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Friday, January 12, 2007

Death Annoumcement: Beatrice Lelear, Head Resident Director of Bowman Hall from 1971-1887

Chronicle-Tribune Article

 

Sept. 29, 1923 - Jan. 8, 2007

Beatrice Lelear, 83, died Monday in Sunnyvale, Calif.

 

Born in Dixonville, Pa., Bea came to faith in Jesus Christ during high school. Love of Jesus and service to the church were passions of her life. She graduated from Houghton Bible School in 1943 and was an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church. Known as 'Aunt Bea', for 35 years Bea specialized in children's ministry, traveling throughout the eastern United States to lead Vacation Bible Schools and children's camps. Bea worked at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa. for 16 years. From 1971 to 1987 she was Head Resident of Bowman Hall at Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) where she mentored scores of students with spiritual and practical counsel. In 1998 the Lelears moved to California. She retained membership in Westview Wesleyan Church, Jonesboro, Ind. Bea was a leader in missions in The Wesleyan Church. For 10 years she was vice president of the Women's Missionary Society for the Rochester (N.Y.) Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and later served 4 years as missionary president for the Western Pennsylvania District. For 6 years she served on the executive committee of the Women's Missionary Society for The Wesleyan Methodist Church, overseeing the Northeastern U.S. Bea and Henry also traveled to Haiti and Jamaica for short-term missionary service.

 

She is survived by her husband, Henry W. Lelear; daughter, Caroline Payne; son-in-law, Philip Payne, all of whom reside in Sunnyvale, Calif.; and a brother, Gerald, Houston, Texas.

 

She was preceded in death by a stepbrother, Harold, and a sister, Dorothy.

 

Memorial gifts in the name of Beatrice Lelear may be sent to Indiana Wesleyan University, Advancement Office, 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, Ind. 46953.

 

 

Originally published January 12, 2007

 

 

Announcement: Louisville, Ky - Breakfast with Business First

The new year has started and it's time to start doing business. Join the staff of Business First on Friday, January 26, 2007, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. for a complimentary breakfast at Indiana Wesleyan University Conference Room, 1500 Alliant Dr., Louisville campus, at I-64 and Blankenbaker Pkwy.

 

Now is a great time to make a New Year's resolution to grow your business. Breakfast with Business First is a wonderful way to make those connections that will help you with your business. Bring your business cards and get ready to network. Come out and see for yourself why this event is one of the premier networking events in town.

 

Do you have any story ideas? Use this opportunity to share them with the editors and reporters of Business First. Our staff will welcome members of the business community who are interested in learning more about Business First and how our news and information can help them do business better. Most of the open-house style event will be informal networking.

 

This event takes place at Indiana Wesleyan University, Louisville campus. Come out and see this faculty and enjoy a complimentary breakfast.

 

This event is sponsored by Indiana Wesleyan University.

 

Breakfast with Business First

When: Friday, January 26, 2007   7:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.

Where: Indiana Wesleyan University, 1500 Alliant Dr, Louisville Campus, at I-64 and Blankenbaker Pkwy, Louisville, Ky 40299

Registration Form: ( http://louisville.bizjournals.com/louisville/event/2988#register )

 

Glenn Stockert

Three Rivers Federal Credit Union

 

Ali Halilovic and Karen Roseberry were recently promoted to branch sales manager at the Three Rivers Federal Credit Union branch inside Scott's Food and Pharmacy in Georgetown Plaza.

 

Halilovic began employment with the credit union as a management trainee and was later promoted to assistant branch manager of the Coventry location. He is a graduate of South Side High School and has earned a bachelor's degree in economics and public policy from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

 

Roseberry was a management trainee before being promoted to her current role. She is a graduate of New Haven High School and has an associate degree in business management and industrial management from International Business College.

 

Glenn Stockert was recently promoted to network administrator at Three Rivers Federal Credit Union. Stockert began working at the credit union as a network analyst before his recent promotion.

 

Stockert is a graduate of Northrop High School. He earned an associate degree in electronics engineering from Ivy Tech and a bachelor's degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan.

Debra Meyer

Children's Hope Hospitality House

 

Children's Hope Hospitality House, a nonprofit organization providing lodging and accommodations for parents and families of critically ill or injured children hospitalized in Fort Wayne area medical facilities, recently hired Debra Meyer as its executive director.

 

Meyer comes to the organization with more than 20 years' professional experience at Lincoln Financial Group, including leading marketing initiatives, communications and managing media relations.

 

Meyer has an associate degree in organizational development from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and a bachelor's degree in business from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Paul Marcellino ; Carroll County native is new Extension agent

Article By Debbie Lowe

 

The search for the right person to replace retired Carroll County Extension Agent Steve Nichols produced a highly qualified individual who is a Carroll Countian through and through.

 

Paul Marcellino was born in 1954 and raised in Carroll County. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1972, married the former Terri Barber, also a graduate of Carroll High School, worked on his father's farm in Washington Township and for a local private farming operation. All three of his adult d a u g h t e r g r a d u a t e d from Carroll High School.

 

Marcellino received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University in 1975 and achieved a Master's Degree in ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University last December.

 

"I have been involved with agriculture throughout my life," Marcellino said in a Jan. 5 Comet interview. "I started out like most farm children with the farm chores and the 4-H activities. Those activities carried my interest in agriculture though my adult career."

 

Marcellino said Carroll County is "one of the most progressive farm communities in the state."

 

"Our county is one of the first to get their crops in and harvested," he said. "The farmers here are very professional and very business-like in their farming. They use advanced techniques and marketing skills."

 

Marcellino explained the county extension agent educates farmers about trends and developments in the industry. He said that person also serves as an advocate for farmers.

 

Marcellino encouraged farmers and other community members to contact him at the county extension office by telephone at (765) 564-3169, email at or visit his office, located south of Delphi in the Farm Services Administration building on US421.

 

"I feel privileged to continue to be part of this community," he explained. "It will be exciting to work with the great people of Carroll County as we look ahead to the new challenges that we will face in the upcoming year. I am glad to be here!" he concluded.

 

SOURCE: http://www.carrollcountycomet.com/news/2007/0110/Front_Page/005.html

 

 

Thursday, January 11, 2007

WILDCAT COUNTRY! FREE BASKETBALL ADMISSION

01/11/2007 / This Is Wildcat Country!

Grant County Residents Admitted FREE to 2007 IWU Basketball Games!

Come out and support the Nationally Ranked Indiana Wesleyan University Basketball teams by filling Luckey Arena!

Men’s Home Schedule

Grace College January 30 - 7 p.m.

Marian College February 3 - 3 p.m.

Huntington University February 10 - 3 p.m. **

Women’s Home Schedule

Spring Arbor University January 24 - 7 p.m.

Bethel College February 7 - 7 p.m.

University of St. Francis February 14 - 7 p.m.

Taylor University February 17 - 1 p.m.**

**Alumni Fellowship lunch before these games in the Piazza in the Student Center - see related events calendar for more details -- http://www.indwes.edu/alumni/events.aspx or call 765-677-2110

Indiana Wesleyan University and Grant County: A Great Team!

For more information call 765-677-2318.

HOOSIER HYSTERIA IWU STYLE

HOOSIER HYSTERIA IWU STYLE
01/11/2007 / RECENT SPORTS NEWS - GO WILDCATS!
No. 1 wins No. 20
http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/SPORTS/701110333/-1/
Senior forward Sarah McGill poured in a career-high 34 points Wednesday, leading NAIA Division II top-ranked Indiana Wesleyan to an 80-54 victory over Mid-Central Conference opponent Huntington in women's basketball action at Luckey Gym.

IWU women unanimous No. 1; men remain ninth
http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/SPORTS/701110334/-1/

Commentary: There's a new Hoosier Hysteria
http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/SPORTS/701110335/-1/

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Promotion: Phil Yeager (2006 Class - MSM 61) Named President

In September Phil Yeager MSM 61 was named President of Peloton Business Group, Inc. The Alternative Board for Northern Indianapolis and Hamilton County.

PSA ANNOUNCEMENT:

PHIL YEAGER

Phil Yeager is President of Peloton Business Group, Inc., an independent consulting firm based in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. He specializes in services to families in business; assisting owners to proactively plan for the future and solve problems unique to family and privately held companies. Phil works with executives of growing small and mid-size businesses with revenues from $300 thousand - $25 million.

Prior to forming his consulting firm, Phil held executive positions with two leading NYSE organizations in the staffing and for-profit education sectors, the last of which reported profits for the past 30 quarters and has been one of the leaders and top performers in the for-profit education sector with over 87 schools in over 33 states.

The other NYSE organization is one of the leading contingency search organizations in the world with over 1200 offices in over 38 countries.

Phil Yeager is the only consultant in the area to combine strategic and succession planning experience, real world management and team building and intergenerational family systems expertise. Phil guides business leaders as they examine their organizations: looking at internal strengths and weaknesses and external threats and opportunities. He assists as they revisit and clarify their personal and business visions for the future and helps them translate these visions into specific strategies and practical short and mid-term goals. This allows each executive to better align their employees with the company’s vision and engage key reports in constructing action steps to grow the business and ultimately improve the bottom-line.

Phil leverages his family systems expertise to assist owners of family and closely held companies in recognizing and understanding the personal and family issues that may be negatively impacting their business and, when warranted, to initiate corrective action. This frequently clears the way for owners to effectively design and implement comprehensive succession strategies, including the development of next generation managers.

Phil has also been involved with advising and facilitating senior executives and business owners in the areas of staffing, time and change management, and organizational development.

Phil brings over 15 years of experience to each engagement. He has an undergraduate degree from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is also a member of NACE – The National Association of Colleges and Employers.

TAB Offices at Peloton Business Group, Inc., 7649 Meadow Ridge Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 Email philyeager@sbcglobal.net // Phone: 317-577-8882

Susan Wilson Named Cambridge Who's Who Professional of the Year in Respiratory Care

Susan L. Wilson, MBA, RRT, RPFT, Physician Extender and Vice President of Respiratory Critical Care Associates, has been named Cambridge Who's Who Professional of the Year in Respiratory Care. While inclusion in Cambridge Who's Who is itself an honor, only one member in each discipline is named Professional of the Year. At Respiratory Critical Care Associates, Susan Wilson assists her husband, Dr. David Wilson, pulmonologist and critical care intensivist, with several procedures, including a new technique designed to diagnose cancer in its earlier stages by electro-magnetically guided biopsies.

 

Columbus, IN (PRWEB) January 10, 2007 -- Susan L. Wilson, MBA, RRT, RPFT, Physician Extender and Vice President of Respiratory Critical Care Associates, has been named Cambridge Who's Who Professional of the Year in Respiratory Care. While inclusion in Cambridge Who's Who is itself an honor, only one member in each discipline is named Professional of the Year. The Cambridge selection committee hand picks these special honorees based on accomplishments, academic achievement, leadership, and service.

 

At Respiratory Critical Care Associates, Susan Wilson assists her husband, Dr. David Wilson, pulmonologist and critical care intensivist, with several procedures, including a new technique designed to diagnose cancer in its earlier stages by electro-magnetically guided biopsies. Along with assisting with clinical procedures, Wilson operates the business aspects of Respiratory Critical Care Associates. Recently, Dr. Wilson opened a regional lung center in Columbus Regional Hospital. The center serves 12 counties, providing optimal lung health in multiple pulmonary disease states.

 

Wilson received her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and her Bachelor of Science in Health Arts from the University of St. Francis. She is a certified respiratory therapist, registered respiratory therapist, certified pulmonary function technologist and registered pulmonary function technologist. Wilson is also certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as an aerobics instructor. An article she co-authored on F102s during mechanical ventilation appeared in The Journal of Ventilation and was the winner of a Richard Alan Literary Award.

 

About Cambridge Who's Who

The mission of Cambridge Who's Who is to ensure that Cambridge members receive recognition, support and credibility to advance their careers. Cambridge Who's Who is also committed to delivering the highest quality networking resource for job recruitment, career enhancement and new business development.

 

Cambridge Who's Who members have exclusive access to the biographical information of more than 200,000 successful executives, professionals and entrepreneurs at http://www.cambridgewhoswho.com, where they use the database to share information, knowledge and services. Communication via the Cambridge Who's Who registry travels in two directions, enabling Cambridge Who's Who members to reach out when they have a business need or opportunity as well as receive information on exciting new ventures.

 

 

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

WEDDING: Hill - Renbarger

Sila Anni Hill and Adam Phillip Renbarger were married Oct. 8, 2006, in Legacy Ministries International, Xenia, Ohio with Daron Earlewine, The Crux, Fishers, officiating.

 

The bride is the daughter of Edward and Joyce Hill, and the granddaughter of Paul and Dorothy Johnson, all of Xenia, Ohio. She is a graduate of Dayton Christian High School and Taylor University. She received her bachelor's degree in art education. She is currently employed as an art teacher.

 

The bridegroom is the son of Phillip and Renee Renbarger, Marion. He is the grandson of Phillip and Carolyn Renbarger, Converse, and Jack and Jeanne Jackson, Marion. He is a graduate of Lakeview Christian High School and Indiana Wesleyan University. He received his bachelor's degree in business management and finance. He is currently employed as a stockbroker with Edward Jones.

 

Matron of honor was Siby Hill, sister of the bride, Carmel. Bridesmaids were, Ashlee Neier, Elkhart, friend of the bride, Jaclyn Renbarger, Marion, sister of the groom, Shelly Rynas, Fishers, friend of the bride, Rachel Sever, Carmel, friend of the bride, and Kate Nyland, Indianapolis, friend of the bride.

 

Best man was Eric Renbarger, Marion, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Matt Bowman, Indianapolis, Ryan Haworth, Waldorf, Md., Ryan Young, Port Huron, Mich., Nick Saiben, Fishers, and Nate Summers, Fishers; all friends of the groom.

 

Flower girls were Ciara Horney, Kayla Horney and Kierstin Mitchell. Ring bearers were Justin Cox and Jacob Dill.

 

Others in the bridal party included guestbook attendant Rochelle Baas, Tipton, cousin of the groom, and videographer Matthew Coleman, Greentown, cousin of the groom.

 

A reception was at Schindler Banquet Center. The couple spent their honeymoon in Key West, Fla. They live in Fishers.

 

 

Chronicle-Tribune - Originally published January 7, 2007

 

Monday, January 08, 2007

News on David Alan Anthold

David Alan Anthold of Oak Park has received a master of science management degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that was founded in 1920 and is committed to liberal arts and professional education. IWU is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church.

http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/bravo/article/0,1375,VCS_1798_5261220,00.html

 

IWU WOMAN'S BASKETBALL NEWS

IWU women remain unbeaten
MISHAWAKA - All-American Liz Howerth led a key second-half surge Saturday that propelled Indiana Wesleyan past host Bethel 63-50 and keep its unbeaten women's basketball season intact.


chronicle-tribune.com - - http://www.chronicle-tribune.com

A little basketball news from IWU

Berry named Huntington University Athlete of Week
Huntington University - IN,USA
10 when the team travels to Marion to take on the NAIA Division II top-ranked Wildcats of Indiana Wesleyan University at 7 pm.

http://www.huntington.edu/news/0607/AOW010807.htm

 

11 Wildcats earn NCCAA academic honors
Marion Chronicle Tribune - Marion,IN,USA
The Indiana Wesleyan men's and women's soccer teams had 11 combined players named National Christian College Athletic Association Scholar Athletes when the ...

http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/SPORTS/701060324/1006

 

Wildcats not satisfied despite MCC blowout
Marion Chronicle Tribune - Marion,IN,USA
The Indiana Wesleyan men's basketball team had one of its highest scoring games of the season Saturday, and its defense held Bethel 31 points below its ...

http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/SPORTS/701060324/1006

 

 

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Alum of 2000 authors a book, Rhythm of Prayer: Mark A Moore

The Rhythm of Prayer: A Forty Day Experience by Moore, Mark ...

Author Mark Moore guides readers through forty days of liturgical prayer. The consistency of these daily prayers creates a rhythm of intentionally where ...


www.parable.com/wph/item_0898273455.htm

 

 

Niles Richards, promotion announcement

Staff news from First Bank Richmond: Niles Richards has joined the bank as assistant vice president/loan review officer. Richards has a bachelor's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. He has 22 years of banking experience.

 

http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061203/NEWS01/612030323/1008

 

David Alan Anthold

David Alan Anthold of Oak Park has received a master of science management degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that was founded in 1920 and is committed to liberal arts and professional education. IWU is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church.

SOURCE: http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/bravo/article/0,1375,VCS_1798_5261220,00.html

 

Friday, January 05, 2007

Death Notification: Dr. James T. Fuller

Thursday, December 7, 2006

James Fuller, 61



James Timothy Fuller, 61, of Holland, died Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006, at his home from ALS.

Born and raised in the Detroit area, he graduated from Redford High School and attended Owosso Bible College, Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He had worked for West Virginia Pulp and Paper and Parke Davis, and in 1981 he joined Perrigo Co., where he worked in customer service and logistics. He retired as vice president of distribution in 1994. A member of Central Wesleyan Church and its Sunday school, he served on the local board of administration, the building committee, the West Michigan District Board of the Wesleyan Church, the General Board of the Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, District Board of Ministerial Development for the West Michigan Wesleyan Church, Church Planters Training International and several other boards and committees of the church.

Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Sharon; daughter, Kimberly Louise Fuller of Holland; sisters and brother, Mary Lou and Jim Jenkins of Hickory, N.C., Bob and Sharon Fuller of Troy, Janet and Ray Watts of Troy, Beth and Ron Parvu, and Marjorie Fuller, all of South Bend, Ind.; in-laws, Theodore and Wanda LeForge, Beth LeForge, Roberta LeForge, Martha LeForge, all of Lake City, and Mrs. Robert (Dorothy) LeForge of New York.

Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Central Wesleyan Church with burial in Lakewood Cemetery.

Visitation is 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Ave.

Memorials may be made to West Michigan Church Planting Fund of the Wesleyan Church or to the ALSA of West Michigan.

Visit www.lifestorynet.com for an online registry.

Death notification of Corwin M. Whittum

Corwin M. Whittum

MARION - Corwin M. Whittum (’57) of Tustin met his Savior on Jan. 2, 2007 as a result of an automobile accident. He was 71.

He was born Sept. 25, 1935 in Osceola County to Orson and Ida (Erdman) Whittum. He graduated form Tustin High School and Marion College (Indiana Wesleyan University) with a bachelor's of science degree. He later married Ruth Crim on Aug. 11, 1956 in Silver Lake, Ind. He also worked as a plastics and metals chemist, retiring from Tube Lite Inc. in Reed City.

He and his wife were actively involved in their local Wesleyan church. He was a quiet man of principle leaving behind a powerful witness of Christ's love. He was a great father and a proud grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Marcia (Lloyd) Woodard of Swayzee, Ind.; Julia (Rev. Jerry) Amstutz of Janesville, Wis.; Doreen (Tim) Crail of Portland, Ore.; and Cindy (Capt. David) Korman of Fort Hood, Texas; his grandchildren, Nathan (Tiffany), Joshua (Jennifer), Anna and Caleb Woodard, David and Rebecca Amstutz, Alana and Carter Crail, Abigail and Emily Korman; and one great-granddaughter, Audrey Woodard.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Whittum's services will be Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007 at 1 p.m. at the Dighton Wesleyan Church in Dighton. Officiating are Pastors Orson Deemer and Jerry Amstutz.

Visitation will be Friday evening at the church from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in the Sherman Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dighton Wesleyan Church, World Hope Relief Organization, Autumn Life Chaplaincy Ministry.

 

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

General Alumni News

Sunday December 24, 2006 // Student news

 

Lynnsay Jean Erskine, daughter of Lindsey and Lori Gudgeon of Boonsboro and wife of Benjamin Erskine, graduated April 29 from Indiana Wesleyan University.

 

A 2002 graduate of Boonsboro High School, Erskine graduated from IWU with Bachelor of Science degrees in photography and fine arts. She is employed with Portrait Corporation of America Inc. as a professional photographer and also does freelance photography.

 

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=154795&format=html

 

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Posted 11:11 AM December 20, 2006

Karst named Stony Creek principal

Heidi Karst, an assistant principal at Noblesville High School, began her career as a student teacher, instructional aide and then teacher at North Elementary.

 

The Noblesville Ledger

December 20, 2006

 

NOBLESVILLE -- Heidi Karst will be principal at Stony Creek Elementary School starting Jan. 9.

 

The Noblesville School Board approved the appointment Tuesday.

 

 

She replaces Bob McDaniel, who will take over at Noble Crossing Elementary when that school opens in August. McDaniel will work to help plan for that school's opening next semester, although he plans to work with Karst for a few weeks in January to aid in the transition.

 

"I'm so excited to become a part of the Stony Creek family," Karst said in a press release. "I'm looking forward to being able to learn from everyone there, from the veteran teachers to Mr. McDaniel, the students, and the parents. It's obvious that Stony Creek is a close-knit family and everyone there has a love for the school and a passion for education."

 

Karst is an assistant principal at Noblesville High School. She began her career as a student teacher, instructional aide and then teacher at North Elementary. Later, she was co-athletic director at NHS. She left Noblesville Schools for a year to serve as an assistant principal at Zionsville Middle School, but returned to Noblesville as assistant principal in July.

 

"She is a highly qualified individual who puts the needs of children first, and someone who will help lead our school to great accomplishments in the future," McDaniel said. "I look forward to working with her to make the transition here as smooth and seamless as possible."

 

Becoming an elementary school principal has been a lifelong goal for Karst, according to Noblesville Schools. "That's where my background, my training and my heart is," she said.

 

She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Purdue University, her master's degree in elementary education from Indiana University, and her administrative license from Indiana Wesleyan University.

 

Her husband, Richard Karst, teaches math at Westfield High School. The Karsts live in Noblesville with daughters Ellie, 4, and Addie, 20 months.

 

"Heidi Karst has been very successful in each of the roles she has played for Noblesville Schools and we have every confidence that she will be equally successful in her capacity at Stony Creek," said Superintendent Lynn Lehman.

 

http://www.thenoblesvilleledger.com/articles/7/082098-4717-111.html

 

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Chick-fil-A Hires New Manager; IWU ALUM

Chick-fil-A Opening Newest Stand-Alone Restaurant in Metro Indianapolis Dec. 14; First 100 Adults in Line at New Restaurant to Win Free Chick-fil-A for a Year

Chick-fil-A President to Camp Overnight at New Restaurant on US Hwy 31 in Westfield

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- December 13, 2006 -- Metro Indianapolis's newest Chick-fil-A restaurant, complete with a drive-thru service, a full breakfast menu and playground, will open Dec. 14, when Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy will help award $26,000 in free Chick-fil-A food to the first 100 adults in line that morning.

A one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A® Combo Meals (52 coupons) will be given away to each of the first 100 adults, age 18 and older with identification, at the new restaurant at 14647 US Hwy. 31 North in Westfield. The line can begin forming up to 24 hours prior to the opening, with the prizes being awarded on Dec. 14 between 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. The restaurant will open at 6:30 a.m.

"We've given away more than $4.2 million in free Chick-fil-A food since we launched the 'First 100 Fans' promotion in 2003 to celebrate each grand opening," said Cathy, son of the chain's founder Truett Cathy, who will spend the night outside with the crowd. "It's our way of thanking our raving fans who have supported Chick-fil-A and who continue to show their devotion by camping out in all kinds of weather conditions year-round, all across the country."

With overnight campers often arriving as early as 24 hours in advance and coming from hours away, the parking lot fills with tents, lawn chairs, and TVs while the crowd enjoys entertainment, games, food and even a midnight Chick-fil-A Icedream® party. "It becomes a big overnight tailgating party," said Cathy, who has camped out at more than 60 grand openings.

Troy Buchanan has been selected as the franchised operator of the new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Westfield. Buchanan, who holds bachelors and masters degrees from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, worked in human resources before joining Chick-fil-A. He and his wife, Jill, have a son, Clayton, and a daughter, Claire, and are looking forward to opening a stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant in their community.

"I'm very excited to be opening Westfield's new Chick-fil-A restaurant," Buchanan said. "We know our customers will enjoy the freshly prepared food and 'my pleasure' customer service."

The interior warm colors and wood accents of the new Westfield Chick-fil-A create a casual dining atmosphere that customers will appreciate, along with the conveniences of drive-thru service. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

QSR Magazine recently released its scores for the Best Drive-Thru in America Survey with the Chick-fil-A chain's overall composite scores placing it in the lead -- making it four out of the past five years that the chain has earned top rankings. Consumers indicated that accuracy and speed were some of the most important performance areas. Chick-fil-A was number one in the accuracy category with a 98 percent score; and despite Chick-fil-A adding four flavors of handspun milkshakes to its menu in May, the chain continued to show strong individual car speeds in the drive-thru with an average time of 44 seconds.

Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy is marking several milestones this year, including the 60th year anniversary of the opening of his first restaurant, the Dwarf Grill® in Hapeville, Ga., from which the Chick-fil-A chain was launched. Also, the third generation entered the Chick-fil-A business with Cathy's grandson becoming a restaurant Operator in St. Petersburg, Fla. in January. A second grandson will open a Chick-fil-A restaurant in San Marcos, Calif., on Dec. 6.

$2 Billion In Sales Reached

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc., the nation's second-largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain (based on sales), reached $2 billion in sales in late November for the first time. Currently with more than 1,280 restaurants in 37 states and Washington D.C., the company reported 2005 system-wide sales of more than $1.975 billion, resulting in a 13.1 percent increase over 2004 and a positive 5.87 percent same-store sales performance. The chain will add more than 72 locations in 2006, including 63 stand-alone restaurants.

Credited with inventing the boneless breast of chicken sandwich and first introducing the chicken nugget concept, Chick-fil-A serves nutritious and freshly prepared food products in mall locations, stand-alone restaurants, drive-thru-only restaurants, Chick-fil-A Dwarf House and Truett's Grill full-service restaurants, and through licensed outlets in college campuses, hospitals, airports, businesses and industrial sites. Information about Chick-fil-A is available on the chain's websites, located at www.chick-fil-a.com, www.chick-fil-apressroom.com or www.truettcathy.com.


 

Contact:
Brenda Green
Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Email Contact
404.765.8064
404.272.9381 (cell)
 
Cindy Chapman
CP Communications Inc.
Email Contact
678.546.0494
678.858.1325 (cell)
 

SOURCE:  Chick-fil-A