Category: Recognition

Renovated Rotary Building dedicated on IU School of Medicine campus

One of the oldest buildings on the Indiana University School of Medicine campus has been both transformed and preserved with a $10 million renovation, and university leaders will gather Friday afternoon for a dedication of the newly restored historic Rotary Building. (Direct Link to Article – credit: IU Newsroom)

At the north end of Ball Gardens on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus between Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and the Sidney and Lois Eskenzai Hospital, the Rotary Building dates to 1931, when much of the current campus did not yet exist.

The building served initially as a children’s convalescent unit associated with Riley Hospital, which had opened in 1924. Members of Rotary clubs across Indiana raised $276,000 to pay for the new facility.

The Rotary Building has served a variety of purposes over the decades, most recently as the home of the IU School of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology until the opening of the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute in 2011.

The subsequent $10 million renovation project was overseen by Schmidt Associates, working with IU architects and facility planners. The goal was to restore the building’s original beauty while modernizing the structure to meet the needs of the future.

The renovation has produced 40,000 gross square feet of office and academic space, now housing the IU-Kenya Partnership, the Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and offices of the Department of Surgery.

Led by IU President Michael A. McRobbie, IUPUI Chancellor Charles R. Bantz and IU School of Medicine Dean Jay L. Hess, the dedication program will begin at 1 p.m. Friday in the Ruth Lilly Learning Center Auditorium of the Riley Hospital Outpatient Center.

August 23, 2014
July 2014 Rotarians in the News

Harriet Ivey

Harriet Ivey has been honored with a Touchstone Award from Girls, Inc. Harriet Ivey served for 15 years as the founding president and CEO of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, retiring in January 2014. During Ms. Ivey’s tenure, the Trust granted more than $223 million to nearly 900 charitable entities to help people in need, protect animals and nature, and enrich community life. Additionally, more than 500 nontraditional college students have received Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholarships, a signature program of the Trust since 2001.

Eleven outstanding volunteers were recognized by United Way of Central Indiana in conjunction with Indiana Black Expo at the 31st annual Diversity Volunteer Awards, Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m., at the Indiana Convention Center 500 Ballroom.

Sue and Dick Tempero

Diversity Advocate Award: Rotarian Sue Tempero is recognized as a “fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion” her entire professional life. As a member of the board of directors of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis she has helped steer the Y towards best practices in diversity and inclusion when she helped develop the agency’s first pilot race relations study circle for board members along with other conversations and actions to change attitudes and behaviors.

Mary Burger, VP and CFO at Indiana Landmarks was elected to the Board of the Propylaeum Historic Foundation on May 21, 2014.

Eddie Pillow set to take over family business Pllow Logistics. Similarities between father-and-son duo George and Eddie Pillow don’t immediately jump out. The two relish their many differences, and speak of how well they complement each other and how well that will serve them in a few years when Eddie takes over their company, Pillow Logistics Inc. Read full story.

Rick Markoff named president of newly formed Damar Foundation. Richard M. Markoff has been named president of the newly created Damar Foundation. Damar Services’ board of directors established the foundation to help raise funds to support the work of the non-profit that has been serving children and adults challenged by autism, as well as intellectual, developmental and behavioral disabilities for more than 40 years. Read full story.

Civil Site Group has recently added Greg Gerke, PWS, CESSWI to their staff of professionals. Greg is a Senior Ecologist with over 25 years’ experience in ecological services. He will be responsible for all ecological project management including wetland delineations, wetland permitting, wetland design/build and monitoring, stream assessment and streambank stabilization, erosion control design and inspections, treatment wetlands, floral surveys, endangered species and related ecological assessments.

Laura Demeter, has left Key Bank to work at Centier as Sales Officer, Vice President, Cash Management. She oversees cash management services for Central Indiana, including Mishawaka, Fort Wayne, Lafayette, and the Greater Indianapolis area. Laura is a career banker with broad retail banking and treasury management experience. “I work with my clients to recognize, develop, and implement strategies that grow revenue, volume, market share, and profitability,” said Laura. “I am driven to produce results for my clients.”

July 21, 2014
Nominate a Rising Star! Deadline, August 22, 2014
Junior Achievement of Central Indiana (Member, Lauren Scheldrup) is now accepting nominations for its 11th annual Indy’s Best and Brightest Awards. This event will honor 100 of Central Indiana’s accomplished young professionals, age 40 and under, who are making their mark in and around Indianapolis. Visit Indy’s Best and Brightest to vote, today!

We are currently accepting nominations for our 100 finalists. Ten Finalists will be honored in each of the following categories:
- Accounting
- Banking & Financial Services
- Education & Nonprofit
- Government
- Health & Life Sciences
- Law
- Manufacturing, Retail & Services
- Media, Entertainment & Sports
- Real Estate Development & Construction
- Technology
We are asking you to please start thinking of nominations for this year’s event and pass the word around to those you know. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize colleagues and promote your company. In which case, we hope we can count on you to do your part and nominate at least one worthy candidate in your industry or elsewhere.

You can find the nomination form and event details at IndysBestandBrightest.org. If you have any questions, please contact Tabitha Williams at Tabitha@jaindy.org. We will be updating event details through social media channels and emails as well. So please take a moment to like our Indy’s Best and Brightest Facebook page and watch for #indysbestandbrightest.

Thank you in advance for nominating an outstanding individual!
July 11, 2014
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame dedicates Danielson Theater

In ceremonies on Thursday, June 19, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame dedicated the “Patty and Danny Danielson Theater”, recognizing the numerous contributions of the New Castle couple to the organization. The event was attended by members of the Hall’s Board of Directors, inductees, local community and business leaders, family and friends totaling nearly 100. Read the full press release.

June 27, 2014
Rotarian Erik Johnson Nominated by Indiana Sports Corp for the Prestigious ROSE Award

The following article was written by Allison Melangton, President, Indiana Sports Corp

During our Executive Committee meeting earlier this week, we had a special visit from our partners at Visit Indy. They stopped by to surprise Erik Johnson, who has been nominated by Indiana Sports Corp for a ROSE (“Recognition Of Service Excellence”) Award. He’ll be recognized at the event next month.

The mission of the ROSE (“Recognition Of Service Excellence”) Awards is to honor hospitality employees or volunteers who provide excellent customer service. ROSE Award honorees are true goodwill ambassadors for their companies and the city. These industry champions, through one-on-one or behind-the-scenes contact, positively influence a visitor’s experience in Indianapolis. These interactions are really important touch-points with fans, and positively shape out-of-town guests’ impressions of Indy.

I’ve mentioned Erik’s selfless contributions in the past. His volunteer leadership as the chair of the local organizing committee for the 2013 NCAA Women’s Rowing Championships in the planning stages of the event was exceptional. On-site, he joined us for many early mornings to help manage the operational parts of the event, and did everything from entertaining guests from the NCAA to spreading straw throughout the Indianapolis Rowing Center to combat a week of rain.

Erik is just one example of the volunteers, facility and hospitality workers, and ambassadors who do so much to make our guests feel at home in central Indiana. Their work, their Hoosier Hospitality, and their attention to detail provide memorable and lasting experiences for our participating athletes and fans.

The four weeks ahead provide a significant opportunity for Indy to welcome more visitors and sports fans as we host the Big Ten Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships at the IU Natatorium, and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.

I also appreciated Mayor Ballard’s comments in the State of the City address last night – reminding us to be proud of Indy and to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for all the things that make Indy a great place to live, work and enjoy great events–like the March line-up mentioned above!

Thank you to everyone who volunteers in our community (whether it be for Indiana Sports Corp or other great organizations) and keep sharing positive experiences with our visitors!

Written By Allison Melangton, President, Indiana Sports Corp

March 2, 2014
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).

February 26, 2014
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.”

December 9, 2013
IBJ 2013 CFO of the Year: Rotarian, Mark Winzenread

Mark 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.

December 9, 2013
Rotarian Dane Starbuck Releases New Album

Dane Starbuck has released a Holiday Premiere CD, “Give Your Heart To Me,” featuring top Nashville, TN and Indiana recording artists – all music and lyrics by Dane Starbuck. Available on iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, Pandora and Spotify.

Author, composer and lyricist and Rotarian Dane has his roots in Indiana. Born in Winchester, he holds degrees in law and English, and he briefly studied composition at the Boston Conservatory of Music and at Huntington College.

The inspiration for much of the music on this CD is from his musical “To Love an African Violet” which is currently in pre-production. Dane lives in Carmel, Indiana, with his lovely wife, Bev, where he practices law. “Give your heart to me” is dedicated to the memory of their infant granddaughter, Isabel.

It’s no secret that Dane Starbuck is an awesome Rotarian. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis for nearly 14 years, plays piano at Tuesday functions, participates in Rotary functions and gives his time and treasure for many good causes through Rotary. He is also a James Whitcomb Riley and Paul Harris Fellow.

In 2007, Dane and his wife Bev visited the Indiana University School of Medicine-Kenya Partnership in Eldoret, Kenya. The World Community Services committee of the Indianapolis Rotary Club raised funds for the initiative and adopted it as its overseas project. It is working with the Eldoret Rotary Club to support financially the initiative.

November 15, 2013
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?

Just 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.

November 11, 2013