Indy-Biz

In this week’s IBJ there is a summary of a report from the Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation which said there are only 11 states which take a smaller share from businesses for Taxes than Indiana. In its “2007 State Business Tax Climate Index” report released Oct. 11, the Tax Foundation ranked Indiana 12th overall in the nation for its business tax climate.

“Labor and capital are more mobile than ever,” said Chris Atkins, co-author of the Tax Foundation’s report. “In the global competition for jobs, no state can afford to be saddled with a tax system that unduly punishes new business investment.”

This is good news for the Indiana economy! While some of our neighbors, particularly Ohio have raised taxes, or business friendly tax base makes it easier for small companies, to start, thrive and grow!

Looking to grow your business - Get out of the chair and away from the computer and start meeting people. While software programs like Linked-in promise to help you make great business connections, there is no real replacement for face-to-face connections.
Not sure where to go?
Sign up for Business Notes from Roundpeg for a listing of the best networking events for small business owners. The next issue will be distriubted on Tuesday, so sign up today! Then get out and make some friends!

Need a little help getting started? Consider signing up for Fishing Lessons a lively two hour workshop delivered by local networking experts, Lorraine Ball and Pat Milner - Thursday, November 30th.

If you are a woman business owner, the Network of Women in Business - Entrepreneur Special Interest Group offers monthly conversations relevant to you! This month, Donna Batten will discuss Web Strategies for Small Business Owners.

Thursday, November 2nd from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
The event will be held at the LePeep Restaurant at Keystone Crossing, 8487 Union Chapel Road.

For http://nowib.com/now_events_calendar_results.asp?id=68&action=show

Avon based Hartman Home Inventory, Inc. announced today they are now operating as Hartman Inventory, Inc. The new name was selected to reflect the growth and full service of the business.

More Info

In our Fast-Paced Society, no one has time to read anymore. Pod casts offer ideas on the go for the busy entrepreneur.
Here are links to just a few I have found with great ideas local and around the world

• Entrepreneur.com
• Small Business Radio
• Small Business Podcast
• Small Biz Pod

Looking to tap in to a variety of pod casts?

Check out http://feeds.feedburner.com/SmallBusinessExpo

More and more Carmel is becoming a rich, vibrant city on it’s own. The latest sign of it’s maturity is the new Current in Carmel weekly newspaper. I hope the publication is very successful, because there is certainly a need for more, diverse sources of information in the community.

We have some amazing companies that started right here in Indiana! Last night 24 of them were recognized for their achievements from the Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business as whiners of the Entrepreneurial Awards of Distinction. The companies were honored in several categories that looked at growth, risk-taking and innovation.
More than 140 companies submitted applications, which says there is a lot of interesting innovation going on in this community! Congratulations to the winners, finalists and all applicants!

In today’s star the following article concerned me: Local mayors push user fee idea
The mayors of Franklin and Greenwood endorse a proposal to let local governments levy user fees and a local sales tax on businesses to replace some property tax revenue. The mayors discussed the local tax relief proposal, pushed by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, at a regional meeting of public officials, reports the Johnson County Daily Journal. The association is lobbying the state legislature to permit the new local taxes.

While good for consumers, will additional taxes drive business owners to reconsider doing business in these communities??

When I left my corporate gig behind, I gave up the laptop I carried as an extension of my right arm. As a result, my posture is better, and I can’t rely on Power Point to support my presentations. Although it took some adjustment at first, I think my presentations are better.

In this morning’s Inside Indiana Business Ethan Ax - Account Executive, Sherman & Co. Public Relations has written a wonderful piece on Power Point! And why you shouldn’t use it. If you still think you need Power Point consider the following comment from Ethan: There are two kinds of PowerPoint users. First, there is the speaker who used to be charismatic and interesting before using PowerPoint. Second, there is the speaker who was never interesting to begin with, and now, with the help of PowerPoint, he or she can project those same uninteresting topics onto a wall in conveniently unattractive bullet-point form.

The rest of the article is just as much fun!

One of the coolest things about Indy is the extensive Greenway bike and walking trails. On any given day, local residents can be found walking, running, biking and blading on the Monon, Canal Toe path and other routes around the city.

But very soon, we will have more, really cool choices. Construction is about to begin on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Seven miles of walking, biking, and public art connecting the six major arts districts, putting Indy on top of the list of cool places to live, and work! More info