Investing in inclusion: Building a stronger business community in central Indiana

Central Indiana is a hub of innovation, industry and community spirit.

It is a place where ambition meets opportunity, where small businesses thrive alongside corporate giants, and where the diversity of its people shapes the character of its neighborhoods. Yet, as we continue to grow and adapt to an ever-changing economic landscape, one truth remains evident: diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are not just moral imperatives — they are the bedrock of a prosperous and resilient business community.

The case for inclusion is compelling and undeniable. Businesses with diverse workforces and inclusive cultures are more innovative, more profitable and better positioned to navigate challenges.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams are 36% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than those in the bottom quartile. But beyond the numbers, DEIB creates workplaces where people feel seen, valued and empowered to contribute fully to their organizations’ success.

This is not a new conversation but requires continued investment and urgency — especially now. Across the country and here in Indiana, shifting political climates and divisive rhetoric threaten to stall progress on inclusion. In some circles, DEIB has been reduced to a political statement. But let me be clear: inclusion is not about politics. It is about business. It is about people. It is about the future we are building together.

In Central Indiana, we are fortunate to have numerous examples of businesses and organizations leading the way in advancing DEIB. Consider the work of Business Equity for Indy (BEI), a coalition of corporate and civic leaders committed to addressing inequities in hiring, procurement, and community investment. BEI’s Procurement Roundtable, for instance, has helped businesses connect with minority — and women-owned suppliers, demonstrating that equity in supply chains can benefit both the buyer and the supplier.

Another example is the Indianapolis Urban League, which has long championed economic empowerment for Black and minority communities. Through programs like Project Ready, the Urban League prepares young people for workforce opportunities while collaborating with businesses to ensure equitable hiring practices. By supporting such initiatives, companies strengthen their talent pipelines and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.

On the small business front, the City of Indianapolis Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship. By certifying and promoting minority- and women-owned businesses, the OMWBD helps ensure these enterprises have access to contracts and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. One shining example is ClusterTruck, a local tech-driven food delivery company that has intentionally partnered with diverse suppliers to meet operational needs while promoting inclusion.

The Indy Black Chamber has a ten-week wealth-building class and a four-week business accelerator that were specifically designed to help Black business owners develop the foundational skills needed to plug into these partner organizations. In partnership with IU Kelley School of Business, the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Indy Chamber, we’re actively working to expand these offerings ensuring that African American business owners have knowledge and access to resources that support them from ideation through scale.

These examples show that DEIB is not an abstract ideal but a tangible strategy with measurable outcomes. And while the work of these organizations is impactful, it is not enough to rely on their efforts alone. Every business in Central Indiana has a role to play in advancing inclusion.

At the Indy Black Chamber, we see the potential for Central Indiana to be a national model for inclusive growth. We believe that belonging should not be an aspiration but a reality we build together. And we believe businesses have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to lead the way.

This work is not always easy, especially amid uncertainty and division. But work pays dividends — in more substantial teams, more resilient businesses and a more vibrant community. Through collaboration with community organizations, supporting minority- and women-owned businesses and committing to equitable hiring and development practices, we can ensure that Central Indiana’s growth is prosperous and inclusive.

Together, we can build a future where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are not just values but the foundation of our shared success. Let us commit to this work — not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Inclusion is good for business, good for people and good for Central Indiana.

IKEA: Why Decarbonisation & ESG Are Business Imperatives

The economic opportunities in the green transitionFar from being a financial burden, the report argues that climate action presents significant economic opportunities. The global green economy, currently valued at US$5tn, is forecast to nearly triple to US$14tn by 2030.“Climate action does not have to come at the expense of economic performance,” Jesper explains.Ingka Group, the parent company of IKEA, exemplifies this principle. Since 2016, the company has reduced its climate footprint by 24.3% across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions while growing its business by 30.9%.Jesper is keen to stress that sustainability is not just ethical, but essential for long-term business viability. “Being resource-smart is cost-smart, is business-smart,” he says.The Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders represents a formidable coalition, with members generating a combined $4 trillion in revenue and employing 12 million people across 12 industries.From 2019 to 2022, this group collectively reduced emissions by 10% while growing revenue by 18%.

REI to exit Experiences business after 40 years

REI operates approximately 185 stores in 42 states. REI Co-Op is shutting down one of the more unique aspects of its operations.The specialty outdoor retailer announced that it will exit its Experiences business, which includes adventure travel, day tours and classes. In a letter on the retailer’s website, REI president and CEO Eric Artz said that primarily financial results for 2024 were positive, but detailed the decision to end the program that has existed for over 40 years.“I greatly appreciate the work by teams across the co-op to deliver improvements in 2024, which is a positive step in our journey to return to a healthy economic model,” said Artz, who joined REI in 2012 and was named CEO in 2019. “At the same time, we still have more work to do to return the co-op to sustainable, profitable growth, which brings me back to today’s decision.”Artz noted that REI’s Experiences business only served a small fraction of the company’s membership, and therefore was not profitable. He added that changes were made to try and save the program to no avail.“Experiences served 40,000 customers in 2024 — less than 0.4% of all co-op customers — and costs significantly more to run than it brings in,” said Artz. “When we look at the all-up costs of running this business, including costs like marketing and technology, we are losing millions of dollars every year and subsidizing Experiences with profits from other parts of the business. Even at our peak in 2019 — our best year for Experiences ever — we did not generate a profit.”

Ruben Amorim fires a warning to Man United – as he tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe the Red Devils MUST improve both their transfer business and the academy

Man United have made several mistakes in the transfer market in recent yearsRuben Amorim has admitted that the club have to improve their recruitmentLISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho By WILL PICKWORTH Published: 13:21 EST, 10 January 2025 | Updated: 13:39 EST, 10 January 2025

Reasons Your Business Needs Strong Intellectual Property Protection

Many people get cool ideas that they want to turn into reality and profit. It is often forgotten to consider one of the main points, which is intellectual property and its protection. In this list, we will list why it is important to have intellectual property protection and what benefits it can bring you in business.   Branding What you have to think about throughout your entire business is the branding of your company. This will help your customers take your company and products much more seriously and make them more attractive. In this way, the price of products or services can be increased without making the customers angry, but by making it acceptable to them. The branding you establish will follow you throughout the entire history of your company’s operations and help you work on the recognition and growth of your business. The entire branding of your business is difficult to follow, but it certainly pays off. Legal protection In the business world, there are many lawsuits between companies and competitors. Everyone wants to reach the top and their sales to be better than others. This often leads to dirty things in business because some businessmen only see how to harm others. Intellectual property protection can protect you from various legal disputes and prove that you are the creator of a product. The good thing is that firms such as the Robins Kaplan law firm can help in that process and give you the much-needed security. In this way, you will secure your market and be sure that your idea will not be hijacked by anyone. It was often the legal processes that were the most complicated, which is why many people did not want to enter into the process of intellectual property protection. With legal protection, you can work unhindered on promotion and international sales. Building a reputation Reputation is very important to protect because it greatly affects the company’s profit. In order to succeed in preserving your reputation, you also need intellectual property protection. If it is heard about your company that your original product or idea may not be yours, then it will damage your reputation and turn away many customers. When you build a successful reputation, you also build an image that the company will be proud of and the business will go on an upward trajectory. A step ahead of the competition The race on the market can be very tough and there can be a lot of competition. In order to stand out from the competition, you need to have something unique that is characteristic only of your company. That product or idea needs to be protected by intellectual property so that the idea doesn’t get stolen and you don’t lose the uniqueness that sets you apart. With that difference, your company will stand out from the rest and achieve much better results.   The items on this list will help you understand that the protection of intellectual property is necessary in every business and that it can bring about a lot of positive changes and safety for your business.  

Top 10 James Stewart movies ranked and Rear Window missed out on No 1

The Hollywood star best known for playing the everyman with his famous drawl starred in 80 films across his epic career. Working with the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and John Wayne over the decades, his Top 10 films have been ranked by fans on IMDb. Check out the full list below in which Rear Window missed out on No 1 in favour of a film that James Stewart once confessed was “nothing phenomenal”, but turned out to be his favourite.

Three epic World War 2 films are on TV this weekend and they couldn’t be more different

In the 80 years since the defeat of Hitler, countless World War 2 films have been made. And it turns out that three that couldn’t be more different are on the BBC and ITV this weekend. One is a drama, another a comedy and the third an action epic. Check out what they are and when they’re on TV below.Saving Private Ryan (1998)Steven Spielberg’s action epic stars Tom Hanks as US Captain John H Miller, tasked with locating Matt Damon’s Private Ryan to have him sent home because his three other brothers had been killed in action. Upon its release in 1998, World War 2 veterans found the combat scenes, including the opening sequence of D-Day, incredibly realistic of their own experiences with some even unable to continue watching. Although not quite everything was historically accurate. Considered one of the greatest films of all time, Saving Private Ryan won five Oscars. And in a 2015 poll of Academy votes, given another opportunity, they would have voted for the film to be Best Picture. The film is on BBC Two this Sunday at 10pm. (Image: GETTY) Link copied

Donald Trump sentenced without penalties in New York court

A New York judge Friday sentenced President-elect Donald Trump to an “unconditional discharge” over 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The sentence spares him penalties but allows the convictions to stand. During sentencing, the president-elect again said the case was politically motivated. VOA senior Washington correspondent Carolyn Presutti reports. Contributor: Kim Lewis; Video editor:…