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Most-loved music retailer earns 10 Comparably Awards for workplace excellence in 2024   Sweetwater, the No. 1 online retailer for music makers, today announced it has been awarded a total of 10 Comparably Awards during 2024, most recently earning recognition for Best Company Culture and Best CEO. These accolades rank Sweetwater among the country’s top company cultures, alongside companies like Adobe and TopGolf, and place Sweetwater’s CEO, Mike Clem, among an exclusive group of standout chief executives, including Microsoft’s Satya Nadella.   Comparably (a ZoomInfo company) is a recognized, third-party workforce survey platform, and rankings are based on anonymous employee feedback to 50 data-driven questions spanning nearly 20 key workplace culture metrics.   In 2024, Sweetwater won Comparably Awards for 10 different categories—a testament to Sweetwater’s holistic approach to nurturing a people-centric culture. Sweetwater prioritizes training and professional development, and continuously assesses its benefits package to ensure the company continues to be a national leader with employee wellbeing resources and amenities such as an onsite medical clinic, health club, adoption assistance, and many more.   “We pride ourselves on caring for our people and serving with heart. These values are embedded throughout the Sweetwater culture, and in all that we do for our people and our communities,” explained Jeff Ostermann, Chief People & Culture Officer at Sweetwater. “It starts at the top—and Mike Clem leads by example, cultivating a workplace where employees can grow, thrive, and pursue work that is both challenging and rewarding.”   The 10 accolades from Comparably during 2024 include: The Best CEO, Best Company Culture, Best Company Outlook, Best Company Work-Life Balance, Best Company Perks & Benefits, Happiest Employees, Best Leadership Teams, Best Career Growth, Best Sales Teams, and Best Company Compensation.   “Comparably’s Best Places to Work Awards are an invaluable benchmark for organizations striving to create positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace cultures," said Chad Herring, CHRO of ZoomInfo. "These lists recognize companies that prioritize employee satisfaction, transparency, and growth, which are essential to attracting and retaining top talent. It is a testament to their efforts and ongoing commitment to continuously enhancing the work experience for every team member.” About Sweetwater The No. 1 online retailer for music makers, Sweetwater is trusted and beloved by millions of musicians, sound engineers, band and orchestra directors, and podcasters who rely on the company to help advance their musical and creative journeys. From beginners to rock stars, music makers everywhere seek out Sweetwater’s industry-leading expertise, including in-depth product videos to inform their purchases and unrivaled post-care support. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and founded in 1979, Sweetwater Sound, LLC credits its four decades of profitability to its 2,300 employees and its deep understanding of the profound connection that music makers have with their craft, their gear and the creative process. Sweetwater is amplifying change through music, lifting up communities by creating, empowering, and caring about the music makers of tomorrow and today. For more information, visit: https://www.sweetwater.com/ . About Comparably Comparably (a ZoomInfo company) is a leading workplace culture and corporate brand reputation platform with over 20 million anonymous ratings on 70,000 companies. With the most comprehensive data on large and SMB organizations in nearly 20 different workplace categories — based on gender, ethnicity, age, experience, title, industry, location and education — it is one of the most used SaaS platforms for employer branding and a trusted third-party site for workplace culture and compensation data. For more information on Comparably and its annual Best Places to Work, Best CEOs and Best Brands series, visit www.comparably.com .

Exciting developments are underway at O’Daniel Automotive Group, where a brand-new, standalone facility dedicated to Porsche vehicles is taking shape near Meijer off Illinois Road. This innovative move will separate the existing Porsche operations from Audi Fort Wayne, allowing both luxury brands to thrive in their own state-of-the-art locations. The transformation begins with the former Hires building at 5809 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, 46804 which is currently being remodeled into a cutting-edge Porsche service center and showroom. Having represented the Porsche brand since 1990, O’Daniel Automotive Group is poised to create a defining moment for Porsche Fort Wayne, establishing an exclusive facility that captures the essence of the Porsche experience. In a recent conversation, Greg O’Daniel shared his vision for the new Porsche Center. “This exclusive Generation 5 facility is designed to enhance the customer experience and reflect the Porsche brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Our new facility will feature eight advanced service bays, equipped with the latest technology to ensure seamless maintenance and repair services. The showroom will be fully immersed in technology, designed to assist customers in selecting and customizing the Porsche of their dreams,” he explained. While the service center will primarily focus on Porsche and other luxury vehicles, O’Daniel assured that their skilled technicians will also be capable of servicing a variety of other makes and models, ensuring comprehensive care for all customers. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, the new Porsche Fort Wayne is set to elevate the competitive automotive landscape off Illinois Road in Southwest Fort Wayne. This ambitious project not only reinforces O’Daniel Automotive Group’s commitment to excellence but also promises to enhance the overall customer experience for Porsche enthusiasts in Fort Wayne. We want to give a huge thank you to Greg O'Daniel at the O'Daniel Automotive Group for his time and information for this article.

Get ready for a fun-filled weekend that you won't want to miss! Get ready to celebrate the grand opening of Jungle George’s! Bring the whole family to experience the magic of the long awaited opening of the new facility equipped with new bounce houses, mini golf, arcades and more! Looking to get a jump on your holiday shopping? Check out the Christmas Market at the Deck! With unique gifts, festive treats, and a joyful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to find something special for everyone on your list. Vintage lovers, rejoice! The Indiana Vintage Market is back and better than ever! Discover a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items, from retro clothing to antique decor. Still have gifts to wrap this holiday season? Bring them to Sassie Cakes and let the amazing team from Heartland Cavalier Connection Inc. do the wrapping for you! All you need to do is drop off your presents along with a donation, and they’ll take care of the rest. It’s a win-win: you get beautifully wrapped gifts, and you support a great cause! And don’t forget to stop by the Candy Cane Corner Pop Up Shop! It’s the sweetest spot in town, filled with delightful treats, shopping, and festive cheer. Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a weekend of fun, shopping, and holiday spirit! Grand Opening of Jungle George’s: 4780 N. Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Christmas Market at the Deck: 305 E Superior St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Indiana Vintage Market 7 Fort Wayne: 120 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Heartland Cavalier Connection Inc Gift Wrapping Fundraiser: 1014 Broadway Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Candy Cane Corner Pop Up Shop: 1801 Lake Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Aunt Millie’s Bakeries celebrated the holidays by donating more than 3,000 loaves of bread to three different local food banks earlier this month. They donated 233 to Boomerang Backpacks, 2,500 to Community Harvest Food Bank and 900 to St. Mary Mother of God Church. The beloved tradition of donating bread during the most wonderful time of the year started in 2009. Since then, Aunt Millie’s has donated more than 700,000 loaves across the Midwest.   This year alone, they’re donating more than 70,000 loaves of their Seeded Italian Bread, which are speckled with sesame seeds and loaded with rustic flavor. 40 food banks in 35 different cities will get to share this bread with their community. Aunt Millie’s is hoping these donations will spread some joy to the families who need it most.   “Aunt Millie’s has been family owned since 1901,” Aunt Millie’s President John Popp said. “Our company has been very fortunate, and our team feels blessed to be able to help put bread on the table for families who are going through a difficult time.”   Aunt Millie’s started donating in November and will continue until the end of December. The bread will be donated to Feeding America-affiliated food banks in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids/Comstock Park and Lansing, Michigan; Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Muncie and South Bend, Indiana; Chicago, Geneva and Urbana, Illinois; Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and Lima, Ohio; and to other charities in Coldwater and Jackson, Michigan; and Sidney, Ohio.    Short story of Aunt Millie’s bakery: Founded in 1901, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is a family-owned commercial bakery headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is one of the largest commercial baking and distribution companies in the United States. Its brands include Aunt Millie’s, Live Carb Smart®, Sunbeam and Hillbilly Bread. Aunt Millie’s also produces private-label products for major retailers and fast-food restaurants. For more information, visit AuntMillies.com .

Get ready for a magical weekend in Fort Wayne! Here’s what’s happening: Hot Cocoa with Santa at Evan’s Toyota: Gather the family for a heartwarming experience with Santa while sipping on delicious hot cocoa! Warm up with festive cheer and maybe even snap a photo or two! Breakfast with Santa at St. Joseph Township: Start your morning with a smile and a hearty breakfast alongside the jolly man in red! Enjoy tasty treats and make memories that will last a lifetime. Biker Santa and The Grinch Photos at Harley Davidson: Don’t miss your chance to meet Biker Santa and the mischievous Grinch! Capture the perfect holiday photo with these iconic characters and share some laughs! Mark your calendars and bring your holiday spirit! Let’s make this weekend one to remember in Fort Wayne! Hot Coco with Santa: 515 W Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Breakfast with Santa: 6033 Maplecrest Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Biker Santa & The Grinch Are Back!: 6315 Illinois Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Get ready for a weekend full of festive cheer in Fort Wayne! Whether you're looking to embrace the holiday spirit or enjoy some family fun, we’ve got you covered with amazing events happening all around town! Sleigh Days Christmas Village & Market: Step into a winter wonderland filled with charming booths, local crafts, demos, face painting, and more! Perfect for finding that unique gift or simply soaking in the holiday magic. The Nutcracker by Fort Wayne Ballet: Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and her magical journey. This timeless classic is a must-see for all ages, featuring stunning performances that will leave you spellbound. Christmas at the Farm by Salomon Farms Park: enjoy a delightful day at the farm with activities for everyone! Pufferbelly Express: Hop aboard for a whimsical experience that will take you through the heart of festive celebrations! It's an adventure perfect for kids and adults alike. Don’t miss out on the holiday magic this weekend in Fort Wayne! Sleigh Days Christmas Village & Market: 2776 Carroll Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818 The Nutcracker: 431 W Berry St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Christmas on the Farm: 817 W DuPont Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Pufferbelly Express: 1022 Cass St Fort Wayne, IN 46808

The exciting new landscape off Illinois Road has welcomed a fresh addition with the Sonrise Retail Shops, located at 9925 Illinois Road, 46804, Fort Wayne. This newly constructed retail building, between Premier Bank and Sunrise Church, is expected to thrive as a lively center for both businesses and community members. The Sonrise Retail Shops has a versatile layout  with multiple configurations available for each business's needs. It is designed to accommodate between 3-6 tenants within its 11,690 square feet. Future tenants can rent anywhere between 1,742- 7,464 square feet of space. The strategic location makes it a prime spot for businesses looking to capitalize on the high traffic of Illinois Road, with the Shorewood Shops directly across the street adding to the foot traffic. In a move that will generate excitement in the community, two popular eateries have plans to open locations in the retail Shops. Parlor Donuts will occupy one of the drive-through end shops. Parlor Donuts is also known for its amazing donuts which have vegan, gluten, and Keto friendly products and artisanal breakfast and specialty coffees. This will bring a sweet touch to the Southwest Allen County area. Jimmy John’s, the sandwich chain famed for its fast service, will occupy the other drive-through end shop on the opposite side of the building. Both businesses are expected to draw in crowds and create a lively atmosphere for shoppers and diners alike. The opening of the Sonrise Retail Shops marks an exciting development for the community of Southwest Allen County. With its strategic location and flexible space designed for various tenants, this retail center is set to become a great destination for both shopping and dining. The addition of popular establishments like Parlor Donuts and Jimmy John’s is sure to draw crowds and create an atmosphere that fosters community engagement. As these businesses begin to take root, the Sonrise Retail Shops will not only enhance the local economy but also provide residents with new and diverse options for leisure and enjoyment.

Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday that encourages consumers to support small, local businesses in your community . It takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States, falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The day was created by American Express in 2010 as a way to promote local businesses and boost their sales during the holiday shopping season. Small Business Saturday has gained significant traction over the years, with many communities organizing events, promotions, and campaigns to highlight their local merchants. It serves as a reminder for consumers to consider shopping at small businesses, which often contribute to the local economy and provide unique products and services. The day has become an important part of the holiday shopping tradition for many people, fostering a sense of community and support for local entrepreneurs in their area! Here are some local, Fort Wayne, Indiana businesses that are taking part and promoting Small Business Saturday: Bohemian Holiday Market at the Coliseum 11a-4p: 4000 Parnell Ave The Bell Mansion 10a-5p: 420 W Wayne St The Local Archive 10:30a-2:30p: 118 W Columbia St @thelocalarchive Artlink 10a-4p: 300 E Main St Holly Shopping 10a-4p: 816 S Calhoun St Vintage Treasures Antique Mall 10a-5p: 625 W Coliseum Blvd This & That 10a-4p: 3436 N Anthony Blvd Painted Tree 10a-8p: 4020 W Jefferson Blvd

Get ready for an incredible weekend in Fort Wayne! Here’s what’s happening: STEAMsgiving: Dive into a world of innovation and creativity at Science Central’s STEAMsgiving event! Perfect for families and curious minds, this hands-on experience offers fun experiments and exciting projects that celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math! Festival of Trees: Stroll through a winter wonderland at the Embassy for the Festival of Trees! Experience the magic of beautifully decorated trees and enjoy live entertainment. It's a perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit! Festival of Gingerbread: Marvel at stunning gingerbread creations created by gingerbread artists of all ages! Don’t miss the gingerbread house competition! Small Business Saturday: Show some love this weekend by shopping local! Explore Fort Wayne’s unique shops and boutiques for that perfect gift while supporting our amazing small businesses. Saving Santa: Join us for a heartwarming adventure as we help save Santa! This interactive event is sure to delight the whole family and get you in the festive mood. Don’t forget your camera for some unforgettable photo ops inside the fire station after the rescue! Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a weekend filled with fun, creativity, and holiday cheer! 🎊✨ STEAMsgiving : 1950 N Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Tickets: https://tickets.sciencecentral.org/Selection.aspx?sch=372166 Festival of Trees: 125 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050060B6F744663D Festival of Gingerbread: 302 E Berry St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Small Business Saturday Spots to Shop: Bohemian Holiday Market at the Coliseum 11a-4p: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 The Bell Mansion 10a-5p: 420 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 The Local Archive 10:30a-2:30p: 118 W Columbia St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Artlink 10a-4p: 300 E Main St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Holly Shopping 10a-4p: 816 S Calhoun St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Vintage Treasures Antique Mall 10a-5p: 625 W Coliseum Blvd Fort, IN 46808 This & That 10a-4p: 3436 N Anthony Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Painted Tree 10a-8p: 4020 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Saving Santa: 226 W Washington Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Looking for something to do this weekend? Fort Wayne has an amazing lineup of events that you won't want to miss! Photos with Santa at Glenbrook Mall: Capture the magic of the season with a special photo op! Bring your family to meet Santa and create lasting memories. Jurassic Quest: Step into a prehistoric adventure! Explore life-sized dinosaurs and interactive exhibits that will thrill kids and adults alike. Adventure awaits! Picture Your Pet with Santa: Don’t leave your furry friends out of the holiday fun! Snap a festive photo of your pet with Santa and make their holiday season extra special. While you’re there enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate! 3rd Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Coat Drive Market: Shop local vendors while giving back! Entry is FREE with the donation of a new or gently used winter item. Help keep our community warm this winter! Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a weekend full of joy, laughter, and giving back! Photo’s with Santa at the Mall: 4201 Coldwater Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Reservations : https://www.glenbrookholidayexperience.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1fEKWUKuO7Gm_XC1JWavFeYPcH6r2m-ee5IQTeoTkLgjwnnkN8_JkXJ-E_aem_9xZSq8npaabNnZw-kVEVUA Jurassic Quest: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Tickets : https://www.universe.com/events/jurassic-quest-allen-county-war-memorial-coliseum-fort-wayne-in-2024-tickets-FDBZXS?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHdzdGAhLaNdG3jbWsIZwgWHL8pD2ngQhpxHICNHCFiKoy9nBoHWCCn71og_aem_Fg4V2LvFDU55X9qBg1ymWg Picture Your Pet with Santa: 11605 Coldwater Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46845 3rd Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Coat Drive Market: 4201 N Wells St Fort Wayne, IN 46808