‘Comp speak’ impacts most of us. What is it?

Most industries and professional disciplines have unique – and often confusing – jargon. The world of employee compensation is no different, with compensation terminology (“comp speak”) that can be downright puzzling to outsiders. Nonetheless, understanding employee compensation is vital to American workers; so, here’s a quick primer to help demystify “comp speak."... Read More

What to do with a 529 plan for a disabled child

Are you contributing to a 529 for your child or grandchild but facing the reality that they may not attend college due to a disability? A relatively simple alternative would be to change the beneficiary of the 529 to another family member and save for your disabled child/grandchild in other ways.... Read More

Abuse victims need the community

Domestic violence impacts far more people than one may think. All too often, the signs of domestic abuse go unnoticed by friends, family and co-workers. Domestic abusers are some of the most manipulative offenders and usually convince their community they are decent and honorable. Victims often suffer physical injuries on places of their bodies not viewable by others. This is intentional. ... Read More

AI integration: Shaping the future of work in Indiana

As conversations around artificial intelligence (AI) continue to grow, it's time to focus on how more Indiana businesses can effectively begin implementing AI solutions. While discussions are valuable, the next step is to explore practical strategies for adoption. For many businesses, the opportunity lies in determining how to integrate AI in ways that enhance efficiency, manage risks, and prepare the workforce for the future. ... Read More

Bar association supports retention of Indiana Supreme Court justices

As Indiana’s judicial retention elections near, and with recent discussions questioning the retention of certain judges based on their rulings in specific cases, nearly 85% of Indiana State Bar Association members voted in favor of retaining all justices and judges on the ballot. This confidence underscores the legal community’s confidence in their service, qualifications, and […]... Read More

Can AI help with your finances?

When it comes to finances, many challenges prevent progress, but Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the tools to help solve those problems. AI has the computing power to digest great amount of information and then uses that information to answer questions and trigger actions. ... Read More

Galvanizing economic growth in rural Indiana 

Both Sen. Mike Braun and Jennifer McCormick have put economic growth at the center of their campaigns for governor, with a particular focus on rural economic development. As they should; Indiana’s economy barely grew in Q1 of 2024 (the latest period for which data was available), lagging well behind the growth rates of neighboring Michigan and Kentucky and behind the U.S. as a whole. ... Read More

Is your talent acquisition strategy set on rinse and repeat?

What is it that makes us continue to do things the way we’ve always done them? The tendency to stick with familiar routines and resist change is deeply rooted in brain science. It’s so ingrained in our brains that we often can’t stop doing things in the same way, even if they aren’t working. Let’s think about that as it applies to talent acquisition. Recruiting top talent is vital to the success of our business, yet we often get stuck using the same strategies for hiring and getting the same lackluster results. ... Read More

Harnessing veteran talent to meet diversity recruitment needs

Indiana’s business community stands at a pivotal moment, where the convergence of economic growth and workforce demands present both a challenge and an opportunity. As companies across the state grapple with staffing shortages and the need for skilled workers, there is an often underutilized talent pool ready to be tapped—the state’s more than 325,000 veterans.... Read More

When a nonprofit special event isn’t so special!

As schools reopen, nonprofits are also gearing up for special events. Rest assured, another gala, benefit auction, 5K, bake sale, basket raffle, math-a-thon, mum sale, or something else is certain to be calling your name this fall. Special event staging shouldn’t be surprising, but after years of touting a better way, nonprofits still have much to learn relative to the true return on investment (ROI) of these so-called “special” events.... Read More

Don’t spoil anyone’s first time

While I don’t envy the dedicated folks who staff the security lanes at our nation’s airports, I’ve observed a tendency for many of them to do something unfortunately common among people with customer contact roles.... Read More

Business growth: Crossroads IN manufacturing

Indiana ranks first with the highest concentration of manufacturing employment in the country, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. As recently as this past October, the State had 2.04 times the national average. There were 2.73 million workers employed by Indiana manufacturers.... Read More

The big deal about Indiana Women IN Tech Week

The tech industry has long been an arena dominated by men, leaving many women underrepresented, underpaid, and undervalued. While strides have been made to improve gender equality in tech, much work remains. That is why Indiana Women in Tech Week (IWIT) is so crucial. ... Read More

Financial advice for new parents

Focusing on the big picture is not easy for most new parents.  I'm currently learning, as my wife and I are expecting our first child in just a couple months. I couldn't be more excited to meet our baby girl. However, I have to admit I'm nervous about the upcoming sleep deprivation, figuring out naps and feeding schedules, daycare routines, etc. Something that has helped alleviate stress is having a financial game plan. ... Read More

Team Crane adds important new capabilities—will they be enough?

The re-emergence of strategic competition requires an intense effort to rebuild our nation’s atrophied capabilities. Our nation is behind in rebuilding the infrastructure needed to meet emerging threats posed by China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. The recent Strategic Posture Review made the case for urgent investment in modernized strategic forces.... Read More