Indy-Biz

First the arts, and now the parks! Is Greg Ballard really on a mission to destroy the quality of life in Indianapolis? As you read the headlines, it seems he is. After last week’s announcements he wants to cut public funding for the arts, his newest plan includes selling off some of our smaller parks to save money.

The Ballard administration is considering selling some of the city’s “pocket parks” (parks, which are 2 acres or smaller) because they are a drain on city finances.  Instead of selling, why not consider engaging community leaders in a discussion on how to save the parks with citizen involvement? 

Examples, there are two small parks in Washington Township where I know this has been done effectively.
      The first is located on busy 86th street is maintained by members of the Nora North Side Community Council, who take turns picking up trash, and repainting the signs.
    The second Daubenspeck ( sp?) is located on Ditch Road, neighbors, school groups, and other volunteers have planted, and managed this unusual nature park, because they wanted it to succeed.

I am sure there are many other examples of community groups participating in the management of their neighborhood park - why aren’t we reaching out to those groups before hiring Venture Real Estate Services LLC to produce an inventory and analysis of all city property.  Since they will also be responsible for the sale, any guess on what they will recommend?  (Can you say CONFLICT OF INTEREST?)

By focusing on the small stuff, he is missing the big picture.  We need to build our tax base, by attracting and retaining, jobs, companies, and members of the creative class. If we do that, we won’t need to cut our city’s budget.

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN – August 13, 2008) – Mark Roger of Art & Texture, the Finish Studio in the Village of WestClay will be teaching a Decorative Painting class at the 2008 Mickey’s Camp for Women. Even participants who have never picked up a paintbrush before; they will discover their “artist within” and be amazed at the artwork they have created.

More Info

In response to corporate demand to increase employee maximization during the current economic slow-down, LQ Performance Strategies, Indianapolis’ leading employee development organization announced their Leadership S.T.A.R. (Strategies to Achieve Results) program today.

More Info

According to the Indiana Chamber of Commerece, we are losing out to other states by not passing a right-to-work law.  By not having a law that prohibits requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment, Indiana is disadvantaged in competing for economic development projects and foregoes the higher incomes paid in the 22 states that have right-to-work laws, the chamber says.

While mandadory union membership may have made sense 50 years ago, it doesn’t any longer.  And given the tough economic climate, Indiana needs every advantage when it comes to brining jobs to Indy.   It is time to change the law.

What do you think?

CARMEL, Ind. — July 21, 2008 — Rainmaker University (RU), a subsidiary of Rainmakers, Indiana’s fastest growing business networking association (www.gorainmakers.com), has entered into partnership with Yeager Properties.  

More Info

Presented by Deno Rousopoulos

&

Sponsored by the HR Consultant’s Forum

Tuesday, August 26

Noon – 1:00 p.m.

during the Indiana State SHRM Conference

Continue Reading »

Carmel, Ind.  The Carmel Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Vine & Branch, Inc. has established a new award to recognize sustainable green projects in the community.  Carmel Green will recognize an organization, company or association who is solving environmental challenges by using innovative and green practices or by setting up creative partnerships to enhance the environment. 

More Info

Indianapolis, IN, July 15, 2008 - Due to the sagging economy of late, business owners have had to fight even harder to create sales, live in balance, create energy in their businesses, and achieve their revenue goals.

Solopreneurs, or business owners who work for themselves and have zero to three employees, have it especially hard due to their limited access to capital reserves and lack of man power.

More Info

Ellyn S. Traub joins Ken Blanchard & Stephen Coveyin an upcoming release of Roadmap to Success.

America’s Top Intellectual Minds Map Out Successful Business Strategies

How do busy people become successful? Insight Publishing is pleased to present Ellyn S. Traub, Ken Blanchard & Stephen Covey in an exceptional compilation of resourceful people who will tell you how they learned how to be successful. They will share with you their secrets and reveal some remarkable insights on how to set goals in life and how to accomplish those goals.

Ellyn S. Traub, MS, CPBA, CPVA, Six Sigma Green Belt, is the Executive Coach and Founder of High Performance Leadership, Inc. Simply stated, High Performance Leadership rescues executives, attorneys and business owners from overwhelm, frustration and isolation by creating certainty. Certainty relieves the stress. Ms. Traub uses a mastermind approach with clients to ensure practical application and ROI results. High Performance Leadership’s bi-monthly newsletter, High-Per Hints, which features business tips, is distributed globally. Join Ellyn today as she helps you plan your Roadmap to Success.

For more information on Ellyn Traub, and to order your copy of Roadmap to Success, contact:

Ellyn S. Traub

High Performance Leadership, Inc.
484 E. Carmel Drive, #158, Carmel, IN 46032-2812 USA

Office: 317.844.9825;

Email: ellyn@hpleadership.com;

Web: www.hpleadership.com

The latest reports from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development indicate our economy is slowing down, but not nearly as much as neighboring states.

The seasonally adjusted rate for the month of June is 5.8.  While higher than we would like, it is significantly lower than surrounding states, such as Michigan (8.5), Illinois and Ohio (6.8).

While still slightly higher than the national average our travel and tourism industries certainly help us stay ahead in the mid west.  And our growing entrepreneurial base probably contributes to that as well.  How do we get stronger?   Shop locally, adopt a buy Indiana First Strategy.  A healthy economy begins at home.

Just one more reason to consider making Indy your home!