GOSHEN — Interra Credit Union recently announced the successful conclusion of its annual Fall Food Drive, which took place from Oct. 15-31.
In the weeks leading up to the public kickoff, Interra employees began collecting donations, including food items and monetary gifts, to help jump start the campaign. Thanks to support from the community, the food drive gathered a substantial amount of non-perishable food and $969.45 in monetary donations, all of which will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations working to combat food insecurity in the region.
"Interra's Fall Food Drive has once again shown the kindness and generosity of our staff and members," said Amy Sink, CEO. "We are proud to have played a part in addressing local hunger needs and helping local families. These donations will go directly to support the important work of local nonprofits, who will ensure that these resources reach those in need."
Donations collected were wide-ranging, including canned goods, dried goods, and other shelf-stable products. In addition, monetary donations were used to support food banks and shelters, allowing them to purchase additional supplies to meet the growing demands.
Interra offices and pantries include: Bremen, Madison Firefighters Corp.; College Green and Main, The Window; C.R. 17 and Dunlap, Church Community Services of Elkhart; LaGrange, Shipshewana, and Topeka, LaGrange Clothes and Food Basket; Ligonier, West Noble Clothes and Food Pantry; Middlebury, Middlebury Food Pantry; Millersburg and New Paris, Fairfield Food Pantry; Nappanee and Wakarusa, Nappanee Open Door; Plymouth, Marshall County Neighborhood Center; and Syracuse, Syracuse Food Pantry. These organizations will distribute the collected items to families and individuals in need throughout the upcoming months. Many of these nonprofits serve vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors and individuals experiencing homelessness.
INOVA'S Samuel Kamwenji receives award for service
ELKHART — Samuel Kamwenji, manager of Community Relations and Business Development at INOVA Federal Credit Union, received the Minority Business Excellence Award for Service from the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber's "Celebrating Minority Business Excellence" dinner was held at the Lerner Theatre on Nov. 13. The service award is given annually to an individual or business in the service industry who has demonstrated excellence in customer service, business growth, and community involvement.
Kamwenji has formed partnerships with several community organizations to facilitate financial counseling for individuals and families, including the Tolson Center for Community Excellence and the Elkhart Drug Court. In addition to meeting regularly with credit union members, Kamwenji also visits local businesses to discuss financial freedom with their employees.
"Samuel embodies the credit union philosophy of people helping people", says Kerie Sekal, senior vice president of Marketing and Retail Banking for INOVA. "He has a genuine passion for serving our community."
Newmar named in new partnership
NAPPANEE — Legacy Motor Club announced that Newmar Corp. has been named the official luxury motor coach provider of the club in a new one-year partnership.
Legacy teammates and guests will have access to an elevated race-day experience with a new, custom-built King Aire coach designed specifically for the hospitality and corporate needs of the team. The 45-foot RV will feature a full custom graphics package in the club's black, gold, and white color pallet and will travel to 20-plus events in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, providing a space for entertainment and trackside hosting.
The new Newmar coach will provide Legacy with a guest experience solution that will set it apart from typical at-race entertainment of the past.
"Having been involved in motorsport for close to 50 years I've enjoyed the opportunity to work within the Formula One, IndyCar, off-road, sports car, and NASCAR spaces," said Cal Wells III, CEO of Legacy Motor Club. "In each discipline our operations were critically affected by having a connected space that provides a quality environment for everything from engineering processes to hospitality. Legacy M.C.'s new partnership with Newmar will provide an extraordinary platform to conduct all aspects of our motorsports business. We are so excited to have them aboard."
Additionally, the club will utilize this fully customized corporate coach for its at-track engineering meeting place and commercial operations activities and meetings, allowing the club members to stay connected to the core product both on and off the track.
Legacy Motor Club will take ownership of their 45-foot 2025 Newmar King Aire in early February, and it will debut for partners and guests of the club at the 2025 Daytona 500.
Kelly promoted to senior buyer for CTB
MILFORD — Alton Kelly has been promoted to senior buyer for Chore-Time, according to Jo Coverstone, supply chain manager for the CTB Inc. business unit. In his new position, Kelly will be developing and growing supplier relationships while also managing non-inventory purchasing and related supply goals for Chore-Time's manufacturing operation areas.
Kelly previously was a buyer/planner for Chore-Time. He brings nearly 10 years of inventory, purchasing and customer relationship management experience gained from the hospitality and telecommunications industries. He is a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned a bachelor's degree in tourism, hospitality and event management with minors in business and recreational sports management.
