business

Lawmakers hope to boost veteran-owned businesses

Brandon Smith — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:37:10 +0000

A Republican state senator wants each state agency to set aside 10% of its contracts each year for veteran-owned small businesses, a move supporters say the will help reduce veteran unemployment.

Governor Mike Pence signed an executive order his first day in office establishing a goal of procuring three percent of state contracts for veteran-owned businesses.

Proposed legislation would expand that to 10%, something American Legion state commander Richard Jewell says could help reduce veteran unemployment, which is double the state rate.

Insurance company plans $15 million expansion

Sean Bueter — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:01:27 +0000

A company that provides insurance to churches and other ministries has announced it will expand its headquarters on its 30-acre campus in Fort Wayne.

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company will invest $15 million to build a 55,000 square foot facility, which it expects to be operational by early 2014.

The company says the move could create up to 102 new jobs in the next four years.

Sweetwater breaks ground on new facility

Sean Bueter — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:22:44 +0000

Sweetwater Sound broke ground Wednesday on its expansion at the company’s headquarters along US 30.

Sweetwater President Chuck Surack joined Governor Mitch Daniels, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, and Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters at the event.

Surack says Sweetwater will add more than 300 employees over the next four years, with an eye toward hiring even more if business keeps booming.

Surack says a business model focusing on customer service has kept Sweetwater expanding, but his location in Northeastern Indiana has been key, as well.