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From the Desk of Don Schulte...

I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone for their support during my time as Executive Director for WestGate@Crane Technology Park. I will be leaving the Executive Director post after November 30, 2015. It has been a pleasure to work with all the organizations and individuals in our region and in the state of Indiana. I cannot begin to name everyone that helped me as I transitioned from federal employment into the world outside the fence, but I have to say thank you to Becky Skillman, MG Cliff Tooley, Duane Embree, Chad Pittman and Samantha Nelson for their patience, guidance and support. As I transition into the next chapter of my career I hope to add value to the great regional opportunities we have here in our area on a part-time basis.

Sincerely,
Donald Schulte
    
Don Schulte
Executive Director
WestGate@Crane Technology Park

Donald P. Schulte's technology and logistics civilian career spans 36 years with Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division.  He served as the Executive Director of WestGate@Crane Technology Park starting in April 2013. Before his retirement in February 2013 and his subsequent formal appointment as Executive Director for WestGate, Schulte served as the NSWC Crane Director of Engagement, coming from his prior post as Director of the Acquisition and Extended Enterprise.  The latter department housed all contracting functions and was a catalyst for strategic partnerships (public and private) for the southern Indiana military laboratory and technical facility.

In July 2013, there were nearly 600 employees in the technology park. Under Don Schulte, there are currently more than 800 employees at the WestGate@Crane.

The Lock & Key Coworking Space
WestGate@Crane Technology Park launches coworking space, The Lock & Key.

The Lock & Key coworking collaborative workspace launches at WestGate Academy in WestGate@Crane Technology Park.
The Lock & Key is strategically located in WestGate@Crane Technology Park just outside of NSWC Crane and easily accessible by the neighboring tri-county area. The Lock & Key is a space for people to work individually or meet clients in a collaborative environment.  

Executive Director of WestGate@Crane Technology Park Don Schulte believes opening this space is a step in the right direction in order to further develop the region.

"Collaborating, building relationships, and networking are essential elements that support business development and allow businesses to thrive. WestGate@Crane wants to help be a regional catalyst for business success and we want our new Lock & Key coworking space to be another piece of the puzzle to promote business in our region."

The Lock & Key is part of  Indiana Coworking Passport program , where members from all of Indiana's participating coworking spaces can connect across the state. The Lock & Key is also listed on  Bloomington's Switchboard .

According to Harvard Business Review article, " Why People Thrive in Coworking Spaces ," people who are active in coworking spaces are happier compared to those who work at a typical office space.

"...a s researchers who have, for years, studied how employees thrive , we were surprised to discover that people who belong to them report levels of thriving that approach an average of 6 on a 7-point scale . This is at least a point higher than the average for employees who do their jobs in regular offices..."

The article states there are three reasons why people 'thrive' in coworking spaces: people who use coworking spaces see their work as meaningful, they have more job control, and they feel part of a community.  

At The Lock & Key, we aim to provide this community space for the region.

The Lock & Key provides daily, monthly, and yearly membership rates. High school and college students receive a discounted membership price. Members receive high-speed wireless internet, Starbucks coffee, print/copy machine access, domestic phone calls, parking, and access to WestGate@Crane Technology events. The Lock & Key will be open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 4:0 PM.

In the future, The Lock & Key will have a new home in a 10,000 square foot room in WestGate Academy.

For more information visit The Lock & Key webpage: http://westgatecrane.com/thelockandkey/ 

Group of Organizations Host Business, Entrepreneurship Open Hours at WestGate Academy
A collaboration of organizations held open hours at WestGate Academy from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 17.

The organizations in attendance were:
  • Small Business Advocate and T2 at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane (NSWC Crane), 

Executive Director for Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech Steve Bryant enjoyed the event.

"I was here for the first time to learn about new connections we can make for our clients and learn about other resources from the other providers here at WestGate. This was great. We appreciate you all hosting it and look forward to more activity."

Director of Opportunity Development at University of Southern Indiana Daniela Vidal said the open hours were beneficial.

"It's a really good idea. It's a good way to connect resources, get to know each other better, get to know what we have to offer, and then obviously have  it open to the community to come in and take advantage of what's available in the region. The morning was well spent. We had some great conversations, made some connections that can yield some interesting projects. The more we can get people to talk, the more ideas can grow and taken to action."

These organizations will host public open hours at WestGate Academy on a regular basis. If you are interested in learning from one or more of these organizations, kick off the new year with them Tuesday, January 19 for their first 2016 open hours.

New Business Opens at WestGate@Crane Technology Park
New Business Joins Ranks with 30 + others at WestGate@Crane Technology Park.

Right Choice Drug and Alcohol Testing is WestGate@Crane's newest company. Right Choice joins over 30 small businesses and Fortune 500 companies located in the technology park.

Right Choice DAT provides drug and alcohol testing, drug-free workplace program assistance, and DNA Paternity and Genealogy testing. Right Choice originally opened doors in Terre Haute in 2004, and with their recent contract with NSWC Crane they believe WestGate@Crane is the perfect place to do business.

Owners Terry and Bettina Whittington look forward to offering their services to this region.

"We are excited to be here in the Crane and WestGate Community. We hope the services we offer can help those around, and we have other services we'd like to bring to the surrounding area when they are needed," says Terry.

"We probably see around 80 to 90 people a day in our Terre Haute office, and we'd love to see that here," says Bettina.

Bettina says there are a lot of customers, especially in the tri-county area, who would have to travel far to receive the testing Right Choice provides. She says having an office at WestGate@Crane will save her customers time, money, and energy.

Right Choice is located in the former WestGate@Crane Child Development Center on SGM Gene Shaw Technology Drive in the technology park. For more information, you can email: crane@rightchoicedat.com
CTE Summit a Success at WestGate Academy

LT. Governor Sue Ellspermann Applauds Region 8 Works Council Career Technical Education (CTE) Summit Held At WestGate Academy

Nearly 500 students learned from 30 businesses and schools at the CTE Summit. Students from 14 high schools in 7 different counties participated in the event. The Indiana Region 8 Works Council announced the 2nd Annual CTE Summit held at WestGate Academy Friday, November 13th.

The Indiana Works councils were created to further the ideals of technical training options which encourage all students to achieve by providing opportunity for success whether they want to go to college, learn a trade, or start their career right out of high school. The councils work to provide a path to skill attainment and employment that involves the secondary and postsecondary educational system, which are the biggest areas of public investment producing the largest numbers of talent supply for a region.  

This year's pathways include expanded offerings such as Advanced Manufacturing, IT & Health Services, and Engineering & Defense.  Representatives from each of these fields were available to hold candid discussions with students about their own careers, while sharing pros, cons, and tips for success.

A self-described "STEMinist," Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann applauded the event saying, "Almost all of the 30 fastest growing occupations in the next decade will require at least some background in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). CTE is an important tool in building the STEM workforce pipeline.  Experiences such as these connect education to the workplace, helping students build more direct career pathways to in-demand careers."  

The Region 8 Works Council "CTE Summit 2015," was developed in partnership with the Monroe County Community School Corporation, Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, Indiana University, Indiana State University, the Center for Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL), Radius Indiana; and Indiana Region 8 employers, including Duke Energy, MSP Aviation, TASUS, Jasper Engines and STIMULUS Engineering.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with local business to learn more about the opportunities available for the future careers, as well as the types of education, training, and soft skills needed to build careers with these companies.  

"Student success is bolstered when they are given the educational tools they need to build prosperous, successful futures through high school studies that better prepare them for twenty-first century careers," said Christi McBride,
Assistant Director of the Hoosier Hills Career Center.  

"The CTE Summit helps students explore careers and strengthen skills relevant to regional opportunities. "

Presentations were made by various CTE students highlighting their skills alongside postsecondary and business/industry partners in connection with industry cluster career pathways.  

Freshmen through seniors had the opportunity to engage in mock interviews and meet with college, university and industry representatives specific to region 8 counties, which include Brown, Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange and Owen counties.

Key items students need to know when seeking careers will also be covered, including topics such as soft skills, mock interviews, resume writing, financial aid/scholarship search, IVY Tech-ASAP, Vincennes-CNC, STEM Premier, and a 4-year college panel.

"Business and postsecondary education have found a common cause in the preparation of a highly skilled workforce to build economic opportunity," said Cary Bledsoe, COO of STIMULUS Engineering, a partner in coordinating the event.  "As a part of the business community at WestGate and within this region, we're honored to collaborate with education and industry partners to find ways to open doors, invigorate young minds, and help provide more direct pathways to in-demand careers in high-growth industries. 
Events such as these provide an opportunity to improve the economic environment of the community." 

President & CEO of Purdue Research Foundation Visits WestGate Authority Board, WestGate@Crane Technology Park
President and CEO of Purdue Research Foundation Dan Hasler visited the WestGate Authority Board at the public board meeting October 13 to discuss future opportunities for WestGate@Crane Technology Park.

Hasler introduced himself to Martin, Greene, and Daviess county board members: John Mensch, Don Bowling, Phil O'Haver,  Ray Crawford, Jim Weimer, Floyd 'Lonnie' Hawkins, Jim Henry,   Natalie Smith, Brian Sparks, and
 Elaine Wellman.

Board members and meeting attendees were excited about the potential Purdue partnership that could expand the tech park as well as the region.  

The Purdue Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports Purdue University, but also supports startups and business incubation. For more information visit their website: http://prf.org/prf-about

Daviess County Chamber Banquet Held at WestGate Academy

Thursday, October 15 - CRANE - While the guest speaker on Thursday night encouraged the crowd at the annual Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Corporation joint banquet to "train their brains for success," several folks in the room were deemed successful in their fields as they were showered with service awards for their achievements.

Cindy Barber, founder of the Leadership Daviess County program, received the Hagel Award, while Bill Dobson of Dobson Ford received the Business of the Year honor. Dave Smith, president of the First National Bank of Odon, received the Art Boddy Award, and Mike Axsom, longtime park superintendent with Daviess-Martin County Joint Parks and Recreation Department, overseeing West Boggs and Glendale Fish and Wildlife was named the Lucille Dillon Tourism Award winner.

Samantha Bobbitt, executive director of the Daviess County Chamber, told the crowd, "It's hard to believe that I have been in this position for four years. The time has flown and we are just beginning on that wild ride that the opening of I-69 will put us on."

Chairman of the Daviess County Economic Development Board Tony Graber highlighted the recent accomplishments in regards to economic development in the area. "We hope to have a big announcement in the future." Graber said. "Without the support of county and city officials much of the recent success would not have been possible."

Currently the board is coordinating efforts for repairs to the overhead bridge on 15th Street in Washington, but recently had success in helping to raise private funds for the a portion of the paving on CR 1200E, in acquiring of the former REMC property near I-69, a new 5,000 square foot warehouse for Alliance Barrier Films, paving of Odon's Main Street, constructing a shell-rail siding site near I-69, and is also now studying the feasibility for new 4-H grounds/amphitheater near the interstate as well.

"We're here to support a lot of endeavors," Graber said.


To read the rest of the article, visit the Washington Times Herald article

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