Indiana working to improve manufacturing education

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The Noble County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Northeast Indiana Works have joined forces in an effort to ensure education and training to match the needs of the region's manufacturing sector. Nearly 50 percent of all Noble County jobs and 58 percent of wages are in the manufacturing industry, and a recent study from Indiana University—Purdue University Fort Wayne predicts that the sector will continue to grow at least for the next decade.

The plan is part of a statewide effort to ensure that manufacturers have qualified workers available in the future. Last year, the Indiana General Assembly created regional work councils to that end. In the northeast region, the goal is for 60 percent of adults to have high-quality credentials or degrees by 2025, compared to the current 37 percent.

"The need to align education and training opportunities with the skill requirements of Noble County employers has never been greater," said Noble County EDC executive director Rick Scherck. "If we are to compete in the new global marketplace in developing, retaining and attracting talent, it would be wise to pursue a systemic strategy that involves all of the critical parties."

Much of Indiana's economy rests on its manufacturers, and it is vital that they have a steady stream of new talent ready to contribute. Companies also need to be equipped with adequate enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage their inventory, costs and distribution. Accent Software, Inc., based in Carmel, provides manufacturing ERP software to businesses throughout Indiana and surrounding states, ensuring that the regional manufacturing industry will continue to flourish in the future.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is a major catalyst for attracting businesses to the Hoosier State

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The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has offered up to $1.58 million in performance based tax credits for the creation of the new MonoSol facility in Portage. The IEDC has been a major proponent for taxing policies that encourage businesses to invest and expand within Indiana. The effects of those policies have enabled a resurgence in Indiana's manufacturing economy.

The impact that the IEDC's influence has had is evident through the continued influx of new manufacturing facilities in the state. Several of those facilities bring high skilled, good paying manufacturing jobs to the state. MonoSol is one enterprise that is contributing those kinds of jobs to Indiana.

MonoSol spokesperson Gail Kemper remarked upon a separate PVA films facilities' expansion in La Port, IN in addition to a recent decision to open a new facility in Portage. The simultaneous expansion of these two projects speaks to the rapid growth of Indiana's manufacturing sector. The IEDC's role in policy making that attracts businesses has stimulated job growth.

The effects that these policies have had on the community is evident via the job training initiatives that have been introduced in order to stimulate manufacturing growth further in the future. Portage's Mayor James E. Snyder conveyed that MonoSol is a partner in the city's youth employment training programs. By stimulating job preparedness for manufacturing employment, the enterprise has contributed to the future growth of Indiana's expert labor force. MonoSol's training program highlights the influence enterprises can have on improving education and other communal interests.

Accent Software, Inc. provides local Indiana businesses with business management software that can improve their operational management. In doing so, manufacturing enterprises have the ability to further embed themselves in the Hoosier state and the communities that encompass its workforce of skilled manufacturers.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence teams up with Forbes to improve manufacturing innovation.

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Indiana Governor Mike Pence has been at the forefront of the state's resurgent manufacturing industry. The extent of his influence is becoming apparent through the partnerships that have been cultivated under his administration. Forbes has assimilated into the team of business developers that Pence has been able to create.

The business news behemoth announced that it will host "Forbes Reinventing America: The Innovation Summit" on November 13th, 2014 in Indianapolis, IN. The gathering will bring an influx of enterprises to the Hoosier state in an effort to benefit from its strengthening business economy.

Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce, spoke to Indiana's role as a business friendly environment in attracting the meeting of innovative businesses.

"Indiana is at the forefront of the exciting changes taking place in America's heartland, it's a great place to do business, and it's the perfect place to host a gathering like this." said Smith.

Forbes magazine recently detailed Governor Pence's influence in adding over 100,000 jobs to the Hoosier state. The article highlighted the standing of Indiana's tax policies as being one of the most conducive to attracting businesses within the nation.

Among the business that have come to Indiana are corporate enterprises like Lowe's. The home improvement retailer is opening a new customer support center in Indianapolis. That new investment will create 1,000 jobs in Indiana's capital.

The state's ability to attract new business investments is a major factor in the resurgence of its manufacturing sector. Manufacturers have been among the business that have taken to Indiana to expand their business operations.

The expansion of manufacturers in Indiana highlights the need for a vendor that can offer manufacturing software systems that enable success. Accent Software, Inc. provides new businesses that have relocated to the Hoosier state with local knowledge of its marketplace that can accelerate their success.

Indiana businesses make Green Rankings

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In the business landscape, many organizations have started taking a new approach to operations in an effort to improve their environmental footprint. This can happen in a number of different ways, but the end result is a more effective business that is better for the environment. Organizations across the world have started following a more green approach and the best of the best are being recognized for it.

Last week, Newsweek released its Green Rankings, which recognized assessments of corporate environmental performance. The rankings are handled the same for all companies and follow six core principles, which include: transparency, objectivity, public data, comparability, engagement and stakeholders. After that they are judged on eight clearly defined performance indicators.

  • Combined energy productivity score
  • Combined  Greenhouse Gas productivity score
  • Combines water productivity score
  • Combines waste productivity score
  • Reputation
  • Sustainability pay link
  • Sustainability board committee
  • Audited environmental metrics

The data is pulled from several sources. A majority of it comes from Bloomberg's Professional Service which houses sustainability information on over 5,000 public securities and Carbon Disclosure Project's (CDP). Information is also pulled from Corporate Knights Capital.

In the report, Indiana businesses are well represented. The highest ranking organization from the Hoosier State on the list is Cummin Inc, which ranks at number 53 among the 500 largest public companies in the U.S. and 86 among the largest public companies in the world. Both of these put it well ahead of its industry peers. Other companies on the list include Merrillville-based NiSource Inc., Simon Property Group Inc.  in Indianapolis, Zimmer Holdings Inc.  in Warsaw and Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc.

Cummin issued a press release from to address their placement on the list.

"This recognition from Newsweek underscores the commitment of our Company and our employees to an important part of our corporate mission – demanding that everything we do leads to a cleaner, healthier, safer environment," said Tom Linebarger, Cummins Chairman and CEO. "We believe our focus on the environment allows us to deliver economic value to our stakeholders while making a positive impact on communities around the world. Providing efficient and clean power is a win for our Company, a win for our customers, and a win for the environment."

The release also covers a comprehensive plan to reduce its global environmental footprint, something that the business has been working on for sometime. The organization has used its technical expertise as a way to take competitive advantage and meet emission standards that are growing more stringent. Following a two year study, of its operations, Cummin better prioritized its strategy to ensure it was hitting its worst performing areas first and build up from there.

Every company has a responsibility to make its operations as friendly to the environment as possible. One smart way to go about this is to improve the business management software solutions. Not only will this help with tasks like inventory reporting, but can also streamline many different operations. This helps companies cut down on wasted time and resources, allowing them make sure they are getting the most out of every operation, taking unneeded stress off of the environment.

Indy Chamber partners with C-ISBDC to create center for local businesses

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According to a press release from Inside Indiana Business, Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced that the Indy Chamber will be the new host for the Central Indiana small Business Development Center (C-ISBDC). This is where organizations will be able to consolidate regional small business resources for better service to Central Indiana entrepreneurs.

Ellspermann said that the organization provides valuable support to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the state. This new partnership will be used to establish a single center to launch and grow local businesses. This is critical as creating and developing local companies is a vitally important part to the future of Indiana as a premier location to start or relocate a company to.

Michael Huber, the president and CEO of the Indy Chamber, told the news source that with the range of economic development programs that the organization offers including entrepreneurial services and regional business attractions, it is in the perfect place to amplify the programs being offered by the C-ISBDC. This also opens the door to improve a microlending program that will help local companies secure capital and provide the regional business community with a wider range of funding options.

"Being housed in the flagship economic development organization in Indianapolis, this new location provides a wonderful opportunity for C-ISBDC clients to access numerous resources under one roof," said Doug Boehme, C-ISBDC Regional Director. "Streamlining the resources of the C-ISBDC with the Indy Chamber will expand both organizations' impact on small business, and help businesses become more profitable and successful in Central Indiana."

Indiana is one of the leading areas for business in the United States and it is moves like this that make that the case. Support like this allow companies to be confident to invest in ways to improve their operations like through business management software or anew office space.

Indiana Small Business Week starts June 2

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Small businesses are widely considered to be the backbone of the American economy. When mom and pop stores and local industries are thriving, the economic status of the area they operate in is strong and ready for growth. What's more, half of all Americans either own or work for a small business and this area has been responsible creating two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

This has lead to several pushes to help increase awareness of the small businesses in your area. This year's National Small Business Week, which is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, was held on May 12 through May 16. Many states also hold their own recognition weeks.

Starting on June 2, Indiana will be hosting its own small business week, which will feature multiple seminars across several locations including Indianapolis, Lafayette and Columbus.

"Small Business Week is the time for recognizing the contributions of small businesses to our country," the events website reads. "We thank our business owners and their employees for providing the products and services that benefit our lives. We thank our entrepreneurs for creating the majority of new job opportunities across the U.S."

Some of the events on the docket include expanding through exporting, how to launch your own business, myths of owning a business and an award ceremony.

To improve your small business, you need to not be afraid to invest in small business inventory management software and other accounting systems that can improve overall operations and help ensure increased productivity.

Indiana population on the rise

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Earlier this month, this blog covered a recent report from Chief Executive Magazine that ranks Indiana as the sixth best state to run a business in. This validates several efforts made by state officials to get more companies to relocate to Indiana and experience the benefits that come from working in the state.

Now, according to another study, people are flocking to the Hoosier State.

According to a new report from the Indiana Business Research Center, four of the state's largest cities are in the midst of major population increases. Between 2010 and 2013, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville and South Bend experienced a significantly larger increase than what was experienced in years past. This is based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Indianapolis added an average of 7,200 residents between 2010 and 2013, which is twice the pace experienced between 2000 and 2010. Fort Wayne added nearly 900 residents over the last four years.

Indiana ranked 30th on the list of fastest growing states at the end of 2013 and is outpacing each of its neighboring states. Overall the population grew 0.51 percent in 2013, which is up from the 0.33 that was experienced in 2012.

Steady increases in population are signs of a strong economy. This, coupled with the increased business focus, make Indiana a prime location for companies to relocate or expand. Organizations can take advantage of this by improving the way they operate. This can mean improving IT solutions or deploying a new business management software that can take a company to the next level.

Indiana ranked sixth on top states for business list

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When it comes to running a successful business, location can be key. This doesn't just mean what street or neighborhood you set up in, but also the city and state.

Recently, Chief Executive magazine released its 10th annual survey of CEOs that focused on their feelings toward the best and worst states to run a business. The study features responses from over 500 CEOs across the U.S. that graded states they were familiar with on tax and regulatory regime, the quality of the workforce and the quality of the living environment.

Topping the list was Texas, followed by Florida and Tennessee. The bottom of the list includes Illinois, New York and California. Indiana comes in number six. In a scale of five stars, the state received a four star ranking on taxation/regulation and workforce quality and three and a have stars for living environment.

The state also has experienced growth 0.8 percent higher than the national average.

"I have plants in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Indiana is by far the best of the three for business climate," the executive said in the report. "Ohio is gaining in recent years. But Kentucky remains mired in the past in terms of education and labor relations. And the state treasury's own fiscal condition is ominous—at some point in the future that will make things even worse for business in Kentucky."

Another executive added that having a strong government leadership and a balanced budget trickles down to decisions that affect the business environment.

Before business management software and inventory systems, companies need to ensure they are in the perfect location.

Indiana business expands again within the state

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There are few things that show how strong a local economy is than when a company that was created in the environment more than 70 years ago is able to not only still be in business, but expand. On top of that, the place they choose to create a new space is in the same area that they started.

According to a recent article from Inside Indiana Business, that is just what is happening in DuBois County. Jasper Engines and Transmission has announced that it has plans to expand its operation. Over the next four years, the company will invest nearly $7 million to purchase, renovate and equip a new facility that will create 235 permanent jobs in the city of Jasper.

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann told the news source that the manufacturer is one of the great Hoosier state business success stories. The organization has created hundreds of jobs for residents and expanded within its borders multiple times.

"We continue to see how our business-friendly tax and regulatory policies plus our dedicated workforce make Indiana a place where companies want to expand and locate," Ellspermann said. "Our record-breaking job growth shows that Indiana truly is a state that works."

According to Doug Bawel, the chairman and chief executive officer of Jasper Engines & Transmissions, this will be the third major expansion the organization has undertaken since 2010.

"When looking at our options for expansion, no other place measured up to the business climate in Indiana," said Doug Bawel, chairman and chief executive officer of Jasper Engines & Transmissions.

Terry Seitz, the Mayor of Jasper, said that this expansion is a reflection of the vibrancy of the Jasper economy and the ongoing investments in the city, resulting in an even better place to set up a business. This announcement represents the significance work by city, state and company officials and sets the stage for a long-range positive impact for the company and the greater region.

Being in a state that not only supports local businesses but also has the strong economy to help them grow is a significant benefit. Organizations in Indiana should feel confident to improve their operations with the use of business management software and other tools.

Michigan Steel company expanding into Indiana

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The state of Indiana has been working hard to make it known that it wants to house your business in the future. With billboards in New York and Chicago, it appears that word is spreading, as a Michigan company has decided to expand operations into the Hoosier state.

According to a recent article from Inside Indiana Business, Mill Steel Co. — a flat rolled steel service center that is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan — has announced plans to expand its operations into Indiana. The company will invest $16.1 million to purchase and equip a 105,000 square-foot facility in Jeffersonville at Indiana's Port of Indiana Maritime Center. The goal is to renovate the location and double the size to 225,000 square feet.

The facility would be operational in June and will house two sitters in addition to a cut-to-length line. Through 2017, the outfit will create up to 43 new jobs. Currently Mill Steel employees approximately 200 associates.

"Mill Steel and other companies gain an advantage by locating at one of Indiana's three ports," said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. "The Ports of Indiana helps businesses boost their logistics skills through direct rail-to-barge capabilities, strategically located at the crossroads of America. Companies can transport goods to their clients more efficiently here, making Indiana a state that works."

David Samrick, the chief executive office of Mill Steel, told the news source that he is excited for the opportunity to locate to Jeffersonville. He added the Indiana's centralized location serves as an outstanding complement to the existing locations in Michigan that the company already operates out of. Samrick went on to say that the state of Indiana offers several specific benefits that made it much easier to decide on placing a location there.

"Indiana's right-to-work law, simplified regulatory environment and low-tax rates also make it very attractive for the continued growth of our business," Samrick told the news source. "We felt it was absolutely critical to position ourselves at a location that will enable us to continue our delivery of outstanding just in time services to our growing automotive, construction, appliance and general manufacturing customer base."

According to the article, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Steel up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits and an additional $100,000 in training grants because of the planned job growth if it was to add a location in the state. These credits are performance based, meaning until the company comes through with local hiring, they will not be paid out.

Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore told the news source that the city could also offer additional benefits at the request of One Southern Indiana. He added that he is excited about the announcement as it is a testament to the many advantages of doing business in the city and state.

"We are thrilled Mill Steel chose to leverage Jeffersonville's locale to serve its growing market and to establish their future in southern Indiana," Moore said.

For any business that is looking to expand or relocate to Indiana, the help of a business management software provider can help them deploy a solution that can improve operations and efficiency.