SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2009
This week's issue includes a story about a change of strategy at Indy Jazz Fest, our take on the state's centuries-old liquor laws, results of a IBJ Daily reader poll on environmental issues, and Bill Benner's perspective on respect in college football.
Front PageBack to Top
Nucor Steel struggling to strike new power deal with Duke Energy
After two years of fruitless negotiations, the Crawfordsville steel mill has asked the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
to intervene. More than 700 jobs depend on Nucor and Duke striking a deal.
Adjacent Central Canal parcels go on the market
The owners of two industrial properties that span an entire city block along the Central Canal downtown have put their
properties up for sale with an eye toward redevelopment.
After comeback, former United maintenance facility faces challenges
The mammoth facility near Indianapolis International Airport now employs as many people as it did when United Airlines abandoned it
six years ago, but its new tenants are contending with struggles of their own.
Top StoriesBack to Top
City’s cash-strapped parks turn to private sector for ideas, manpower
Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration has asked the businesses for ideas on
how Eagle Creek Park and Riverside Regional Park each could cut costs and generate more revenue.
Ex-Lauth executive: ‘Every day is a struggle’ after a year of unemployment
Michael Hartman earned a six-figure salary as a vice president at Lauth Group Inc. until he was laid off in early 2008.
Since then, he’s struggled to find a job—any job that would allow his family to stay in their Westfield home.
This year’s Indy Jazz Fest to focus on music purists
Indy Jazz Fest’s new promoters are taking a bold step with an already-risky venture. They’re turning
the 10-year-old event into one for jazz purists.
Flush with cash, developer Simon revives hunt for acquisitions
Simon Property Group Inc. has managed to grow revenue tenfold since going public 16 years ago. The key has been well-timed acquisitions.
Read MoreNew Columbia Club general manager trying to reverse membership slide
James Rentschler hopes to restore the Columbia Club’s luster, and its membership roster, by returning the institution
to its gilded roots.
Benefits brokers fear impact of health insurance exchanges
If Congress implements a new system of health insurance exchanges across the country, Indianapolis benefits broker Joe
Guzman is confident he and his peers would take a hit.
FocusBack to Top
Poll shows IBJ Daily readers keenly interested in the environment
A solid majority of subscribers to IBJ Daily believes climate change is a serious problem, thinks carbon emissions
should be regulated, and wants Indianapolis to pursue mass transit on a broad scale, according to a poll conducted in July
by IBJ.
Environmental consultant renovates offices to LEED standard
August Mack Environmental Inc. renovated the historic Lexington building in downtown Indianapolis with recycled components
and energy-efficient lighting.
Results of ‘green’ poll of IBJ Daily subscribers
Detailed results of a July poll of IBJ Daily readers on their sentiment on environmental issues.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Indiana’s Sunday booze ban should be tossed
Sunday is the second-busiest grocery-shopping day of the week in Indiana, but there’s one product Hoosiers aren’t
allowed to put in their shopping carts that day even though it’s perfectly legal the rest of the week. That’s
because an archaic blue law prohibits carryout liquor sales on Sundays.
MARCUS: State’s long-term job deficit tops 800,000
Recently, I saw a newspaper story detailing the number and percentage of jobs lost over the past year for Indiana’s
metropolitan areas. This year-over-year story is appropriate, but it tends to hide the truth behind the numbers.
MUELLER: Women, Wall Street and financial crises
Although women now make up 60 percent of the work force, they occupy only 20 percent of executive positions. There are even
fewer in finance, especially the high-risk areas like hedge funds. This may be one important reason we are in our
economic chaos.
ALTOM: Who says you can’t move your office home again?
Many micro-businesses stuck a toe into the office-rental waters, regretted it, and they’re retreating to home
offices.
HAUKE: Market the moodiest of economic indicators
Hello, operator? Yes, we seem to have a disconnect. Everyone still has their foul-weather gear on, but the stock market
is calling for blue skies. Can you try the line again, please?
HICKS: Post-recession policies matter more than theory
There’s a wonderful fight brewing between some of the world’s best-known economists.
Read MoreMarcus misses the point
In his Aug. 31 column, Morton Marcus dared to paint those who question the role of government on certain issues as misinformed,
narrow-minded and in constant need of reminding of their “obligations.” How arrogant!
Do word puzzles help the economy?
The Indianapolis Business Journal is supposed to keep us informed on the comings and goings of Indiana businesses
and inspire us with great info on how to run ours better.
In BriefBack to Top
ICVA unlikely to seek loan to pay for enhanced marketing
The idea of the not-for-profit Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association taking out a loan was not warmly received by
city officials. And financial institutions were less than thrilled with the idea given the ICVA’s diminishing revenue
and increasing costs.
Study weakens Lilly’s fight against price controls
Eli Lilly and Co. and its peers might be back in Congress’ sights as lawmakers hunt for more ways to cut health care
costs. A new study in the influential Health Affairs journal concludes that European drugmakers operating
in markets with pharmaceutical price controls have produced proportionally more innovations than their U.S. counterparts.
Latin market and tapas bar opening in Fishers
The new market, which will also offer catering services, is in a strip center owned by locally based
Centre Properties and anchored by Beauty Brands and Panera.
WellPoint insiders sell stock at right time
Take the money while it’s there. That’s what a handful of insiders at WellPoint Inc. decided in
the past month as they sold off nearly 150,000 company shares for gains of more than $3 million.
United Way scales back fund-raising goal
United Way of Central Indiana recently announced a fund-raising goal of $39 million. That’s less than the goal of
$40 million set last year, when fund raising fell short, ending at $38.8 million.
Indianapolis Zoo won’t be only not-for-profit to benefit from coupon book
After several years of supporting the Indianapolis Zoo with the proceeds from its “Discover Indy” Savings Book,
Delphi Specialty Publications Inc. will give to different charities.
U.S. Army extends sponsorship with Horizon League
The league that includes Butler University recently extended its sponsorship deal with the U.S. Army through the
2009-2010 academic year.
Airport looking for college students to serve as greeters
Indianapolis International Airport is looking for a new class of “airport ambassadors,” those helpful volunteers
in the red vests who help passengers and visitors get their bearings.
Education-technology agency seeks new director
IHETS, the Indianapolis-based organization that helps the state’s schools and universities conduct Web and video
conferencing, is looking for a new executive director.
NFP of NOTE: 100 Black Men of Indianapolis
100 Black Men of Indianapolis’ mission is partnering with local schools, universities and other organizations to provide
programs that encourage personal development, academic growth and basic life skills to positively impact the mental, physical,
moral and spiritual development of young people.