The Torch - December issue

The Torch - the official newsletter for Indiana state employees

Holcomb names Fred Payne as

State’s new Workforce Development Commissioner

Fred Payne

Governor Eric J. Holcomb recently 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.”

Full story in PDF version


Health Department Releases Mobile Pregnancy Application

LIV App

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has launched a new mobile application aimed at improving infant and maternal health in Indiana. 

The free app, called Liv, is making its debut during the Labor of Love infant mortality summit at the downtown Indianapolis Marriott. It features information designed to help women improve their health, whether they are planning to become pregnant, are already pregnant or are parents. 

Full story in PDF version


Get Ready to Go365 in 2018

Go365 Logo

Get ready for a new program year by finishing the old year strong. Moving up in Status before your Go365 program year ends is smart because the program resets, and reaching this higher Status again in the new year pays off in more double Bonus Bucks. Also, to spend any Bucks earned throughout the year, be sure to reach Bronze Status or higher.

Full story in PDF version


Important info affecting your HSA debit cards

Each employee with a health savings account will receive a newly designed debit card now featuring EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) technology, with integrated fraud protection. 

As cards are issued, HSA Authority will send communications informing you of the changes: the new design and technology, how to activate new cards and dispose of old cards and where to find additional information and resources on the HSA Authority’s website.

Find out more online at www.oldnational.com/emv or by phone at: 1-800-721-2265 Monday - Friday, 8am-8pm or Saturday 8am-3pm, EST.

If you have additional questions, please email them at HSAEmployerSupport@theHSAauthority.com.

Download the complete issue of The Torch

You can download the state employee newsletter from the State Personnel website or intranet.

Miss an issue? Archived issues of The Torch are available at www.in.gov/spd/2540.htm.


Download the full issue of The Torch to read these stories: 

  • Holcomb names Fred Payne as State’s new Workforce Development Commissioner (pg. 1)
  • Health Department Releases Mobile Pregnancy Application (pg. 2)
  • Indiana Archives And Records Administration Launches Research Indiana Catalog (pg. 3)
  • Governor Holcomb Guest Speaker at Western Governors University Regional Commencement  (pg. 4)
  • Holiday entertainment & other discounts (pg. 5)
  • What to Buy Now: Best Buys in December and January from Secretary of State Connie Lawson (pg. 6)
  • Tobacco-Free Policy for the IGC (pg. 6)
  • Get Ready to Go365 in the new year (pg. 7)
  • Improving Your Financial Health (pg. 8)
  • Important info affecting your HSA debit cards (pg. 8)
  • Staples Business Advantage discount for employees (pg. 9)

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The Torch is published monthly by the State Personnel Department