INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced that Fred Payne will be Indiana’s next commissioner at the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). Payne is currently the chief administrator for Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) with extensive professional expertise in employment and labor law.

“Fred is the right pick to take our state’s workforce development agency to the next level—at a time when building and securing talent has never been more critical to our state’s enduring economic success,” Gov. Holcomb said. “His corporate experience at Honda has given him a clear perspective of employer workforce demands. Further, he has experience driving change and eliciting results in a large organization, which will be a big advantage working with an agency the size and scope of the DWD.”

As chief administrator for HMIN, Payne has led the company’s business division, overseeing corporate affairs, information services and administrative functions—along with serving as company secretary and compliance officer. Payne joined HMIN in 2008 as an attorney focusing on employment and labor issues and in 2011 became general counsel, secretary, and corporate affairs and administration manager. Prior to working for HMIN, Payne was managing attorney for the Indiana office of Wessels and Pautsch, P.C.

“I am up to the challenge of leading a department that plays a vital role in our state’s future success,” said Payne. “I look forward to working with Gov. Holcomb and Secretary Milo to continue to build upon our workforce system to better meet the needs of Indiana employers and job seekers by helping match qualified Hoosiers with the high-demand jobs available today.”

Payne is admitted to the 7th and 9th Circuits of the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Courts for northern and southern districts of Indiana, northern and central districts of Illinois, and the western district of Wisconsin. Payne is a graduate of Maurer School of Law at Indiana University Bloomington and holds a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University.
Payne admitted to practice in the state of Indiana and before several Federal Courts. He served as a board member to the Indiana Pro Bono Commission and currently serves as a board member for the Indiana Manufacturers Association, Honda Federal Credit Union, the Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation and the Indianapolis Urban League. He and his wife, Kelly, live in Indianapolis.
Payne’s first day with DWD will be Dec. 12.

Attendees at the Indianapolis event to receive valuable job training and tech industry insights

INDIANAPOLIS – Google has announced its Grow with Google Tour, an initiative to advance economic opportunity with skills training to towns and cities across America. Google will launch the tour in Indianapolis with a Grow with Google event to help job seekers, students, teachers, entrepreneurs and small business owners improve their digital skills.

Working in partnership with EmployIndy, the Indianapolis Public Library, TechPoint, Ivy Tech Community College, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, Indy Chamber and Student Veterans of America, Google will bring in-person training programs directly to Indiana job seekers and learners. The event will take place on November 10t h and 11t h at the Indiana State Museum.

“I’m pleased Google has selected Indianapolis to launch this initiative,” said U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, who will be attending the November event. “I've long supported efforts to address the skills gap and train job seekers with the skills needed by local employers. Indy has grown at a steady pace in STEM and tech employment in the past decade. During this two-day training program Hoosiers will have the opportunity to receive valuable digital skills training to help prepare them for high-skill and in-demand STEM jobs in Indy and across Indiana.”

The two-day Grow with Google event will feature over 20 workshops, more than 100 one-on-one coaching sessions, and interactive demonstrations. Google staff members will be on site to offer digital skills training and engage with attendees on the most current digital trends. Topics will include job search strategies, presentation skills, search engine optimization, coding basics and more. The event is designed to work around people’s schedules and interests, and gives attendees the flexibility to stay for a few sessions or all day long.

“One of the recurring themes from our recent inclusive growth study with The Brookings Institution is that education and skill development are pivotal to upward economic mobility,” said Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber. “Today’s announcement by Google provides an opportunity for the workforce of the Indianapolis region to increase its digital competency and be prepared for the needs of a 21st Century economy.”

“Indianapolis is rapidly becoming the tech hub of the Midwest,” said Matthew Etchison, Vice President of Information Technology for Ivy Tech. “With its IT job growth rate consistently in the top 5 of the nation and a thriving tech ecosystem, the city is working diligently to create a large workforce with robust digital skills and technical prowess. Being the largest singly-accredited community college in the nation, Ivy Tech is excited to be partnering with companies like Google, to educate and train Indiana citizens to fill the high demand, high wage IT jobs.”

Following the Grow with Google event, Google will explore ongoing opportunities to demonstrate its local commitment to job training and digital skills by providing training resources to Indianapolis partners. Supplying local organizations with ongoing tools will ensure that Hoosiers are prepared to fill the growing number of tech career opportunities in the state, and that Indiana continues to expand its position as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country.

“We couldn't be more excited to bring the Grow with Google tour to Indianapolis,” says Erica Swanson, Head of Community Impact for Grow with Google. “The city represents the crossroads of America and continues to be a hub for innovation and opportunity. By working with our amazing community partners and getting these trainings and resources directly in the hands of job seekers, teachers, entrepreneurs and small business owners, we're hoping to make a real impact and hear firsthand how Google can better support these communities as they look to enhance their digital skills and find success.”

To learn more about the event and register, visit g.co/GrowIndy

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Media Contact: Caitlin Dempsey
Phone: 317-977-2206
Email: cdempsey@nullhirons.com

RecycleForce is a sub-grantee of EmployIndy and the Indianapolis Public Safety Foundation to help youth ex-offenders between 18-24 with a work opportunity through a life-skills and professional training program. Working with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), RecycleForce and Keys to Work, a local staffing organization, partner participants with officers in the Graffiti Abatement Unit. This team traverses Marion County painting over graffiti, often gang related, in order to beautify the community and ensure residents feel safer in their neighborhoods.

This article by the Indy Star further describes the program and the complexities that often accompany local graffiti and street art:

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