Vol. 9, November 2010 - Business Growth Initative
FOCUS ON
Business Growth Initiative creates new jobs
South Bend is working hard to strengthen its business community through better communication, creative partnerships and business incentives that take care of immediate needs. The results? More economic growth, more jobs and more companies thinking about coming to South Bend. Read more …
FEATURE
What does a director of business growth do? A better question might be, “What doesn’t he do?” In a dual role shared between the City of South Bend and the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, Phil D’Amico brings a diverse skill set that is perfectly suited to his daily challenges. Read more …
COMPANY PROFILE
Lake Michigan Mailers finds business climate ‘a breath of fresh air’
The City of South Bend and the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County have collaborated to develop the Business Growth Initiative, which has helped scores of local businesses flourish and thrive in good times and bad. And one of these businesses, a transplant from Michigan, is here to stay. Read more …
IN CONVERSATION
South Bend Mayor Stephen J. Luecke
By Phil D’Amico, director of business growth, the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County
Steve Luecke has served the City of South Bend as mayor for 13 years. He holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured mayor of South Bend in the history of the city.
Mayor Luecke has overseen many great projects and initiatives that have advanced this city forward in his years in office. Read more ...
MULTIMEDIA
Do human beings find more passion and meaning in working for the greater good — in realizing their jobs contribute more than just profit? Click here for the answer.
INNOVATION IN GOVERNMENT
South Bend’s bond rating rises again
For the second time in 2010, a national credit rating agency has affirmed an improved bond rating for the City of South Bend. Read more …
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Michigan Street shops offer holiday retail program
A new program introduced by Downtown South Bend Inc., the City of South Bend and downtown merchants will enable established retailers to “test-drive” downtown retail spaces with a no-cost, short-term lease from Wednesday, Dec. 1, through Sunday, Jan. 2.
The Michigan Street Shops Holiday Retail Program seeks to enhance existing downtown businesses, build upon the existing festive holiday atmosphere downtown and develop prospects for long-term leases. More info here …
ND Chorale, Chamber Orchestra present Handel’s 'Messiah'
Lovers of holiday music can join in the tradition of hearing Handel’s "Messiah," the classic oratorio presented each December by the University of Notre Dame Chorale and Chamber Orchestra.
Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4, at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center on the Notre Dame campus. More info here …
Get ready for Santa’s visit to downtown
For the 22nd consecutive year, Downtown for the Holidays festivities will kick off the weekend of Friday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 5, with events that include a tree-lighting ceremony, the arrival of Santa (with breakfast and tea times) and a holiday skating party.
Sponsored by Downtown South Bend Inc., South Bend Parks and Recreation Department and downtown businesses, the events have grown in popularity each year. More info here …
Ring in the New Year at the Palais Royale
Tickets are on sale for the ninth annual New Year’s Eve gala at the Palais Royale Ballroom, South Bend’s premier event facility, with the return of the Tom Milo Big Band, an 18-piece band that features music from the 1940s to today. The event runs from 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 31, to 1 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 1. More info here …
TECH PARK UPDATE
RemSense hopes to engage students in STEM disciplines
With their combined expertise in science and education, a husband-and-wife team is developing an interactive online tool designed to attract students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics by involving them in developing real-world solutions. Read more …
NEWS & HEADLINES
Coveleski Stadium may receive upgrades to spur new development
The City of South Bend has taken steps to fund improvements to 23-year-old Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium in order to bring the facility into compliance with league standards, broaden its potential use and spur on private investment in its vicinity.
The improvements, most of which would be completed by July 4, 2011, include:
• A new centerfield entrance, ticket office and concessions area.
• An expanded concourse with 360-degree seating.
• Basic facility upgrades to the scoreboard, sound system, lights, mechanical systems, restrooms and food-service areas.
• Major overhaul of the field drainage system with a new artificial-turf field.
• Upgraded fan amenities including a picnic area, Kids Zone and splash pad, new concourse-level suites, a left-field home run area and a refurbished Upper Deck area.
• Renovated dugouts and locker rooms for player safety and a new training facility.
• A new team store in the renovated B’nai Yisrael (Sons of Israel) Synagogue. More info here …
To see a gallery of concept drawings, click here.
City supports renovation of Habitat for Humanity ReStore
A former grocery store at 2411 S. Main St. has become the home for Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County’s new ReStore — a move supported by the South Bend Redevelopment Commission to help Ivy Tech Community College expand its campus.
The Habitat ReStore relocated from its former location on Sample Street with support from the Redevelopment Commission. Habitat partner family John and Juanita Townsell joined with Mayor Steve Luecke and representatives from both Habitat for Humanity, the City of South Bend and the Chamber of Commerce in a ribbon-cutting to open the store. More info here …
South Bend incentives spur McCormick expansion
McCormick and Co. Inc., a world leader in the spice, flavoring and seasoning industry, has begun construction of a 50,000-square-foot addition to its airport-area manufacturing facility to expand distribution efforts.
Company officials chose South Bend over alternatives in other states, in part because of support from the City for a tax phase-in on construction of the new $5.9 million facility.
“It’s a great statement of confidence in the South Bend location,” says Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. “The City of South Bend is pleased to support the efforts of local manufacturers, like McCormick and Co., to expand operations and add new employees to its workforce.”
Notre Dame, Purdue sponsor nanotechnology competition
The University of Notre Dame and Purdue University are teaming up with state officials to offer Indiana’s first business plan competition targeting startup ventures and emerging companies in nanotechnology.
The Nanotechnology New Ventures Competition, scheduled for March 25, 2011, will offer prizes totaling $57,000 to the top researchers or entrepreneurs developing novel technologies or services based in nanotechnology. More info here …