Perspectives

As schools reopen, nonprofits are also gearing up for special events. Rest assured, another gala, benefit auction, 5K, bake sale, basket raffle, math-a-thon, mum sale, or something else is certain to be calling your name this fall. Special event staging shouldn’t be surprising, but after years of touting a better way, nonprofits still have much to learn relative to the true return on investment (ROI) of these so-called “special” events.... Read More

While I don’t envy the dedicated folks who staff the security lanes at our nation’s airports, I’ve observed a tendency for many of them to do something unfortunately common among people with customer contact roles.... Read More

Indiana ranks first with the highest concentration of manufacturing employment in the country, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. As recently as this past October, the State had 2.04 times the national average. There were 2.73 million workers employed by Indiana manufacturers.... Read More

The tech industry has long been an arena dominated by men, leaving many women underrepresented, underpaid, and undervalued. While strides have been made to improve gender equality in tech, much work remains. That is why Indiana Women in Tech Week (IWIT) is so crucial. ... Read More

Focusing on the big picture is not easy for most new parents.  I'm currently learning, as my wife and I are expecting our first child in just a couple months. I couldn't be more excited to meet our baby girl. However, I have to admit I'm nervous about the upcoming sleep deprivation, figuring out naps and feeding schedules, daycare routines, etc. Something that has helped alleviate stress is having a financial game plan. ... Read More

The re-emergence of strategic competition requires an intense effort to rebuild our nation’s atrophied capabilities. Our nation is behind in rebuilding the infrastructure needed to meet emerging threats posed by China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. The recent Strategic Posture Review made the case for urgent investment in modernized strategic forces.... Read More

Every business is vulnerable to unexpected disasters—whether it's a natural catastrophe, a burst pipe, or a fire. The real question isn't whether something will happen but whether your business is ready to handle it when it does.... Read More

The saga of how to find enough water for the LEAP Lebanon Innovation District took another turn recently when the State Budget Committee approved a combined $101 million for a water pipeline, land and infrastructure for the project. ... Read More

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and engineering are becoming the bedrock of modern society. Yet, these critical sectors remain heavily male-dominated. The underrepresentation of women in these domains is not just a matter of equality; it's a significant impediment to innovation, security, and progress. The inclusion of more women in technology is not merely desirable—it is imperative for the future of these fields and society at large.... Read More

As we step into the fourth quarter of 2024, it's a good idea to look at your tax situation to determine if you can do anything to minimize taxes before we leap into 2025. You might be surprised at what a few adjustments can do to your income or portfolio.... Read More

In the late 1980’s, about 30% of computer science degrees were awarded to women. During that same time, I was a high school student enrolled in Basic and Fortran classes. I don’t recall many, if any, other girls in my class and there certainly wasn’t anyone suggesting, yet alone encouraging me to study computer science in college.... Read More

Ironically, for an industry that by definition IS innovation, digital transformation, and leads the way for change, the tech sector remains in analog when it comes to women of color. The significant underrepresentation of African American women, who currently make up a mere 3% of the tech workforce, and the even fewer who hold leadership positions, underscores the urgent need for systemic change.... Read More

The inaugural Women IN Tech Week in Indiana marks a significant milestone for our state and our tech community. As a woman who has spent over two decades in the technology sector, I am thrilled to see this initiative come to fruition. ... Read More

For over a century, East Central Indiana’s identity was rooted in manufacturing—iconic names like Ball and General Motors defined our region. Glass jars, auto batteries, headlamps, and transmissions were the backbone of our economy. However, over the past two decades there’s been a shift away from heavy manufacturing, tasking our region to dig deep to redefine itself.... Read More

The Russo-Ukrainian War has been ongoing for nearly a decade, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 increased the scale of the war dramatically. Now that two and a half years have passed, we are getting a good understanding of the war's economic consequences.... Read More

Celebrating women in tech extends beyond acknowledging achievements; it involves fostering a culture that values diversity, supports growth, and creates opportunities for all. Women IN Tech, especially those transitioning from other careers, embody resilience and adaptability—qualities crucial in an industry driven by innovation. Yet, their journey often includes unique challenges that must be addressed.... Read More

The conundrum about “what counts as working in tech” is a new consideration. For many years, before “tech” became the moniker for all things, I worked in I/S, or Information Systems. I/S was a function within an organization, known for keeping systems running, storing data, and putting machines on desks. ... Read More

The interest rate environment is in a state of transition and has been for a few years. While the aggressive rate-hiking cycle is behind us, the Federal Reserve's future actions will significantly impact borrowing costs. ... Read More

The Point in Time Count is conducted every January as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This count allows communities to better understand the number of individuals experiencing homelessness.... Read More

Considering early retirement? Or maybe transitioning from one job to another?  Then you are probably wondering how to maintain your health insurance coverage.  Two common options are COBRA and Marketplace health insurance. Both allow you to maintain or acquire health coverage, but they differ significantly in cost, coverage, and eligibility.... Read More