Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 127, Number 44, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 28 October 2004 — Page 3

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, ADVANCE NEWS PHOTO/STEPHANIE MIDDAUGH The Elkhart County United Way recently joined the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce. An open house was held at the Family Christian Development Center on Oct. 19 to celebrate the occasion. Pictured left to right are: William Wobio, United Way vice president of finance and building operations; Jessica. Koscher, United Way Step Ahead vice president; Joan Andrews, FCDC director; and Jerry Quatman, United Way president.

United Way joins Nappanee chamber

By Stephanie Middaugh Editor NAPPANEE The Elkhart County United Way recently joined the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce, and to celebrate the occasion an open house was held at the Family Christian Development Center on Oct. 19. According to Larry Andrews, Nappanee Chamber of Commerce president, it only seemed appropriate that the United Way join the chamber of commerce. “The United Way raises a large amount of funds in our area, and serves several members of our community with their programs," he said. “But many in the community really don’t know what they do in Nappanee.” Andrews added that every year a portion of the funds raised during the Elkhart County United Way campaign is distributed to local member agencies in Nappanee. Some of those local agencies include the Boys and Girls Club of Nappanee. Elder Haus, the Boys and Girls Scouts and Open Door. One local non-profit agency,

Gateway Signage In a joint effort between the Nappanee Area of Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Retail Committee, Apple Festival Gommittee and Amish Acres. _ new gateway signs will soon beautify the entrances to Nappanee. The sign is | being constructed by Premiere Signs and will be in place by the end of the | year. » ■ Open Houses The Nappanee Chamber of Commerce hosted an open house to welcome new member: United Way of Elkhart County. The open house was on Oct. 119 from sto 7 p.m. and was held at Family Christian Development Center •' (151 S. Locke St). This was a good chance to meet United Way of Elkhart •County’s executive director, Jerome Quatman. and viie-presideni for planning and programs, Darren Bickel. The following new member open houses are scheduled as follows: Heritage House, Nov. 16; Wightman Petrie/Wakarusa Dime Store, Dec. 14 ; and Chiphone Credit Union, Jan. 18.

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700 N. Tomahawk Trail (Borkholder Dutch Village)

Tuesday, October 26

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Family Christian Development Center (FCDC) in Nappanee, is in the process of becoming a "United Way member agency. FCDC was founded in 1996 by churches and schools within the WaNee Community School District. It offers qualified individuals a number of programs including access to a food pantry, rent and utilities assistance, "Baby Check," a prescription medication assistance program, first time home buyer workshops and construction of affordable new houses. as well as. rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes. Although FCDC has been receiving funds from the United Way for several years, becoming a member agency of the organization offers the center a starhp of approval, said Joan Andrews. FCDC Director. "This means that the rural, southwestern comer of Elkhart. County will get consistent funding and support from the United Way. which will allow us continue to grow the programs that serve our area." According to Jerry Quatman. president of the Elkhart County United Way, his organization has

Nappanee Chamber Chatter

Community

been following FCDC for more than five years. Through the Human Services and Planning Division of the United Way, new nonprofit organizations are researched to become potential member agencies. According to Quatman, this division has met with the FCDC Board of Directors to determine if the center should become a United Way member agency. "It is a very involved process,” he said. “When a non-profit organization becomes a member agency they take on added responsibilities, such as agreeing to conduct yearly audits and to develop strategic plans sos their programs. “We believe there are many positive things being done by FCDC, and we like what they’re trying to do for the Wa-Nee community,” he added. "The amount of services they offer to this area has grown over the years. It will be good to work with FCDC.” Quatman stated that FCDC should become a United Way member agency within the next six months.

New Members Nsw members of the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce are Erie Insurance, Elkhart; Extreme Entertainment, Nappanee; Premiere Signs, Goshen; Scottish Bed and Breakfast, Bremen; United Way of Elkhart County, Elkhart; and Union Center Therapy, Nappanee. Beautification Award Congratulations to Martin’s Hardware, the recipient of the third quarter. Exterior Improvement Beautification Award. New paint and a mural have spruced up the building making it a pleasant experience in downtown Nappanee. Hats off to Denny Martin and his crew for making downtown Nappanee a beautiful place to be.

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WakarusaHe explained that summer is normally his slowest time of year any way. “My business traffic remained respectable throughout the construction, even when compared to other years,” McNally said. To head off any possible decrease in business during the construction, McNally, along with other members of the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, ran ads on local TV. The adds told potential customers that all the businesses were still open during the revitalization project. According to McNally, the advertising was a team effort with the town, the chamber and individual business owners all pitching in to pay for the commercials. “We got together, and got something done,” he said. “It was not the best of situations during the construction, but we responded as a community.” McNally added that Brooks Construction voluntarily contributed SSOO to the production of the town's commercial. Since running the commercial, McNally has already heard good remarks on how the downtown looks. But he enjoys how it’s changed, too. “It’s nice to be on the street and look at all the improvements,” he said. McNally added that the conclusion of the revitalization project may not bring an end to downtown improvements. He said Dr. Robert Abel, who owns the building where his business is located, is purchasing new awnings for the store. ‘There may be other opportunities

for some more store front renovations, as well." McNally said. “We hope to keep the downtown improvements going.” The festive mood surrounding the downtown revitalization will continue to at least Christmas, according to Doris Biller, Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce secretary. She announced that the chamber will be sponsoring a

Customer service seminar by chamber

NAPPANEE Excellence in customer service pays off dramatically to the bottom line in every industry. Customers are more willing to forgive a product failure than a service failure by a ratio of 5 to 1. If customer retention is important, then improving customer service must be the tactic. The Resource Development Group LLC

Advance News

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ADVANCE NEWS PHOTO/STEPHANIE MIDDAUGH The stamped, concrete crosswalks were the last thing to go in on the Wakarusa downtown revitalization project, It was good that the project remained on schedule, because the curing process for the concrete is temperature sensitive.

Christmas open house this year to show of the new downtown. On the evening of the annual Christmas Around the Tree event, several downtown businesses will remain open late and feature in-store specials. “The downtown is looking great," she said. "And it will be wonderful."

in conjunction with the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce will host a two-hour customer service seminar and workshop for owners and managers titled, "Your« Secret Weapon." This high value, high impact seminar relates ways to create extraordinary customer response, and to effectively grow and maintain your client base. The mastery of customer service can mean the difference between success and failure. Jerry Hogan, of the Resource Development Group LLC. has over 23 years experience in managing and directing customer service operations. A sought after speaker, workshop leader and business coach, Hogan has authored numerous articles on sales and business development.

★★ VOTE ★★

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AS YOUR COUNTY COUNCILMAN JOHN K. LETHERMAN WILL: KEEP WORKING to insure that the tax dollars of Elkhart County are fairly and efficiently managed. KEEP WORKING to make sure that Elkhart County groundwater stays clean and healthy KEEP WORKING for the vigorous enforcement of zoning ordinances to protect property values. KEEP WORKING to clean up and beautify the major entrances to Elkhart County, particularly the Toll Road Entrances and Federal and State Highways. KEEP WORKING to insure continues improvement of Elkhart County streets and highways and to improve Slate Highways throughout the County. KEEP WORKING to create a climate of positive service and thoughtful courtesy at all levels of government. KEEP WORKING so that economic growth can continue in a sensible manner

iCTtf&MAN *2 ” REPUBLICAN

COUNTY COUNCIL-AT-LARGE Paid by the Letherman Committee Mary F. Thomas, Treasurer

His focus is on individual and organizational success through strategy and application. He works with executives and management teams in achieving greater measurable results through a combination of attitude, skill, knowledge, and highly focused goal achievement. "Your Secret Weapon” will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Main Street Suites meeting room at the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce. The cost is $35 for chamber members and SSO non-members. Registration is limited, so call the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce by Friday. Nov. 5 at (574) 773-7812 or by e-mailat nappaneecofc @ kconl ine.com

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