120 North Michigan Street                 Plymouth, Indiana  46563             1-574-936-2323
Issue No. 250            Serving the Entire Business Community           June 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Job Shadowing with PHS

News From Our Members

Calendar of Events

Inserts

Submission Forms for Members Only
NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
BUSINESS LISTING POP-UP
PLYMOUTHCALENDAR.COM
MEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Events
Saturday, June 4
Opening Farmers' Market
East Garro Street
(old G&G Parking Lot)
&
Antique & Collectables Market
East LaPorte Street
(old NIPSCO Parking Lot)

June 6 - July 31
Retail Merchants
Citywide Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, June 18
Fourth Latino Festival 2005
Centennial Park Amphitheatre
(Chamber Member Booth Space Available-
call Chamber 936-2323)

Saturday, June 25
4th Annual Ride for United Way of Marshall County

Saturday, June 25
kidsBIGred3
Triathlon for kids 5 - 12
Centennial Park, Plymouth

Thursday, June 30
Chamber Annual Dinner
6:00 PM
Christo's Banquet Center

CONGRATULATIONS!
Mundy's Restaurant
50th Anniversary
Outstanding!
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has recommended changing the section of the by-laws that require contested elections for Board seats. This is the proposed change for Article IV.
By-Laws of Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce
ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 4.02. Number, Tenure, Qualifications, Election and Appointment
There shall be twelve (12) elected Directors. The Chamber membership shall be divided among three groups, namely, the Industrial Group, the Retail Merchants Group, and the At-Large Group. Beginning with the Board election in 1982, two (2) members will be elected from the At-Large Group, and one (1) member from the Retail Merchants Group and the Industrial Group respectively. The same Board election procedure shall be followed annually thereafter. At the August meeting the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint a nominating committee of five (5) members, not more than two (2) of them to be officers or current members of the Board. The committee shall meet and select from the general membership at least two (2) but not more than four (4) members as nominees for the At-Large Group members, at least one (1) but not more than two (2) Industrial members as nominees for the Industrial Group members, and at least one (1) but not more than two (2) Retail Merchant members as nominees for Retail Merchant Group members. The nominees shall be broken into groups on the ballot to insure that each group of membership is represented. The ballot listing the respective candidates, with two lines for write in nominees, shall be mailed to all members at least fourteen (14) days prior to the October Board meeting.

-----------------------------

VISIT OUR SPONSORS


Job Shadowing with PHS

Plymouth High School believes that Job Shadowing is an academically motivating educational activity that provides students with an up-close look at the world of work. For students, Job Shadowing can become the link between academics and careers, answering the commonly asked question, "Why do I have to learn this?" For businesses, it offers both an introduction to the workforce of tomorrow and the opportunity to help students explore career options.

Therefore, Plymouth High School will be conducting a Job Shadow Week during September 20-22 next school year for all of our junior class. We are currently looking for area businesses and industries that would consider being a job shadow site for these students. You may elect to have just one student for one half day in the morning or you may elect to have a group of 5 to 10 students for one half day in the morning. We will accommodate your needs with the students that job shadow for you.

The following elements will be in place prior to the students arriving.

The students
  1. will be trained regarding professional dress and conduct.
  2. will report to you at the time your business opens.
  3. will come prepared to observe and ask questions when appropriate.
  4. will complete an evaluation of the program and all elements
  5. will write a thank-you letter for your commitment and time.

The business/industry
  1. will make one half-day commitment for the job shadow week.
  2. will have a contact person for communication.
  3. will have job descriptions for the students as they arrive.
  4. will complete an evaluation form of the job shadow day.
  5. will commit to a one hour employer training session.

The job shadow team
  1. will organize, communicate, and schedule one of the three half days for the students and businesses/industries.
  2. will develop and implement the training program for the students and businesses/industries.
  3. will develop and implement the evaluation tools for the students and businesses/industries.
  4. will communicate the results of the experience to all involved.
  5. will issue a press release of the cooperative efforts of all involved.

We wish to receive a response by July 1 so we can prepare the students with our training sessions in August of 2005. Please email Michelle Tanner at mtanner@plymouth.k12.in.us or call the school 936-2178 ext 261 to indicate your interest. Michelle will be organizing the list of interested parties. Thank you for your consideration.

Don Gandy, Assistant Principal - Aimee Portteus, Director of Guidance
Michelle Tanner, Career Specialist.





ANCO Office Products
213 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth; 574-936-3336; www.officepros.com/ancosaves
ANCO is celebrating their 30th anniversary at 213 N. Michigan Street, serving an ever expanding community-from Plymouth, to South Bend to Peru. Formerly owned and operated as Anco Office Equipment by Ruby McCormick on Water Street, in May 1975, Merlin, Margot and Jeff Jones opened ANCO changing what was a solely "walk-in" business to one of customer service, adding outside selling and repair and delivery. Their first delivery vehicle for the store was a Suzuki 250 motorcycle. The repaired machines would be tied on with bungee cord and returned to the customer. This mode of transportation is fondly remembered as the 'most economical and fun" delivery vehicle ever. ANCO has migrated from mimeographs to Canon copiers and a broad line of office supplies and furniture, to now offering the latest in digital copier/printers and new technology.


Country Road Bicycles & Fitness, Inc.
229 E. Jefferson St., Plymouth; 574-936-3334
On June 1, 2005, Country Road Bicycles & Fitness will be starting their 17th season in Plymouth. They have recently moved into a brand new building on the corner of E. Jefferson and Polk Streets. An old Speedway gas station was torn down to make way for the new shop. The Plymouth Park Department's ìGreenwaysî path (for bikes, joggers and walkers) will run right in front of the bike shop. Country Road sells many styles of bikes including comfort, hybrid, mountain, road and children's. They properly fit and explain the bike purchased and insist on test rides. Fitness equipment and skateboards are also sold and there is a full service repair shop that services all makes and models of bicycles. Store hours are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Mondays through Fridays and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays.


Star Staffing Service, Inc.
401 East Colfax Avenue, South Bend; 574-282-2080; www.starstaffingpower.com
Star Staffing Services announces that Donna Blanchard, Regional Manager of the Merrillville and Valparaiso region, will be adding the Plymouth and Nappanee offices to her territory. Donna has been involved in human resources for thirteen years, sales for ten years, training/development for nineteen and has been a guest speaker at Elmhurst College's MBA program on successfully handling diversity in the workplace. She sits on the Education Committee and Chairs the Diversity Task Force of the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce and is Chairman of the Artistic Committee of the Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso. Donna, who holds a BFA from Wright State University, grew up in Lowell, IN, spent ten years in Chicago after college and now resides in Merrillville, IN. Donna has been a manager with Star Staffing for four years and has significantly contributed to company growth and profitability. Pam Gambrel and Pat Williams of the Plymouth Star location welcome the addition of Ms Blanchard to their region. Blanchard will oversee operations within the Merrillville, Valparaiso, Nappanee and Plymouth locations, reporting to Thomas J. Rudasics, the President of Star Staffing Services, Inc., headquartered in South Bend, IN. Star Staffing is a Regional Staffing Firm established in 1961, doing business in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan with 14 local branches providing clerical, light industrial, executive and engineering staffing to the business community.


J-P Baskets & More
13395 7th Road, Plymouth; 574-936-3734; www.jpbaskets.com
Jacqueline Singleton, President & Designer of J.P. Baskets & More announced today that her company has been named to the Gift Basket Review's Top 100 Gift Basket Businesses in America. Gift Basket Review, considered to be the leading authority in the gift basket industry, is a division of Festivities Publications, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida. With a readership of over 20,000 readers throughout the Nation, their top 100 list published in April 2005 identifies the top 50 in terms of revenues and the top 50 fastest growing gift basket businesses in America. J.P. Baskets & More was listed in the 100% growth category over the past three years. Each year Jubilee has a competition for gift basket businesses to enter. J.P. Baskets & More has received a 2nd place in the design competition for pamper baskets as well as receiving a Most Outstanding Entry and Honorable Mention in past competitions. In business over 10 years, they specialize in unique gifting for all occasions.


June 2005
SUN. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SAT.
      2 3
7:30 AM
LMC STEERING CMT
KEYBANK
4
OPENING DAY
PLYMOUTH'S FARMERS' MARKET
E. GARRO ST
5 6

CITYWIDE
SAVENGER HUNT

STARTS TODAY
7 8 9
NOON
PR/TOURISM
CHAMBER
10 11
12 13 14 15
NOON
CHAMBER BOARD
CHAMBER
--------------------
5:30 PM
UW BOARD
KEYBANK
16 17 18
LATINO FESTIVAL
19

FATHER'S DAY
20 21 22 23
NOON
COMM. & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CHAMBER
24 25
ANNUAL RIDE
UNITED WAY



KIDS TRIATHLON
26 27 28
8:00 AM
MCCF EXECUTIVE CMT
KEYBANK
 
29 30
6:00 PM
CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER
CHRISTO'S
31   
TO HELP IN PLANNING YOUR EVENTS SEE THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR.


June Inserts


Annual Chamber Dinner
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2005
6:00 PM
Christo's Banquet Center
830 East Lincolnway $15.00 per person

Speaker: Patricia Miller, Indiana Secretary of Commerce

Please R.S.V.P. BEFORE June 24, 2005

submission form

 
14th Annual
Chamber Golf Tournament

What: The Florida Scramble
Where: Swan Lake
When: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2005
Events: 11:00 Practice Area Open
11:30 Lunch     12:30 TEE OFF
5:30 Cocktails/Social     6:30 Dinner/Awards

Your entry fee includes green fees, cart, lunch, refreshments, prizes, dinner and a lot of fun!! IN ADDITION………. your entry fee ALSO includes admission to the Annual Chamber Picnic to be held on the evening of August 2.

The field is limited to the first 40 teams, so please complete the attached entry form and return it to the Chamber no later than July 25.

Proceeds from the Golf Outing will once again be used to help support the Chamber-sponsored “Plymouth Pride Program” at Plymouth High School.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (574) 936-2323. We will send additional information to registered teams at a later date. The time has come to make plans to participate in the Annual Chamber Golf Outing.
Golf Invitational Submission Form


Accelerated Business Administration Program
5-Week Sessions, 1 Night per Week

Attend a FREE Informational Meeting

Locations:
Plymouth Public Library
Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 6:30 p.m.

Henry F. Schricker Library in Knox
Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 6:30 p.m.

Pace Office in Winamac
Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 6:30 p.m.

Summer 2005 Courses - 6:10 p.m.
These classes meet at Ancilla College.
CS135-L Computer Literacy • 5/12-6/9 - Thursday Nights
AC120-L Managerial Accounting • 5/17-7/5 - Thursday Nights
MT104-L Intermediate Algebra • 6/23-8/11 - Thursday Nights
SC140-L Introduction to Sociology • 7/12-8/9 - Tuesday Nights

Fall 2005 Courses - 6:10 p.m.
These classes meet at Crossroads in Plymouth.
BU100-L Intro to Business • 10/3-11/7 - Monday Nights
EC250-L Microeconomics • 8/25-10/13 - Thursday Nights
EC251-L Macroeconomics • 10/27-12/22 - Thursday Nights
EN110-L Writing I • 8/16-9/13 - Tuesday Nights
HM101-L Returning to Learning • 9/19-9/26 - Monday Nights (2 only)
MT104-L Intermediate Algebra • 11/1-12-20 - Tuesday Nights
PO160-L American National Gov't. • 9/20-10/25 - Tuesday Nights
SC140-L Introduction to Sociology • 11/14-12/12 - Monday Nights


Call 574-936-8898 ext. 330 or
1-866-ANCILLA to reserve your spot!