JANUARY 7-13, 2013
This week, read about Centaur's new strategy for central Indiana's two horse tracks and find out why the leaders of 18 area cities and towns are working together. In Focus, investment strategists confront shrinking interest rates. And in Forefront, columnists take on the issues of the day.
Front PageBack to Top
Lucas Oil might host 2016 Olympic Swimming Trials
A local group led by the Indiana Sports Corp. is bidding to bring the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials to Indianapolis for the fifth time. But the event wouldn’t be in the 4,200-seat IUPUI Natatorium. Instead, officials want to host the 2016 trials in 63,000-seat Lucas Oil Stadium.
Read MoreFortune’s death puts 14 West building up for grabs
A historic brick building long used as a restaurant and hotel suites next door to Circle Centre mall is going up for sale for the first time in almost a decade, with an expected asking price of $4 million.
Read MoreMicrolenders aim to help businesses grow, survive
Indiana has three certified, not-for-profit SBA microloan intermediaries, which not only make short-term microloans—as any lender can—but also use the SBA grants they receive to offer business coaching along with the financing.
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Mayors organize to tackle regional issues
The leaders of 18 central Indiana cities and towns have formed a group that intends to address regional concerns, starting with a proposed $1.3 billion, 10-year mass transit plan.
Read MoreCentaur strategy cheers horse industry
Centaur Holdings LLC plans to concentrate all thoroughbred racing at Indiana Downs in Shelbyville and all standardbred harness racing at Hoosier Park in Anderson once it clears regulatory hurdles to take control of the Shelbyville track.
Read MoreCNO’s Bonach has insurance firm back on offense
CNO Financial Group’s stock price has nearly doubled since Ed Bonach took the helm in October 2011. Some analysts that follow the successor to Conseco Inc., which a decade ago was the nation’s third-largest Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, now regard CNO as an attractive value play.
Read MoreMichigan’s right-to-work law could change Indiana’s economic development pitch
As the controversial provision spreads to other states in the region, Indiana is likely to give more weight to its other selling points.
Read MoreDecline in fitness club memberships pushes NIFS into arms of seniors
Health club on campus of IUPUI makes up for lost revenue by managing fitness and wellness programs for retirement communities.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Investment strategists confront shrinking interest rates
You know the investing climate is unusual when a stock’s dividend yields more than bonds issued by the same company.
Read MoreColumbus-based mutual fund shines in 2012
Kirr Marbach’s ‘mid-cap blend’ outpaces similar Indiana-based investments.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
Daniels did his job
To put in perspective the flurry of activity that has been the eight years of the Daniels administration, one must think back to the state he inherited following a succession of solid, but caretaker, governors.
Read MoreMAURER: A look back at memorable topics
Each January, I reflect on a few of the prior year’s columns. I am always curious about the topics and people I have written about over the course of the year. I hope you are, too.
Read MoreRUSTHOVEN: Clinging to facts about guns
Folks on the left tend to view themselves as intellectually superior to most on the right, especially blue-collar sorts who follow NASCAR and (to quote our president) “cling to their guns and religion” to deal with “their frustrations."
Read MoreCLARK: The fairness of marriage
Indiana defines marriage in a singular way—between a man and a woman. As I discussed the merits of this law recently with an opponent, his disagreement fell into two fundamental areas: fairness and civil rights.
Read MoreRACE: Here’s how we can design our way to prosperity by 2040
If we do not think about whom we are designing the Indianapolis region for, we will, by default, turn design decisions over to speculators and partisans.
Read MoreFEIGENBAUM: What does the 2013 session have in store for you?
The 2012 elections brought us a new Republican governor, a GOP House and Senate super-majority for the first time in a generation, and the first Democrat elected to a state office other than governor since 2000.
Read MoreHICKS: More budget failures despite missed cliff
It was clear the poison pill of the fiscal cliff required too much courage for our “leaders” in Washington. So, we will have what, at first blush, appears to be the worst possible compromise.
Read MoreKIM: Turn off TV and heed this timeless investment advice
In today’s era of 24/7 media bombardment, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the “expert” opinions out there.
Read MoreGasification plant is wise investment
Lincolnland Economic Development Corp. is recruiting the $2.8 billion Indiana Gasification LLC clean energy project. The plant represents hundreds of permanent, high-paying jobs in newer, cleaner advanced industrial technologies.
Read MoreCoal plant good for jobs
I commend Lincolnland Economic Development Corp. for finding the perfect fit in a company for our state. The coal gasification plant planned to be built in Rockport will really help our state.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Investor: Kroger missed chance to buy ‘linchpin’ property
Owner of real estate near 16th and Central says grocery chain showed little interest, but Kroger says it still wants property to make way for new downtown store.
Read MoreStock buyback continues at CNO
The Carmel-based owner of Bankers Life and other insurance companies has seen its stock rise as it restructures debt.
Read MoreAfter cutting debt, Emmis lines up $100M refinancing
The Indianapolis-based media company had been carrying debt far above market rates, some as high as 23 percent. It also was facing tens of millions of dollars in debt maturities in 2013 and 2014.
Read MoreBazbeaux founders settle lawsuit
Former husband and wife agree to end joint ownership of pizza restaurant, ending dispute that erupted with opening of Fountain Square sandwich shop.
Read MorePence inaugural ball sold out
The black tie dinner and dance will be at the JW Marriott’s Grand Ballroom.
Read MoreBeautification group gets boost from Lilly Endowment
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful will use the money for 2013 operating expenses.
Read MorePROXY CORNER: Horizon Bancorp
Horizon Bancorp, 515 Franklin Square, Michigan City, Ind. 46360, operates as Horizon Bank and Heartland Community Bank.
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