Main Street & Broadway

Promoting Small Business & Small Town Living

IUK Offers Help for Local Unemployed July 8, 2009

Filed under: Community Organizations, Economy, Education, Local Happenings, Miami County indiana, Peru Indiana Business, Workshop/Seminar Events — Ashley @ 7:02 pm

This was taken from the Kokomo Tribune, dated 7/8/09.

Since April, he’s been laid off from an Indianapolis manufacturing job. He and his wife, Michelle, are living with her parents in Kokomo.

Brown, 35, wants to go back to school to get more education in hopes it will lead to a better job, but he said “our money is tight. I am looking for a way to make a way. It’s hard out here.”

Perhaps Brown and others who are unemployed and underemployed can find help this Friday as Indiana University Kokomo hosts “Support Gateway for Unemployed Workers” from 3 to 6 p.m. in Alumni Hall.

Local unemployed and underemployed workers can connect directly with service providers, said Paul Allor, development specialist for the city of Kokomo Department of Development.

The Support Gateway features providers ranging from financial to emotional services.

This spring, service providers met at IUK to discuss their services and how they could support each another.

Allor said this event is the result of collaboration between the city of Kokomo, IU Kokomo, the WIRED program, and more than 20 local service agencies, educational institutions, faith-based groups and businesses.

“When we had the summit this spring, we decided to open this up to the public so they can know what services are available to them,” said Allor. “We have services available that can assist them in finding a job, getting back into school, or how to start a new business. And this is a free event.

“The way the economy is, programs like this are needed. You have people who are unemployed and are not used to it. It can be difficult to navigate all the agencies to find the help you need. Friday, they can come to one location and find the help they need.”

Allor emphasizes this is not a job fair, however, representatives from some organizations’ human resources departments, and Manpower will be there to recruit potential employees for its clients.

There will also be “mini seminars” on returning to school, seeking a job and starting a business.

The seminars are: How to Access Retirement Funds for Income; How to Start You Own Small Business; Returning to College: Where Do I Start?; The Manpower Experience; Finding Your Next Career Through Indiana Career Connect; Starting A Business: What You Need To Know, and How College Can Help You Change Careers.

 

The Future is Bright in Wabash Indiana July 3, 2009

Filed under: Community Organizations, Economy, Local Happenings, Miami County indiana, Small Business Resources, Wabash Indiana Business — Ashley @ 12:49 pm

Wabash County Chamber of CommerceRecently I had the pleasure of accompanying a Miami County businessman to a Wabash Chamber of Commerce meeting. Ironic isn’t it? There were many local Wabash business owners and community leaders in attendance. The Wabash Chamber of Commerce President, Kim Pinkerton welcomed everyone and time was taken to discuss the many events that are taking place within the City of Wabash. Needless to say I was impressed with the enthusiasm with which the Chamber is directly involved with and are promoting.

We heard from each member as to not only how their specific businesses fit into Wabash but how each were involved on a personal level within the community. These were business leaders that have taken it upon themselves to not just promote the city as a whole, but to improve the lives of Wabash residents.

There was a palpable buzz in that room and I found everyone to be welcoming and all had the desire to make the City of Wabash even better and there are not just things happening in the present, but include concrete plans for additional improvements.

I am excited for the future of Wabash and left the Wabash Chamber of Commerce with a renewed sense of community and camaraderie that should exist between business owners and community leaders.

 

Economic Development Distinctions June 30, 2009

Filed under: Miami County indiana, Peru Indiana Business, Wabash Indiana Business — Ashley @ 4:47 am

I haved lived in North Central Indiana since 1998, and I have witnessed a definite distinction between area Economic Development Groups, Civic Organizations, Chamber Groups, etc., within the surrounding counties. And I have to ask myself, Why? Why are there differences, vast in some ways, between the different organizations that are simply separated by a County Line.

I must say that I believe that I have arrived at an answer. And I didn’t use Rocket Science to arrive at this conclusion. It’s quite simple to the unassuming eye. The fact is, there are many differences between the different Economic Development Groups, Civic Organizations, Chambers, etc., because there are vast differences between the objectives of the groups involved.

Why, I’m not really sure. The purpose for the different entities within each specific county/town should be to self promote and secure the vastly unique opportunities that come from within each town/community. The highest valuable commodity within each city/county should be the individuals that live within those areas. Usually, this is the first thing that is pitched to companies looking to relocate into our unique Midwestern Community, a sufficient labor pool. Most individuals share the common dream that all Americans have, and that is to obtain security through a decent paying job, or a unique opportunity to create their own path through establishing a self sufficient business.

This area is so very unique when compared to other areas of the country. The fact of the matter is that this area, Rural North Central Indiana, has been for years so dependent on the auto industry. And now, the auto industry is only a shadow of it’s former self. So, what is a EDG, Chamber Organization, Civic Organization, or any other self promoting, job securing entity to do.

My opinion, look from within. Look within? Yes. Amid such a dismal economic downturn, I feel, each city/county should look within. Within what? We should all consider the possibilities that lie within each unique community. Each vacant building, empty lot, closed retail outlet should be viewed as a potential thriving business. It would be smart to create opportunities for those individuals looking to open businesses, expand current opportunities, even if it means negotiating terms less than attractive to property owners. Remember, business creates business. And each town/county should look at the best attributes of each area to promote from within.

There are many things going on within other counties in the area. Some of the best opportunities lie just east of my location. And many residents ask, Why? It’s my belief that there are communities that are thriving and growing on a regular basis because the focus of these other communities are community based. Yes, I said community based. The majority of the decisions that are made in other areas adjacent to Miami County are based on what would be good for the communities and citizens of the area and not based on personal thoughts or politics.

Now, this is strictly my opinion, but I can say this without a doubt. I am not the only individual that shares this opinion.

the marketeer

 

Erie Community Rummage Sale, Saturday June 27, 2009 June 27, 2009

Filed under: Community Organizations, Local Happenings, Miami County indiana, Misc. — Ashley @ 4:00 am

Community Rummage Sale from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday June 27th at the Erie Community Center!

There will be household items, clothing, tools, toys, etc. available. Come early and ready to save!

The Kreole Kid will be there serving burgers & tenderloins!

 

Beauty & Boutique a hidden gem in Peru Indiana June 26, 2009

Filed under: Miami County indiana, Peru Indiana Business — Ashley @ 5:06 pm

I recently discovered an outstanding hair salon right here in Peru. I’m talking about Beauty & Boutique located at 155 W. Main Street. I found the service provided by Cathy Zehring to be not only top notch, but the professionalism beyond expectations. The atmosphere is warm with soft music in the background all with the subtle smell of baked goods wafting through the shop.

You can literally walk in looking pretty horrible (as we women sometimes do) and Cathy can work her magic and you will walk out looking & feeling beautiful. 

Beauty & Boutique provides salon and therapeutic massages, as well as housing the Back Door Bakery in the rear of the building.

So when you find yourself needing a fresh look and to relax, call Cathy Zehring. It’s worth it! Just ask my husband. :-)

 

Spending Saturday in Silver Lake and Wabash Indiana June 21, 2009

Filed under: Community Organizations, Local Happenings, Miami County indiana, Wabash Indiana Business — Ashley @ 12:46 am

First, what a beautiful day we had today. Although sadly I must admit that it was a bit on the hot side. A few years ago I would absolutely never thought to say such a thing, but as my son has reminded me “I’m a yankee baby” now. :-) My thin southern blood has thickened and I’ve become quite accustomed to nearly a year around cooler temperature.

The Kreole Kid of Peru Indiana

Today we ventured to Silver Lake, Indiana to check out Silver Lake Days and maybe ride a few rides and show support for The Kreole Kid, a local businessman from Peru. The Kreole Kids’s food was awesome! We ate friend catfish and alligator bites. Before you say “I would never eat ALLIGATOR”, let me tell you it’s outstanding. No, it doesn’t taste like chicken either. Frog legs tastes like chicken, but not alligator. :-)

We walked around a bit at the festival and on our way home we drove past Brandt’s Harley Davidson and the size of the crowd was mind boggling! Brandt’s Harley Davidson was celebrating 60 years today and for hours we passed throngs of bikers going to Wabash. It was awesome! I will check the paper tomorrow as I’m curious as to how many attended. There were so many bikes there they were parked alongside US 24!
Brandt's Harley Davidson

Brandt's Harley Davidson

 

Financial Assistance for Small Businesses Suffering Hardships June 17, 2009

Filed under: Entrepreneurial Resources, Miami County Entrepeneurs, Peru Indiana Business, Workshop/Seminar Events — Ashley @ 11:40 am

I just read a tweet from the Indiana Small Business Development Center that the SBA (Small Business Administration) is offering a free online seminar for small businesses suffering hardships. ARC makes periodic payments for qualifying business debt including: Mortgages, Secured and unsecured business loans, Capital leases, Notes payable to vendors/suppliers/utilities, Home equity loans that were used to finance business operations, Credit card obligations that were used for business purposes.

You must register for this seminar, please call 317.226.7272 ext. 115

This free seminar is repeated on the following days:
June 22, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (EDT) and June 23, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (EDT)

 

What is the reason for a Cole Porter festival in Peru? June 15, 2009

Filed under: Community Organizations, Economy, Local Happenings, Miami County indiana — Ashley @ 6:13 am

Cole Porter Birthplace and Museum

Yesterday the family and I drove by the Cole Porter festival held in downtown Peru and were a bit surprised at the lack of attendance. So, today we decided to drop in and see if there was anything going on that might interest us. Well, we did enjoy the car show and walked around for about 30 minutes before deciding to leave. We have lived in Peru about 10 years now and this was the first time we had actually attended. Honestly besides last years festival, we had never heard of it or perhaps didn’t retain the information, not sure which. I am estimating that there were maybe 12 people in attendance yesterday and today a tad more for the car show, but again most of those folks were the drivers of the cars and their families.

Yeah, the museum was providing information on Cole Porter but honestly the festival itself spoke nothing of Cole Porter. I realize that Cole Porter was born in Peru and upon his death is buried here in Peru, but I’m not sure of the reason for the festival, if you could call it an festival. I’m sure there have been many locally that have worked hard in renovating the home where he was born but I don’t understand why so much emphasis is placed on Cole Porter. (Hello?) He was born in Peru and is buried in Peru and was a famous songwriter but what are we too celebrate with this festival? I suppose it is much more geared to bringing in folks to Peru and spending money but couldn’t something more worthwhile be done to do this? If you went around Peru and asked locals who Cole Porter was many would say they knew (maybe) that he was born in Peru, but not much else. Wouldn’t the town of Peru be more suited to celebrate something other than Cole Porter?

I am curious if it was worth the costs associated with advertising to even have such an event?

If anyone would like to explain the reasoning behind the festival, please I am all ears, or in this case all eyes. :-)

 

Want to know what’s going on in Peru? Read the State of the City. June 4, 2009

Filed under: Economy, Education, Local Happenings, Miami County indiana, Peru Indiana Business, Workshop/Seminar Events — Ashley @ 7:10 pm

I came across a post on The Washington Post today that mentioned Peru, In and an incident with the city rejecting sewage pumps made in Canada. Definitely an article worth reading if you want more information on current Trade Wars. But what exactly is going on within the City of Peru?

Well, as it’s a small town, we have all experienced the slowdown of traffic on Broadway due to ongoing construction and I’ve seen the Mayor on scene half a dozen times already. I don’t have a pic to post because I couldn’t finagle a pic while driving 30 mph and keep from straying onto oncoming traffic, so insert your own mental pic here of the Mayor speaking to the road crew. :-)

I have read the State of the City and honestly I don’t care what others in town are gossiping about there are many community leaders, including the City that are attempting to improve Peru. I hope that it’s enough in the long run to make a difference and while there are many aspects of small town life that may be enjoyable, there are also some perks on the financial side to improving its economics. As one not having grown up in Peru, or any small town, there is an allure to a larger city that I would like to see here. I have found that Peru has much to offer as far as family entertainment, but like many I would like to see more economic development (and there is a plan by the City to improve this) and I would like to see more shopping options (I can only speak from a woman’s perspective on this point). But c’mon guys wouldn’t it be great to have a Home Depot right on US 24 for those last minute tools you just got to have?

So read the State of the City and learn what is happening behind the scenes in Peru. It will be worth your time.

 

Hoosiers are Introverted, Agreeable, Conscientious, Neurotic & Closed-Off? June 1, 2009

Filed under: Miami County indiana, Misc., Peru Indiana Business — Ashley @ 7:30 pm

I came across this interesting material on Purdue Center for Regional Development’s Blog today regarding how Hoosiers are rated according to geography. You can look at the full report here which includes the entire United States.

*Posted by Scott Hutcheson

…..Researchers have looked at the geographical variation of something called the Big Five Personality Traits: Extroversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness.

The following is the abstract of their study: Volumes of research show that people in different geographic regions differ psychologically. Most of that work converges on the conclusion that there are geographic differences in personality and values, but little attention has been paid to developing an integrative account of how those differences emerge, persist, and become expressed at the geographic level… We present a theoretical account of the mechanisms through which geographic variation in psychological characteristics emerge and persist within regions…

Results provided preliminary support for the model, revealing clear patterns of regional variation across the U.S. and strong relationships between state-level personality and geographic indicators of crime, social capital, religiosity, political values, employment, and health.

Here is how Indiana stacks up:

  • Extroversion – 4th Quintile
  • Agreeableness – 2nd Quintile
  • Conscientiousness – 2nd Quintile
  • Neuroticism – 2nd Quintile
  • Openess – 4th Quintile

If this is accurate, Hoosiers tend to be introverted, agreeable, conscientious, neurotic and closed-off.