- Home
- NEWS
- REGIONAL
- THIS WEEK'S PAPER
- BLOGS
- Multimedia
- OPINION
- A&E
- LISTS
- PEOPLE
- EVENTS
- Classifieds
- Subscribe
Government
VOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY: New law requires disclosure of business security breaches
July 10, 2006
Amie PeeleA new law that's designed to protect Indiana consumers changes the way businesses interact with their customers living in
Indiana. Public Law 125, passed in the last session of the Indiana General Assembly and effective as of July 1, requires businesses
to notify customers that reside in Indiana if there's been a security breach in which personal data has been stolen. The law
defines "personal information" as a Social Security number that is not encrypted or redacted, or a person's...
MoreRETURN ON TECHNOLOGY: We need more Googles to take on government
July 10, 2006
Tim AltomAs I write this, two of the biggest titans on the planet have just fought each other to a standstill. In one corner is the
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). In the other corner, the search engine company Google. In 2005, the DOJ wanted to revive
the Child Online Protection Act (COPA), which had already been swatted down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. The
law didn't address child pornography, as has often been assumed in the case, but only...
MoreNOTIONS: Hailing the hare in the land of the tepid tortoise
July 10, 2006
Bruce HetrickI was going to play smart aleck this week. I was going to write in hick dialect. I was going to lambaste us Hoosiers over
our stubborn adherence to the status quo, our penchant to take things slow, our preference for partisanship, our pooh-poohing
of progress and our bull-headed gumption to go it alone in a global economy. Then news broke that Indiana has the highest
high school dropout rate in America. So I figured that for two reasons, I'd...
MoreWestview soldiers on amid health care explosion: Hospital fares well against larger, newer competition
July 10, 2006
Tom MurphyA touch-screen directory, a grove of potted trees and a muffin-bearing kiosk greet visitors entering the six-story atrium
at the new Clarian North Medical Center in Carmel. A much milder scene awaits people walking into Westview Hospital a few
miles away, on the west side of Indianapolis. There, a lonely player piano spills soft tunes into a one-story lobby filled
with clusters of chairs and pamphlets on volunteering. "Quiet! Healing in Progress" reads a nearby sign. Indiana's lone osteopathic
hospital...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: State's 'circuit breaker' law worsens flawed tax system
July 10, 2006
Patrick BarkeyFifty years ago, economist Charles Tiebout expressed a vision of how freeing local governments to pursue their own unique
strategies for setting taxes and providing services could produce an efficient outcome much like the private marketplace.
He called it "voting with your feet." The idea was simple-by moving, people could sort themselves out and live in communities
that came closest to providing the tax and expenditure combinations they valued most. Reality is quite a bit more complicated.
When people move...
MoreNOTIONS: Of sexual predators, pit bulls and oddly lesser evils
July 3, 2006
Bruce HetrickGod, she's cute: Your little Paula or Patti or Pammy. Sitting there on the swing set, rocking back and forth, back and forth,
her brunette locks blowing in the breeze. You watch her on the merry-go-round, spinning faster and faster. Watch her on the
jungle gym, climbing higher and higher. Watch her and her little friend Annie or Jenny or Missy walking toward the trail into
the woods. And you know you aren't the only one watching. You know he's...
MoreNew leader brings spark to Black Chamber: Membership doubles to 100, but some in community question whether a separate organization
is needed
July 3, 2006
Scott OlsonThe walls of Turae Dabney's office at the Indianapolis Black Chamber of Commerce are covered in easel paper scribbled with
enough notes to make an anal-retentive person dizzy. Though garbled to visitors, the pages hold the key to her vision for
the organization she assumed leadership of as executive director earlier this year. "I do better if I visualize it," she said.
"It looks like a mess, but I know exactly what everything means." The message she is sending to...
MoreDoctor takes on state over Medicaid payments: Psychiatrist claims he's being forced out of business
July 3, 2006
Tom MurphyA Franklin psychiatrist has accused the state agency that runs Medicaid of suffocating his practice in a reimbursement dispute
that dates back more than a year. Dr. John Lewis said the weekly Medicaid checks that keep his Harmony Center open dwindled
to nothing for four straight weeks after he filed a lawsuit in April against the state Family and Social Services Administration
over a payment review it imposed. The psychiatrist believes his center may survive only another month, a closing...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Tattoos aren't only things we hide
July 3, 2006
Morton MarcusI admit I don't understand the world in which I live. For example, a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
reports that 24 percent of Americans age 18 to 50 have one or more tattoos. That rises to 36 percent when we look at just
those 18 to 29. I don't get it. Is this body art, a message to the world, a commitment to oneself or someone else? Tattoos
do fill in all that empty...
MoreCHRIS KATTERJOHN Commentary: Reflections on DST, Governmentium
June 26, 2006
I love it. It makes summer even better than it already was. I don't believe, as a friend of mine recently suggested, that
DST is a plot by Republican businessmen to play more golf in the summer. No, it was a sound economic development move, and
I'm glad the Legislature wised up and made it happen. Big picture, it's good for business. Speaking of which, I haven't talked
to a single businessperson who's seriously complaining about the time change. If...
MoreFINANCE: How will higher interest rates affect my loan?
June 26, 2006
Jean WojtowiczEvery time the Q: Fe d e ra l Reserve raises rates, I expect to pay my bank more for financing. I guess I understand the reason
for this-the government says it wants to guard against inflation-but the Fed's actions still make it hard for the small-business
owner who needs to borrow money. How can I get the lowest possible rates? And what will my bank require of me that they don't
now? Or is there any way around this...
MoreBULLS & BEARS: Sure, market's slumping, but better times lie ahead
June 26, 2006
Dave GilreathAs I write this, the stock market has fallen off a ledge and given up, depending on the index, between 7 percent and 12 percent
in a bit over a month. After that kind of fun, you might be ready to throw yourself off a ledge, or at least cash in what's
left of your portfolio. Yes, the last few weeks have been trying, but being an investor in U.S. stocks since the beginning
of this decade has been no...
MoreRETURN ON TECHNOLOGY: Have businesses given in to security anxiety?
June 26, 2006
Tim AltomAccording to the mainstream media, no sooner is your precious data placed on a hard drive than it's promptly vacuumed off
through a hacker's hole and inserted into some miscreant's illicit schemes for world domination. I admit I've advocated for
computer security for years, but that was because most companies' idea of security is to hide the backup CDs in the coffee
creamer box. I never meant to contribute to the panic that seems to have gripped the American population...
MoreBIZ BASICS: Legal help doesn't have to cost a fortune
June 26, 2006
Daniel KehrerWe're a start-Q: up and constantly need answers to basic legal questions about business structures, the hiring process, contracts,
wages, safety, trademarks and more, but can't afford expensive lawyers. What are some options? Legal issues often present
a dilem-A:ma for cost-conscious small businesses, especially startups. You want the best information but paying legal professionals
for every little thing gets expensive. The range of legal issues facing entrepreneurs is immense, from naming a business and
obtaining licenses to complying with tax...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: Health care cost 'solutions' only worsen the problems
June 26, 2006
Patrick BarkeyAs an economic forecaster, I am almost always optimistic. But that's not a personality trait. It's the nature of the business.
The economy around us is doing amazingly well. We've had much longer economic expansions, steady job and income growth, and
less frequent recessions for more than two decades now. So when you deliver an optimistic forecast these days, you stand a
pretty good chance of being right. But if there's one area where my optimism vanishes, it is this-how...
MoreHospital plan gets chilly reception from neighbors: Homeowners worry about location of St. Vincent's Seton Specialty Hospital
June 19, 2006
Tom MurphyConcerns about oxygen tanks and noisy delivery trucks have cropped up since St. Vincent unveiled plans last winter for the
long-term, acute-care hospital on Township Line Road. "They just kind of stomped in and said, 'This is what we're going to
do,'" said Beth King, a resident of Spring Hill Place, a 40-home subdivision on the site's northern border. However, hospital
officials, who are preparing for a ground breaking on the $17 million project this month, say they made several...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: We want to count jobs, but what's the best way?
June 19, 2006
Patrick BarkeyAmericans like to keep score on things. And in the realm of economics, there are plenty of things to keep score on. But the
economy is a huge, often unwieldy beast, and the data we use to track it are often quite a bit fuzzier than the rows of hardlooking
numbers in the graphs and statistical reports we digest would make it seem. In fact, as the old joke goes, we economists like
to present growth rates out to two...
MoreQuality Roofing Services: Success helps roofers sleep through the night After surviving a rough first year, company shows
signs of progress
June 19, 2006
Susan RaccoliAfter surviving a rough first year, company shows signs of progress Sleepless nights, upset stomachs and paranoia were common
woes for the owners of Quality Roofing Services throughout their first year in business. "We worried about finances and thunderstorms,"
said co-owner Paul Crafton, 50, recalling the professional and personal strain. "We wondered if we would make our payroll
or go under and lose our investment." But they persevered, starting their days early-often at 5:30 a.m.-and working late.
Eventually, their efforts...
MoreNOTIONS: A tale of two kings and one fortunate kingdom
June 12, 2006
Bruce HetrickFor the fifth year, some colleagues and I have penned comedy for a cause. The Indiana Repertory Theatre, which usually chooses
its playwrights more carefully, erred again by soliciting our scriptwriting "talent" for its faux-radioshow fund-raiser. So
on June 3, a cast of Indianapolis celebrities-from the media, not-for-profits, government and business-donned makeshift 17th-century
garb, mounted the Indiana Roof Ballroom stage, and hammed up "Shakespeared: A Midsummer Night's Scheme." Our tall tale featured
two kings-Mitchard and Bartholomie-trying to outdo each other...
MoreFrom Ukraine with love: Helping the elderly remain independent and at home is the fundamental goal of home-health-agency founder
June 12, 2006
Della PachecoWhen Etelka Froymovich immigrated to Indianapolis in 1977, the Ukrainian-born pediatric nurse found the only job available
to her was as an aide at Colonial Crest, a local nursing home later purchased by Arkansas-based Beverly Enterprises. She had
never worked with the elderly, but quickly found her life's passion. Twenty years after arriving in the city, Froymovich opened
Home Services Unlimited, a licensed home-health care agency on the northwest side that provides care for elderly and developmentally
disabled people. Overcoming...
MoreeImagine Technology Group: Technology firm aims to deliver service with its software Owner: Hiring good employees key to small
company's success
June 12, 2006
Julie YoungCommunication-and simplicity-can be a challenge when it comes to tech talk. "It's like the old adage, if you ask a tech guy
what time it is, he'll tell you how to build a watch," said Joel Russell, president of Indianapolis-based software developer
eImagine Technology Group. But Russell works around potential "lingo" problems when he's meeting with customers. No matter
the industry, he looks for ways to automate inefficient processes using computer software. His goal is to save his clients
time...
MoreBRIAN WILLIAMS Commentary: Program opens eyes to community needs
June 12, 2006
In 1973, an automobile accident inspired a mother to create a dynamic memorial to the accomplishments of her son and for the
benefit of the community in which he lived. For 30 years, the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series has offered a unique
perspective to 25 individuals on the issues confronting our city and region. Guided by a moderator through tours, seminars,
reading and interaction with experts, the participants debate education, government, health and human services, the justice
system,...
MoreVOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY: Increased export scrutiny requires corporate-wide plan
June 12, 2006
Thomas LaddWhile federal laws restricting exports of goods and technology have been in existence since the 1940s, companies and individuals
have increasingly faced civil and criminal penalties that include millions of dollars in fines, prohibition from future exporting
and even prison terms. flagged and identified on the denied party list? Simply put, is the end user of the product or technology
identified by the U.S. government as one banned from receiving such technologies? Customer service representatives need to
know whether the...
MoreGeographic restrictions could backfire for PERF: $105 million fund carries lots of potential, risks
June 12, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerBy restricting the new $105 million Indiana Investment Fund I to deals within state lines, Gov. Mitch Daniels hopes to simultaneously
spur economic development and earn a spectacular return for Indiana's retired public employees. But venture-capital experts
warn it's nearly impossible to have it both ways. "You need to be very, very clear what your objectives are when you invest
[pension] money. Is it for economic development or to help the pensioners earn better pensions?" said John Taylor, vice president...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: What if we moved the elderly out of state?
June 12, 2006
Morton Marcus"Don't write about this," Sid Simpleton told me. He is the state's social policy director. "People who have recently experienced
the loss of a loved one do not like death discussed without appropriate gravity." "I'll warn them not to read the column if
they have recently had such a loss," I said. Sipping gin and tonics on a warm spring afternoon does make the troubles of the
world seem less serious. "OK, if you think it's safe," Sid said. "This...
More
Sponsored by
ADVERTISEMENT
on Facebook & Twitter
on Facebook & Twitter
 Follow IBJ's Tweets on these topics: |
||
| @IBJNews | @Propertylines | @IBJTheScore |
| @IBJArts | @IBJHealthcare | @IBJDining |
| @IBJLists | @IBJSmallbiz | |
ADVERTISEMENT
Back to TopCopyright © All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use.
Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing.
Additional Hosting & Delivery by
Saw the Indy Men's Chorus "Music of Gilbert & Sullivan" at the Indiana Historical Society on Sunday evening.
Temporary workers are not "tools" they are people and companies that keep large amounts of temp staff are cheating.
I miss having them around. I hope one of their stores is in the general Meridian/86th Street area. I will make good use of it.
The Fringe! Plus, the simple fact that there are so many local faves in such close proximity to each other.
I remenber, watching the toll road, being built, through South Bend, when I was 10 years old. I believe, back then that it was estimated, that the toll road, would be paid for in 20 years and then it would be free. I am now 71, what happened? Since the power is in the people, by that, I mean that, we the people are in total control of everything. I, suggest that no one ever use the toll road again, let it go broke. We the people can control the price of everything, from groceries to gas, if we would just do it. If we don't pay the asking price, the sellers will lower the price and if we wait awhile, they will lower the price to what we accept as reasonable. I would like to know why a highway like interstate 94, is so well maintained, a much better highway, than the toll road, but has no tolls. I would also like to know why, a sitting governor, with a term limit, maximum of eight years, can lease, public property, for 75 years. Even though I have transponders in both of my trucks and will not be affected by the increase, I have been and will contine to avoid using the toll road. I make many trips from northern Indiana to Chicago, every year, and I prefer the better highway, I94!