MEET YOUR AMBASSADOR: Michelle Ellis, FORUM Credit Union
Meet Aspire Ambassador Michelle Ellie with FORUM Credit Union!
Meet Your Ambassador: Kyle Masengale, ASAP Payroll Service
Kyle has been an ambassador for three years.
Meet Your Ambassador: J.C. Wogomon, Catalyst Insurance Group
Meet Aspire Ambassador J.C. Wogomon with Catalyst Insurance Group. J.C. has been an ambassador for two years.
Meet Your Ambassador: Brenda Kelley, Office360
Meet Aspire Ambassador Brenda Kelley with Office360!
Aspire Announced Business Award Winners
Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance today announced winners of its Business Awards.
Aspire Announces Finalists for its Business Awards
Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance today announced the finalists for its annual business awards.
Aspire Announces Finalists for Women Leaders Awards for 2023
Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance today announced the finalists for its 2023 Women Leaders awards.
New Staff Roles at Aspire
Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance has created four new roles with two being occupied by long-time staff members and the other two bringing in new talent from outside of the organization.
Healthcare Partnerships in Johnson County
Healthcare services in Johnson County are expanding through several partnerships between major hospitals
Business Leaders Nominated for Aspire Board Leadership
The Aspire nominating committee is pleased to announce the following business leaders have been nominated for a three-year term to the board of directors beginning January 1, 2023.
Quiet Quitting
A recently occurring trend in many workplaces across the country is the practice known as “quiet quitting.”
Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) Seeking Small Businesses to Support and Provide Capital
The Indy region has a wealth of free-to-low-cost small business support organizations and efforts collaborating to make it an ideal place to create, grow, and advance a business for all.
Aspire Announces Winners of Women Leaders Awards
Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance has announced the winners for its Women Leaders awards.
Aspire Hosting Governor Holcomb October 18
Aspire has added a luncheon to our 2022 Legislation Matters series lineup as we host Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb.
Aspire Announces Finalists for Women Leaders Awards
Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance today announced the finalists for its Women Leaders awards.
Aspire Earns Award for Community Marketing Campaign
Aspire earned a 2022 Excellence in Innovation Award from the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA) for its “Slanting the Playing Field” community marketing campaign.
Now Hiring: Community Leadership Intern
Interns will complete the internship with an understanding of the impact of municipal government, economic development, quality of life, and nonprofits have on a community.
Business Planning Resources Available to Small Business Owners
Starting and running a business can be both exciting and daunting. But with some assistance and the right resources, small business owners and entrepreneurs can achieve success.
Now Hiring: Economic Development Specialist
This is an opportunity to work directly with existing and potential new businesses to support business location, expansion, and success.
Now Hiring: Part-Time Marketing Coordinator
The Marketing Coordinator is responsible for marketing and communications efforts to promote Aspire’s community impact and member investor value proposition.
Aspire Announces Winners of Business Awards
Each winner and finalist embraced challenges and found new ways to achieve success.
Aspire Announces Finalists for its Business Awards
The winner in each category will be revealed at “Celebrate Aspire” on April 28.
Aspire Announces New Investor Development Executive
Stokes comes to Aspire with over 30 years in hospitality management, corporate training, community involvement, and customer relations.
Dinner Series on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Launched
The dinners are facilitated by diversity inclusion leaders from local educational systems and are open to all who live or work in Johnson County.
Aspire Launches New Marketing Program – Monday Member Moments
Aspire will record a 2–3-minute video of you sharing the latest news from your organization.
Franklin College Receives $1.8 Million Real Estate Gift
Franklin College announced it has received a $1.8 million gift of real estate from Southpoint Farm, LLC.
How Employers Can Address Mental Health at Work, and Why You Should
Employers play a key role in offering support systems to help employees achieve wellness.
Maurer Joins Aspire as Investor Development Executive
Maurer’s role will be integral to Aspire’s growth and retention strategies.
Business Leaders Nominated for Aspire Board Leadership
The board of directors will vote on this slate of nominees at its November meeting.
Aspire is Hiring! Investor Development Manager
The Investor Development Manager is responsible for growing new member investor sales and strengthening member retention.
Economic Development Series: Site Selection
Aspire maintains a database of sites and buildings that makes it easier to submit potential locations to the site selector.
Township Merger in Johnson County to Improve Services, Save Money
The idea of Hoosier government consolidation has been in focus for over ten years and supported by many organizations, including Aspire. The merger of three Johnson County townships will be the first such merger in Indiana history.
Aspire Announces New Investor Events and Relations Executive
Tricia Bowen has joined Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance as Investor Events and Relations Executive.
Aspire Announces New Vice President of Investor Development
Angela Vandersteen will serve as vice president of investor development and relations for Aspire, an organization committed to driving economic development and business success in Johnson County and southern Indianapolis.
Aspire Staff Members Achieve Advanced Education Credentials
Their efforts will benefit you, our member investor, and the entire business community as they apply what they learned to member services and economic development for Aspire.
Next Level Jobs Grants Now Available, Employers Encouraged to Move Fast
The Next Level Jobs program reimburses employers who train, hire, and retain new or existing workers to fill in-demand positions in a half dozen priority sectors.
Skillful Talent Four-part Series Workshops Soon Available
The new Skillful Talent Series is a four-part workshop that walks employers through attraction of the right talent, candidate evaluation, selection and onboarding, and employee retention.
Mutual Savings Bank Announces Jeff Goben Presented with Spirit Award
Mutual Savings Bank Announces Jeff Goben Presented with the Johnson County Community Foundation’s Community Spirit Award
New IndyTeleData Leadership Team
IndyTeleData name Battiato and Humes as Directors
Aspire Announces Finalists for Business Resilience Award
Award recognizes employers’ ability to adapt to the COVID pandemic
Aspire Opens Nominations for Business Resilience Award
All local for-profit and non-profit organizations are eligible for nomination
Aspire Conducting Study of Remote Workers in Greenwood
Survey to determine workers’ impact on community
IMCU Gives Back Food Drive Donates More Than 2,000 Pounds of Food
IMCU delivered the food, which included 60 frozen turkeys, to 18 local food pantries to help those in need this holiday season.
Randy Glassburn, Ball State Financial President Retires
In 2020, Glassburn led Ball State FCU in a merger with Financial Center First Credit Union
Arnold Assumes New Role at Home Bank
Arnold will be facilitating the bank’s participation in programs by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis which support affordable housing and community development on an individual, small business, and community level.
Statehouse Update: Indy Business Community Speaks Out
As various measures gain traction, more constituents take notice and use their voice.
Express Employment Professionals Appoints Managing Partner, VP
Powell has worked at Express under owner Mike Heffner’s leadership for the past 14 years.
Statehouse Update: Remote Worker Grants and Rare Moment of Bipartisanship
Here are updates on some key issues Aspire has been following.
Home Bank Paycheck Protection Program
The bank is currently accepting applications for both first and second draw PPP loans and making this available to all eligible businesses in its market area of Morgan, Johnson, and Hendricks County.
Mutual Savings Bank Announces the Graduation of Kellie Gordon From the Bank Technology Management School
Mutual Savings Bank is proud to announce that Kellie Gordon, Senior Vice President, has graduated from the Bank Technology Management School
Aspire Statehouse Returns, Taking Care of Business
Bills to help businesses stay open moved fast, and we are seeing progress on other bills to help address the long-term business environment.
Northwest Names Kane Executive VP, Chief Human Resources Officer
Previously, Kane served as Senior Vice President and the Head of Human Resources for Global Business Services at Fidelity Investments.
IMCU Collects Toys, Donations for Marine Program
IMCU collected truckloads of toys and over $730 in donations from members, employees and the community for the 2020 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program
Statehouse Update: Recess, State of the State, and Bad Bill 74
Several of Aspire’s priority issues resumed moving forward this week, notably Employer Liability Protections.
Fisher Promoted to Home Bank Senior Vice President/Chief Operations Officer
She is a graduate of the IBA Leadership Development Program and TrueU Leadership Program.
Filing Deadline: They’re All In and We’re Optimistic
The bill filing deadlines have now passed in both the Senate and House. All bill lists are now complete and public.
Lilly Endowment Approves $500,000 Leadership Grant
JCCF is one of 11 community foundations in Indiana to receive a Large-Scale Leadership Grant.
Home Bank Appoints Arnold as President/CEO
Arnold joined the bank in 1985 and most recently served as President/Chief Operating Officer.
Democracy is For and By the People, Not Buildings
The 2021 Session Begins
Aspire Recognizes Norm Gabehart Accomplishments
Whiteland town manager to retire after more than three decades of public service.
Williams Comfort Air Donates to 'Christmas On Us' Initiative
The company gave more than $40,000 worth of gift cards, HVAC systems and water heaters to families and The Salvation Army.
ICUL President Awarded Order of Saint Maurice
The award is given in recognition of individuals who have contributed significantly to the Infantry, in particular demonstrating high standards of integrity and moral character.
Foundation Announces Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipients
The students were selected based on their impressive community service and academic dedication throughout their high school careers.
Indiana Members Credit Union Announces Kenneth A. Beckley Scholarship
Beckley graduated from IU and had a distinguished career in television news and communications before leading the IU Alumni Association from 2002-2007.
Indiana Small Business Development Center Offers Digital Courses
Indiana businesses may take these courses at no cost.
Aspire Announces No Member Dues Rate Increases for 2021
2021 membership investment rates will remain the same as in 2020.
Aspire Announces Legislative Priorities for 2021
Broadband, employer liability, tobacco and work share included on list.
SBA Indiana, Aspire Promote Small Business Saturday with Walking Tours
Stops in Franklin and Greenwood set for November 19.
First Merchants to Acquire Hoosier Trust Company
Established in 2001, Hoosier Trust Company provides trust and investment management services to clients in Central Indiana.
VisionQuest Eyecare Providing Myopia Management Service for Children
With childhood myopia increasing and 1 in 4 children affected by the condition, VisionQuest Eyecare in Greenwood is now providing expert care.
Suicide Prevention Webinar on November 17
Explore how employers can promote and support the mental wellness of their workforce as a means to prevent suicide, as well as learn how to implement mental health and wellness tools in the workplace.
Home Bank Announces Officer Promotions
Home Bank SB was chartered in 1890 as a mutual institution which essentially means that it is owned by its depositors.
Directors Nominated for Second Term
Aspire’s founding board terms were staggered between one and three years, with some seats eligible for renewal and others not.
Boys & Girls Club of Johnson County – Join the Board!
Our Board of Directors also offers opportunities to support the Club through time, treasure and talent.
Home Bank Recognizes Lisa Arnold for 35 Years of Service
Home Bank recognized Lisa Arnold for 35 years of dedicated service to the company.
The Garrett Companies Named One of the 2020 Best Workplaces
One of the 2020 Best Small & Medium Workplaces™ by Great Place to Work® and Fortune.
IMCU Contributes to $1,139 to Franklin Township Education Foundation
Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU) recently presented a check for $1,139 to the Franklin Township Education Foundation.
Member Expert: See Tracks, Think Train
American railroads, and our professional employees, have continued to move the goods needed for Americans with surprising efficiency.
Owner of Ruth's Chris Opens New Bar in Downtown Indianapolis
A new speakeasy-style bar, The Exchange Whiskey Bar, is now open to guests in downtown Indianapolis.
First Merchants President & CEO Michael C. Rechin Announces Retirement
COO/CFO Mark Hardwick to become CEO; CBO Michael Stewart to become President; SVP Michele Kawiecki to become CFO
Major New Industrial Activity Announced at I-65 Exit 90 in Franklin
Sunbeam is constructing a 519,000-square-foot building to suit a prospective tenant’s specifications and will be available in the first quarter 2021.
WALKtober Encourages All Ages To Be Active
Participants can sign up and log their activities for the chance to earn prizes.
Indiana Members Foundation Golf Outing Raises Over $42,000
IMF will donate 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to Indy BackPack Attack School Supply Drive.
All In on Aspire
Governance and Outreach Teams renew their investment.
Member Profile: SCS Construction Services
SCS top priorities are honesty, integrity and commitment to owners’ satisfaction.
Williams Comfort Air Donates $60,000 As Part of Summer of Giving Initiative
The company is focusing on charitable giving to organizations in each of the three states it serves, with one organization being supported per state, per month.
First Merchants Bank names Jadira Hoptry Director of Community Lending and Development
22-year banking veteran will develop programs and initiatives to support local communities.
Milwaukee Tool Chooses Johnson County for New Service Hub, 450+ New Jobs
This new centralized repair facility will complement the company’s other service hub in Greenwood, Mississippi; both will act as the main axis points for the company’s service operations for users around the nation.
Hirons Adds Senior-Level Media Planner to Digital Team
Tyler Riordan returns to Hirons with a decade of media buying expertise
Ball State Federal CU Members Vote to Merge with Financial Center First CU
The combined credit union will be $750 million in assets and will serve more than 75,000 members throughout Central Indiana.
Earn Undergraduate Certificate at No Cost From Indiana Tech
Qualifying students can have the cost of an undergraduate certificate covered.
Citizens Bank Recognized as One of the Top Banks in Indiana
Citizens Bank was ranked ahead of major regional banks, national banks, and was the only Community bank that appeared in the top five.
First Merchants Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2020 Earnings Per Share
First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ - FRME) has reported second quarter 2020 net income of $33 million compared to $41.1 million during the same period in 2019.
DAV Hits Landmark with 100 Years of Service to Veterans
With 100 years of service and support, DAV continues to face the ongoing fight for medical treatment, employment and earned benefits for America’s 4 million disabled veterans, who need our help.
Color the County Mural Program Winning Artist and Community Painting Day Announced
Stacie Drane’s mural design was chosen for the mural location at 89 S. Baldwin Street, Taxman Brewery Co., Bargersville, IN
IMCU Named Winner of Top Workplace Award
Honored by The Indianapolis Star, the award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey.
Indiana Members Credit Union Announces 2020 Cancer Awareness Card Beneficiary
Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU) is pleased to announce Little Red Door Cancer Agency as the new member-nominated beneficiary for its Cancer Awareness Debit Card.
Mutual Savings Bank Hires New Compliance and Internal Audit Officer
Brad Woehler is the new Compliance and CRA Officer, BSA Officer, Security Officer, and Internal Auditor.
The Etica Group Promotes Six Employees
Etica Group is a professional consulting firm that provides Architectural, Engineering, Surveying, Building Envelope Consulting, and Construction Inspection services.
Mutual Savings Bank Hires Treasury Management Officer
Lindsey has 15 years of banking experience in the positions of Branch Manager, Treasury Management Officer and Merchant Services Officer.
Express Employment Professionals Celebrates Anniversary and Top Workplace
The Express office opened July 11, 2005, and has since provided over 500 businesses and more than 20,000 job seekers with temporary and full-time staffing solutions.
FORUM Credit Union Honors Foundation Recipients
FORUM Credit Union honored its Foundation scholarship and grant recipients
Hirons Continues Founder’s Day Tradition Honoring Tom Hirons
Employee-owners enjoy paid day off to celebrate 42 years of business
Abbi Voegel Joins Indiana Members Credit Union
Abbi attended Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management.
First Merchants Announces $1.4 Billion Community Benefits Plan
Philanthropic funding is a primary focus as well and will be funneled to low- and moderate-income communities across First Merchants’ regional market areas in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan.
Hirons Promotes Public Team Member
Ashburn joined Hirons last year with more than three decades of industry expertise.
Indiana Members Foundation Awards First Collier Family Scholarship
The Ron Collier Family Collegiate Scholarship Program is available to Senior students attending New Palestine High School that are members of Indiana Members Credit Union, intending to study full-time at an accredited college or university.
VisionQuest Eyecare Opens Geist Office
The privately owned eye care practice also has an office in Greenwood.
Mutual Savings Bank Promotes Kelley Jundt to Branch Manager
The duties of branch manager will include overall responsibility of the branch customer service, branch growth and community involvement.
Foundation Seeking Mural Designs
The mural location is in Bargersville on the west side of Taxman Brewing
Recycling District Announces Saturday Household Chemical Disposal Date
The Johnson County Recycling District will be open for residential HHW collection, Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by APPOINTMENT ONLY
JCCF Creates COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) has established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.
Mutual Savings Bank Promotes Robert D. Henderson to Executive Vice President
Rob has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Mutual Savings Bank since 2018.
Member Profile: Cornett Roofing
We are proud to be the first authorized Powerwall installer in the state of Indiana
Horizon Bank Donates to Girls Inc. of Johnson County
The donation supports their mission of providing safe and enriching programs for girls during this pandemic.
Butler University, ISBDC Announce Free Business Counseling from Local Experts
The center is committed to helping privately owned companies achieve their goals.
First Merchants Corporation Announces First Quarter 2020 Earnings Per Share
Net income was $34.3 million compared to $38.8 million during the same period in 2019.
Member Profile: Bubba’s 33
We are known for our bold burgers, hand-tossed stone-baked pizza, mouth-watering wings, and “delish” dinners.
Member Expert: Simple Steps to Grow
A crisis is THE time to take inventory of our assets.
First Merchants Corporation Pledges $1 Million to Communities Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
The commitment is to local nonprofit organizations supporting communities negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Johnson County Community Foundation Awards Emergency Response Grants to COVID-19 Needs
Funds address food insecurity issues within the Johnson County community.
Small Business Grants Offered through Home Bank, FHLBank Indianapolis
Small businesses can use the grant money (up to $25,000) for capital expenditures, workforce training, or a variety of other needs.
Johnson County Community Foundation Elects New Officers, Board Members
Our 18-member Board will help grow and guide Foundation assets over the next several years.
Seeking Locations for the 2020 Color the County Mural Program
Individuals, businesses, and/or government units are invited to submit proposals for site locations for the fifth year of the Color the County mural program.
Edinburgh Recycling Depot Opening Postponed
The Town of Edinburgh has postponed the opening of the Recycling Depot due to COVID-19.
Legislative Update Final Week: : Bills that Crossed the Finish Line
Here are session highlights, beginning with an update on House leadership and Aspire’s 2020 session top priorities.
Legislative Update Week 9: Conference Committees and the Wheels on the Bus
The House and Senate are past their bill reading deadlines and our days (and nights) are now spent focusing on concurrence votes and conference committees.
Legislative Update Week 8: Procedural Move Threatens Transit Development
The legislation-making process contains more than a dozen steps before a bill becomes a law. This process is built to foster transparency, due diligence, and dialogue.
Aspire Volunteer Opportunities: Make a Difference and Build your Network
Our volunteers come from the community and private business sector. They work to position the Johnson County area more competitively in the marketplace.
Middle School Career Forum: Building Talent Pipeline for Tomorrow
Representatives from Endress+Hauser will be presenting an update on the Community Career + Education Forum on Wednesday.
Legislative Update Week 7: Distracted Driving, Workforce Bills Moving
Studies have shown distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic accidents and fatalities. The penalty for breaking this law would be a ticket and fine up to $500.
Legislative Update Week 6: Second Half Begins
The countdown to sine die (the end of session) is officially on.
First Merchants Corporation Announces 2019 Results
The institution reported fourth quarter 2019 net income of $47.8 million compared to $41.7 million during the same period in 2018.
Hirons Hires New Senior Vice President
Sheila is an expert digital marketer with more than 20 years of experience leading strategic marketing campaigns from both the client and agency sides.
Member Profile: American Senior Communities
We are here to help you and your family find answers, solutions and peace of mind.
Legislative Update Week 5: Too Fast, Too Furious?
It is officially halftime for the 2020 legislative session. What does this mean?
FORUM Credit Union Announces 2019 Member Giveback and Savings Winners
FORUM awarded a grand prize of $5,000 to a member with a Weekly 5 Account, and awarded three additional Weekly 5 account holders prizes of $50, $250, and $1,000.
Member Profile: Christian Brothers Automotive
Founded in 1982, Christian Brothers Automotive is a faith-based franchise with over 200 locations nationwide.
New Word-Based Organization System Coming to GPL
Greenwood Public Library changing from Dewey Decimal to Subject Savvy.
Legislative Update Week 4: : Committee Deadline Week
Any piece of legislation that hasn’t crossed the desk of its originating Chamber for a second time for potential amendment is considered “dead” for the session.
Legislative Update Week 3: And The First Bill Is...
Priority bills are continuing to make progress in both houses – especially policies related to health care and tobacco.
Aspire Accepting Applications for Pitch Contest
Event to drive Johnson County and south Indy business growth
Forbes Ranks First Merchants as Top-Five U.S. Bank for Third Consecutive Year
Rated fifth in the country, company recognized for growth, credit quality.
Girls Inc. Releases 'Girls Take the Lead' Report
New evaluation from American Institutes for Research found Girls Inc. girls more likely to see themselves as leaders, influencing and improving their local communities.
Johnson County Museum Valentines Workshop on Feb. 8
Visitors will learn about the history of Valentine’s Day and then create a holiday masterpiece to give to family or friends.
WalkerHughes Named Indiana's 2019 Agency of the Year
The award is presented to a member agency that exemplifies leadership and innovation within the system and top-level customer service.
Member Expert: Three Ways Your Car Puts You at Risk in the Winter
With some basic precautions, your car should provide many safe and reliable miles in a winter wonderland.
Fifth Generation Takes Over at Gregory Appel & Associates
Dan Appel will continue to serve as Non-Executive Board Chair and will transition his focus on the expansion of his community leadership and philanthropic work.
Legislative Update Week 2: SOTS, Women’s Suffrage Centennial and Bill Movement
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced that Fiat-Chrysler has chosen Indiana for diversification and will invest nearly $400 million in its Kokomo facility.
Member Profile: Ascension Medical Group, St. Vincent's Immediate Care, Primary Care and Imaging
Our Immediate Care offers walk-in express care services for non-life-threatening situations that require immediate attention.
Legislative Update Week 1: Moved Fast
It is a short session which means that statutorily the legislature is required to finish their business by no later than March 14.
Member Expert: Who Oversees Your Property Condition?
Many times, the condition of a property gets overlooked due to there not being a trained professional identifying concerns.
Indiana Members Credit Union Donates to Center Grove High School
The IMCU Center Grove Trojans debit card is free to members with IMCU’s free checking account and can be issued immediately through IMCU’s Instant Issue program.