Goshen Health celebrates 350th robotic total joint replacement surgery
GOSHEN — Goshen Orthopedics recently reached a major milestone in the completion of its 350th robotic-assisted total joint replacement surgery using Mako SmartRobotics technology.
The innovative technology revolutionizes total joint replacements by enhancing surgeon control and optimizing implant placement, a statement from the hospital reads. Patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery often experience less pain, shorter recovery times, and improved flexibility.
To commemorate the milestone, Goshen Orthopedics hosted a free educational event for the public with more than 100 guests, “Cinco de Mako,” on May 5 at Goshen Hospital.
Attendees learned about the benefits of robotic-assisted joint replacement from surgeons Christopher Owens and Bryan Boyer and saw the Mako SmartRobotics system up close. Cinco de Mayo-themed food was provided.
“I am thrilled to have reached this patient milestone and to continue helping my patients return to activities they love,” Owens, of Goshen Orthopedics, said. “With Mako SmartRobotics, I can utilize a CT scan to create a personalized surgical plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy before entering the operating room.”
Total knee replacements in the United States are expected to increase by 85% between 2020 and 2030. However, studies have shown that approximately 20% of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery. Mako Total Knee combines Stryker’s advanced robotic technology with its clinically successful Triathlon Total Knee System, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased precision and accuracy.
Additionally, by 2030, total hip replacements in the U.S. are projected to increase by 71%. Mako SmartRobotics for Total Hip is a treatment option for adults suffering from degenerative joint disease of the hip. During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic arm during bone preparation to prepare the hip socket and position the implant according to the predetermined surgical plan. In a controlled matched-paired study measuring acetabular bone resection, results suggested greater bone preservation for Mako Total Hip compared to manual surgery.
THOR Industries Inc. welcomes Seth Woolf to executive team
ELKHART — THOR Industries Inc. announced Seth Woolf has joined the company as head of Corporate Development & Investor Relations.
Woolf joins THOR in a strategic leadership role focused on supporting the development of long-term corporate initiatives and strengthening the company’s capital markets communications.
“Seth brings a unique and valuable combination of industry insight and financial expertise,” said Bob Martin, president and CEO of THOR Industries. “His deep understanding of both the RV business and the capital markets will be a great asset to our management team as we continue to execute on our long-term strategic plans and articulate our vision.”
Woolf has spent more than 15 years in the investment industry with a large focus on the recreational vehicle industry in various financial roles, giving him a comprehensive perspective on the market, its challenges, and its opportunities. His experience will enhance THOR’s ability to navigate evolving market dynamics and support sustained growth.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the THOR team,” Woolf said. “This is a tremendous, industry-leading organization with a strong track record and many compelling opportunities on the horizon.”
Most recently, Woolf was a portfolio manager with J. Goldman & Co., where he invested in a number of consumer and industrial businesses. Before that, he was a sell-side analyst at Northcoast Research and covered the leisure sector, which enabled him to form extensive relationships within the RV industry.
Winnebago Industries top trustworthy company by Newsweek
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Winnebago Industries has been recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s Most Trustworthy Companies” for 2025.
The recognition marks the second consecutive year that Winnebago Industries has earned this distinction.
Newsweek rankings are based on an independent survey of more than 25,000 U.S. consumers, assessing companies on key pillars of trust: customer trust, employee trust and investor trust.
In addition to being named one of “America’s Most Trustworthy Companies,” Winnebago Industries was also named one of Newsweek’s “Most Responsible Companies in America for 2025.” The company’s sixth-annual Corporate Responsibility Report showcases its progress in environmental sustainability, ethical business conduct and community impact.
Surf Internet awarded $1.17 million to expand rural Indiana broadband
ELKHART — Surf Internet has been awarded $1,176,000 in funding through Round 13 of the Indiana Connectivity Program, supporting its mission to expand reliable high-speed broadband access to rural and underserved areas.
The grant, combined with $5.8 million in private investment by Surf, will enable fiber-optic expansion to 245 grant-identified addresses and additional adjacent homes and businesses across Indiana.
Surf received the largest award in this funding round, supporting more than 65% of the 371 locations identified by the state. The 245 addresses span 16 counties across northern Indiana, reinforcing Surf’s commitment to expanding fiber-optic broadband in the region. Counties include Allen, DeKalb, Elkhart, Grant, Jackson, Knox, LaGrange, LaPorte, Lake, Madison, Marshall, Newton, Porter, St. Joseph, Starke and Whitley.
Round 13 of the Indiana Connectivity Program, announced by the Office of Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, awarded $1.66 million in state funding to support new broadband access for 353 households and 18 businesses across 40 counties. Providers participating in this round are contributing an additional $6.1 million in private investment, bringing the total round investment to $7.8 million.
“Grants like the ICP make it possible for us to reach people who have waited far too long for fast, reliable internet,” said Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet. “This is about more than infrastructure — it’s about ensuring families, farms, and small businesses can fully participate in today’s connected world.”
Surf will extend service beyond the grant-funded addresses to reach approximately 2,500 adjacent homes and businesses. This broader buildout ensures the greatest possible community impact from each mile of fiber constructed.
“Public-private partnerships like ICP are a force multiplier,” said Steve Carender, Surf’s director of Special Funding. “By aligning state dollars with our own investment, we can scale impact quickly — bringing broadband to entire corridors of unserved areas, not just the individual homes identified in the grant.”
Surf will work closely with local residents throughout the buildout process, including public meetings, targeted mailers, and direct outreach. Residents at grant-funded addresses will receive detailed next steps, including project timelines, how to connect once service becomes available, and instructions for completing state required consent forms. These forms must be signed before construction can proceed; without them, Surf will be unable to bring service to the address under the ICP program. Additionally, unresponsive addresses may be less likely to qualify for future public funding opportunities — such as BEAD — since those locations may no longer be considered unserved.
Find construction updates for all of Surf’s service areas at https://construction.surfinternet.com.
NIBCO promotes Figuly to wholesale sales-east director
ELKHART — NIBCO Inc. has announced the promotion of Paul Figuly to director, wholesale sales-east.
In Figuly’s new role, he will coordinate regional sales strategies, build internal partnerships with customers and work with the regional sales managers to improve sales growth. Figuly will report to Kevin Wagler, vice president of wholesale sales.
Figuly joined NIBCO in October 2015 as press sales manager and has held several positions, including assistant regional manager northeast and regional manager, Ohio Valley. Figuly brings 23 years of experience to his new role.
“Paul brings 10 years’ experience working at NIBCO and 23 years of experience from the industry to his new role,” said Joe Choflet, vice president, sales and marketing, NIBCO. “We’re confident that Paul’s leadership will continue to drive success and strengthen our customer partnerships in the east region.”
Figuly holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.
