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PROGRESS

Advertising Section of the

2 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012 PROGRESSIt’s Springtime, and withthe season comes ourannual economic reportcard. In these pagesyou will read about theprogress, advancementsand improvements manylocal businesses have madeover the past year. These arebusinesses and advertisersthat have stood up to difficulteconomic challenges andhave embraced that there isonly one way to move;that’s forward.

Welcome toProgress!

3 -West End Bank4 - Smiley’s Pub5 - Hoppe Jewelers6 - Stitching Nook7 - Habitat for Humanity8 - Aire Serv9 - Koons Home Appliances10 -WarmGlow Candle Outlet11 -WarmGlow Candle Outlet12 - Luke Durbin

3 - Ambassador Healthcare4 - Lamplight Inn at the Leland5 - Lamplight Inn at the Leland6 - Reid Cancer Center7 - Friends Fellowship Community8 -West Side Medical Center9 - Center for Medical Weight Loss10 - Civic Hall Performing Arts Center11 - NAIFA12 - Richmond Art Museum

Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 3PROGRESS

“Wecontinue to spend a significant amount of time and resourcesto assist our customers in tough economic times.”

West End Bank recently took a major step insolidifying its commitment to being a leader in thecommunity. “In an effort to continue providingopportunities for profitable growth and involve-ment in the community, we became a publicly tradedcompany on Jan. 11, 2012,” said bank president JohnP. McBride. West End now is listed asWEIN on theover-the-counter stock exchange (OTCBB).Many customers and local residents purchased

stock. “It’s allowed the bank to increase its capital inexcess of $24 million,” McBride said. “This will allowus to continue to grow profitably for our shareholdersand continue the long term support West End Bank,S.B. gives to our community.“In addition, this endeavor is part of our overall

strategy to be a top-performing community bank inWayne and Union Counties.” McBride said “WestEnd’s mission statement has changed to the following:“to manage, protect and grow our shareholders’ in-vestment, to be a top performing financial institutionand continue our commitment to serve customers,support employees and reinvest in our community.”West End serves as a major sponsor of communi-

ty initiatives, including the Third Grade Academy, ReidHospital Foundation, Boys &Girls Clubs of WayneCounty and Richmond Community Schools. The

bank also offers financial education in the classroomas well as two student operated bank branches in Rich-mondHigh School and Garrison Elementary School.“We continue to play a major role in encouraging andproviding resources to the community,” McBride said.West End Bank also is serving as a sponsor of

the upcoming golf event at the Elks Country Clubto benefit research into Parkinson’s Disease. DougKuntz, the golf pro at Elks, is battling Parkinson’s.West End’s commitment to the area is evident in

other ways. Renovations were finished last Septemberon the Hagerstown office and that update completedtheWest End Bank footprint in the area. Prior to theHagerstown renovation, new offices were openedin Liberty and on the east side of Richmond and amajor renovation project occurred at the Main Office.The good news doesn’t end there.West End Bank was awarded a five-star designation

for the fifth year in a row by Bauer Financial Rating.“That’s a nationally recognized rating agency for

community banks,” McBride said. “That’s the highestrating on performance and other related strengths.”He said the bank has another huge success for

the community it serves. “We are particularly proudof the pharmacy discount card that we offer FREEat all of our locations and on ourWeb site,” McBride

said. “It has saved residents inWayne County over$135,000 in prescription costs.”The cards are available to everyone, not just cus-

tomers, and also can be used by other family members.Cardholders can use it around the nation at

almost every pharmacy. “You can find the pharmaciesthat are closest to you on ourWEB site, anywherein the country and you can print out your card andstart saving immediately. Simply “click” on the freeprescription drug card banner,” McBride said. “Youpresent the card and if there is a discount, it will beprovided immediately.”West End Bank continues to provide consumer

and commercial loans, McBride said.“We continue to spend a significant amount of

time and resources to assist our customers in tougheconomic times,” he said.He saidWest End Bank will continue using its

core values and commitment to help customers andcommunities reach financial security by “providing aDistinctive Style of Banking.”West End locations are at 34 South 7th St. and

101 S. 37th St. in Richmond, 10 E. Main St. in Hager-stown and 207 N. Main St. in Liberty.Call (765) 962-9587 or visit www.westendbank.

com for more information.

By Mike Bennett

West End Bank becomes publically traded WestEnd

Bank

Eastside office newly renovatedHagerstown office

4 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012 PROGRESS

“We look forward to carrying on the great tradition they established.”

New owners will keep Smiley’s special

BrianWissler and Rob Clark know that fortune issmiling on them.There’s a lot of “meant-to-be” fate involved in

their decision to buy Smiley’s Old English Pub indowntown Richmond.“This is where we used to come in our younger

days,” Wissler said. “We love it.”Speaking of love, Clark’s first date with his wife,

Jennifer, took place in a quiet booth at Smiley’s.He and Jennifer now have two boys, ages 7 and 5.“Yes, it’s a special place,” Clark said with a smile.“I’m real excited about it. It’s a lot of work,

though.”He said that with piles of papers in front of him

on a day that Smiley’s was closed.Wissler and his wife, Melissa, have a 7-year-old

daughter.Their ties to the area are extensive.Both are graduates of Indiana University East.

Wissler graduated from RichmondHigh School andClark from Centerville.Wissler has more than two decades of experience

running the popular restaurant at the Petro station onU.S. 40 just across the border in Ohio.Clark has worked in management jobs in the

automotive industry.He had dreamed of running his own someday, a

feeling shared by Rob.But, they jumped quickly when they heard

about an opportunity to buy the pub from owner

Nancy Rankin.“Rob said, ‘You know, Smiley’s is for sale.’ That

was a Friday night,” Wissler said.“We talked to our wives on Sunday and had a

contract on Tuesday.”The deal was meant to be. “The transition was so

smooth,”Wissler said.The pub, which employs a total of eight, re-

mains open at 39 N. Eighth Street as they transitionto a new menu and new attractions. “Hopefully,by the end of May we’ll have a reopening (event),”he said. “We’re looking to expand our burgers andappetizers. We want to go healthy, too. That’s a mustfor the lunch crowd.”Wissler and Clark realize the opportunity doesn’t

come along often to purchase a great bar-restaurantwith such a history and such an upside. “We have anestablished regular crowd,”Wissler said. “Wewant tokeep the integrity intact, then put our spin on it.”They have plans to test menus and special events

to please several crowds, including adding lunchesand delivery in the downtown area. “We expect togrow every crowd,” Clark said. “We’d like to see moregroups coming in and enjoying themselves.”Those groups include the downtown lunch

crowd, the college crowd, the dance crowd, the sportscrowd and more.“We have something for everybody,” Clark said.They’ll also be expanding hours, opening on

Sundays andMondays starting in September coincid-

ing with the NFL season and opening at 11 a.m. forlunch starting in late May.

“The growth potential is unreal in this area,”Wissler said. “We’re just two blocks from the DepotDistrict. It was a no-brainer.”He said Smiley’s attracted a large Earlham crowd

on a recent Saturday night and many of the revelerswere coming there for the first time.Some of the new owners’ planned offerings are

free delivery in the downtown area, live bands onThursday night, special events in the beer garden,partnering with radio station G101.3.You will even see their advertisements this sum-

mer at McBride Stadium supporting the River Rats.Smiley’s will continue to have a British theme

with a lot of beers available. “We love importson tap. We have nine,” Wissler said. “The NewBoswell Brewing Co. stuff sells well. We want tokeep ties with the local brewery.”It’s important for Wissler and Clark to maintain

the feel and the history started by original ownerHarold Rankin and carried on by his widow, NancyRankin, and former manager BenMiller.“They have been wonderful. We have worked so

well together,” Clark said. “We look forward to carry-ing on the great tradition they established.”Reach the pub by calling (765) 962-6388 or visit-

ing www.smileyspub.com.

By Mike Bennett

Smiley’sPub

Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 5PROGRESS

“Wehave a passion to dobetter, to domore.That passion drives us.”

Jeweler honored for creativity,affordability, excellence Hoppe

Jewelers

By Mike Bennett

Year after year, Hoppe Jewelers keeps it crystal clear.Passion sells.So does a continual push for creative new options

for its customers.That’s obvious in a multitude of ways, from top-

quality diamonds to detailed laser engraving and fromnew departments to uniquely designed necklaces.Like the award-winning pieces produced by

co-owner Scott Hoppe, the store is drawing noticeoutside town, too.It was honored with the Innovative Retailer designa-

tion in the December-January issue of JCKmagazine.Jewelers’ Circular Keystone is the leading trade

publication of the industry. The magazine marveledover Hoppe’s market growth as well as its constantfocus on excellence, creativity and affordability.

“The article blewme away. I was pretty excited,” saidLyn Hoppe, who was quoted extensively in the story.“My first response was, ‘How did we get this?’”

she said.In reality, though, it was only a matter of time be-

fore media outside Richmond and the region noticedthe Hoppe success story.

That trait is on display in a variety of new ways in theshowcase store at 3643 National Road E. in Richmond.There’s a full new bridal department that features

accessories, jewelry, popular tiaras and specialtyengraving. For the first time, Hoppe is planning bridalevents in the store with outside vendors.A laser-engraving machine offers almost unlimit-

ed potential for creativity aside from doing traditionalpieces like watches and charms.

Aman recently had a sword engraved. “We aredoing more and more customwork. Nowwe are ableto do wood, rocks, leather, glass or any metals,” LynHoppe said. “It’s a fun thing. People can actually standand watch us if they want.”The store has added a consignment or estate case

to sell personal or estate jewelry. “We screen everypiece, do an appraisal and clean it,” Hoppe said. “Ithink it’s proven to be a win-win for everybody.”A new all-solar watch that is satellite-radio con-

trolled is available from Seiko. “We have a fantasticcomplete assortment for men and women,” Hoppesaid. “Nomatter the light, it absorbs it through theface and powers it. It’s amazing.”What’s amazing, too, is that despite the advanced

technology, the watch prices are consistent with otherssold recently by Seiko, between about $250 and $600.The store is featuring necklaces created by

Scott Hoppe that use exotic stones in one-of-a-kinddesigns. They are in displays and also listed on thewebsite. “There are some really beautiful pieces. Wehave the histories on the stones,” Lyn Hoppe said.“It’s a matter of getting the word out. Most don’t

have the capability and the talent that Scott does.”He recently was honored with a worldwide award

for designing with colored stones.The store also has another honored craftsperson.Paula Kolentus has reached champion status for

sales of Hearts On Fire, a product that’s billed as theworld’s most perfectly cut diamonds and is carried byonly 400 stores worldwide.Kolentus is one of only 62 people to have the

champion designation.Scott Hoppe is rated a master craftsman, but until

the past year had to spend as much time managingthe store as creating necklaces.Hoppe closed its downtown store last year. “That

was tough. It was like our home,” Lyn Hoppe said.“But, it really has been an advantage. It allowed usto expand in areas that we just couldn’t do beforebecause of lack of time.”Now, she handles the day-to-day operations. The

store kept all of its employees after the move.Lyn and Scott Hoppe are co-owners, while their

mother, Mary, continues as the CEO. Robert Hoppeopened the business out of the family home in 1951.Lyn Hoppe said the store has stepped up its web

presence at www.hoppejewelers.com. “We have devel-oped a fantastic website now,” she said. “Customershave the choice of buying on the web or coming inthe store. We keep prices consistent (in both places).”Many customers check out items on the web first.

“Then they want to come in and touch and feel it,”she said.

Jewelry is so personal, Hoppe said, so her storealways works to keep it personal in new ways. “We have apassion to do better, to do more. That passion drives us.”Hoppe also offers gem replacements, ring sizing,

appraisals and repairs for watches, chains and bracelets.The store also continues to offer free gift-wrap-

ping, cleanings and inspections of pieces.Hoppe Jewelers is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. week-

days and Saturdays and is closed on Sunday.The phone number is (765) 962-7411.

LynHoppe (left)with custom engraver Karen Thomas.

MaryHoppe workswith displays formultiple jewelry items.

Scott Hoppecreates one-of-a-kind jewelrypieces.

6 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012 PROGRESS

“Itmakes us realizemore than ever thatweneed to focuson serving the needs of our customers.”

Classes integral to Stitching Nook mission

The Stitching Nook, located at 4629 NationalRoad East, draws its customer base from easternIndiana. and western Ohio, but welcomes visitorsfrom all across the nation. The store carries a fullline of Viking-Husqvarna sewing machines andsergers. It is certified in the repair and service ofthese machines and offers free new-owner classeswith each machine over $500. Five years freeservice is also offered for these machines.Classes are an integral part of the Stitching

Nook mission to serve and educate their custom-ers. The store offers a special blend of longtimeexpertise, great customer service and the con-stant creativity that’s needed in a high-tech world.Classes this summer will feature totes, purses,tablerunners and even hand-stitching. Students at-tending the classes receive a 20% discount on sup-plies. The store’s five employees have decades ofexperience in stitching and in serving customers.They are also able to advise customers on a variety

of products including threads, fabrics, notions andeverything necessary to finishing their quilts.As part of its committment to ongoing edu-

cation, the Stitching Nook hosts several nation-ally known teachers each year. Eric Drexler willbe representing the Sulky Corp. on April 18 andLinda Van Winkle from Viking will be here onJune 5. Pat Knoechel will be welcomed on June19. Pat is the sister of Eleanor Burns from Quiltin a Day and comes to the Stitching Nook eachyear. This visit will be special because Eleanorwill be inducted into the Quilter’s Hall of Famein Marion, Ind., this summer. Pre-registration forthese events is a must and details can be found atthe store’s website www.stitchingnook.com.The Stitching Nook is also part of three Shop

Hops, two of which are upcoming. The Mother’sDay Shop Hop is scheduled for May 4-12 and theStars Over Indiana event will be June 28 throughJuly 3. These are always fun and car-pooling only

adds to the enjoyment.The Stitching Nook is always changing. There

are new models, new ideas and new products ondisplay often. “Life is about change,” says ownerDiana Bruns. “All the online businesses have madeit harder because it can be easier to shop in your‘jammies’ at midnight. It makes us realize more thanever that we need to focus on serving the needs ofour customers. We’re encouraging people to shopat local businesses.” A recent study shows that forevery $50 spent at a local business, 63% stays local.To learn more about The Stitching Nook, visit

www.stitchingnook.com. Customers can sign upthere for a regular newsletter that is filled withinformation about classes, new products andupcoming special events. Store hours are 10a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. -7 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Satur-day. The phone number is (765) 963-7678 andemail is info@stitchingnook.comcastbiz.net.

By Mike Bennett

Stitching

Noo

k

Diana Bruns, owner of theStitchingNook –Machinesfor demos and classes andproducts for all your sewingprojects.

Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 7PROGRESS HabitatforH

umanity

“Wewant to let the community know thatwe are hereto help families and to better Richmond.”

By Mike Bennett

Volunteerism is in Karen Vinson’s genes.Her father started Habitat for Humanity in

Elkhart County.“I don’t think I was a teenager yet. My family

always volunteered,” she said.Vinson is carrying on that compassionate flame for

affordable housing by coordinating theWomen Build ini-tiative for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Richmond.OnMay 9, theWednesday before Mother’s Day,

women will band together in Richmond to frame anderect walls on the newHabitat home that’s being builtfor the Brandi Lee family at 1420 S. P St.Lee has three children: sons, Javontae and Jamari;

and daughter, Mykilah.“Wewant to let the community know that we

are here to help families and to better Richmond,”Vinson said.“We are a giving organization. We’re giving a

chance for people to give back.”Women Build is an endeavor that’s sponsored

nationally by Lowe’s, which organizes free trainingworkshops and fund-raising events.

The building and home-improvement giant offereda special day from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7.

Women Build is taking place for the first timein Richmond, said Mindy Reece, executive opera-tions officer for Habitat for Humanity of GreaterRichmond. “It’s just a chance for women to step outin alternative roles, try things they normally don’t try,”Reece said.She underwent construction training before taking

her leadership role at Habitat. “When I came, I didn’thave much building experience. Habitat trained me.”She received hands-on training with EdNichol-

son, the former construction manager in Richmond.TomWambo is the construction manager now.Women Build will showcase a lot of giving back

by dozens of women and many local sponsors, too.Local sponsors include theWayne County Foun-

dation, First Bank Richmond, Richmond Toyota,IHOP and a group at Reid Hospital.

Kentucky Fried Chicken is donating lunch, while Wal-greens and CVS pharmacies are donating bottled water.G&S Jewelers is donating a piece of jewelry to be

raffled off that day, while Tom Stroh from Centervillewill provide live music, including a special song thathe wrote about Habitat.A fire truck from the fire department will be at the

event providing first-aid if needed. Amobile KICKS96 radio broadcast from 7-10 a.m. will feature Angie.Volunteers must sign up in advance at the Habitat

office at 1114 S. F St. to take part in the building ef-fort that’s scheduled from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Participants can take part all day or in morning or

afternoon shifts.An opening ceremony will take place at 7:30 a.m.

Training will be offered at Lowe’s. Call (765) 962-5986for more information.If the event is stalled by inclement weather, the

event will take place Saturday, May 12.Participants will be asked to get $200 in pledges

through donations or sponsorships.With donations, it costs $65,000 to build the new

home that will be valued at $95,000.Each participant will receive a T-shirt, a nail

apron, a hard hat and other items.“The basic things are ordered,” Vinson said. “We

just need to get volunteers with pledges. I think it willbe a great day.”The Vinson family tradition will continue with

her 17-year-old daughter, Charlie, joining inWomenBuild.

Women Build will help put family in home

Volunteers at theWomen Build dayonMay 9 will helpwith the home beingbuilt for Brandi Leeand her children.(left to right)Top -Mykilah, BrandiBottom - Javontae, Jamari

8 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012 PROGRESS

“We try to go above andbeyondto respect people’s homes.”

Family-style business delivers extras

By Mike Bennett

Aire

Serv

MOUNTAUBURN/CAMBRIDGECITY -There’s no separating business, family and going theextra mile for Matt Webb. For one, he started goingalong with his late father, John, on heating and airconditioning jobs when he was 11 years old. Foranother, his neat office sits just down the hill fromthe home of his mother, Debby, and right across OldNational Road from the historic Huddleston House.The family foundation is ever present in his businessphilosophy that employs nine. The walls of Webb’soffice are filled with photos of his employees andfamily, wife Emily, son Oliver, 5, and daughter Anna,1. “We are family oriented,” said Matt Webb. “Wework as a team.” His 10 year-old MRWMechanicalInc. and the Aire Serv franchise provide a wide varietyof commercial and residential services in theWayneCounty and surrounding areas.They include:• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing• Comprehensive Preventative Maintenance onheating and air conditioning equipment• Air Duct Cleaning• Indoor Air Quality• Electronic Air Cleaners• Blown In InsulationA rapidly growing part of the business is geother-

mal heating and air conditioning. “We’re really big inthat right now,”Webb said. We’ve done 10 this yearand have six on the books.” It takes a week to 10 daysto put in a geothermal system depending on the sizeof the job.Home Comfort Designer KevinWerking co-

ordinates the work from start to finish with a focus

on doing it right and making it as least-intrusive aspossible on the homeowner. “We try to go aboveand beyond to respect people’s homes,” he said. Thatincludes protecting floors and cleaning up. “Geo-thermal units can be installed in tighter places thanbefore,” he said. “We just bought our own verticalboring machine,”Werking said. We’re self perform-ing.” That fact helps separate the company frommost others that have to subcontract out the verticalboring. Werking first provides a home comfort analy-sis that includes a study of heat loss and gain. “It’scrucial to the systems they want and to get it right,” hesaid. If something’s not right, it will be fixed. “Yoursatisfaction is guaranteed,”Werking said. “We take allthe risks. You can’t lose.” Guarantees are crucial toall services of MRW and Aire Serv, Webb promises.So are the important extras that are provided:Their services are around the clock every day

of the year. “I remember going to Centerville HighSchool on New Year’s Day,”Webb said.• Charges the same regardless of the time of day,along with no overtime• Customers are given a price before service starts.• Professional Cleanup after work is completedand throughout the job.• The best extended warranties in the industry.• Licensed and insured.There’s a current deal offering up to five years

no-interest credit. “We are the only IGSHPAaccredited installer of geothermal systems andloops (in the area),” Webb said. That accreditationrequires four days of schooling and training. “It’svery powerful designation,” Webb said. “They set

the standards on geothermal.”MRW does work for major businesses and public

institutions, including Reid Hospital, local banks, andhigh schools. The business is a comfort specialistfor Trane products, “but we work on all makes andmodels,” Webb said.With so much tasks going on at one time, it’s

crucial to have a great front office. Webb has thatwith Mary “Jo” Close, the customer service represen-tative and office manager. He also has Matt Fultonwho handles the daily operations of the businessalong with being licensed and accredited through-out the heating and air conditioning field. This issomewhat unique to the industry having two heatingand air conditioning licensed individuals within thesame company. “Matt Fulton takes care of runningand overseeing the jobs in progress and managesmy workforce. With his knowledge and abilities itassures me the company is running smoothly and ourcustomers are always taken care of,” Webb said.“I have been fortunate to have such great employ-

ees. Frommy office personnel to my field techni-cians they are all great and do each job to the highestquality, I truly believe I have the best in the heating,air conditioning , and plumbing industry. WithoutJeremy, Brent, Todd, and Grayson doing their bestevery day our company and myself would not be assuccessful as we are,” Webb said.The mission, he said, is to “always deliver more thanpromised and always work as a team in the best inter-est of customers.”For services or more information, visit

AireServ.com/eastcentralindiana or call 765-478-9643.

Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 9PROGRESS

“Wefill a need rather than just selling a product.”

Leisure beds a popular trend at Koons

By Mike Bennett

People spend about one-third of their livesin bed, so why not get the best one that fits yoursleeping needs?That kind of thinking is helping drive a strong

trend that’s being seen at Koons Home Center.“We’re selling a lot more beds,” said Ron Koons,owner of the longtime store in west Richmond.Koons is selling what are best described as lei-

sure beds from brands such as Serta and Tempur-Pedic.The beds can be adjusted to fit personal

needs. But don’t call them adjustable beds, hesaid, because that catch-all can conjure up a falseimage of hospital beds.The new leisure beds are so much more.The growth in them makes sense, he believes,

because how people sleep affects so much howthey live their everyday lives. “We spend a third ofour life there (sleeping) to get ready for the othertwo-thirds,” he said. “It’s so important to get ourproper rest. It puts people in a frame of mind tohave a great next day.”They are willing to pay more today for a great

leisure bed. “You know, we spend $25,000 on anaverage for a new car,” he said. “When people startusing leisure beds, it becomes a part of their lives.It’s like when cars started getting power steeringand brakes. It became hard to do without.”Koons also is seeing a rising popularity in

high-efficiency washers, something that is beingpushed by the government because they useso much less water and detergents. Koons andhis employees spend the time with buyers to to

explain how the high-efficiency washers work.“The motion is completely different and the

water use is substantially less,” Koons said. “Younever want to see suds … people don’t want toaccept that they can clean with little detergent.”People driving at the intersection of U.S. 40

and S.W. 18th Street can easily notice one ofKoons’ newest items: an electronic billboard thatwas erected last November. It lists specials andpasses on other store information.It has helped drive walk-in traffic, Koons said.

“The sign has definitely increased floor traffic. Weexperience times the store fills up.”Koons still is seeing a trend where people are

fixing up their homes, doing remodeling projects,rather than buying and selling homes.“They can refinance and make it like they

want it. You are not going to find one that haseverything you like,” Koons said. “They personal-izing to their needs. They are looking for a higherquality product.”Other trends:Induction cook tops are catching on. “We

have about a half dozen here on the floor,”Koons said.Top brands such as Frigidaire and Maytag are

offering less costly induction ranges (where thesurface doesn’t get hot).All appliances are electronically controlled.

“There are boards in all of them, no more dials,”Koons said.The higher-tech appliances have helped

the store grow. Koons has hired another sales

employee. “We fill a need rather than just sellinga product,” he said. “The box stores have doneaway with trained sales people and service. That’sour niche, being full service.”Features keep growing. For example, front-

load washers range in price from $499 to $1,799.“There is a load of difference (with them),”Koons said. “New features are brought forth thatyou have got to have it.”It wasn’t that many years ago when it was a

luxury to have ice and water dispensed out of thefront of a refrigerator. “Today it’s a must or youare not in the game,” Koons said.Koons Home Center is unique around the

region in that it offers delivery, installation andservice work for the huge variety of products thatit sells. They range from fridges to freezers, fromovens to disposals, from microwaves to coffeemachines, from vacuum cleaners to the leisurebeds.The store also has a large variety of parts

available for old and new products. “We do a lotof parts business,” Koons said.“We have a lot of do-it-yourselfers, people

doing it on their own.”Koons Home Center is located at 221 S.W.

18th Street.The store is open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon-

day through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.Call (765) 966-2616 or visit

www.koonshomeappliances.com for moreinformation.

Koons

10 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012 PROGRESS

“We’ll alwayswork onwonderful new things.Wecreatememories.”

Warm Glow plans garden center,farmers’ market, expanded store

CENTERVILLE – Business is heating up atWarm Glow Candle Outlet.That’ll be obvious for the rest of this year as

the popular site embarks on a two-phase con-struction project.The growth will increase offerings that range

from its trademark candles to chocolates and willadd a garden center and farmers’ market.Other attractions and special activities will

keep Warm Glow’s outlet filled with customers atits site along Interstate 70 in Centerville.Following are more of the details:Construction is just starting on a

3,000-square-foot building that will contain agarden center and a daily farmers’ market. Thenew concept will feature an open-air pavilion andunique fresh-food items.The second stage of the construction project

will double the size of the current outlet store byaround October and also repurpose parts of theoriginal building.New enhancements will include much larger

offerings of chocolates and candies. The floraldepartment is expanding. “We have two wonder-ful floral designers,” said co-owner Jackie Car-berry. “We’re also hoping to be able to sell wineout there from 12 local wineries.”The annual open house celebration is planned

May 4-6.“We’re excited about that,” said Carberry. “We

have so many activities.”Those will include new artisans, a glass blower

and a wood carver. The event will feature potterydisplays, a hot-air balloon and events for all ages.“We’ll have all the entertainment we always have,”Carberry said.Warm Glow has lots to celebrate.The new construction projects, which will

cost close to $1 million, will help boost area em-ployment.“We anticipate six to 10 new people at the

outlet store. That would equate to extra produc-tion here at our factory, too,” Carberry said.Warm Glow still has plenty of room to add

on: the candle factory in Centerville has 80,000square feet over 10 acres.The new construction project will boost the

outlet’s size from 11,000 to 21,000 square feet,but there’s still room someday to triple that size inan expansion to the east.The new garden center and farmers’ market

will sit to the west of the outlet. It will offer gar-den accessories and some plants.Warm Glow will buy wholesale from area

farmers and sell the products themselves.“We like to go organic or chemically free.

We’ll offer things such as free-range eggs andfresh herbs and vegetables,” Carberry said. “I’dlove to get artisan breads.”The market will offer items such as special

soaps. “We’re hoping to become a niche,” she said.The changes stem from a growing popular-

ity and from a core belief since Alan and JackieCarberry started Warm Glow in their basementnearly two decades ago.“We’ll always work on wonderful new things,”

she said. “We create memories.”Warm Glow always is working on new candle

fragrances, ones that “remind us of the greatsmells of Grandma or Mom cooking when we hitthe door,” Jackie Carberry said. “The new onescoming up will be real strong.”She said a billboard marketing campaign has

paid off in building visibility along Interstate 70and delivering new customers. “We love the busesthat stop by,” she said. “They (riders) don’t alwayspurchase a lot, but word of mouth is invalu-able. Most everybody is in a good mood. It reallyworks wonderfully.”Warm Glow also is getting ready to celebrate

the birthday of its popular satellite boutique thisJune in historic downtown Winchester.“They really have welcomed us there,” Car-

berry said. “It’s doing very well.”The Warm Glow Candle Outlet is open daily

from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is located off exit 145 ofInterstate 70 and has a street address of 2131 N.Centerville Road.Call (765) 855-2000 or visit www.warmglow.

com for more information.

By Mike Bennett

Warm

GlowCan

dleOutlet

WarmGlow faces I-70 at the Centerville exit.

Sunday, April 15, 2012 ■ Palladium-Item ■ 11PROGRESS

12 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012 PROGRESS