Boulevard in West Lafayette, opened in 2017 by owners Mike and Jody Bahler. The Bahlers already had one location in Remington but decided to add a second to expand and grow their customer base.

Having always dreamed of a catering business of her own, Jody was excited about the opportunity her sister-in-law, Heidi, shared with her back in 2010. There was a building available for rent in Remington that would be ideal to open a bulk food, baking and catering shop.

Jody loved experimenting with different recipes and would often make them ahead of time and freeze them for later. This convenience made it easier to feed her growing family.

She brought this take-and-bake approach to The Homestead, where customers can enjoy a large salad bar, deli lunches, catering, frozen and bulk foods and a gift shop.

“It’s not anything gourmet. It’s just homestyle, basic cooking,” Jody says. “It’s very much a homemade product when the customer gets it.”

The farmhouse featured in their logo is an illustration of Jody and Mike’s family home. “That’s how we named it The Homestead because it truly is a family homestead,” Jody

says. “We wanted it to be just kind of a warm and welcoming feel when people visit and when people hear the name. It has that warm, cozy feel.”

GLGraphix

glgraphix.com

311 Sagamore Parkway N., Ste. 6., Lafayette 765-446-8600

Mark and Sandy Sweval opened Speed Pro Imaging in 2011, but rebranded to GLGraphix in 2019. GLGraphix offers large-format graphics such as displays, banners and images that grab an audience’s attention.

They both enjoy different aspects of the business, and it shows in the success they’ve shared over the years.

“I’ve always enjoyed the sales process,” Mark says. “I love the flexibility. I love the freedom. I loved being able to chart my own destiny being an owner of a small business.”

Their flexibility was tested, however, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They had to quickly shift gears to make up for the lost revenue from large canceled indoor gatherings such as conventions and trade shows.

“I started really burning up the phone lines and calling people,” Mark says. “I found a way to replace the lost business.”

GLGraphix ended up designing thousands of COVID-related graphics for Purdue and area hospitals. This helped them stay afloat and come back even stronger.

The business is heavily involved in the community and supports Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA. They also provide discounted

signage for numerous not-forprofit organizations in the Greater Lafayette area.

GLGraphix has been turned over to a new owner. In July 2022, Nathan Erber, founder of Mark VII Graphics, adopted the GLGraphix name and continues in the Swevals’ footsteps in providing quality graphics solutions to Greater Lafayette.

TBIRD Design

tbirddesign.com

105 N. 10th St., Lafayette 765-742-1900

Owner Timothy Balensiefer had high expectations for his company when he founded TBIRD Design in 2000. He had a five-year and 10year plan for his design firm, yet he was able to accomplish all his goals within three years of business.

“It did grow a lot faster than we were expecting, but we knew there was a need in the community,”

Balensiefer says. “Our clients trust us, and they like us. That’s why they come back.”

TBIRD Design helps prepare new industrial and commercial sites, assists local government in improving and extending infrastructure, evaluates boundaries, provides precise positioning and surveying and also creates residential neighborhoods.

The firm works with major industry players such as Purdue University, Caterpillar, Subaru and Wabash. They developed the Rise at Chauncey, a 16-story mixed-use project in West Lafayette that includes more than 21,000 square feet of retail space and 300 residential units. Additionally, TBIRD led the way for the HUB Plus building, which houses retail spaces and more than 200 residential units.

TBIRD Design also has worked on the design and construction of the downtown Lafayette streetscape and partners with the Tippecanoe School Corp. to develop new schools, ath-

letic fields and other additions.

“We’re truly a local firm. That’s the way people feel about us,” Balensiefer says. “They know we’re local. We’ve been around for a long time.”

TBIRD gives back to the community and is a frequent sponsor of downtown events. It developed the Shamrock Dog Park in Lafayette and is working toward developing properties for the Boys and Girls Club, pro bono.

Instant Copy

instantcopyprinting.com

701 Main St., Lafayette 765-742-8656

Instant Copy, located in downtown Lafayette, is a one-stop print shop. Established in 1986, Instant Copy merged with Lafayette Copier and Eco Shred in 2020 and is currently owned by T.J. and Dawn O’Bryan and managed by Toni Edmonson.

“Our customer service is our shining star here because we will always go out of our way to make sure that our customers are happy,” Edmonson says. “We want you to be satisfied with your project — whether we designed it, or you did.”

Instant Copy provides print, graphic design and bindery services, and customers can also shred documents in the store. Graphic artists are available to assist clients with design needs, including logos, business cards, brochures, posters and more.

It works with businesses such as Unity and Franciscan hospitals, Bauer Family Resources, Hartford House, Food Finders and St. Boniface. It also enjoys its regular customers who come in for help with printing, shipping labels, invitations and cards.

“We really try to branch out and work with a little bit of everybody,” Edmonson says. “Being that Instant Copy has been in business for so long, generally at one point or another, people have printed something with us.”

Instant Copy donates print materials for various nonprofit organizations — and prints flyers for missing persons and lost pets at no cost. “If there’s a customer in a hard spot, we do try to help out our community in that way with printing services,” Edmonson says.

Hearing Solutions of Indiana

indianahearing.com

- 750 Park East Boulevard, Suite 3, Lafayette

- 480 West Navajo St., Suite A, West Lafayette 765-771-7109

Additional Locations: Avon, Carmel, Delphi, Fishers, Franklin, Greenwood, IU Health Arnett, Kokomo and Zionsville

When Hearing Solutions of Indiana opened in 2018 with one location and one employee, it had no idea how quickly the business would grow in the next four years. Hearing Solutions of Indiana is led by husband and wife Michael and Dr. Judy Olson.

They offer several services to both new and existing hearing aid wearers, including fittings, repairs and programming. Hearing Solutions of Indiana also provides comprehensive hearing exams and treatment options for tinnitus.

In 2020, it added a second location in West Lafayette and has since expanded to include locations in Avon, Carmel, Delphi, Fishers, Franklin, Kokomo, Zionsville and IU Health Arnett. The newest location opened in Greenwood.

Judy and her team focus on providing the highest level of care and are committed to their patients and their employees. Judy understands what it means to have quality hear-

Small Business of the Month nominations

ing, as she has worn hearing aids for 25 years.

“We’re always on the forefront of technology and that also helps us continue to grow — and to grow into new markets to bring the gift of better hearing to more and more people,” Judy says. “We have a passion for what we’re doing.”

“That’s what we’re about,” adds Michael. “It’s changing lives, and we’re committed to doing that throughout Central Indiana.”

Michael and Judy grew up in Greater Lafayette and feel fortunate to provide jobs to their 25 employees. They also enjoy sponsoring, educating and participating in community events. ★

Hearing Solutions

Nominations are accepted year-round for the Small Business of the Month program. To be eligible for this award, a small business must have 50 or fewer employees, be a current member of Greater Lafayette Commerce, be in business under current ownership for three or more years and show active involvement in the community.

Visit greaterlafayettecommerce.com/small-business-of-the-month-year/

favorite small business.

Two Lafayette commercial bankers, Tony Albrecht and Brad Marley, wanted to put together a team that would make their hometown proud. That’s why they joined State Bank and asked Lafayette natives, Casey Spencer and Trula DeWald, to join their quest to create a banking team like no other in Tippecanoe County. Since 1910, State Bank has been serving as the premiere community bank in Central Indiana. We offer long-lasting relationships built on experience, honesty, and trust. Call or stop by and see what Brad, Trula, Tony, Casey, and the rest of our team can do for you!

We’re here to provide you with the banking relationship you deserve.

Brad Marley Trula DeWald Tony Albrecht Casey Spencer

GET BACK TO FEELING AMAZING

Get In, Get Out, Get Better.

When minor illnesses or injuries suddenly arise, it can feel like an inconvenience. But it’s going to be okay –

The sooner you get in, get treatment and get answers, the sooner you can go from feeling yucky to feeling some relief.

Open 7 days a week for both in-person and virtual visits.

FranciscanExpressCare.org

We make each other better.

are

Tipmont Wintek.

Electric Service

Residential Fiber Internet

Business Internet and IT Solutions

Data Center Colocation

Tipmont has powered homes, businesses and farms since 1939. Since 1973, Wintek has introduced leading-edge technology solutions to our region.

In 2019, Tipmont Wintek forged a partnership powered by a mutual mission to serve the best interests of our members and our communities. Together, we provide superior service you've known and trusted for generations.

And we'll be here for generations more.

Learn more about the Tipmont Wintek partnership.

WeMakeEachOtherBetter.com