"We are excited to welcome Wes to our Board," said D. Joe Caffee, president and CEO of First State Bank. "His extensive experience in strategic leadership and his dedication to supporting local communities make him an excellent fit for our organization. Wes has consistently demonstrated an ability to navigate complex challenges and drive long-term success. We are confident he will provide invaluable insights as we continue to grow and serve our customers."
Throughout his career, Herschberger has been at the forefront of innovation in the IT services sector. He founded MapleTronics in 1992, expanding it into a leading provider of managed IT services across several states. His leadership has guided the company through significant growth, mergers, and the development of service lines such as Guard EN, Get Covered, TorQ, and CyberShield, which focus on stability and cybersecurity for small businesses and large organizations alike.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Herschberger is a community advocate, the release reads. He actively serves on the boards of the Goshen Health Foundation, Greencroft Communities, and Maple Grove Community Church, and has previously contributed to numerous organizations, including the Horizon Education Alliance and Boys & Girls Club.
"I'm honored to join First State Bank's board and to contribute to an institution that has such a rich history of serving the community," Herschberger said. "Although my background has been focused on the tech industry, I'm excited to bring my experience in leadership and problem-solving to the table as we continue to grow First State Bank's commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer service."
Thor Motor Coach shares new Class B Motorhomes at SuperShow
ELKHART -- Thor Motor Coach unveiled its latest Class B motorhomes at the 2025 Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Florida, which began Wednesday and continues through Sunday.
Thor has had a lineup of over 70 units at the Tampa RV Show, from camper vans and Class C RVs to luxurious Class A models and powerful diesel motorhomes.
-- Tranquility 4A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van -- AWD for Any Adventure
INOVA Federal donates $3,000 American Cancer Society
ELKHART -- The team at INOVA Federal recently presented a check for $3,000 to the American Cancer Society. The funds were a culmination of INOVA's participation to the Making Strides fundraiser. The INOVA team was led this year by Joan Keller, director of Partnership Branches. INOVA has been raising money to Making Strides for over nine years.
"I am so proud to be part of the INOVA team," Keeler said. "It's so rewarding to be in a position to fundraise for such an amazing cause."
Lake City Bank's Pruitt elected to Federal Reserve board
WARSAW -- Kristin L. Pruitt, president of Lake City Bank, has been elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Board of Directors for a three-year term from 2025-2027.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is part of the Federal Reserve System and serves the 7th Federal Reserve District, which comprises Iowa and most of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago fosters economic opportunity by advancing a healthy economy and promoting a trusted financial system, contributes to the formulation and implementation of national monetary policy, supervises and regulates designated financial institutions, and provides financial services to depository institutions and the U.S. government.
"It's an absolute privilege to serve on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Board of Directors," Pruitt said. "I look forward to working closely with the board and leveraging my insights to help strengthen partnerships among financial institutions and continue to build upon our strong Midwest economy."
"The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Board of Directors serves a critical role in our Midwest region and Kristin will bring valuable economic development and banking perspectives from our diverse Indiana communities to the board," said David M. Findlay, CEO and chairman.
Pruitt has served as president of Lake City Bank since 2023. She also serves on boards of directors of Lakeland Financial and Lake City Bank. She joined the bank in 2008 as senior vice president and general counsel and was promoted to executive vice president and general counsel in 2014 and to chief administrative officer in 2019.
Pruitt is active as a board member with organizations including the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority, Community Investment Fund of Indiana, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor.
Surf Internet celebrates 25 years
ELKHART -- Surf Internet, a leader in fiber-optic broadband, is celebrating "25 Years of Pioneering Connectivity."
Over the years, the company has grown and now delivers high-speed fiber-optic internet to more than 600 communities, including 150 school systems, in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan.
"Surf's journey has been one of pioneering connectivity innovations," said Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet. "I am thankful for our team members, customers, and friends who have supported us over the past 25 years. Together, we have built something truly unique that is making a meaningful difference in the world."
Founded as MapleNet Inc., a small dial-up internet service provider, Surf Air Wireless emerged in 2015 as the next phase of its evolution. By 2019, Surf launched its first fiber-optic internet services, culminating in a rebrand to Surf Internet in 2022. Today, Surf serves over 50,000 customers and is powered by a workforce of more than 300 employees.
Surf's progress has been bolstered by over $57 million in grant funding, alongside private equity investments from Bain Capital and Post Road Group and a $200 million debt facility led by DigitalBridge Credit. These resources have fueled Surf's mission to expand broadband access to underserved areas.
Billy Boldt Jr. named owner/operator of McDonald's in Nappanee
NAPPANEE -- Billy Boldt Jr., a longtime member of the McDonald's family, has officially become the owner/operator of the McDonald's restaurant in Nappanee, located at 1540 E. Market St.
Boldt brings over 30 years of experience in the industry, having grown up working in the family business.
Boldt's journey with McDonald's began at the age of 9, when his father, a McDonald's franchisee, gave him his first job at the family-owned restaurant in Utah.
"I started working in the gardens, washing windows, and doing all the small tasks that nobody else wanted to do. From there, I worked my way up," Boldt said.
Over the years, Boldt has worked in almost every capacity within the business, from maintenance to swing management.
Before taking on his new role as owner/operator, Boldt served in numerous leadership positions, including as a general manager and supervisor for several McDonald's locations in Indiana. His experience also extends to technology, having earned an associate's degree in software engineering, which has played a key role in enhancing operational efficiencies and implementing IT solutions across the restaurants he's managed.
"Being in the McDonald's business is more than just flipping burgers -- it's about creating meaningful relationships, whether with customers or employees," Boldt said. "I want my employees to feel respected and valued. I lead by example, whether that means working alongside my team or listening to their feedback."
He has already joined the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce and is eager to build lasting partnerships.
"We've had a great relationship with the Nappanee community over the years," Boldt said. "I'm excited to be here, serve the community, and contribute to its growth. I'm here for the long haul. I want to build something that lasts and continues to serve this community for generations to come."
Matthews named chief business services officer at INOVA Federal
ELKHART -- INOVA Federal has announced the hiring of Nick Matthews as its chief business services officer.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Matthews is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in finance. Most recently a vice president of business banking at First State Bank of Middlebury, Matthews has 18 years of experience in the financial industry, including seven years with Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and five years with 1st Source Bank.
Matthews will oversee INOVA's overall business lending, deposit, and operation departments as well as growth strategies, while continuing INOVA's commitment to building partnerships within the community.
Matthews is also on the Board of the South Bend Business Development Corporation.
Gen-Y reports Hitch reports profits
NAPPANEE -- Gen-Y Hitch is reporting a 40% year-over-year (YOY) growth in overall sales for the 2024 fiscal year. In addition, the towing solutions company reports a 90%+ YOY growth in sales for its Executive 5th wheel line.
The Executive line, launched as a high-end offering designed to meet the needs of RV enthusiasts, has resonated strongly with customers, a statement from Gen-Y reads.
"We are absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming demand and the loyal support of our customers, which have propelled our extraordinary growth," said Carl Borkholder, founder and managing partner of Gen-Y Hitch.
The company also reports the release of seven new products in 2024 and expansion with a new powder coating facility as highlights of the year.
Welch Packaging names Jessie Agostino as CFO
ELKHART -- Welch Packaging Group Inc. has named Gesumino "Jessie" Agostino as chief financial officer.
Agostino has prior experience in a family-owned, entrepreneurial business with multiple nation-wide locations and will be responsible for finance, accounting, banking, risk management and legal functions.
Agostino was previously CFO at Schurz Communications Inc., beginning in internal audit and progressing to corporate controller before becoming CFO. At Schurz, he was responsible for all financial functions, including financing, strategic planning, capital allocation, forecasting, budgeting, accounting, reporting and business analysis. He also led the IT and risk management groups.
"Jessie brings a wealth of financial and business acumen to Welch Packaging," stated M. Scott Welch, president of Welch Packaging. "His rich entrepreneurial and leadership experience will serve Welch and our constituents well as we continue to deliver the Ultimate Corrugated Experience to customers."
Agostino has bachelor's and master's degrees both in business administration from the University of Notre Dame.
Lake City Bank welcomes Melanie L. Farr as chief fiduciary officer
WARSAW -- Lake City Bank has announced Melanie L. Farr as senior vice president, chief fiduciary officer.
"Melanie's legal career in trust and estate matters and her trust administration experience make her a great fit as our Chief Fiduciary Officer. Working with our great Wealth Advisory team, she will be an excellent resource for our clients," said David M. Findlay, chairman and CEO.
Farr began her career in trust administration in 2023. Previously, she practiced law for 25 years at HallerColvin in Fort Wayne. She has a juris doctor degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and a bachelor's degree from Defiance College.
"Melanie is a tremendous addition to our Wealth Advisory Group. Her leadership and depth of knowledge will help grow our strong trust and fiduciary services," said Carrie A. Gutman, senior vice president, chief wealth advisory officer.
Farr is a member of the Indiana, Ohio and Allen County bar associations. She served as past president of the Allen County Bar Association (ACBA) and past chairperson of the Probate, Trust and Tax Section of the ACBA.