Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Formed in March 2001 the Manchester Institute is a Manchester College outreach organization developed to serve businesses.
According to director Cathy Teghtmeyer, Leesburg, the organization's goal is to be responsive to the needs of business, to provide training sessions and educational seminars.
Teghtmeyer started her job by canvassing business managers. The results of those interviews led to one of the first programs - a Powerpoint class.
"We found out many people in the workforce weren't familiar with the Powerpoint program. Its become the preferred presentation style," she said.
Attendees brought in the information they actually needed, entered the data it into the program and walked away with a ready-to-go presentation.
It's this kind of practical approach to problems that makes the Institute such a valuable resource for the region.
With Manchester College professors' knowledge and expertise and Teghtmeyer's background in banking, teaching and volunteerism, the Institute aims to provide timely imformation.
"Every company representative talked about the need for improved communication skills," Teghtmeyer said, "not just with customers but between co-workers in a professional way."
The communication seminar drew a variety of people including an attorney, real estate salespeople, folks from the retail sector and others who deal with the public.
"We recently had a violence in the workplace seminar. Participants learned how to put a plan in place addressing any violence in the workplace," she said. The program partnered with the Kosciusko County/Warsaw Chamber of Commerce and enlisted the help of the city's chief of police Steve Foster and Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine.
The police told how they would respond to various emergencies and advised what employees needed to know or learn.
Manchester College has a very highly regarded Department of Accounting and Business. To support its graduates as well as other professionals, Manchester Institute is offering continued education for accountants (CPE credit hour seminars) at the college.
Aug. 21 is for accounting and auditing and Sept. 25 is the cash flow management seminar.
"Accountants are required to have continuing education," she said. "This is a very efficient way to get that done in a setting close to home."
Speaking of close to home, the organization will bring diversity training to any business to work directly with employees.
"Our goal is to become self-supporting and profitable. It's a new venture for the college.," she said. "They're willing to make this investment in the surrounding community."
Teghtmeyer enjoys a good relationship with local Chamber of Commerce directors - Steve Hite in Syracuse; Kim Shumaker in North Manchester and Joy McCarthy-Sessing in Warsaw.
"The chambers often go outside their communities, to Fort Wayne or South Bend, for companies which provide seminars and workshops," she said.
The Institute can supply professors with a vast educational background and expertise to handle just about anything.
"And its probably a better fit," she said.
For more more information call Teghtmeyer at 453-4427 or her assistant at 260-982-5298. To register for CPE credit hour classes, call Sina Lock, 260-982-5051.
