Tag: Arc Light Media

2024 Board of Directors to Impact Downtown Wabash

Posted on by Downtown Wabash

Behind the scenes of our lively downtown is a group of innovative visionaries dedicated to economic revitalization and placemaking efforts. Meet our dynamic board of directors who regularly collaborate to shape the future of our downtown community. From advocating for the vibrancy of our streets to ensuring optimization of financial resources, they are essential to upholding our organization’s mission. Each member serves on committees devoted to strategizing initiatives, securing vital grants, and championing for our cherished local businesses, amenities and services. 

The Downtown Wabash, Inc. board of directors is comprised of essential community leaders, business owners and influential downtown advocates. The 2024 board gained two new members who diversify the organization’s leadership in age, industry and qualifications. Incoming board members include Bob Lundquist, Owner of Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate and Isaias Tactuk, Gebhart Holdings General Manager of Hospitality.

Incoming 2024 Downtown Wabash, Inc. board members, Isaias Tactuk and Bob Lundquist

“Our incoming board members are committed to upholding our role as a Main Street America organization, championing revitalization efforts and preserving the heritage of our downtown district” Downtown Wabash, Inc. Board President Neil Bever said. “They bring diverse perspectives to effectively navigate the complexities of our community while staying true to our national mission.” 

Tactuk and Lundquist, alongside returning board members, will serve on one of our four committees following the Main Street Approach™. According to Main Street America, the approach is a “time-tested framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization” with four points within the framework. The framework is centered around Transformation Strategies, which “articulate focused, deliberate paths to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown or commercial district’s economy.”

Downtown Wabash, Inc. Board of Directors strategize initiatives for the nonprofit organization.

Downtown Wabash, Inc., a Nationally Accredited Main Street organization in Northeast Indiana, holds four, volunteer-based committees with annual work plans, aligning our organization’s programs, services and revitalization efforts to the Transformation Strategy. The Transformation Strategy focuses on Arts and Culture, including the Wabash Cultural District. Committees include the Design Committee, Economic Vitality Committee, Organization Committee and Promotion Committee. Members of each prospective committee are dedicated to upholding its primary purpose: 

  • ECONOMIC VITALITY focuses on capital, incentives and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.
  • DESIGN supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.
  • ORGANIZATION involves creating a strong foundation for sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement and resources for the district.
  • PROMOTION positions the downtown as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics.

Our organization’s diverse board of directors is instrumental in defining our direction. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes ensure we stay on track to achieve our vision, for which we are immensely grateful.

“As the new Executive Director, I am excited to work alongside our exceptional board of directors in moving this organization forward in our efforts to enhance our downtown district,” says Kristen Petruniw, Downtown Wabash, Inc. Executive Director. “Their collective wisdom and strategic insight bring opportunities for collaboration and growth for our community. I look forward to working together toward our vision of creating a vibrant downtown district both day and night.”

Please give a warm welcome to our newest board members, and extend gratitude to our returning board members and ex-officio members.

  • Neil Bever, President, Hoosier Chiropractic
    Neil is in his third year on the board and chairs the Organization Committee. He represents the services industry downtown and champion’s our board initiatives.
  • Amanda Lopez, Vice President, Transform Consulting Group
    Amanda, former 2023 board president, is in her fifth year on the board. She provides expertise in organizational management and strategic planning.
  • Erika White, Treasurer, Crossroads Bank
    Erika is in her second year as a board member and serves as the financial expert ensuring optimization of our organization’s resources.
  • Kara Fulmer, Secretary, Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
    Kara is in her fourth year on the board and brings extensive nonprofit and fundraising knowledge to the Organization Committee.
  • Kelli Winer, Kelli Winer Design
    Kelli is in her third year and it is no surprise she serves on the Design Committee with her experience in design and small business management.
  • Jordan Tandy, Downs, Tandy & Petruniw
    Jordan is in his sixth year on the board. He is chairing the Design Committee with past years of Design Committee experience and brings legal expertise to the organization.
  • Noah Roberts, Ford Meter Box Co.
    Noah is in his second year on the board utilizing his business development skills as a community champion.
  • Shane Waters, Arc Light Media
    Shane is serving his second year on the board of directors. He chairs the Promotion Committee bringing his unique knowledge of digital marketing and passion for local history.
  • Cathy Gatchel, Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
    Cathy is returning for her second year on the board and serves on the Promotion Committee. Cathy brings a wealth of fundraising and community knowledge.
  • Bob Lundquist, Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate
    Bob is entering his first year on the board and is stepping into the role of Economic Vitality Committee chair.
  • Isaias Tactuk, Gebhard Holdings
    Isaias is entering his first year on the board and is enthusiastic about offering the board a downtown restaurant’s perspective.
  • Mayor Scott Long, City of Wabash, Ex-Officio
    Mayor Long is a member of the Economic Vitality Committee and shares relevant information regarding partnerships with the City of Wabash.
  • Tenille Zartman, Grow Wabash County, Ex-Officio
    Tenille is entering her first year serving on the Economic Vitality Committee and is a champion for economic development projects.
  • Christine Flohr, Visit Wabash County, Ex-Officio
    Christine serves on the Design Committee and partners with tourism efforts in Downtown Wabash.

Arc Light Media: Illuminating Stories Beyond Downtown Wabash, Indiana

Posted on by Downtown Wabash

In the heart of downtown Wabash, Indiana, Arc Light Media emerges as a creative powerhouse, casting its brilliant light through the captivating narratives of Black Label Podcasting (BLP). Led by the visionary Shane Waters, a team of dedicated storytellers within Arc Light Studios curates a diverse collection of 12 network-owned podcasts that span the realms of true crime, history and spine-chilling tales.

A Sonic Universe Unveiled: Black Label Podcasting’s Diverse Tapestry

Arc Light Media, the mastermind behind Black Label Podcasting, takes pride in offering listeners a rich and diverse auditory experience. Under the BLP banner, the 12 podcasts form a sonic universe where each episode is a carefully crafted masterpiece. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, a history buff or a thrill-seeker, BLP offers an immersive journey through the tapestry of human experiences, guided by the creative alchemy of Arc Light Media.

Evolution of Arc Light Media: From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

The journey of Arc Light Media began as a humble project, evolving into a thriving business entity under Shane’s visionary leadership. His initial foray into podcasting, fueled by a true crime series, predates the podcasting boom. As the true crime genre gained popularity, Shane seized the opportunity to turn his passion into a profession, leading to the establishment of Arc Light Media.

The transition from a personal project to a business was pivotal, marked by an influx of advertising and the expanding podcasting landscape. Shane’s unique storytelling approach, focusing on victims rather than perpetrators, created emotional connections with the audience and set Arc Light Media apart.

A Pioneering Approach to Storytelling: Shane Waters’ Journey Unveiled

Shane’s journey into podcasting took a poignant turn during his freshman year at IUPUI in 2008. Faced with campus crimes, he utilized a storytelling style he began to work to create a crime series podcast, marking the genesis of a unique storytelling approach that would become a hallmark of Arc Light Media.

Shane credits his love of storytelling to his grandmother, Barbara Foster, who allowed him to watch the mesmerizing tales of Robert Stack on “Unsolved Mysteries.” This spark ignited Shane’s passion and casted a spell on his young imagination. This enchanted introduction to crime stories planted the seed that later blossomed into Arc Light Media.

At the Heart of Wabash: Arc Light Studios as a Sonic Sanctuary

Within the charming landscape of downtown Wabash, Arc Light Media serves as the physical embodiment of creative brilliance. The studio’s location is more than just a space; it’s a testament to the fusion of local charm and global creativity. As storytellers gather within Arc Light Studios, the essence of Wabash infuses each narrative with a unique flavor, creating a harmonious blend of local authenticity and global appeal.

At the forefront of Arc Light Studios is Shane Waters, a master in the art of storytelling. His passion for narratives that resonate spans genres, breathing life into the diverse podcasts under Black Label Podcasting. The collaborative spirit extends beyond the physical studio space, with contributors from across the United States and the United Kingdom adding their voices to the collective narrative.

Beyond Podcasting: Community Engagement and Global Recognition

Arc Light Media’s commitment to storytelling transcends the digital realm, integrating with the local community of Wabash. Shane Waters actively engages with the community through his role on the board of Downtown Wabash, Inc., where he chairs the Promotions Committee. This involvement not only enriches the narratives but also fosters collaboration within the local community.

Local collaborations find their way into podcasts like “Hometown History” and “Foul Play: Crime Series,” where Arc Light Studios works with local historians, the Wabash History Museum and Paradise Springs to bring the city’s unique stories to a global audience. It’s a beautiful synergy of storytelling and community engagement, illustrating the profound impact narratives can have on local heritage.

While firmly rooted in Wabash, the storytelling prowess of Arc Light Studios resonates globally. The crowning achievement for Shane Waters and the team was the recognition received in London. Amidst luminaries from media giants like the BBC and CBS, Arc Light Studios stood tall, proving that compelling narratives have the power to transcend borders and capture the attention of a worldwide audience.

Arc Light Media’s Legacy

Arc Light Media, the creative genius behind Black Label Podcasting, is more than a studio; it’s a sanctuary where stories come to life. Through the diverse narratives of BLP, the team at Arc Light Media invites listeners on a journey that spans genres, cultures and emotions. In the heart of Wabash, where the studio’s physical presence echoes the town’s rich history, Arc Light Media continues to illuminate the world with narratives that not only entertain but also enrich the collective human experience. 

As the legacy of Arc Light Media unfolds, it leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of podcasting, reminding us that stories, when told with passion and authenticity, have the power to resonate across time and space. ArcLight Media isn’t just illuminating stories; it’s kindling a global fire of connection, emotion and narrative brilliance—one episode at a time.

A special thank you to Arc Light Media for their longstanding support in helping fulfill the mission of Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a vibrant downtown district every day and night.

Welcome to our 2023 Board of Directors

Posted on by Adrianna Town

Picture of a team of dynamic and influential cheerleaders that follow you around everywhere you go. This team of cheerleaders lift each other up (literally and figuratively); the cheerleaders give supportive critique where it’s needed; the cheerleaders strategize their best performances together as a whole with each team member on the same page.

Remove the word cheerleaders and replace it with Downtown Wabash, Inc. Board of Directors. Our volunteer, nonprofit board of directors comes together each month to discuss the successes, changes, adaptations, strategies and growth points of our organization with a unified organizational mission: to be a catalyst for community and economic revitalization, as a nonprofit organization utilizing the Main Street Approach™ in Downtown Wabash, Indiana.

Downtown Wabash, Inc. Board of Directors sit in a strategic planning session for the nonprofit organization.

Each board member serves on one of our four committees following the Main Street Approach™. According to Main Street America, the approach is a “time-tested framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization” with four points within the framework. The framework is centered around Transformation Strategies, which “articulate focused, deliberate paths to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown or commercial district’s economy.”

Downtown Wabash, Inc., as the only Nationally Accredited Main Street organization in Northeast Indiana, holds four, volunteer-based committees with annual work plans, aligning our organization’s programs, services and revitalization efforts to the Transformation Strategy. Those committees include the Design Committee, Economic Vitality Committee, Organization Committee and Promotion Committee. The Transformation Strategy focuses on Arts and Culture, including the Wabash Cultural District.

Please give a warm welcome to our four newest board members, and extend thanks to our returning board members and ex-officio members.

Amanda Lopez, President, Transform Consulting Group
Amanda is in her fourth year on the board and chairs the Organization Committee. She provides expertise in organizational management and strategic planning.

Amy Ford, Vice President, Borders & Beyond Gallery
Amy is in her sixth and final year with the board of directors. She represents retail business and serves on the Organization Committee.

Neil Bever, Secretary, Hoosier Chiropractic
Neil is in his second year on the board. He represents the services industry in Downtown Wabash, Indiana and also serves on the Organization Committee.

Kara Fulmer, Treasurer, Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
Kara is starting her third year on the board of directors and brings extensive nonprofit and fundraising knowledge to the Organization Committee.

Kelli Winer, Kelli Winer Design
Kelli is in her second year and it is no surprise she serves on the Design Committee with her experience in design and small business management.

Jordan Tandy, Downs, Tandy & Petruniw
Jordan is the past president and in his fifth year. He is chairing the Design Committee with past years of Design Committee experience and brings legal expertise to the organization.

Erika White, Crossroads Bank
Erika is a brand new board member. She is joining to share her financial skills and build community knowledge.

Julie Dickey, 4 Partners in Crime
Julie is new to the board of directors and represents the hospitality industry in Downtown Wabash. She is serving on the Design Committee with experience as a transplant artist from California.

Noah Roberts, Ford Meter Box Co.
Noah is in his first year on the board. He is co-chairing the Promotion Committee and flexing his skills as a community champion with a history of living in Downtown Wabash, Indiana.

Shane Waters, Arc Light Media
Shane is also brand new to the board of directors. He is the other co-chair for the Promotion Committee to share his unique knowledge of digital marketing.

Mayor Scott Long, City of Wabash, Ex-Officio
Mayor Long is a member of the Economic Vitality Committee and shares relevant information regarding partnerships with the City of Wabash.

Keith Gillenwater, Grow Wabash County, Ex-Officio
Keith is the chair of the Economic Vitality Committee and is a champion for economic development projects.

Christine Flohr, Visit Wabash County, Ex-Officio
Christine serves on the Design Committee and partners with tourism efforts in Downtown Wabash.

Without our diverse board of directors, we wouldn’t have direction. We appreciate their work behind the scenes to keep us on track for achieving our vision of a vibrant downtown district every day and night, 24/7, 365 days a year.