Business briefly: June 9, 2009

The Tribune-Star

June 08, 2009 11:43 pm

— Terre Haute
Sycamore Collision Center goes green
The Sycamore Collision Center, a key part of the Sycamore Automotive Family, has taken a proactive stand in protecting the environment by going “green” with its paint-finishing system. The collision center recently announced it has switched to a low-VOC PPG waterborne basecoat from a conventional solvent-based system.
VOCs are chemical compounds commonly used in paint coatings and cleaning products. When released into the atmosphere they help create ozone and smog. When compared to a conventional solventborne basecoat, PPG Envirobase High Performance waterborne basecoat can reduce VOC emissions by up to 80 percent. Waterborne coatings are mandatory in California and Canada. They are not yet required in Indiana, so the collision center’s move places it on the cutting edge of green awareness.
Sycamore’s paint supplier is also enthusiastic about the switch. Says Henry Ellis, owner of Terre Haute Auto Paint Inc., which services Sycamore from their nearby location at 10 W. Voorhees St. in Terre Haute: “We congratulate Sycamore on their initiative. Moving to PPG’s waterborne coatings will keep them in the forefront of the industry.”
The Sycamore Collision Center, 4444 U.S. 41 South, is a 20,000-square-foot facility serving the Sycamore vehicle lines (Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Nissan) at the dealership.

Indianapolis
Reimbursement deadline June 15
Farmers’ Market Directors or Market Masters are encouraged to apply before the June 15 deadline for ISDA’s Farmers’ Market Cost-Share Reimbursement Program. This program provides grants up to $500 to Indiana farmers’ markets to increase consumer awareness and overall appeal of Indiana farmers’ markets.
Funds are utilized from Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide state assistance for specialty crops.
For more information on the Farmers’ Market Cost-Share Reimbursement Program, an application and eligibility, go to the ISDA Web site under Indiana Farmers’ Markets.

Terre Haute
Open Door, cafe
celebrate anniversaries
One of Terre Haute’s newest and the other a longtime business will celebrate anniversaries this week.
Gingersnaps Café & Coffeehouse celebrates their first and The Open Door Christian Bookstore celebrates their 25th year in business. Both businesses are independently and locally owned and operated. They are both located in the same building at 3125 S. Third Place in Terre Haute behind Honey Creek Mall.
The Open Door first opened in 1984. They moved to their current location in 1996. The store carries a variety of Christian based books, music, and other merchandise.
Gingersnaps Café & Coffeehouse opened in May 2008. They offer a variety of healthy sandwiches, soups, tea, specialty coffee drinks, smoothies and desserts.
“It’s been a tough year to start or even stay in business, but it’s been hard on everyone,” says Lisa Eilbracht, owner of Gingersnaps, “That’s why we want to take this opportunity to show our customers how much we appreciate their support.”
Both businesses will be offering special anniversary savings on selected items throughout the week.

Terre Haute
Hospital congratulates award winners
The Academic Business Council and Ivy Tech Community College recently awarded the Career-Technical Achievement Awards. Terre Haute Regional Hospital is proud to announce that three of the winners are the children of hospital employees.
• Erin Mundy, West Vigo Middle School. Mundy’s mother is Sandra Mundy, a nurse in the acute surgical unit.
• Ryan House, Woodrow Wilson Middle School. House is the son of Cecelia House, a nurse in medical oncology.
• Irene Jaskey, Booker T. Washington School. Jaskey’s mother is Marlene McDonald, an occupational therapist.
The students were nominated because of their continuing effort, dedication and perseverance. The criteria for the award included the ability to apply skills and take directions, initiative, attitude and grade point average, all skills necessary in becoming a quality employee.