Community Forum for Economic Development

Jan. 17: Community Forum Meeting on "Right to Work -- More than a Union Issue"

A MESSAGE FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FORUM FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The topic of January's CFED meeting is "Right to Work -- More Than a Union Issue"

When: January 17, 2012 at 7 PM

Where: LaSalle Branch Library, 3232 West Ardmore Trail, South Bend

This year, the Indiana General Assembly will consider a "Right to Work" bill that, if passed, will reduce the ability of unions to bargain with employers and negotiate contracts. The wages and benefits of union workers will decrease, but so will the wages and benefits of all workers.  Workers with lower wages will buy fewer goods and services from local businesses and, as a result, local businesses and local employment will suffer.  Workers with lower wages will pay lower taxes to local governments and, as a result, tax rates on everyone will increase or else education and other needed services will have to be cut back. 

Despite claims from right-to-work advocates, businesses will not be attracted to communities in Indiana that have lower wages, struggling local businesses, declining employment, higher taxes, and declining public amenities.  Economic development in Indiana will suffer.

Our January 17th meeting will provide an opportunity for public discussion of the position we've summarized above, as well as other questions and predictions about the consequences of Indiana becoming a Right to Work state.  Newspapers throughout Indiana have already printed numerous news articles and public commentary about the issue.  That will surely continue and increase, especially after the January 4th opening session.  Opponents on both sides are mobilizing support.  This issue is central to the CFED mission of promoting economic development, the process of increasing living standards and opportunities for area residents.  We intend for the January 17th meeting to provide for an opportunity to "shine the light" on "Right to Work."

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED NOW?

- The AFL-CIO is reaching out to people around the state to get them to call their State House Representative to ask them to oppose the Bosma and Daniels plan.  

A phone bank has been set up at the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council Office, 2015 Western Ave. Room 209 (Marycrest Building) in South Bend, daily from 1 - 7 PM.

Contact Tony Flora, nalc330@sbcglobal.net, 277-3062, to schedule your participation.

- Buses will travel from South Bend to Indianapolis on Wednesday, January 4 and Thursday, January 5 carrying local residents to a rally opposing the "Right to Work" legislation.

    Call the AFL-CIO CLC office, 532-2772, for more information.

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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY ACTIVITIES              

- "A Little Taste of Peace"

Saturday, January 14, 2012, 6:15 - 9:15 PM, Islamic Society of Michiana, RSVP requested

For complete information, Download 2012 Little taste of peace flyer

- Community Service Recognition Breakfast

Monday, January 16, 2012, 7:30 - 9 AM, South Bend Century Center

Keynote speaker: Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor-Elect of Gary and the first African American female mayor in Indiana. She is also a former director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.  Her theme is Education: Key to the Dream.  

Tickets for the Breakfast are $25.  If you plan to attend and want to sit with other CFED members, contact Glenn Williams at 261-2117, glennwilliams@comcast.net.

- Day of Celebration at the Century Center

Monday, January 16, 2012 - Following the Breakfast, activities are planned throughout the day, including information tables for local organizations and businesses.  If you can spend an hour or two at the CFED information table, contact Teresa Marcy at 272-3089, tmarcy@saintmarys.edu.

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VITA (VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE) PROGRAM WILL SOON BEGIN!

Volunteers are still needed -- we need more "greeters," "screeners," and assistance with outreach.

For more information about the program, including dates, times and locations, visit www.uwsjc.org/vita.

To read why the Community Forum actively supports this program, click on the page on the right, "Why we support VITA."

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Dec 6: A Holiday Greeting and News from the Community Forum

The CFED Board of Directors sends our best wishes to all of you.  The year 2011 is drawing to a close.  We have prepared a summary of last year's programs and projects:  Download 2011 Review of CFED

At our November meeting, seven Board members were reelected for two year terms: Jose Arevalo, Hardie Blake, Tony Flora, Teresa Marcy, Murray Miller,Kimber Sorenson-Brugh, and James Summers.  They join Chuck Bradford, Marvin Crayton, John Hagen, Tonia Ladner, Dave Vollrath, Glenn Williams, Linda Wolfson and Marty Wolfson to make up the fifteen member Board of Directors of the Community Forum for Economic Development.  You can learn more about each of these Board members here: Download 2012 Board of CFED

The Community Forum meets on the third Tuesday of each month, usually at the LaSalle Branch Library.  We will not meet in December.  Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - at 7 pm.  Please mark your calendar and watch for additional details about the program for that evening.

Finally, we encourage all who agree with our mission statement to join the Community Forum and contributed financially to our work.  All current memberships are due for renewal.  In the future, 

memberships will cover a calendar year.  If you are interested in joining the Community Forum, please fill out this membership application Download 2012 membership application and send it with your dues to CFED, P.O. Box 11082, South Bend, IN 46634.

Nov 15: Forum on the Jobs Crisis

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, THE COMMUNITY FORUM FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WILL JOIN WITH SIX OTHER MICHIANA ORGANIZATIONS TO SPONSOR:

The Jobs Crisis & The Threat to Our Living Standards

WHAT WILL BE DISCUSSED:

What caused this economic crisis?

Is President Obama's jobs plan what we need?

Can jobs be created for the long-term unemployed and minority youth?

Is taxing the rich "class warfare"?

How do attacks on unions (such as "right-to-work" laws and limits on project labor agreements) impact all working people?

WHAT CAN WE DO?

WHEN: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 7 pm

WHERE: TEAMSTERS LOCAL 364 HALL, 2405 Edison Road, South Bend (east of Ironwood)

WHO:

Speaker - Marty Wolfson, University of Notre Dame economist and Director of the Higgins Labor Studies Program

Community Panel - 

Tony Flora, Secretary, AFL-CIO Central Labor Council and Board Member of the Community Forum for Economic Development

Bechy Ruvalcaba, Director, La Casa de Amistad

Glenn Williams, President, Michiana African-American Chamber of Commerce

   SPONSORS: Community Forum for Economic for Economic Development

Higgins Labor Studies Program, University of Notre Dame

La Casa de Amistad

Michiana African-American Chamber of Commerce

North Central Indiana AFL-CIO Central Labor Council

South Bend NAACP

Teamsters Local 364

Black-and-white flyer: Download Jobs Crisis 11.18.11 bw

Color flyer: Download Jobs Crisis 11.15.11 Flyer color

Oct 15: Urban Garden Market

THERE'LL BE MUSIC THIS SATURDAY AT THE URBAN GARDEN MARKET...

From 10 a.m. until Noon, Kathleen Jewel and her friend Linda Hulse will play dulcimer duets.

The market opens at 9 a.m and closes at 1 p.m.  Plenty of time to shop for vegetables, fruit, baked treats or barbecue and more -- including pumpkins and gourds.

THE MARKET IS LOCATED AT 1025 N. BENDIX DR. IN SOUTH BEND, 2 BLOCKS SOUTH OF LWW.

It provides fresh produce direct from producers in a friendly, open-air environment; and backyard gardeners and small farmers with a direct market for their goods.

The Market is open on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 22.  For more information about the Market: urbangardenmarket@gmail.com

Oct 18: Community Forum Meeting on proposed increased electric bills and reduced funding for heating assistance for low-income families

UTILITY COSTS: HARD TIMES MAY GET HARDER FOR INDIANA RESIDENTS!

 

Residential electric bills may increase by 22.7% for Indiana residents if I & M is granted a rate increase by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.  Meanwhile, the Energy Assistance Program could lose up to 50% of its federal funding, drastically cutting heating assistance for low-income families.

 

These threats to the economic well being of our community will be the focus of a public meeting on

Tuesday, October 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the

Charles Martin Youth Center

914 Lincoln Way West, South Bend 

 

Kerwin Olson, Interim Executive Director of Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, will provide information and lead a discussion of the proposed electricity rate hike.  That hike could take effect as early as a year from now.  According to I & M, a typical residential customer will see a monthly increase of $20 on their electric bill.

 

Dawn Chapla, Director of Labor and Financial Stability at the United Way of St. Joseph County will discuss the impact of cuts in federal funding for energy assistance programs for low income families and will describe how local residents can obtain help through the United Way's privately funded "Team Heat" program.

 

 

Oct 6: Upcoming Events

1. This week at the Urban Garden Market - 

Only three more Market Saturdays for the season!  Lynn Joyce will be making beignets this Saturday, Jim will have plenty of pulled pork, and the Butternut Squash Community Garden will have a special: "$1. off for a package of six" squash, easy to store for winter use.  Jason will bring plenty of pumpkins and gourds for your Halloween decorating needs and the rest of our regular vendors will bring their usual offerings -- vegetables, fruit, cookies, home-made bread, pickles and jams, etc.

THE URBAN GARDEN MARKET AT LASALLE SQUARE IS LOCATED AT 1025 N. BENDIX DR. IN SOUTH BEND, 2 BLOCKS SOUTH OF LWW.

It provides fresh produce direct from producers in a friendly, open-air environment; and backyard gardeners and small farmers with a direct market for their goods.

The Market is open on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 22.  For more information about the Market: urbangardenmarket@gmail.com

2. South Bend Common Councilman Henry Davis will host a "Second District Summit."

When: Saturday, October 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St. SB, Humphreys Multimedia Room

The event is open to the general public.  Seating is limited.  To reserve a seat, Contract Councilman Davis at 574-235-5983

3.  

Election 2011 Candidate Debates and Forum

Mishawaka Mayoral Debate
Monday October 10th 6:00pm -7:30pm
IU South Bend Wiekamp
Room 1001

South Bend Common Council At-Large Candidate Forum
Thursday October 20th 6:00pm - 7:30pm
IU South Bend Northside Hall
Room 113

South Bend Mayoral Debate
Thursday October 27th 6:00pm - 7:30pm
IU South Bend Student Activities Center
Rooms 221-225

Sponsored by the American Democracy Project, the Political Science Club of IU South Bend, and the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area.

4. Taste of Unity Harvest Event/Silent Auction/ Tapas Dinner: 

A Fundraiser for Unity Gardens

 

Tuesday, Oct 11th 4pm-8pm

The Jewish Federation

  3202 Shalom Way South Bend, IN 46615

Tickets are on sale for $25.  You may purchase them through the Unity Gardens website, theunitygardens.blogspot.com/, by mail at PO Box 10022, SB46680, or call 315-4361.

Visit the website for additional information about the fundraiser or for information about Unity Gardens Fall classes.

Sept. 29: Upcoming Events

1. Business Planning Workshop

When: Saturday, October 1, 2011 -- from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Sample Street Business Complex, 3702 W. Sample St. Suite 106, SB IN 46619

Sponsored by: The Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame

      Michiana African American Chamber of Commerce

      100 Black Men of Greater South Bend

The workshop will address such questions as:

• How do you know if your idea is a good idea?

• What are the components of a good business plan?

• How do you perform market research?

• How do you perform a competitive analysis for your market segment?

• How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

• How do you market during a down economy?

In addition, MBA, undergraduate students, and faculty advisors will be on hand to work one-on-one with entrepreneurs.  This is more than a workshop, but a way to meet other entrepreneurs, talk to local community leaders, and have the opportunity to work with business students on a particular business issue.  A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.  Seating is limited.  Please call the Notre Dame Community Relations Office at 631-3249 by Friday, September 30 to register.

2. This week at the Urban Garden Market

There are only 4 market days left this season!  It's not too early to think of Christmas shopping or hostess gifts for Thanksgiving get-togethers.  Rosemary's pickles, mustards and relishes and Jean's jams and preserves would make great gifts.

The Butternut Squash Community Garden will return to the Market this week with their delicious and nutritious butternut squash.  We should have sweet corn available but this is the last week, for sure.

THE URBAN GARDEN MARKET AT LASALLE SQUARE IS LOCATED AT 1025 N. BENDIX DR. IN SOUTH BEND, 2 BLOCKS SOUTH OF LWW.

It provides fresh produce direct from producers in a friendly, open-air environment; and backyard gardeners and small farmers with a direct market for their goods.

The Market is open on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 22.  For more information about the Market: urbangardenmarket@gmail.com

3. League of Women Voters 2011 Wine and Chocolate Fall Friend-Raiser

When: Thursday, October 6, 2011, from 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: 121 South Michigan Avenue, South Bend (Former home of Spark Design)

For more information, visit the LWV South Bend Website: www.lwvsouthbend.org/

4. St. Joseph Valley Project's 13th Annual Banquet

When: Saturday, October 15, 2011 --Social Hour from 5 - 6 p.m., Polish Style Dinner at 6 p.m., Formal Program at 7 p.m.

Where: Teamsters Hall, 2405 East Edison Road, South Bend, IN 46615

Program: Master of Ceremonies - Bob Nagle, WHME Channel 46

Keynote Speaker - Arnaldo Fabela, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, a leader of the UFCWs "Making Change at Walmart" Campaign.

    He was previously a leader in the Service Employees International Union's Justice for Janitors Campaign.

Honoring Local Award Leaders:

Community - Rebecca Ruvalcaba, Director of La Casa de Amistad

Labor - Scott Van de Putte, retired President of UAW Local 5

Faith - Reverend Terrell A. Jackson, Pastor of Laymen Chapel and President of NAACP South Bend

Tickets: Student - $20, Individual - $35, Two or more - $30.  Tables of 8 are $200.  

Send checks, made payable to St. Joseph Valley Project, to 2015 W. Western Avenue, Suite 209, South Bend IN 46619, email banquet@sjvp.org, or call 574-287-3834, Option 9

To join the CFED table, contact Chuck Bradford, 259-2975.

Sept 20: Community Forum Meeting on "Right to Work"

September meeting of the Community Forum for Economic Development

                Tuesday, September 20, 2011

        7 p.m., LaSalle Branch Library (2323 Ardmore Trail, SB)

 

The focus for the September meeting will be "Right to Work" legislation - what does it mean, how has it been used against the labor movement, its effect on economic development, why a move to adopt similar legislation for Indiana is anticipated for the next legislative session, and how these laws affect the economic well-being of the entire middle class.  Please join us for this discussion.

 

Additional agenda items include a report on the City of South Bend's budget process and on the implementation of the Diversity Utilization Board.

 

Aug. 30: Help the VITA Program

The Community Forum for Economic Development encourages you to participate in the local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program.

This is the fourth year that the Community Forum will join with the United Way of St. Joseph County and other community organizations and individuals to prepare free, electronically filed, tax returns for local working families.  A reception for new and returning volunteers is scheduled for Tuesday, August 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the United Way office, 3517 East Jefferson Blvd.  For more information, see the invitation printed below.

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Subject: Please join us and Share this with your friends! 

It is that time of year again….

        We are looking for some PASSIONATE community volunteers!              

Join our Pro$perity Building Campaign!

2012- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance – VITA

August 16, 2011                

Dear Community Partner;

Over the last four years our community’s volunteers have prepared over 3,200 free electronically filed tax returns for hard working local families, and seniors.  This program targets taxpayers who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit with the goal of returning these tax dollars to our community to help local working families achieve financial stability!  (The average income of a family served by our volunteer tax team is approximately $18,785.)  Since its inception in 2006 this free electronic tax assistance program has netted local families over $5 million dollars in refunds.  The Pro$perity Building Tax Assistance program also saves St Joseph County’s consumers over $390,000 in tax preparation fees each year.  On average clients pay approximately $189 in filing and processing fees with a paid preparer and an average of $140 in add-on fees and Rapid Anticipation Loan or RAL fees (if clients choose this option).

This great program’s goals are to help local families start the year by “KEEPING THEIR MONEY IN THEIR OWN POCKETS” and to provide tools for increased financial education.  To accomplish these goals - we need YOU! 

 

Why volunteer?  You will help hard working families across our communities.  Volunteering with the Pro$perity Building Tax Team builds your confidence; it will change your life and the lives of those you serve, and you will learn about tax law and gain a new set of skills to use in your own life.  Our team is dedicated, friendly, caring and joining this group will allow you to be a part of the solution!

Please join us for our Volunteer Recruitment Open House and learn more about this exciting volunteer opportunity!  Seasoned volunteers will be on hand to share their knowledge and excitement and to answer all your questions.  We have multiple volunteer levels for you to consider, so please come and learn about this great service program.  This is an opportunity for volunteers ages 17 and up!   

 

When:  Tuesday August 30, 2011

Where:  United Way of St Joseph County

             3517 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46615

Time:    6:30pm 8:00pm - light refreshments served

 

For further information, contact Dawn Chapla or Laura Stringfellow at 574-232-8201, or email dchapla@uwsjc.org.  We look forward to you joining us! 

 

Aug. 13: Celebrate National Farmers Market Week at the Urban Garden Market

RAIN OR SHINE -- CELEBRATE NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK AT THE URBAN GARDEN MARKET

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Corn Roast ---- Live music ---- Information ---- Fresh produce, Baked Goods, and home-made crafts

Sample fresh roasted local corn donated and prepared by our regular vendors (free, but quantities limited)

Enjoy live music by Jack Daly at 9:30 (guitar and song) and Kathy Jerrell at 10:45 (dulcimer) 

Educational exhibits provided by the St. Joseph County Farm Bureau, St. Joseph County Health Department, and the Unity Gardens

Blood pressure and glucose testing by Bendix Family Physicians --- as well as Face Painting for the children

Farmers markets are growing in popularity, both locally and nationally.  A recent bulletin for the United States Department of Agriculture reported that, as of mid-2010, there were 6,132 farmers markets operating throughout the U.S., a 16% increase from 2009.  The Urban Garden Market, which began in September of 2008, is proud to be part of this movement by offering healthy, fresh, and locally grown produce to residents of the South Bend area and especially to residents of the West Side.  

Tomorrow's special activities will take place under the shelter of a large tent provided by IBEW Local 153.  

THE URBAN GARDEN MARKET AT LASALLE SQUARE IS LOCATED AT 1025 N. BENDIX DR. IN SOUTH BEND, 2 BLOCKS SOUTH OF LWW.

It provides fresh produce direct from producers in a friendly, open-air environment; and backyard gardeners and small farmers with a direct market for their goods.

The Market is open on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 22.  For more information about the Market: urbangardenmarket@gmail.com