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Tourism & Hospitality
GERALD BEPKO Commentary: This is no time to fear traveling
October 10, 2005
Last month my wife, Jean, and I had the pleasure of joining another Indiana University Alumni Travelers voyage superbly planned
by Alumni Travel Director Joan Curts and Gohagen Travel. In company with an agreeable and stimulating group of IU and Boston
University alumni, we visited the Cotswolds in England, near where we had lived 27 years earlier when on sabbatical leave
at Oxford. Tourism seems alive and well in the United Kingdom, but there is concern that current tourist volume...
MoreGERALD BEPKO Commentary: FFA is important to our future
September 12, 2005
What major, national, student-oriented not-for-profit organization with deep roots in Kansas City moved its headquarters to
Indianapolis in the last decade and now has made commitments to bring a huge number of visitors to Indianapolis each year
into the future? If you think the answer is the NCAA, you would be half right. The complete answer is that there are two such
organizations: the NCAA and FFA. Both the NCAA and FFA brought economic benefits along with their headquarters. Through...
MoreEarlier start dates draw criticism: Schools like to get a jump on the schedule, but tourist sites say business is suffering;
legislators take notice
August 29, 2005
Scott OlsonA schoolyard brawl is beginning to brew over whether districts are cutting summers short and sending students back to class
too soon. For most school districts, the era of starting school after Labor Day went the way of the typewriter in the 1980s.
But some Indiana lawmakers and tourism advocates are beginning to clamor for a state academic calendar that would turn the
clock back on early start dates. That's because many school districts in Indiana resumed classes in mid-August....
MoreIMS mulls hotel: Convention-level facility connected to track would diversify Speedway's revenue stream
August 22, 2005
Anthony SchoettleSources close to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway say management is working on plans for a convention-level hotel on a 16-acre
lot just south of the track's 16th Street entrance. Under consideration is a multilevel hotel connected to the track via a
skywalk and a new set of track-side suites and condos near turn two where the Brickyard Crossing Inn sits. The inn would be
torn down to make room for the suites and condos, which will better complement the new...
MoreGuyFest: Motorcycles, brewers, home theaters ... New event targets CEOs to steelworkers
August 22, 2005
Anthony SchoettleIt's not a new medical procedure, but a three-day event Compton calls "a magical place-home to both the steelworker and the
CEO." Testostorama Men's Expo, planned for Nov. 11-13 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, is being hyped to men of all ages
and backgrounds "as payback for all those years she dragged you to the Flower and Patio show." "We cooked up this event and
put a little edge to it," Compton said. Testostorama organizers expect more than 200 exhibitors-from...
MoreState bundles media buying: Firms here question whether small Fort Wayne-based agency can handle $10M contract
August 15, 2005
Anthony SchoettleIn a move that has rankled some central Indiana advertising agencies, Gov. Mitch Daniels' office this month awarded a $10
million-$12 million media buying contract encompassing all state agencies to Fort Wayne-based Asher Agency. Asher in turn
promised to save the state $900,000 in the coming year. The contract, a one-year deal with a oneyear renewal option, calls
for Asher to place television, radio, print and outdoor advertising for the Hoosier Lottery, Indiana State Fair, Indiana Criminal
Justice Institute, Office...
MoreCity planners seek ways to replace PRI convention: Annual event was big money maker each December
August 1, 2005
Ed CallahanIndianapolis hospitality leaders have launched a campaign to make up for the loss of a huge racing industry convention that
is taking a hiatus from the city for the next half-decade. The Performance Racing Industry, or PRI, trade show has been a
major event for the Indianapolis' convention business for seven years, annually bringing up to 40,000 visitors to the city
who spend more than $26.7 million. This event was especially valued because it typically took place in early December,...
MoreCounties, cities welcome food/beverage tax: Suburbs see extra funds as way to balance budgets
August 1, 2005
Scott OlsonSeveral suburban cities and counties that have approved new food and beverage taxes view the windfall as a panacea for their
budget woes. Six of the seven counties surrounding Marion County, excluding Morgan, have OK'd the 1-percent surcharge to help
fund a new stadium for the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Convention Center expansion. Morgan County councilors turned down
the measure at a June meeting. The legislation, approved during the past session, directs counties to contribute half the
food and beverage...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Our state has twisted priorities
June 20, 2005
Morton MarcusNo recent column has aroused so much outrage as my remarks concerning our state government's investment in tourism. I argued
that it was a waste of money and that, if such expenditures are to be made, they should come from the private sector exclusively,
not from tax dollars. Kaboom! An entire industry wants to educate me, if they cannot eradicate me. At the same time, a worthy
landmark is about to disappear. The Randolph County Courthouse, in Winchester, is scheduled...
MoreTAWN PARENT Commentary: This is no time for Hoosier hysteria
June 20, 2005
Some big decisions this spring have not made me particularly proud to be a Hoosier or a resident of Indianapolis. Sure, we
got funding for a new stadium and a convention center expansion. That will bring more visitors to our community, and it says
we care about sports and tourism. And glory hallelujah! We finally got daylight-saving time, the economic benefits of which
are unproven. That says we care about being like everyone else, whether it makes any sense or...
MoreSPORTS: 'Our' future extends beyond Marion County line
June 13, 2005
Bill BennerNOBLESVILLE-That Gov. Mitch Daniels, aboard his RV-1, was caught in the daily late-afternoon I-69, State Road 37 traffic snarl
and was a half-hour late for his Hamilton County town meeting here last week represented a theme of his presentation. We are
no longer a city, but a region. With that in mind, Our Man Mitch has been venturing to the counties contiguous to Marion,
pitching the pending 1-percent food and beverage tax that will supply a small-emphasis on small, an...
MoreInterns follow unique paths: Some internships offer more freedom, creativity
June 6, 2005
Scott OlsonInternships can offer valuable learning experiences for college students looking to land the ideal job following graduation.
But few provide an opportunity quite like the one extended by the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission in its quest
to market the city as a cultural destination. By summer's end, three undergrads will have traipsed the Hoosier state visiting
fairs and festivals in a van decorated with the large, red arrow becoming synonymous with the promotional campaign. Whether
their itinerary includes stops at...
MoreState should target schools, not tourism EYE ON THE PIE Morton Marcus ______:
May 2, 2005
Our dear friends in the Indiana General Assembly continue to support the idea that tourism should be a state-subsidized industry.
It is bad enough that we subsidize biotechnology and the Indianapolis Colts, even though we would object if any of the Colts
used some of that good biotech to enhance performance. The first problem with tourism is that it creates very few well-paid
jobs. Most jobs in tourism make our workers servants to other people who leave their towels on...
MoreMission to Mexico to promote business: City officials, corporate leaders to take part in trip
April 18, 2005
Katie MaurerMost Hoosiers visiting Mexico spend their time on the beaches of Cancun, Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta. But this fall,
an excursion of a different kind will take local business and civic leaders south of the border to explore new opportunities
for commerce and trade with Mexico. The week-long mission, scheduled for early September, is the brainchild of Sergio Aguilera,
Mexico's consul general for Indianapolis. He hopes that exposing Hoosiers to all facets of Mexican life-from government and
the...
MoreROSE Awards ceremonies honor hospitality workers: A dozen employees commended for top-level service
April 4, 2005
Staff ReportVickie English, night auditor, Courtyard by Marriott at the Capitol In her eighth year as night auditor at the Courtyard at
the Capitol, English was honored for providing outstanding service, including driving to the airport to deliver an airline
ticket a guest left at the hotel. Robert Diaz, chauffeur, Carey Indiana A 17-year employee with Carey Indiana, Diaz was praised
for going out of his way to be helpful. When one one client requested food from a popular restaurant in...
MorePlanners brace for museum meeting: City to show its culture to influential gathering
April 4, 2005
Tracy DonhardtThe world's largest museum meeting convenes in Indianapolis next month, and organizers say the gathering could do more than
showcase the city's ever-growing cultural cache. Hosting an estimated 5,000 museum professionals and patrons also will give
cultural tourism efforts a boost and dump more than $4 million into the local economy. The stakes are so high that more than
500 volunteers have been rallied to keep activities running smoothly day and night during the May 1-5 event. Evening events
are...
MoreState tourism effort set for new format: Lawmakers create separate department; supporters think changes could lead to less
bureaucracy, more funds
April 4, 2005
Scott OlsonAfter years of languishing in the Department of Commerce, lawmakers passed legislation late last month creating a separate
Department of Tourism and Community Development that will report to Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman starting July 1. The commerce
department already has been dissolved, effective Feb. 1, and the state's economic development programs have been handed to
the new Indiana Economic Development Corp. Tourism supporters are hopeful that by removing a layer of bureaucracy, the department
can capture more funding. "It was...
MoreBye-bye Big Apple, hello Indy: Young entrepreneurs opt to open firms here
February 28, 2005
Scott OlsonTwo Hoosier natives are back home in Indiana to start neighboring businesses on Fort Wayne Avenue, no less. The world travelers-separated
in age by just a year-spent significant time in New York City but only met within the past six months. With similar stories
to tell about why they chose to return to Indianapolis, and impressed with the city's vibrant downtown that had blossomed
while they were away, the two opted to take the plunge together. Both say they're not...
MoreMidfield may alter hotel-biz flight path: Hendricks County could gain from new airport terminal
February 28, 2005
Andrea MuirraguiAirport Expressway won't live up to its name for much longer. When Indianapolis International Airport's midfield terminal
opens in 2008, the fast track to flight will be a dedicated entrance off Interstate 70. The move will shift travelers a few
miles to the south and west-and take away the direct access that now drives them to expressway hotels. Observers predict hotel
development along I-70 will take off as the midfield project nears completion, most likely creating a new hospitality hub...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE Morton Marcus: Time for a tax strategy to boost retail
February 14, 2005
It is time to recognize the role of retail trade in economic development. Too often, we follow the notion that a community
grows only because it exports. That which we mine, grow, harvest or manufacture is an acknowledged part of the economic base.
It brings in dollars from outside. In some communities, we recognize tourism, medical and other specialized services as part
of that export base. Just a few places see retail trade as a means of economic development. Yes,...
MoreZoo gets boost from marketing campaign: Attraction is drawing record crowds by luring more visitors from farther away
February 14, 2005
Anthony SchoettleThe Indianapolis Zoo's attendance has increased 50 percent in the last decade, reaching record levels the last two years.
More than 1.2 million people visited the downtown attraction last year. Zoo officials credit an aggressive advertising and
marketing campaign in 2003 and 2004 for the most recent attendance jumps. The zoo hired Lodge Design Co. to help spread its
message around central Indiana, but also asked the small, Indianapolisbased agency to help bring in more remote visitors,
targeting those within...
MoreSUSAN WILLIAMS Commentary: Don't overlook Benjamin Harrison Home
February 7, 2005
SUSAN WILLIAMS Commentary Don't overlook Benjamin Harrison Home Here's a thought: Celebrate President's Day (Feb. 21) at the
President Benjamin Harrison Home. Let re-enactors take you back to the era of the only president elected from Indiana. Benjamin
Harrison built his three-story Italianate Victorian home at 1230 N. Delaware St. in 1875 and lived there until his death in
1901, with a four-year interruption when he moved to Washington, D.C., to serve as the 23rd president of the United States....
MoreMaking room for art: Renovated northeast-side factory to target artist tenants
January 31, 2005
Tammy LieberAn Indianapolis native with an interest in troubled real estate has set his sights on creating an arts center in a former
factory in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. Investor Robby Richards has purchased the former Atlas Engine Works at
2045 Andrew J. Brown Ave. and is in the process of cleaning it up to lease to artists and others interested in the space.
Richards hasn't formally marketed the space and only recently hooked up with a broker, but he said word...
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It's also across the street from Fogo de Chao and Morton's....
Yep, the haters are trying to make good news bad. I guess it is hard to get people to believe the series is dying when they are gaining new sponsors.
David Copperfield! I remember watching his specials on TV when I was little.
Don't forget this is next to an MMA gym, a pawn shop, and some abandoned spaces.
Good project for Zionsville - A group who has owned the property for many years has waited and worked patiently to bring highest and best use development to a major corridor, and mix that in with the great downtown you have. Win Win. All the Best to Pittman Partners and Zionsville.