Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN)

Josh Karshen attended the Benton County PARP meeting this month and was able to reconnect with some of our current Ag Alliance members and meet some new contacts! If you're interested in learning more about our Ag Alliance, feel free to contact Josh directly at josh@whin.org. #WHIN #WHINregion

Over the next few months we are going to be introducing you to our Board of Directors. First up is our Board Chair, Gary Henriott! Gary is retired from Henriott, an Insurance, Employee Benefit and Risk Management firm headquartered in Lafayette. He is also actively engaged in many community and regional projects. He serves as the Chair on the WCR IU Health Board of Directors. Gary also serves on the IU Health Foundation Board and is currently serving as Board Chair. Gary is also the President of the Board of Works and Public Safety for the City of Lafayette and is a member of Purdue’s Athletic Affairs Committee. Gary is an extremely integral member of the community and we are grateful to have him leading our Board of Directors. Thank you, Gary, for your service to WHIN! whin.org/team

We recently added to our team! Please join us in welcoming Phillip Bell to WHIN. Phill is our new COO and is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring the organization runs efficiently and aligns with our strategic goals. He manages internal processes, drives operational excellence, and supports cross-functional teams, including technology deployment, partnerships, and member engagement. Phill plays a key role in scaling WHIN’s initiatives, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering innovation to support the region’s manufacturing and agribusiness ecosystem. We are grateful to have you join our team, Phill! #WHIN #WHINregion

Grain Weevil and AgZen both take home awards from Nebraska Innovation After Hours! Grain Weevil is a prospective WHIN Tech Partner and AgZen is our newest Tech Partner. Proud to be partnered with both companies. Congratulations! https://lnkd.in/gVt3NjKU

Last week, we hosted our second New Ag Tech Showcase! This exciting event provided an opportunity to introduce our farmers to the latest additions to our Tech Partner lineup for the year. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, asked insightful questions, and shared valuable feedback about our technology offerings. The event saw an impressive turnout, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the morning than with a hearty Bob Evans breakfast. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day a success! TerraClear Inc AgZen DigiFarmz Smart Agriculture Solinftec #WHIN #AgTech #AgAlliance

Introducing our January WHIN Champion, Dan Chavas! Dan is an associate professor in the EAPS department at Purdue University and has been highly engaged with our research and education team recently. We truly appreciate his ongoing dedication and the valuable partnership that we share. The purpose of WHIN Champions is to recognize and express gratitude towards stakeholders and community members who support WHIN and embody our mission. Stay tuned as a celebrate a new WHIN Champion monthly! Purdue Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences #WHIN #WHINRegion #WHINChampion

Here is a recap of our 2024 WHIN Champion Award Recipients! The purpose of WHIN Champions is to recognize and express gratitude towards stakeholders and community members who support WHIN and embody our mission. We are extremely grateful to have such a unique and diverse group of people supporting us! January WHIN Champion - Drake Fleck, Fleck Farm Inc. February WHIN Champion - Scott Fritz, Fritz Black Sand Farms Inc. March WHIN Champion - Dave Roberts, Kirby Risk Precision Machining April WHIN Champion - Jake Church, Still Waters Manufacturing May WHIN Champion - Kevin Underwood, Underwood Farms June WHIN Champion - Ben Harpenau, Terra Drive Systems, Inc. July WHIN Champion - Jason Stonecipher, Stonecipher Farms August WHIN Champion - Trent Hall, H&H Ag September WHIN Champion - Martin Jun, Purdue University October WHIN Champion - Bret Nufer, P.E., Lakeside Book Company November WHIN Champion - Jim Davis, Former White County Commissioner Stay tuned as a celebrate a new WHIN Champion monthly! #WHIN #WHINRegion #WHINChampion

Congratulations to our board member R Scott Brand for being awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash award by Gov. Eric Holcomb! Proud to have him serve on our Board of Directors. #WHIN #WHINRegion

Check out our Top 10 Moments from 2024! Here's to 2025 🎉 #WHIN #WHINregion

Introducing Manufacturing Alliance Member: BraunAbility Ralph Braun’s early life helped build the mobility industry as we know it today. It all started with what doctors announced was a fatal form of muscular dystrophy at the young age of six. When he could no longer rely on his own two legs and he’d outgrown piggyback rides from his dad, he began using a wheelchair. In time, Ralph and his family would realize doctors were wrong – his diagnosis wasn’t fatal, but it was lifelong. Ralph became determined to reclaim his independence and designed the world’s first powered scooter to keep his job as a quality control inspector at a nearby factory. When his job moved further away, Ralph moved with it – this time in a renovated postal Jeep with hand controls and a hydraulic lift. When others took notice of what he was doing, requests for orders began pouring in. Knowing the difference his products made for himself, Ralph refined his designs and dedicated his life and his savings to creating what is now BraunAbility – the global leader in mobility products. Now with over 45 years of industry-leading experience, BraunAbility is the global leader of mobility solutions with a manufacturing center of excellence in the small town of Winamac, Indiana – right where it all began. For 50 years, BraunAbility has been committed to changing lives for people with physical disabilities through innovative mobility solutions that provide independence and ease-of-use. As the industry leader, and the brand most recommended by mobility dealers, BraunAbility combines the quality product solutions you need with the service and financing expertise you can trust. We are proud to have Braun Ability be a part of our Manufacturing Alliance! Learn more about Braun Ability: https://lnkd.in/gZSqfpSN Join the Manufacturing Alliance: https://lnkd.in/gkUuYvhy