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Tips on taxes

Features

John Hurst

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April 1, 2018

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How the new tax act could affect your nonprofit

By Brandon A. Perry

Nonprofit organizations across America have been on alert since passage of the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The law contains the most sweeping changes to the tax code in over 30 years, which affects both nonprofit organizations and their donors.

Charitable giving is expected to decrease by at least $13 million due to changes to the standard deduction, according to recent research by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The same report, however, found that a new charitable deduction for non-itemizing taxpayers may generate up to $4.8 billion in additional giving.

Given the pros and cons of the law, the long-term impact of the act is unpredictable. However, experts say there are several steps charitable and nonprofit groups can take to prepare for the changes.

Seek professional guidance

Seeking advice from a professional tax consultant is one of the best ways a nonprofit organization can prepare for the changes. This can free up more time for an organization’s cause and prevent costly mistakes from not observing changes to the tax code.

Prepare for reductions in contributions

Perhaps the best-known effect of the new tax law on nonprofits is the potential decrease in donations. An increase in the standard deduction on personal tax returns could cause charitable giving to fall significantly. The deduction increased from $6,350 to $12,000 for single individuals and from $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples. The IRS says about 30 percent of taxpayers currently itemize their deductions.

Adjust to new UBIT

The new tax act changes how the unrelated business income tax (UBIT) is calculated. Nonprofits should immediately begin tracking all sources of UBIT. They should also review different trades and businesses that generate UBIT and consider consolidating them for lower taxes. Some fringe benefits and rewards offered to employees will be subject to UBIT for the first time. Nonprofits should consider whether offering increased compensation would be a more tax efficient option.

Watch for changes to state tax laws

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act State caps local income taxes and property taxes. Some states and counties may face budget shortfalls because of this and could create new taxes on nonprofit organizations to make up for any loss in revenue. Tax caps and budget cuts could also lead to the reduction or elimination of state and local social programs. Nonprofits will be expected to fill the void.

Revamp you donor outreach and fundraising plans

Nonprofits can protect themselves from possible changes from the tax act by creating a new and energetic fundraising plan. This plan could be based on a successful communications model that will excite donors about contributing to an organization’s cause, regardless of the possible tax benefits.

Refresh newsletters, social media posts, brochures, fundraising events, press releases and websites. Treat donors and volunteers as valued, caring partners — not just faceless, nameless sources of donations and labor. Revamp plans to expand the volunteer roster, which may help your organization save resources and get people excited about actively supporting a meaningful cause. Taking these steps can offset any potential impact of the new tax act.

Sources: Indiana Department of Revenue, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Peterson/Sullivan. I

Lafayette

John Hurst

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April 1, 2018

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Lafayette and West Lafayette offer small-town charm

By Arriel Vinson

The Wabash River passes through both Lafayette and West Lafayette, two historic Indiana cities. Lafayette was founded in 1825, with West Lafayette being founded about 35 years later. West Lafayette has about 42,000 residents on top of Lafayette’s 71,000 residents. Home to Purdue University, these cities are bustling with popular attractions, students and plenty of things to do.

Lodging

Union Club Hotel

101 North Grant St.

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

765-494-8900

union.purdue.edu/hotel

Located at Purdue’s Memorial Union, the Union Club Hotel offers 200 rooms, which includes eight luxury suites and 60 deluxe rooms. The Union Club Hotel also offers family rates, along with a hotel restaurant and shuttle. The hotel even offers entertainment at Union Rack & Roll, featuring bowling and billiards fun. Explore the historic campus while enjoying a well-serviced stay.

Prophetstown State Park

5545 Swisher Road (Main Gate Entrance)

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

765-567-4919

in.gov/dnr/parklake/2971.htm

If you want to camp out, the Prophetstown State Park offers hiking, fishing, wildlife observation and birding. Established in 2004, the park is home to native wildflowers and wetlands. In the warmer seasons, campers can enjoy the Aquatic Park. The location of Prophetstown State Park allows guests to explore nature then visit some nearby attractions, less than 10 miles out.

Hilton Garden Inn West Lafayette Wabash Landing

356 East State St.

West Lafayette, Indiana, 47906

765-743-2100

hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

The Hilton Garden Inn promises comfort. With more than 100 rooms and suites, guests are able to enjoy everything from evening room service to an indoor heated pool. The Hilton Garden Inn offers bed and breakfast, family fun or romance packages. It is within five miles of West Lafayette’s most popular attractions and is four blocks away from Purdue University.

Dining

Harry’s Chocolate Shop

329 West State St.

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

765-743-1467

harryschocolateshop.com

Founded in 1919, Harry’s Chocolate Shop is a family business. The restaurant and bar boasts as the number one gathering place for Purdue students and alumni. Their menu items range from burgers to 10-inch pizzas, and they offer a variety of beers and liquors.

Lafayette Brewing Co.

622 Main St.

Lafayette, Indiana 47901

765-742-2591

lafbrew.com

Lafayette Brewing Co. is located in the heart of downtown Lafayette. Founded in 1993, they produce all of their house beers on a custom-built, 7-barrel brew house. LBC has a family-friendly environment, with a menu offering kids’ meals as well as starters, sandwiches and burgers for adults.

Triple XXX Family Restaurant

2 N. Salisbury

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

765-743-5373

triplexxxfamilyrestaurant.com

This family restaurant is Indiana’s first and oldest drive-in, founded in 1929. Triple XXX Family Restaurant offers shakes, burgers, desserts and an all-day breakfast menu. It sits on Chauncey Hill, a short distance from Purdue University.

La Scala

312 Main St.

Lafayette, Indiana 47901

765-420-8171

www.lascalaitalianrestaurant.com

Family-owned La Scala has been in business for more than 15 years in downtown Lafayette, serving Italian dishes. La Scala uses local producers to offer fresh, savory Italian classics, cooking orders by scratch. The restaurant has a full bar but is also family-friendly.

Attractions:

Purdue University

610 Purdue Mall

West Lafayette, Indiana 47907

765-494-4600

purdue.edu

Known for engineering, Purdue University is one of West Lafayette’s most prized treasures. Visitors can explore the historic campus by attending public events, such as exhibitions or plays. College sports fans can catch a game of men’s or women’s basketball in the Mackey Arena. Some of Purdue’s well-known landmarks include the 160-foot Purdue Bell Tower and the Purdue Mall Fountain, which runs from April to October.

Art Museum of Greater Lafayette

102 South 10th St.

Lafayette, Indiana 47905

765-742-1148

www.artlafayette.org

Founded in 1909, the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette’s mission is to “celebrate the power of art to inspire, instruct, challenge and build community through collections, exhibitions, events, educational and cultural programs.” Artists featured at the museum are both local and worldwide, offering both temporary and permanent exhibits. The museum also hosts monthly music events, as well as art courses.

Tippecanoe Battlefield Park

200 Battle Ground Ave.

Battle Ground, Indiana 47920

765-567-2147

tippecanoehistory.org

The Tippecanoe Battlefield monument marks the November 7, 1811, Battle of Tippecanoe. The attraction is a national historic landmark, with its park spanning 96 acres. Visitors can explore the site’s museum, complete with maps and exhibits, or go hiking and enjoy a picnic at the park.

Imagination Station

600 N. 4th Street

Lafayette, Indiana 47901

765-420-7780

www.imagination-station.org

The Imagination Station is a volunteer-run education center for children to get familiar with science, technology and engineering. At the Imagination Station, children can be hands-on with activities and interactive exhibits. Events are hosted each month as well as recurring monthly programs for children and families. I

Filling the gap

John Hurst

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April 1, 2018

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Contractors and freelancers and temps … oh, my

By Lauren Caggiano

Temporary, part-time or contract help can be a boon to companies facing tight budgets and tighter deadlines. But with the added help comes a need for employers to do their due diligence when it comes to understanding and following employment law.

For starters, those in the position of hiring need to brush up on the different types of employment classifications, says Seth Morales, president of the Morales Group Inc. (MGI) The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in Columbus, Indiana, and Louisville. Over the past 13 years, MGI has successfully placed over 40,000 associates throughout the Midwest in temporary, temporary-to-permanent and performance-based positions.

Information supplied by the IRS affirms Morales’ advice. According to a July 2017 fact sheet from the agency, employment status touches on several areas, including tax liability:

“Worker classification is important because it determines if an employer must withhold income taxes and pay Social Security, Medicare taxes and unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. Businesses normally do not have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors. The earnings of a person working as an independent contractor are subject to self-employment tax.”

Another way to demarcate the relationship is by examining the expectations regarding how work is done. According to the IRS, generally speaking, the worker is an independent contractor “if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work, not what will be done and how it will be done.”

In other words, is the person getting paid solely to produce a determined deliverable, or is there some amount or degree of monitoring and managing of the person and the work in the process? If the answer is yes to the latter, then the person should be considered an employee and treated as such. There can be consequences for mistakes or oversight. “Classifying an employee as an independent contractor with no reasonable basis for doing so makes employers liable for employment taxes,” according to the IRS.

That can be avoided with some work on the front end. Morales said the easiest way to make the distinction about worker classification is to look at who handles the “back office activities.”

“When working with temporary (workers), a lot of the time they are being pay-rolled by another company,” he said.

Employment agencies are contracted to handle the necessary activities associated with employing a worker, including payroll, benefits, taxes, etc. In the case of a contract relationship, however, the responsibility rests on the self-employed individual to report their income to the IRS, pay local and state taxes, acquire benefits, etc. In essence, they are running a small business and managing the day-to-day responsibilities that entails.

Another lens through which to examine this issue is via the nature of the work, Morales says. Temporary workers tend to be more “blue collar” and paid an hourly rate to handle tasks that don’t necessarily require a high degree of specialty or advanced education. The example he cites is the front office administrative assistant. The individual may require more coaching or management than a white-collar employee. On the other hand, a contractor relationship can accentuate or complement your core product or services.

“A lot of times it’s contracting with someone with a specific skillset you don’t have in your internal staff,” he said. “Hiring a programmer or content writer are prime examples of 1099 or contractor relationships.”

Morales said in light of the gig economy, this type of work arrangement is being more widely adopted — what he refers to as a “secular shift.” As much as 20 percent of the workforce, he said, is currently freelance or contract labor. “It’s becoming more mass market,” he said. “The model of work is changing. It’s a cool space to be in now.”

While this may be a brave new world for some companies looking to expand their freelance workforce, they don’t have to go it alone. There are resources available for companies of all sizes and across all industries. Morales said employment law attorneys, online forums and organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) can help employers stay current on industry trends and changes. I

Made in Indiana

John Hurst

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April 1, 2018

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Eight products to make you proud to be a Hoosier

By Keshia McEntire

Founded by Julie Bolejack, Chocolate for the Spirit sells artisan chocolate in Indiana and beyond. The treats include chocolate bars, toffee and chocolate barks and are handmade fresh daily in limited quantities. Chocolate for the Spirit also offers classes to teach Hoosiers how to make their own sweet treats. Learn more at chocolateforthespirit.com.

If you are looking for that purr-fect greeting card for the cat lover in your life, consider Cat People Press. This Fort Wayne, Indiana, based company sells quirky feline-inspired greeting cards with hints of dark humor. Cards celebrate birthdays, love, friendship, anniversaries and more. Check them out at catpeoplepress.com.

Hand crafted in Indianapolis, Indiana, Fresh Bakery Candles use natural waxes and pure fragrance oils to create dessert-inspired candles that look and feel so real you’ll have to hide the forks. Favorite pastries such as carrot cake, peach pie and hot fudge brownies, inspire these candles. Order at freshbakerycandles.com.

Owned by twin sisters and with locations in Broad Ripple Village and the Indianapolis International Airport, Just Pop In! sells playful and scrumptious gourmet popcorn across Indianapolis. The unique flavors include Smoking Goose caramel bacon and cheddar, and hot wing and ranch. Just Pop In! also offers more traditional tastes such as caramel nut crutch. Get your fill at justpopinpopcorn.com.

Founded in Muncie, Indiana, JohnTom’s BBQ is a Black and family-owned business crafting award-winning southern-inspired BBQ sauce. The sauce is served in Hoosier restaurants and sold on the shelves of local grocery stores. Learn more at johntomsbbq.com.

Revitalize your skin with high-quality skincare products made in the Hoosier state. Muncie-based family business The Lotion Company sells lotion enriched with aloe vera, sesame seed oil and macadamia nut oil, plus vitamins and minerals for extra nourishment. The handcrafted lotions are made from an old, Dutch family recipe. Learn more at thelotioncompany.com.

Looking to beautify your home? Travel and nature photographer Mikala Lomax sells matted and framed prints and greeting cards that reflect Earth’s natural beauty. Learn more mikmochaprints.com.

Shea Bodyworks is a Black and female-owned natural skin care company selling facial oil, lip balm, body shine, bath salts, hair butter and more. All products are plant-based, non-toxic, cruelty free and eco-friendly. Purchase products at Good Earth Natural Foods as well as select Kroger’s and Whole Foods or visit sheabodyworks.com

To have your product or service considered for inclusion in “Hoosier Marketplace,” please email newsroom@indyrecorder.com with the name of your company, contact information, a short description and a link to your Website. Only products and services for which images can be provided will be considered.

Going paperless

John Hurst

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April 1, 2018

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Five tools for creating a paper-free office

By Keshia McEntire

While technology has all but rendered phonebooks and paper maps antiques, the usage of paper products has actually increased 126% in the past 20 years. According to the Paperlessproject.com, Americans consume more paper per capita than anyone else on earth. With the goal of benefiting both our environment and our pocketbooks, many companies are starting to “go paperless” by moving all documentation, files and records into a digital format. These five products will help you get in on the game.

Start with a document scanner

Digitizing company files is often the biggest and most time-consuming part of the process of going paperless, but after that initial investment your files will be accessible anywhere and can never be lost or damaged. Some document scanning software, such as Neat and Readiris Pro, can interact with Outlook and similar programs to maintain document layout.

Collaborate with Google Drive

Before you print out that PowerPoint presentation or put a copy of your company’s newsletter in each employee’s mailbox, consider using Google Drive. From creating spreadsheets and presentations to giving feedback on a co-worker’s presentation, Google drive makes collaboration easy. Drive offers 15 GB of free Google storage for photos, stories, designs, drawings, recordings and videos. The files can be reached from any smartphone, tablet or computer, and any individual with a Google account may view, download and interact with the documents. Drive syncs to the cloud so everyone’s always accessing the most up-to-date content.

Make use of E-Signature tools

When sending official documents electronically, you don’t have to print, sign and scan. Utilize E-signature tools to add a personal touch. With some e-signature tools, there’s an option to use pen and paper to create your signature and then snap a picture of it to upload for future use. Adobe Reader, Adobe Acrobat, Hightail and Preview are all examples of software that includes include e-signature tools.

Bank Online

Making use of an online bank account will not only reduce paper at your company, it will allow you to pay bills and transfer funds without the restrictions of needing to check in at a brick-and-mortar bank. Many banks also offer special services for business accounts.

Streamline bookkeeping online

Managing records is a task for all businesses, but it is especially burdensome for small business owners who don’t have assigned staff members keeping your books. Online bookkeeping services, such as Bookkeeper.com or Bench, provide cost-effective services for all of your bookkeeping, tax and payroll needs. I

On the Scene

John Hurst

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April 1, 2018

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Women’s Fund hosts Michelle Obama

The Women’s Fund of Central Indiana brought a national role model to the Hoosier state for “A Moderated Conversation with Former First Lady Michelle Obama.” Jennifer Pope Baker, executive director of the Women’s Fund, said hosting the former first lady was “inspiring and empowering.” Alicia DeCoudreaux served as moderator. The event will help the organization put $1 million worth of powerful and thought-provoking opportunities for women and girls into the Indianapolis community.

Kenzie Academy celebrates grand opening

Tech apprenticeship and coding school Kenzie Academy celebrates its grand opening. Tech entrepreneurs with years of experience developing and cultivating talent for startups and major tech companies founded the academy. Left to right: Rehan Hasan, Deputy Mayor Angela Smith-Jones, Karen Jung of Nextech, Gov. Eric Holcomb, Tindley Accelerated Schools CEO Kelli Marshall, Courtney Spence and Chok Ooi. Hasan, Spencer and Ooi are cofounders of Kenzie Academy.

Therapy dogs visit children

Therapy dogs from local nonprofit Paws and Think paid a visit to children at six Indianapolis area schools. During the visits, a therapy dog handler led a discussion on the importance of therapy dogs to the community.

Prosperity Indiana celebrates leaders and innovators

Prosperity Indiana announced the winners of its annual leadership and program awards at The Prosperity Indiana Summit held recently. The event celebrated the leaders and innovators in the economic development field. Honorees included (left to right)Janine Betsey, Merchants Bank; Larry Gautsche, LaCasa; and Andy Fraizer, Prosperity Indiana.

(Left to right) David Stewart, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority; Pat Gamble-Moore, PNC Bank; and Fraizer were all smiles.

Hogsett tours tech companies

Mayor Joe Hogsett and TechPoint staff took a tour of tech companies that are elevating the city’s reputation as a tech hub. They visited DoubleMap, an organization that enhances public transit rider experience and operational efficiency. The company was listed on the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Fast25 for the past two years.

Tindley students receive library cards

Students from Tindley Renaissance Elementary School show off their new Indianapolis Public Library cards. They are among the more than 1,600 students at six Tindley Accelerated Schools in Indianapolis who received cards as part of a partnership with Indianapolis Public Library.

500 Festival Princesses selected

The 500 Festival has announced the 33 women selected as 2018 500 Festival Princesses. The civic-minded, academically driven women represent 14 Indiana colleges and universities and 21 cities and towns across the state. Each 500 Festival Princess will receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in various Indianapolis Motor Speedway functions and community outreach programs.

Tax cuts create reverse Robin Hood effect

Columnists

John Hurst

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April 1, 2018

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By Larry Smith

Small businesses — especially Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) — could use more help from the government at the local, state and federal levels. Firms that employ fewer than 500 people comprise 99.7 percent of all businesses; firms that employee fewer than 20 people account for roughly 90 percent of all businesses. Will the new tax cuts help those businesses?

When George H.W. Bush ran for the presidency in 1980 (before he became Ronald Reagan’s running mate), he referred to Reagan’s fiscal policy as “voodoo economics,” a pejorative term that is often applied to the theory known as supply-side economics. In a nutshell, those who believe in supply-side economics argue that massive tax cuts spur economic activity. They say “a rising tide lifts all boats.” (Sadly, many of those boats are leaking badly.) By the way, two other names for supply-side economics are trickle-down economics and Reaganomics.

Earlier I referred to those who “believe in” supply-side economics. I carefully chose those words. Why? The notion that supply-side economics is good for the average small business owner requires faith that is blind, deaf and mute. It also requires one to utterly disregard objective facts and to ignore history.

Only once in modern history have massive tax cuts had a long-term benefit to the U.S. economy — after the Revenue Act of 1964. Fearing deficits, Congress initially rejected this act when President Kennedy proposed it. Following his assassination, Congress passed it after then-president Johnson promised that the federal budget would not exceed $100 billion. The reason that this tax cut worked is that the highest individual tax rate was a whopping 91 percent! The economy boomed until the recession of the 1970s. Thus, history has shown that JFK and LBJ and Congress did the right thing by cutting a confiscatory tax rate.

However, history has also shown that massive tax cuts have been a disaster at both state and federal levels thereafter. For example, President Reagan cut the top tax rate by 20 percent in 1981 — which nearly tripled the budget deficit. As a result, Reagan raised taxes 11 times to try to close the gap. (He never did.) Similarly, President George W. Bush cut taxes during his administration. These cuts, in combination with his Prescription Drug Bill, two expensive wars, the real estate debacle and the repealing of the Glass-Steagall Act (under President Clinton) all contributed to the biggest economic crisis since The Great Depression. (By the way, President Obama extended many of the Bush tax cuts.)

Thus, it is no surprise that the harried tax cuts that President Trump signed at the end of 2017 are projected to increase the federal deficit by $1.3 trillion. (Yes, that’s with a “T.”) In principle, I can support some tax relief for businesses — if they are required to reinvest the money in hiring workers, raising wages, increasing R&D spending and buying equipment. However, while some companies have handed out relatively small bonuses, most of the money is being used to buy back company stock and to award very large bonuses to wealthy people. Unfortunately, while many low- to moderate-income workers are happy to have a $1,000 increase in annual pay, ultimately they will lose much more than that when it comes time to pay for the tax cuts. (Oh, yes, we do actually have to pay for the cuts!) It would have been much more fiscally responsible for the government to have increased small business loans and grants as well as funnel more dollars to low-income and minority communities for entrepreneurship and education. In short, this tax policy is best described as Robin Hood in reverse, redistributing wealth upwards to the haves rather than downwards to the have-nots (and have-not-enoughs).

Larry Smith is managing director of Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence at Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

Leadership roadblocks: can you break through?

Columnists

John Hurst

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April 1, 2018

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By Thresette Briggs

“That’s it. This team has too many issues and I’m tired of dealing with them.”

Several years ago, I was assigned to coach an executive who made this statement during our third meeting. She was extremely frustrated about what she felt was a horrible team she’d inherited.

My response was what every performance coach I know would say, to help a leader focus on problem-solving and not giving up.

“What are the issues and what have you tried so far?”

She looked at me with her mouth wide open.

“I’ve tried talking to them about what they need to do.”

When a leader refers to their team as them and they, it’s not good. I probed further.

“How did those conversations go?”

“They made lots of excuses about their issues.”

“Excuses about their issues?”

“Yes. Excuses about why they can’t do what I ask.”

“Have you asked your team what they need to accomplish your ask?”

“No, I haven’t,” she said and looked directly at me. “They don’t know what they need.”

Our conversation continued for several minutes and resulted in her agreeing to take a leadership assessment that helped her identify areas affecting her and her team. I helped her develop a strategy and focus on exploring options for helping her team; abandoning her original thoughts of giving up. In the next two years she went on to lead the team to great success.

Merriamwebster.com defines a breakthrough as an act or instance of moving through or beyond an obstacle. Based on this definition, the leader I coached achieved a breakthrough because she was able to get beyond the original obstacle she faced with her team.

Leaders across the globe face roadblocks every day. If you lead in any capacity you have likely faced one or twenty. Whether it was a small, medium or large one, you have been impacted.

It’s clear that roadblocks will happen and it’s important to be prepared. For over 20 years I’ve worked with leaders and teams on moving through roadblocks during transformations, turnarounds and even one bankruptcy. What I’ve learned is that they surface even in the best cultures. What’s more important to understand is how you face them. In other words, do you let the roadblock stop you, or can you break through?

Here are three tips to break through leadership roadblocks you’re sure to encounter:

1. Admit the Real Roadblock.

We can easily identify when a roadblock is from an external source, using words like “they,” “them” and “those.” Breaking through it successfully depends on your ability to acknowledge where it’s really coming from. In the case of the leader I coached, she felt it was her team.

But as we dug deeper she realized where the roadblock really was. She was convinced that her team was no good and had stopped seeking solutions. When she focused on identifying solutions the team needs and sought their voice, she realized she could move beyond the real roadblock — her own mindset.

2. Use the Right Tools to Move Through.

Picture pushing against a locked door with just your hands. Is it going to open so you can go through it? No! The tool you need to open it is a key. Trying to open it with any other tool would not make sense. By identifying the right tools, you can accelerate your progress.

Breaking through your leadership roadblock successfully also provides a model that you can leverage over and over, and it demonstrates growth and development for your team. Teams like to see their leaders go first — be willing to explore multiple tools to show your team how using them can provide maximum success.

3. Be Willing to do What’s Necessary.

This is perhaps the most difficult tip to follow, although it seems simple. We want what we want, but what are we willing to do to achieve it? An article in Inc. magazine says 92 percent of people don’t achieve their goals. What do the 8 percent who achieve their goals do differently?

The process of the 8 percent requires being passionate and committed to the end. Your level of commitment must be intrinsic inspiration to do whatever is necessary to shift your behaviors and overcome the roadblock.

By putting these tips into action, you can significantly improve your ability to breakthrough your leadership roadblocks.

Thresette Briggs is the founder of Performance 3, a national leadership and professional development firm.

Winning Winter Wardrobe

Work Style

Editor

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January 1, 2018

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By Amber Sapenter

Indiana winters can be brutal, especially when the temperatures don’t always remain consistent. Fall vibes on a Wednesday can quickly turn into freezing temperatures by Friday, and just when you think spring is about to break through, here comes an ice storm. Don’t get lost in bulky clothing this season — give yourself a winning wardrobe this winter. Let these layered looks modeled by (left to right) Rafael Sanchez, Ericka Flye and Otis Jones of WRTV-6 inspire you to transition your own personal style. Stray away from the dull — adding bits of color shows personality and brings to mind warmer weather and the resurgence of spring.

Rafael Sanchez

Reporter/Anchor WRTV-6

For an all-purpose look, couple a modern-fit wool blazer (Saks Fifth Avenue Collection) with a cotton polo (Salvatore Ferragamo) that match the undertones of the blazer. Keep things casual by opting for light-color pants and a stylish but neat sneaker (Falacer Gucci Sneaker).

Silver and cool gray are classic winter colors. Choose a gray suit that is accented with an unseasonal color, like purple, and build your layers around that. Skip the vest and keep warm in a knit cardigan instead.

(Saks Fifth Avenue Collection)

Ericka Flye

Anchor, WRTV-6

Bring your warm weather clothes with you this winter. Pair a solid color, tailored, sleeveless dress with a long-sleeved printed blouse to warm up an otherwise chilly outfit.

(Lafayette 148 New York)

An all-season white tie-neck blouse looks great under any color. Don’t be afraid to wear spring colors this winter, but don’t abandon your winter textures like faux fur, velvet and suede.

Otis Jones

Photographer, WRTV-6

Feel comfortable both in the office and out with the guys. This blazer is far from traditional; the modern cut has everything you need to be fashion-forward, from berry-colored elbow patches to detailed coat pockets. Pair this with a half-zip sweater, and you are ready for whichever way your day may go. (K&G Fashions)

A two-tone dark suit is a neutral canvas, bring your look to life by adding a vibrant tie and pocket square. Pull this look together by wearing a cool-tone shirt to take your look from everyday to executive. (K&G Fashions)

Acknowledgements

Shyra Ely

Bayette George

K&G Fashions

Saks Fifth Avenue

WRTV-6

First Quarter 2018: Boardroom Briefs

Board Room Briefs

Editor

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January 1, 2018

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US House backs national park designation for Indiana Dunes

A bill to make the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore a national park cleared the U.S. House with a unanimous voice vote, sending it to the Senate for consideration. As of press time, the bill has been read twice in the Senate and referred to committee. If approved, the measure would put the national park designation on 15,000 acres along the southern tip of Lake Michigan. Bill sponsor Rep. Pete Visclosky says the change would build interest in the Indiana Dunes and draw more visitors. U.S. Sens. Todd Young and Joe Donnelly have each expressed support for the measure. “This designation (would) help preserve one of our state’s most precious natural areas, and (would) provide a boost to the local economy,” Young said. Donnelly said the designation would attract more visitors and help further grow the economy in northwest Indiana. The legislation would retitle the “Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore” as the “Indiana Dunes National Park.” The designation would create the first national park in Indiana and the 60th national park in the United States.

Indiana companies receive high marks for LGBTQ inclusion

A record number of the nation’s major companies and law firms are advancing vital policies and practices to protect LGBTQ workers around the world, according to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual report assessing LGBTQ inclusion. This year, 947 companies and law firms were officially rated, including eight in Indiana. A record-breaking 609 businesses earned the CEI’s top score of 100, up from 517 last year. The average score for companies and law firms based in Indiana was 84 percent. Of the eight Indiana companies ranked, four earned 100 points — NiSource Inc. in Merrillville, Cummins Inc. in Columbus, and Anthem Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co. in Indianapolis. Barnes & Thornburg LLP and Ice Miller LLP, both in Indianapolis, earned 80 points or above. Steel Dynamics Inc. in Fort Wayne scored 65, and Emmis Communications Corporation in Indianapolis scored 40. The full report, including a searchable database, is available online at hrc.org/cei.

D.A. Dodd achieves MBE certification

Northern Indiana-based D.A. Dodd LLC, a leader in mechanical contracting with offices located in Mishawaka and Lafayette, Indiana, and Benton Harbor, Michigan, has achieved certification as a Minority Business Enterprise through the Chicago chapter of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (Chicago MSDC). “This certification establishes D.A. Dodd, LLC as the largest minority-owned mechanical contracting business in the Midwest,” said company President Mark McKnight. D.A. Dodd is part of the Mno-Bmadsen family of companies — the investment enterprise of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Dodd’s work history includes projects large and small for industrial, commercial, educational, government and hospitality customers. Licensed in both Indiana and Michigan, they offer a full range of services including plumbing, industrial process piping, refrigeration, plant maintenance, HVAC and design build.

Federal grant supports Gary’s Civil Rights Hall of Fame

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $59,500 grant to support the development of a feasibility study and business plan to establish a National Civil Rights Hall of Fame facility and headquarters for the National Civil Rights Institute and Hall of Fame Inc., in Gary, Indiana. Last year, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson sponsored a resolution that supported the National Civil Rights Hall of Fame Board in their quest to receive the grant. The Gary Common Council unanimously approved the resolution and allowed the City to contribute the matching dollar requirement. According to The National Civil Rights Institute and Hall of Fame’s website, the planned structure would be four stories high with approximately 200,000 square feet of interior space encompassing 10 themed exhibit halls, a grand exhibit hall, conference classrooms, meeting rooms, shops, restaurants and more. Learn more about the project at nationalcivilrights.org.

Poll: Employers breaking interview rules

Half of all Americans who’ve ever applied for a job have been asked questions that could be used to discriminate against a protected class under equal opportunity law, according to a recent Associated Press-CNBC poll. The poll of 1,054 adults found that 35 percent of the people polled had been asked about their age, and the same percentage had been asked about marital status. Twenty-one percent had been asked about their medical history or whether they have a disability, 11 percent said they had been asked whether they or their partner is pregnant or if they have plans to have children, and 9 percent were asked about their religious beliefs. Though asking such questions isn’t in and of itself illegal, it could be used as evidence of discrimination if the person being asked isn’t chosen for a position. “While experts say larger employers have instituted more training and made an effort to be aware of these issues, the problems persist on the whole,” an AP report about the poll says. “The experiences were no less common among those who interviewed for a job in the last year than among those who last interviewed more than 10 years ago.”

Woman-owned tech consulting firm adds second Indiana office

Lucid Services Group, a technology consulting firm for engineering, IT and life sciences companies, has opened a second office in downtown Indianapolis to support increased demand. The woman-owned business, which was first established in Bloomington, Indiana, in April 2016 as LucidCorps, has increased its sales more than 400 percent in the past year. “Companies like Lucid Services Group are finding a firm footing for growth in Indiana because of the state’s excellent climate for small businesses, as well as a strong pipeline of skilled Hoosier workers and students ready to help solve challenges and advance new solutions,” said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Lucid Services Group is hiring software developers and engineers, with plans to create 20 new positions over the next year and up to 76 new jobs by 2021 as part of its long-term hiring plans. New positions are expected to pay an average wage more than double the state average wage.

Holcomb announces historic year for job commitments, Hoosier wages

Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced a record-breaking year for economic development in Indiana. At the time of Holcomb’s announcement in November, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) had secured 270 commitments from businesses across all industries to locate or grow in Indiana, together planning to create 28,846 new positions — an all-time high since the IEDC was established in 2005 — at an average hourly rate of $27.38 or nearly $57,000 annually. At the time of the announcement, 2017 economic development commitments to the IEDC showed the following trends:

Manufacturing companies accounted for 47 percent of expansion and job creation commitments, and 126 manufacturers had committed to growing in Indiana, planning more than $5.2 billion in investment and creating up to 10,259 new jobs.
The IEDC had secured 58 commitments from tech and tech-enabled firms planning to create 6,924 high-wage jobs, accounting for nearly one quarter of new jobs committed in 2017, with average annual salaries topping $76,000.
Logistics companies committed to invest more than $343 million, including more than $4.7 billion to be invested to improve Indiana’s roads over the next five years, and create up to 2,848 jobs.
Thirty-four foreign-based companies had committed to locate or grow in Indiana, planning to invest more than $1 billion and create up to 5,230 new, high-wage jobs, which will strengthen Indiana’s global economy that is home to more than 800 foreign-owned business establishments.

In addition, the IEDC assisted in 222 new business starts and in the creation of 687 new jobs and counseled 751 existing small businesses, helping 86 clients secure nearly $31 million in federal contracts.

Indianapolis to host 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship

After more than two years of examining the benefits of hosting the College Football Playoff National Championship, downtown Indianapolis will welcome the college football community in 2022 over a four-day period with festivities kicking off Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. In addition to the national championship game, the weekend will feature a fan fest inside the Indiana Convention Center, a music festival, themed food event and plenty of championship tailgating. The event is expected to have a $150 million economic impact in central Indiana, in addition to hundreds of hours of national media coverage. “I’m confident this event will be much more than a game for our city,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “As with other major sporting events, thousands of volunteers will step into our neighborhoods, classrooms and local nonprofit centers to leave a positive footprint in our community. Hosting this game will also ensure the 78,000 residents in our local hospitality industry will continue to earn a paycheck.” The national championship game will be the first hosted by Indianapolis and expand the city’s rich history for hosting world class sporting events.