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Business roundup - May 27, 2026.Free leadership series begins on June 2 Shafer Leadership Academy is launching “AI Leadership Lab: Real Conversations about AI,” a new artificial intelligence, leadership and workplace innovation series.Brad Beumer, director of innovation at First Merchants Bank, and Eilis Wasserman of Shafer Leadership Academy, are leading the series.It is designed to create accessible, practical conversations around AI adoption, ethics and real-world workplace applications.Sessions of the free series will run from noon to 1 p.m.on Tuesdays June 2, July 7 and Aug.To register, visit shaferleadership.com/AI-leadership-lab.Professor honored The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses selected Ball State University associate professor emerita Renee Twibell to receive the 2026 Pioneering Spirit Award.The award recognizes contributions that influence progressive and critical care nursing.Twibell was presented with the award at the 2026 National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition in San Diego.She is a nurse scientist for IU Health ball Memorial Hospital and teaches undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students and BSU.“Renee’s selection for the AACN Pioneering Spirit Award is an extraordinary honor and a fitting recognition of her impact on nursing education, research, and practice,” said Scott Rutledge, dean of Ball State’s College of Health, in a news release.“Across her career, she has influenced generations of nurses — as students, colleagues, collaborators, and practitioners.Ball State is proud to celebrate this well-deserved national recognition.” Awards presented The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center received honors recently at the Indiana Small Business Development Center Annual Network Awards.The organization was honored as the second-highest performing center and employee Claudia Metzger was honored with the Educator of the Year Award.Clint Albert received the Most RUral Clients of the Year Award, and he and James Womack were inducted into the $1-$4 Million Capital Infusion Club.“Collectively, the clients they worked with injected significant capital into their businesses during the year,” said Judy Porter, regional director of the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, in a news release.Initiative launched Ardagh Glass Packaging announced last week that it has launched Clearly Ardagh.The program is a strategic initiative to “transform its business, enhance its competitive position, and secure long-term success in the dynamic global glass packaging market.” It involves commercial and operational improvements over the next five years.“We are emerging from a transformational period with renewed strength and we are taking decisive action to lead the industry into the future,” said Mark Porto, executive chairman of Ardagh Group, in a news release.“The Clearly Ardagh initiative is our path forward.We are making targeted capital deployment and operational improvements to create a more resilient and competitive business, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers and investors and secure our success for the long term.” Book drive underway First Financial Bank is hosting a book drive through Saturday, May 30.Books can be dropped off in bins at all First Financial Bank locations.They will then be delivered to local schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations.First Financial locations include: •112 N.Meridian St., Portland •220 N.Wayne St., Fort Recovery •211 W.Pearl St., Union City •117 S.Jefferson St., Hartford City Nominate for awards Nominations are open for the Governor’s 2026 Century and Half Century Business Awards.The honors recognize businesses that have been in operation for at least 100 or 50 years and have demonstrated a commitment to serving their community.Winners will be honored at a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse.“Indiana’s legacy businesses are a testament to the commitment, work ethic and resilience of Hoosiers,” said Indiana Gov.Mike Braun in a news release.“From small and medium-sized businesses to large corporations, Indiana companies operating for more than 50 or 100 years have made a profound impact on our economy and our people.I look forward to celebrating the tremendous achievements of these businesses and continuing to provide a pro-growth business environment that supports their operations for the next 50 or 100 years.” To nominate a business, visit iedc.in.gov.The deadline is Saturday, May 30.Hosting drive Menards stores are holding a pet supplies drive through the end of May.Supplies needed include food, treats, feeders, collars and beds.Items collected will be donated to local humane associations.Donation boxes will be near the doors at Menards locations, including in Muncie, Richmond and Celina, Ohio.•••••••••• Does your business have news to share?Email us at news@hartfordcitynewstimes.com to be included in our weekly business roundup.