Aging Implications: A Wake-Up Call (prepared for the Indiana Chamber Foundation Workforce Wise project) December 2009
Studies show that three major demographic trends jeopardize the American workforce: low literacy levels, aging and retirement of Baby Boomers, and the increasing number of individuals who speak little or no English. Several years ago the Chamber launched Ready Indiana to find solutions workforce literacy challenges. Now, Workforce Wise explores ways to turn aging issues into opportunities.

Return on Investment Analysis of a Selected Set of Workforce System Programs in Indiana. December 2009
To complement the 2nd NCHEMS Performance Report (2009), the Indiana Chamber contracted with Dr. Kevin Hollenbeck of the W.E. Upjohn Institute (Upjohn) to calculate the net impact and return on investment for Indiana’s public workforce training programs. Unfortunately, Upjohn was able to obtain data for only 5 different training programs, so the results are less comprehensive than would be ideal. Still the following data should give policymakers a feel for the potential this tool offers to compare the impact of different types of workforce training programs, conduct “what if” analyses about potential policy changes, and compare subgroups within each type of program.

Recommended Policies and Practices for Advancing Indiana’s System of Adult Education and Workforce Training. January 2009
Hoosier adults in need of education and training are currently faced with a maze of more than 20 different programs from at least four different providers. The path the adult learner takes is as much a result of chance encounters as guided by state policy, according to this new report compiled for the Indiana Chamber by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. Recommendations are offered to create a more collaborative and effective adult education and workforce training system in the state.

Indiana's Adult Education and Workforce Performance Report. February 2008
Like in many states across the U.S., educators and policymakers in Indiana face a daunting challenge as they strive to improve the education levels of the current workforce. While nearly all workers need additional education and training throughout their careers, there are certain segments of Indiana’s workforce that require more immediate intervention in order to become gainfully employed or advance to better jobs.

A Demand-Side Strategy to Meet Indiana’s Workforce Basic Skills Challenge. January 2005
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiated the Employer-Driven Workforce Literacy Project in late 2003. The goal is to upgrade the literacy levels of Indiana’s incumbent workforce through the development of employer-driven programs.

Indiana Project for Efficient Local Government. February 2004
The findings of the Indiana Project for Efficient Local Government focus on those COMPETE recommendations that could achieve the greatest impacts in efficiency and cost savings. This study is meant to motivate both discussion and action toward the achievement of 21st century local government in Indiana.

Accelerating Growth in Indiana’s Mid-Market Companies. June 2008
Accelerating Growth, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s recently released strategic plan, stresses the importance of "growth from within" to balance business attraction efforts. The goal is to help mid-market companies enhance their growth and become even more successful corporate and community citizens.

Economic Vision 2010
Economic Vision 2010 is the Indiana Chamber’s long-range economic development plan to make Indiana a dynamic and vibrant environment to establish, operate and grow a business.

Indiana’s High School Graduation Rate. September 2006
Using a formula that relies heavily on the under-reported dropout numbers, Indiana has claimed steady increases in its graduation rate and a current graduation rate of nearly 90 percent. This report uses nine alternative calculation methods developed by various public policy organizations and individual researchers to overcome the widely recognized inaccuracies of dropout data and to produce a more accurate estimate of high school graduation rates.

Indiana Education Best Buys. Annual Report
The 11^th edition of Indiana's Best Buys report offers an opportunity to take a close look inside our classrooms. The report is designed to accentuate the positive aspects of Indiana's high schools and point out any areas in which we may be able to improve.