SEPTEMBER 20-26, 2010
This week, read about the similarities between the proposed deal to privatize city parking operations and a much-aligned pact in Chicago. Also, see what niche the Melody Inn has carved out for itself in the local music scene. In Focus, supporters and detractors of the Bush tax cuts debate the merits of extending the program, which expires at the end of the year. And in A&E, Style columnist Gabrielle Poshadlo talks to fashion students about their plans for after graduation.
Front PageBack to Top
Incoming NCAA chief already making major changes
Mark Emmert, who takes over the NCAA next month, already has removed three high-level executives, met with NBA Commissioner David Stern about changing basketball eligibility rules, and sent signals he will take a hard line against cheating.
Read MoreIU hits license jackpot; Purdue royalties surge
Indiana University had a license or two to print money from the commercialization of its technology over the last year—and did it ever. While Purdue University didn’t collect as much in royalties from commercialization, it pulled down record levels of research grants.
Read MoreLocal United Way eyes broader donor base
After losing more than 6,000 donors in a single year, the United Way of Central Indiana is making its first concerted effort to reach people outside their workplaces.
Read MoreTop StoriesBack to Top
City’s parking deal similar to much-maligned Chicago pact
Officials promoting a 50-year lease of Indianapolis’ parking meters have taken pains to point out the differences between their proposal and a controversial 75-year parking meter lease in Chicago. But a close look at both contracts shows Indianapolis’ pact largely uses the Chicago template.
Read MoreOwners enjoy Melody Inn’s niche as well-worn music venue
Since Melody Inn owners Dave Brown and Rob Ondrish bought the 38th and Illinois streets mainstay in 2001, they figure more than 7,000 bands have played on the 18-inch-high stage tucked just inside their front door.
Read MoreAlliance aims to boost adult learning in Hancock County
Three separate colleges will hold classes in Hancock County—if a business-led education alliance can finance the space. The Hancock Community Education Alliance has lined up a vacant retail building on State Road 9 in hopes that Ball State, Purdue and Vincennes universities can offer classes next spring.
Read MoreChurch with rich history sues to shed ‘historic’ label
The designation scotched a deal with CVS that would have funded construction of a new church at another location.
Read MoreWarsaw bank jumps into Hamilton County fray
Lake City Bank dipped its toe in the Indianapolis market in 2006 with a loan-production office and now has bigger ambitions.
Read MoreIPL identifies locations for electric car charging stations
The utility plans an aggressive rollout of charging stations with the imminent arrival of electric cars, such as the Nissan Leaf, due in showrooms this December.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Debating where to turn as Bush tax cuts near expiration
With a deadline looming, supporters and detractors debate extending tax cuts signed by former president George W. Bush.
Read MoreBusiness school expands investment theme for students
Grant will give Indiana University undergrads a shot at managing real money.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: City’s parking plan needs work
Mayor Greg Ballard strikes us as someone who puts pragmatism over politics. That’s why we’re hopeful he’ll reconsider details of the controversial plan to turn over the city’s metered parking to a private vendor.
Read MoreMAURER: Get and keep control
To create a disciplined investment philosophy, I evolved from my experience, “The Ten Essential Principles of Entrepreneurship You Didn’t Learn in School”. Over the course of 10 columns, I will feature each of these essential principles. This is the sixth installment.
Read MoreMARCUS: Airport conversations reveal concerns
There’s no reason to use the valuable land at the airport for new hotels that will drive out existing facilities nearby.
Read MoreGARNER: Multifamily housing is not the enemy
It would be easy to blame the economy for our blighted urban neighborhoods. True, these tough economic times have led to more vacant and foreclosed houses than we can count. But the key to revitalizing a neighborhood stretches far beyond boarded-up houses.
Read MoreSKARBECK: Expect more battles over public pensions
This year, 15 states have enacted legislation to reduce future public pension obligations.
Read MoreHICKS: Variables cloud business-location question
The problem is that the reasons for business-location decisions change from time to time.
Read MoreMeter deal is a bad idea
I read with interest [Cory Schouten’s] article in the Aug. 30 IBJ, “City vendor may get $1.2B,” detailing aspects of the city’s proposed deal to privatize the city’s parking meters.
Read MoreBiglari Holdings not worth covering
I find the continued press coverage about Steak-n-Shake and Biglari Holdings to be irrelevant to our community and a waste of IBJ’s valuable resources.
Read MoreMaurer ‘walks the talk’
Re: Mickey Maurer’s Sept. 6 article, “Kindness is a measure of success,” my experiences with him show he “walks the talk.”
Read MorePraise for Maurer columns
I am enjoying [Mickey Maurer’s] articles in IBJ about the essential principles of entrepreneurship. They are very worthwhile and well-written.
Read MoreIndiana leads charge on electric cars
In Indianapolis, it looks like the electric car is much closer to rounding the corner, with Energy Systems Network’s recent announcement that the partnership is launching a pilot project that will, it seems, make electric commutes a reality here and eventually across the United States.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Community moves to integrate doctors
Community Health now has about 550 physicians, either on its payroll or committed through integration contracts, who have some of their pay hinge on measures of quality and communication. CEO Bryan Mills says the hospital system is looking to add even more.
Eiteljorg Museum’s Western art show generates more than $1M in sales
The sale is the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi River.
Read MoreIndiana universities make list of world’s top 200
Notre Dame, Purdue and Indiana all ranked on the list, which was dominated by American universities.
Read MoreState insurance chief Cutter dies
Indiana Insurance Commissioner Carol Cutter passed away Sept. 6 in Indianapolis after a months-long struggle with illness. She was 67. Cutter had been on leave from the department since January.
Read MoreIndiana Supreme Court won’t hear Lee’s Inns dispute
A long-running legal battle among members of the Lee family of North Vernon over the valuation of their hotel chain has come to an end.
Read MoreLacy company takes stake in Oregon logistics firm
LDI Ltd. has acquired a majority position in Portland-based Oregon International Air Freight Co.
Read MoreIndianapolis Power & Light launches demand-side management program for business
Among other incentives, the program offers savings to firms that turn over to the utility operation of air conditioning units during times of peak energy demand.
Read MorePROXY CORNER: Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP
Indianapolis-based Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP processes crude oil into customized lubricating oils, solvents and waxes, as well as into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
Read More