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HUD Official to Attend Groundbreaking
For First Time Homebuyer Program
July 1, 2008
Mayor Jeff Rea announced today that John Hall, Field Office Director for the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) will participate in a groundbreaking for Mishawaka’s 2008 First Time Homebuyer Program on Wednesday July 2nd on E. Borley Ave. Hall will use this visit to celebrate the close of National Homeownership Month, designated this past June by HUD and Mayor Rea.
The First Time Homebuyer Program serves area residents with low-to-moderate level incomes who are first time homebuyers. Through Mishawaka’s Department of Planning and Community Development, new homes are constructed in a target neighborhood, serving to revitalize the neighborhood and increase the value of the surrounding properties. 2008 will mark the fifth year of Mishawaka’s First Time Homebuyer Program.
For the 2008 program, Mishawaka purchased property on Borley Avenue between Maplehurst Ave. and Lynn St. This property will be the construction site of 4 single-family homes that will be built for income-qualified first time homebuyers during 2008. Each home will include 3 bedrooms, a full basement, a garage, and all appliances. Two of the homes will include a finished bedroom in the basement with an egress window.
The 2008 First Time Homebuyer Program works in conjunction with the Borley Park Neighborhood Impact Program. The program uses a combination of city and federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant to target neighborhoods for improvements. Under this program, the City of Mishawaka will provide infrastructure improvements, including new street, curbs, sidewalk, and sanitary sewer improvements along Maplehurst Ave. during 2008.
Those interested in learning more about Mishawaka’s First Time Homebuyer Program should contact Andrew West, Program Coordinator, at 258-1668.
Ladies Personal Protection Program
June 25, 2008
The Mishawaka Police Department will again offer the "Ladies Personal Protection Program." The program consists of (two) three hour days, July 12 and 19, from 9am til noon. The classes will cover street safety, home safety, vehicle safety and weapons, along with physical tactics for sudden assaults. The course is designed for young ladies going to college and ladies concerned about their safety within the community. The course is open to anyone 18 years of age and older. Concerned mothers should attend with their daughters. The course will empower students with the knowledge and ability to protect themselves in stressful or threatening situations. The course will be held at the Mishawaka Police Department and is free of charge. Anyone interested should contact Don Waywood, 258-1706, for reservations.
Smoke Testing
June 25, 2008
Structurepoint, Inc. and Hydromax, Inc. have been retained by the City of Mishawaka to conduct a survey of the wastewater collection system in the neighborhoods located east of Capital Avenue (SR 331). The boundaries for this area include the St. Joseph River to the north, Norfolk Railroad to the south, the city limits to the east, and Capital Avenue to the west. For two weeks beginning the week of July 7, 2008, field crews will be opening manholes in the streets to collect information that will be used by the City to improve and repair the wastewater collection system.
Crews of Hydromax, Inc. will blow smoke into the sewer lines and manholes to locate broken pipes and other defects. The smoke will exit from the vent pipes on the roofs of houses. This smoke is made of a vaporous substance, is non-toxic, leaves no residue and creates no fire hazard.
To help prevent smoke from entering your house or business, please pour about a gallon of water into any seldom-used drains. This will fill the drain traps and prevent smoke from entering your house unless defective plumbing is present. At no time will the field crews ask to enter your house; you do not need to be at home during the test.
Brochures with some common questions and answers are being distributed to houses and businesses located in the area that will be impacted by this test. Your cooperation is appreciated. Questions during normal working hours may be directed to Scott May of American Structurepoint at 574-287-2231 or Josiah Anderson of Hydromax at 812-305-6400.
Local Manufacturer and Community Realizing Positive Outcomes of Economic Development Incentives
June 18, 2008
B&B Molders LLC, a Mishawaka-based manufacturer of plastic components, announced today that it will hold an open house today, Wednesday, June 18 at 1:30pm to share its positive contributions to the local economy and workforce with the community. Members of the St. Joseph County Council and Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea will be present as B&B Molders officials conduct an informal press conference and plant tour.
In August 2006, the firm expanded its operations with a $3.45 million investment in its facility and equipment. The $1.45 million building expansion increased the facility’s capacity by 33,000 sq. ft., and will create 18 new jobs. B&B Molders chose to expand its current location at 58471 Fir Road in Mishawaka, rather than a competing site in Michigan. The 2006 building expansion has enhanced the manufacturing facility by adding a new tooling and engineering building. The new building was completed in December 2006, and some of the new manufacturing equipment has already been installed. The firm plans to purchase the new machinery over a four year period. Valued at more than $2 million, all equipment upgrades should be complete by 2010.
To facilitate the investment, the St. Joseph County Council granted a 5-year tax abatement on the building expansion and a 4-year tax abatement on the newly-purchased equipment. Also, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered the company up to $16,000 for employee training and approximately $56,000 in tax credits, based on the company’s anticipated capital investment for the project.
As a component of the expansion, the firm built an on-site training facility to train employees and their competitors’ employees during work hours. Using college instructors from Lake Michigan College and Indiana University South Bend, workers are trained in plastics technology, management skills, and other advanced manufacturing techniques. Since 2004, B&B Molders has spent more than $100,000 on training and workforce development. The firm utilizes a “Pay for Knowledge” program and has just awarded $1,000 to the first employee who received an Associates Degree through this training. The program is an incentive for employees to enhance their education, ultimately making the entire company more efficient. B&B Molders has also instituted a gainsharing program, which enables employees to take ownership in the profitability of the company.
“Our expansion not only allowed us to grow our business, but it allowed us an opportunity to better serve our customers, our employees, and our community, while strengthening the manufacturing vitality of the region. We are thrilled that we have been able to contribute to our community and educate the workforce because of the support, trust, and leadership of the St. Joseph County Council and the people in the community. We want to say 'thank you' and also demonstrate that the philosophy behind granting tax abatement has worked,” said Britt Murphey, President of B&B Molders.
“It’s always beneficial to have businesses such as B&B Molders in our community, providing jobs and being a good corporate citizen. What is really exciting, though, is that this company has been successful in the difficult economic times we are currently experiencing,” said Rafael Morton, President of the St. Joseph County Council. “Many companies are downsizing and trimming costs wherever possible. This local manufacturer is expanding and continuing to make an investment in educating the workforce.”
To illustrate how the company has grown, in 2006, B&B Molders employed 57 workers and had a total payroll of $2,672,000. Currently, employment levels have increased to 68 workers with a projected total payroll of $2,850,000 in 2008. The manufacturing firm has also been able to develop new products and enter new markets, due to the success of their expansion. Also, B&B Molders now performs more design and engineering services for their customers than ever before.
“B&B Molders has been a successful company in the community for 45 years. On behalf of the City of Mishawaka, we offer our congratulations and wish them continued success,” said Mayor Jeff Rea.
About B&B Molders, LLC
B&B Molders, LLC was founded in 1963 and purchased in 1984 by Holiday Rambler, a leading RV manufacturer. In 1986, the business was purchased by Harley Davidson, Inc., the world renowned motorcycle manufacturer. In November of 1996, Britt Murphey purchased B&B Molders from Harley Davidson and continues to carry on the same tradition and commitment to quality and customer service. Today, the company manufactures components for a wide array of industries, including the recreational vehicle markets, medical, musical, and industrial accounts. B&B Molders is ISO 9001 certified. To learn more about the firm, CLICK HERE.
175th Anniversary of the City of Mishawaka and the 2008 Summer of Celebration!
June 5, 2008
Mishawaka began its official celebration of the 175th anniversary of the city at the first Beutter Park Summer Concert of the 2008 season on June 5, as part of the Princess City's 2008 Summer of Celebration. Mayor Rea kicked off the year-long celebration, leading the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”, immediately followed by cupcakes provided by Martin’s Supermarket.
The birthday celebration at the 2008 Summer Concert Series is part of Mishawaka’s Summer of Celebration, including celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the City, the 80th anniversary of the Battell Park Band Shell, and the 25th anniversary of Summerfest.
Mayor Rea invites everyone to join him throughout the summer, as the City of Mishawaka hosts celebrations across the city to honor and celebrate the special anniversary of the Princess City.
Jefferson Boulevard Project Update
March 4, 2008
On Monday, March 10, Walsh & Kelly, Inc. is scheduled to close East Jefferson Boulevard between Byrkit Street and Capital Avenue/SR 331 to all through traffic. Local residents will have access to their homes. Emergency vehicles will have access at all times. The detour for Jefferson Boulevard is as follows:
• Westbound Jefferson Blvd. traffic will proceed north on Capital Ave., west on McKinley Ave, and south on Byrkit Avenue, returning to Jefferson Blvd.
• Eastbound Jefferson Blvd traffic will proceed north on Byrkit St., east on McKinley Ave, south on Capital Ave./SR 331, returning to Jefferson Blvd.
Local school bus, mail, newspaper and trash services will be coordinated with each entity. The contractor anticipates this closure to last until mid-July 2008, when the project is scheduled for completion.
Questions may be directed to Dustin Hilary, Area Manager for Walsh & Kelly, at 574-288-4811.
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