IDVA is now taking applications for our 2024 Event Sponsorship Program. 

The IDVA Event Sponsorship Program (ESP) is dedicated to providing sponsorship dollars for veteran-oriented events across the state. The ESP will provide up to $500 in sponsorship money for an event the applicant is hosting. The goal is to provide funds to ensure a local non-profit can host their event or to enable them to enhance their event. The organization must have an established plan, committee and mission, one that focuses on bringing services, resources and/or benefits to Indiana’s veteran community.

IDVA will provide our resources to help advertise your event and would like to have the opportunity to attend the event to promote state and federal veteran benefits and the statewide network of County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO).

Any non-profit can apply for the ESP.  The specific event associated with the application must be honoring or celebrating the Indiana veteran community.

Please complete the application form and submit with required documents at least (60) days prior to your event. (*Only one application for the full amount of $500 per fiscal year, per organization will be considered. Current fiscal year is July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.)

As a result of Indiana’s positive detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in LaGrange County this April, Indiana DNR has restricted moving deer from any CWD Positive Area for rehabilitation purposes.

With the change, an individual who finds an orphaned, sick, or injured deer in a CWD Positive Area may only surrender the deer to a DNR-permitted wild animal rehabilitator that is located within a CWD Positive Area. This restriction is to help minimize the spread of CWD to new parts of the state, as deer can carry this disease without appearing sick.

Currently, there is one CWD Positive Area in Indiana. It includes LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and DeKalb counties. While no CWD positive deer have been documented in Steuben, Noble, or DeKalb counties, those counties are considered part of the CWD Positive Area because of their proximity to where the state’s first CWD-positive deer was found in LaGrange County.

During their first few weeks of life, fawns often hide by themselves and stay motionless to avoid predators while the mother is looking for food. If you find a fawn alone, you can help it by letting it be, giving it space, and leaving the area. Its mother is likely nearby.

August 1, 2024 (INDIANAPOLIS) — If you’re an Indiana maker of something cool or know a company that is, spread the word: There’s a big opportunity to show off your wares and get called out in the best possible way.

The Indiana Chamber’s fourth annual Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana competition is back and combines the state’s proud manufacturing tradition and passion for basketball. Applications for this year’s competition are now being accepted.

New this year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is joined by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation(IDDC) in putting on the program. 

“With the IDDC’s ‘IN Indiana’ marketing campaign, the partnership between their organization and ours to grow and promote this exciting competition and the companies that compete in it just makes so much sense,” says Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO. 

“We’re truly excited to put a brighter spotlight on this popular and fun contest but also the makers that are so important to Indiana’s economy. The fact that such a variety of great companies are flourishing here demonstrates how fertile Indiana is for growing a business.”

A revamped Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana logo highlights the new contest partnership and includes the IDDC’s IN Indiana campaign branding.

“Partnering with the Indiana Chamber's Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana tournament is a perfect way to celebrate innovation IN Indiana,” emphasizes Elaine Bedel, IDDC secretary and CEO. “Showcasing Indiana’s talent and premiere craftsmanship are two of the many reasons why the ‘IN Indiana’ identifier and overall campaign align with and elevate this initiative. We are honored to be able to highlight the individuals and organizations that are so vital to the story we tell.”

With the new IDDC partnership, the competitors are sure to get more recognition for their participation and success in the contest than ever. Not only will the IDDC use its social media and other statewide platforms to blast out the news of the tournament, the state agency also will produce high-quality videos featuring the eight quarterfinalists and their cool products. 
The IDDC has produced several popular video series over the last few years, including “Hoosiers by Choice” and the award-winning “Home Again” series. The videos for the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana competition will be available to the quarterfinalists to promote their award and market their company via their social media and other channels.

Entries are being accepted for the Hoosier Hysteria-style single elimination tournament at www.indianachamber.com/coolest. Entry is free, and nominations will be accepted through October 18.

To participate, a company does not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but the product entered must be made in the state. Businesses are limited to having one product nominated.

Online fan voting determines the winner of each matchup. The tournament tips off in late October and concludes in November.

Last year, Hoosier Racing Tire was crowned as the producer of the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana for its racing tire. Janus Motorcycles of Goshen took top honors in the inaugural competition, and in 2022 the Chamber honored Maple Leaf Farms of Leesburg for its roast half duck.

All competitors will get a digital badge to trumpet their participation through their website and social media channels. Quarterfinalists, semifinalists and finalists will receive a special badge to celebrate the accomplishment. The winning company will receive a feature article in the Indiana Chamber’s BizVoice® magazine. Awards for the top finishers will be presented at the 2024 Best IN Manufacturing Awards Luncheon on December 11 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

The Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana and Indiana Best Places to Work in Manufacturing programs are supported by spirit sponsor Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP); gold sponsor Kalenborn Abresist Corporation; and silver sponsors Evonik Tippecanoe Laboratories and Martor USA.

Pictured above is the Indiana Grown Marketplace at the 2023 Indiana State Fair.

ABOUT INDIANA GROWN
Indiana Grown is administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture in partnership with the lieutenant governor’s office. The initiative educates consumers on the importance of buying Indiana Grown products, helps Indiana farmers and producers sell more products and supports Indiana businesses in their efforts to process more Indiana Grown products. Indiana Grown members and partners include farmers, producers, processors and artisans, as well as retailers, grocers, hospitals and restaurants. For more information, visit indianagrown.org.