This Week's Facts:

-Next Week Dedicated to Small Business Owners

-State Police Offer Traffic Tips for Indy 500

-Help Raise Asthma Awareness throughout May

-American Community Survey in Jeopardy After Budget Cut

Many people already know the benefits of living and working in Indiana, but now you can read 100 reasons why businesses like Indiana, too! The Indiana Economic Development Corporation  (IEDC) offers resources and tools to help expand, grow or develop your business. They have recently compiled Indiana’s Top 100, which contains 100 reasons for businesses to move to Indiana. These reasons include: shorter commutes, broadband connection speed, access to healthcare providers, and incentives to buy locally produced goods from Indiana businesses. Be sure to visit the website to view the full list of why doing business in Indiana is worth taking a second look. 

Friday Facts Editorial Team:

Katharine Springer
State Data Center Coordinator

Elisabeth Hedges
Federal Documents Librarian
&
Kim Brown-Harden
State Documents Coordinator

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The Indiana SDC/BIDC
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Next Week Dedicated to Small Business Owners

It’s almost time for National Small Business Week! Starting May 20, the US Small Business Administration is hosting a series of free forums and networking seminars in order to educate current and prospective small business owners. This three day event is held in Washington, DC and registration for the live event is closed. However, all sessions will also be webcast live and for free. Registration is not required to attend the online sessions. You can attend an Exporting Forum, Social Media Forum, a Town Hall Meeting with SBA Administrator Karen Mills, and more. Be sure to visit the National Small Business Week website for information on how to sign up, as well as to receive a complete schedule. Small business owners who can’t attend the online sessions may still want to check out the SBA website. It’s full of tips on getting started, getting a loan, and basic operating procedures. The State of Indiana also has good tips for new business owners. The Department of Revenue has a New and Small Business Education Center that is full of information to help your business succeed. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has information about complying with environmental regulations. These are great sources for those just starting out, or existing business owners looking to improve.

State Police Offer Traffic Tips for Indy 500  

For many people, May in Indiana means one thing: the Indianapolis 500. The Indy 500 brings in millions of sports enthusiasts from all over the state and the country. Fans are prepared to celebrate, and may even see a celebrity or two! The Indiana State Police encourages everyone to “know your zone” by providing travel tips to the 500 mile race. These tips will help you safely navigate the area around the Speedway just in time for qualifications this weekend. The greatest spectacle in racing can also bring about the greatest traffic jams and headaches. In addition to providing different routes, the travel tips also offer alternatives to driving, such as taking a cab or using the shuttle service. Fans are encouraged to practice patience and follow the routes to have a fun and safe racing experience.    

Help Raise Asthma Awareness throughout May

According to the CDC, 8.2% of non-institutionalized adults and 9.4% of children in the United States have asthma. Although in most cases the cause is unknown, those with asthma experience episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. The disease is generally manageable, although there are certain triggers that can set off an attack. The CDC lists some of the most common: secondhand smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, pets, mold, wood smoke, and more. Be sure to read the CDC Asthma website for more information about managing asthma, healthcare, and health statistics. You can also look at their detailed profile on the disease in Indiana. Those interested in getting the word out on asthma prevention and treatment will be interested in the EPA website. They have free publications that you can print out or order to distribute in your community. You can also look at their Event Planning Kit for ideas on how to promote asthma awareness in your school, library or community.

American Community Survey in Jeopardy After Budget Cut

A recent Congressional vote has received much press in the government information community. The House recently passed Amendment no. 46 to H.R. 5326, which states that none of the funds made available in the appropriations act for the Department of Commerce can be used for the American Community Survey (ACS), effectively cutting the program. To see the text of HR 5326: A bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, and Justice, Science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes, be sure to check out FDsys, or click here for the PDF. You can also view Amendment no. 46 by looking at the Congressional record entry on page H2449.