As you’ve probably heard, we support the effort to make Indiana a right-to-work state. Here is House Speaker Brian Bosma explaining why it’s a good idea in a new ad campaign.

Comments from Indiana Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Brinegar on the announcement today by House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate President Pro Tem David Long that right-to-work legislation will take priority in the 2012 session:

“Passing a right-to-work law is the single most important action our lawmakers can take to put more Hoosiers back to work. Currently, we have more than 200,000 people unemployed in Indiana and many more at risk as employers deal with a still unstable economy. A right-to-work law would open the door to attracting new and expanding companies and the numerous jobs they bring.

“Site selection experts from across the country will tell anyone who will listen that between one third and nearly half of the companies that hire them to find a good location won’t even consider non right-to-work states for their business growth and expansion plans. So Indiana is automatically out of the running in far too many instances.

“Other Midwestern states such a Michigan and Kentucky are now looking at passing right-to-work to gain a dramatic competitive advantage for jobs. We cannot afford to fall behind the competition.

“Right-to-work is about creating jobs, economic growth and fairness. Arguments to the contrary are smoke and mirrors. Right-to-work laws do not prohibit labor unions or collective bargaining, but simply protect workers from being forced to join or pay dues and fees to a labor union.  Workers would still have the right to join or support a labor union, only now it would be his or her decision to make. That’s simply fair.

“Case in point, right-to-work legislation was passed more than 15 years ago for Hoosier teachers. It certainly didn’t destroy their unions or collective bargaining rights, and it didn’t result in lower wages for teachers.

“Going forward, the Indiana Chamber will work to help citizens and lawmakers realize that a vote for right-to-work is a vote for job creation and worker freedom. A person shouldn’t have to be forced to join a union in order to get or keep a job. Today was an important step and I applaud legislative leadership for displaying determination with this issue.”

Indiana Chamber Communications VP Tom Schuman explains why streamlining the tax code and reforming entitlement spending will create a simpler and fairer system for American workers and businesses. The U.S. Congress’ Super Committee should work to make this happen.

As the country continues to battle through difficult economic conditions, Indiana has the opportunity to make our state more attractive to potential relocation and expansion prospects by becoming a right-to-work (RTW) state. Numerous site selection consultants have testified that Indiana misses out on competing for at least one-third of all company relocation opportunities because it is a non-RTW state. To create more jobs and expand our economy, our lawmakers must enact legislation in the 2012 Indiana General Assembly to make Indiana a RTW state. 

An Indiana Chamber study, published in January 2011, titled, “Right-to-Work and Indiana’s Economic Future,” examined results from various RTW and non-RTW states and found the following:

RTW states create more jobs than non-RTW states
- Growth in Jobs (1977-2008): Indiana, 42.8%; Non-RTW states, 56.5%; U.S., 71%; RTW States, 100%
- From 2000-2009, more than 4.9 million Americans moved from non-RTW states to RTW states

RTW states have faster growth in per capita income than non-RTW states
- Growth in Real Per Capita Income (1977-2008): Indiana, 37.2%; Non-RTW states 52.8%; U.S. 54.7%; RTW States, 62.3%

For more statistics from around the country, view this summary we’ve developed.

Now is the time to make Indiana a right-to-work state, but we can’t do it alone. To pass critical economic development legislation, it takes clout, resources and a strong, influential membership base. We need your membership support today. Membership is the driving force behind our ability to advance our pro-jobs, pro-economy agenda. Contact Tim Brewer at tbrewer@indianachamber.com to become a member and to help grow our right-to-work coalition. Membership is 89% tax deductible.

Oscar Moralez of StepStone Angels & Business Partners talks about the importance of mitigating risks associated with angel investing. Check out the full story in BizVoice magazine.

First Financial Bank and Butler University are hosting a special business panel discussion on many issues critical to your business. Local industry experts will discuss important business tools and resources to help you plan and prepare for next year. Topics will include: understanding legal issues, managing your financial relationship, access to capital, tax incentives, forecasting and more. This will be a great opportunity to learn from experts and identify strategies to help take your business to the next level.
 
EXPERT PANELISTS:

• Alice Morical, Hoover Hull, LLP
• Anita Sherman, Greenwalt CPA, Managing Partner
• Gail Gesell, Small Business Administration, Indiana District Director
• Mary Jo Kennelly, First Financial Bank
• Chris Stump, Business Accelerator, CFO Services
• Larry O’Connor (moderator), Business Accelerator, Executive Director

 
TO REGISTER:
Space is limited. Please RSVP to rsvp@bankatfirst.com or 317.237.1581.
 
WHEN:
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch provided)
 
WHERE:
Indianapolis Museum of Art, Deer Zink Events Pavilion
4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208-3326

A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus on the death of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon from injuries suffered in the Las Vegas Indy 300 on Sunday, Oct. 16 during the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented By Honda at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

“We are incredibly saddened at the passing of Dan Wheldon. He was a great champion of the Indianapolis 500 and a wonderful ambassador for the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and all of motorsports. Most importantly, he was a fantastic husband, father and man – a good friend to so many in this sport. His memory will live forever at the Speedway, both through the magnitude of his accomplishments on the track and his magnetism off the track. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans.”

Wheldon, 33, won “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2005 and 2011.

The Indy Star’s Bob Kravitz also offered a column on Wheldon’s passing.

UDPATE: Much attention has been paid in Indianapolis to possibly renaming Georgia Street before the Super Bowl. Do you think the street should now be named "Dan Wheldon Way?" Vote on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/indianachamber.