The History & Origin of Memorial Day

The History & Origin of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the official day that we honor those that have served, and are currently serving, in our armed forces.  Officially, Memorial Day is celebrated on a specific date each year but as Americans, we celebrate the freedoms that our soldiers have sacrificed for every moment of our lives.

Have you ever wondered about the origin and history of Memorial Day?  Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and the first city to officially celebrate Memorial Day was Waterloo, New York in 1966.  The origin was borne out of the Civil War and the desire to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  The official holiday was proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan.  To learn more about Memorial Day check out the Memorial Day info website.

Have a safe holiday weekend, enjoy time with family and friends and honor those that have allowed us the freedoms we enjoy.

-The Ancon Construction Team

 

Ancon Brings Indy Back to the Big Screen!

Ancon Brings Indy Back to the Big Screen!

This Friday Ancon Construction is sponsoring a summer film series at the Goshen Theater.  We are proud to present Raiders of the Lost Ark and bring Indiana Jones back to the big screen!  Bring your families out to the Goshen Theater this Friday and enjoy the movie complete with free admission!  To learn more check out Goshen Theater’s website.  Ancon Construction is a proud supporter of the Goshen Theater and we invite you tomorrow to be our guest.

Ryan Kring Joins Ancon Team as Vice President of Business Development

Ryan Kring Joins Ancon Team as Vice President of Business Development

Ancon is thrilled to announce that Ryan Kring has joined the Ancon team as Vice President of Business Development.  Ryan, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Purdue University in 2002, recently served as Sales Manager at Burkhart Advertising and as Senior Account Executive for Burkhart Sign Systems.  Ryan’s roles at Ancon and with Senior Vice President Gary Wetzel include: New Business Development in New Construction and Renovation, Working/Volunteering in the Community, Directing New Marketing Initiatives, Action Planning, Strategic Organization Planning, Maintaining Customer Relationships and Developing New Relationships, Developing and Maintaining Relationships with Local, Regional, and National Architecture Firms, and Problem Solving.

Ryan, who resides in South Bend with his wife Amy has three children.  He is currently President of Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) South Bend, Secretary of South Bend Alumni Association, and Active Rotarian.

When asked “Why the career move to Ancon?”  Ryan’s response is this – “I smile every time people ask me, “Why did you go to work for Ancon”?  I smile because I have been recommending Ancon Construction to businesses and institutions for the past ten years while I was working in the custom sign manufacturing industry.  Signs are a product that Ancon sometimes supplies for their customers so I had the privilege to work with Ancon over the last 10 years where I have gotten to know the people, the culture and their integrity.  When I was approached by Ancon to discuss the open position everything felt comfortable and very organic.  The driving factor was the people that Ancon has in place and the support they provide me.  That solid foundation, pardon the construction pun, gives me the confidence to do what I do best and reach my maximum potential.  Community is very important to me and Ancon, and all the employees, are heavily involved in all the surrounding counties.

My thought when it came down to letting Ancon know if I was coming aboard boiled down to this – I have been referring them for 10 years, I respect the company, culture and the way they do business.  Why would I not want to surround myself with high level people who care and have a culture that encourages success?  I smile, because in the end it was a no brainer 10 years in the making…”.

Ancon to Begin Work on Goodwill Concord

Ancon to Begin Work on Goodwill Concord

Ancon and Goodwill Industries of Michiana are excited to partner on a new Goodwill Store and Career Center near Concord Mall.  The new store is in the same shopping center as the planned Martin’s Super Markets store.  Work is set to commence this week.

The Goodwill Store and Career Center, designed and to be built by Ancon, will be overseen by Project Manager Doug VonGunten and Field Superintendent Chris Cormican and is expected to be complete towards the end of October.

Debie Coble – President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Michiana reflected on her experience thus far with Ancon by stating: “Ancon has been there for Goodwill. Goodwill knows that Ancon will deliver as promised. They listen to what we want, and are very good about giving suggestions on ways that we can improve our buildings, while leaving the decision up to Goodwill. It’s the building we want, but with their expertise it’s the building we need. Having Ancon as our partner on our building projects, I don’t have to worry.”