Laws aim to protect veterans returning from deployment
These days, when an Indiana National Guard member or military reservist is called to active duty, that "weekend warrior" may
be gone for a good deal longer than a weekend.
Workplace Issues
Articles
New retirement savings law means new biz for AUL
In order to comply with stricter rules from the Internal Revenue Service, schools and other not-for-profits are making changes
and consolidations to retirement plans, creating growth opportunities for companies like Indianapolis-based American United
Life Insurance Co.
Billingsley markets health care mystery shopping business
As co-founder and head of sales and marketing, Brooke Billingsley has helped build Indianapolis-based Perception Strategies
Inc. — a health
care mystery shopping business co-founded by her husband, Kevin.
Companies face pension-plan shortfalls
Private employers that still offer traditional pension plans are getting a big shock as they assess how much more it will
cost to shoulder retirement obligations.
Bloomington wins recognition for being gay-friendly
A national newsmagazine for the gay and lesbian community has named Bloomington as its top U.S. small-town vacation destination.
MZD Advertising signs deal with National Guard to publicize child care benefits
Indianapolis-based MZD Advertising topped a field of 14 agencies competing to become agency of record for Gap Solutions Inc.,
which provides contracted services that support the National Guard Child Care Program.
Change begins with everyone, not just Obama
Sen. Barack Obama’s election and call for change and hope, as well as Ind. Gov. Mitch Daniels’ re-election after
dramatic changes, shows that Americans can become successful again.
Schott design firm builds office clients through real estate connections
Jenny Schott Androne, the president and founder of Schott Design Inc., one of the city’s largest interior design firms, has
amassed a diverse array of clients largely by marketing to building managers and landlords, as well as leasing agents and
tenants.
Almost half of Martin U.’s trustees resign
Seven Martin University trustees have resigned this year, and at least two say President Algeania Freeman’s methods were a factor.
Diverse thoughts, backgrounds and experiences make organizations excel
It’s the diverse thoughts, backgrounds and experiences people bring that make organizations stand
out and excel.
At most Indiana public firms, CEO pay hasn’t fallen with stock
Most public companies say they tie executive compensation to performance, but an IBJ review of pay data from 65 Indiana-based
firms shows otherwise. Last year, more than two-thirds of Indiana-based public companies saw their share prices decline, yet
many continued to award eye-popping compensation to their executives.
Displaced older workers abandon hopes of landing similar work
A growing percentage of men and women nationwide are reaching a career crossroads at a time when most would hope to have it
made. Almost a quarter of the 3.8 million Americans displaced from their jobs from 2003-2005 were 55 or older, according to
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, up from 21 percent in the prior three years.
Prescription drug abuse on the rise
When the Department of Justice slapped St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital with a $1.2 million fine last month, it stunned local
medical professionals. But the issue behind St. Vincent’s troubles is no surprise. The diversion of prescriptions drugs from
the medical field into recreational use is a widespread problem in Indiana and the nation.
Fantasy football leagues concern employers
The kickoff of the National Football League season this month has many central Indiana employers fearful that fantasy will
encroach on reality. The fretfulness revolves around the start of the fantasy football season, where fans draft real players
onto make-believe teams and track their individual performances via organized Web sites.
Office fight puts print firm on spot
A local printing powerhouse is trying to regain the confidence of its employees and customers after the CEO and his secretary
were involved in a profanity-laced physical altercation at work.
Companies must prepare for CEO turnover
A methodical process is the right way to change CEOs, according to succession-planning experts. And Indiana needs more of
its major corporations to do so. A wave of aging executives is at or near normal retirement age–in Indiana and nationwide.
How well those companies’ CEOs pass the baton will have a big impact on their companies’ futures.
WellPoint CFO’s affairs exposed by lawsuit
In this era of hyper-scrutiny of corporate ethics, even messy personal lives can fell the career of a “well-loved and well-respected”
executive. Such appears to be the case with David C. Colby, whom WellPoint Inc. forced to resign as its vice chairman and
chief financial officer on May 30 for violating the company’s code of conduct in a “non-business” way.
Ex-Norwood execs say company cheated them out of millions
Indianapolis-based Norwood Promotional Products is facing legal challenges from a half-dozen former executives who say board
members and investors conspired to fire them, withhold severance pay and cheat them out of as much as $3.6 million in company
stock.
Firearm advocates take aim at employers’ restrictions
Legislators in the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly are gearing up for a gunfight with high-caliber business
implications. On one side are employees who prefer to pack heat during their commute. On the other are executives who see
guns as a liability nightmare–even if they’re locked in cars parked outside.
Mixing religion, business leads to risks, rewards
Navigating the intersection between creed and commerce can betricky. Fearing lawsuits, many companies prefer to avoid it whenever
possible. But others unabashedly intertwine religion and business.