- Home
- NEWS
- REGIONAL
- THIS WEEK'S PAPER
- BLOGS
- Multimedia
- OPINION
- A&E
- LISTS
- PEOPLE
- EVENTS
- Classifieds
- Subscribe
Environment
More business owners embracing economy: High fuel costs, personal debt dampen some optimism
August 22, 2005
Scott OlsonBusiness owners are beginning to show signs of completely emerging from a recessional slumber, although some holdouts remain
unconvinced an economic recovery is in full swing. The confidence exuded by the state's massive manufacturing sector could
be sending the most optimistic signal. From 2000 to 2003, manufacturers in Indiana were stung especially hard by the soft
economy, shedding 75,000 jobs. While many of those positions may never return, employment levels have at least stabilized.
That seems to have provided enough...
MoreLaw could generate earnings for Cummins: States face deadline in completing standards for connecting generators to grid
August 22, 2005
Chris O\'malleyCummins Inc. and other makers of electric generators stand to gain under a provision an Indiana lawmaker plugged into the
federal energy bill signed this month. The amendment by 4th District Republican congressman Steve Buyer forces state utility
commissions to adopt standards within two years that will pave the way for businesses that generate their own electricity
to sell excess power to the electric grid. That's good news for firms that generate their own power and for Cummins, which
makes...
MoreCentre Properties, state nearing agreement: Retail center at 96th and Allisonville closer to reality after years of legal
wrangling
August 15, 2005
Tammy LieberIndianapolis-based Centre Properties LLC is beginning to move dirt on 96th Street just west of Allisonville Road, a sign that
a battle over developing part of a 220-acre site may be nearing an end. In late March, Centre dropped a lawsuit it had filed
in mid-2004 against the Indiana Department of Natural Resources over the agency's reversal of a permit granted to Centre.
That permit would have allowed Centre to fill in 15 acres of White River floodway to build...
MoreSPORTS: Tiller rescued Purdue but isn't immune to critics
August 15, 2005
Bill BennerThis year the NCAA mandated that Division I-A football media guides be reduced to a uniform 212 pages. Keep in mind that these
fonts of information intended for inkstained wretches had morphed into voluminous pitch-tools for recruits and brag books
for boosters. The cutback didn't prevent Purdue's sports information office from devoting a copious 11 pages of copy in its
2005 guide to Joltin' Joe Tiller. Perhaps I (or you, dear reader) should read nothing more into that other than...
MoreGroup wants energy czar: Coalition believes utilities slow to climb on efficiency bandwagon
August 15, 2005
Chris O\'malleyChris Maher's crews at Thermo-Scan Inc. have been plenty busy inspecting for drafts and puny insulation in many of the 14,000
new homes built each year in the metro area. Even so, the principal at the Carmel firm can't help wonder about the vast potential
to make the hundreds of thousands of existing homes and businesses more energy efficient-if only homeowners had a little more
incentive. Utility companies, he says, have relatively few dollars budgeted to coax customers to install...
MoreState firms pioneers in boosting electric efficiency:
August 15, 2005
-Chris O\'malleyIndiana already has a number of firms working on technology aimed at boosting energy efficiency and capacity. Early this month,
Indianapolis-based Trexco LLC said the U.S. Patent Office awarded it two dozen patents for a cooling system it has developed
for large electrical transformers, such as those used at utility substations. The "transformer extender" is designed to stretch
the capacity and lifespan of the transformers, which typically cost $2 million to $5 million and are the size of a Mack...
MoreIndustry groups spar over audit proposal: Using parts of Sarbanes-Oxley Act to toughen financial reporting would be costly,
unnecessary, NAMIC says
August 8, 2005
Scott OlsonInsurance groups are choosing sides in a brewing battle over whether private insurance companies should be forced to adopt
elements of the controversial Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Kansas City-based National Association of Insurance Commissioners has
proposed adding parts of the 2002 federal legislation to its audit rules. Public companies are already required to follow
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which imposes stricter financial disclosure rules. The NAIC represents insurance regulators from all
50 states and is working jointly on the amendment with the...
MoreDefining success: Those who've tasted it share their thoughts on just exactly what 'it' is
August 8, 2005
How do you define career success? We posed that question to a variety of high-profile women and men in the Indianapolis business
community. While the responses did confirm some of our preconceived notions-such as that men would mention financial rewards
more often than women-there are far more similarities than differences, regardless of gender or profession. Still, "Career
success is defined differently by each individual," as Alex Slabosky, president and CEO of The Healthcare Group, so wisely
put it; and as...
MoreRising star in GOP recasts job agency: New chief uses secret shoppers, dress code to shake up state's work force development
August 8, 2005
Peter SchnitzlerIndiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Ronald Stiver says the world is flat, with the United States no longer
having mountainous advantages over other nations. And Stiver knows Hoosiers must prepare for it to get even flatter. "You're
talking to the converted," Stiver said. "I believe in the 21st century, the major lever for economic development will be work-force
development." Stiver, 31, is reorganizing DWD with the new flat world in mind. He envisions an agency that moves beyond doling...
MoreEvent targets greener vehicles: Fleet operators to discuss emission-reduction methods at downtown conference
August 1, 2005
Chris O\'malleyMore sparks have been flying from city garbage trucks lately than a City-County Council meeting over police and sheriff's
department consolidation. Mechanics have been cutting out sections of garbage truck exhaust pipes and splicing in tubes filled
with precious metals. When the "diesel oxidation catalyst" heats up, combustion gases blowing through it are cleansed before
coming out the tailpipe. So simple and quick is this approach to curbing air pollution that John Chavez hopes the humble trash
truck project will...
MoreReviving a legacy: Grandson of Best Access Systems founder builds security firm that plans to go national
August 1, 2005
Anthony SchoettleIn some ways, Richard Best has never gotten over his departure from his family's business, Best Access Systems. Some memories
he'd rather forget. But others he carries with him like treasures carefully secured under lock and key. "That was a very difficult
time," Best said in halting tones, referring to 1995, when his youngest brother, Russell, acquired control of the company
and used his leverage to buy out him, his father, Walter, and brothers Robert and Marshall. "It was our...
MoreManufacturers struggle with China's risk, opportunity: Currency valuation one of many competitive issues
August 1, 2005
Peter SchnitzlerEighteen months ago, 110 people worked for Swiss Plywood Co., a Tell City-based cabinet-maker in business since 1945. The
average tenure was 17 years. Today, only 65 employees are left at the controls of Swiss Plywood's machines. Chairman Bill
Borders blames China. "We've weathered storms over the years," Borders said. "But nothing approaching this." Manufacturers
in Indiana and across the nation have long complained about what they call Chinese currency manipulation. It's one of a litany
of grumbles about Chinese...
MoreBias claimed at Citizens Gas: Black workers: Test limited advancement
August 1, 2005
Chris O\'malleyCitizens Gas & Coke Utility is battling allegations that a test used to screen employees and outside job applicants was biased
against blacks, hindering their chances of getting hired or advancing. The city-owned utility last year reached a confidential
settlement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of applicants who weren't hired because the test "has
an adverse impact on black employees and applicants for promotion, transfers and hire," according to EEOC documents. Now,
that settlement-which included cash payouts...
MoreEx-IPL officer fights utility: Claims wrongful termination, financial trickery
July 25, 2005
Chris O\'malleyNot even a lineman at Indianapolis Power & Light Co. has more nerve than Dwane Ingalls. Floored that IPL's CEO, Ann Murtlow,
didn't share his concerns that IPL was sending excessive cash to parent AES Corp. at the expense of electric-service reliability,
the IPL vice president scheduled a meeting in mid-2003 at the Maryland home of AES CEO Paul Hanrahan. Hanrahan apparently
didn't see things Ingalls' way. Within a year of the meeting, Murtlow terminated the 14-year AES employee. Now,...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Brothers set example for today's execs
July 25, 2005
Morton MarcusMost of us know the fabled heroes of Bean Town. They include the Adams cousins (John and Sam). Paul Revere. The Kennedy brothers
(John, Robert and Edward). Ted Williams, Carl Yazstremski, Bobby Orr, Bob Cousey, Bill Russell, Larry Bird and Tom Brady.
Yet Boston's most significant business heroes are not well-known today, at a time when their example could be most useful.
Two brothers, Edward and Lincoln Filene, inherited their father's department store in 1890. They spent the rest of...
MoreSPORTS: Artest's future bright as long as Bird's in his corner
July 18, 2005
Bill BennerIn this space and in other media forums, I have expressed optimism that the Indiana Pacers' Ron Artest will (a) make it through
an entire NBA season without incident, (b) perform like the selfless allstar he has been and can be again, and (c) therefore
justify the Pacer management's faith in keeping him in a blue-and-gold uniform. What I fear, of course, is that he'll do (d)
none of the above. Artest's talent is obvious. Unfortunately, so is his volatile,...
MoreIncentives take aim at rising fuel costs: State pumps out grants for company vehicles using alternative fuels
July 18, 2005
Chris O\'malleyA combination of soaring gasoline prices, state grants and environmental idealism have whet appetites among businesses for
"alternative fuel vehicles" such as this batterypowered Global Electric Motorcars model. A $3,996 grant from the Lieutenant
Governor's Office paid for about one-third the cost of the Pizza Express vehicle, manufactured by a DaimlerChrysler subsidiary.
"Industries such as ours should be pioneers in the electric vehicle frontier," said Gabe Connell, franchisee of the Pizza
Express restaurants near IUPUI and in Broad Ripple. As...
MorePrime property can mend fences: Earlham land sale on right course
July 18, 2005
The process Earlham College has set up to sell 413 acres of prime Hamilton County acreage it expects to receive in its settlement
with the Conner Prairie living-history museum is a silver lining to this otherwise stormy saga. In the more than two years
since Earlham touched off the Conner Prairie drama by firing the museum's board, we've had nothing good to say in this space
about Earlham's handling of the situation, but the land sale is shaping up as...
MoreResearchers seek fuel-cell answers: Universities, companies see long-term potential in alternative power device
July 18, 2005
Scott OlsonThe figure-eight slot-car track in the basement laboratory at IUPUI looks out of place amid the expensive computer equipment
surrounding it. But when research assistant Alan Benedict fumbles with a few wires and the cars come to life, it becomes clear
the racetrack is more than just a toy. The miniature cars operate on fuel cells and are part of Purdue University's exploration
into the alternative power source. Scientists across the country are studying the clean power alternative, stoked by...
MoreMajor Hospital brings physician practices into the fold: Smaller doctor groups find health systems attractive
July 11, 2005
Tom MurphyMajor Hospital went on a buying spree toward the end of last year, and it had nothing to do with the holiday season. The Shelbyville
hospital purchased three physician practices as part of an effort to help doctors and to make Major a "physician-friendly
hospital," Major Hospital CEO Tony Lennen said. "I've always felt if our physicians do well, we'll do well," he said. "Our
goal down here is, 'Is there some symbiotic way we can coexist?' "We've always been...
MoreWomen find niche leading credit unions: Unique nature of those financial institutions may explain why females thrive there
July 11, 2005
Kathy MaeglinKarla Salisbury started her career at a savings and loan that was later purchased by an out-of-state bank. After a few years,
she foresaw that she might have to relocate to advance in the company, "and that was not part of my plan," Salisbury said.
So she did some research to see where her best opportunities might be. One thing she investigated was how many women there
were in upper management in banks vs. credit unions. She found the top...
MoreEmployers promoting fitness: To battle steep insurance costs, businesses help employees get healthier
July 11, 2005
Julie GoldsmithWearing a pedometer, Kelly Dircksen treads 2,000 or so steps a day at the office, racking up her highest counts in her treks
to the photocopier. Her 2-1/2-mile daily goal entails after-work walks, as well. The 34-year-old quoting specialist said her
company pays 50 percent of any fitness-related costs for her and her family, including a Weight Watchers program, running
shoes for her kids, and the entry fee for her son's marathon. "I'm definitely healthier," said Dircksen, who celebrates incremental...
MoreEducation programs provide job opportunities: Career Connections aims to curb turnover at entry level
July 11, 2005
Tracy DonhardtreporterWhen Luvinia Hollis moved to Indianapolis from Kentucky about five years ago, the then-42-year-old had few skills, so landing
a job was difficult. She lived with her sisters and got some help from her ex-husband, but trying to make ends meet on $100
a week was nearly impossible. "It was so horrible for me, you wouldn't believe," Hollis said. She worked odd jobs for the
next few years, making barely more than minimum wage. Eventually, she found her way to...
MoreBuilders pine for acreage: Earlham expects big bucks from land freed by deal
July 11, 2005
Tammy LieberLike vultures circling a lone man in the desert, local developers and home builders are jockeying to swoop in and take 413
acres of prime Carmel land when owner Earlham College gives it up following its settlement with Conner Prairie. But Earlham,
recognizing the prominence of the last large undeveloped tract in eastern Carmel, isn't going gently. Interested parties-more
than two dozen, at last count-will be required to undergo a formal proposal process before one can feast on the farmland....
MoreAES stock on slow return: But share price of IPALCO's parent company still off 75 percent from electrifying peak
July 11, 2005
Chris O\'malleyA volatile utility stock that shorted retirement savings and generated lawsuits against former IPALCO Enterprises insiders
is lighting up on Wall Street. AES Corp. shares have risen 60 percent over the last year. Analysts point to debt reduction
and moves to rein in what some viewed as an absurdly decentralized management structure at the Arlington, Va.-based energy
giant with operations in 27 countries. Even with the stock and analyst projections looking brighter, AES shares remain a pariah
to many local...
More
Sponsored by
ADVERTISEMENT
on Facebook & Twitter
on Facebook & Twitter
 Follow IBJ's Tweets on these topics: |
||
| @IBJNews | @Propertylines | @IBJTheScore |
| @IBJArts | @IBJHealthcare | @IBJDining |
| @IBJLists | @IBJSmallbiz | |
ADVERTISEMENT
Back to TopCopyright © All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use.
Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing.
Additional Hosting & Delivery by
Can IBJ please stop referring to this property as "Kessler Mansion"? What a ridiculous title for the biggest, bloated, blight in our city. It's not a mansion. At best, it's an ideal site to shoot low-budget porn. Ahhh! Another business use!
Its stories like these that prove that a Ball State diploma is worth less than the paper that its printed on. A real institution of higher learning would have taken care of this long ago. No way should this crap be taught in a SCIENCE class.
It is such a shame that King Ballard has made Indianapolis into Chicago south with all of the rampant corruption.
How many of these 1,259 bills were actually heard and voted on on the floor vs how many were shot down in committee?
When a an arrogant young guy with essentially no experience and no qualifications for the job, was dropped into an Administrator position out of nowhere by his "mentor" in the Mayor's office things seemed fishy. Sometimes things are what they seem.