Latest news with #Carmel-based
Indianapolis Star
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
Where Indy 500 fans can find free coffee and meet drivers
Java House is helping to keep race fans revved up this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The coffee brand is hosting Fan Zone visits at the track with Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) drivers, with meet and greets, complimentary Java House Cold Brew, samples of Java House's line of single-serve Peel 'n Pour Pods and the chance to win limited edition ECR jackets. The events will take at the Fan Zone inside the speedway. The Fan Zone is located north of Pagoda Plaza. Ed Carpenter Racing drivers will be making appearances on May 23 from 1:50 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. Drivers Alexander Rossi, Christian Rasmussen and Ed Carpenter have signature drinks at Java House locations for a limited time. An offshoot of Carmel-based Splenda-maker Heartland Food Products Group, Java House operates cafes in the Indianapolis and Lafayette areas and sells its Peel 'n Pour Cold Brew Pods nationwide online. Flavors include French Vanilla and Salted Caramel Cold Brew, and the portfolio includes teas, energy drinks, hydration beverages and cocoa.
Indianapolis Star
12-05-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Top Workplaces honoree RCI puts the world - and its employees
As the industry's leading vacation exchange organization, RCI's vision is to 'put the world on vacation.' As Zach Cruz, a multimedia designer with the Carmel-based company notes, 'that doesn't stop us from taking some amazing vacations as well.' Some of the company's most unique employee perks include generous travel benefits, including free resort vacations, and discounts on car rentals, resorts, hotels, activities, airfare and more. 'The travel benefits here are great. and there is so much to offer when it comes to travelling how you want to,' Cruz added. 'The health benefits and financial well-being benefits are great as well.' Aside from traditional medical benefits, other benefits include paid time off for volunteering and a company charity match program. The company also offers domestic partner benefits, an employee stock purchase plan, and annual wellness benefits. RCI promotes a vibrant workplace culture through unique and creative events that celebrate its employees. The company also sponsors and volunteers at several annual Christel House Academy events including festivals and back to school preparations. 'The company keeps the workplace exciting with daily, quarterly, and monthly contests offering gift cards, incentives, and other prizes,' said Carolyn Mitchell, a travel guide. 'Employees are treated with perks such as amusement park tickets, excursions and fun parties. RCI sponsors a yearly contest, and I have been honored to be among the winners. The company salutes the winners with a week of recognition with the 'top brass' in attendance. I appreciated the investment and acknowledgement.' Cruz and Arianna Barham, a business interruption specialist, have held multiple positions and cite the company's efforts to promote from within. 'During my time at RCI, I've worked in four different departments, gaining valuable knowledge with each transition,' Barham said. 'I feel truly valued at RCI because my boss listens when I bring up concerns or solutions, and takes action. I'm recognized for going the extra mile, whether it's handling a tough case or stepping in without being asked. My leadership team shows appreciation in many ways, from kind words and gift cards to cheerful GIFs that always brighten my day.' The company also supports flexible work arrangements, employees note, allowing them to swap shifts and select from a range of scheduling options. 'RCI offers varied scheduling opportunities, so whether you are a night owl or early bird, you have options tailored to your lifestyle,' Mitchell said. 'RCI provides flexibility, generous benefits, great perks, and a supportive management team.' Bottom Line Founded: 1974 Headquarters: Carmel Company profile: Vacation/Travel exchange platform Locations: 1 Number of employees: 620
Indianapolis Star
12-05-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
'Like a second home:' Orchard Software remains a Central Indiana Top Workplace
Makenzie Bell says she feels like the 'poster child' for internal career growth opportunities at Orchard Software. Bell, who started at Orchard seven years ago as a support receptionist, has been promoted into roles as a project specialist, project coordinator, support project lead, and now in her current position as a support projects and migrations manager. '(It) will be remembered as one of my personal highlights in my career,' Bell said of her latest promotion, adding that the company also supported her returning to college to complete her bachelor's degree. 'I have been in this role for a little over a year now and the challenges, rewards, and experiences I have had are invaluable. None of this would not have been possible if support leadership had not taken their chances on me seven years ago.' Employees highlight the leadership's commitment to fostering employee growth, coupled with a strong emphasis on learning and continuous development, are key factors driving the Carmel-based software firm's success. This forward-thinking approach has solidified the company's position as a leader in the health care laboratory information system industry, where it serves over 2,000 labs across the United States. In addition to its comprehensive employee health benefits and retirement savings packages, Orchard also offers its employees access to fertility benefits, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, volunteer time off and pet insurance. The company notes its support of the Special Olympics of Indiana and that it pledges to be a stigma-free workplace. Equally as important, employees say, the company prioritizes employee mental wellness and a healthy work-life balance. 'As a manager, maintaining a good work-life balance can sometimes be a challenge,' Bell noted. 'However, Orchard acknowledges the extra time and effort that these roles may require. I've always been encouraged to take flex time when my workload goes beyond the normal office hours, which helps maintain a healthier balance. We also have a fantastic Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers a wide variety of resources to those in need.' The company encourages open lines of communication at each level, said Colin Holzer, a technical support specialist. 'Leadership makes an active effort to ensure they are available to assist us when we are struggling with any issues at work,' Holzer said. '(They are) active in making sure we grow and develop for success. Employee appreciation is taken very seriously.' Orchard leaders focus on celebrating even the smallest wins, and acknowledging employee success and growth. Employees say they feel heard by leadership and that everyone is able to contribute to the company's strategic direction. 'Orchard provides opportunities to express new ideas and act on them,' Bell said. 'There is always someone willing to listen to your ideas and help bring them to fruition. 'It honestly felt like I was meant to be here and I still feel this way, every day. Orchard has always felt like a second home.' Bottom Line
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tippecanoe plan officials OK 771 single-family, hundreds of multi-family units
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Tippecanoe Area Plan Commission approved several rezonings needed for a 322-acre housing development to move forward. Estridge Homes, a Carmel-based homebuilding group, brought forth plans for the "Millbrook" housing community via five separate agenda items Wednesday night for necessary rezoning spread across several plots of land. Stretching between Morehouse and Yeager roads, with a portion of land extending to the east of Yeager, the development would extend northward to reach County Road 500 North. Ryan Munden, a lawyer with RTS Law representing Estridge Homes, said the development would bring 771 single-family homes and 400 to 500 multi-family dwelling units to Tippecanoe County if approved by APC and the Tippecanoe County commissioners. The homes' values would range between $400,000 and $1 million, Munden said, aiming to serve "all kinds of demographics, such as young couples, singles, growing families and downsizing empty nesters." The home types within the community would include larger, single-family homes as well as townhomes. Amanda Esposito, APC assistant director, said that although this development is not the first to use the recently created R1T zoning to bring townhomes to Tippecanoe County, it is significantly larger. "We're excited at seeing these additional opportunities for home ownership that have not been available with larger lots and family dwellings," Esposito said. Along with hundreds of new housing units, Munden said the developer also plans to build community amenities, including pools, meeting and work spaces, a coffee shop, a gym and outdoor recreational areas. Although the property the Millbrook is slated for also holds natural wetlands, Munden said the developer plans to retain those natural areas, with plans to build connecting trails for public accessibility. Munden said he had read some concerned emails from neighboring residents regarding a potential neighborhood access point along Old Oak Drive, but he and the developer agreed that creating an entry point to the community along that road would not be wise. "The concern was they do not want this neighborhood to connect on the Old Oak Drive because they don't believe that it's designed for that, and we would agree with those comments," Munden said. "We would prefer that there not be a connection there as well." Munden said decisions around access points to the neighborhood will be addressed and pinpointed during the subdivision process for the Millbrook later. After APC voting members moved to approve all rezone requests relating to the Millbrook, the agenda items will move forward to the Tippecanoe County commissioners for a final vote during their May 5 meeting. Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached via email a jellison@ This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Tippecanoe APC approves expansive 'Millbrook' development outside WL
