02 2009 Newsletter - Evansville-Area Human Resource Association

What can the Indiana Economic Development Corporation do for you?Through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the state of Indiana offers many incentive programs for companies creatingjobs and raising income in Indiana. Economic development incentives include tax credits based on job creation and capital investment, traininggrants, and public infrastructure assistance. Some of these programs are:Skills Enhancement Fund - The Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) provides financial assistance to businesses committed to training their workforce.Trainees must be Indiana residents. SEF reimburses eligible training expenses during a two-year term. Companies may reapply for additionalSEF funds after their initial two-year term. IEDC typically does not provide reimbursement for training that is required by law. Companiescan receive reimbursement – up to $200,000 – for retraining existing workers. Supplemental grant awards may be available for trainingnew employees. Businesses receiving SEF training assistance must commit to continuing their operations at the location where the SEF trainingassistance is provided for at least five years after the training grant is completed and closed.Technology Enhancement Certification for Hoosiers Fund - The Technology Enhancement Certification for Hoosiers (TECH) Fund is areimbursement grant program designed to help Indiana companies meet the demands of the new information economy by rapidly increasingthe number of certified information technology workers in Indiana. This program provides financial assistance to existing companies that arecommitted to training their workers in the latest information technology skills. Indiana companies receiving TECH funds must be in good standingwith state regulatory agencies. The TECH Fund reimburses up to 50 percent of the training budget of $2,500 per employee for activitiesthat result in a full-time employee receiving a portable certification in systems administration, systems engineering or software development; aprofessional certification; or other certification in advanced e-business enabling applications.If you are interested in gaining additional information about these opportunities, please contact Dorrie M. LoBue at (812) 492- 4415 ordlobue@iedc.in.gov. You may also visit their website at www.AccelerateIndiana.com. - TRMary Thompson has been a member of theEHRA board for two years this time around, butshe has also served previously. Mary has servedas Finance Chairperson, Diversity Chairpersonand Communication Chairperson. She currentlyserves the role of SHRM Liaison/ CertificationChairperson. Mary proudest accomplishment as a board memberwas planning EHRA’s first Diversity Event in 1999. Mary believes thatthe single greatest issue facing HR professionals today is that HR is anon money‐making part of any company which makes it difficult todemonstrate value sometimes.Andrew Ellerbrook has been a member of theEHRA board for 4 years. In his time on the board,Andy has held many positions to include, Directorof Compensation and Benefits Survey, President‐Elect and now President. Over the years, Andyhas participated in many different projects and events, but he says heis most proud of his work on the Compensation Survey and the EmployerSupport of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) signing ceremony.Andy is currently an HR Manager for the Corporate Office of ShoeCarnival in Evansville, IN. Outside of work and EHRA, Andy enjoyschurch, family, running, watching sports and home improvement.EHRA: February 2009featuring ways to get involved with ourcommunity, have fun, and help promotethe Evansville-Area Human ResourcesAssociation.Girls in Bloom provides opportunities for 5ththrough 8th grade girls and their parents orguardians to participate in social activities suchas art, writing, music and dance, and to seekways to stimulate dialogue in our communityabout the challenges adolescent girls face. The EHRA hasbeen invited to participate in the February 28, 2009 event,which is focused on Community Involvement. Volunteers fromEHRA are need to present an interactive program. If you areinterested in volunteering or learning more about Girls inBloom, please contact Tara Ricketts at Tara.Ricketts@amr.netor by phone at 812-421-6500 ext. 303.Do you know of other ways EHRA can get involved inour community? If so, please send an email tonlindy@scvl.com and let us know!Page 4aaa