Bi-weekly publication that ran as the center section of the local business newspaper. designed to spotligh Chamber members, keep them informed of legislation/initiatives that the Chamber was working on, and promote Chamber events. Won the 2009 National APEX Award for a business newsletter/magapaper.

1. From the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce
Give the
Kruse Worldwide Courier: Gift of
More Than Traditional Service Community
This Holiday
As a transportation company, Kruse Worldwide is ranked third
Season
in Indiana in terms of growth and offers the best in delivery and
customer service
By Nicole Wilkins
For over 40 years, Kruse Worldwide Courier has
offered nothing but the best in delivery,
warehousing and customer service. Located at
5020 Investment Drive in Fort Wayne, the
company's wide array of services include all
types of freight from parcels to pallets, one pound
to truckloads.
Recently Inc. magazine ranked Kruse Worldwide
Courier on its 2008 annual ranking of the 5000
fastest-growing private companies in the country.
The Inc. 5000 list looks at an important area in
this country's economy: entrepreneurs.
According to Inc., “these companies are the
backbone of the U.S. economy and help drive
innovation.”
Just a reminder for the upcoming
Along with being on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest- holidays: we are all encouraged
growing private companies, Kruse Worldwide to "Give the Gift of Community."
was also on the top 100 transportation list of By spending as we are able with
2008. That same list had Kruse Worldwide as businesses and charitable
the third highest transportation company in organizations in our community,
Indiana in terms of growth.
we have the ability to stimulate
This growth has allowed the company to expand our local economy and retain the
beyond what consumers think of as traditional jobs and services needed to
courier services, expanding into distribution, keep Fort Wayne a vibrant
medical records, warehousing, air freight, office community.
supplies, home delivery, and third party logistics.
We, as individuals, can make a
“We're proud of our growth,” says Lance Adams, Lance Adams, CEO of Kruse Worldwide Courier positive impact on this
CEO of Kruse Worldwide Courier. “Our mission community. So, join in the effort
is to offer superior service at a competitive price Adams grew up in Fort Wayne; he attended “My experience coupled with a strong desire to to solidify Fort Wayne's
and we'll maintain that mission going forward. Paul Harding High School and Purdue Univer- have ownership in what I was putting my efforts economic future by keeping your
We honor our commitment by doing what we say sity and has a wealth of experience with larger into led me to Kruse Worldwide,” says Adams. dollars here at home where they
we're going to do and providing great service to regional and national carriers dating back to the help employ our neighbors and
our customers to help them grow. That is what early 90's. Adams became part owner and Service Area Expansion make our community a better
has driven our success.” Chief Operating Officer of Kruse Worldwide place to live. Get out of the
Courier in June 2002 and in December 2005 Kruse Worldwide Courier may be located in Fort house, get off the internet and
his role evolved into that of CEO. Wayne, but the company offers reliable service spend locally!
See Kruse on page 7
December 26, 2008
Greater Fort Wayne
Chamber of Commerce
2 Member
Spotlight
5 Nonprofit
News 6 Community
Focus
8 Events

2. Member Spotlight THE CHAMBER
United Way Call to Action:
Volunteer to Help All Kids Read
United Way of Allen County, joined by represen-
tatives of the Allen County Education Partner-
ship, Fort Wayne Community Schools, East
“Through Learn United, Allen County Schools and many other local
organizations, have launched a ten-year
we are also focusing on reading initiative called Learn United.
Learn United's school-age component will focus “We have a variety of volunteer opportunities,”
on recruiting thousands of area volunteers to said Brian White, executive director of the Allen
long-term needs - giving work with struggling readers. Volunteers can County Education Partnership, the agency
Learn United is an effort to close the third grade
people the skills needed reading achievement gap in Allen County within
visit www.learnunited.org to browse opportuni- charged with matching volunteers and children.
ties and register to work with children. All “We have long-term and short-term opportuni-
to become self-sufficient. the next decade. United Way defines the
volunteers must agree to a background check ties. We have chances to work in the
reading gap as the difference between the
Our board knows goals number of local third-graders who can read at
and will receive all the training needed to be classroom, after school or over the lunch
successful in working with children. Learn period. You can work with small groups of
grade level and those who cannot.
such as eliminating the United is initially rolling out at four schools: Fort children or one on one. You don't need to be a
Wayne Community Schools' Waynedale and reading expert, you just need to care about kids
reading gap cannot More than 1,000 third graders in Allen County
Brentwood elementary schools and East Allen and our community.”
fail to pass the ISTEP language test every year.
happen overnight. That's Forty percent of all low-income local third
County Schools' Village and Southwick elemen-
tary schools. “United Way of Allen County has long been
why we have committed graders can't read at grade level.
focused on helping our most vulnerable
ourselves to Learn “Third grade is a critical time for reading,” said
“We are excited to be a part of Learn United,” residents meet their basic needs - food, clothing
said EACS Superintendent Dr. Kay Novotny. and health care,” said Irene Walters, United
Jerry Peterson, president and CEO of United
United for ten years. Way of Allen County. “Up until third grade,
“Literacy really is a community issue and we Way board chair. “Through Learn United, we
need the support of the entire community to are also focusing on long-term needs - giving
We are determined to students are learning to read, after third grade,
educate all of our children.” people the skills needed to become self-
students read to learn.”
get this accomplished.” sufficient. Our board knows goals such as
“We know that students perform better when eliminating the reading gap cannot happen
Studies show that 74 percent of students who
they have multiple support systems helping overnight. That's why we have committed
don't read at grade level by the end of third
— Irene Walters them reach their goals,” FWCS Superintendent ourselves to Learn United for ten years. We are
grade will never catch up. Many will go on to
United Way board chair drop out of school or be incarcerated. Most will
Dr. Wendy Robinson said. “With strong schools, determined to get this accomplished.”
strong families and strong community support,
not be able to hold down good jobs.
our students will be successful.” United Way of Allen County modeled Learn
United after a similar effort in Madison,
“The economic consequences of illiteracy are
Volunteers can sign up for a variety of activities Wisconsin. In less than ten years, Madison's
profound,” said Kris Foate, president of the
in the classroom, including playing games such United Way and local residents closed the
Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.
as alphabet bingo and memory, working at a reading gap through efforts similar to those
“American businesses spend more than $60
literacy station, reading stories or working on being put in place in Fort Wayne.
billion annually on employee training, much of
letters and sounds. Volunteers will also be able
that for remedial reading, writing, and
to sign up for existing programs through FWCS “We know this can work,” said Jerry Peterson,
mathematics. We must have a well-educated
Study Connection (after-school homework help), “and we know that it's absolutely critical that we
workforce if we are to attract new businesses
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Lunch Buddies (talking make it work here in our community. We ask
and help our community thrive. Current
and reading over lunch), Allen County everyone to do what they can - give, advocate
corporate leaders are already dedicating time
Education Partnership Project READS (K-3rd or volunteer - to ensure all our children can
and money to help children and I encourage all
literacy tutoring) and homework help after read.”
local businesses to support Learn United.”
school at the Neighborhood Action Center
serving children in the Autumn Woods The first three years of Learn United will be
Learn United has three components. The first
Apartments. In January, Learn United will funded by a grant from the Indiana Association
focuses on pre-natal care or ensuring that
partner with Scholastic to promote Real Men of United Ways. United Way will seek additional
children get a healthy start to life. The next is
Read, a program that asks men to visit a grant money and private donations after the first
building early literacy skills. The last component
classroom once a month. Additional opportuni- three years.
is the school-age effort.
ties will be added as the effort grows.
2 A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

3. Letter From…Kristi Holmes, Vice President of Communications & Member Relations
The Power of One
THE CHAMBER STAFF
Volume 18, Issue 25,
December 26, 2008
Kristine Foate
President/CEO
Maribeth Callicoat
Controller
Mike Landram
Vice President of Workforce &
Business Development
Downtown Fort Wayne skyline.
Kristina Holmes
Vice President of
When I moved counting on the strength of our me to fill-up the tank twice a world.” I don't suppose that Communications &
to Fort Wayne community and neighbor helping week. A year ago, each fill-up Mahatma Gandhi was thinking Member Relations
three years neighbor. That is why the cost about $85. Last week, that “buy local” when he said that, but
ago, I was Chamber launched the “Give the same fill-up cost me $37. You do the principle holds true. The David Young
struck by the Gift of Community” campaign last the math. I have used it to justify solution for these trying times, the Vice President of
Air Service Development
strong sense month. a couple of extra holiday way to help our community
of community - shopping sprees and a few succeed, is for each of us to find
it is truly a big, By banding together, we have the additional “date nights” with my the courage to defy the fear
Joni Howell
small town. So opportunity to save ourselves, our husband. This is also the time of mongering that has created the Manager of Government
many people businesses, our jobs, and our year that we close out our national cash-flow freeze and & Community Affairs
Kristi Holmes can trace their neighbors in need. Everyone has Flexible Spending Accounts for instead spend responsibly with
Fort Wayne a budget, and I don't advocate medical expenses. As you know, local organizations so that we all
roots back for generations, and spending beyond your means. But if you don't use that money, you may benefit.
everyone seems to know as you are able, spend respon- lose it. So I'm considering new Nicole Wilkins
Communications Manager
everyone else. Because of this, sibly with businesses and glasses for my daughter. The old There are little things that we can
area residents seem to actively charitable organizations located in prescription is still fine, but each do. To us they may appear
support each other. I have heard our community during the coming apparently the old frames aren't small, but when combined with
many tales about “Fort Wayne - months. Hoarding cash based on as cool as they were last year. I'm the efforts of our neighbors, we
the city that saved itself” and how fear of future financial uncertainty also making the effort to do more can make a difference for each
time and again neighbors have only creates a self-fulfilling of my holiday shopping locally other and Fort Wayne. But first
bonded together to rally against prophecy. It drives our neighbors instead of online and making sure we have to regain our can-do
the “obstacle du jour” and always out of business, causes layoffs, to renew my commitments with attitudes. By spending responsibly
emerged from the other side and prevents our charitable the charitable organizations I with local organizations, I CAN
safely, hand-in-hand, ready for organizations from providing support. help keep my neighbor in
the next challenge. services just as the demand for business; YOU CAN help save a
those services escalates. Now, I know that these small acts Hoosier job; ONE NEIGHBOR
We are facing one of those times are not enough, in and of CAN enable a charitable organi- Contact Us:
again. Only this time the In the course of the “Give the Gift themselves, to turn the tide. But zation to keep meeting the needs Phone: (260) 424-1435
opponent isn't Mother Nature, it is of Community” campaign, several when added to the efforts of of another neighbor; and together
the financial challenges facing people have asked me where I people just like you, our small WE CAN save Fort Wayne again. Fax: (260) 426-7232
communities across the nation. see the disposable income acts become the impetus needed Please join me in the coming Web: www.fwchamber.org
While other communities may coming from in order to do this. In to strengthen our local economy. months to give the gift of
Email: nwilkins@fwchamber.org
succumb to the fear generated by response, I have given them This notion of “Giving the Gift of community.
economic uncertainty, I believe examples from my own life. Community” reminds me of one of Address: 826 Ewing Street
that Fort Wayne is prepared to I drive a gas hog (yes - it's my favorite quotes: “Be the Fort Wayne, IN 46802
face this opponent by, once more, American made) which requires change you want to see in the
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3

4. Grand Openings THE CHAMBER
ATHENA Nominee & Scholarship Applicants Needed
Help celebrate the
remarkable individ-
uals in our
community. The
Greater Fort Wayne
Chamber of
Commerce is
pleased to announce
it is now seeking
nominations for the
5th Annual ATHENA
Award® and also
applications for
ATHENA Scholar-
ships which will be presented at a luncheon
March 11, 2009 at Ceruti's Summit Park.
The ATHENA Award® program celebrates
exceptional individuals who have achieved Past ATHENA Recipients
excellence in their profession, have served the
community in a meaningful way and have 2008 ATHENA Award® Program
assisted women in their attainment of professional Established in 2006 by Fort Wayne Athena Eligibility requirements include: Graduates of a high For more information please contact Kristi
goals and leadership skills. Nomination forms and planning committee to provide scholarship school in Allen County, Indiana, seeking a two-year Holmes, Vice President of Communications &
criteria are available at www.fwchamber.org and assistance for 2009 high school graduates associate degree, a four-year bachelor degree, or Member Relations at (260) 424-1435 or
are due January 5, 2009. attending a two- or four-year college or vocational a vocational school degree in Indiana. Recipients kholmes@fwchamber.org.
school in Indiana. Assistance will be given to may attend half time (at least 6 credit hours) or full
Several $1,000 scholarships are also available to women demonstrating outstanding leadership in time. For an application visit www.fwchamber.org.
outstanding area high school students. their high school and community. Deadline is Monday, February 2.
Summit City Metal Recycling Celebrates One Year Anniversary
Summit City Metal Recycling celebrated their one year anniversary with an
open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 10.
Summit City Metal Recycling is located southeast of downtown at 1412
South Anthony Boulevard (at Hayden Street).
Summit City Metal Recycling (SCMR) is Fort Wayne’s newest metal
recycling center. Unlike other places, SCMR accepts and pays you cash
on the spot for most household, commercial, and industrial metal, such
as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, stainless steel, tool steel, cast iron,
insulated wire, and alloys.
SCMR’s mission is to be committed to your business recycling needs and
to the recycling needs of our community. Services that SCMR provides
include transportation (roll-off boxes, dump trailers, van and flatbed
trailers, and overseas containers), brokerage and trading, turn-key facility
recycling programs and an indoor retail buying center.
For more information about Summit City Metal Recycling, contact Justin
Miller at (260) 399-4843 or Justin@scmr.bz or visit the Web site at
www.scmr.bz.
4 A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

5. THE CHAMBER Non-profit News
IPFW Business Competition SCORE Teams Up with Visa
Announced for Small Businesses
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort sity, and high school. "Individuals and teams in SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small
Wayne (IPFW), Purdue University, the Lincoln each division will compete against each other, Business” recently announced new easy-to-use
Financial Group Foundation, and the Northeast with an overall winner selected for the competi- online tools that provide small business owners
Indiana Innovation Center announce the launch tion. That winner will then be entered for with ideas and guidance on topics from
of the 2008-09 Northeast Indiana Innovative consideration in the 2009 Greater Fort Wayne securing funding to managing cash flow. The
Business Concept Competition, formerly known Business Weekly Innovation Awards," added Financial Management Workbook and Ask
SCORE provide advice and mentoring to help services, we understand that it is vital for
as the Opportunity for Indiana Business Plan Ryan.
small business owners make critical business business owners to have easy access to
Competition.
decisions. resources and insight to help them manage the
Registration for the competition is now open
health of their business, especially during
IPFW will host the fifth annual competition, and must be submitted electronically at
The free workbook—which offers small challenging economic times,” says Raghav Lal,
which includes changes other than its name. www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/opportunity.
business owners an actionable, easy-to-follow head of Global Small Business, Visa Inc. “This
Sean Ryan, director of university engagement, The deadline for registration is Feb. 2, 2009.
curriculum and information on key areas of is why we are excited to be working with
said, "This competition won't require a The executive summaries are due March 9,
concern for small businesses—is available SCORE, a respected small business authority,
complete business plan. Instead, we'll focus on 2009, with the final competition at IPFW Friday,
through the Visa Business Network on to make these free tools and counsel available
the development and presentation of an April 17, 2009.
Facebook at www.visabusinessnetwork.com, to business owners.”
executive summary of the business concept,
with the most promising one awarded business For more information, contact Sean Ryan, the SCORE Web site at www.score.org, and at
the 389 SCORE offices nationwide. The Access Ask SCORE by visiting
coaching, support, and grant funding to launch director of university engagement, at (260)
workbook covers important and timely topics, www.askscore.org. Entrepreneurs can ask
the business venture." Another change this 399-1662 or ryans@ipfw.edu or Jean Eisaman,
including: SCORE mentors about topics ranging from
year is the competition will be conducted in project manager, at (260) 481-6489 or
• How to efficiently manage cash flow personnel issues to how to write a business
three separate divisions: professional, univer- eisamanj@ipfw.edu.
• How to maximize income and the speed plan and receive an email response within 48
with which you get paid hours.
Stepping Stones Child • How to minimize expenses
• Knowing your funding options “Organizations such as SCORE and Visa can
help entrepreneurs make it through this
Development Center Gets • Being prepared for your business’s growth
and “what if” scenarios recession and can help them ultimately
succeed and grow their businesses. The
Quality Rating In addition, small business case studies and
advice from SCORE counselors illustrate each
SCORE and Visa Financial Management
Workbook is the right tool at the right time to
For the third year in a row, Stepping Stones on one of four levels. help entrepreneurs manage their money so
business principle, while checklists and
Child Development Center, a division of Easter The goals of the Paths to QUALITY as financial strategies offer a structured founda- they can manage for success,” says SCORE
Seals Arc, has achieved a Level Four rating, originally conceived were: tion for decision-making. CEO Ken Yancey. “Entrepreneurs can get free
the highest quality rating available for a Paths and confidential advice from SCORE to help
to Quality provider. 1. Raise the quality of child care and early “As a longtime provider of small business them navigate cash flow, financial planning and
education experiences for children, payment cards and related small business projections to steer a clear course to profits.”
“Paths to Quality is an awesome program that 2. Give parents tools to help determine the
provides Stepping Stones the opportunity to go
above and beyond what families expect from
best quality program for their children,
3. Support and recognize providers for quality Wells Fargo Invests in
our center,” says Danielle Lyons, Director of care.
Stepping Stones. “We strive to meet the needs Pathfinder Services
of every child we care for and Paths to Quality The levels are: Wells Fargo recently announced a $100,000 become current in their mortgages and save
acknowledges the hard work the Stepping Level 1-Health and Safety Needs equity-equivalent investment in Pathfinder their home from foreclosure.
Stones staff gives.” Level 2-Environment Supports Children's Services, Inc., a Huntington-based community
Learning and human development non-profit that For more information on Community Connec-
Established in 1996, Paths to QUALITY is a Level 3-Planned Curriculum Support Children's provides homeownership education and down tions please contact (800) 310-9510 or visit
payment assistance, and foreclosure preven- www.cchomes.org. Community Connections is
voluntary system created to assist parents in Development
tion services to people with and without disabil- the Housing Division of Pathfinder Services
identifying and selecting quality child care and Level 4-Achieve National Accreditation
ities throughout Northeast Indiana. Inc., a not-for-profit Human Services organiza-
recognize providers for ongoing efforts to tion with offices in Huntington, Wabash, and
achieve higher standards of quality than the For more information about Paths to Quality, or The investment will help support Community Plymouth. Community Connections began in
minimum state licensing requirements. Stepping Stones Child Development Center, Connections, the organization’s Housing 1997 and has provided over $7 million in Down
Providers who choose to join PTQ receive a call Tony Belton, Community Relations Coordi- Division, to provide low interest rescue loans Payment Assistance to those families.
verification visit, are assessed, and are placed nator for Easter Seals Arc at (260) 469-2777. for families and people with disabilities to
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5

6. Community Focus THE CHAMBER
Cc: me
Communicate. Connect.
January 29, 2009
They say in business it’s all about who you know…
They were right!
Cc: me is a new after-work event designed to create oppor-
tunities for you to build lasting relationships with other Fort
without being bombarded with sales pitches. YMCA Reminds Community
Join us on January 29, 2009 at the of Exercise Benefits During
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Lounge Times of Holiday Stress
from 5 PM-7 PM
Sponsored by First Federal Bank Rushing around trying to prepare for Christmas before kids get home from school to clear away
while under economic stress has millions of the stress of the day and get a positive boost
Americans fretting. The YMCA of Greater Fort before interacting with family members. A little
Wayne reminds families and individuals that a “me time” can have a positive influence on “us
little sweating can offer important physical and time.”
emotional benefits.
• Find an enjoyable physical activity that requires
“Many members of our community are some mental focus to steer the mind away from
preparing for the holidays, while facing financial worries—a pick-up game of basketball, a
struggles that can put them and their families racquetball match or even jumping rope.
under a lot of physical and emotional stress,”
says Director of Marketing & Development Toni • Instead of going online to repeatedly check the
Kayumi. “Now more than ever, it’s important to balance of your 401K, check out training plans
Networking 4 Success
make sure exercise is part of our daily routines. for a 5K run or walk and get family and friends
Even a short walk or swim can help reduce the engaged to reach a healthy and achievable goal.
negative effects of anxiety. Research has
A Business Brown Bag proven again and again the important role of • Visit the Central Branch, Jorgensen Family, Old
exercise in combating stress and reducing the Fort, Parkview Family, Southeast Family, Whitley
Learn from networking experts how to effectively engage others in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even County Family, and Wells County YMCA’s to find
moderate physical activity can produce mood- affordable family activities. Financial assistance
any setting in order to build lasting professional relationships. This boosting endorphins, clear the mind, improve is available to make YMCA programs available to
two part series will teach the difference between networking and focus and positively affect blood pressure.” all.
selling and provide you with the skills necessary to build your busi- The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne encourages “The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne has been
ness through relationships. members of our community to make physical helping area families and individuals in good
activity a priority, especially during tough times, times and challenging times for 150 years,” said
January 20 & 27 11:45-12:45 @ The Chamber and offers a few simple tips: Kayumi. “We want our community to know that
we are here to help anyone seeking a healthier
Register online @ fwchamber.org or at the door • Make an “exercise transition” between work spirit, mind and body, regardless of their current
and family time. Take a short walk after work or circumstances.”
6 A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

7. THE CHAMBER Member
To highlight their accomplishments in customer
Kruse service while working with national carriers,
Kruse Worldwide has recently won a service
Continued from page 1
award from a division of FedEx. The service
beyond the borders of the Hoosier State and award noted 100 percent on time delivery for
specializes in Midwest distribution. In terms of all line hauls in the 2008 fiscal year handled by
Fort Wayne's excellent central location for Kruse Worldwide throughout Indiana, Ohio,
Midwestern shipping Adams pointed out we and Michigan.
have an “efficient location for distribution being
close to major metropolitan cities such as With recent expansion and growth Kruse
Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, Worldwide Courier is currently focusing more
Indianapolis, and Cincinnati.” on distribution and LTL (Less Than Truckload)
deliveries.
In fact, Kruse Worldwide Courier features daily
line hauls to Indianapolis, Muncie, South Bend,
“We can handle much more than one would
Chicago, Detroit and Columbus and overnight
think of a traditional courier service,” says
service to Indianapolis, Muncie and South
Adams. “We love the courier work we do for
Bend out of Fort Wayne.
banks, law firms, and the medical field, but we
“We focus on taking care of your shipment by want people to know we are also capable of
careful handling that virtually eliminates providing larger item freight services. The term
damaged cargo,” says Adams. “That type of courier is a little misleading because truckload
service can be hard to come by in the shipping moves, scheduled line hauls, and LTL services
business. And with overnight shipping we can are not typical services for small parcel
enter a facility overnight and leave payroll, couriers.”
interoffice mail, or freight so the items are Pakages are ready to be shipped out at the Kruse Worldwide
there first thing in the morning. We can also New Technology wharehouse.
retrieve items at the same time to bring back
and deliver in the Fort Wayne area. This is a Kruse Worldwide Courier's Xcelerator
great option for Fort Wayne companies that technology package marks a new development
have items to exchange with locations in in the shipping industry for regional carriers.
Indianapolis, South Bend, or Muncie.” With bar code scanning, real time signature
capture, package tracking and real time proof
With a staff of 45 at headquarters in Fort of delivery, businesses get the information they
Wayne and 120 company-wide at four need when they need it. Features also include
locations, Kruse Worldwide recently expanded online order entry and customizable reports.
their service across the Ohio River into
Kentucky. The Kentucky service area includes “If technology and reporting is an important need
the western two-thirds of the state, being for a customer that ships product, then we have
serviced out of Louisville and Owensboro.
a very capable system for them,” says Adams.
Not A Typical Courier
The Web based login allows customers to enter
orders, print shipping labels and view shipment
In addition to prompt delivery of your cargo
status. Xcelerator launched two years ago and
and quick overnight service, the company also
the higher end technology is constantly
offers the option of storing items in a clean,
enhanced by the user companies. Currently 140
climate-controlled space that's secure and
regional carriers use the system.
protected 24 hours a day.
Community Outreach
“With your items safe and secure on our
Lance Adams of Kruse Worldwide Courier poses with his staff.
premises, they are available for immediate Kruse Worldwide's CEO says the company in
retrieval and transportation at the time you the coming year looks to raise their local Why Kruse Worldwide Courier? can get a live person on the phone who can
appoint,” says Adams. “We offer next day presence and give back to the community. give you the information you need quickly, as
service throughout most of Indiana, and local “We want to be involved in the community from It all comes down to great service, flexibility, opposed to going through an automated
and personalized customer service that can a business and service standpoint. Build and diversification of services says Adams. national call center. At Kruse Worldwide, we
keep you informed on the status of your relationships. Expand community programs. For “As a full service transportation company, are able to adapt to customers needs and
shipment.” the past several years we have donated Kruse Worldwide specializes in services that provide more specialized services that other
warehouse space to local charitable organiza- do not fit the operating models of parcel, carriers may not provide, typically with lower
tions such as the Lions Club for their fundraising truckload, and national LTL companies. When prices than national or global carriers.”
efforts.” you call us, you are calling a local contact and
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 7

8. Events THE CHAMBER
Congratulations Graduate
Season’s Greetings Retention Program
The Chamber's Graduate Retention Program
Happy Holidays has been awarded a $2,000 grant by the
Howard P. Arnold Foundation for continued
from the support of the program's efforts.
Chamber. Thank
Congratulations to the Graduate Retention
you for your team!
continued
support.
Best wishes for a Thank You Ambassadors
prosperous new Thank you to our Chamber Ambassadors for
year. contributing valuable items and services to the
Ambassador holiday tree at this year’s Taste of
the Chamber and for their ongoing service to
Chamber members.
Pictured from left to right: Ed Bowman, Deb
Fulton, Teresa Blombach, Mindy Hockaday and
This holiday season may you receive the “gift of Dave Didier.
community.”
Get Connected, Stay Informed with Chamber Events
Cc: me. Laureen Voirol at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266 or a variety of important issues and to offer a business development, public relations, or any
January 29, 2009 marks the lvoirol@fwchamber.org. springboard for solutions to help improve career that requires getting the word out. You
launch of the Chamber's new productivity and profitability. This group will experience 20 minutes at three different
monthly networking event, Cc: Leadership Develop- explores ideas and inspires its members with tables, receiving the opportunity to present your
me, at the Allen County War ment Roundtable. experienced techniques and strategies that can "unique selling proposition" to a couple of
Memorial Coliseum lounge from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. The next Leadership Develop- avoid costly mistakes. dozen businesspersons in a fast-paced, fun
Cc: me is the place to build your professional ment Roundtable recruiting and structured setting.
network, establish lasting business relation- meeting will take place For more information call (260) 424-1435 or
ships and catch the latest business buzz. January 28 from 8 a.m.- 9:30 register through the Chamber calendar online Admission is $5. In addition, please make sure
a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce (826 Ewing at www.fwchamber.org. to bring a stack of your business cards.
This is not a place where you will be Street). Continental breakfast is included. If you are
bombarded with sales pitches. It is about January Morning Mix. interested in being a table captain for a
networking in its truest sense. Not sure what Leadership Development Roundtables offer a The first Morning Mix of 2009 Morning Mix please contact Laureen Voirol at
true networking is or how to do it? Chamber confidential forum of peers in non-competing will take place January 15 (260) 424-1435, ext. 266 or
"Connectors" will be present to help connect businesses. Regular meetings are held to from 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. at the lvoirol@fwchamber.org. You do not have to be
you to those you should meet and know. share and gain practical knowledge and new Holiday Inn across from a Chamber member to attend.
counsel on today's business challenges. the Allen County War
So, get connected, get involved & get cc'd. Roundtables are made up of Leaders or Memorial Coliseum.
Managers with a minimum of three direct
Thank you to our sponsor, First Federal Bank reports. Come check out one of the newest and coolest
and our host, the Allen County War Memorial Fort Wayne hotels and enjoy speed networking
Coliseum. For more information or to get Leadership Development Roundtables are at its best. The Morning Mix is designed for
involved with Cc: me contact Member Relations structured to help business managers address professionals who are involved in sales,
8 A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WAYNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE