MARCH 5-11, 2012
This week, find out how founding directors of local arts groups are laying groundwork for the next generation of leadership and read about MainGate Inc.'s effort to land a super contract with the NFL. In Focus, see why trucking firms are shunning clean-burning fuel. And in Forefront, columnist Aaron Renn weighs in on how Indianapolis' Center Township can be repopulated.
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State economy finally gaining traction
Leading indicators for Indiana’s economy are looking up: Banks are increasing lending, real estate developers are pulling the trigger on long-shelved projects, manufacturers are expanding, and consumers are even buying big-ticket items, including automobiles.
Read MoreAnthem seeking state rule change allowing doctors to practice online
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has renewed its push to bring online care to the Indiana market, including video. It has asked the state’s Medical Licensing Board to relax a 2003 rule that stands in its way.
Read MoreCrooked Stick buoyed by strong early sales for BMW event
Ticket and sponsorship sales for the BMW Championship—to be held Sept. 3-9 at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel—are well under par. In golf parlance, that means they’re exceeding expectations—big time.
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MainGate chasing NFL apparel deal
Indianapolis-based MainGate Inc. is in hot pursuit of the NFL’s exclusive Super Bowl on-site merchandise contract. And it might not be the only local company pursuing the multimillion-dollar deal.
Read MoreArts groups run by founders lay groundwork for next generation
Succession planning is critical for any organization but even more so when the person making the hand-off is the creator and driving force, and several local arts groups are still led by their founders.
Read MoreFair bankruptcy trustee alleges complicity by silence
Lawyers overseeing Fair Finance's liquidation charge that, every step of the way, businesspeople who crossed Tim Durham’s path and witnessed questionable behavior looked the other way—because it was highly profitable for them to do so.
Read MoreLocal associations emerging to nurture small tech firms
Hamilton County and Bloomington are among places that are nurturing small technology firms in their own back yard. Local tech-focused organizations like theirs could stoke competition among Hoosier communities vying for coveted jobs.
Read MoreEner1 reorganizing; Bright Automotive folds
Both firms appeared a few years ago to be poised to hire thousands of workers. But they slid into a tailspin as anticipated funding failed to materialize and the market prospects for hybrid and electric engines dimmed.
Read MoreCastleton Square Mall lands Borders replacement
Forever 21, a privately held California-based chain, has begun converting the roughly 25,000-square-foot former bookstore at the south entrance to the mall and is targeting a summer opening.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Trucking firms shunning costly clean-burning engines
Trucking fleets, already buckling under higher costs for insurance and fuel, are finding ways around new rules that nearly eliminate nitrogen oxides and particulate matter but also sent prices of new trucks soaring.
Read MoreAlternative fuels gaining popularity
While some trucking firms are busily updating old trucks, others are delving into alternative fuels, which will help lower emissions.
Read MoreGreencastle plant key in Ford’s environmental movement
Supplier to begin producing door part made from kenaf, a plant similar to bamboo but related to cotton.
Read MoreCARTER: Community enthusiasm palpable with eco causes
Indianapolis is beginning to focus on environment, livability.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Senate smoking ban bad for business
The statewide smoking ban approved by the Indiana Senate Feb. 29 was riddled with exemptions, seeming to prove what many people have already concluded: The majority of our lawmakers aren’t concerned with public health; they care far more about the right of business owners to operate without government intrusion.
Read MoreMAURER: Politics prevail over wisdom
There is absolutely no evidence to support the theory of creationism. Creationism seeks a supernatural explanation and must be taken on blind faith. It is not science.
Read MoreRUSTHOVEN: A chilling threat to faith-based services
Everyone’s freedom is at risk when a president can order someone to do something “without charge.”
Read MoreLAVOIE: My surprising move to Indianapolis
A city with affordable experiences, great neighborhoods, spirit of cooperation, and an ability to execute upon your ideas make Indianapolis one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
Read MoreRACE: All top cities have urban design plans
Regardless of their size and regional settings, there is a common theme among cities making the “best cities” lists: place-making is a priority.
Read MoreFEIGENBAUM: Fiscal issues to dominate waning days of the session
This year, with the right-to-work debate having sucked all the air out of the session—and largely all the fight out of House Democrats—before the Super Bowl, the final weeks of the session are less intriguing than usual.
Read MoreHICKS: Gas prices likely to influence presidential race
Late last month, our president gave what was billed as an important speech about gas prices. It was that and more.
Read MoreKIM: Buffett says stocks far safer now than bonds or gold
I eagerly await the pearls of investing wisdom in Warren Buffett's annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. shareholders. His 2011 missive did not disappoint.
Read MoreBenner on target
It’s my guess [Benner’s Feb. 27 column ] could have been pages and pages in length with recitals of poor behavior on behalf of parents, administrators, students, players, coaches, officials, cheerleaders, mascots, trainers, gym managers, parking lot attendants, clean-up crews and many others.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Study: Indy hospitals charge ‘excess’ prices
The Big 3 automakers spent 35 percent more in the Indianapolis area to provide health care for workers and non-elderly retirees than they did in other auto-heavy cities—and two-thirds of that difference can be blamed on “excess prices” by Indianapolis hospitals.
Read MoreLocal PNC Bank exec joining law firm Krieg DeVault
Stephen A. Stitle will leave the bank to come aboard the law firm as a partner on May 1. Stitle has spent a combined 17 years at PNC and National City Bank, which PNC purchased in 2008.
Read MoreStudy finds finance managers at not-for-profits lack financial knowledge
Only 36 percent correctly answered all three assessment questions on a test.
Read MoreHHGregg gets $40M from life insurance on former CEO
HHGregg has collected a $40 million payout from a life insurance policy it took out on former executive chairman Jerry W. Throgmartin, who died in January after a sudden illness.
Read MoreOffice-supply standby Arvey Paper set to close
One of the city's most popular spots to buy paper and office supplies is scheduled to close next month as part of a nationwide consolidation by its parent company.
Read MoreLockhart Automotive moves Cadillac dealership to Fishers
The car retailer, rebounding from the discontinuation of some of its brands, is repurposing its former Hummer dealership.
Read MoreCitizens Energy projects bigger savings from deal
Cost-savings tied to the purchase of the city’s water and sewer utilities are also expected to be realized sooner than predicted.
Read MorePROXY CORNER: Lakeland Financial Corp.
Warsaw-based Lakeland Financial Corp. is the parent of Lake City Bank, which has $2.9 billion in assets and 45 branches. Though most of those offices are in the northern part of the state. Lakeland recently entered the Indianapolis market and has opened a regional headquarters at 96th and Meridian streets.
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