Home Blog Page 2813

Indiana Works to Expand Access to Small Business Recovery Resources

0

New partnership aims to provide direct outreach, support to minority employers; small businesses encouraged to leverage available grants, loans to aid recovery

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today provided updates on the state’s efforts to support Indiana small businesses and entrepreneurs, announcing a new partnership with Indiana Black Expo (IBE) to increase access to economic and workforce recovery programs for minority employers and encouraging small business owners to apply for funding available through state and federal programs.

“As a state, we’re committed to ensuring that our businesses and our people have access to vital economic and workforce assistance during this unprecedented time,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Launching this new partnership with Indiana Black Expo will expand the state’s capacity to provide critical COVID-19 resources to minority businesses and workers, while further positioning Indiana for long-term, sustainable economic recovery.”

Indiana Black Expo (IBE) partners to expand COVID-19 economic & workforce recovery through education, community outreach & new programming

Gov. Holcomb approved $500,000 in federal funding made available through the CARES Act to support minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs and communities negatively affected by COVID-19. The funding will enable IBE, a statewide nonprofit organization committed to the social and economic advancement of Indiana communities, to launch a targeted, statewide promotional campaign and develop community outreach programs to raise awareness of available resources and funding, enhancing participation in critical economic and workforce recovery programs.

Through this new partnership, IBE will also provide direct technical support to employers by connecting minority-owned businesses and minority Hoosiers with critical COVID-19 resources; developing educational initiatives, including a webinar series for minority business owners; and increasing collaborative partnerships with existing state resources, such as the Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC) and Next Level Jobs, to offer training and counseling services.

Through these efforts, and by leveraging IBE’s 12 chapter affiliates and an extensive network of African American Hoosiers across the state, this partnership aims to increase awareness and utilization of available funding and resources among minority businesses and workers to ensure recovery initiatives are inclusive across Indiana. IBE’s efforts will focus on ensuring a long-term, sustainable economic recovery, providing resources to enable immediate relief while also working to foster long-term business growth by encouraging and supporting minority small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups.

”COVID-19 is devastating our communities and the result is an uneven economic impact on African-Americans,” said Tanya McKinzie, president & CEO of IBE. “IBE is looking forward to partnering with the state to ensure that the African American community and minority-owned businesses are accessing the state’s economic and workforce recovery opportunities and are receiving tools and resources necessary to stay afloat during and after this pandemic.”

Applications open for Indiana Small Business Restart Grants

Since its official launch on June 3, the state has received initial applications from nearly 460 small businesses representing 69 counties for small business restart grants. The program, which committed at least $5 million of the $30 million allocated to the fund toward minority- and women-owned businesses, has received applications from 13 certified minority-owned businesses and 26 certified women-owned businesses. Eligible small businesses can seek reimbursement for up to 80% of qualified expenses, such as rent/mortgage payments, utilities, lease payments for real or personal property, and safety investments, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and infrastructure improvements.

 More information on the program is available here.

Federal small business loans available through Paycheck Protection Program until June 30
Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides forgivable loans to eligible small businesses and organizations impacted by COVID-19. If payroll is maintained for eight weeks, the loans may be used to cover payroll, interest on mortgage obligations, rent, or utilities. To date, 75,183 loans totaling nearly $9.4 billion have been awarded to Indiana small businesses.

With nearly $130 billion in funds remaining, small businesses are encouraged to apply before the June 30, 2020, deadline. Businesses may contact their nearest Indiana Small Business Development Center office for assistance in preparing applications or finding approved lenders.

 

IUPUI, ISDH RELEASE FINDINGS FROM 2ND PHASE OF COVID-19 TESTING IN INDIANA

0

Results from the second phase of a scientific study of statewide random testing aimed at measuring the spread of the novel coronavirus in Indiana show fewer active infections and a greater number of people testing positive for antibodies.

“Taken together, this is evidence that the virus has slowed its spread within Indiana,” said Nir Menachemi, lead scientist on the study and a professor and Fairbanks Endowed Chair in the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI. “We currently have more people previously infected than are currently infected.”

In its second phase, the study — a collaboration between the Indiana State Department of Health and the Fairbanks School of Public Health — tested more than 3,600 Hoosiers between June 3 and June 8 for viral infections and antibodies of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease. This number includes more than 2,700 people who were randomly selected and almost 1,000 volunteers recruited through outreach to vulnerable populations in Marion, Allen and LaGrange counties.

“By using a random sample, we can get more valid and generalizable estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Indiana,” said Paul Halverson, founding dean of the Fairbanks School. “By taking multiple random samples across different time periods, we are able to observe how the virus is affecting Hoosiers over time.”

After analyzing the results of Phase 2 testing in comparison to the results of the first phase that took place in late April, IUPUI researchers determined that the statewide estimate for active infection rate was 0.6 percent — a sharp decrease from the 1.7 percent observed in Phase 1. The estimate for antibody positivity in Phase 2 was 1.5 percent — an increase from 1.1 percent from the Phase 1 results.

“While the reasons for this decline could vary, it is likely that the virus has slowed due to our collective efforts to be safer, engage in social distancing, and reduce transmission by wearing masks and adhering to higher hand- and surface-hygiene standards,” Menachemi said. “This was an example of Hoosiers successfully hunkering down during the initial outbreak.”

While the ratio between active infections and antibody positivity improved in Phase 2, researchers continued to see disparities among minority communities. These groups still show evidence of being harder hit with coronavirus infections, Menachemi said.

For non-whites, the active infection rate in Phase 2 was 1.4 percent — lower than the 3.4 percent observed in Phase 1 — and antibody positivity rates were 5.6 percent, which was greater than the 1.6 percent found in the first phase.

The estimated statewide rate among Hispanics showed a decrease in active infections from 6.9 percent in Phase 1 to 2.6 percent in Phase 2. Antibody positivity rates among Hispanics increased from 1.5 percent in Phase 1 to 8.5 percent in Phase 2.

Across Indiana’s 10 Public Health Preparedness Districts, results followed a similar pattern, with decreases in active infection rates and increases in antibody positivity rates.

“The reason we were able to move to Stage 4 of our reopening plan was because Hoosiers took steps to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, and these data show that those steps have worked,” State Health Commissioner Kris Box said. “But we still have active transmission, and we must continue to take steps to protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers.”

Based on Phase 2 data, the researchers estimated that 43 percent of all Indiana residents who are currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 show no symptoms. This rate is similar to the almost 45 percent who tested positive for active viral infection and reported no symptoms at all in the first phase of testing.

“We should be aware of the experiences of other states. The virus can still be actively transmitted if we are not careful,” Menachemi said. “Based on the preliminary Phase 2 results, it appears we have been successful in limiting the spread of the coronavirus but have not eliminated the risk. Hoosiers need to be diligent to adhere to any and all measures designed to keep transmission low.”

The next phases of testing are planned for fall 2020 and April 2021.

For more information about COVID-19 or to find a testing site, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov.

 

AG Curtis Hill: State Must Inform Public Employees Uf First Amendment Rights In Connection With Labor Unions

0

The State of Indiana and its political subdivisions must notify public-sector employees of their First Amendment rights against compelled speech that could be associated with payroll deductions for labor-union dues, Attorney General Curtis Hill said in an advisory opinion issued today. They must also provide employees with an annual option to pay such dues and an opportunity to opt-out of paying such dues, Attorney General Hill said.

For employees paying dues in such a manner, Attorney General Hill said, processes must be in place that “show, by clear and compelling evidence, that an employee has voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently waived his or her First Amendment rights and consented to a deduction from his or her wages.”

Attorney General Hill issued the advisory opinion in response to questions from state Sen. James R. Buck in light of the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council.

University of Evansville Ranked Among the Top 100 Best Colleges for Veterans

0

The University of Evansville has been ranked among the top 100 best colleges for veterans by College Consensus. The complete list of schools was published to the organization’s website in April.

To establish the order of ranking, College Consensus used a method that combined ratings from internationally recognized publishers (publisher rating) as well as student reviews (student review rating). Both ratings were averaged to form a complete list of 100 public and private college institutions across the nation. To qualify for the report, a college had to be a Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges member, have a recognized student veteran organization, be a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, employ dedicated support contact for veterans, and offer credit for military training.

“Our student veterans are a valuable asset to our campus culture,” said Dr. Tracey Y. Folden, assistant vice president for academic affairs. “Their unique work as prior Servicemembers enriches the academic experience for all UE students.”

UE offers a variety of services to support incoming and current students, including academic advising, tutoring, and career development. The student club, UE VETS (Veterans Education Transition Support), serves students, families, and active service members across the globe as they transition to college life, coordinating events and activities to provide additional support. For more information about services for veterans, visit evansville.edu/veteransaffairs.

“UE has been invaluable with the resources it provides for students with military backgrounds,” said Jordan Wright, a disabled veteran and Class of 2023 student majoring in finance. “The University really makes every effort to set us up for success.”

In 2019, UE was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the fifth best college for veterans in the Midwest. The University has also been previously recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine and Military Times as a top college for veterans.

College Consensus is an online organization that highlights the best college programs and degrees offered in traditional and online formats. Studies recognize both public and private institutions at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You can read the complete report about the best colleges for veterans on their website.

EPD DAILY REPORT

0

EPD REPORT

Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” June 18, 2020

0

Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” June 18, 2020

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.
The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB”  column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB” AND “MIDDLE JAB” AND “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB” is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB” is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do so.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

0

 Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.

Randall E. Johnson Sr.: Domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury (Level 6 Felony)

Tyger Gabriele Steen: Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Theft (Class A misdemeanor), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Robbery (Level 5 Felony)

Zachary Alan Miller: Battery by means of a deadly weapon (Level 5 Felony), Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor)

Robert Allen: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Criminal mischief (Class B misdemeanor)

Jileesha Marie Duckworth: Domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon (Level 5 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)

Jeffery Scott Hoon: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Criminal confinement (Level 6 Felony)

Wesley Cortland Mccorkendale: Theft (Level 6 Felony)

Waymon Jerome Rush: Criminal confinement (Level 3 Felony), Criminal confinement (Level 5 Felony), Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Criminal recklessness (Level 6 Felony)

Michael Joseph Watson: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Criminal mischief (Class B misdemeanor)

HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE

0
‌
Administrative Assistant
Air Quality Services, LLC – Evansville, IN
$15 – $17 an hour
Receive, sort, and send packages via USPS / UPS / FedEx. A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply.
Easily apply
Jun 12
Secretary (Moran Center)
Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. 3.3/5 rating   22 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare is currently seeking a full-time Secretary to add to our team of professionals. Generous Paid Time Off plan.
Jun 16
Mailroom / Delivery Clerk
The Walman Optical Company 3.7/5 rating   62 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Match invoices and file as necessary. The Walman Optical Company is a successful, diversified, employee-owned business serving the ophthalmic community since…
Easily apply
Jun 11
Receptionist
SmartStyle Hair Salon | Tangles Total Hair Care – Henderson, KY
Continuous exposure to various chemicals and fragrances used in performing services and styling hair, including but not limited to permanent solutions,…
Easily apply
Jun 10
Branch Office Manager
United Fidelity Bank – Newburgh, IN
Responsive employer
Responsible for the supervision and development of branch personnel. Responsible for providing service to bank customers by conducting appropriate transactions…
Easily apply
Jun 12
Medical Office Assistant
Deaconess Health System 3.7/5 rating   468 reviews  – Newburgh, IN
We are looking for compassionate, caring people to join our talented staff of health care professionals as we continue to grow to be the preferred, regional…
Jun 11
Office Manager / Controller
Expressway Auto Group – Mount Vernon, IN
Responsive employer
$60,000 – $65,000 a year
401K Plan with match and profit sharing. Expressway Automotive Group is seeking an experienced Office Manager / Controller to make sure that all our staff…
Easily apply
Jun 11
Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Morton Solar & Electric, LLC – Evansville, IN
Responsive employer
$15 – $22 an hour
Who is Morton Solar & Electric?: Morton Solar & Electric is a fully licensed EPC and the oldest solar contractor in Indiana. Answer and direct phone calls.
Easily apply
Jun 7
Data Processor – Part Time
MetroNet 3.5/5 rating   133 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Responsive employer
Telecommunication experienced desired, but not required. MetroNet has an immediate opening for an energetic; Part-time Data Processor in Evansville, IN.
Easily apply
Jun 10
Front of House Receptionist/Hostess
Dormie Network – Victoria National Golf Club – Newburgh, IN
$10 – $12 an hour
Prior food and beverage experience is desired. Prior customer service experience is desired. Basic Knowledge of golf is desired.

ADOPT A PET

0

Ellie Mae is a 5-month-old female Shepherd mix. She was found running loose with a dirty, torn leash – and she was never reclaimed! She can be nervous in new situations, so if you come visit her, be sure to take her out in the yard… she’s a whole different dog outside! Her adoption fee is $110 and includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more. Apply to adopt her at www.vhslifesaver.org/adopt!

EPA Administrator Wheeler Appoints New Members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee

0
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler is announcing the appointment of thirty-three members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC). Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

“One of my priorities for EPA has been to restore trust for our agency among agricultural stakeholders and rural communities,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “President Trump has been clear about the Administration’s commitment to agriculture and rural America, and as part of that commitment, I am excited to reinstate the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee in 2020 with full membership. This committee will provide valuable input on how EPA’s decisions impact rural America, and I look forward to receiving the committee’s recommendations.”

To build a broad and balanced representation of perspectives for the FRRCC, EPA selected 33 members to represent a variety of relevant sectors from across the U.S., including agricultural stakeholders and allied industries; academia; state, local, and tribal government; and nongovernmental organizations. In selecting committee members, EPA reviewed the quality of applications received between November 7 and December 31, 2019 for nearly 150 nominations, and considered qualifications such as: whether candidates have experience in agricultural issues of relevance to EPA programs, are actively engaged in agricultural production, have related leadership experience, demonstrated ability to examine and analyze complex environmental issues with objectivity and integrity, have experience working on issues where building consensus is necessary, and are able to volunteer time to the committee’s activities.

The committee had no current members at the time of solicitation; therefore, these 33 nominees will constitute a brand new committee, and will each serve two or three year terms beginning on June 15, 2020. The new members of the FRRCC hail from twenty-four states and one territory in all ten U.S. EPA Regions, with six of the Members working in multiple states or at a national capacity. The Committee expects to meet approximately twice a year beginning in late Summer of 2020.

The new FRRCC members and their affiliations are:

  • Michael J. Aerts – Minor Crop Farmer Alliance and Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Maitland, FL
  • Barry Berg – East Dakota Water Development District; Brookings, SD
  • Emily M. Broad Leib – Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic; Cambridge, MA
  • Don Brown – Anchor Three Farm, Inc. (Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture 2015-2019); Yuma, CO
  • Jamie Burr – Tyson Foods, Inc.; Farmington, AR
  • Phillip H. Chavez – Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District, Diamond A Farms, Mohawk Valley Farms, Catlin Canal Company, and Lower Arkansas Valley Super Ditch; Rocky Ford, CO
  • John R. H. Collison – BlackOak Farms and Oklahoma Rural Association; Edmond, OK
  • William (Bill) Couser – Couser Cattle Company; Nevada, IA
  • Michael Crowder – National Association of Conservation Districts, Barker Ranch, and Benton Conservation District; West Richland, WA
  • Matthew Freund – Freund’s Farm and CowPots LLC; East Canaan, CT
  • Sharon Furches – Furches Farms Partnership and Kentucky Farm Bureau; Louisville, KY
  • Jeffrey Gore, Ph.D. – Mississippi State University – Delta Research and Extension Center; Stoneville, MS
  • David Graybill – Red Sunset Farm and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Mifflintown, PA
  • Dennis Haugen – Dennis Haugen Farms, General Grain Cleaning Co., and North Dakota Grain Growers Association; Hannaford, ND
  • Alex P. Johns – Seminole Tribe of Florida Inc.; Okeechobee, FL
  • Jimmy W. Kinder – Kinder Farms and Oklahoma Farm Bureau; Walters, OK
  • Jeanette L. Lombardo – California Food and Agribusiness Advocates; Ventura, CA
  • Lauren C. Lurkins (Incoming Committee Vice Chair) – Illinois Farm Bureau; Bloomington, IL
  • Gary Mahany – Gary Mahany Farms; Arkport, NY
  • Nicholas McCarthy – Central Valley Ag Cooperative; York, NE
  • Jesse McCurry – Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association; Colwich, KS
  • William Thomas (Tom) McDonald (Incoming Committee Chair) - Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC; Dalhart, TX
  • Jay Ivan Olsen – Utah Department of Agriculture and Food; Salt Lake City, UT
  • Christopher L. Pettit – Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Office of Agricultural Water Policy; Tallahassee, FL
  • William R. Pracht – Pracht Farms and East Kansas Agri-Energy; Garnett, KS
  • Graciela I. Ramírez-Toro, Ph.D. – Inter American University of Puerto Rico – Center for Environmental Education, Conservation and Research (CECIA); San Germán, PR
  • Charles R. Santerre, Ph.D. – Purdue University – Department of Nutrition Science; West Lafayette, IN
  • Beth C. Sauerhaft, Ph.D. – American Farmland Trust; Chappaqua, NY
  • Stacy Wayne Smith – S & A Smith Farms; New Home, TX
  • Davie Shane Stephens – DJ Stephens Farm and American Soybean Association; Wingo, KY
  • Secretary Jeff M. Witte – New Mexico Department of Agriculture; Las Cruces, NM
  • Amy Wolfe – AgSafe; Escalon, CA
  • James E.  Zook – Michigan Corn Growers Association and Corn Marketing Program of Michigan; Lansing, MI
1...2,8122,8132,814...7,323Page 2,813 of 7,323