Collaboration

HAHDhAHSDHAHS

Veteran’s Support: HC+M and The Healing Fields

Posted on by Joe Ball

How the Heritage Construction + Materials portfolio of companies helped strengthen a veteran’s organization in Howard County, Indiana.

Every September, thousands of veterans from across the country gather in Howard County, Indiana, for a reunion unlike any other. Since 1987, the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization (HCVVO) has hosted its annual event on 39 acres known as ‘The Healing Fields’ — a peaceful space built by veterans, for veterans.

What began as a small local gathering has become the nation’s longest-running annual reunion for service members. ‘The Healing Fields’ are more than a campground — they’re a sanctuary where veterans from every branch and era can reconnect, reflect and heal together.

Over time, the roads winding through the property began to wear down. Dust, rain and erosion made travel difficult, especially for those with mobility or respiratory challenges. When members of the HCVVO reached out for help, the companies of Heritage Construction + Materials (HC+M) — Asphalt Materials, Inc., Milestone Contractors, and US Aggregates® — didn’t hesitate to step in.

Milestone began by donating reclaimed millings from a nearby project to stabilize the roads. Asphalt Materials followed with chip- and fog-sealing expertise, improving accessibility across more than 15,000 square yards of roadway. US Aggregates supported the effort by providing the essential materials needed to make those improvements last.

Working alongside the Howard County Highway Department, these teams transformed the grounds into a smoother, safer space for veterans and their families.

For everyone involved, this was more than a construction project — it was a way to give back to those who’ve given so much.

This Veterans Day, we’re honored to stand beside the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization and all who serve. Because healing doesn’t happen all at once — it’s built, one act of service at a time.

HAHDhAHSDHAHS

What We Learned At CIEX

Posted on by Joe Ball

Last month’s Chemical Innovation Exchange (CIEX) Summit brought together leaders from across the chemical industry — CEOs, CTOs, researchers, investors — all under one roof here at The Heritage Group in Indianapolis.

CIEX has always been about sparking collaboration and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in chemistry and materials science. And that’s exactly what happened. The smaller, more intimate setting of this year’s summit gave people the space to share not just their big wins, but also the challenges they can’t solve alone.

As our own Sibel Selcuk, EVP of Heritage Research Group, put it:

“Hosting CIEX is one of the most significant events of my year. It’s an opportunity to reunite with longtime friends and meet new colleagues from across the industry. I always look forward to the dynamic collaborations and innovative exchanges that take place at the forefront of our field.”

Highlights and Takeaways

Here are a few of the things that stood out:

  • Openness and Vulnerability
    The format encouraged leaders to discuss not only breakthroughs but also existential challenges. Scientific leadership from visiting companies used their sessions to highlight pressing issues in manufacturing and product development – representative of the honest, problem-sharing dialogue that defined the summit.
  • Companies willing to share both sides of the coin
    Leaders shared progress in sustainability and new product development while acknowledging the difficulties of scaling solutions in a shifting global market.
  • Connections that count
    The speed networking sessions were a hit — quick, focused conversations that helped people build relationships that could turn into real partnerships.
  • AI is all over the map
    The conversation around artificial intelligence underscored how uneven adoption remains across the chemical sector.

    • On one end, companies are emulating pharma’s advanced AI integration.
    • On the other, many are still experimenting and “figuring it out.”
    • Across the board, leaders agreed that a strong data foundation that includes well-structured systems and quality datasets will be essential for effectively leveraging AI in the future.

Big Picture

If there was one theme running through CIEX, it was this: collaboration is key. No single company has all the answers — and that’s okay. By being open, sharing both wins and struggles, and building strong networks, we’re moving the entire industry forward.

As CIEX returns to Indianapolis in 2026, The Heritage Group is proud to continue serving as a hub for these conversations. With leaders openly sharing both breakthroughs and barriers, the summit demonstrates that collaboration is the most powerful catalyst for innovation.