Area Companies Receive Entrepreneurship Awards

Daryl Addison and Missy Lampke from A & P Quality Home Care and Gary Thomas of LEAP Managed IT received Entrepreneurship Awards on behalf of their companies. Photo provided.Daryl Addison and Missy Lampke from A & P Quality Home Care and Gary Thomas of LEAP Managed IT received Entrepreneurship Awards on behalf of their companies. Photo provided.

By: Christy Ragle—

Two area businesses recently received Entrepreneurship Awards from the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC). A & P Quality Home Care won in the Emerging Business category, while LEAP Managed IT won in the Established Business category.

The awards program was part of Indiana’s Entrepreneurship Week and took place in the Dallara Indy Car Factory in Speedway. Indiana Lieutenant Governor, Eric Holcomb, and the State Director of the ISBDC, Jane Rich, were among the featured speakers at the event.

A & P provides quality home care for people who want to stay home rather than go into a nursing home. Daryl Addison started working with the East Central ISBDC while determining whether to open an independent business or choose a franchise option. Since opening, the company has added full-time and on-call clients and has developed a strategy for future growth. The company has three full-time employees and an additional eleven on-call employees. A & P is in the process of becoming Medicare and Veteran Services certified and plans to expand services in Wayne and Delaware counties.

LEAP Managed IT began 85 years ago as The Adding Machine and Typewriter Company, later becoming Thomas Office Solutions. Gary and Michael Thomas came to East Central ISBDC when they wanted to take their business to the next level of performance. East Central ISBDC led two strategic planning sessions to help the organization determine the next steps toward success. The company has since increased employment and involvement in the Muncie business community. LEAP Managed IT recently launched an “Office Champion” program to recognize unsung heroes in local businesses.

The East Central ISBDC provides no-cost, confidential small business consulting to 11 counties of East Central Indiana. Access these services by visiting www.isbdc.org or calling 765.282.9950.

Christy Ragle is with East Central ISBDC.
765-520-5976