Published: April 28, 2008 11:24 pm            

Wabash Valley Business Briefs: April 29, 2008

Terre Haute

Saturn breaks ground on expansion

After eight-plus successful years in business, Saturn of Terre Haute — part of the ever-growing Romain Automotive Group of Evansville — is expanding its dealership at 5377 S. U.S. 41, just north of the Wal-Mart. The expansion, as explained by general manager Bill Lutes, will add needed space to the current building.

“We are excited about this expansion because it speaks positively about how the community has welcomed both the Saturn car brand and our high-quality selection of pre-owned vehicles. Without the loyal patronage of our many customers, the dedication of the dealership staff, and the commitment from ownership, this expansion would not be happening!” Lutes said.

Hannum, Wagle & Cline was selected for design work, with Garmong Construction Services handling the construction. Work on the 5,000-square-foot building addition began on April 1 with completion expected by Aug. 1. The dealership will remain open Monday through Saturday and continue normal sales, parts and service hours and operations.

Terre Haute

Menards receives Energy Star award

Menards received the Special Recognition for Best Regional Retailer Award earlier this month at the 2008 Energy Star Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Menards was selected for the award from more than 12,000 Energy Star partner organizations for its commitment to energy efficiency.

Menards was recognized for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by educating consumers and team members about energy-efficient products. Menards integrated Energy Star into all facets of its marketing strategy — from product selection and in-store signage to television and radio.

The 2008 Special Recognition award recognizes organizations that have made significant contributions towards advancing energy efficiency in specific areas of the marketplace.

Menards, a privately held company based in Eau Claire, Wis., is the third-largest home improvement chain in the nation, with more than 235 stores. Energy Star was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency.

Terre Haute

Curves partners with Avon for fitness study

Curves is looking for participants in the Terre Haute area to be a part of the Curves/Avon Fitness Study.

For $30, participants will be asked to complete 12 workouts over a 30-day period with a minimum of three workouts per week. In addition, participants will receive a start and finish fitness evaluation, 30 days free on CurvesComplete.com, an online diet and fitness solution, and supervised training from a Curves trainer.

“With so many fitness membership choices, it’s imperative that we demonstrate how serious we are about weight loss and an active lifestyle. This study allows us to further differentiate ourselves from the competitors,” said Emma Parker, owner of Curves of Terre Haute. “And Avon, a company that is so compassionate about women, is the perfect partner for this initiative. We encourage Terre Haute residents to be a part of this study. What is there to lose, except a few pounds?”

For more information on the Curves/Avon Fitness Study, call Emma Parker at (812) 466-9449 North, (812) 238-0901 South, or visit the Curves locations at Plaza North or Hobby Lobby Plaza.

Indianapolis

Kroger raises $9.4M in Kettle Campaign

Customers and associates of The Kroger Co. and its family of stores raised $9.4 million nationally to support The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign during the 2007-2008 holiday season.

The total represents an increase of 16 percent over the $8.1 million raised last year, and it contributed to the record $118 million raised by the Salvation Army overall.

As part of Kroger’s effort, kettles were placed in front of Kroger’s family of stores in 31 states. The kettles were staffed by Salvation Army volunteers, including many Kroger associates.

The Salvation Army uses funds raised through the Red Kettle campaign to provide assistance to more than 29,000 people in 5,000 communities across the country. All the donations stay local to the community in which they were given.

Brazil

Sammers Driving School opens in Brazil

Sammers Driving School has expanded operations and opened a branch office at the Brazil YMCA at 220 E. Kruzan St. The Brazil office is the newest affiliate of the AAA Hoosier Motor Club Approved Driving School Network.

As part of its approved driving school affiliation, Sammers Driving School-Brazil will immediately begin offering class enrollment discounts to AAA members.

To access AAA Hoosier Motor Club’s growing list of ADSN affiliates, visit www.AAA.com.

More information on Sammers Driving School-Brazil can be obtained at (812) 238-1415 or www.sammersdrivingschool.com.

Terre Haute

Free debt seminar planned at church

A free seminar on dealing with debt will be staged at 7 p.m. May 8 in New Life Fellowship church at 1851 N Chamberlain St. The seminar will deal with, among other things, how to eliminate a mortgage in seven years instead of 30. For reservations and information, call Scott at (812) 208-5862.

Mattoon, Ill.

Agency receives bid to be service provider

The Crossroads Workforce Investment Board, Mattoon, Ill., announces that C.E.F.S, a community action agency, has been awarded the bid to be the service provider for the 14-county Crossroads Workforce Area starting July 1.

Currently, the Dislocated Worker Program is provided by Lake Land College and C.E.F.S is providing adult and youth services.

The Crossroads Workforce Investment Board serves the Illinois counties of Edgar, Douglas, Moultrie, Coles, Cumberland, Clark, Crawford, Jasper, Effingham, Fayette, Marion, Clay, Richland and Lawrence. The CWIB oversees over $2 million federal worker training and youth dollars that come to the region. The U.S. Department of Labor is the funder through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Crossroads Workforce Centers are located in Olney, Effingham, Centralia and Mattoon. The centers services over 15,000 job seekers and hundreds of employers each year.

Terre Haute

You can still apply for financial aid

Those who missed Indiana’s March 10 FAFSA deadline to apply for federal aid still can submit their FAFSA no later than June 30.

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, aka FAFSA, online at www.fafsa.ed.gov is the easiest and fastest way of completing the form accurately. Individuals who do not have Internet access can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 to request a paper application.

Need help filling out the FAFSA? This year, Learn More Indiana launched a new publication, “Indiana’s Guide to Paying for College: Step-by-Step Tips to Help High School Seniors Apply for Financial Aid.” This free, Indiana-specific guide walks students through the financial aid process and is available by calling 1-800-992-2076 or visiting www.learnmoreindiana.org.

Learn More Indiana has more information on paying and preparing for college at the Web site or by calling 1-800-992-2076.

        

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