Focus on Health This Summer

What’s the state of Indiana’s health?

Unfortunately, it’s not good. In fact, Indiana ranks at the bottom in several health metrics.

One of those is opioid abuse, which has received a lot of attention recently around the state. However, Hoosiers also continue to struggle with tobacco use and obesity (and diseases related to both), as well as high infant mortality rates.

Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar recently penned an article on how health is the missing piece of Indiana’s economic puzzle. For additional background and data on the issue, read it here.

The Alliance for a Healthier Indiana – made up of health care professionals, educators, business and community leaders – is aiming to educate the public and policymakers about these issues, grow local support and generally raise awareness of the dangers of our poor health, while also sharing ways Hoosiers can work together to improve these metrics.

With its State of Our Health Road Show, the Alliance is on the road this summer and fall, hosting free town hall meetings in all corners of the state.

The road show is in Fort Wayne today and will travel to Muncie tomorrow, June 13. Other June dates include Richmond on June 19 and Connersville on June 20. The complete schedule is available here; events go through October.

To see clips and video from earlier road shows, visit the Alliance for a Healthier Indiana’s Facebook page.

Founding members of the Alliance for a Healthier Indiana include the Indiana Hospital Association, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana State Medical Association, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana and the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health.

Brinegar and Community Health Network President and CEO Bryan Mills recently spoke about the Alliance and the state of Indiana’s health during a segment on Inside INdiana Business. The segment gives an overview of the issues:

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To learn more about the Alliance for a Healthier Indiana visit the web site at www.healthierindiana.org.

Connersville Celebrates 200 Years

I recently spent some time in Connersville for its bicentennial celebration. While driving around the town during the 10 days of the celebration beginning on June 28, I could see the excitement and pride that the small town has. I enjoyed seeing signs at businesses displaying, “Happy 200, Connersville” and other accolades.

The part of the celebration that was most intriguing to me was reunion day. I took the short trip to Connersville with my mom, grandpa and sister to catch up with family members and for my grandpa to see some old classmates at Roberts Park, where the day’s event was being held.

When we got to Roberts Park, there were 20 or more tents set up for the schools, classes and organizations in the Fayette County area. I couldn’t believe how many people were there, and they all seemed to be excited to see each other and catch up.

I originally went with my family for a family reunion, but before too long my grandpa had ventured off to see former classmates and long lost friends from the past. Watching him catch up with old friends brought a smile to my face.

We enjoyed some laughs about things in the “old days” and met some of my grandpa’s old friends. It was a great experience that left my mom and I wanting to know when Rushville’s (my hometown) bicentennial would be, so that we could share in a similar experience.

Happy 200th birthday Connersville, and congratulations on hosting a successful celebration! I know that it was an event that will be remembered for years to come. And all Hoosiers can rejoice together in 2016, when the state celebrates its bicentennial.

Carbon Motors Sees Rising Demand for Patrol Vehicles

Carbon Motors, a Connersville-based homeland security company, is making a global impact with its new law enforcement patrol vehicles. The company is currently embarked on a nationwide Pure Justice Tour promoting the vehicle, which stops in Carmel (at 3 Civic Square) on July 30. An email from the company explains: 

Carbon Motors has clearly positioned itself as the global leader in law enforcement vehicle technology, and the demand for the world’s first and only, truly purpose-built solution for law enforcement officers is unquestioned.

Carbon Motors has now exceeded 21,000 reservations for the sedan version of its portfolio of law enforcement patrol vehicles from nearly 600 law enforcement agencies across all 50 US states.  Additionally, the Company has received unsolicited requests for future exports from over 35 countries around the world.

The Carbon E7 will continue its trek across the United States to help further product, corporate and supplier development efforts. While doing so, Carbon Motors will be completing its 68th through 71st stops on the Pure Justice Tour within the next two weeks.

If you’ve not had a chance to see this revolutionary vehicle in person, please take the opportunity to do so at one of the following locations below. As its management team continues to work hard to protect those that put themselves in harms way every day, Carbon Motors would like to extend its appreciation and thanks to each of the hosts at the Cambridge, Stamford, New Rochelle and Carmel Police Departments.

Reusing Buildings a Practical Step in Economic Development

Former Indianapolis Mayor Bill Hudnut recently sat down with Gerry Dick of Inside INdiana Business to discuss the effort underway to reuse the GM Stamping Plant downtown.

Reusing facilities is an ongoing challenge — and opportunity — that many Indiana communities are facing. For more on this, see my story in the November/December 2010 edition of BizVoice magazine, highlighting efforts in Connersville, Elkhart, Muncie and Tipton.

Seymour Grocer Nourishing Southern Indiana Since 1863

Jay C Food Stores have been serving southern Indiana for many years. In that time, the stores have seen many changes. However, the company’s dedication to serving Seymour and the surrounding community remains unwavered by the winds of time — and the pains of recession. Jay C’s story is one of adaptation, evolution, and ultimately success. Here are some key points of progress, as told by the company:

  • It all began in 1863. John C. Groub, a young Swiss immigrant, made his way to Seymour, Indiana. He sold matches to pay his way from Louisville, Kentucky to Rockford, Indiana.
  • In 1863, John C. Groub opened his first store in a building on South Chestnut Street. The front portion was a grocery store; the back was used for living quarters. 
  • The business grew and Mr. Groub secured a downtown location on West Second Street in 1871.
  • Deliveries by truck started about 1919, and satellite warehouses were established in Mitchell and Connersville.
  • As the number of stores increased, so did the need for more warehouse space, and in 1938 a new two-story warehouse, one-half block in size, was built at the south end of Ewing Street.
  • In the late 1950s, the Jay C leadership made a commitment to teamwork when it made the promise, “As the Company Progresses, So Shall Its People.” At the same time, a cash profit sharing plan was inaugurated. As a result of this team effort, profit sharing has been paid every year since its inception.
  • A new name, and a new kind of store operation became a part of the company during the 1980s-90s.  Four Foods Plus Stores were opened in Bedford, Madison, Columbus, and Seymour.  The concept of these stores involved giving customers a role in creating savings for themselves by bagging their own groceries and taking them to the car. 
  • By the end of the 1990s, Jay C consisted of 25 Jay C Stores, 4 Foods Plus Stores, and 2 Ruler Discount Foods Stores.
  • In August,1999 the John C. Groub Company merged with the Kroger Company, the largest grocery retailer in the United States.
  • The company has prospered as an independent division of the Kroger Company, retaining its name, people, traditions, values, leadership, and products.

Congrats to Jay C, an Indiana Chamber member, for so many years of success — and thanks for showing other Indiana businesses what can be accomplished with determination and forward thinking.