Many businesses have experienced the benefits that come from setting up operations in a specific location. This is something organizations that call Indiana home have known about for sometime.

According to a press release from the company, Angola-based Illuminated Image has announced plans to expand into Steuben County and add 20 new jobs by 2017. This will happen when the company pours $1.1 million into its operations. This will be used to lease, renovate and equip the current 50,000 square-foot facility in Angola.

"In Indiana, we have illuminated a clear pathway for business success and growth," said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "The future for companies like Illuminated Image is bright in Indiana, where they find a central location to conveniently reach customers nationwide. With Indiana's skilled manufacturing workforce and affordable business climate, companies can continue to invest in their operations here with confidence that this is a state that works for business."

Von Lomont, the president of Illuminated Image, said that his company is grateful to have its manufacturing operations in northeast Indiana. This is because it is a good area, with good people that have an ingrained strong work ethic. He added that he has no concerns about finding several quality skilled professionals to fill the positions that will be created in the months ahead.

With the help of improved business management software, any company will be able to improve its overall operations and take advantage of calling a state line Indiana home.

The state of Indiana remains a major player in the corporate landscape and a new program shows why they are a leader in the corporate world.

According to a press release from the Indiana Governor's office, the state will take place in an 18-month business incentives initiative that is being offered by the Pew Charitable Trusts. It will be one of seven states that will take part in the study.

"Indiana remains committed to delivering both a business-friendly climate for job creators and a high level of transparency for Hoosier taxpayers," said Governor Pence. "By participating in this study and evaluating the way our state conducts business, we will ensure Indiana continues to maintain a competitive edge and provides Hoosiers with the top-notch, open and accountable service they deserve."

The state was able to secure a spot in this study, which will also feature Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Michigan, Maryland and Louisiana, members of the State Budget Agency, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Revenue applied for consideration.

The goal of the study is to examine and identify best practices when it comes to business incentives for economic development and meeting the public's need for transparency. This will help when it comes to managing economic development policies and practices, improving data collection and reporting and creating national standards and best practices.

By participating in this study, it becomes clear that Indiana is one of the hubs of business in the United States. Companies in the state are thriving, especially those that are using business management software.

There have been several business tax cuts making their way through the Indiana State Government. This week, one of them has finally been signed into law.

According to an article from WISHTV Channel 8, an Indiana news outlet, this week Governor Mike Pence made things official. The new law will cut the state's corporate income tax and provides options for county leaders to reduce property taxes on business equipment.

The corporate tax cut drops the numbers from 6.5 percent down to 4.9 percent over the coming years. The financial institutions taxes, which are levied on banks, will also drop from 6.5 percent to 4.9 percent.

Pence spoke about the news following a bill-signing ceremony at One Click Ventures, an Internet company based in Greenwood.

"We worked through a legislative process that I think resulted in Indiana becoming more competitive for the kind of investment that creates jobs," Pence said. "I think by signaling to the country that we've given local communities more options in the area of business personal property taxes is an important message to send. And I believe it's going to put our local communities and counties in a better position to attract investment."

Companies should not be looking for these to take effect quickly. The full corporate tax cut will not be complete until 2023 and the equipment tax cut will be held up until mid-2015. Despite that, it is still offering up a reason for companies to relocate to Indiana, and with the help of a company that specializes in business management software, any organization can do this effectively.

Last month, this blog covered the news of a proposed soccer and events stadium for the minor league team the Indy Eleven that is going to be built in downtown Indianapolis. The $87 million stadium plan was proposed to the Indiana State House Ways and Means Committee and was approved by the organization.

While things seemed to be moving full steam ahead, a sudden stall out has caused the legislation needed to get the project moving has not been approved by the end of the latest Senate session. Senate President Pro Tem David Long told Inside Indiana Business that the bill would not most likely need to wait a year to be voted on.

The news source also published a statement from Indy Eleven Owner Ersal Ozdemir. He said that he appreciated all of the support and warm reception that came from fans and the legislators when it comes to the team. Many members came out to the statehouse during the short session.

"Having not been given a red card, we remain committed to working with legislators with an eye toward coming back next session and continuing the discussion about Indy Eleven's successful launch and its economic impact on our community and state," Ozdemir said. "In the meantime, we are excited about Indy Eleven playing its first game in front of a sold out crowd on April 12th."

There is much excitement about this project so it is not out of the realm of possibility that it will be it could move quickly when the next session gets underway. When it gets going, local businesses will need to make sure they have the right business management software in place to manage any influx in traffic.

This blog has covered several different pieces of legislation that will be impacting Indiana Business. This week, two more bills have moved through the Ways and Means committee.

A recent news release from the Indiana House of Representatives Republican Caucus broke down the two bills. One is a plan to improve business personal property tax and another which allows businesses in central Indiana to put expansion or upgrades to mass public transit up for referendum.

The goal of these bills is to improve the competitive edge. This would result in attracting new jobs and business investment to the state. There were some amendments to the tax bill, which will allow each county to decide if they want to exempt new investments on business equipment from the personal property tax. This case-by-case power could turn it into a power economic development tool.

"House Republicans believe that communities should have the ability to choose for themselves whether the elimination of this tax on capital investment is the right decision for their county and its residents," Ways and Means Chairman Tim Brown said in the release. "We want local governments to have more freedom and the ability to attract companies so more Hoosiers can find rewarding employment opportunities."

He added that Indiana has made great strides recently to improve the state's business climate. However, the state cannot stand still if it wants to keep growing this business.

Aside from the law, there are a number of different ways that organizations can improve operations through the use of business management software.