MU_MN_SP_03-22_N_B_A_X_C
Did you know that … More than half the companies on last year’s Fortune 500 list were launched during a recession or bear market? One local bank was founded in 1834? One gallon of improperly-disposed waste motor oil can contaminate up to a million gallons of drinking water? Fishing for Walleye and Crappie is great at one local body of water? One agency has responded to Southern Indiana floods over the years rescuing 15 victims?
Find out more inside!
A special advertising section by
NEXT SUNDAY: ANOTHER DIRECTIONS SECTION FEATURING MORE GREAT AREA BUSINESSES AND SERVICES
INNOVATION CONNECTOR
2I • Sunday, March 21, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
Is There a Dream in Your Garage?
P
oke around most garages and you’ll find rakes, mowers, bikes and boxes. You’ll also find dreams. You’ve heard of Bill Gates, whose Microsoft Empire began in his garage. And Walt Disney, whose own garage housed a dream that reads like something straight out of, well, Disney. You have a garage, too-whether a literal garage, the kitchen table or an outbuilding of the mind. Is your dream growing? Or is it packed away with the canning jars? Shelving your dream would be a shame, for both you and the economy, says Katie Frederick, Executive Director of Innovation Connector in Muncie. ”Small business is the engine of our economy, accounting for 99% of America’s private sector employers.”
Start a business in this economy? Are you nuts? That’s what Thomas Edison’s friends said. Good thing he didn’t listen or you’d be reading this by candlelight. Edison opened his business in 1876, right in the middle of the Long Depression. Today, his company is known as General Electric. And just as the market crashed to start the Great Depression, little United Aircraft was just taking off. Today, we know it as United Technologies. “These economic times may be the perfect breeding ground for the next small business boom,” says Frederick, whose organization shepherds tech entrepreneurs out of their garages to become fully functioning businesses. “The same conditions that force cut-backs and layoffs force heightened creativity and innovative thinking.”
“These economic times may be the perfect breeding ground for the next small business boom.” — Katie Frederick Unlike their big-business counterparts burdened with lumbering bureaucracy, small businesses can be flexible and nimble. They can focus and adapt quickly. “It’s the difference between a speedboat and a freight liner,” says Mark Smith, the Innovation Connector’s Executive in Residence for Sales Strategy. “Small business has an advantage in maneuverability. When the time is right, they hit the throttle.” That’s not just theory. More than half the companies on last year’s Fortune 500 list were launched during a recession or bear market. And nearly half the firms on the 2008 Inc. list of America’s fastest-growing companies got their starts in economic downturns. Making the leap So what stops people from taking their dreams to reality?
“Just knowing where to begin is the biggest hurdle,” says Frederick. “It can be mind boggling and overwhelming. It’s one thing to have an innovative idea. It’s another to implement.” The implementation to-do-list can seem daunting and foreign-legal, marketing, communications, finance, accounting. That’s where small business incubators come in. They nurture ideas from conception to hatching to fledglings that fly on their own. Incubators range from big, university-based programs to specialized ones that cater to surrounding communities. They provide physical space, essential support services and invaluable expertise, guiding you every step of the way. “The average person really can launch a business with no specialized knowledge outside his or her own experience,” says Smith. “It’s about the power of connecting and collaborating with experts who know how to get things done.” Success is never a sure thing. But it needn’t be intimidating. Whether your dream fills a need in Yorktown, wows them in Muncie, or ultimately goes global, it all begins with getting out of the garage. Check out the perfect place to launch your business at www.innovationconnector.com.
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 21, 2010 • 3I
MUNCIE SANITARY DISTRICT
4I • Sunday, March 21, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
By Ken Wickliffe
R
ecycling programs such as those operated by the Muncie Sanitary District are now keeping one-third of Muncie’s solid waste out of landfills. Instead, these recycled items are being reprocessed to create new consumer products, which conserves natural resources and reduces the need for waste disposal space. But, that still leaves about two-thirds of our waste un-recycled, says Nikki Grigsby, public relations director for the Muncie Sanitary District. The result: Millions of tons of unnecessary items continue to wind up in landfills — not to mention consumers’ homes, garages and yards. Some of this waste includes hazardous materials, chemicals and other items that can cause health, safety or environmental problems. “Recycling is clearly an environmental success story, and community participation is the key,” Grigsby said. “We’re pleased at our level of local participation — 32 percent of items collected last year were recycled — and we want to encourage even more recycling among the citizens of Muncie and Delaware County.” Muncie’s “Blue Bag” curbside recycling program is one of the easiest ways to recycle, she explained. Instead of bagging all trash together, people can simply put all recyclables into a blue bag and put it in the green, 96-gallon “Toter” trash receptacle issued by the MSD, in addition to placing their regular trash in a dark bag and placing it in the same Toter. Coupons sent every four months entitle each Muncie household to four free packets of ten 30-gallon recycling bags. Many cooperating local businesses and agencies stock the blue bags, including Marsh grocery stores, the YMCA, the Cardinal Greenway Depot, Kirk’s Bike Shop, all Muncie Public Libraries, Muncie Mall Guest Services, and the Sewage Utility Office. Residents of Delaware County who live outside the Muncie Sanitary District trash pickup area can still participate in the MSD’s recycling programs by taking their recyclables to East Central Recycling. Droppedoff recyclables go into special dumpsters, so they do not need to be in blue bags, Grigsby said. Recyclable items include paper products, old newspapers and magazines, aluminum, glass (clear, brown and green), plastic bottles and jugs, and tin and steel products. “Waste Oil” — No Longer A Waste One gallon of improperly-disposed waste motor oil can contaminate up to a million gallons of drinking water. But, by taking their used motor oil to East Central Recycling, Delaware County residents can both protect the environment and help save energy. “The Muncie Sanitary District recently purchased two waste oil heaters to recycle used motor oil and produce heat for the sanitation garage,” Grigsby said. “Through its new program, the MSD is accepting used motor oil from the Muncie community, and expects to save taxpayers thousands in heating costs. “It’s a win-win,” she explained.
“Citizens save money since there are no disposal costs, they receive a certificate for a credit, and it saves taxpayer dollars by providing a source of fuel to heat the sanitation garage.” Delaware County residents can drop off waste oil in gallon containers or barrels at East Central Recycling. Other automotive waste products, such as used tires (up to 6 per year for free) and batteries, are also accepted. Hazardous Household Waste Products labeled with the words “caution,” “warning,” or “danger” are often toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive. These items must be disposed of properly to prevent environmental damage and risk to those handling waste, Grigsby said. Hazardous items can be dropped off at East Central Recycling and deposited into special areas designated for different kinds of waste. The MSD’s web site, munciesanitary.org, includes detailed descriptions of hazardous items and disposal guidelines. Technology Waste As people replace cell phones, digital cameras, pagers and other electronic items, there is often a need to dispose of the old products that are no longer used. These items can be dropped off at the Muncie Mission or several other locations around Delaware County that accept “eWaste.” The technology waste disposal program benefits the Muncie Mission. Choose and Re-Use Center Featuring a wide variety of new and used donated items, the Choose and Re-Use Center is available to local teachers, churches and non-profit organizations. Open Mondays from 12 - 5 p.m., the Choose and ReUse Center is located at 600 E. Highland Ave., and stocks office supplies, tools, shop supplies, teaching aids, art supplies and many other types of items. “People Make It Work” Working alongside their fellow citizens of Muncie and Delaware County to conserve natural resources and protect the environment, the employees of the Muncie Sanitary District are dedicated to the mission of recycling and responsible waste management, Grigsby said. “All of the programs we offer depend on the continuing dedication of the citizens and our staff,” she said. “We truly have the best people working here.” As part of its community outreach efforts, the MSD partners with Union Chapel to conduct neighborhood cleanups. The next neighborhood cleanup will be in the Industry neighborhood on April 10. Location East Central Recycling, located at 701 E. Centennial Ave., is the place to take recyclables, hazardous items, waste oil, used appliances, and any other items eligible to be collected. Hours for disposal are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. - noon. For more information on recycling, check the MSD’s web site, munciesanitary.org. Tours of East Central Recycling are available to school groups and others with an interest in learning about the technology and science behind recycling. For more information, contact Nikki Grigsby at (765) 747-4742.
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 21, 2010 • 5I
6I • Sunday, March 21, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
MUNCIE STORMWATER By Mike Feeney
P
rairie Creek Reservoir will soon receive updates to make the already fun and family-friendly destination even more appealing for visitors. Not only will the roadside areas and beach areas see considerably more flowers and plants in bloom this season, but Prairie Creek management is also looking to make it more fun and usable by increasing accessibility for those with physical disabilities, and even hope to one day create a handicap-accessible playground. Originally developed in 1954 by Muncie Water Works, Prairie Creek Reservoir is a privately owned stream-fed water storage facility consisting of approximately 1275 acres of water and 750 land acres, now utilized by the Muncie Parks and Recreation Department. This amount of space should be plenty inviting for those interested in pontooning, sailboating, fishing, or swimming. Indeed, nearby the beach area is the Muncie Sailing Club, the second home for many local sailboat owners. And how about the fishing? Bob Patterson, Superintendent for the park, says, “Fishing for Walleye and Crappie is great. You really have to hone your skills on this lake. It’s different than most, but great once you get it together.” One of the most popular spots at Prairie Creek is the clean and well-maintained beach area, complete with bathhouse and vending machines. The large nearby playground offers picnic shelters and tables, grills, basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes. And just up the road is the popular seasonal campground adjacent to boat docks and piers, in addition to boat launches. Here during camping season, you’ll find many locals camping in tents and campers, watching the night sky beside campfires. This summer on June 5th, the public is invited to attend Community Day at the reservoir. Attendees can enjoy free fishing and explore the updates to
Prairie Creek Reservoir. Those who have never been there can check it out for the first time, and those who may not have attended in awhile can enjoy the changes. In addition to hopes of boosting attendance with these updates and free activities, Prairie Creek
management hopes that those who become regular visitors will develop a greater appreciation for the great outdoors. Patterson noted, “If you spend more time outdoors enjoying nature, you’re more likely to take an active role in caring for the environment.”
Fishing for Walleye and Crappie is great. You really have to hone your skills on this lake It’s different than most, but great once you get it together.” — Bob Patterson, superintendent
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 21, 2010 • 7I
8I • Sunday, March 21, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
A
s your sheriff for the past seven years, I would like to report to you some of the accomplishments of our team during my first two terms as Delaware County Sheriff. The Delaware County Sheriffs Office has taken a leadership role on the national, state and local level. Serving with the National Sheriffs Association Homeland Security Committee and Special Operations Committee, and working with Governor Daniels and Lt. Governor Skillman on the Counter Terrorism and Safety Committee, we have helped to control criminal and terrorist activities locally and around our state and nation. Over the past seven years, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office system has brought in over $19 million to include state and federal grants to reduce Sheriff George Sheridan, Jr. the local tax burden and supply needed equipment, provide overtime money for deputies and finance special projects such as the Governors Task Force on Impaired and Dangerous Driving. Our participation in Operation FALCON has resulted in the arrest of numerous violent felons on our local streets. By taking part in project Life Saver, we have been able to assist autistic and Alzheimer’s patients who may wander from home. Our office has participated in providing aid in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, saving the lives of 22 victims, and we have responded to Southern Indiana floods, rescuing 15 victims. We also responded to the major riot at the New Castle Prison, helping to quell the takeover of the prison. The Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, comprised of merit deputies and retired U.S. Army Master Bomb Technicians with over 60 years of experience, has responded to multiple mutual aid requests in Delaware and surrounding counties for bomb threats and locating explosives. Many of these operations have been augmented by the Delaware County Sheriffs Office Reserves, along with private partnerships such as the Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue team. Great strides have also been taken to protect the Judiciary and Prosecution staff of Delaware County, as well as our critical infrastructures and government buildings. Averaging over 5,400 inmates a year, we have reduced the jail population, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, and provided in-house programs for inmates to help ensure they have a chance to become productive members of society when they return to the community. In addition, hundreds of criminal investigations have been conducted, thousands of calls have been responded to by Sheriff’s deputies, saving lives, arresting criminals, investigating vehicle crashes in all weather, and providing for safe transportation of inmates across the United States. During my term as sheriff, eight members of our department have received medals of the highest honor for valor and heroism, and many others have received awards for conduct above and beyond the call of duty. In addition, a major memorial has been erected for officers who have lost their lives while in the service of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Many of these success stories have been untold, and the members and partners across the board of the Delaware County Sheriffs Office pride themselves as “quiet professionals.” It has been my highest honor to be entrusted with your confidence to serve as “Your Sheriff.” With your sheriff’s office team, we shall continue to be the tip of the spear to provide the best state of the art information and equipment in serving you, and protecting our most precious people, the children of our community. God and Country, Sheriff George Sheridan, Jr.
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 21, 2010 • 9I
FIRST MERCHANTS TRUST
Personal Trust Team
Retirement Planning Team
Investment Team
Who is First Merchants Trust Company? First Merchants Trust Company is a dedicated team of community minded professionals committed to generational excellence. We offer comprehensive financial planning for individuals, families, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Our depth of knowledge and experience makes it possible for us to meet all of your financial, estate, and retirement planning needs. Our commitment is to be an organization that directly touches and influences the future of our clients, their children and grandchildren. FMTC is big enough to meet all of your needs, and small enough to care.
we customize our delivery of planning and service, knowing every individual has different goals and objectives. No matter what type of relationship we have, we go whenever and wherever we’re needed - it might be at a client’s place of business, in the their home or in the fields during planting time.
What is the key to the success of First Merchants Trust Company? In short, it’s our staff. We are continually focused on building a unified team where everyone contributes his or her unique talents to the success of our clients. Our employees are properly trained for the jobs they perform. They believe in what they’re doing and understand why. What services does First Merchants They have comfort knowing that the Trust Company offer? First Merchants Trust Company offers company they represent respects them trust administration, investment manage- as individuals and sincerely appreciates ment, retirement products and services, their efforts. estate settlement, IRA’s, Section 125 plans What do you want the Muncie and brokerage, just to name a few. community to know about First Merchants Trust Company? What makes First Merchants Trust First Merchants Trust Company is unique? Our commitment to the communities truly special. Locally, we offer an extenwe serve makes us unique. Likewise, our sive menu of products and services to company is as good as the individuals we meet the needs of our neighbors. We employ. Only with their dedication and provide service with care, sensitivity and focus can we achieve results at the supe- understanding. We focus on doing what’s right for our clients first and foremost rior level we expect of ourselves. and feel that our success as a company will logically follow if we do that. We What makes your employees special? They are focused on doing what’s in offer the strength of big and provide the the best interest of our clients. Our personalized service of small. We realize colleagues are actively involved in the that our business begins and ends with communities where they live and work, people. That’s the bottom line! Planning for your financial future can because they know it’s important. Among our 65 employees are attorneys, certified be overwhelming and time consuming, financial planners and advisors, retire- especially if you don’t know all of your options and the consequences of making ment counselors and licensed brokers. mistakes. The recent economic conditions have forced many to reevaluate their What can customers expect from First financial plans or lack thereof. Our team Merchants Trust Company? On the retirement side of our busi- of professionals will work with you; your ness, our plans are all-inclusive and done attorney, and/or your accountant to put internally. We design the plan to fit the together a plan that helps you realize your needs of the respective client, manage short-term and long-term goals. We will the investments and recordkeeping and answer your toughest questions. We will offer offsite participant counseling and help make sure you don’t waste your time education. In our personal trust practice, or your money.
10I • Sunday, March 21, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
MEEKS MORTUARY By Stacey Shannon
F
“We treat everybody with respect and dignity — in life and death. We take it serious. This
is a one-shot deal, so you can’t mess it up.”
— Dave Cox
or generations The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory has been helping local residents say good-bye to loved ones with dignity and respect. And though the familyowned and operated business offers a wide selection of funeral services, the staff is what makes the difference. Dave Cox, who has been with Meeks for over 12 years and the business manager since 2000, said the business has many long-term employees, including himself, Mike Steed, Nancy Myers and John Emge. Dave’s father, Gordon, has been the president since 1993, and with Meeks Mortuary for more than 44 years. Cox has used his business degree from Ball State and his past experience at Meeks to effectively oversee the operations. He keeps busy behindthe-scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. “I try to be as detailed-oriented as I can to make sure things are as perfect as possible for the service,” he said. The rest of the staff is the same way. Steed is the funeral director and has been with Meeks for more than 25 years. He started as an intern in 1984 and has stayed ever since. Cox said many in the community recognize Steed who meets with families on a daily basis. “He knows his stuff,” says Cox. “He’s been here so long he knows all the little intricacies of Muncie. There’s not much you can stump him with as far as difficult problems or questions.” Nancy Myers is another long-term employee who has been at Meeks for more than 22 years. She is the office manager who Cox said has a caring personality and mothers the staff. “She holds everything together for us,” he said. “She makes the directors look good. She does a great job for us.” John Emge is the third long-term employee. He is the chief embalmer
and has been with Meeks for 20 years. Cox said each employee takes his or her job seriously. Emge is one of them. “He has the utmost respect and is very dignified,” Cox said. “We treat everybody with respect and dignity — in life and death. We take it serious. This is a one-shot deal, so you can’t mess it up.” And while the work is always taken seriously, Cox said to cope with it, his staff will find ways during downtime to have a bit of fun. “To keep our sanity, we try to have fun behind the scenes,” he said. “It gets really intense and pretty difficult sometimes.” Some of the most difficult times are when a friend loses a loved one. Since Meeks has been in the community for so long and many of its employees have worked there for so long, that happens often. Cox said that is both the best and worst part of his work. “I get to help people at the worst possible times in their lives,” he said. “I feel the most I can do is the least I can do to help somebody. My job is the best way I can figure out how to help other people.” The spirit of helping others is contagious throughout Meeks’ employees. Most are involved with various activities within the community individually. The mortuary and crematory also donates substantially to organizations and charities annually. There are other Meeks staff members with many years of service and devotion to the funeral industry. Those members include Co-Director of Operations Jeff Bates, Pre-Need Counselor Steve Green, Joey Coomer, Tommy Oswalt, Kiel Barkdull, Dick Hall, Jessie Jones, Joe Sutherland, Duane Hobley, Larry Curtis, and Scott Herrick. For more information, contact The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory at (765) 288-6669 or visit www. meeksmortuary.com.
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 21, 2010 • 11I
PENGAD PRINTING By Mike Feeney
P
engad Printing is one of few businesses on either the local or national level that can boast growth during the recent recession. In fact, you could say business is booming for the local printer. Pengad is the country’s largest and oldest supplier of stenography supplies, and distributes legal supplies throughout the United States. Surprised? Maybe you shouldn’t be; it’s possible one of your neighbors works at the successful printer. Jim Funkhouser, one of Pengad’s owners said, “we’re proud to keep 60 families working when times are not too good for Muncie and Delaware County.” Pengad has been in business since 1936, and has been located in Muncie for 28 years. Pengad is a locally owned company with 3 locations nationally: Muncie, Indiana; Fresno, California; and New Jersey. Muncie’s location performs all of the printing and manufacturing. The Fresno location serves as warehousing for the west coast, and the New Jersey location houses the corporate headquarters and more warehousing. “We are happy to be in Muncie.
It’s a great location, very central to the United States. It’s a crossroads. Shipping is convenient, to Florida, up to Canada, and to the western U.S.,” Funkhouser said. “I can’t say enough good things about the Muncie community. They’ve been wonderful, and we have a great group of workers to draw from.” The Muncie community has recognized Pengad’s contributions in return: Pengad has received accolades in recent years, like the Advertising Federation of East Central Indiana’s Printer of the Year award, and a Gold Addy for Best Sales and Collateral Brochures. In addition to stenography and legal supplies, Pengad is also a commercial printer, providing printing solutions for many local businesses. Offering the full range of printed products, from business cards to letterhead, all the way up to full-color catalogs. Pengad also offers extensive foil stamping equipment for unique printed products that most other local printers can’t provide in-house. Pengad also supplies big names like Office Max and Office Depot with 2-pocket folders and office supplies.
“We are happy to be in Muncie. It’s a great location … I can’t say enough good things about the Muncie community. They’ve been wonderful and we have a great group of workers to draw from.” — Jim Funkhouser, co-owner
12I • Sunday, March 21, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 21, 2010 • 13I
By Stacey Shannon
S
HSA? A. HSAs are interest bearing accounts with the interest being tax deferred. The money will roll over year to year if unused. You may adjust your deposits based on your usage annually or even monthly. Most banks offer HSAs. You might want to look for online service, debit card and low or no monthly fees when shopping around.
ince its founding by Ball State alum Michael Stafford, Jr., nearly a decade ago, The Stafford Insurance Group has been offering a large line of insurance to customers through both its Muncie and Fishers offices. The Stafford Insurance Groups works independently with all the major insurance carriers to sell everything from life insurance to Q. What can I use the funds for? health insurance to auto insurance. Recently, A. You must use the funds for approved the company has gotten more requests for high deductible health plans with Health medical expenses only. Visit www.irs.gov Savings Accounts, according to Stafford. He for a detailed list of eligible expenses. These said customers often have similar questions. may include a much wider range of services, such as dental or eye exams. If you use your HSA funds for non-qualified expenses, the Q. Who qualifies for a HSA? A. To qualify for a HSA, you must have amount you withdraw will be taxable, and only a High Deductible Health Plan, which is you’ll also be required to pay an additional defined as a plan with a deductible of at least 10 percent tax penalty on the withdrawal amount. $1,200 individual or $2,400 family. Q. Does my insurance premium include Q. How much may a person contrib- my savings deposit? ute? A. As a rule of thumb, your premium A. The maximum contributions for 2010 you pay to the insurance company does not are set at $3,050 for an individual and $6,100 include your savings deposit. The premium for a family. These amounts adjust every you pay is only for the HDHP, and you manyear. HSA deposits can be deducted from age your HSA on your own. your adjusted gross income when filing your taxes. Q. What records do I need to keep Q. What happens to the money in the when I withdraw funds?
A. Save all receipts and records of withdrawals for tax reporting to the IRS. If you use your funds for non-health-related expenses, you must report those withdrawals. Since the HSA is your plan, you — not your employer — are responsible for maintaining HSA records. Q. What insurance providers doing business in Indiana offer a HDHP? A. Almost all health insurance companies operating in Indiana offer a HDHP. A few that are among the leaders are Anthem Blue Cross, United Health Care, Medical Mutual, Consumers Life, Fortis and American Community. The Stafford Insurance Group works with all these providers. Q. How much premium will I save with a HDHP over a traditional plan? A. Depending upon the insurance company and the deductible you choose, savings could be up to 50 percent of your current premium. Other factors that may influence the premium are age, gender, lifestyle choices and health conditions. For more information on HSAs or any insurance offerings, contact The Stafford Insurance Group at (765) 284-4416 or visit www.staffordinsurance.com.
STAFFORD INSURANCE
Michael doesn’t just sell Health Savings Accounts, he has one for his own family: Allie, Ryan, Riley and Dylan (pictured left to right)
14I • Sunday, March 21, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT