Indy-Biz

Richard Florida one of the leading social theorists today believes that human creativity is the engine of economic growth. He argues that in the 21st century, cities that feed not just the business side, but cultural side will thrive.

While we have many really cool cultural opportunities in this city, small business people, so focused on their business often let them slip buy. Take last night for example. The first of the Art Center’s rhythm on the River concerts was held on the grounds of the museum, to a very small crowd. Perfect night, perfect venue, but my friends in the small business community were too busy to be there…

Take some time to enjoy the city, and cultivate the cultural side! There are still 5 more concerts this summer, and Jazz Fest this weekend. Feed the right side of your brain, so your left can get some work done!

And thanks to Old National Bank who sponsored the event. Good to see them supporting activities which build a creative class!

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Ernie Reno is quickly becoming one of my favorite contributors to Inside Indiana Business. His tips on Crafting a Powerful Press Release are right on target.But don’t limit your releases to traditional media, newspapers, radio and television. In the 21st century be sure to leverage releases to on-line news sources as well. Send your submissions to:

• DBusinessDaily - A national on-line news source, with local listings.
• IndyBiz - A local listing of who is making news in Indy sponsored by Roundpeg

Does your company have information to share with the Indy Business Community? Send a Note to hello@roundpeg.biz and we will add it to IndyBiz

I often complain that too much attention is focused on big companies, or high profile ventures. The Purdue University’s Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship third annual “Opportunity for Indiana Business Plan Competition” is one of the great exceptions.The program is open to teams and individuals, offering an opportunity to compete for cash prizes up to $25,000. And because the program is supported by workshops on the Purdue campus participants win, not just the cash prize, but long term by creating a plan for their business.

Registration for 2006 will close September 15, 2006. If you are looking for funding, look here!

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John MacIntyre of the Indy Star compiled an interesting set of statistics on job creation for the period from 2002 - 2003:

• 1.6 Million jobs were created by firms with fewer than 20 employees
• 400,00 jobs were created by firms with 20 - 499 employees
• 1 million jobs were lost by firms with more than 500 employees

And yet we keep changing large companies with tax incentives and special deals! If we really want to put people to work, lets put our tax dollars behind the companies really making a difference.

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Indiana Department of Administration, through the office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises Division (MWBED), is hosting the Business Diversity Series: 2006 Matchmaker Connection. Not a dating service, this speed date program matches contractors with potential clients. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIREDDetails: http://www.in.gov/idoa/minority/events.htmlRegister: mwbe@idoa.in.gov or call our office at 317-232-3061.

With all the heat state and local officials are getting regarding use of minority and women contractors; it is nice to see an event of this type organized. If you are an M/WBE, leverage your status by attending.

Does your company have information to share with the Indy Business Community? Send a Note to hello@roundpeg.biz and we will add it to IndyBiz

Usually when I read that a local Indy firm has been acquired, by another company I am saddened by the information. Not this time.When Tony Sandlin told me that Barter Indiana Group (BIG) was acquired by International Monetary Systems, I knew it would be a good thing for their members.Formed just over a year ago, Tony and Dave have grown BIG from 0-200 members, with a lot of hard work. Now as part of IMS, we as members will have access to products and services from almost 10,000 companies nationwide. In addition with the support of the national office, Tony will be able to spend more time expanding their local presence.

Are you a member of a barter group? If not, now is a great time to have the conversation and decide if it is right for you.

Does your company have information to share with the Indy Business Community? Send a Note to hello@roundpeg.biz and we will add it to IndyBiz

If you saw 50+ blue balloons flying over Avon yesterday, it wasn’t an accident. At 8:30 am, attendees at the kick-off event for Rainmaker West, having written their dreams on balloons launched them.

Verbalizing goals and dreams helps bring them one step closer to reality. What is yours? Write it down, and share it here or somewhere else. Move one step closer to making it a reality.

What’s mine? An Entrepreneur Mall - Retail - Office - Incubator.. interested in learning more, ask me!

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The Network of Women in Business, Indianapolis oldest, locally based women’s organization will feature Ellen Dunnigan, owner of Accent on Business at their June 13th Sales Builder meeting.
A voice an speech coach, Ellen will share tips on how to create a memorable sound bit.

This is the perfect event for Women looking to improve their sales skills. Ellen’s content is dead-on, and her style funny and engaging. If you have never had the opportunity to hear Ellen speak, this a Must Attend! Sorry guys, this is a Women’s only event!

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While any investment in the Indiana business community is a good thing, there is way too much hype about the latest $105 million investment fund. This fund will invest in firms doing business in Indiana, or that intend to move operations to the state. And so we can expect another branch office or another manufacturing plant, as a result. Or perhaps a few high profile bio-tech start-ups will get a bit of funding to continue their research, but most small business owners won’t qualify for this type of funding and for them, growth must be financed in other ways. They need attention too!Companies like eImagine Technology and Crew Property Improvement Specialists rarely make headlines despite solid contributions to our local economy. eImagine Technology competes against companies around the country for national government contracts, bringing employment and tax revenue to Indiana. Crew Property Improvement Specialists, a unique home remodeling company has grown from 1 - 18 employees in just a few years.
There are thousands of companies with stories like this, do you know others? I believe if we continue to give more visibility to these types of companies, we might truly become an entrepreneurial economy.

Does your company have information to share with the Indy Business Community? Send a Note to hello@roundpeg.biz and we will add it to IndyBiz

Whether it’s from working on holidays, neglecting to take a vacation during the year or staying at the office well past closing time every day, American workers and small business owners are becoming notorious not for hard work, but for being overworked.

Lee Wenninger of Express Personnel passed me this link to strategies for managing the overwork epidemic.

http://www.expresspersonnel.com/newsletters/e_exchange.htm

Does your company have information to share with the Indy Business Community? Send a Note to hello@roundpeg.biz and we will add it to IndyBiz