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May/June 2016 – BizVoice/Indiana Chamber
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to include marketing solutions, web-based online store programs and
corporate apparel, marketing and advertising. Sullivan Group, which
employs about 20, is in the process of adding several people.
BV:
What have been the lasting impacts of the Great Recession?
AH:
“Back in 2008, we had to lay off several employees and we
have been feeling the effects up until just now. Our business has
picked up over the last several years quite a bit. Just like any other
business, we are running on a lean staff, so we have recently been
hiring for several new positions.
“The lasting effect to me has been how the business has changed in
general. One employee who wore one hat, now wears six to 10 hats.”
BV:
What about Elkhart County helps businesses and people prosper?
AH:
“To me, where we are located within the county, it’s a
sense of community. We have a lot of customers in Elkhart County,
and several customers nationwide and worldwide as well. The
customers that are local, there is just a little bit different sense of
lifestyle here compared to the pace (for example) in Los Angeles.”
BV:
What makes you optimistic about the future of the company?
AH:
“It’s tough for us to hire employees, which is a good thing,
because it means the economy has picked up and people are working.
Within the business world, budgets are being released and people are
spending again.”
BV:
How does the rich heritage and culture make Elkhart County
a great place to live?
AH:
“It’s definitely a different core set of values in this
community and this county compared to other areas. I travel a lot for
my job and I see a lot of different areas, communities. The core values
here are what makes it different.”
BV:
What are the hidden gems?
AH:
“Definitely within Nappanee, it is Amish Acres. And
obviously in Elkhart County there are places that are similar to Amish
Acres. Some other things include the park systems and the restaurants
within Elkhart County. When people come to visit us here, we are a
very small town, so we typically support local businesses here. But if
they’re looking for other restaurants or a larger park or something else
to do, we’ll direct them to different locations.”
Sullivan Group, Inc. started as a screen printing and embroidery
company in 1978 and has blossomed into a full creative marketing suite
with national and worldwide customers.