ployment spikes as retailers and other businesses increase staff- ing to accommodate their sea- sonal increase in business. As Indiana's unemployment rate has sunk to 4.5 percent, com- panies are offering incentives and wages well above minimum wage to compete for a shrinking pool of candidates. In addition to UPS, national play- ers such as Amazon.com Inc. and FedEx Corp. are also look- ing for large numbers of India- napolis workers. Those compa- nies say many of the so-called seasonal jobs will become per- manent for candidates who per- form well. December 2016 A publication of the Indiana Department of Administration Division of Supplier Diversity In This Issue www.in.gov/idoa/mwbe How to Connect Gov. Commission Meeting Dec. 12 Pay Audit Webinar Dec. 14 Certification Webinar Dec. 21 SBA Day of Learning Dec. 22 More details can be found at: http://www.in.gov/idoa/mwbe/2749.htm Tis' the Season pg. 1 Tools for Success pg. 2 Business Read pg. 2 Business Quote pg. 2 Subcontractor Opportunities pg. 2 Business Spotlight pg. 3 Individual Artist Grant Flier pg. 4 13 th Best State for Business pg. 5 SBA Day of Learning Flier pg. 6 Newly Certified Businesses pg. 7 Riddle Me This... pg. 7 Tis' the Season (Cont.) pg. 8 Contact Us pg. 8 Event Calendar 'Tis the Season for Seasonal Hiring Seasonal employment is em- ployment that does not continue year-round but usually recurs. Seasonal jobs are temporary and short-term by definition. For example, retailers hire ex- tra workers for the holiday sea- son, tax preparation firms hire employees for tax season, ski resorts hire workers during win- ter ski season, and amusement parks hire summer seasonal workers. For many retailers, the holiday shopping season is a "make or break" period which can define their bottom lines for the entire year. Temporary and part-time em- That trend is opening up a dis- proportionate number of jobs for people in Central Indiana, which is a Midwest distribution hub for many retailers, including e-com- merce giant Amazon. The Seattle company is hiring an eye-popping 6,000 seasonal workers in Central Indiana as part of a national plan to hire 120,000 people, a 20 percent spike over 2015. Amazon has distribution opera- tions in Indianapolis, Whites- town and Plainfield. To expand its field of candidates, Amazon is offering public transportation op- tions for workers, including shut- tle service from the Indiana State Fairgrounds to its fulfillment (Continued on page 8) A worker dressed in a Santa Claus costume moves items at the Amazon fulfillment center in Lebanon, Tenn. (Mark Humphrey/AP)
Transcript
ployment spikes as retailers and other businesses increase staff-ing to accommodate their sea-sonal increase in business.
As Indiana's unemployment rate has sunk to 4.5 percent, com-panies are offering incentives and wages well above minimum wage to compete for a shrinking pool of candidates.
In addition to UPS, national play-ers such as Amazon.com Inc. and FedEx Corp. are also look-ing for large numbers of India-napolis workers. Those compa-nies say many of the so-called seasonal jobs will become per-manent for candidates who per-form well.
December 2016
A publication of the Indiana Department of Administration Division of Supplier Diversity
In This Issue
www.in.gov/idoa/mwbe
How to Connect
Gov. Commission Meeting Dec. 12
Pay Audit Webinar Dec. 14
Certification Webinar Dec. 21
SBA Day of Learning Dec. 22
More details can be found at: http://www.in.gov/idoa/mwbe/2749.htm
Tis' the Season pg. 1
Tools for Success pg. 2
Business Read pg. 2
Business Quote pg. 2
Subcontractor Opportunities pg. 2
Business Spotlight pg. 3
Individual Artist Grant Flier pg. 4
13th Best State for Business pg. 5
SBA Day of Learning Flier pg. 6
Newly Certified Businesses pg. 7
Riddle Me This... pg. 7
Tis' the Season (Cont.) pg. 8
Contact Us pg. 8
Event Calendar
'Tis the Season for Seasonal Hiring
Seasonal employment is em-ployment that does not continue year-round but usually recurs. Seasonal jobs are temporary and short-term by definition.
For example, retailers hire ex-tra workers for the holiday sea-son, tax preparation firms hire employees for tax season, ski resorts hire workers during win-ter ski season, and amusement parks hire summer seasonal workers.
For many retailers, the holiday shopping season is a "make or break" period which can define their bottom lines for the entire year.
Temporary and part-time em-
That trend is opening up a dis-proportionate number of jobs for people in Central Indiana, which is a Midwest distribution hub for many retailers, including e-com-merce giant Amazon.
The Seattle company is hiring an eye-popping 6,000 seasonal workers in Central Indiana as part of a national plan to hire 120,000 people, a 20 percent spike over 2015.
Amazon has distribution opera-tions in Indianapolis, Whites-town and Plainfield. To expand its field of candidates, Amazon is offering public transportation op-tions for workers, including shut-tle service from the Indiana State Fairgrounds to its fulfillment
(Continued on page 8)
A worker dressed in a Santa Claus costume moves items at the Amazon fulfillment center in Lebanon, Tenn. (Mark Humphrey/AP)
the system instead of doing everything yourself. Result: Time saved and less stress.
4. Don’t over think it.Perfectionism generates un-necessary stress. While you do need to plan for contingen-cies, worrying about every possible outcome of an action or endlessly assessing your options leads to analysis pa-
ralysis and a stress spiral. List the pros and cons of your choices; sleep on it if possible so your gut has time to process the options; then make a decision.
5. Know when to let go. It’s 11:30 at night, you have 600 unread emails in your inbox, but only 20 are from ac-tual people? It’s OK to delete the other 580. No one will know.
6. Know when to say no. If a situation, employee, client or project is stressing you out beyond the usual amount, listen to your gut. Stress could be trying to tell you something. Maybe it’s time to fire the employee, dump that client or call a halt to the project that’s not going anywhere.
7. Harness stress. Stress isn’t always negative—a certain amount of it is necessary and can even mo-tivate us. When you’ve got a super-stress-ful day ahead, look at it as a challenge. Set goals, focus on the most important tasks, en-courage yourself along the way and reward yourself—even if it’s just with a mental pat on the back—as you cross each item off the list. Source: www.smallbizdaily.com
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The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can bring about stress and anxiety. Coupling that with year- end business close out and think-ing of new business strate-gies to drive more revenue in the upcoming year can also make for a very stressful end of year. I would like to share some tips I found that may help you manage your stress levels.
Here are some ideas:1. Start with the basics. When you’re hungry, thirsty or tired, the smallest things can seem overwhelming. If you haven’t had a drink of water in the past hour, get one. If you haven’t eaten some-thing in the past few hours, grab a light, healthy snack like nuts or fruit. If you haven’t moved from in front of your computer for last 45 minutes, stand up and walk around your office or do some quick stretches.
2. Build connections.Keeping your connections with friends, loved ones and relatives thriving while running a business can be hard, but is vital to sooth-ing your stress. If you have to, multitask by joining a friend for a run or have a lunch date with your spouse.
3. Develop systems.Creating systems for common tasks in your business means you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you get a new client/launch a new product/start a new market-ing campaign. Systems also make it easier to delegate because you can train others in
A ground breaking look at why our interactions with others hold the key to success, from the bestselling author of Originals
For generations, we have focused on the individual drivers of success: passion, hard work, talent, and luck. But in today’s dramatically reconfigured world, success is increasingly dependent on how we interact with others.
In Give and Take, Adam Grant, an award-winning researcher and Wharton’s highest-rated professor, examines the surprising forces that shape why some people rise to the top of the success ladder while others sink to the bottom.
Praised by social scientists, business theorists, and corporate leaders, Give and Take opens up an approach to work, interactions, and productivity that is nothing short of revolutionary.
Business Read
Project Name Due Date Contact InformationAmeriCorps Performance Measure and Evaluation Consultant 17-058 12/16/16 Lottie Hooyer
goo.gl/pEHOonData Collection Services for Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System 17-063
12/22/16 Leslie Jones goo.gl/RLq11z
Design Development Implementation (DDI) 17-001 12/31/16 John Helmer
goo.gl/lzZrld
Subcontractor & Other Business Opportunities
More business opportunities can be found at http://www.in.gov/idoa/mwbe/2488.htm
Business Quote
“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giv-ing.”
-Mother Teresa MC, Saint
By: Terrie DanielDivision of Supplier Diversity Deputy Commissioner
Business Spotlight: Herd StrategiesThe Division wants to congratulate Herd Strategies LLC on their recent 5 year an-niversary. Moreover, the Division conducted a Q&A session with Ms. Denise Herd, Presi-dent of Herd Strategies, to gain some insight about her business and what we can expect from her company in the next 5 years.
How would you describe your business?Herd Strategies is a full-service advertising and public relations agency that specializes in crafting strategically sound and innovative marketing communications programs focus-ing on quality of life issues impacting African-American and Hispanic markets.
Unique to Herd Strategies is our ability to help our clients speak to the multicultural world where their brands live. The world is full of firms talking about diversity and in-clusion. Herd Strategies gets beyond the “chatter” of words with proven strategies for reaching niche markets. We are a women and minority-owned firm with a diverse team, dedicated to forging relationships with the or-ganizations and people you want to know.
How did you get started in your business?During my first foray as an entrepreneur I had a business partner. After three years it was clear that our business was not going to survive and we needed to dissolve our part-nership. After we dissolved, Herd Strategies seemed like the logical next step but it wasn’t easy. While I had been a business own-er for three-years Herd Strategies faced all the same challenges of a start-up. But since I had been through those challenges previ-ously I was able to maneuver them with ease where I had struggled previously.
If you had to describe Herd Strategies’ first five years in one word, what would it be?Exceeds expectations – I know, that’s two words.
What do you find most challenging about running your own business?As a business owner you need to constantly feel inspired. It’s often challenging to find in-spiration if you are constantly working in the business. This year, our fifth year I have tried
to make a concentrated effort to travel a little more and connect with people outside of my business circle.
I’ve also made professional development a priority. When you work for someone profes-sional development is ongoing. That com-pany is investing in you. When you run your own business you have to make sure you are investing in yourself. That is very important.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned over the past 5 years?I think the biggest lesson I have learned over the past five years is to not be afraid. Fear can be paralyzing. Fear can creep into your thoughts when you’re doing well and also when you are struggling. It’s amazing to me how a word that is so small can have such a big influence in our businesses. Fear limits our thinking and makes us com-placent. Over the past year I’ve worked really hard to overcome some personal fears that have held me back as an entre-preneur.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about starting a busi-ness?I would tell them to stop thinking about it and to do it.
What's your personal philosophy on how you handle business?I have a couple of rules when it comes to cli-ents and handling business, they include:
1. No matter what, always be honest. Clients appreciate your honesty – particularly during difficult times. Remember they are paying you for your knowledge and expertise. Not to be their friend and shield them from the truth.
2. Treat your clients and vendors as if they are your best friend or closest relative. As an entrepreneur everything we do is about re-lationships and reciprocity. My clients know I care about them and will do what’s best for their businesses. I need them to also care about me and to help me grow my business. This is a relationship – a two-way street.
3. Ask for help. There is nothing wrong with
asking for help and seeking the support and opinions of those outside your organization. I often turn to more seasoned entrepreneurs. They have been where I am and they inspire me to keep trying even when things are dif-ficult. We always ask for help when things become difficult. Asking for help during good times helps validate your decisions and also builds your confidence.
4. Share information willingly and generously. I am amazed at how many people don’t do this. I enjoy sharing information and helping others gain access to opportunities. Keeping information doesn’t help anyone. Sharing in-formation opens so many doors.
5. Service. Good Service, Transparent Ser-vice. Timely Service.
What projects are you currently working and what projects are on the horizon that you’re excited about?We have a several really great projects that we’re currently working with. One that we’re extremely proud of is our work on the Mar-ion County Transit Plan. We were a part of the team that helped educate the community about the transit referendum that passed with a majority vote during the recent election. There’s still a lot of work to be done on transit but it was exciting to be a part of history.
I’m also really pleased with the work we’ve done with the Indianapolis Housing Agen-cy and the Fort Wayne Housing Authority. Safe, affordable housing is important for your peace of mind. Our work in the public hous-ing sector is improving the quality of life for families and giving a sense of hope to those in need.
We are also excited about our work with The Mind Trust and educating the community about Innovation Network Schools. Access to great schools and expanding the educa-tion landscape in our communities is essen-tial. I’m proud that Herd Strategies is playing a role in ensuring children have access to great schools.
To learn more about Herd Strategies LLC, visit their website: herdstrategies.com
What a coincidence! The Indiana Arts Commission has grant money available for individual artists interested in career development.
We are now accepting applications for the Individual Artist Program grants! The Individual Artist Program (IAP) provides support to artists at all stages of their career development in selected disciplines. Applicants may re-quest a maximum of $2,000.View the guidelines here.
Program Timeline• Grant Period.............July 1, 2017- June 30, 2018• Deadline to Apply.......................February 3, 2017• Application Review Panel Meetings......April 2017• Awards Announcement.........................June 2017• Final Grant Report Due......................July 2, 2018
Eligible disciplines for this cycle include:• Dance• Literary Arts• Music• TheatreAlso note, folk arts and access applications are welcome in the above categories as well!Click here to register for an informational webinar being held on December 5, 2016 at 6 p.m. (EST)
Have questions about this grant program?Contact our Interim Program Director Nathan [email protected](317) 452-6315
13th Best State for BusinessForbes has released its 11th annual “Best States for Business” list which measures which states have the best business climates and are poised to succeed.
While Utah came in first for the third year in a row, Indiana dropped a whopping five places from its 2015 ranking of eighth Best State for Business to 13th.
Forbes had this to say about Indiana:“Indiana cracked the top 10 for the first time ever in Forbes annual Best States for Business last year, but it’s stay was short with a fall to No. 13. The state’s economic climate and outlook have declined over the past 12 months relative to the rest of the U.S. In 2012, the state made news after becoming the 23rd right-to-work state in the U.S. Indiana ranked second in the regulatory component of the Mercatus Center’s, “Freedom in the 50 States,” and it sports a Aaa rating from Moody's on its general obligation debt. Indianapolis-based pharma-ceutical giant, Eli Lilly, is the state’s largest private employer.”
Forbes’ Best States for Business list factors in 40 metrics from 17 sources across six broad categories: business costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life (click here for a detailed methodology).
A new addition in this year’s ranking in the regulatory category is a measure of laws that protect people from employment discrimina-tion based on sexual and/or gender identity. The state ratings were provided by the Movement Advancement Project, which identified 18 states that offer protection for LGBT people and 18 states that are hostile.
IndianaGross State Product $336 B
As of November 2016At a GlancePopulation: 6,631,400Governor: Mike PenceMedian Household Income: $50,532Job Growth (2016): 1.4%Cost of Doing Business: 6.9% below nat'l avgCollege Attainment: 24.9%Net Migration (2015): -2,300Moody's Bond Rating: Aaa
Forbes Lists#13 Best States for Business #13 in Business Costs#45 in Labor Supply#4 in Regulatory Environment#23 in Economic Climate#22 in Growth Prospects#4 in Quality of Life
Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if a written request and contact
Information is received in advance. Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration, Indiana District Office, 8500 Keystone Crossing,, Suite 400, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, (317) 226-7272. All of the SBA’s programs and services are provided to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
8(a) Certification
What is the 8(a) Business Development Program? How can my Company benefit?
Eligibility requirements Goals of the Program Benefits of the program How do you apply?
Ongoing obligations to SBA Program term
Thursday, December 22, 2016
1:00 pm ~ 2:00 pm
Jeffersonville Township Public Library 211 E Court Ave
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Reservations for this free workshop are required as seating is limited. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Vernice D. Mathis, SBA
Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if a written request and contact
Information is received in advance. Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration, Indiana District Office, 8500 Keystone Crossing,, Suite 400, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, (317) 226-7272. All of the SBA’s programs and services are provided to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Thursday, December 22, 2016Jeffersonville Township Public Library
211 E Court Ave Jeffersonville, IN 47130
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Doing Business with the Federal Government Discover: •Wheretofindcontractingopportunities •Howtoregisteryourbusinesstoselltothegovernment •Howtomarketyourproductsandservices •Whyyoumayneedasuretybondandhowtoobtainone
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. What is the 8(a) Business Development Program? Discover: •Eligibilityrequirements •Goalsoftheprogram •Benefitsoftheprogram •Howtoapply •OngoingobligationstoSBA •Programterms
Reservations for these free workshops are required as seating is limited. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Vernice D. Mathis.Phone: (317) 226-7272 ext.115Email: [email protected].
U. S. Small Business AdministrationDay of Learning
Looking for new markets for your small business’ goods or services?
Learn how to do business with the federal government at this
informative workshop!
Thursday, December 22, 2016 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Jeffersonville Township Public Library 211 E Court Ave
Jeffersonville, IN 47130 DISCOVER:
Where to find contracting opportunities How to register your business to sell to the government
How to market your products and services Why you may need a surety bond and how to obtain one
Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if a written request and contact information is received in advance. Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration, Indiana District Office, 8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 400, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, (317) 226-7272. All of the SBA’s programs and services are provided to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
center in Whitestown. The jobs range in salary between $12 and $16.50 per hour, according to a website advertising the jobs.
"We're offering a mix of full-time and part-time positions," Amazon spokeswoman Nina Lind-sey said. "All of them have great pay and all of them are offering opportunities to potentially stay on in regular full-time roles after the holidays, which is a really exciting prospect for a lot of candidates."
FedEx, another company that does big business during the holidays thanks to e-commerce, is hiring more than 1,000 seasonal employees in Indianapolis at a starting salary of $12.62 per hour. The company's hiring plans are on par with 2015, in part because it has been rais-ing staffing levels throughout the year.
"Due to the growth of e-commerce and growth of our ground network, we've been hiring pretty much year-round to support that growth," FedEx spokeswoman Jennifer Caccavo Cordeau said. "It definitely picked up in September."
UPS is also looking for more than 900 seasonal workers in Indianapolis, including package handlers, package car and truck drivers and driver helpers. The jobs range in starting pay from $10.15 an hour for package handlers to $30 an hour for truck drivers. UPS is about half-way through its seasonal hiring, said Rob Mor-row, the company's human resources manager in Indianapolis.
If you would like more information about sea-sonal employment the Department of Labor has a very good section of their website dedicated to it; Click here for more info.
