Representatives of CTB and Cardinal gather in front of the new CTB, Inc. Opportunity Lab sign at Cardinal Services. In the first row from left to right are Mindy Brooks, Tina Streit, Sandy Bibler, Jack Deeter, and Jo Coverstone. Second row: Vickie Lootens and Mike Kissane. Last row: Justin Brown, Drexel Sales and Josh Higdon. Photo provided by Cardinal Services.

News Release

WARSAW — As they near the completion of their campus renovation, Cardinal Services announced a monumental milestone in their journey toward empowering our community with the completion of the CTB, Inc. Opportunity Lab.

Thanks to a generous $1 million pledge from CTB, Cardinal has brought their vision to life, culminating in a state-of-the-art, 3,000 square foot addition to their main building.

This remarkable facility, the CTB, Inc. Opportunity Lab, is set to revolutionize skills training in Kosciusko County. Focused on the high-demand fields of manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare—identified through a comprehensive job market survey—the lab is designed to meet the immediate needs of local employers and offers unparalleled opportunities for our community members.

“CTB is thankful to have a long-standing working relationship with Cardinal Services,” noted Victor A. Mancinelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CTB, Inc.

“We are honored to assist Cardinal as they build a stronger future,” Mancinelli added. “Cardinal is making a difference for the individuals and families they serve by helping people live purposeful and meaningful lives.”

Transforming Lives Through Tailored Training

The CTB, Inc. Opportunity Lab offers an immersive and hands-on learning experience, including:

• Classroom Space: Modern, tech-equipped classrooms for dynamic learning.
• Commercial Kitchen and Café: Real-world culinary training to ignite careers in hospitality.
• CNA Lab: Comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant training for healthcare careers.
• Hotel Room Setup: Practical experience in the hospitality sector.
• Forklift Training: Essential skills for the manufacturing industry.
• Grocery Store Layout: Retail training to prepare participants for various roles.

The dedicated team at Cardinal Services, led by Executive Director Vickie Lootens, is working closely with local employers to ensure training programs are aligned with their evolving needs.

“The CTB, Inc. Opportunity Lab is more than just a facility; it’s a gateway to brighter futures for our community members,” says Lootens. “We are committed to adapting and growing our programs to provide the skills that our employers demand.”

Open to All Community Members

One of the most exciting aspects of the Opportunity Lab is its accessibility. You do not need to be a current participant in other Cardinal programs to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. All community members are welcome to apply and embark on a path to a rewarding career.

Join in the Celebration of Progress

Cardinal Services invites the community to join in celebrating their ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Friday, Sept.13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cardinal Services. Guests can tour Cardinal, including the CTB, Inc. Opportunity Lab and witness Cardinal’s vision for a more skilled workforce, and limitless possibilities for individuals across Kosciusko County.