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Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Carmel firm grows up in emerging market: BlueBean acquisition makes it one-stop RFID shop
July 3, 2006
Anthony SchoettleA small Indiana firm is looking to become a big player in the emerging radio-frequency-identification market. Carmel-based
BlueBean LLC is one of a small but growing number of firms nationally that provide consulting services to companies trying
to set up systems using radio frequency identification-commonly called RFID-tags and readers. BlueBean in April acquired Mishawakabased
www.rfidsupplychain.com, which sells RFID hardware and software online. The acquisition also provided BlueBean rights to a
bevy of other domain names, including www.rfidhealthcare.com, www.rfidpharma.comand www.rfidfood.com. The...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Tale of 2 bridges has deeper meaning
June 26, 2006
Morton MarcusTwo bridges at opposite ends of the state are of concern to neighboring citizens and all Hoosiers. Both are historic steel-truss
bridges. One spans the Wabash River connecting New Harmony (Posey County) with White County, Ill. The second spans the Gibson
rail yard in Hammond (Lake County) and carries the traffic of busy Indianapolis Boulevard. Both bridges are in poor condition.
The Indiana Department of Transportation has recommendations for both bridges. Local officials are opposed to the INDOT plans.
Whose...
MoreCar event 'astonishing': In 4th year, local show already one of nation's largest
June 19, 2006
Anthony SchoettleEconomic development leaders and corporate executives thought Roger Brummett was spinning his wheels when he launched a classic
car show in Indianapolis four years ago. But Brummett and partner Tim Durham find themselves at the wheel of such a fastgrowing
enterprise that they hope to expand it into a multiday event, with an auction and classic-car race, that they believe would
draw 100,000 attendees. The pair also plans to replicate the show in other markets, starting in Naples, Fla., in...
MoreNOTIONS: A tale of two kings and one fortunate kingdom
June 12, 2006
Bruce HetrickFor the fifth year, some colleagues and I have penned comedy for a cause. The Indiana Repertory Theatre, which usually chooses
its playwrights more carefully, erred again by soliciting our scriptwriting "talent" for its faux-radioshow fund-raiser. So
on June 3, a cast of Indianapolis celebrities-from the media, not-for-profits, government and business-donned makeshift 17th-century
garb, mounted the Indiana Roof Ballroom stage, and hammed up "Shakespeared: A Midsummer Night's Scheme." Our tall tale featured
two kings-Mitchard and Bartholomie-trying to outdo each other...
MoreCompanies confront truck driver shortage: Demand is high despite better pay, more time off
June 12, 2006
Scott OlsonAmid the steady rumble of diesel engines, Ricky Smith parks his 18-wheeler among a raft of big rigs at the TA Travel Center
in Boone County to relax and grab a bite to eat. It's after 6 p.m., and the Tennessee resident is delivering grocery products
on his weekly route that extends from Michigan to Georgia. Drawn by the opportunity to make more money, Smith ditched his
job three years ago as a diesel mechanic to drive a truck. "I...
MoreeImagine Technology Group: Technology firm aims to deliver service with its software Owner: Hiring good employees key to small
company's success
June 12, 2006
Julie YoungCommunication-and simplicity-can be a challenge when it comes to tech talk. "It's like the old adage, if you ask a tech guy
what time it is, he'll tell you how to build a watch," said Joel Russell, president of Indianapolis-based software developer
eImagine Technology Group. But Russell works around potential "lingo" problems when he's meeting with customers. No matter
the industry, he looks for ways to automate inefficient processes using computer software. His goal is to save his clients
time...
MoreIUPUI again running in the fast lane: Track facility emerges nationally after long absence
June 12, 2006
Anthony SchoettleFor its first 15 years after opening in 1982, the Michael A. Carroll Track & Field Stadium on the IUPUI campus hosted a major
national or international trackand-field event almost annually. For the last decade, it's been primarily relegated to charity
events and local grade-school championships. But with the first high-profile competition at the track since 1997 scheduled
for this month, the venue is poised for rebirth. From June 21-25, it will host the U.S. National Championships-an event organizers
hope...
MoreDistributor hits 2nd century in growth mode: Indiana Oxygen uses Ohio outlet, Internet to expand
June 12, 2006
Scott OlsonThe Indiana Oxygen Co. building is highly visible to motorists traveling Interstate 465 on the northwest side, but the company's
forte isn't as widely known. Founded in 1915, Indiana Oxygen is the oldest gas and welding supplier in the United States.
But to the surprise of many, the medical relationship the name implies hardly exists. Despite the confusion, the company's
flame burns bright, as annual revenue this year will top $30 million. Part of Indiana Oxygen's recent growth stems from...
MoreGeographic restrictions could backfire for PERF: $105 million fund carries lots of potential, risks
June 12, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerBy restricting the new $105 million Indiana Investment Fund I to deals within state lines, Gov. Mitch Daniels hopes to simultaneously
spur economic development and earn a spectacular return for Indiana's retired public employees. But venture-capital experts
warn it's nearly impossible to have it both ways. "You need to be very, very clear what your objectives are when you invest
[pension] money. Is it for economic development or to help the pensioners earn better pensions?" said John Taylor, vice president...
MoreFirm finds direct approach pays off: Marketing Informatics, part of hot industry, sees revenue rise by $28 million in 3 years
June 5, 2006
Anthony SchoettleBob Massie came to Indianapolis in 1985 to preach the Word of God. Twenty-one years later, he's spreading the messages of
Indiana businesses, not from a pulpit, but through direct-mail advertising. Massie is shepherding a fastgrowing flock of clients.
His company's revenue has grown from $1.86 million in 2003 to a projected $30 million this year. The growth of Massie's firm,
Marketing Informatics, reflects the growth of the industry. Directmail advertising is growing more than 15 percent annually,
according to...
More"No habla ingles": Immigrants who want to advance find many programs to help them learn English
June 5, 2006
Chris O\'malleyNo habla inglesImmigrants who want to advance find many programs to help them learn English Osvaldo Escobedo was hungry to
learn English. It was bad enough when he couldn't advance at the Nissan Motor Co. plant in Aguascalientes, in central Mexico,
because he couldn't converse in the business language of English. Later, when he came to the United States, he couldn't eat
much more than what he could pronounce. "When I go to restaurant, I ask [for] 'coffee and doughnuts....
MoreHazmat conference to stress preparation: Topics include corporate readiness, Katrina lessons
June 5, 2006
Chris O\'malleyOrganizers of the Indiana Hazardous Materials & Environmental Safety Conference are hoping Hurricane Katrina's demonstration
of mass destruction will be a wake-up call for businesses and communities ill prepared for disaster. Corporate participation
in the 18-year-old conference has waned a bit in recent years as hazardous and safety planning became more standardized. Some
companies have become too detached after outsourcing their emergency preparation to consultants, said Stephen Nash, chairman
of the Indiana Forum for Environmental Safety, which sponsors the June...
MoreDANIELS' DEAL CLOSERS: IEDC generating jobs, but economy shares part of credit
June 5, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerIt would have been big. Just last month, a team of officials from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and The Indy Partnership,
its local equivalent, were furiously negotiating with South Carolinabased fire-engine maker American LaFrance. Intrigued by
a mix of economic incentives and Indiana's central location, American LaFrance considered moving its operations to Marion
County. In formal negotiations, the company dangled promises of 653 jobs and a capital investment of $18.5 million. State
records don't reveal what incentives Indiana offered...
MoreVIEWPOINT: To be a logistics leader, state needs a plan
May 29, 2006
Bob PalmerIndiana is poised to become the country's logistics center. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion on that topic. Now
is the time for business, government and education to come together and make it happen. SupplyNet 2006-the recent statewide
conference that brought together not only transportation, distribution and logistics industries, but also representatives
from manufacturing, retail, information technology, government and academia-detailed the broader picture of supplychain management.
As a cutting-edge business strategy, supply-chain management integrates internal and external logistics...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: Wanted: a broader view on public-policy issues
May 29, 2006
Patrick BarkeyThere's nothing wrong with self-interest in politics. We elect representatives to look out for our interests, after all. So
when legislation and policies affect things that matter to us-especially if it's a matter of financial interest-many of us
squawk, scream or otherwise throw a fit. And we hope to get noticed. But in policy debates in Indiana in recent years, we've
been getting lazy. It's easy enough to defend your interests, of course, but it's much harder to convince those...
MoreArtery severed, but life goes on TOM HARTON Commentary:
May 22, 2006
Jane Jacobs, the noted urbanist, fought a battle in the late 1960s that prevented a freeway from wiping out the neighborhoods
of lower Manhattan. Tom Battista, a local entrepreneur, is fighting-and some would say winning-the battle that becomes necessary
when a freeway does wipe out a neighborhood. When Jacobs died last month she was famous for two things: her book, "The Death
and Life of Great American Cities," written in 1961, which eloquently stated the need for diversity, density and...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Beware cost increases you can't see
May 22, 2006
Morton MarcusThere I was at the grocery store engaged in economic research. I found a plasticwrapped pack of 24 half-liter bottles of "spring
water" from a famous soft drink company was $4.99, or $1.57 per gallon. The store brand for "spring water," packaged in the
same fashion, was $3.88, or $1.22 per gallon. A 24-pack of regular or diet 12-ounce soft drinks from the same famous company
was selling for $6.49, or $2.97 per gallon. That's just about the price of...
MoreMira banquet honors excellence in Hoosier high tech: TechPoint awards often precede market success
May 22, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerTechPoint's Mira Awards, which were to be handed out May 19, celebrate excellence in Hoosier innovation. The annual awards
banquet also serves as a pretty good bellwether of who's poised for a big payday. For example, TechPoint honored Indianapolis-based
medical device-maker Suros Surgical Systems Inc. with a Mira award three years before Massachusettsbased Hologic Inc. acquired
Suros for $240 million in April. In 2003, TechPoint also recognized Carmel-based banking software-maker Baker-Hill. California-based
Experian bought Baker-Hill last August for an undisclosed...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: Good transportation paves the way for strong economy
May 22, 2006
Patrick Barkey"Like it or not," noted author Richard Florida opined as he looked out over a crowd that recently gathered in Indianapolis
to discuss economic development issues in central Indiana, "you are all part of the greater Chicago region." That might come
as news to you who pay taxes, follow sports, or subscribe to a newspaper. But the point is well made. In the larger scheme
of things-the so-called Shanghai perspective one would take in looking at our economy from the...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: Improving state's economy requires a team approach
May 15, 2006
Patrick BarkeyMore than 50 years ago, the famous economist Joseph Schumpeter told a simple story that perfectly captured the essence of
market capitalism. It's a turn-of-the-century tale of a railroad being built in a part of the country where none had existed.
The new investment rapidly upsets the order of everything-once ideally situated towns are left high and dry, while others
move up in stature as they exploit newfound advantages. It's messy and it's painful, but the result is for the...
MoreDaniels seeks to copy key-clusters strategy: Industry initiatives would mimic BioCrossroads plan
May 15, 2006
Peter SchnitzlerIf imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, BioCrossroads has been vindicated. Gov. Mitch Daniels hopes to see a series
of similar industry initiatives sprout around key clusters in Indiana's economy. He envisions parallel initiatives for manufacturing,
transportation and logistics and a series of other crucial business sectors. "We'd love some company," said BioCrossroads
CEO David Johnson. As outlined in Daniels' "Accelerating Growth" economic development plan released last month, the initiatives
would be based on proven Indiana strengths and identifiable...
MoreCHRIS KATTERJOHN Commentary: Now we have a plan-let's use it
May 15, 2006
For years, Indiana politicians-at least the smart ones-have talked about the importance of economic growth and development,
and behind the scenes business leaders have replied, "Duh. How about coming up with some kind of plan?" This was always a
hot button for Dave Goodrich, retired real estate executive and former head of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. In his
days at CICP, Goodrich would bend the ear of anyone willing to listen about the need for a plan. Well, how does...
MoreTiming is everything in the fuel-savings game: INDOT to synchronize signals in more area brake zones
May 8, 2006
Chris O\'malleyState transportation engineers, having just tweaked traffic-light timing to improve flow on U.S. 31 in Carmel, next plan to
target three other busy corridors in the metro area. They include U.S. 31 on the south side, between Interstate 465 and County
Road 750N, and the increasingly congested stretch of State Road 37 between State Road 238 and Cumberland Road in Noblesville.
The improvements to be conducted over the next several months can't come fast enough for motorists weary of the...
MoreTAWN PARENT Commentary: Scattered images from abroad
May 8, 2006
We landed in the Marble City, nearly blinded by the light and the white and the reflection of it all. I think of Athens as
the Marble City because of its many ruins, but also because of all the other marble buildings and the slippery marble sidewalks
and, in our apartment, the marble walls and floors and marble countertops that make so much noise when you set your cup down.
We felt compelled to bring some marble home with us....
MoreBoutique high schools could bolster work force: Movement targets students who need extra help and otherwise might not pursue
higher education
May 1, 2006
Chris O\'malleyTwo school districts have received pivotal funding for "early college high schools" to prepare secondary students for the
rigors of college and give them the opportunity to earn college credits before setting foot on campus. The initiative also
could be a plus for area employers to the extent it improves the pool of qualified workers locally. Indianapolis Public Schools'
Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet/Early College High School and the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township's Early College
High School each received...
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See, I told u Indyman and Dipsicle....this 8 days is overkill. It's barely worth a weekend....great job Tony George! Your dream has been fulfilled....he fans want the I r l back. Thats how good it was.....and that sucked.
I have been in training for a short time now but right off I can see that safety and quality are the number one issues, my experience as of late has been a positive one, the employees along with Jeff the plant manager and the operation supervisor as well as the engineers are a highly motivated group of people, what an asset for the area to have and for company's in need of a quality metal products.
Pimlico
While I understand the severity of their actions as well as everyones eagerness to hold them responsible for thier lost funds, these gentlemen did know how to make money. Dispite thier poor decisions over the ownership of Fair they had made several wise investments which paid them greatly. This proves they do have the potential to rebuild so they can repay. I do not feel they should live the life of luxuary but given an opportunity could they find ways of repaying the debts? They are doing nothing now but being a burden on tax payers. Just a thought!!!!!
You guys have some "interesting" comments to say the least. I hope you will call in and share those opinions starting June 1. I'm looking forward to having you on the air.