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Woman sets sights on freedom: Disability isn't keeping shop owner from goal

August 28, 2006

Two doors opened for Pam Evans on Aug. 5-one to her own clothing store and the other to her independence. The Cherry Shop represents both to Evans, who lost most of her sight over the course of a weekend in 1998 to a genetic eye disease called angioid streaks. Left with only her peripheral vision, she also lost her career in real estate and corporate sales. After a period of depression, Evans decided she wouldn't lose it all. "I felt...

Pass the sushi, boss; it's time to celebrate: Corporate holiday events are less common, more fun

December 5, 2005

Surveys may point to a decrease in corporate parties this holiday season, but party planners say those who attend them are likely to have more fun. The trend is shifting away from stuffy, business-focused affairs. More parties are including live music and other entertainment, said Joe Husar, co-owner of Kahn's Katering and meeting venue Montage at Allison Pointe. Still, this year could mark the first decrease in corporate holiday events since 2001, according to a national survey. Eighty-seven percent of...

Underdog WKLU-FM rocks the rating charts: Independently owned radio station moves to third among coveted demographic

November 28, 2005

After a year spinning classic hits, WKLU-FM 101.9 is itself a hit among Indianapolis adults, moving up a coveted ratings chart and into the No. 3 spot behind longtime radio powerhouses WFBQ-FM 94.7 and WFMS-FM 95.5. The station had hovered near the 20th spot among Indianapolis listeners ages 25-54 before its sale to radio entrepreneur Russ Oasis in October 2004. "That's a fast turnaround," said Tom Taylor, editor of industry publication Inside Radio. After switching from an eclectic format, WKLU...

Rental businesses enjoy heavy equipment demand: Volvo Rents sees big opportunity in local market

November 7, 2005

As central Indiana's construction market continues to gain momentum, Volvo Construction Equipment Rents Inc. hopes to get up to speed by opening as many as three franchised Volvo Rents stores by the end of 2006. The stores rent small to medium-size equipment from Volvo Construction Equipment and other manufacturers to a range of customers-from professionals to do-it-yourselfers. And Indianapolis has it all. "Between 2005 and 2008, Indianapolis [construction spending] is projected to grow 5 percent," said Nick Mavrick, Volvo Rents'...

Kipps Brothers still evolving after 125 years

October 24, 2005

Walk through the Kipp Brothers showroom and you’ll find the makings of one heck of a birthday celebration: gag gifts galore, endless sugary treats and headgear that puts the traditional party hat to shame.

Boom, baby: Tourism industry preps for growth: Convention center, stadium may add thousands of jobs

October 17, 2005

The dirt is still fresh from the Colts' stadium ground breaking, but local hospitality professionals already are planning for the growth it will spur in their industry. Experts project as many as 25,000 additional jobs by 2010, when both the stadium and a 275,000-square-foot expansion of the Indiana Convention Center are scheduled to be complete. That tally counts jobs created in those facilities as well as in hotels, restaurants and other attractions. Officials expect 4,200 jobs to be added in...