Perspectives

Why do so few businesses struggle to survive past their first decade? Is longevity the result of great products, exceptional leaders, ethical operations, or just good luck?... Read More

"From shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations."  Nearly 90% of affluent families lose their wealth by the end of the third generation. This leads to financial ruin, the tragic loss of family relationships, and emotional stress. ... Read More

“I just don’t know how to begin,” some moan. “I hate staring at that empty screen and that #%#^$% blinking cursor,” snap others. “I know exactly what I want to say, but I can’t get started,” complain a few. Fortunately, there’s a simple workaround.... Read More

Childbirth in the U.S. can be dangerous, compared with other developed nations. Roughly every 12 hours a woman dies of a pregnancy-related cause, and 60% of these causes are preventable. In addition, many babies continue to be born too early, too small, or too sick to go home with their families.... Read More

All waterways across Indiana should be safe for Hoosiers to enjoy swimming and fishing. That is the goal of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). To achieve this for our residents, our agency takes deliberate steps to protect, assess and, when needed, restore the waterways of Indiana.... Read More

Summer is just around the corner. For many Indianapolis restaurant owners and managers that means al fresco dining, which in turn means finding more staff in a hiring market that’s significantly shifted over the last two years. What do workers want in a competitive hiring market? Here’s what our team is hearing.... Read More

The bond market is down over -9% since the beginning of the year. The significant losses are almost across the board. High yield, investment grade, long-term, and intermediate bonds have taken large hits. Only short-term and adjustable-rate bonds have largely escaped the carnage. So what is happening to the bond market and what should you do?... Read More

We’ve all been there. It’s a busy day in the office, the to-do list is a mile long, and suddenly, a computer snafu stops the workday. It’s frustrating. It feels monumental. It’s time to call for help. You think: How long will it take? Will the help desk rep really be able to help? How long will my computer be down? First take a deep breath then use these tips to help the help desk representative get you back up and running.... Read More

Spring is here, and so is the start of our traditional homebuying season. But for many prospective buyers, the search for the right home has become a year-round frustration. Low inventory and high prices are a fact of life in housing markets across Indiana, making affordability a critical challenge for growth-minded communities and our common need to grow the Hoosier workforce.... Read More

A survey from Bankrate late last year indicated an estimated fifty-five percent of the workforce in the United States was going to be looking for a job this year. Whether the phenomenon was anticipated or not, it is happening in 2022. We are in the midst of many people leaving their jobs. Here are some practical approaches for helping to gain and retain your employees.... Read More

Finding and retaining talent is job #1 for the Indiana tech workforce, but the traditional education path is working for only a small percentage of Indiana students and employers. Indiana must fix that if it is to develop the tech workforce that companies need have in the coming years.... Read More

Stock buybacks are again in the news as senators and even President Biden have shown interest in supporting proposals to limit them. From potentially taxing buybacks to adding other limits, stock buybacks have received much attention in the last year. Why all the fuss?... Read More

Time management.  There are probably more ideas for approaching this behemoth than there are minutes in a year, 525,600.  Sorry to trigger that song for the “Rent” fans out there.  However, there are pivotal moments that form a foundation for getting more things done effectively and efficiently, whether you are carrying out multiple tasks at home, work for a nonprofit, or in the corporate world.... Read More

As businesses continue to shore up remote and hybrid workspaces, cybersecurity practices are more vital than ever, as hackers create new threats to outsmart security developers and providers. Simultaneously, cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. According to a study by Deloitte, the number of cyberattacks using previously unseen methods increased by 15% amidst COVID-19.... Read More

The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds interest rate by 25 basis points in March 2022, and more increases are expected. It’s predicted the Fed will raise rates by 50 basis points—or a half percentage point—at each of its next two meetings in May and June. What is the reality of rate increases for business owners?... Read More

Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available to children five years of age and older, there is a bigger discussion about the ideal time to get your child’s immunizations. April 25 marks the start of National Infant Immunization Week – a great opportunity for all people, especially parents, to learn more about the importance of early childhood immunization.... Read More

Tax Day is over, and it seems that many taxpayers are still catching their breath from the big check owed to the IRS. Though paying taxes isn't fun, it does suggest that you've realized a decent amount of income during the year. To minimize taxes in future years, consider being more strategic in your tax planning by making some simple financial adjustments.... Read More

In every industry, companies are being called upon to address their sustainability challenges. Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics companies – large and small – are no different. From reducing energy usage and sourcing eco-friendly materials, to lowering carbon emissions and reducing waste, companies are committing to using less of the world's resources and decarbonizing operations.... Read More

The worst inflation in 40 years is hammering American families. The price of gasoline soared 49.6% from December 2020 to December 2021, according to a recent analysis from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Used car prices jumped 37.3%, meat prices increased 12.5%, and electricity prices surged 6.3%.... Read More

Building healthy habits for your family is hard. I know; I have four kids and I find it to be a daily struggle. My kids don’t always agree with my suggestions to eat fruits and vegetables, drink enough water and get plenty of sleep. And the struggle doesn’t end with my kids. My wife and I also strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but our busy schedules make it challenging to ensure we have balanced meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Low energy, trouble focusing and frequent sickness can plague our house if we’re not practicing healthy habits daily. ... Read More