Amazon Prime Now associates made a special delivery to The Children’s Bureau Inc. in Indianapolis to help the children’s shelter celebrate Thanksgiving. Amazon donated various food items as well as many miscellaneous hygiene products to fulfill the shelter’s needs list. Amazon recently launched its Prime Now one-hour delivery service in Indianapolis and currently operates several fulfillment centers in the Indianapolis area
Proud to be Hoosier but looking for progress
By Shannon Williams
Birthdays have always been fun to celebrate, but Indiana’s 200th birthday is one for the record books!
Let’s be honest — being two centuries old is a pretty big deal, and all 6.5 million Hoosiers should be very proud. Indiana has amassed considerable achievements over the past 200 years and, as you will read throughout this publication, we have garnered our fair share of bragging rights based on those successes. For instance, did you know that per capita, Indiana produces more professional basketball players than any other state in the country? It’s true and statistically proven.
Here’s something else Hoosiers can brag about: Kentucky Fried Chicken. While we can’t take credit for the name, we can boast about the delicious and addictive taste. Marion-Kay Spices — a Brownstown, Indiana, company — created the blend of seasoning that has garnered KFC international acclaim.
The Hoosier state also reigns supreme with its comfortable cost of living, its world-renowned Indianapolis 500 and the company headquarters of the country’s first Black female millionaire.
Indeed, Indiana has a rich history that is worthy of celebration, but as we celebrate 200 years of existence, we have to be honest about the things we haven’t been so great at accomplishing.
Inclusion is one such entity.
When this state was founded in 1816, racial tension existed throughout most of the United States. However, as other states have progressed and become more inclusive, Indiana has lagged behind. The Hoosier state became known for its staunch conservatism and its radical Ku Klux Klan. Seven decades after Indiana’s founding, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper began publication — primarily to educate oppressed African-Americans in the area. As the Black population grew and the newspaper’s reach broadened, slowly, Indiana became more tolerant. Bit by bit.
Fast forward to present day, and we witness the inclusion advancements Indiana has made over the years. However, there is still more to be done.
According to the most recent census, 86 percent of Hoosiers are Caucasian, 9.6 percent are African-American, 6.6 percent are Hispanic or Latino, 1.6 percent are Asian and only 0.4 percent are American Indians.
Indiana minorities are not faring well in business. Of the nearly 483,000 businesses, only 4.6 percent are Black-owned firms. Asians and Hispanics each represent 1.8 percent while 0.5 percent of Indiana business owners are American Indians. While racial and ethnic minorities represent dismally, female Hoosiers represent the most promising figures among minorities, with nearly 27 percent business ownership. Nationally, female business owners represent nearly 29 percent.
So as we celebrate 200 years of Hoosier history, we should all strive to be more inclusive. Minorities who have the desire to become business owners should step out on faith (after proper preparation and research) and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Business owners and executives will benefit significantly by being receptive to the perspectives of diverse populations within their companies. And Indiana will be all the greater once we improve our diversity numbers.
The world is a mosaic, and Indiana’s workforce and population need to be just as collaborative and diverse. Forward-thinking people and their diverse perspectives will take us much further in our quest to become one of the nation’s most inclusive states.
After-hours etiquette: Stay professional at work-related events
By Kelly Patrick Slone
Whether it’s happy hour with coworkers, a sit-down business dinner or a casual company picnic, all professionals at some point will find themselves socializing with colleagues outside the typical business environment.
These events are often more relaxed and social than in-office happenings, but Christie Herron — certified etiquette consultant and founder of Excellence with Etiquette — says it’s imperative to act like a professional at all times.
“Someone is always watching you, and you never know who it is,” she said. “This is still business, and we still need to conduct ourselves as such.”
Through Excellence with Etiquette, Herron provides etiquette training for corporate, medical and non-profit organizations, as well as etiquette seminars for children, teens and adults.
Herron shared some of her top dos and don’ts of after-hours business etiquette:
Eat and drink responsibly
If you must have alcohol, Herron said limit yourself to one drink so you can stay in control. If there’s food involved, such as hors d’oeuvres, stick to small portions. “It’s really not about food. You’re there to mingle,” Herron said. If the food is served buffet-style, be smart about going back for seconds. Take your cues from others. “Observe, look around and see what others are doing before moving on to seconds.” Herron says if you’re holding a drink or a plate of food, use your left hand. “The reason is so your right hand is free, and you’re available to shake hands.”
Acknowledge the host/hostess
If people are mingling around the room when you arrive, you don’t necessarily have to greet everyone, but Herron said you must greet the person who is hosting the event. When it’s time to go home, the same rule applies. “You don’t need to say goodbye to everyone, but you do need to make sure that you acknowledge the person who invited you,” Herron said. If they’re engaged in conversation, never interrupt. “If you’re able to make eye contact with the individual, you can wave and walk off.”
Master conversation
Topics to avoid: Politics, religion, sex and work. “Work is at work. Leave it there,” Herron said. “The event is a time to get to know your coworkers.” If the conversation enters an awkward lull, Herron said just politely move on. “Don’t feel as if you have to stay there and continue to just try and grasp at straws.”
Avoid phone faux pas
Smartphones? “No, no, no,” Herron said. “You’re there to enjoy the party, not to check your Facebook page or Instagram or take selfies.” Also, don’t take photos of your colleagues without their permission, and absolutely never post a photo of anyone on social media unless you’ve checked with them first.
Table manners 101
Etiquette expert Christie Herron shared her top tips for sitting down to dinner.
- Follow the lead of the host or hostess. The meal does not begin until he or she has placed their napkin on their lap.
- Never reach over someone. If there’s a dish you need, request it from the person who is closest to it.
- Always pass counterclockwise. Do not take from the dish or basket until it comes back around to you.
- Taste your food before seasoning it. How do you know that it isn’t already to your liking?
- No talking with food in your mouth. Take small bites so it doesn’t take you long to chew, and you can engage in conversation.
For more information from Christie Herron, visit excellencewithetiquette.com.
Online apparel shop sells Hoosier pride apparel
By Victoria T. Davis
If you’re on the hunt for unique knick-knacks, T-shirts and home gear that shows off true Indiana pride, there is no need to search for tourism stores that sell simple key chains and postcards. Indiana native Graham Brown owns and operates United State of Indiana (USI), an online apparel shop that sells everything from T-shirts, to sweatshirts and coffee mugs, which all showcase great Hoosier pride.
The Indiana Minority Business Magazine (IMBM) recently spoke with Brown about his great success and how USI has quickly become a popular go-to shop for Hoosier apparel.
IMBM: What’s the story behind USI?
Brown: In 2011 I was living in Anderson (Indiana), and I was in a band at the time. I came up with a logo for the band that is now the logo of United State of Indiana, the vertical American flag, and as soon as I started screen-printing it on a few shirts, I realized the design worked well and spoke to people who identified with Indiana.
The name United State of Indiana seemed really obvious, so I bought the domain name to display the one black shirt with the white flag on it, and it started rolling from there. We want to find people who are passionate about Indiana for whatever reason and give them an outlet to express that.
At what point did USI become an operating business?
It was a hobby for me for about three years and then since 2014 it’s been my full-time job. It’s been very gradual. It went from one T-shirt to two, and it’s gotten more of a following.
Where are the products made?
I work out of The Speak Easy in Broad Ripple. A few different screen-printing companies in town print the shirts. I found some cool partners in the city, and it’s always been important to use local companies and those that I can connect with. USI itself doesn’t do the printing.
Where do you get ideas for your products?
It’s a slow process and it’s rare that I sit down with the goal of creating a new product. It may come from myself walking around the city and getting inspiration. It really just comes from absorbing our neighbors and environment. If we see all of the people we know drinking coffee, then we might make a cool coffee mug. The market drives every business.
USI helped create the “Indy Welcomes All” T-shirt in 2015, which was a big deal.
That was an interesting opportunity for us. The shirt was actually designed by the Indy Chamber of Commerce, and I was fortunate enough that they got ahold of me and wanted to partner. It’s cool to be recognized in that way, because many things still feel like they’re being done on a small level, but when you get a call from the Chamber of Commerce, Mass Ave. or any of these big events and neighborhoods, it’s very humbling and encourages me to continue.
How has business been, and how are you keeping up with demand?
It’s been great. The year of 2012 was really the first year it was a full-fledged business, and since then business has been steady and definitely exceeds my expectations every year. I think I tapped into a place of high energy that already existed for Indiana, so it was really a little bit of being at the right place at the right time. Right now I think we are the go-to people for Indiana pride products. Today it’s doing really well; I have four part-time employees and I’m the only full-time employee.
Do you anticipate more sales for this year since it’s the bicentennial? Will there be any custom products made in its honor?
Yes, the bicentennial is going to be fun, and I’ve already begun to put together a calendar of events and I’ve spoken with the Indiana Bicentennial Commission. There definitely will be some special products (in honor of the bicentennial). We’ve discussed ideas pertaining to a series of shirts where one would come out every month that will walk you through Indiana’s history. We’ve also thought about finding 12 Indiana leaders or events to showcase on a shirt each month, but right now it’s in the works.
What are some of your most popular items?
The flag tee has always been one of the most popular ones, as it was one the original product, and the “This is home” tee, which was the second design put out. Those will never go away, and we’re always looking to find new ways to feature those designs.
How do you think your business contributes to the economic development of the state?
It contributes in a hard-to-measure and intangible way by helping to grow that sense of pride each year, and that’s a positive for everyone. People work harder, stay at their jobs longer, because the people around them take pride in their environment. In a big-picture sense, doing a pretty significant amount of sales and keeping the ideas of working with people here locally is what it’s about.
For more information on United State of Indiana, visit UnitedStateofIndiana.com.
Falcon soaring high in Columbus
By Terri Horvath
Gary Sherman built the nest for Falcon Manufacturing LCC Columbus in 2012. Since then, the company has spread its wings to encompass new facets of business and additional locations.
Falcon’s owner and president started his business “by washing return packaging. Our primary business now is assembling and manufacturing auto parts. We purchase parts, perfect the engineering and assemble them.” Some of his clients include Chrysler, Allison Transmission and Columbus-based Cummins. Jeep and Wrangler are two car brands within the Falcon family mentioned by Sherman.
With the addition of new business, the company has expanded beyond Indiana. Each new location was built in close proximity to Falcon’s major customers. In Columbus, Falcon has 500,000 square feet of working space. An 80,000-square-foot facility is located in Rocky Mount, N.C., with another 80,000 square feet in Charleston, S.C. Falcon also has Indiana space in Plainfield and Greenwood, plus facilities in Detroit, Rochester, N.Y., and Monterrey, Mexico.
The company website also lists ports of entry in Tacoma, Washington, Long Beach, California, New York City and Charleston, S.C. Strategically placed, according to the website, these locations allow Falcon to bring in “parts from all over the world, while managing the global logistics, inventory pipeline, storage and assembly of product.” Fulfilling the work orders requires a roster of about 90 full-time Falcon employees with another 200 contract employees.
Sherman said Falcon is a stand-alone entity, but has ties to Phoenix Group also based in Columbus. The association allows Falcon to offer additional benefits to customers. Alone, Falcon handles the engineering and assembly aspects. “From engineered drawings, Falcon can source, prototype, test and assemble a wide range of products to streamline your supply chain,” according to the website.
Current production involves 70 to 80 cars. Partnered with Phoenix, the two companies offer Falcon’s customers a broader range of options in the supply management chain. “Our flexibility, as a company, has allowed our customers the ability to pick and choose program options which best suit their needs, making change and improving productivity.” The remaining prongs of Falcon’s operations include warehousing and inspection and containment services.
Falcon is flying to new heights in 2016 with the addition of three new cars in its assembly lines. Sherman said he preferred not to reveal the names of the new platforms at the time of the interview to protect his clients’ confidentiality. But he did share that he expects Falcon to add 10 to 15 new positions. About half of the new employees will work in Indiana split equally throughout the engineering and assembly processes.
Top 5 must-have gadgets for 2016
By Victoria T. Davis
Hoverboards, virtual-reality goggles and drones have been the talk of the tech industry, but what about gadgets for the average business professional? Indiana Minority Business Magazine dug up five gadgets you may want to keep your eyes on for 2016.
Bluesmart
Said to be the “world’s first smart luggage,” Bluesmart does much more than your ordinary suitcase. Bluesmart can be controlled from your smartphone using a mobile application, which lets you lock and unlock your luggage in seconds. You can also track the location of your suitcase, obtain weight information and travel distance information that will alert you if you’re leaving your bag behind. If you find your cellphone, tablet, e-book or camera losing battery before you board the plane, no problem; Bluesmart provides two USB ports to charge your device up to six times as fast as a traditional charger. Bluesmart can be preordered for $399 at Bluesmart.com.
Petcube
Many jobs in the business sector involve a lot of traveling, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your furry friend behind entirely. Petcube allows pet owners to monitor and even entertain their pets through a two-way audio stream when they are away. Petcube is equipped with a 138-degree wide-angle camera, which streams high-definition 720 pixel video, can connect to home Wi-Fi and is iOS and Android compatible. Petcube can be purchased online at petcube.com or at local Best Buy and Brookstone locations for $200.
RICOH THETA S
The new RICOH THETA S allows users to capture their memories in still images or through video using its high-resolution 360-degree lens. The petite device offers high-definition live video streaming and 8 GB of memory. Still images can be shared to social media with a quick click of a button, and videos can be posted to YouTube. This digital camera can be purchased on amazon.com for $350.
Ring ZERO 
If you’ve ever given a business presentation and found yourself embarrassed when the slideshow experiences technical difficulties because you’ve mistakenly pushed the wrong button, those days may be over. The Ring ZERO is a futuristic input device that allows wearers to make gestures simply using their finger. Users can then control smartphones, home appliances and more without ever having to touch the device. The Ring ZERO comes in two colors — shiny white and matte black — and can be purchased on amazon.com for $180.
The Cube
Turn your 5-inch mobile display into a 120-inch display using The Cube. This portable projector weighs less than half a pound and can be used for a variety of activities including: presenting information, indoor stargazing, outdoor movie-watching, sharing photos with friends and family and more. The $299 package includes: Cube mobile projector, flexible tripod, remote control and charger. This item can be purchased at rif6.com/product/cube.
Financial Builders Federal Credit Union Selects Buzz Points to Offer Shop Local Loyalty and Rewards Program
Buzz Points, a leader in connecting local businesses, community financial institutions and consumers through rewards, today announced that Financial Builders Federal Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution headquartered in Kokomo, Ind., serving members throughout Howard and Tipton counties has selected the Buzz Points shop local loyalty and rewards program. Buzz Points is free for consumers and allows credit union members to earn rewards while supporting the local economy by using their debit and credit card for everyday shopping.
“As a financial institution serving a community with a rich entrepreneurial spirit, we were looking for a program that not only benefits our members, but helps the economy in the Greater Kokomo area to grow and thrive,” said Cindy Brock, CEO of Financial Builders. “Buzz Points enables us to reward our members for their natural inclination to help each other and to support their community by patronizing the locally owned restaurant, gas station or shop. Equally important, we’re able to empower these independent businesses with the marketing tools and technology they need to compete with larger chains.”
Buzz Points has created a new generation of loyalty rewards that works with community financial institutions and local businesses to engage mutual customers. Financial Builders Federal Credit Union members can earn points by using their debit and credit cards whenever they shop, but they earn more points for shopping with local businesses. Buzz Points creates additional revenue for financial institutions and gives local businesses a turnkey marketing solution that provides the targeted marketing technologies they need to expand their market reach, attract new business and increase the loyalty of existing customers.
“Since 1964, Financial Builders Federal Credit Union has been committed to serving its members who live, work, worship, or attend school in Howard or Tipton county with a complimentary mix of high-quality services,” said Dwayne Spradlin, CEO of Buzz Points. “By launching Buzz Points, Financial Builders will be able to provide the diverse range of independent retailers and family-owned businesses in the region with cutting-edge marketing technology. Members and participating businesses alike can benefit from this loyalty and rewards program, which supports the shop local movement throughout the region.”
Credit union members enrolled in the free program earn points automatically through debit and credit card purchases that can be redeemed easily for gift cards, cash cards and donations to local non-profits using the BuzzPoints web interface or mobile app that allows users to track, manage and redeem points. A continually expanding network of 75,000+ businesses nationwide allows cardholders to shop locally, accrue points and redeem rewards wherever they are in the United States.
Save the date: Champions of Diversity 2016
Indiana Minority Business Magazine’s premiere event, Champions of Diversity is quickly approaching and will be held January 15, 2016.
For sponsorship information or ticket details, contact Ebony Chappel at Ebonyc@indianapolisrecorder.com.
Feel good, look good
By Jessica R. Key
Beauty is skin deep, but you can’t deny that when you put in the proper work to make your body a temple of health, it shows. When the appropriate diet and exercise routines are coupled with a close relationship with one’s physician, that feeling is reflected in one’s physical appearance, attitude and work performance.
What better way to show off a fit and healthy physique than by draping oneself in clothing fit for royalty? Your appearance — whether sharp and confident, relaxed and cool, or sloppy and juvenile — is often linked to your clothing. Channel your health hard work into finding pieces that complement the body you are currently in.
This quarter Indiana Minority Business Magazine features professionals in the health and beauty industry that are showcasing their fit frames in this season’s hottest clothing.
Men are having more fun with their wardrobes and using accessories to add life into otherwise boring outfits and to reflect their personalities. If you’re not into the plaid suits, bow ties or
flowers on your lapel, start with a simple hat that can add so
much style. (Short-sleeve shirt, slacks, shoes, hat, JCPenney)
Thank goodness offices are becoming more relaxed in their dress code. Pull out your animal prints and rock them with solid pieces that make your outfit pop. (Peplum top, cheetah skirt, booties, necklace, JCPenney)
Businesswomen can never go wrong with a skirt and a blouse, but why wear just any skirt and blouse? Spruce up a generally conservative look with jewelry that pops. (Blouse, skirt, jewelry, JCPenney)
Acknowledgements: Eskenazi Health, JusFam Photography, Makeup by Rachel Langford, Stylish By India, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture.
How technology has revolutionized the makeup industry
By Victoria T. Davis
Advancements in technology have dramatically changed the way society eats, sleeps and functions throughout the day. From health care updates to computer software advances, technology has been on the forefront of how the world operates. The makeup industry has now been added to that list, as 3D printers, mobile applications and beauty applications readily become available.
Following are three technological advances in the makeup industry to take advantage of.
L’Oreal Paris’ MakeupGenius mobile app
Those fearful days of purchasing a makeup product before the chance to try it on are over. Experience a virtual makeup session like never before, using L’Oreal Paris’ MakeupGenius mobile application. Unlike other similar programs, Makeup Genius allows users to instantly apply makeup to their reflection in real time. No more uploading a photo to view your favorite colors, shades and hues. The makeup tracks users’ faces as they make expressions while choosing from an array of L’Oreal products, such as eye shadows and lipsticks. Makeup testers can try on complete looks created by expert makeup designers already programmed into the application or, if on the go, scan a L’Oreal product and virtually try on the item.
MakeupGenius is available for download in the Apple App Store for iOS systems or Google Play store for Android devices.
Got Mink?
The use of 3D printing has risen in popularity over the past several years, and the technology is now being used in makeup. Mink, created by Cornell University and Harvard Business School graduate Grace Choi, is the world’s first printer that prints makeup. Mink “can take any image and instantly transform it into a wearable color cosmetic, turning any phone, camera or laptop into an endless beauty aisle,” as stated by the company website. How does it work? Once a specific hue is found on the Internet or in the real world, users locate the color’s hex code using computer programs such as Photoshop or Paint. Once the code is discovered and is set to print using Mink, the device prints a pigment of FDA-approved ink onto raw materials used for powder, cream or gel makeups.
For more information on Mink, or to preorder the 3D printer, visit Hellomink.com.
YSL Beaute’s Google Glass tutorial
The world of online makeup tutorials has sparked an idea and partnership between French cosmetic brand YSL Beaute and Google. The two have launched a makeup technology that allows makeup artists to capture their sessions by wearing Google Glass, a hands-free optical head-mounted display that functions as a smartphone and computer. Filming a makeup session from the perspective of the artist will assist makeup users in replicating the look in the comfort of their own home. Both audio and video is recorded for customers. After the tutorial, the customer receives an email with the content, as well as before and after photos, a list of products used to create the look along with web links to purchase them.
For more information on YSL’s Beaute’s Google partnership, visit Yslbeauty.co.uk.
