We are pleased to share that MCUM, with support from the Rotary Clubs of Bloomington will be continuing with a free resource fair for newborns and parents, It Takes a Village. This will occur April 29th from 11am-3pm at The Warehouse, 1525 S Rogers St, Bloomington, IN 47403.

This is a free opportunity for the public to receive information about the health and wellness resources Bloomington has to offer for infants and new parents, in order for them to have a strong and healthy start to life. Our event will be open to all, but directly marketed to families who are experiencing the type of risk factors that are associated with the unusually high infant and maternal mortality rates that our state and county are known for.

Once participants visit a certain number of booths they gain access to our Family Supply Center, a pantry style giveaway of newborn supplies. As well we will raffle off a selection of important infant care items like car seats, strollers, diaper genies and more.

The Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is hosting a 1-hour Zoom webinar on federal contracting opportunities on Wednesday, April 19, at 11:30am Central /12:30pm Eastern. Your small business community may not be aware of the opportunities available to them in federal contracting if they are unfamiliar with HUB Zone certification.
 
HUB Zone certification has four major benefits for small businesses.  1- It provides a platform for you to market your business to federal buyers. 2 - The business can receive coaching and training opportunities from the SBA and its network of partners 3 - The business gains access to the small business protégé program and 4 - The certified business can bid set-aside contracts exclusively reserved for HUB Zone certified businesses.
 
Tajuana M Wilson of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) will be presenting to our audience about HUB Zone and SAM.GOV.  She will provide program guidance and be available for QA from the attendees after her short presentation.
 
You can sign up for the FREE webinar by clicking the following link.
 
https://isbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16176
 
In case you're planning ahead, our May Lunch and Learn will provide information on the DBE certification from INDOT.  

​Ivy Tech Community College announced today that Erik Coyne will become chancellor of Ivy Tech Bloomington effective May 1. Coyne will leave his position as chief operating officer of a private software company, which he co-founded, to join the College. Coyne, a Monroe County native and product of Monroe County public schools, holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from National War College, a Master of the Arts in Public Administration from Bowie State University, a Master of Science in Military Operational Arts and Sciences from the Air Command and Staff College, Air University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He is a 24-year veteran and retired colonel of the United States Air Force. During his military service, he initially oversaw Air Force installation support programs and later served in a variety of key positions including Deputy Legal Counsel in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and lead one of the Air Force’s largest base legal offices.
 
As chancellor, Coyne will provide oversight for campus operations and services and will ensure the campus is meeting enrollment, completion, retention, and student success goals. Coyne will build upon employer and community outreach and partnerships, ensuring the availability of the College's instructional and student support services, strengthen fundraising efforts, and lead a team to successfully meet the needs of a diverse community and student body on campus. ​

​On behalf of Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU) members, IMCU recently presented a check for $10,000 to IWIN (Indiana Women In Need) Foundation as part of its exclusive Cancer Awareness Debit Card Program.  IMCU members nominate a different local cancer related organization to be the beneficiary each year.  IWIN Foundation was the selected beneficiary for the past year, receiving a contribution for each signature based transaction made with this card from March 2022-February 2023. 
 
IMCU presented the check to Sue Wynne, Operations Director, IWIN Foundation, and Debbie Laswell, Development/Program Director, IWIN Foundation, on Friday, February 24, 2023.

​New leadership roles were recently announced amongst some of IU Auditorium and Indiana University long-tenured events and venue management staff. Maria Talbert, Mike Santa, Brandon Cavaness, and Doug Booher have all been elevated to new roles within Indiana University.
  
Maria Talbert, CVE, has been elevated to Executive Director of IU Auditorium after having served the venue for 20 years, first as Events Manager and then as Managing Director. She has been on staff at Indiana University since 1999, starting as Director of Marketing and Publicity for the IU Jacobs School of Music. Talbert also is a member of IAVM and APAP, and currently serves as the Region 2 Director for IAVM as well as the chair of the Scholarship Committee. Throughout her career, she has worked to enhance community connection and engagement on campus, in Bloomington, and through the region, supporting the role artists and venues play in creating positive change in communities. 
  
Mike Santa, CVP, has been named Executive Director of University Events after spending eight years as General Manager of IU Event Services. Santa now oversees all Indiana University ceremonies, commencements, and high-profile events. Graduating from IU in 2013 with a master’s degree in athletic administration, Santa has been on staff since that time. Over the years, he has held roles including Graduate Manager of IU’s men’s basketball team and Director of Ceremonial Events for the university. Santa is dedicated to providing excellent service to the students and patrons of IU events and has a deep passion for all things Hoosiers. ​

Today the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington announced that registrations are open for Lemonade Day Monroe County, a fun event in which kids open lemonade stands on the same day across the county, offering delicious variations on a classic summer treat. This year’s Lemonade Day will be held on Saturday, June 24.

A national program, Lemonade Day has helped over a million young entrepreneurs open lemonade stands since its launch in 2007. Here in Monroe County, Lemonade Day is in its 12th year, led by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington. Cook Medical is 2023 Lemonade Day’s Presenting Sponsor, and The Mill offers operational support.

The program offers a slate of activities leading up to the big day to help kids prepare and get them excited about designing their stands. Lemonade Day teaches the basics of entrepreneurship in lessons that cover business skills, financial literacy, teamwork, social and emotional skills, goal setting, and Responsibility. Mentors guide children through the lessons via the My Lemonade Day app and help them through the journey of planning, launching, and operating a business. The young participants receive an initial investment for supplies from sponsors. After the event, they pay their investors back, keep the rest of their profits, and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some.

United Way of Monroe County, in cooperation with the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) in both Monroe County and Owen County, has opened a Relief Fund and is seeking donations to support short and long-term recovery from the recent tornadoes and severe weather for low- and moderate-income neighbors in Monroe and Owen counties.

As our region always does, local agencies and volunteers are coming together to help individuals with a variety of needs.

Donated relief funds will assist those in the hardest-hit areas with needs that are unmet by traditional assistance programs.

The fund is live on the United Way of Monroe County website and can be found at www.monroeunitedway.org/disaster. Contributions will provide disaster relief in the days ahead and also help in the coming months as communities and families rebuild.

Residents needing assistance can contact Indiana 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 from your phone or visit https://in211.org) to find local resources.
​
Donors may give online at www.monroeunitedway.org/disaster or send checks (note “Tornado Relief” on the check) to United Way of Monroe County, 431 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403.