Indiana Chamber of Commerce

23/07/2024

Our 35th Annual Awards Dinner is set for November 13!

We'll be joined by keynote speaker, Chuck Todd! Attend and hear from NBC's chief political analyst and former moderator of "Meet the Press" shortly after the 2024 election.

The evening will bring together the state’s top CEOs, business leaders and public officials to highlight the best of Indiana business, government and community. We hope to see you at this premier business event!

We'll also present our Annual Awards:
- Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year
- Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year
- NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year
- Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year
- Young Professional of the Year

Learn more and register: https://www.indianachamber.com/event/annualdinner

23/07/2024

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Check out our member, Vantage Point Consulting! Founded in 2015 and based in Indianapolis, Vantage Point offers professional, high-quality disaster and crisis response training to public and private organizations across the U.S. The Chamber is also a client and we appreciate Vantage Point's contributions to making workplaces safe!

Learn more: https://www.indianachamber.com/member-spotlight/vantage-point-consulting-llc/?portfolioCats=28

22/07/2024

Work-based learning can have a profound effect on individuals, employers and local communities. That’s why we are such believers in it and the essential and even transformative role it plays in preparing Hoosiers for success.

On Thursday, Indiana Intern Day, we'll be proud to celebrate the many champions and stakeholders involved with work-based learning. We want to recognize the varied internship initiatives across the state and the students, employers and partners that make those so meaningful.

We ask that you join us this week by taking the pledge to support interns: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/Gm0sZd

22/07/2024

Congratulations again to our President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders on being named to IBJ Media's Indiana 250 list!

Also kudos to our many board members on the list as well. They include: Devin Anderson of E&A Companies (board chair); Mike Ash of Fifth Third Bank; Sonny Beck of Beck's Hybrids; Scott Brand of Subaru of Indiana Automotive; JoAnn Brouillette of Demeter LP; Toph Day of Elevate Ventures; Sue Ellspermann of Ivy Tech Community College; Dan Elsener of Marian University Indianapolis; David Findlay of Lake City Bank; Larry Garatoni of Career Academy South Bend; Larry Gigerich of Ginovus; Jeff Harrison of Citizens Energy Group; Anne Hathaway of Hathaway Strategies; Deana Haworth of Hirons; Phil Kenney of F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company, Inc.; Robert Koch of Koch Enterprises, Inc.; Randy Kron of Indiana Farm Bureau; Danny Lopez of Pacers Sports & Entertainment; Jim Marcuccilli of STAR Financial Bank; Kristin Marcuccilli of STAR Financial Bank; Scott McCorkle of Metaimpact; Mark Miles of Penske Entertainment Corp.; Chris Murphy of 1st Source Corp/1st Source Bank; Dennis Murphy of IU Health; Ersal Ozdemir of Keystone Group; Paul Perkins of Amatrol Inc.; Mamon Powers of Powers & Sons Construction; Melissa Proffitt of Ice Miller LLP; Mario Rodriguez of Indianapolis Airport Authority; Rafael Sanchez of Old National Bank; Jefferson Shreve of Storage Express; Bill Soards of AT&T Indiana; John Thompson of First Electric Supply; Paul Thrift of Thompson Thrift; Ryan Vaughn of Sondhi Solutions; Michael Wells of REI Investments; Pam Whitten of Indiana University; Jean Wojtowicz of Cambridge Capital Management; and Ken Zagzebski of AES Indiana.

22/07/2024

WORKERS' COMPENSATION CONFERENCE: Keeping your workers' compensation premium rates low directly affects your business’ bottom line. The 2024 Indiana Workers' Compensation Conference will teach strategies to handle claims and cut expenses.

Read today's press release and register: https://www.indianachamber.com/workers-comp-conference-to-help-businesses-keep-rates-low/

Presented by Kightlinger & Gray LLP in partnership with Clearpath Specialty.

19/07/2024

Don't forget to join the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and our partners at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in pledging to celebrate Hoosier interns next week, on July 25 for Indiana Intern Day. We encourage all employers, educators, and intermediaries who are hosting interns this summer to sign the pledge to support and recognize the invaluable role of internships in Indiana. Internships are not just stepping stones but crucial pathways for cultivating talent and fostering innovation in our workforce. To sign the pledge today, click here: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/Gm0sZd

19/07/2024

Our team members visited Honda Indiana in Greensburg this week and we offer a BIG CONGRATS as it celebrates 3 million vehicles made! We're grateful for Honda's ongoing contributions to the state's economy and the Decatur County area.

As one example, Honda is very involved with local schools and community groups, and started a safe driver program for teens:https://pictures.dealer.com/t/terryleehondaofavon/757ba10914c14dcea51d19278b70886c.pdf

We met with our board member Roxanna Metz (plant lead) and Jeff Reed (government & industry relations). Keep up the great work!

Honda

19/07/2024

Our Inaugural Indiana Women's Summit on Aug. 15, in partnership with Indiana Sports Corp, will offer a forum for women to empower each other, network and learn best practices for enhanced work-life fulfillment.

Our trailblazing keynotes include:

THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF WOMEN IN SPORTS
- Moderator: Melissa Thompson, vice president, bids and external affairs, Indiana Sports Corp
- Panelists: Allison Barber, president and COO, Indiana Fever; Julie Roe Lach, commissioner, Horizon League; Mel Raines, president and COO, Pacers Sports & Entertainment; and Renee Chube Washington, COO, USA Track & Field

ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY
- Moderator: Jalea Brooks, 13Sunrise anchor and reporter, WTHR
- Panelists: Elaine Bedel, CEO, Indiana Destination Development Corporation; Honorable Loretta Rush, chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court; and Rupal Thanawala, CEO, Trident Systems, LLC

Read our press release and register: https://www.indianachamber.com/inaugural-womens-summit-combines-empowerment-and-sports/

Indiana Sports Corp Indiana Fever Pacers Sports & Entertainment Horizon League USA Track & Field WTHR-TV Indiana Sports Corp

18/07/2024

SAFETY PROFESSIONALS: Register now for our upcoming safety programs, including OSHA 10/30-Hour, Fall Protection, Forklift Safety (Train the Trainer) and more!

Learn more and register: https://www.indianachamber.com/events-products/conferences/safety/

17/07/2024

Indiana contains plentiful supplies of water today, however, coordinated management and a long-term plan are critical to ensuring adequate fresh water in the future.

The 2024 Indiana Water Summit, to be held Aug. 21 and 22 in Indianapolis, brings together Hoosier water stakeholders to discuss current water needs and challenges. This year's Summit will feature a blend of Indiana and non-Indiana speakers, reviews of best practices, compelling case studies, lessons learned, and engaging interactive sessions, with an emphasis on developing a state water strategy.

Learn more and register: https://thewhiteriveralliance.org/programs/water-summit/

17/07/2024

APPLY BY JULY 26! Indiana Best Places to Work in Manufacturing® has returned for its third year to honor the Hoosier manufacturing industry. The survey and awards program celebrates workplaces leading this sector.

Apply now: https://bestplacestoworkmanufacturingin.com/registration

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership Kalenborn Abresist USA Evonik

17/07/2024

Congratulations to our President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders for being named to the IBJ Media Indiana 250 list!

"It's an honor to be recognized alongside so many accomplished Hoosiers," Sinders says. "It's been a pleasure to meet so many of these esteemed recipients in my travels during my first year leading the Indiana Chamber. I'm excited to meet more of them at the awards ceremony and for the collaborative opportunities to advance the state forward that I’m sure will follow.”

Read the press release for more and to see who made the list: https://www.indianachamber.com/indiana-chamber-ceo-among-indiana-250-honorees/

16/07/2024

2024 LEGISLATIVE ROI: We staunchly opposed a measure that would have cost Hoosier businesses billions of dollars in higher health care expenses. We also supported legislation to enhance access to childcare and opposed potential obstacles in the employer-employee relationship.

Our annual ROI for our members details the specific impact each of these and other successful Chamber actions had on their bottom line.

2024 savings for Indiana businesses: $3.871 billion or $1,361 per employee

See the full breakdown: https://www.indianachamber.com/policy-advocacy/policy-center/legislative-roi/

Interested in joining? Visit https://www.indianachamber.com/membership/join/

16/07/2024

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Check out our member Shrewsberry & Associates! With its HQ in Indianapolis, it's a national DBE/MBE engineering consulting firm known for its commitment to quality, client service and dedication to the enrichment of its communities. It has Indiana offices in Indy, Bloomington, Evansville, Fort Wayne and Gary, as well as in Louisville, KY.

Learn more: https://www.indianachamber.com/member-spotlight/shrewsbury-associates-llc/?portfolioCats=28

Shrewsberry

16/07/2024

Join us for the 2024 Indiana Wage & Hour Law Seminar July 25 in Indianapolis. This program will cover all wage and hour laws that impact Hoosier businesses today.

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a raising of the bar for the overtime exemption, as part of a concerted effort to maximize the overtime eligibility of American workers. The exemption also will now be subject to automatic adjustment in the future. Don't miss a deep dive into this new trap for the unwary employer.

Among sessions:

- Wage and Hour Hot Topics
- : Pay Equity, Equal Pay and Child Labor Laws
- Coverage and Exemptions
- Compensable Working Time
- Calculation of Overtime
- Wage Garnishment, Child Support and Government Contractors
- Payment of Wages

Register: https://www.indianachamber.com/event/wageandhour/

Presented by Ice Miller LLP.

15/07/2024

We've partnered with the Indiana Bar Foundation to revamp our "Here Is Your Indiana Government" book with a civics focus for students! The PDF is available at no cost and hard copies can be ordered.

Learn more: https://www.indianachamber.com/here-is-your-indiana-government-book-revamped-with-civics-focus-for-students/

15/07/2024

Indiana University Health on Monday announced plans for a $421 million hospital in Fort Wayne. The project, approved last month by the health system's board of directors, is expected to employ 500 workers when complete.

15/07/2024

The AI Leadership Summit on August 28, put on by the Indiana Chamber Foundation in partnership with Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and Accenture, is part of day 2 of the Rally Innovation Conference!

Read our press release and register: https://www.indianachamber.com/new-ai-leadership-summit-to-gameplan-for-ai-impact-how-to-take-advantage-of-the-technology/

13/07/2024

Our CEO Vanessa Green Sinders on Jim Morris' passing: "Indiana and the entire state have lost a true treasure. Jim Morris is irreplaceable and one of the most inspiring individuals the Indiana Chamber has had the pleasure to collaborate with and get to know. All that he accomplished for decades across so many endeavors – business, community, humanitarian, political and sport – and what he stood for leaves us with an unmatched legacy of excellence and giving it your all. We offer our condolences to Jim’s family, the Pacers organization and the many who were touched by his kindness, generosity and wisdom.”

The best way to sum up Morris’ motivation and what he saw as his purpose is in his own words. The Indiana Chamber interviewed him five years ago for its BizVoice® magazine as part of the ‘Indiana Icons’ series:

“Maybe it sounds corny, but I think we were put here to find ways to work together, to lift up everyone and to do extraordinary things that are inclusive and everyone benefits from. … It’s fun to work together to see a downtown transformed or to see a great children’s choir emerge in Indianapolis or to see the rest of the world say nice things about our city. To see lots of important institutions prosper and grow, it’s been a real gift to me to be able to be a part of this for a long, long time.” – Jim Morris, spring of 2019.

Read the full BizVoice® article:https://www.bizvoicemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Icon-Morris.pdf

Pacers Sports & Entertainment

12/07/2024

People recovering from addiction or with prior justice involvement – or facing mental health challenges in general – can access new, free resources from the Wellness Council of Indiana to help them maintain current employment or re-enter the workforce.

Read in BizVoice®:https://www.bizvoicemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WellnessCouncil.pdf

12/07/2024

DEI AWARD NOMINATIONS (AND REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT!): Changemaker companies are sought to apply (by Aug. 29) for our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award! The award will be celebrated at our DEI Summit, presented by Jackson Lewis P.C., on Oct. 8.

Read: https://www.indianachamber.com/changemaker-companies-sought-for-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-award-dei-summit-in-october



11/07/2024

Thanks to those who attended our HR Roundtable today in Fort Wayne! The event was presented in partnership with Ice Miller LLP and we're grateful to have the expertise of speakers Tami Earnhart and Kayla Ernst.

11/07/2024

- ICONIC INDIANA COMPANY GETTING A NEW LOOK -

Fort Wayne-based Vera Bradley is continuing its restructuring efforts with a full brand transformation.

The company is launching a new logo, in-store renovations, optimized website experience and an elevated product line as a means of “reinvigorating the business and restoring brand relevance.”

It's also boosting its marketing strategy by tapping actress Zooey Deschanel to serve as the face of the brand’s fall campaign.

Read more in Inside INdiana Business:

Fort Wayne-based Vera Bradley Inc. is continuing its restructuring efforts will a full brand transformation. The company on Thursday said it is launching a new logo, in-store renovations, optimized website experience and an elevated product line.v

11/07/2024

CommercialCafe recently ranked American cities for their attractiveness to Millennials.

See how Indiana's capital city stacked up in today's blog post: https://www.indianachamber.com/guest-post-new-study-places-indianapolis-23rd-among-metros-for-millennials/

10/07/2024

Beginning earlier this year, the Corporate Transparency Act requires many companies doing business in the United States to report information to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) about the individuals who ultimately own or control them. The law was passed to curb illicit finance and protect U.S. national security. Filing is simple, secure and free of charge.

Find out if you must report: https://www.fincen.gov/boi/small-entity-compliance-guide

Companies that are required to comply must file their initial reports by the following deadlines:

- Existing companies: Reporting companies created or registered to do business in the United States before January 1, 2024 must file by January 1, 2025.

- Newly created or registered companies: Reporting companies created or registered to do business in the United States in 2024 have 90 calendar days to file after receiving actual or public notice that their company’s creation or registration is effective. Beginning in 2025, newly created or registered companies will have 30 days.

Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. A report only needs to be submitted once unless the filer needs to update or correct information.

Find answers to common questions, resources, guidance and more on FinCEN’s website: https://www.fincen.gov/boi

10/07/2024

DEI AWARD: Changemaker companies are sought to apply (by Aug. 29) for our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award! The award will be celebrated at our DEI Summit, presented by Jackson Lewis P.C., on Oct. 8.

Learn more and apply: https://www.indianachamber.com/changemaker-companies-sought-for-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-award-dei-summit-in-october/

09/07/2024

Well-being programs are more popular than ever. They began as employee perks for large corporations; in fact, they used to be called "corporate fitness programs." Today, well-being programs are common among both medium and small-sized businesses and are regularly part of a company's benefits package.

Learn the seven important reasons to offer employee well-being at work: https://www.wellsteps.com/blog/2020/01/02/employee-well-being-at-work/

Also visit the Wellness Council of Indiana's website to see if it can help you via membership, consultations, mental health trainings and more: www.wellnessindiana.org.

09/07/2024

Honoring a great Hoosier, Gen. Lew Wallace, author of "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ."

Read about our 2018 BizVoice® visit to the homes/museums of Indiana authors Wallace (Crawfordsville), Kurt Vonnegut (Indy) and James Whitcomb Riley (Greenfield):https://www.bizvoicemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ReadingJourney.pdf

General Lew Wallace Study and Museum Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library Greenfield Parks

09/07/2024

The 2024 Indiana Women’s Summit (August 15) is dedicated to convening a diverse group of women who are passionate about collaborating to create positive change.

Presented by the Indiana Chamber and the Indiana Sports Corp, this year’s program will explore the impact of sports as an economic and individual engine for Hoosier women. Hear from local industry experts and thought leaders at this inspiring inaugural event.

Topics Include:

- The Economic Impact of Women in Sports
- Obstacles for Women in the Workplace: Building Benefits to Support Women
- Living Longer, Happier Lives Through Health, Work and Family
- Women in Sports Panel
- The Impact of Mental Health on Work Performance
- Importance of/Guidance on Mentoring of Young Girls in Sports
- Building Your Brand
- Sports Talent Drain
- Advocating for Yourself

Presented in Partnership with Anthem.

Register: https://www.indianachamber.com/event/womens-summit/

08/07/2024

EARLY BIRD PRICING STILL AVAILABLE!

The Indiana Wellness Summit, hosted by the Indiana Chamber and Wellness Council of Indiana, will equip your organization with workplace wellness knowledge and resources!

Join us Sept. 12-13 to find solutions to move your company forward.

Highlights include:
- Wellness Hangout Hub
- Wellness expo
- WCI member reception
- Complimentary headshots
- Get Moving! Wellness activity center
- AchieveWELL Awards Luncheon
- 30-plus educational sessions

Topics Include:
- Wellness 101
- Mental health
- Data behind wellness programs
- Providing help for chronic disease management
- Trends in the wellness and health industry
- Creating a wellness program
- Full agenda coming soon!
- Network with fellow wellness colleagues
- Nationally-known speakers and experts

Learn more and register: https://www.indianawellnesssummit.com/

Eli Lilly and Company Novo Nordisk McGohan Brabender Delta Dental of Indiana Complete Wellness Solutions