Bank transaction counts—the number of people going into banks to make a deposit, cash a check or
conduct some other form of business—have declined in recent years with the increased popularity
of direct deposit, online banking and easy ATM accessibility. So why add branches?
After working in retail management for four years, Rich and Jodi Scheve decided to take business into their own hands—and
their own garage. Passing on business plans for Subway and South Bend Chocolate Co. franchises, the couple
skirted heavy franchise fees and started Twisted Wick Candle Co.
A study commission has concluded that a major development involving a new youth-sports complex would be viable for Westfield,
the city announced this morning.
A new business plan is in the works for the high-end Monon Center in Carmel.
Certified public accountant Dave Norris bought a 1976 Good Humor truck and started his family-owned U Want Ice Cream mobile
route in 2007, aiming to make a personal connection with people—along with
a little extra money.
Connersville is among three finalists in the running to produce a new police cruiser that runs on clean diesel and biodiesel
technology.
Carmel-based Conseco Inc., still a bit strapped for cash, brought in a reinsurance company to shoulder some of the risk
of its life insurance policies. Minnesota-based Wilton Reassurance Co. will pay $57.5 million to Conseco as a ceding
commission to co-insure and administer 104,000 policies held by Conseco subsidiaries.
It takes a map of the entire metro area to show all the projects the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has on its drawing board.
The $30 million plan calls for building two brand-new facilities, one in Avon and one in Pike Township; expanding
the Fishers YMCA; and building a new outdoor pool in Lawrence.
Franklin College filed a lawsuit today alleging trademark infringement against Ohio-based Franklin
University, which will open a campus in Castleton this fall. The liberal arts college south of Indianapolis
said the newcomer’s marketing blitz has been too close to Franklin College’s own branding.
Noblesville resident Tom Wagenhauser is revamping the Hamilton County-centric Web site FishersFind.com and hopes to double its weekly traffic.
Carmel-based mobile marketer Tetherball has deployed a program using
a radio frequency identification device that can measure in detail to what extent customers redeem loyalty and rewards offers.
Indiana’s struggling gambling industry didn’t get the relief it sought during the special session of the Indiana General Assembly. But embedded within the budget bill approved June 30 is a provision creating a gambling summer study committee. Its recommendations, due by Dec. 1, may make or break several of Indiana’s casinos.
Cummins Inc. is battling its insurers in court, saying they’re refusing to pay
most of the company’s $381 million in claims stemming from the flood that immersed its southern Indiana
facilities a year ago.
Jobs created by the new manufacturing plant have been offset by losses elsewhere in the community, and related development
remains scarce. But local officials remain optimistic about Honda’s long-term impact.
The city of Anderson soon will tap a new well to help accommodate demand from Nestle USA, which opened a Madison County plant
in May 2008 producing bottled, flavored Nesquik and liquid Coffee-mate, a water-based creamer. The
company already has launched an expansion slated for completion in 2011.
Westfield’s mayor says the city’s rapid growth and small staff are to blame for accounting problems raised in a State Board
of Accounts audit.
Ohio-based Franklin University’s move into the Indianapolis market sets up the potential for significant name confusion with
Franklin College, the liberal arts school 30 minutes south of Indianapolis.
Some industry insiders worry that, while Indianapolis is busy chasing bigger conventions, adjoining counties may raid the cupboard made plentiful by investments within Marion County, particularly downtown.
Cash-strapped theater group Carmel Community Players has nixed its summer musical, canceled its Summer Camp for Kids, and pulled out of Carmelfest 2009 after being denied the public funding it has received for years.
Kroger Co. is looking at land in Zionsville for a new store.
