Nominations Open for School-Business Partnership Award

The Indiana Chamber Foundation is accepting nominations for its second annual School Counseling-Business Partnership of the Year award, highlighting the collaborative efforts between employers and educators to better prepare students for college and careers.

The award, presented in partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, is open to all Indiana high schools and employers (must be located in Indiana). Nomination letters must include the name of the high school and employer and describe how the partnership has led to better preparation of students for college and career success.

In addition, a $1,000 scholarship will be given to a high school senior who has shown exceptional progress in college and career readiness because of the school counseling-business partnership.

The 2017 inaugural award was presented to Hobart High School and St. Mary’s Medical Center. Read more about that partnership here. The winning partnership will be announced at the 12th annual Indiana INTERNnet IMPACT Awards luncheon on February 7.

Nominations should be submitted to Shelley Huffman at shuffman@indianachamber.com by Friday, January 12.

partnership

Nominations for Indiana Innovation Awards Closing Soon!

Nominations are open for the 2017 Indiana Innovation Awards until the end of July. Any innovation is eligible to be recognized as long as it has been “released” in some form or fashion within the past three years and the team behind the innovation is headquartered (at least partially for interstate/international organizations) in Indiana.

Past winners have included products, services, technologies, processes and initiatives that demonstrate both uniqueness and success.

Awards will be presented at the October 12 Day of Innovation conference in Indianapolis.

Jasper’s Matrix Integration Earns National Recognition

Matrix-Integration-logoMatrix Integration, an Indiana Chamber member based in Jasper, illustrates just some of the tech innovation found throughout the state. Today, the company celebrates five national awards. (And if you’re interested in enhancing the tech climate and are affiliated with an Indiana tech company, consider participating in the Indiana Technology & Innovation Council. The first open discussion is August 9.)

A press release has more on Matrix Integration:

Matrix Integration LLC, expert technology advisors based in Jasper, Indiana with locations in Fishers, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky, wins multiple national awards including making the Diversity Business Top Business for 2016, the Top 30 Women of the Channel List from CRN- a leading magazine in the business-to-business computer industry – and Matrix was also named to CRN’s Tech Elite 250, the Elite 150 of CRN’s 2016 Managed Service Provider 500 (MSP500) list, and Solution Provider 500 (SP500) list.

“It is always a huge honor that we’ve won several of these awards year over year,” said Brenda Stallings, co-founder and CEO of Matrix Integration. “We pride ourselves on our highly trained, innovative workforce that builds lasting relationships, while we design and implement technology solutions that give our customers an edge, and the industry has recognized that.”

The awards recognize various aspects of Matrix Integration’s business.

  • As one of Diversity Business “Top Business for 2016” Matrix Integration represents a growing class of innovators and visionaries that continue to go beyond expectations in producing products and services that transform the way we live. Contributions also have created an important cycle of reinvigorating the nation’s and global economic vitality. www.diversitybusiness.com.
  • CRN’s 2016 Women of the Channel list honors 340 female executives who are making their mark in the technology industry with Matrix Integration’s co-founder and CEO, Brenda Stallings, ranking in the Top 30 List.
  • Companies on the CRN 2016 Tech Elite 250 list represent an elite group of North American IT solution providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most advanced technical certifications in the IT Channel for data center or cloud.
  • The Elite 150 of CRN’s 2016 Managed Service Provider 500 (MSP500) list. The MSP500 is an annual list which recognizes the top technology providers and consultants in North America whose cutting-edge approach to managed services puts end-user customers in the best position to improve efficiencies, cut costs and speed time to market for their own products and services.
  • Awarded by The Channel Company and CRN for placing #294 on the 2016 CRN Solution Provider 500 (SP500) list. CRN’s staple SP500 list recognizes the top channel partners in North America each year since 1995. This acclaimed annual ranking is an industry-recognized guide to the most accomplished partners in the channel.

It’s Good to be (Sun) King

Chamber member Sun King Brewery (Indianapolis) recently returned from the 30th annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver with some serious hardware. (Check out the Huffington Post article.)The brewery reports:

Sun King Brewing Co. is proud to announce that it was the recipient of eight medals at the 30th annual Great American Beer Festival. Not only did Sun King lead the field in total medal count, its four Gold Medals were the most won by any single brewery.

The winning entries were:

  • Gold Medal, Coffee Beer, JAVA MAC
  • Gold Medal, Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale, BUFFALO SLUMBER
  • Gold Medal, Classic Irish-Dry Stout, RING OF DINGLE
  • Gold Medal, Scotch Ale, WEE MUCKLE
  • Silver Medal, Wood and Barrel Aged Beer, WEE POGUE
  • Silver Medal, Wood and Barrel Aged Strong Beer, BOURBON BARREL JOHAN
  • Silver Medal, American-Style or International Pilsner, POPCORN PILSNER
  • Bronze Medal, Barley Wine-Style Ale, JOHAN THE BARLEYWINE

Hosted by the Brewer’s Association, the GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world, with 3,930 beers vying for Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals. Those beers are rated in 83 categories and Indiana breweries had the highest winning rate by state at 19.2% (10 medals out of 52 total entries).

Three other Indiana brewers took home hardware at the GABF.

  • Silver Medal, German-Style Marzen, MUNSTER FEST (Three Floyds, Munster, Ind.)
  • Silver Medal, Scottish-Style Ale, NAUGHTY SCOT (Rock Bottom – College Park, Indianapolis)*
  • Bronze Medal, American-Style Brett Ale, GRIMALKIN – SUPER KITTY FANTASTICO (Brugge Brasserie, Indianapolis)

Small Business Week: Enjoy a Full Day of Learning and Awards

A group of local small business associations and corporate sponsors are helping to make June 24 a full day of benefits for Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses. See the full flyer here, and paid reservations are due June 14:

New Directions for Small Business is the Indianapolis area day of events marking 2011
Indiana Small Business Week from June 19 – 25, 2011. New Directions for Small Business
provides entrepreneurs with new techniques to expand their businesses and to start new ones. It is an opportunity to talk with other business owners and with business counselors about current challenges and how to increase sales. Active small business lenders will be available to meet one-to-one to discuss your borrowing needs. At lunch, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will present its Small Business Week awards for Indiana.

Business Counseling and Conversations Opens at 8:00 am – available all day

  • Teams of business consultants and former business owners with expertise ranging from manufacturing to franchises and service businesses will be available for private meetings to help you find a new direction for your company or business idea. Feel free to bring your business plan along with your issues and ideas to start the conversation.
  • Talk with exporting professionals who can help you take your products to global markets. Start with Canada; advance to China.
  • Do you need working capital? What about a new building or advanced equipment? Ready to launch a new company? Meet with financial institutions that are lending right now to Indiana small businesses.

IEDC: Nominations, Applications Open for Business Awards

The following is a release from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation about the 2011 Companies to Watch nominations. (Our own BizVoice magazine is a partner of the program, and will publish stories and profiles about the winners for the third consecutive year.):

Nominations and applications for the fourth annual Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, highlighting some of the state’s top second-stage companies opens today.

Presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Center network (ISBDC), Purdue University and the Edward Lowe Foundation, Indiana Companies to Watch recognizes privately held Indiana businesses that employ six to 150 full-time employees and have between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or capital.

"Companies to Watch is a great way to recognize businesses in our state that are continuing to grow and create new opportunities across Indiana," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "This program provides entrepreneurs with well-deserved recognition for their efforts, but also a chance to network with past and fellow recipients, which encourages further growth in our state." 

Anyone may nominate an eligible business or apply for the awards by completing the online application form at www.Indiana.companiestowatch.org. A panel of judges will review the applications and select the top companies to receive the awards based on past growth, projected success, innovation, technology application and community involvement. Nominations will be accepted through March 25. Companies may submit applications on their own behalf through April 15.

"This annual event has grown to be a preeminent awards program that shines the spotlight on Indiana’s entrepreneurial companies," said Marcus B. Chandler, chair of flagship sponsor Barnes & Thornburg LLP’s Entrepreneurial Services Group. "As an advocate for several Indiana entrepreneurial companies of all sizes and types, we are always excited to see and learn more about the progress of these businesses."

Winners of the awards will be recognized Aug. 25 during an awards dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

Companies to Watch was developed by the Cassopolis, Mich. – based Edward Lowe Foundation.  The foundation hosts similar programs in Michigan, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

"Companies to Watch is proof that second-stage companies have become the major employment drivers in our economy. Over the last few years when stories about our economy dealt with infamous blows to larger corporations, the second-stage companies in our communities were quietly adding jobs, creating new products and entering national and international markets," said Penny Lewandowski, director of entrepreneurship development at the Edward Lowe Foundation. "For the past three years, Indiana Companies to Watch has identified 141 outstanding second-stagers that have employed more than 7,900 full-time equivalent workers. These companies represent 32 counties from across the state and industries as diverse as biotechnology, manufacturing, retail and health care."

Nominations/Applications Being Accepted for Business Awards

The IEDC and SBDC are now accepting nominations for the popular Indiana Companies to Watch program. Once again, BizVoice magazine will include information about the winners and will be presented the night of the awards dinner:

Nominations and applications for the third annual Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, highlighting some of the state’s top privately held companies opens today.

Presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Center network (SBDC), Purdue University and the Edward Lowe Foundation, Indiana Companies to Watch recognizes privately held Indiana businesses that employ between six and 150 full-time employees and have between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or working capital.

"This program spotlights Indiana companies in various industries who have demonstrated growth and the intent to keep growing," said Jeff Heinzmann, IEDC’s state SBDC director. "We are also succeeding in bringing these entrepreneurs together as a community to learn how to grow from each other."

Anyone may nominate an eligible business or apply for the awards by completing the online application form at www.Indiana.companiestowatch.org. A panel of judges will review the applications and select the top companies to receive the awards based on past growth, projected success, innovation, technology application and community involvement. Nominations will be accepted through March 29.

"Premier Capital Corporation is honored to again participate in an awards program that recognizes growing Indiana companies," said David W. Amick, executive director of Premier Capital Corporation, the program’s flagship sponsor.  "As a provider of growth capital to Indiana businesses for the past 25 years, the Indiana Companies to Watch program is a great opportunity to recognize Indiana success stories, many of whom are Premier Capital clients."

Winners of the awards will be recognized Aug. 26 during an awards dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

"The Indiana Companies to Watch awards program honors some of our state’s greatest assets – successful entrepreneurs who are creating companies and jobs for Hoosiers," said Alan H. Rebar, executive director of Purdue’s Discovery Park. "It is important that we recognize these future economic leaders and give them a strong support base for their continued success."

Companies to Watch was developed by the Cassopolis, Mich. – based Edward Lowe Foundation.  The foundation hosts similar programs in Michigan, Arizona, Colorado and Mississippi.

"Since its inception in 2008, Companies to Watch in Indiana has clearly demonstrated that second-stage companies power the state’s economy," said Penny Lewandowski, director of entrepreneurship at the Edward Lowe Foundation. "At the time they were selected, 2008 and 2009 honorees employed more than 5,771 workers. Representing regions statewide, these companies are impressive for their industry diversity, as well as their compelling stories of entrepreneurial leadership and tremendous potential for developing the latest and greatest innovations."