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Insurance
From FFA to DNA: Businesses view convention as more than a gathering of corn growers
January 16, 2006
Matthew KishDon't call it the Future Farmers of America. That went out of style with pastel suits and parachute pants. The organization
is now known as the FFA. And it's no longer just a gathering of crop jockeys. The change in moniker partly illustrates why
business leaders are so excited for the first of at least seven annual conventions the organization will stage in the Circle
City starting in late October. "FFA is a premier, if not the premier, youth organization...
MoreTAWN PARENT Commentary: Can't get no (job) satisfaction?
January 16, 2006
-Dylan Thomas What would it take for you to love your job? For my friend Portia Graves, it's taking a major career change.
After 14 years as an insurance adjuster, she has enrolled in nursing school at age 40. She liked her job at first, but eventually
the luster wore off. "I saw this huge increase in what I would call greed. It was really starting to get to me," she said.
And as the industry became more afraid of...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: We want to spur economy, but what's the best way?
January 9, 2006
Patrick BarkeyIf you want to get an idea just how hot the topic of economic development is in Indiana these days, take a stroll over to
the Department of Insurance's Web page. Instead of finding notices of regulatory proceedings or a lineby-line listing of the
insurance code, you'll get a spirited, enthusiastic rundown of all of the reasons Indiana is a great state in which to locate
your insurance company. If you happen to own one, that is. That's a little...
MoreSlow start predicted for Roth 401(k) plans: Many companies, employees likely to take wait-and-see attitude regarding new retirement-savings
vehicle
January 9, 2006
Scott OlsonSo when the Roth 401(k) debuted Jan. 1, he gave his 24 employees at Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. the opportunity
to sink a percentage of their earnings in the new option. The idea draws upon the standard 401(k) plan that is the vehicle
of choice for millions of working Americans saving for retirement. But a distinct difference between the two might scare some
employees away. Unlike a traditional 401(k), the money diverted into a workplace Roth is...
MoreJ&J Detailing and More Inc.: More to detailing firm than a buff and grime J&J prides itself on experienced staff, exemplary
service
January 9, 2006
Jo EllenJ&J prides itself on experienced staff, exemplary service Two Southport High School chums were talking one day about how much
people were willing to pay for clean cars at the good detailing shops. "We both had some ideas about how it would work. We
went home, made some notes and realized we could do this ourselves," said John Boyce, 45, co-owner of J&J Detailing and More
Inc., founded three years ago. The other J is Jeff Hord. The two had...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Cost-of-living is with us, not in the stars
January 2, 2006
Morton Marcus"I saw your column last week about the cost of living and I think you are a fool." That was among the kinder messages on my
mental answering machine, the one that records the thoughts I imagine readers have after reading my columns. All I had done
was explain that the major differences in living costs in different places are related to housing. Housing prices reflect
income levels, the benefits of living in different places, and the limitations on building...
MoreDrug costs on chopping block: M-Plan introduces pill-splitting program
January 2, 2006
Tom MurphyIndiana's second-largest insurer, M-Plan Inc., welcomed some of its customers to the new year with a pill-splitting program
that can chop prescription drug costs in half. The Indianapolis-based health maintenance organization became part of a growing
crowd of insurers endorsing a money-saving concept long practiced by doctors and patients. However, pill splitting still stirs
a healthy dose of concern over safety in some corners of the pharmaceutical world. "I've had arguments with insurance companies
about this for years," said Skip...
MoreBig sale finishes hot year: Firm buys 6 office buildings at Keystone at the Crossing; price lags other mega-deals
December 26, 2005
Tammy LieberA record year for sales of local office properties is ending with a bang, as a half dozen buildings at Keystone at the Crossing
change hands. Philadelphia-based Berwind Property Group purchased a six-building portfolio, including the high-rise office
towers at Keystone at the Crossing, from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association. The deal, which closed Dec. 22, includes
buildings totaling about 1 million square feet at 8500, 8888, 8900, 8930, 9100 and 9200 Keystone Crossing, developed by locally
based Duke Realty...
MoreSmall biz preparing wish list: Lobbyists hope to repeat past legislative success
December 26, 2005
Matthew KishBut that doesn't mean the organization and its 16,000 Hoosier members will rest on their laurels for the short legislative
session in 2006. The group will bring a full wish list to the Statehouse in January, lobbying against increased property taxes
and health insurance mandates. It'll also petition lawmakers to restrict eminent domain seizures. Still, observers don't think
the organization will have as much cause for uncorking the bubbly as it did last year. No different than last session, businessfriendly...
MoreWeb site stirs controversy: Watchdogs pan Insurance Department's pro-business stance
December 26, 2005
Tom MurphyConsumer watchdogs are howling over a revamped state Insurance Department Web site that pitches Indiana's "positive regulatory
climate" and other business-friendly attributes. The site's new look debuted a few weeks ago and aims to make companies think
about moving to Indiana, Insurance Commissioner Jim Atterholt said. But critics say a regulator should never play the role
of recruiter, and the approach sends the wrong message to consumers seeking help. "It raises some questions-you know, who's
your first master?" said Julia...
MoreNEWSMAKER: Dealmaker Hilbert starts private equity firm:
December 26, 2005
-Greg AndrewsNEWSMAKER Dealmaker Hilbert starts private equity firm Five years after his ouster as CEO of Conseco Inc., the acquisitive
insurer he founded, Steve Hilbert is back in the deal-making game. IBJ reported in November that Hilbert has launched MH Private
Equity Fund LLC, a private-equity firm that plans to buy firms in specific industries and consolidate them. Consolidation
will bring economies of scale and cost savings, the thinking goes, and also will create marketleading companies positioned
to thrive in their...
MoreRETURN ON TECHNOLOGY Tim Altom: Here is list of the worst tech foibles of 2005
December 26, 2005
Well, happy holidays again, my brethren! It's once more time for my holiday gift to you, a compendium of technological disasters
that test the assertion that we're happiest when we read about those who have been more humiliated than we were. As military
pilots used to say about their own missteps, "Man, that'll leave a crater." The most recent example in this hall of horrors
is Mizuho Securities, as reported by CNN Dec. 9. Massive, Tokyo-based Mizuho switched two numbers...
MoreRetirees from IPL face cuts: Declining assets strain trust providing benefits to 1,900
December 19, 2005
Chris O\'malleyA stampede of early retirements after IPALCO Enterprises was bought by AES Corp. in 2001 is forcing cuts in health and life
insurance benefits starting next month. The IPALCO Enterprises Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association has told its 1,900
participants that new members and rising health care costs have forced cuts that "are absolutely essential to extend the long-term
viability of the VEBA Trust." The retirement plan's assets have fallen to $88 million from $95 million at year-end 2004, according
to...
MoreState freeze pushes nursing care at home: FSSA clamps down on the addition of Medicaid beds
December 19, 2005
Tom MurphyIndiana regulators have put a temporary freeze on the addition of Medicaid beds to nursing homes, as part of their push to
shift care out of institutions and into patient homes. The state Family & Social Services Administration enacted a 90-day
rule starting Dec. 15. While it's in place, the state agency won't sign the Medicaid nursing facility provider agreements
needed to add beds unless they fit within narrow exceptions. In addition to imposing the temporary rule, FSSA Secretary Mitch...
MoreConseco could land upgrade by midyear: Analysts see positive signs for Carmel insurer
December 19, 2005
Tom MurphyConseco Inc. by mid-2006 may earn a coveted ratings upgrade from A.M. Best Co., an achievement likely to bolster the Carmel-based
insurer's sales, analysts said. Best probably will dole out the financial-strength upgrade in the second quarter, after the
New Jersey-based firm reviews Conseco's final 2005 financial results, said Jukka Lipponen, a Connecticut-based analyst for
Keefe Bruyette & Woods. "We believe as management continues to deliver on its expectations and once Conseco receives the A.M.
Best upgrade ... investor patience...
MoreClarian nabs UAC building: Hospital network wins bid for former corporate headquarters
December 5, 2005
Tom MurphyClarian Health Partners is polishing a deal to buy the former Union Acceptance Corp. headquarters on North Shadeland Avenue,
a move that plants a large footprint for the burgeoning hospital network squarely in a competitor's east-side back yard. Clarian
made the winning bid for the 126,000-square-foot building at a Nov. 15 auction, but the sale had not closed as of Nov. 30,
said Bob Getts of Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, which ran the auction. He referred all questions to Clarian....
MoreWater treaty on tap: Mediated agreement calls for Carmel to pay Indy $36.2M
December 5, 2005
Chris O\'malleyCarmel and its big-city neighbor to the south have a truce in hand to end a 3-1/2-year war over what Carmel will pay to buy
Indianapolis-owned water distribution lines serving 6,000 customers in the Hamilton County community. The proposed purchase
price: $36.2 million, according to documents recently filed with state regulators. Carmel officials say the deal eventually
should improve water pressure and lower fire insurance rates, and make it easier to plan for growth. It also would give affected
residents...
MoreHealth discount cards spark call for regulation: State insurance group leads registration push
December 5, 2005
Tom MurphySome health care discount programs that can leave patients stranded with large medical bills have put Indiana insurers in
the strange position of asking for more government regulation. The Indiana Association of Health Underwriters plans to lobby
in the upcoming legislative session for a bill that requires companies offering health care discounts to register with the
state. That would allow regulators to investigate complaints and pursue regulatory action if troubles arise with the discounts,
said Shawn Gibbons, a board member...
MoreIndustry races to promote itself: Statewide motorsports group hopes to thwart competition from other U.S. markets
November 28, 2005
Anthony SchoettleArea motorsports leaders are gearing up for another run at unifying the industry and assuring the region retains its status
as one of the world's leading motorsports markets. Organizers of the latest effort promise they won't spin their wheels this
time around. They're casting a wider net-going statewide with a motorsports association-to attract more members and build
more clout with the media, local and state lawmakers, and service providers, such as banks and insurance companies. The Indiana
Motorsports Association Inc....
MoreHealth care: big problem for small business: Wyoming lawmaker's proposed legislation could end 10-year Senate impasse on controversial
solution
November 28, 2005
Matthew KishMore than 45 million Americans lack health insurance. And more than half of them are employed or dependent on someone who
works for a small business, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. It's a big problem-especially in
Indiana. Between 2000 and 2004, 5.6 percent of Hoosier workers lost employer-provided health care, according to the Economic
Policy Institute. That's a higher percentage than any state except Wisconsin. Legislation just introduced in Congress by Wyoming
Sen. Michael Enzi, however, may...
MoreMerry Realty Inc.: Big plans for small firm Real estate agency tries to win business by teaching buyers rules of the game
November 21, 2005
Ed CallahanReal estate agency tries to win business by teaching buyers rules of the game Large agencies may dominate the residential
real estate game, but Indianapolis-based Merry Realty is trying to prove a small player still can make a big name for itself.
For years, Merry Realty has focused its efforts on properties in Indianapolis, but it is rapidly expanding into a more diverse
market, targeting booming areas like Hamilton County while staying loyal to its inner-city roots. Real estate broker...
MoreStandard Life sale leads to lawsuit over price: Kentucky buyer claims $652,000 refund is owed
November 21, 2005
Tom MurphyStandard Management Corp. last week disclosed a new round of financial challenges and was hit with a lawsuit by a Kentucky
company that bought its Standard Life Insurance subsidiary earlier this year. Louisville-based Capital Assurance Corp. accuses
Standard Management of breaching terms of the contract to sell Standard Life and seeks a $652,126 refund, according to the
lawsuit filed Nov. 14 in federal court in Indianapolis. Standard claims it owes only $43,000 in what it deems a "purchase-price
adjustment dispute,"...
MoreHigher stadium price looms: Hurricanes likely to blow up costs for construction projects
November 21, 2005
Anthony SchoettleThe Gulf Coast hurricanes may push construction costs sharply higher for several years, experts say, potentially adding millions
of dollars in costs to the $625 million football stadium as well as other public projects in their early stages. "Even a 1-percent
cost increase on a project like [the stadium] is significant, and the effects from these hurricanes is likely to be higher
than that," said Patrick Barkey, an economist and director of economic and policy studies at the Miller College...
MoreBEHIND THE NEWS: Hilbert's next act: Jumping into private equity game
November 14, 2005
Greg AndrewsStephen Hilbert suffered another legal defeat last week. But don't bet the founder and ex-CEO of Conseco Inc. is sitting around
feeling sorry for himself. In fact, this fall Hilbert, 59, is quietly launching a major new business, one that will get him
back into the acquisition game, a field he savored during his two decades atop Conseco. Details are sketchy, because Hilbert
isn't talking. But here's what a little snooping turned up: Attorneys in July filed papers with the...
MoreMovements in midtown may mean more housing, retail: Handful of developers take on North Meridian projects
November 14, 2005
Tammy Lieber"It's just a matter of time." At this point, the statement may reflect more hope than reality. The city's main corridor is
a concrete jungle through much of midtown, filled with parking lots, for-sale signs and buildings exhibiting nearly nonexistent
design standards. However, a small-butgrowing number of developers is showing interest in revitalizing the main corridor through
midtown. One of the newest plans would create a mixed-use development at 21st and Meridian streets called Meridian at 21.
Local businessman Jeffrey...
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RKW's comments read like a modern "Chicken Little". As a Raintree resident for many years, "Yes, I'm ready for this." Matter of fact, I welcome The Farm because it's a development that compliments our town, brings new and desirable shopping & dining closer (specialty grocer, upscale shops, micro brew pub, etc), offers upscale condos for empty nesters who want to stay in Zionsville, is being planned and constructed by local, well-reputed firms and, of course, provides desirable non property tax benefits. We all knew the Pittman's were going to develop their property sooner than later. That one of the Pittman's will continue to live on the property helps assure The Farm will be everything promised. This also sets a standard for other developers as to the quality of future developments - which should keep an ugly Walmart at bay for decades. As we've no meglomaniac mayor, I seriously doubt Zionsville would ever aspire to over-priced statues or subsidized retail rents. And we already have a very nice public theater, the Zionsville Performing Arts Center, that meets our cultural needs quite nicely.
Do we add (or subtract) these from the bounty we recieve from RTWFL, Daylight Savings Time, corporate tax giveaways, and the crack job IEDC is doing?? Or is Mike going to blame these on Mitch?
Who makes Tater Tots? They would be a good sponsor, because $3 Million for the alleged "Greatest Spectacle In Racing" is taters. Tiny, tiny taters. But at least they are making up something of the losses accumulated over the years in this dying sport. Buttock in seat is certainly not doing it, nor eyeball on TV, as evidenced by the lack of both.
We loved lakehouse and think the Arbor Village would be a great location. It is less than 2 miles from over 1000 rooftops in the 225,000 to over 1 million range. Many people could use the great fishers trail system to bike or walk there. Just an idea Scotty -- but maybe something closer to 3 Wiseman would good. The only microbrew in area is Ram (boring)
True, it's an ESPN production, but ESPN is just another name for ABC Sports, or what used to be ABC Sports since ABC Sports no longer exists as a name. ESPN=ABC Sports= ESPN. ESPN is, according to Forbes "the world's most valuable media property" worth $40 billion. Despite that, they fired 400 people this week.