Category: Business

  • Rotarian Michael Snyder, Knows Branding

    Rotarian Michael Snyder, Knows Branding

    Any given day at The MEK Group may involve helping an international medical manufacturing services company expand and capture U.S. market share, developing a premium brand and ad campaign for a communications enterprise, organizing industry leaders and academics to advance a technology region, or helping to advocate for and support quality health care.

    As managing principal, Michael Snyder likely will find himself right in the middle of the action.

    “Being able to make a lasting impact is the most rewarding aspect of the often intense days we have at MEK,” said Snyder, who returned to his native Indiana, after working in the greater Los Angeles area for 17 years.

    Snyder has represented Fortune 100 companies and worked with a sitting queen, a First Lady and the chairman of General Motors, but he says his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing people and companies seize their potential and transform themselves into high performers.

    Check out the Full article, here (Courtesy IndyStar).

  • Rotarian, Evan Bedel Named President-Elect, FPA of Greater Indiana

    Rotarian, Evan Bedel Named President-Elect, FPA of Greater Indiana

    Evan Bedel, formerly the Communications Director with the FPA, was recently elected to serve as President-Elect.

    The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the leadership and advocacy organization representing the financial planning community. FPA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are charged with helping the organization reach its Primary Aim while upholding the organization’s bylaws.

    Evan Bedel has been a Rotarian since April 2011 and has been very involved, recently becoming a Paul Harris Fellow.

    Evan is also a Financial Planner with Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc. Says Bedel, “One of my roles at Bedel Financial is to help young professionals establish a solid financial foundation for the future. This service is designed to progressively guide the next generation of wealth accumulators towards an affluent path. I assist in developing long- and short-term goals, debt reduction strategies, saving strategies, investment advice, life and disability insurance analysis, retirement planning, and more. Another role is to educate the adult children of our clients about the importance of fiscal responsibility. Through this education, I teach them about topics like budgeting, inflation, the power of compounding interest, goal establishment, goal funding, the difference between a Traditional vs. Roth IRA, and more.”

  • IBJ 2013 CFO of the Year: Rotarian, Mark Winzenread

    WinzenreadMark Winzenread’s 33-year tenure at Walker defies the norm.

    “Statistically, you change jobs every five to seven years,” he said. “I’m always a little embarrassed to say I’ve been here 33. I’ve resigned twice. It just hasn’t worked out.”

    Walker, the consumer intelligence consulting firm, wasn’t Winzenread’s first professional job. Out of college, he worked in public accounting but was drawn to the private side.

    “It was frustrating to go to clients year after year, make recommendations, and then see that things don’t change. You can’t force a client to do anything,” he noted. “On the inside, I can make things happen.”

    Still known locally by some as Walker Research, the company does more than research. Its consultants work with dozens of companies on customer retention and growth strategies.

    Read full IBJ article.

  • Indy Rotarians in the News: Curish and Markoff

    Indy Rotarians in the News: Curish and Markoff

    Born and raised as a Hoosier, Dana attended Hanover College. She studied chemistry/biology, thinking she would become a microbiologist, but fate drew her to the nonprofit world instead. She admits, “I have always had a passion for caring for those with low income.” She recalls an unforgettable moment as she was volunteering one morning with onsite registration for “Race for the Cure.” She asked a participant if she was running as a survivor, and the woman replied with tears in her eyes, “Well I thought I was, but I just found out I’m not.” She had been to the doctor the day before to learn that her cancer had metastasized. Dana felt an instant emotional letdown and gave the woman a hug, reassuring her that she would be a survivor. This incident marked a turning point in Dana’s life as she recognized the crucial timeliness for taking action, being proactive and catching the cancer before it’s too late.

    Though Susan Goodman Komen fought breast cancer just as many women and even some men do, she is remembered as one who made an effort to make life better for others instead of focusing only on herself. Today Susan G. Komen represents the largest mass movement against breast cancer. Since 1982, Komen has invested $2 billion in community outreach and global research studying the causes, treatments and cures of breast cancer.

    Komen Central Indiana is one of four affiliates in the state. Of the funds raised, 75 percent of proceeds stay within our community, implementing grant programs aimed in helping 30,000+ low-income Hoosiers within 21 counties. The remaining 25 percent of funds are applied to global research grants seeking specific causes, improved treatments and lifelong cures for breast cancer. Read full story.

    Written by Janet Striebel, Publication: At Carmel. Janet is a Freelance Writer and has been writing for atgeist.com for five years. After graduating with an English degree, she later earned a Master’s in Instructional Design from the University of Kentucky. She is married and has three children. The best part of Janet’s experience is meeting all of the amazingly interesting people living in our community. Curish photo by Brenda Staples Photography

    Rick MarkoffMember in the News: Rotarian Rick Markoff teaches students to focus on the leadership skills that make a difference in private and public companies and organizations.
    Several of IUPUI’s top graduate students made their mark late last month at the Strive Together Cradle to Career Network Convening in Dallas, earning widespread praise for a presentation that was born in one of several Organizational Leadership and Supervision courses taught by School of Engineering and Technology faculty member Rick Markoff.

    The students involved — Ben Johnson, Brian Hansen and Shannon McCullough — focused on the leadership skills that make a difference in private and public companies and organizations. They drew plenty of praise from conference attendees but also the support of Jeff Edmondson, the managing director of Strive Together.

    To prepare for their presentation, the IUPUI grad students called on several segments of their Organizational Leadership and Supervision courses, including face-to-face sessions with business entrepreneurs and civic leaders who have been happy to share their experiences in Markoff’s classes. Read full story.

  • Rotarian Elaine Bedel Featured on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” (with video)

    Rotarian Elaine Bedel Featured on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” (with video)

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is excited to share that Rotarian Elaine Bedel was on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” on November 11th, 2013. WATCH THE VIDEO. She participated in a live panel discussion with Tyler Mathisen, co-anchor on “Power Lunch”, and Bernie Clark, Executive Vice President of Advisor Services with Charles Schwab. The panel spoke on current investor sentiment as well as their thoughts on the current political and investment environment.

    Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc. is a comprehensive, fee-only wealth management firm, dedicated to helping clients achieve financial security. Established in 1989 by Elaine Bedel in Indianapolis, Bedel Financial Consulting is one of the top 25 Women-Owned Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in the country according to WealthManagement.com.

    Life is a series of choices.
 Bedel Financial helps you choose what’s next.
    We strive to meet your unique planning needs with a team comprised of two professionals with different disciplines, financial planning and investment management.  With this rare approach, we are able to provide a thorough planning experience to ensure all aspects of your plan are considered and addressed before taking a step forward.

  • UPDATED – Indy Rotarians in the News!

    UPDATED – Indy Rotarians in the News!

    Women of Influence – Jennifer Burk
    Why would a top executive give up a job with one of the most successful businesses in Indiana to head up a not-for-profit?

    Jennifer BurkJust asking that question indicates one of the challenges faced by not-for-profit leaders. Let alone a financially struggling organization.

    “I don’t think there’s a stigma, but there might be a curiosity about it,” said Jennifer Burk who, in 2009, left a position with Duke Realty to become president and CEO of the troubled Junior Achievement of Central Indiana.

    “My role at Duke gave me the opportunity to get involved in the community, serve on some boards, and do some volunteer work. My husband at one point said, ‘It seems you come home energized by some of the volunteer work. I would support you if you wanted to consider a career change at some point.’”

    Burk began work at Junior Achievement as a volunteer.

    Read the Full Story.

    Other Members in the News (UPDATED)
    Families First has elected Rotarian Mark Winzenread as Chairman of the Board. For more than 175 years, Families First has been passionately committed to its vision of a community of strong, loving and capable families. Generation after generation, Families First has touched the lives of thousands of families through a variety of programs that strengthen parents, repair relationships, maintain the independence of older and challenged adults, and remove barriers to a stable, productive life. Edie Olsen, MSW, LCSW is President of Families first and also an Indianapolis Rotarian.

    The Methodist Health Foundation has named Rotarian Denny Sponsel, Vice Chairman. And, Rotarians Carol Applegate and Greg Schahet have joined the Board of Methodist Health Foundation.

    Senior1Care among Fastest Growing Companies in America
    “This honor is truly a reflection of the countless hours our team members have contributed to get us to this point,” added Rotarian Patrick Broccolo, an owner of the Carmel area branch. “The flexibility of our Caregivers and our responsiveness to our client’s needs is a major reason for the recognition.” Senior1Care is available 24 hours a day to help service their clients’ needs. Please visit their website at Senior1Care.com to learn more about their service offering and experience the difference. Download the press release.

  • Congratulations Indianapolis Rotarian Lloyd Wright for Being Inducted into the Broadcast Hall of Fame

    Congratulations Indianapolis Rotarian Lloyd Wright for Being Inducted into the Broadcast Hall of Fame

    Please join us in congratulating Lloyd Wright, President and CEO of WFYI Public Media, on his induction into the Richard M. Fairbanks Indiana Broadcast Hall of Fame on October 3. A 30-year veteran of public media, Wright is the longest serving station manager in the Indianapolis market. You can read more about Wright’s professional accomplishments.

    Since his appointment as President and CEO of WFYI Public Media (Indiana’s flagship PBS and NPR member station) in 1989, Wright has distinguished himself as an innovative leader in the public media industry. During his tenure, WFYI’s annual operating budget has grown from $2.5 million to more than $10 million today. The station’s multi-media services and community-based programs have also expanded significantly in scope and impact. Under Wright’s direction, WFYI relocated in 2008 to a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Indianapolis and established an innovative partnership with the Economic Club of Indiana.

    In the last decade, WFYI has evolved from a local program producer into an award-winning producing station that distributes nearly a dozen documentaries and public affairs programs nationwide each year. WFYI has also has earned national recognition for its innovative fundraising practices and overall growth in membership and donor relations. In 2008, the station was honored with three PBS Development Awards, including the coveted “Award of Excellence for Overall Membership.”

    Download the Full Press Release, courtesy WFYI

  • Two Rotarians Shine as Finalists for Junior Achievement’s “Indy’s Best And Brightest” Awards!

    On Thursday, Ocotober 17, Junior Acheivement will recognize two of our very own at the annual “Indy’s Best and Brightest” event. In Banking and Financial Services, LaTonya Gaither, Service Center Manger at the Teachers Credit Union, Rotarian since November, 2012. And, in Technology, Dan Randolph, Lead Biologist with Dow AgroSciences and Rotarian since December, 2010. Our Rotarians are special! Please congratulate these deserving members of our community and thank them for being members of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis!

  • The Day of Innovation on September 12

    The Day of Innovation on September 12

    The only Indiana innovation event that brings together leaders and practitioners from all sectors and backgrounds. The convergence of minds from business, non-profits, academia and start-ups creates for an unprecedented mix of energy and creativity. Buy your tickets, or a ticket package for your organization, today! Because at the Day of Innovation, from sun-up to sun-down, it’s all about innovation. Visit dayofinnovation.com for event details, announcements and tickets. Media Contact: Brenda Jackson-Morrissey.

    Centric’s Indiana Innovation Network is proud to announce Purdue University President, Mitch Daniels as the 2013 recipient of the Excellence in Innovation Award.

    “In honor and recognition of Mitch Daniels’ innovative leadership and accomplishments as the 49th Governor of the State of Indiana and the focus on innovation he has placed as President of Purdue University, it is our distinct privilege to make this announcement,” said, Centric Board Chair, Doug McColgin.

    “Our single highest ambition in public life has been to see Indiana become a leader of change, an innovator economically and in every dimension,” Daniels said. “There is no area in which I could be more appreciative of being recognized.”

    Indiana Innovation Award winners include three time winner, Delta Faucet, and two time winners, People for Urban Progress and Vortek Surgical. First time corporate winners include Bloomington’s Studio Cypher, and Fishers-based ECO Lighting Solutions, Fish Boing Lures out of Plainfield and others. Non-profit and arts winners include the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Brackets for Good, and the Symphony’s ensemble-in-residence, Time for Three.

  • Listen to Rotarian Danny O’Malia Tuesday’s from 4 to 4:30

    Listen to Rotarian Danny O’Malia Tuesday’s from 4 to 4:30

    Ever considered buying a franchise? Rotarian Danny O’Malia will speak to his guest and local franchise expert, Jim Gleason of Fran Net. He helps people pick the right franchise and avoid potential pitfalls.

    Don’t miss this program! To listen to Danny O’Malia from 4-4:30 on Tuesday’s, just dial 317-238-3004 and hit code 279015#

    Danny O’Malia is “Indy’s Trusted Servant.” He learned Customer Service from the age of eight from the master and late father, Joe O’Malia. Danny was CEO of O’Malia Food Markets from 1986 to 2006 and has been delivering Customer Service Training and Keynote Speaking since 2007.