Good News!
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
In Mount Vernon, Illinois, Continental Tires the Americas, will expand its manufacturing operation and create 444 new jobs.
Meggitt Aircraft Braking, a supplier of aircraft wheels and brakes, has announced plans to open a new facility in Danville, Kentucky and hire 63 people.
In Dearborn County, Indiana, Fortis Security Products, a maker of vaults, safes and other products for banks and financial institutions, plans to relocate its corporate headquarters, creating 15 new jobs. Congratulations to Mike Rozow and the rest of the team at the Dearborn County Economic Initiative.
AttagGroup, Inc., a supplier of dispensing products, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Congrats to Barry Matherly and the entire staff at the Lincoln County Development Association.
In Louisville, Kentucky, Invensys Rail Corporation, a developer of control systems for railways and transit authorities, will expand its headquarters and create 75 new jobs.
Amy’s Kitchen, a maker of natural and organic foods, has announced plans to open a new facility in Greenville County, South Carolina, creating 700 new jobs.
In Thomasville, Alabama, Lakeside Steel, a maker of pipe for the oil and gas industries, plans to expand and create 80 new jobs.
Molded Foam, LLC, a manufacturer of foam seating and cushioning materials, has announced plans to relocate its operation to Bristol, Indiana and create 45 new jobs.
The Roberts Company, a provider of services to the chemical, power, mining and pulp and paper industries, plans to open a facility in Pitt County, North Carolina, creating 29 new jobs.
In Somerset, Kentucky, UGN, Inc., a producer of acoustic carpet systems, will expand its manufacturing operation and hire 50 people.
Capitol One Auto Finance has announced plans to expand its Tulsa, Oklahoma operation and add 100 new jobs.
Blue Pillar, Inc., an energy asset software and controls company, plans to relocate its headquarters and create 70 new jobs.
Ornet Corporation, a producer of aluminum products, will reopen its facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana and create 240 new jobs.
Pella Corporation, a maker of windows and doors, has announced plans to expand its operation in Murray, Kentucky and create 75 new jobs.
In Greenville, South Carolina, Adv Machining Technologies, a specialist in advanced machining, will expand its operation and add 10 new jobs.
International Paper, a maker of paper and packaging products, has announced plans to repurpose a portion of its closed mill in Isle of Wright County, Virginia, creating 213 new jobs.
Modern Distributors, a supplier to the convenience store industry, plans to expand its facility in Somerset, Kentucky and hire 20 people.
In McDowell County, North Carolina, Janesville Acoustics, a supplier of acoustical and molded products for the automotive industry, plans to expand and create 40 new jobs.
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Passing of a Giant
A fond remembrance
As we look back, each of us has someone whose presence has had a great impact on our lives. For me, one of those people was my father-in-law, Lloyd Thompson. For the past thirty+ years, I have watched and learned from this wonderful man who set the standard for me to follow.
Family and Friends
Lloyd was all about family and friends. Whenever anyone was in need, he was the first to step forward. I’ve seen him spend countless hours helping others with building and repair projects or any other type of needed assistance. It didn’t matter what the need was, all you had to do was ask and he was on his way.
Likewise, whenever Lloyd needed a helping hand, people came out of the woodwork. I remember a time when he wanted to raise his cabin, which stood on the bank of the Mississippi River. Already about ten feet in the air, he needed to elevate it even higher so that flood waters would be less likely to find their way inside. When the word got out that Lloyd needed help, an incredible throng showed up. But a cabin-raising was more that work, for Lloyd. It was an event and a beautiful thing to watch. Sure, everyone worked hard, but it was incredible to watch the smiling faces and to hear the laughter as this mass of people set out to take on such a monumental task. It was happy work, and he made it that way.
It was common knowledge that any party for Lloyd, whether to celebrate his birthday or one of his many anniversaries for marriage to my mother-in-law, was a large affair. Friends and family would come from miles around. Like everything about Lloyd, his celebrations were bigger than life.
He loved being with his children and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Christmas was an especially important time for him. I remember how his face would light up at that special time of year. He just glowed, knowing that his family came together for such a family affair.
I learned from Lloyd that above all else, family and friends are most important and I aspire to be the husband, father, family man, and friend that he was.
Quiet Patience
Lloyd wasn’t always a patient man, but over the years, he developed the patience of a saint. It often puzzled me how when other people were near panic, Lloyd quietly listened and seemed unfazed, reserving his opinion. He grew to understand that in the grand scheme of things, most crises were small and would soon be forgotten.
Even though I still struggle to be patient and to understand what is truly important, I often think of him and admire his ability to know when to speak and when to remain quiet. I am a work in progress. Lloyd is my role model.
Hard work and team matter
Lloyd was one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever known. As a project manager/supervisor for a large mechanical contracting firm, he had very demanding expectations of his crew. There was no tolerance for slackers and every person had better pull his or her weight. That included one of his sons, who worked for Lloyd. At the corporate office, it was common knowledge that his crew always got the work done and that promises were kept. His word was always good.
Each of his crew members loved him, too. They knew that because of Lloyd, they were better. Sure, he was a hard driver with very high expectations, but they functioned as a team and Lloyd was their coach. Spread across a huge construction site, he always made a point to personally see each person every day. On the jobsite, the team always came first.
Lloyd’s passion for hard word and team are reflected in my life, too. My goal, as a business owner, is to see to it that every member of the Brand Acceleration team knows that they are part of something big. Not necessarily a big company, but one that represents very high standards and dedication to each other and to our clients. Our expectations are very high and our word is always good.
Love of Country
A Korean War veteran who risked his life as part of an engineering unit, Lloyd had an unwavering love of country. While serving, he often put his life in danger, clearing the way for roads and bridges and driving the slowest possible escape vehicle available…a bulldozer. He and his brothers personally saw the tragedy of war and witnessed the sacrifice of the many who served so that people back home could live free. As a young child, Lloyd heard the stories of one of his brothers after returning home from World War II. Having been taken prisoner, he suffered unimaginable tortures that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Lloyd, too, never forgot.
From Lloyd’s contribution and passionate love of country, I learned to appreciate the costly price paid for what I have today. For his service and for all who served and still serve, I fly the American flag at the front of my home as a statement and a personal reminder.
On May 11, 2011, Lloyd Thompson passed away knowing that his loving family was at his side. Attending his funeral was a large gathering of family and friends who came to pay their respects, celebrate his life, and say goodbye. I was especially moved when one elderly gentleman, about Lloyd's age, stepped up to the casket, did his best to stand at attention, and cast a firm and well-deserved salute.
In my eyes, Lloyd, you were a giant. Your impact will live on in all you touched.
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction, and real estate.
A fond remembrance
As we look back, each of us has someone whose presence has had a great impact on our lives. For me, one of those people was my father-in-law, Lloyd Thompson. For the past thirty+ years, I have watched and learned from this wonderful man who set the standard for me to follow.
Family and Friends
Lloyd was all about family and friends. Whenever anyone was in need, he was the first to step forward. I’ve seen him spend countless hours helping others with building and repair projects or any other type of needed assistance. It didn’t matter what the need was, all you had to do was ask and he was on his way.
Likewise, whenever Lloyd needed a helping hand, people came out of the woodwork. I remember a time when he wanted to raise his cabin, which stood on the bank of the Mississippi River. Already about ten feet in the air, he needed to elevate it even higher so that flood waters would be less likely to find their way inside. When the word got out that Lloyd needed help, an incredible throng showed up. But a cabin-raising was more that work, for Lloyd. It was an event and a beautiful thing to watch. Sure, everyone worked hard, but it was incredible to watch the smiling faces and to hear the laughter as this mass of people set out to take on such a monumental task. It was happy work, and he made it that way.
It was common knowledge that any party for Lloyd, whether to celebrate his birthday or one of his many anniversaries for marriage to my mother-in-law, was a large affair. Friends and family would come from miles around. Like everything about Lloyd, his celebrations were bigger than life.
He loved being with his children and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Christmas was an especially important time for him. I remember how his face would light up at that special time of year. He just glowed, knowing that his family came together for such a family affair.
I learned from Lloyd that above all else, family and friends are most important and I aspire to be the husband, father, family man, and friend that he was.
Quiet Patience
Lloyd wasn’t always a patient man, but over the years, he developed the patience of a saint. It often puzzled me how when other people were near panic, Lloyd quietly listened and seemed unfazed, reserving his opinion. He grew to understand that in the grand scheme of things, most crises were small and would soon be forgotten.
Even though I still struggle to be patient and to understand what is truly important, I often think of him and admire his ability to know when to speak and when to remain quiet. I am a work in progress. Lloyd is my role model.
Hard work and team matter
Lloyd was one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever known. As a project manager/supervisor for a large mechanical contracting firm, he had very demanding expectations of his crew. There was no tolerance for slackers and every person had better pull his or her weight. That included one of his sons, who worked for Lloyd. At the corporate office, it was common knowledge that his crew always got the work done and that promises were kept. His word was always good.
Each of his crew members loved him, too. They knew that because of Lloyd, they were better. Sure, he was a hard driver with very high expectations, but they functioned as a team and Lloyd was their coach. Spread across a huge construction site, he always made a point to personally see each person every day. On the jobsite, the team always came first.
Lloyd’s passion for hard word and team are reflected in my life, too. My goal, as a business owner, is to see to it that every member of the Brand Acceleration team knows that they are part of something big. Not necessarily a big company, but one that represents very high standards and dedication to each other and to our clients. Our expectations are very high and our word is always good.
Love of Country
A Korean War veteran who risked his life as part of an engineering unit, Lloyd had an unwavering love of country. While serving, he often put his life in danger, clearing the way for roads and bridges and driving the slowest possible escape vehicle available…a bulldozer. He and his brothers personally saw the tragedy of war and witnessed the sacrifice of the many who served so that people back home could live free. As a young child, Lloyd heard the stories of one of his brothers after returning home from World War II. Having been taken prisoner, he suffered unimaginable tortures that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Lloyd, too, never forgot.
From Lloyd’s contribution and passionate love of country, I learned to appreciate the costly price paid for what I have today. For his service and for all who served and still serve, I fly the American flag at the front of my home as a statement and a personal reminder.
On May 11, 2011, Lloyd Thompson passed away knowing that his loving family was at his side. Attending his funeral was a large gathering of family and friends who came to pay their respects, celebrate his life, and say goodbye. I was especially moved when one elderly gentleman, about Lloyd's age, stepped up to the casket, did his best to stand at attention, and cast a firm and well-deserved salute.
In my eyes, Lloyd, you were a giant. Your impact will live on in all you touched.
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction, and real estate.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Creating a Winning Company Culture
Why do some companies make it look so easy?
I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that some companies and organizations just seem to have the look and feel of winners. Early in my career, I remember going to conventions and industry events and meeting people who were part of the “It” company.
One company in particular, Adayana Agribusiness Group, a training and research company headquartered in Indiana, has that image. The company’s people are very polished and professional, creating a brand image of a company that is “the best” in its field. When I first met Mike Jackson, the company founder, I was in awe of his company and wondered to myself, “What is his secret?”
Over time, I got to know Mike, a very nice person who had established a very high set of standards within which every employee operated. They were very polished, conveying an image of professionalism. They were expert listeners and clear communicators. From customer contact to industry involvement, the company did everything in a first-class style.
Another company, Learfield Communications, a broadcast firm, has also impressed me in much the same way. Company founder Clyde Lear, a gentleman and professional businessman, has a similar style. He always impressed me by the way he treated every person, from his largest client to his competitors. Everyone is treated as a friend. Clyde’s personality and leadership style resonates through everything the company does. Check out their Mission and Values. Unlike any I’ve ever read, and I seriously dislike most mission and vision statements, this page is true Clyde Lear.
I can say that much of what I observed in these individuals went into the way we operate at Brand Acceleration. Although our operational style is not written down in such a document as Learfield’s, we operate under an unspoken set of guidelines, among them are the following:
Honesty and integrity are crucial
The one thing we have in this world is our reputation. Our company brand rides squarely on the backs of each individual associated with this firm. Whether good news or bad, we will never, ever, be anything less than honest with our clients, associates, and friends. Additionally, we expect the same treatment in return.
We encourage and embrace risk-taking
The only way to differentiate our company and the services we offer is by taking risks and finding new and better ways to serve our clients. Will mistakes be made? Certainly! Will we occasionally fall on our faces? Absolutely! That’s how we learn and improve. We encourage our clients to take risks, too. Only by taking risks can they differentiate themselves and achieve stand-out status.
No room for bullies or crybabies
We only do business with people we like. Life’s too short and we have neither the time nor the desire to associate with bullies or crybabies. Over my career, I’ve had co-workers, vendors, and clients who have an affinity for mistreating others. The end result is always the same; people’s lives are made miserable and the relationship eventually ends. So, at Brand Acceleration, we don’t go there. Our employees, vendors, and clients either play well together or someone leaves. Period!
Have fun!
If we can’t have fun at our jobs, why continue doing what we do? For the money? Right! Is that it? At Brand Acceleration, we seek joy from everything we do. Our team, vendors, clients, and others are each part of what makes us happy. Understanding that we are all working toward the same goal, we work hard to do great things and build relationships that will last forever.
If we can ever be of service to your community or company, I hope you’ll give me a call. I could always use another customer, and another friend.
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction, and real estate.
Why do some companies make it look so easy?
I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that some companies and organizations just seem to have the look and feel of winners. Early in my career, I remember going to conventions and industry events and meeting people who were part of the “It” company.
One company in particular, Adayana Agribusiness Group, a training and research company headquartered in Indiana, has that image. The company’s people are very polished and professional, creating a brand image of a company that is “the best” in its field. When I first met Mike Jackson, the company founder, I was in awe of his company and wondered to myself, “What is his secret?”
Over time, I got to know Mike, a very nice person who had established a very high set of standards within which every employee operated. They were very polished, conveying an image of professionalism. They were expert listeners and clear communicators. From customer contact to industry involvement, the company did everything in a first-class style.
Another company, Learfield Communications, a broadcast firm, has also impressed me in much the same way. Company founder Clyde Lear, a gentleman and professional businessman, has a similar style. He always impressed me by the way he treated every person, from his largest client to his competitors. Everyone is treated as a friend. Clyde’s personality and leadership style resonates through everything the company does. Check out their Mission and Values. Unlike any I’ve ever read, and I seriously dislike most mission and vision statements, this page is true Clyde Lear.
I can say that much of what I observed in these individuals went into the way we operate at Brand Acceleration. Although our operational style is not written down in such a document as Learfield’s, we operate under an unspoken set of guidelines, among them are the following:
Honesty and integrity are crucial
The one thing we have in this world is our reputation. Our company brand rides squarely on the backs of each individual associated with this firm. Whether good news or bad, we will never, ever, be anything less than honest with our clients, associates, and friends. Additionally, we expect the same treatment in return.
We encourage and embrace risk-taking
The only way to differentiate our company and the services we offer is by taking risks and finding new and better ways to serve our clients. Will mistakes be made? Certainly! Will we occasionally fall on our faces? Absolutely! That’s how we learn and improve. We encourage our clients to take risks, too. Only by taking risks can they differentiate themselves and achieve stand-out status.
No room for bullies or crybabies
We only do business with people we like. Life’s too short and we have neither the time nor the desire to associate with bullies or crybabies. Over my career, I’ve had co-workers, vendors, and clients who have an affinity for mistreating others. The end result is always the same; people’s lives are made miserable and the relationship eventually ends. So, at Brand Acceleration, we don’t go there. Our employees, vendors, and clients either play well together or someone leaves. Period!
Have fun!
If we can’t have fun at our jobs, why continue doing what we do? For the money? Right! Is that it? At Brand Acceleration, we seek joy from everything we do. Our team, vendors, clients, and others are each part of what makes us happy. Understanding that we are all working toward the same goal, we work hard to do great things and build relationships that will last forever.
If we can ever be of service to your community or company, I hope you’ll give me a call. I could always use another customer, and another friend.
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction, and real estate.
Good News!
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck has announced plans to expand its operation in Durham, North Carolina, adding 150 new jobs.
Italian pasta maker Pastificio Rana has announced plans to open a production facility in Bartlett, Illinois, creating 70 new jobs.
In Milledgeville, Georgia, Triumph Aerostructures—Vought Aircraft Division will expand its facility and create 250 new jobs.
Aluminum recycler Huntington Aluminum plans to open a new facility in Huntington, Indiana, creating 43 new jobs.
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, General Motors Corporation will refurbish its facility and add 250 new jobs.
Windstream Hosted Solutions will add a new data center in Charlotte, North Carolina, adding an undisclosed number of new employees.
In Boone County, Indiana, Skjodt-Barrett Foods, a maker of specialty foods, plans to locate its U.S. headquarters in Lebanon, creating 300 new jobs. Congrats to our economic developer Dax Norton.
Southeast Renewable Energy has announced plans to build a facility in Dorchester County, South Carolina, creating 20 new jobs.
In Sauk Village, Illinois, Winpak Portion Packaging, Inc. will build a new facility and add 40 new jobs.
Tempur-Pedic, a manufacturer of sleep products, will expand its global headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, creating 65 new jobs.
In Marlboro County, South Carolina, ECAPS Corporation, a building materials maker, will locate a new operation and hire 150 people.
Capital Adhesives, Inc. has announced plans to expand its operation in Mooresville, Indiana, adding five new employees. Congrats to economic developers Joy McCarthy-Sessing and Jeff Pipkin.
In Burke County, North Carolina, furniture maker Geiger International plans to expand its manufacturing plant and add 26 new jobs.
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck has announced plans to expand its operation in Durham, North Carolina, adding 150 new jobs.
Italian pasta maker Pastificio Rana has announced plans to open a production facility in Bartlett, Illinois, creating 70 new jobs.
In Milledgeville, Georgia, Triumph Aerostructures—Vought Aircraft Division will expand its facility and create 250 new jobs.
Aluminum recycler Huntington Aluminum plans to open a new facility in Huntington, Indiana, creating 43 new jobs.
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, General Motors Corporation will refurbish its facility and add 250 new jobs.
Windstream Hosted Solutions will add a new data center in Charlotte, North Carolina, adding an undisclosed number of new employees.
In Boone County, Indiana, Skjodt-Barrett Foods, a maker of specialty foods, plans to locate its U.S. headquarters in Lebanon, creating 300 new jobs. Congrats to our economic developer Dax Norton.
Southeast Renewable Energy has announced plans to build a facility in Dorchester County, South Carolina, creating 20 new jobs.
In Sauk Village, Illinois, Winpak Portion Packaging, Inc. will build a new facility and add 40 new jobs.
Tempur-Pedic, a manufacturer of sleep products, will expand its global headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, creating 65 new jobs.
In Marlboro County, South Carolina, ECAPS Corporation, a building materials maker, will locate a new operation and hire 150 people.
Capital Adhesives, Inc. has announced plans to expand its operation in Mooresville, Indiana, adding five new employees. Congrats to economic developers Joy McCarthy-Sessing and Jeff Pipkin.
In Burke County, North Carolina, furniture maker Geiger International plans to expand its manufacturing plant and add 26 new jobs.
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
Monday, April 25, 2011
Good Economic News
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
In Emanuel County, Georgia, Hotset, a manufacturer of industrial heating elements, will locate a new facility in Swainsboro, creating 10 new jobs.
Be Green Packaging, LLC, a manufacturer of “green” packaging products and services, has announced plans to open a manufacturing and distribution center in Jasper County, South Carolina, creating 175 new jobs.
Alabama Honda has announced plans to expand its plant in Lincoln, Alabama, adding 20 new jobs.
In Lexington, Kentucky, Allconnect, a consumer services company, will locate a call center and create 220 new jobs.
The State of Louisiana, IFG Port Holdings LLC, and Union Pacific Railroad will develop a new export grain terminal at Port of Lake Charles, creating 56 direct and indirect jobs, as well as 200 construction jobs.
Quality Pallet, a recycler of wood pallets, has announced plans to open a new location in Blackford County, Indiana, creating 10 new jobs. Congratulations to economic developer, Rob Cleveland.
CollinsCraft Corporation, a fiberglass and composites manufacturer, plans to expand its operation in Oconee County, South Carolina and hire 20 people.
In Morehead, Kentucky, Simba USA, a manufacturer of specialty towels and accessories to the golf, military, and industrial markets, will expand its operation and create 20 new jobs.
Franciscan Alliance, a health care system, will consolidate its billing operation in Greenwood, Indiana and create 84 new jobs. Congratulations to economic developer Cheryl Morphew.
In Greenville, South Carolina, Hwashin America Corporation, a manufacturer of automobile components, will expand and hire 50 new employees.
Sequa Automotive, an automotive supplier, will expand its operation in Morgantown, Kentucky and add 280 employees.
The Mobile, Alabama facility of BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard, has announced plans to add as many as 400 workers to complete construction of an oil tanker.
In Franklin County, Ohio, HealthSpot, Inc, will expand its operation and create 60 new jobs.
Madison Precision Products, a maker of aluminum products for the automotive industry, has announced plans to expand its operation in Madison, Indiana, creating 80 new jobs. Congrats to Brand Acceleration client Corey Murphy of Economic Development Partners.
In Shelbyville, Kentucky, Superb IPC, an industrial powder coating supplier, will expand its facility and create 20 new jobs.
Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc., a manufacturer of liquid pharmaceutical products, has announced plans to expand its facility in Greenville County, South Carolina, adding 15 new jobs.
Halliburton has announced plans to locate a new manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana to produce oilfield components, creating 150 new jobs.
Key Electronics, a manufacturer of industrial controls and electronic instruments, has announced plans to grow its operation in Jeffersonville, Indiana, creating 75 new jobs.
NaugaNeedles, LLC, a nanotechnology firm, has announced plans to create seven new jobs in Louisville, Kentucky.
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
In Emanuel County, Georgia, Hotset, a manufacturer of industrial heating elements, will locate a new facility in Swainsboro, creating 10 new jobs.
Be Green Packaging, LLC, a manufacturer of “green” packaging products and services, has announced plans to open a manufacturing and distribution center in Jasper County, South Carolina, creating 175 new jobs.
Alabama Honda has announced plans to expand its plant in Lincoln, Alabama, adding 20 new jobs.
In Lexington, Kentucky, Allconnect, a consumer services company, will locate a call center and create 220 new jobs.
The State of Louisiana, IFG Port Holdings LLC, and Union Pacific Railroad will develop a new export grain terminal at Port of Lake Charles, creating 56 direct and indirect jobs, as well as 200 construction jobs.
Quality Pallet, a recycler of wood pallets, has announced plans to open a new location in Blackford County, Indiana, creating 10 new jobs. Congratulations to economic developer, Rob Cleveland.
CollinsCraft Corporation, a fiberglass and composites manufacturer, plans to expand its operation in Oconee County, South Carolina and hire 20 people.
In Morehead, Kentucky, Simba USA, a manufacturer of specialty towels and accessories to the golf, military, and industrial markets, will expand its operation and create 20 new jobs.
Franciscan Alliance, a health care system, will consolidate its billing operation in Greenwood, Indiana and create 84 new jobs. Congratulations to economic developer Cheryl Morphew.
In Greenville, South Carolina, Hwashin America Corporation, a manufacturer of automobile components, will expand and hire 50 new employees.
Sequa Automotive, an automotive supplier, will expand its operation in Morgantown, Kentucky and add 280 employees.
The Mobile, Alabama facility of BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard, has announced plans to add as many as 400 workers to complete construction of an oil tanker.
In Franklin County, Ohio, HealthSpot, Inc, will expand its operation and create 60 new jobs.
Madison Precision Products, a maker of aluminum products for the automotive industry, has announced plans to expand its operation in Madison, Indiana, creating 80 new jobs. Congrats to Brand Acceleration client Corey Murphy of Economic Development Partners.
In Shelbyville, Kentucky, Superb IPC, an industrial powder coating supplier, will expand its facility and create 20 new jobs.
Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc., a manufacturer of liquid pharmaceutical products, has announced plans to expand its facility in Greenville County, South Carolina, adding 15 new jobs.
Halliburton has announced plans to locate a new manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana to produce oilfield components, creating 150 new jobs.
Key Electronics, a manufacturer of industrial controls and electronic instruments, has announced plans to grow its operation in Jeffersonville, Indiana, creating 75 new jobs.
NaugaNeedles, LLC, a nanotechnology firm, has announced plans to create seven new jobs in Louisville, Kentucky.
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
Smoothing Life’s Rough Edges
Sometimes you just need a break.
As I write this, it’s a beautiful Saturday morning on Easter weekend. The sun is coming up and spring’s warm breezes are gently drifting across the small lake behind our home. What a wonderful morning!
Sometimes it’s difficult to come up with an idea for a thought-provoking topic related to branding, so in this Rants from the Brand Coach, I’ll take a different tack, one that is more appropriate for this special weekend.
Life’s Rough Edges
Recently, I was visiting a construction site, something I always enjoy. As we walked, I observed men and women of all trades, electricians, mechanical contractors, and so-on. One man seemed to be having a particularly bad day. He was attempting to remove a rough edge from a piece of metal and things were apparently not going as he’d hoped. As he applied brute force with a grinder, he generously applied an equal amount of verbal persuasion. It seemed that the harder he worked, the less successful he was and the angrier he became.
Life, too, is often filled with rough edges. Too much to do, not enough time to do it, financial struggles, and difficult people can make each day a bit jagged. Anger, stress, and relationship issues are common.
On a LinkedIn discussion group, I recently posted a simple statement; “Name one thing that makes you happy.” It’s been very interesting and touching to watch the many responses. In addition to mentions of children, family, and nature, there were even a few who wrote of service men and women in Afghanistan and Pakistan. One thing that is very gratifying is that so many have found pleasure and comfort in posting their feelings on what is otherwise a business forum.
Finding Balance
Some people find it difficult to disconnect from work, career, and life’s challenges. It’s easy to become completely consumed by it all. Unfortunately, as the old saying goes, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Jack is also more likely to struggle with hypertension, alcoholism, substance abuse, relationship problems, and on, and on, and on. It’s very important to seek and find distractions from life’s rough edges.
Personally, I’ve always found distraction in a good book, family, and friends, but I’ve also found great contentment in God’s many blessings. The vastness of the oceans, a cool mountain breeze, the beauty of a flock of sand hill cranes, and a crocus as it breaks through winter’s final snow cover. These give me great joy and help me to relax, if only for a while. For me, it helps me to open my eyes and my heart to the many wonders of the world.
At the beginning and end of a busy day, Susan and I especially enjoy spending time together on our patio, watching the ducks on the lake and listening to the laughter of children playing in the neighborhood. After a few moments of this quiet contemplation, life’s rough edges seem to simply disappear.
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction, and real estate.
Sometimes you just need a break.
As I write this, it’s a beautiful Saturday morning on Easter weekend. The sun is coming up and spring’s warm breezes are gently drifting across the small lake behind our home. What a wonderful morning!
Sometimes it’s difficult to come up with an idea for a thought-provoking topic related to branding, so in this Rants from the Brand Coach, I’ll take a different tack, one that is more appropriate for this special weekend.
Life’s Rough Edges
Recently, I was visiting a construction site, something I always enjoy. As we walked, I observed men and women of all trades, electricians, mechanical contractors, and so-on. One man seemed to be having a particularly bad day. He was attempting to remove a rough edge from a piece of metal and things were apparently not going as he’d hoped. As he applied brute force with a grinder, he generously applied an equal amount of verbal persuasion. It seemed that the harder he worked, the less successful he was and the angrier he became.
Life, too, is often filled with rough edges. Too much to do, not enough time to do it, financial struggles, and difficult people can make each day a bit jagged. Anger, stress, and relationship issues are common.
On a LinkedIn discussion group, I recently posted a simple statement; “Name one thing that makes you happy.” It’s been very interesting and touching to watch the many responses. In addition to mentions of children, family, and nature, there were even a few who wrote of service men and women in Afghanistan and Pakistan. One thing that is very gratifying is that so many have found pleasure and comfort in posting their feelings on what is otherwise a business forum.
Finding Balance
Some people find it difficult to disconnect from work, career, and life’s challenges. It’s easy to become completely consumed by it all. Unfortunately, as the old saying goes, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Jack is also more likely to struggle with hypertension, alcoholism, substance abuse, relationship problems, and on, and on, and on. It’s very important to seek and find distractions from life’s rough edges.
Personally, I’ve always found distraction in a good book, family, and friends, but I’ve also found great contentment in God’s many blessings. The vastness of the oceans, a cool mountain breeze, the beauty of a flock of sand hill cranes, and a crocus as it breaks through winter’s final snow cover. These give me great joy and help me to relax, if only for a while. For me, it helps me to open my eyes and my heart to the many wonders of the world.
At the beginning and end of a busy day, Susan and I especially enjoy spending time together on our patio, watching the ducks on the lake and listening to the laughter of children playing in the neighborhood. After a few moments of this quiet contemplation, life’s rough edges seem to simply disappear.
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction, and real estate.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Good News!
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
In Emanuel County, Georgia, Hotset, a manufacturer of industrial heating elements, will locate a new facility in Swainsboro, creating 10 new jobs.
Be Green Packaging, LLC, a manufacturer of “green” packaging products and services, has announced plans to open a manufacturing and distribution center in Jasper County, South Carolina, creating 175 new jobs.
Alabama Honda has announced plans to expand its plant in Lincoln, Alabama, adding 20 new jobs.
In Lexington, Kentucky, Allconnect, a consumer services company, will locate a call center and create 220 new jobs.
The State of Louisiana, IFG Port Holdings LLC, and Union Pacific Railroad will develop a new export grain terminal at Port of Lake Charles, creating 56 direct and indirect jobs, as well as 200 construction jobs.
Quality Pallet, a recycler of wood pallets, has announced plans to open a new location in Blackford County, Indiana, creating 10 new jobs. Congratulations to economic developer, Rob Cleveland.
CollinsCraft Corporation, a fiberglass and composites manufacturer, plans to expand its operation in Oconee County, South Carolina and hire 20 people.
In Morehead, Kentucky, Simba USA, a manufacturer of specialty towels and accessories to the golf, military, and industrial markets, will expand its operation and create 20 new jobs.
Franciscan Alliance, a health care system, will consolidate its billing operation in Greenwood, Indiana and create 84 new jobs. Congratulations to economic developer Cheryl Morphew.
In Greenville, South Carolina, Hwashin America Corporation, a manufacturer of automobile components, will expand and hire 50 new employees.
Sequa Automotive, an automotive supplier, will expand its operation in Morgantown, Kentucky and add 280 employees.
The Mobile, Alabama facility of BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard, has announced plans to add as many as 400 workers to complete construction of an oil tanker.
In Franklin County, Ohio, HealthSpot, Inc, will expand its operation and create 60 new jobs.
Madison Precision Products, a maker of aluminum products for the automotive industry, has announced plans to expand its operation in Madison, Indiana, creating 80 new jobs. Congrats to Brand Acceleration client Corey Murphy of Economic Development Partners.
In Shelbyville, Kentucky, Superb IPC, an industrial powder coating supplier, will expand its facility and create 20 new jobs.
Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc., a manufacturer of liquid pharmaceutical products, has announced plans to expand its facility in Greenville County, South Carolina, adding 15 new jobs.
Halliburton has announced plans to locate a new manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana to produce oilfield components, creating 150 new jobs.
Key Electronics, a manufacturer of industrial controls and electronic instruments, has announced plans to grow its operation in Jeffersonville, Indiana, creating 75 new jobs.
NaugaNeedles, LLC, a nanotechnology firm, has announced plans to create seven new jobs in Louisville, Kentucky.
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
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