Communication

The Communication Company makes monetary donations and volunteers their time with the Salvation Army, Imerman Angels, St. Jude's, American Cancer Society, Hospice, American Red Cross, Hope Rescue Mission, South Bend Medical Foundation, and the Center for the Homeless, and is partnering with their Chamber of Commerce on local and regional economic development projects. Year after year as their profits increase so do their charitable donations, with increases at a minimum of 24% and as high as 74%. On June 24, 2011 the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Indiana District Office honored Rick McKeel, President and CEO of New Carbon Company, Inc. as the 2011 SBA Indiana Small Business Person of the Year. McKeel received his award at the SBA Awards Luncheon at the Westin Indianapolis Hotel, during 2011 Indiana Small Business Week. New Carbon sells Golden Malted® Pancake and Waffle Flour to contracted distributors who supply the food service industry. The company also manufactures commercial waffle bakers which are provided to customers in exchange for the exclusive use of Golden Malted products in the waffle bakers. McKeel joined the company in 1992. His accomplishments in sales and service led to his promotion to President and CEO of New Carbon Company in 2002. Under McKeel's leadership the company launched a new business model featuring waffle cone and Panini grill sandwich makers used by national soft serve franchises, like Dairy Queen. He led the company in acquisition of a major competitor. Sales increased from $12 million in 1998 to $34 million in 2010. New Carbon employs 74 full-time and two part-time employees. In addition to selling products to distributors in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the company exports to 16 countries. Assistance for exporting was provided by the North Central Small Business Development Center. McKeel was honored in Washington DC on May 20, 2011 for his distinction during National Small Business Week and was selected as one of 16 members to be recognized as Champions of Change by the White House.