Tourists rank Indianapolis as the second-most-popular Midwestern destination
Fueled by a $740,000 regional advertising campaign, local tourism spending went sky high even as the economy was in a free
fall.
Communications
Articles
‘Star’ scales back on reviewing arts events, much to promoters’ dismay
The Indianapolis Star, the state’s largest daily newspaper, has scaled back its roster
of critics in recent years — a reduction in coverage that put the onus on local arts promoters to get the word out through
other channels, such as blogs.
Enjoy the latest wit from Bob & Tom on CD; relish the voice of Claire Wilcher at ‘Cabaret’
This week, another stocking stuffer from the Bob and Tom crew and holiday-country music fusion at American Cabaret Theatre.
Bold bets on Hoosier firms yield horrific results so far
The millions of dollars they plunked down to buy stock in local companies over the past two years have shriveled in value,
leaving them way, way below break-even.
IRL’s Danica Patrick tops most-searched list on Web
Indy Racing League driver Danica Patrick topped golfer Tiger Woods, quarterback Tom Brady and Super Bowl champion Eli Manning
as the most searched-for athlete in 2008, according to America Online’s annual list of top Web, mobile and video searches.
Y&L ad firm making ‘significant’ staff cuts
Young & Laramore is making what it says are “significant” staff cuts in the wake of losing the Steak n Shake account.
Steak n Shake seeks younger customers
Steak n Shake hopes to create buzz with its new marketing plan targeting youth.
Holiday promotional campaign helps Indianapolis venues boost their attendance
The 12 Free Days of Indy Christmas promotion runs through Dec. 24 and gives patrons of several city destinations the opportunity
to enjoy them without the cost.
Bloomington wins recognition for being gay-friendly
A national newsmagazine for the gay and lesbian community has named Bloomington as its top U.S. small-town vacation destination.
Emmis struggling to stay in good stead with lenders
Emmis Communications Corp. struggles to contain expenses and minimize debts due to radio advertising shortfalls.
Here are tips for small biz survival during recession
For small businesses to survive, they must be prepared to withstand economic difficulties for some time…
Jennings County group hires PR firm
The Jennings County Economic Development Commission recently hired Indianapolis-based Brand Acceleration Inc. as its agency
of record to handle advertising, public relations and brand management.
MZD Advertising signs deal with National Guard to publicize child care benefits
Indianapolis-based MZD Advertising topped a field of 14 agencies competing to become agency of record for Gap Solutions Inc.,
which provides contracted services that support the National Guard Child Care Program.
Indianapolis Airport opening good news for local PR, hospitality firms
In the last two months, the Indianapolis Airport Authority board has approved spending at least $850,000 toward grand-opening
parties for the new airport terminal and events in the form of contracts with caterers, event planners and public relations
firms.
After record election revenues, TV ad income may hit 10-year low
With the economic swoon and no political ad campaigns in 2009, TV ad revenue could hit a 10-year low next year.
Pathway Productions gets new owner, new CEO
Pathway Productions, one of the city’s highest-profile video production firms, has a new owner, a new CEO and a new plan to blaze a trail to prosperity. Michael Husain, who founded the company from his basement in 1996, earlier this year quietly sold a majority stake to Mays Chemical Co. President William Mays, who in turn named Jerald Harkness the new CEO.
Emmis’ market value in free fall as radio industry takes beating
For more than two years, Smulyan, 61, has been unflaggingly optimistic during quarterly conference calls. But since early 2007, Emmis’ stock has fallen 84 percent, shrinking the company’s stock market value from $307 million to $48 million. The troubles have cast uncertainty over one of Indianapolis’ highest-profile businesses.
Airport hoping to double ad revenue with digital push
Indianapolis International Airport officials hope to double advertising revenue, pushing it past $1 million, when the midfield
terminal opens in November. That income, officials said, is important because it helps ease pressure on cash-strapped
airlines, allowing them to focus on offering more flights. The airport relies on non-airline revenue, such as food sales and
advertising, for about 60 percent of its revenue.
‘Instant gratification moments’ key to ChaCha’s biz strategy
Carmel-based ChaCha Search Inc. has been winning accolades and enough teen fans to rival Hannah Montana. But none of that makes it apparent how the company can make money giving free answers to random cell phone queries.
WNDE holds off sports-talk upstart in ratings despite marketing push, high-profile co-host
Longtime sports/talk station WNDE-AM 1260 has beaten back newcomer WFNI-AM 1070 in a critical listener demographic despite
WFNI’s extensive promotion of hosts Eddie White and Indianapolis Star sports columnist Bob Kravitz.