BUSINESS BRIEFS: Oct. 12, 2024
Oct. 11—Greencroft announces Jeremy Kauffman as a VP
GOSHEN — Greencroft Communities recently announced the appointment of Jeremy Kauffman as vice president of Strategy and Development, effective this Tuesday.
With more than 30 years of experience in senior living, Kauffman returns to Greencroft, where he began his career, to lead the organization's strategic growth and mission-driven initiatives. Before joining Greencroft, Jeremy served as vice president of Consulting at MHS Association, where he provided strategic guidance to nonprofit organizations across the country, focusing on governance, operations, leadership development, and executive searches.
Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Goshen College and a Master's in Organization Development from Bowling Green State University. He is also a licensed nursing home administrator and a certified DiSC trainer. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with his family. Jeremy and his wife, Christy, have three adult children and are excited to reconnect with the Greencroft community.
Morgan Sparks joins CTB
MILFORD — Morgan Sparks has joined CTB Inc. as business systems analyst, according to Jennifer Leatherman, Business Solutions Director for CTB Inc.
In her new position, Sparks will interact with different CTB groups to understand their business needs for new capabilities and to improve efficiency with enterprise resource planning applications. She will also be researching current business intelligence technologies and trends to make recommendations as well as help to design and support new applications for transforming business data from multiple sources into actionable insights.
Prior to her employment at CTB, Sparks gained several years of experience working with analytics, business intelligence and finance in the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industry. She most recently held the position of corporate enterprise analyst where she developed dashboards and other analytical tools for data-driven decision-making.
Sparks is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, earning bachelor's degrees in economics and mathematics.
A native of Linton, Indiana, she currently resides in Elkhart.
Surf Internet named a Top 100 Fiber Provider
ELKHART — Surf Internet has been named to Broadband Communities' Fiber-To-The-Home Top 100 list for 2024. The recognition highlights companies at the forefront of deploying advanced fiber networks and transforming the communities they serve with high-speed, reliable connectivity.
"This honor reinforces our mission to deliver cutting-edge internet solutions to rural areas that have long needed better connectivity options," said Surf CEO Gene Crusie. "Our team's dedication to building scalable fiber infrastructure in underserved regions is creating new opportunities for families, businesses, and communities, and we're thrilled to be recognized for that impact."
The FTTH Top 100 list is curated by Broadband Communities based on the contributions of each company to the fiber industry. Selection criteria include the deployment of innovative networks, the introduction of transformative technologies, and the companies' role in improving access to high-speed internet.
"Fiber technology is shaping the future of how we live, work, and communicate, and we are proud to play a key role in that transformation," Crusie said. "This recognition motivates us to continue investing in the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone has access to the fast, reliable internet they deserve."
Broadband Communities' FTTH Top 100 list is highly regarded within the telecommunications industry and recognizes organizations that are shaping the future of broadband through innovation and expansion. For the full list of companies named to the 2024 FTTH Top 100, visit https://bbcmag.com/category/top-100.
Surf's Patrick McCauley appointed to 811 Board
ELKHART — Patrick McCauley, senior director of OSP Construction for Surf Internet, was appointed to the board of Indiana 811.
"It's an honor both personally and professionally to be appointed to the board," McCauley said. "Having a seat at the table allows Surf to play an active role in shaping safety and damage prevention measures moving forward. This appointment underscores our commitment to excellence and allows us to enact positive change, benefiting both our company and our contractors."
Indiana 811, which runs the statewide "Call Before You Dig" initiative, serves to ensure the safety of excavation projects. Before any underground digging begins, individuals or contractors are required to contact Indiana 811. This crucial step helps prevent accidental damage to utility lines such as gas, electric, or telecommunications cables.
His role involves active participation in various committees focused on damage prevention, legislative matters, and overall infrastructure safety enhancement.
"Our dedication to the customers and communities we serve isn't just about providing high-speed fiber-optic internet," said Surf CEO Gene Crusie. "Our mission includes being mindful of the role we play in underground construction, safety, and reliability across the Great Lakes region. This is an opportunity to help our company and the state of Indiana lead the way in safety for all types of construction. I have no doubt that Pat will add tremendous value to the organization as a board member."
McCauley's board position allows Surf Internet to contribute to industry-wide safety initiatives, benefiting customers, communities, and Indiana.
Nurse practitioner joins Goshen Orthopedics
GOSHEN — Tracy Vander Reyden now welcomes new patients at Goshen Orthopedics. She cares for patients with a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including broken bones, strained muscles and degenerative joint conditions.
Previously, Vander Reyden was affiliated with Gerig Surgical Associates in Goshen. She provided pre- and post-operative care for patients as well as follow-up visits in the clinic.
"Tracy brings extensive nursing experience in emergency room and hospital settings that is important in caring for our orthopedic patients," said Randy Christophel, Goshen Health president and CEO. "We appreciate her dedication to helping patients restore their health and quality of life."
Vander Reyden is board certified as a family nurse practitioner. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Goshen College in Goshen.
Carr Tech expands services to include boat, RV care, storage
LEESBURG — Carr Tech Smart Autobody Solutions is expanding its services to include comprehensive Boat and RV Care and Storage.
For years, Carr Tech has specialized in paintless dent repair, glass repair, tinting, paint protection film, ceramic coatings, minor collision repair and repainting, vehicle wraps, detailing, and rustproofing. Now, they are bringing the same quality craftsmanship to the boating and RV community.
"We've been doing coatings on boats and RVs for years now, and an opportunity presented itself with a lot of land at our current location that is gated and secure, so it made sense to offer Free Boat & RV Storage with our Fall Special," owner Kevin Carr said.
The new fall special is designed to provide boat and RV owners with everything they need to protect their vehicles for the offseason. The special includes free secure storage on Carr Tech's gated property with the purchase of either a ceramic coating or a PPF application.
Carr Tech has been a partner in the local boating industry for several years, offering coating and wrapping services for boats in collaboration with a local marina for the past five years.
Additional services include winterization, shrink wrapping and fiberglass repair.
Carr Tech's storage facility is located at 6279 Ind. 15, Leesburg. The property offers a fully gated and secure environment, ensuring peace of mind for those storing their valuable boats and RVs.
Goshen Orthopedics expands team of athletic trainers
GOSHEN — Certified Athletic Trainer Brandi Smith has joined Goshen Orthopedics. She works closely with the student athletic program at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School in Goshen. Smith provides immediate care for student-athletes with sports-related injuries. She also collaborates with the team physicians at Goshen Orthopedics to build care plans to help young athletes recover physically and emotionally, while protecting their long-term health.
"Our athletic trainers, like Brandi, are dedicated to helping student-athletes prevent sports injuries, recover safely and return to activities they enjoy," said Dr. Christopher Owens, orthopedic surgeon and medical director at Goshen Orthopedics. "They also serve as advocates to help bridge gaps between students, parents, doctors, coaches and school administrators."
Education plays an important role in Smith's approach to athletic training. She helps student-athletes learn how to avoid orthopedic injuries during sports activities. Smith is specially trained in applying the Graston technique to treat student-athletes with soft tissue injuries. She uses the technique to help reduce pain and restore range of motion.
Smith earned a Master of Athletic Training from Manchester University in Fort Wayne. She received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the North Manchester campus of the same university.
Goshen Orthopedics athletic trainers serve student-athlete programs at Concord High School, Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School, Goshen College, Goshen High School, Goshen Junior High School and Northridge High School.
Nurse practitioner joins sleep center
GOSHEN — Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Cross has joined Goshen Physicians Sleep & Allergy Medicine. Cross has more than 15 years of experience caring for patients in hospital and clinical settings, including three years at Goshen Hospital. In addition, she is certified as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner.
Cross diagnoses and treats teenagers and adults with a variety of conditions in sleep and allergy medicine, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. She is also interested in helping patients manage chronic diseases. She is dedicated to providing individualized care by recognizing each patient's unique needs.
"We welcome Stephanie to our sleep and allergy team," said Randy Christophel, Goshen Health President and Chief Executive Officer. "She brings a variety of work experiences and we look forward to the positive contributions she will make in improving our patients' health and well-being."
Cross earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota,, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Thor Industries announces increased regular quarterly dividend
ELKHART — THOR Industries Inc. recently announced that its Board of Directors approved, at its Oct. 8, meeting, the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend of 50 cents per share. The new quarterly dividend amount represents a 4.2% increase from the previous quarterly dividend amount of 48 cents per share.
The regular cash dividend is payable on Nov. 15, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 1.
Everwise to celebrate day of giving
SOUTH BEND — On Monday, employees of Everwise Credit Union will spend the day volunteering in communities across the state of Indiana and into southwestern Michigan during the Everwise Day of Giving. This marks the fifth time Everwise has hosted its corporate-wide day of service since 2018.
Nearly 650 Everwise employees will give back at close to 45 different nonprofit locations. In support of this important day, the credit union's 50 banking branches, corporate, and auxiliary offices will be closed to serve others in a wide variety of community projects, schools, and charitable organizations.
"We take pride in making a real difference in the lives of people across the communities we serve," said Jason M. Osterhage, president and CEO of Everwise. "Our Day of Giving truly reflects who we are — a people-driven culture in which our employees come together to create meaningful impact."
Everwise Day of Giving activities planned in the Elkhart area include Wellfield Botanical Activity: Fall clean-up of grounds.
Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Interra wins award
GOSHEN — Interra Credit Union's CEO, Amy Sink, and members of the Interra
executive team, recently participated in the Indiana Credit Union League's Annual Convention. The event that unites leaders from across Indiana's credit union community for three days of networking, learning, and discussion.
The convention featured a lineup of esteemed guest speakers and engaging panel discussions, allowing attendees to delve into vital topics shaping the industry. A highlight of the event was the Chairman's Awards Banquet, which celebrated outstanding achievements within the credit union sector.
Among the prestigious honors awarded, the Dora Maxwell Community Service Award stands out. This award recognizes credit unions for their commitment to community service and involvement in local initiatives.
Named after Dora Maxwell, a dedicated community activist, the award encourages credit unions to make a positive impact in the communities they serve.
Interra Credit Union received the Dora Maxwell Award, recognizing its exceptional Hometown Giving holiday project, which had a record-breaking year. This achievement reflects Interra's
ongoing dedication to supporting and uplifting the communities it serves. Hometown Giving originally started as a community coat drive and has grown into much more over the last 30 years. Through a variety of initiatives, the project provides financial support, hosts parties and events, adopts families and donates wish list items to support organizations that serve those in need. For this milestone Hometown Giving 30th year, Interra employees set a goal of raising $40,000 and were thrilled when that goal was surpassed by more than $7,000.
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