Crane Cares Community Podcast

Shance Sizemore is the CEO of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and Lawrence County Economic Growth Council The LCEGC is a non-profit, local economic development organization (LEDO) formed to support growth of Lawrence County Businesses including startup support, workforce solutions, and technical assistance which promotes investment that improves the quality of life for its citizens. On this podcast episode, we discuss how current events are affecting economic growth in Lawrence County as well as how changes in education and job skills training are ensuring sustained local economic growth in Bedford and surrounding areas. To find out more information on the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council, please visit https://www.lawrencecountygrowth.com/

Jacob Sipe is the Executive Director of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. IHCDA's mission is to provide housing opportunities, promote self-sufficiency, and strengthen Indiana communities. On this podcast episode we discuss how home ownership affects the Indiana economy as well as what options are available to consumers who are buying their first home and what consumers should do that may be struggling to keep up with their current mortgage, rent or utility payments. To find more information on the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, please visit www.in.gov/ihcda.

On the podcast today we have one of our own fellow Crane Credit Union employees, Mike Wiggington. Mike is our Vice President of Information Technology. He's also an electric vehicle owner and enthusiast. We discussed the pros and cons of owning an electric vehicle as well as some of the things he's learned in the past year that he's had his Tesla. Is an electric vehicle right for you? Listen and find out. Enjoy. Do you have a question about owning an electric vehicle? Send us an email at marketing@cranecu.org.

Today we have State Representative Jake Teshka from Indiana's 7th district. House District 7 is comprised of the majority of St. Joseph County, and includes Walkerton, North Liberty and Lakeville, as well as portions of South Bend and Mishawaka's south side. Representative Teshka is also a former credit union employee having spent part of his career at Interra Credit Union in northern Indiana. We discussed Teshka's current work at the statehouse and how his Credit Union experience has impacted his work serving Indiana's citizens. For more information on the Indiana Connectivity Program, visit https://www.in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp/.

In this episode we have Jared Ell from Launch Terre Haute. Jared is the Director of Launch Terre Haute which is a physical space and creative community for local entrepreneurs to thrive. We discuss Launch Terre Haute and the impact of group collaboration on individual success. For more information on Launch Terre Haute, visit launchterrehaute.com, email info@launchterrehaute.com, or call 812.244.2762. For more information on the Launch P@d competition and Crane Credit Union's involvement, please read our blog post.

Today we have Jeff Williams from Wellbridge Surgical. WellBridge is designed and optimized to deliver high-quality surgical services directly to patients, saving them money through transparent, fixed, up-front pricing. Cutting out the intermediaries, providing surgical care for what it costs, and passing the savings onto the patients. Striving to making a positive change to the health care system for the benefit of families, individuals, and businesses in Central Indiana. To learn more, visit www.wellbridgesurgical.com.

Heather Morlan is the Director of the Poseyville Carnegie Public Library. Heather and a team of volunteers are working this summer to ensure students get a free lunch each weekday. Heather's motivation came from her work for the library and encouraging students to read this summer. She says it best when she says, “Hungry kids don't read.” We hope that you enjoy this inspiring story and learn how you can take advantage of this program and how you can help your community. Call (812) 874-3418 to reserve a mean or to learn more about the program.

Six kilometers is the average distance people in the developing world walk for water – water that is often contaminated with life-threatening diseases. The Southern Indiana 6K for Water helped raise awareness of this important global issue. Troy Kirkman organized this local event. He joins the Crane Cares Community Podcast to discuss how a lack of clean water affects global communities and why it's important for local communities to take action. To learn more about the Southern Indiana 6K for Water, visit www.southernindiana6k.com.

Joining us on the podcast today is Tiffany Baker of 3 Sisters Investments. Tiffany and her husband Mark are spearheading the very exciting 12 Points Revitalization in Terre Haute, Indiana. Tiffany and Mark are bringing new businesses to the area and valuable services for community residents. We talked about their past challenges, current successes, and what the future holds for 12 Points.

Susie's Place provides forensic interviews for children in a child-friendly center for the investigation of alleged crimes against children. Their mission is to provide a neutral, child-friendly center to investigate alleged child abuse and neglect in Indiana, while keeping the comfort and safety of the child the first priority. Founder and Executive Director Emily Perry joins the podcast to talk about the organization and the role it serves in protecting Indiana's children. Crane Credit Union is a proud supporter of Susie's Place. For more information, please visit www.susiesplace.org.

United States Representative Trey Hollingsworth has served Indiana's ninth district since 2017. In addition to serving in the House of Representatives, Hollingsworth is a small-business owner. We discussed how this experience affects how he views his position as a legislator and how these insights have influenced his work as part of the House Financial Services Committee. In addition, we talked about Indiana small businesses and how they can recover from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Congressman Baird discusses how his military service relates to his current role in Congress, how science and agriculture affect policymaking, and the latest on COVID-19 pandemic relief. Baird is a Vietnam veteran and was recognized with a Bronze Star with V device and two Purple Hearts. He holds a Bachelors and Masters of Science from Purdue University and a doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky. Baird was elected to Congress in 2018 after serving eight years in the Indiana General Assembly.

Jason Salstrom from the WestGate@Crane Technology Park and Purdue Foundry joins the podcast to talk about one of the Credit Union's neighbors in southern Indiana. WestGate@Crane Technology Park is home to more than 30 companies. With a range of small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, each of the tech park tenants is contributing to the strength and vitality of the regional ecosystem. It's also home to Crane Credit Union's corporate office. Jason discusses the current activity during the pandemic at the tech park and the expectation for park's role in the local and national economy in the years ahead. To learn more, visit https://westgatecrane.com/

The Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County is a partnership across churches in the community operated entirely by volunteers. More than 200 volunteers work at the Pantry each year distributing food, assisting clients, stocking, receiving food donations, and unloading trucks. The Pantry provides people with food at no cost to them, serving Johnson County residents who meet income guidelines of 185% of the poverty level or below. Clients may visit the Pantry twice per month, and each family member receives food for approximately four days. Other resources and referrals are provided to clients when possible. The Pantry exists through the support of more than 45 churches and church affiliates, approximately 75 businesses, service organizations, and local foundations as well as more than 200 individuals and families. To learn more, visit www.jcpantry.org.

Loogootee, Indiana Mayor Noel Hardy joins the podcast to talk about his role as mayor of a small town and the challenges they have faced in the COVID-19 pandemic.