Indianapolis Business Journal articles from April 2008

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from April 2008

Premier's troubles escalate: developer lays off workers as lawsuits, debt pile up.
April 7, 2008... Premier Properties USA Inc. has eliminated about half its headquarters staff--more than 40 employees--as banks seize several of its properties and CEO Christopher P. White faces a barrage of new lawsuits alleging unpaid bills, defaulted loans,...

Two big deals seal top spot: acquisitions make new Carmel company nation's largest underground utility locator.
April 7, 2008... A former Indianapolis Water executive who spent the last six years helping the United Nations find food for the starving has returned and assembled the country's largest underground utility locator company. Michael Stayton and other...

The Lord taketh away: God, Colts license plates slice into sales of charity taps.
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sales of specialty license plates benefiting colleges, not-for-profits and other Indiana organizations fell by nearly a third last year after the state unveiled "In God We Trust" tags as a free alternative to the...

Valuing Vonnegut: Carmel firm to determine his worth.
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many readers would call the Indiana literary legend Kurt Vonnegut's legacy priceless. Not Mike Pellegrino. He expects it'll take about a month to assign it a value. "Valuation is part art, part science,"...

After Super bid, real work begins: Bowl committee solicits community input through Web site, hopes fresh ideas help land event.
April 7, 2008... If the 10 three-finger binders holding Indianapolis' initial bid for the 2012 Super Bowl are stacked on top of one another, they stand 3 feet tall. But the heart of the city's proposal isn't in there yet. Sent to NFL officials March 31,...

Blockbuster deals drive interest in Anson: developers seeking Target, theater, home builder.
April 7, 2008... Executives at locally based Duke Realty Corp. fielded questions for years about what was taking so long with Anson, a $1.4 billion residential, retail and industrial development along Interstate 65 in Whitestown. Not anymore. A string of...

Charter schools face long wait for county funding: state, local money based on outdated mechanism.
April 7, 2008... The property tax reform plan recently signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels is expected to provide relief--eventually--for most homeowners. Unfortunately, the tax crisis wasn't fixed fast enough for charter schools. Because property taxes...

Tampa Super Bowl looks to local firm for software: high-profile client could help Simply Hospitality.
April 7, 2008... Event-planning software developed by a local firm has been the backbone of volunteer efforts for the Men's Final Four, the Indianapolis 500 Festival and the USA Track & Field Championships. Now it will add a Super Bowl to its resume. ...

NASCAR ponders following IRL's lead with ethanol: green marketing a major motivator for race series.
April 7, 2008... The Indy Racing League was the first North American race series to use an alternative fuel to power its cars. Now it appears NASCAR might follow suit--news that has the attention of race fans and sponsors alike. "We're looking at eight or...

Monarch victory would be big win: Lawrence, county need a boost.(Monarch Beverage Company Inc.)(Editorial)
April 7, 2008... If beer and wine distributor Monarch Beverage chooses an abandoned drive-in movie complex at 52nd Street and Pendleton Pike for a $45 million headquarters, Lawrence boosters will have good reason to pop open a cold one. Lawrence officials...

Israel through the eyes of a visitor.(Travel narrative)
April 7, 2008... My wife, Janie, and I made some new friends on our recent trip to Israel, including Moira Carlstedt, president of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership. I happily cede my space this week for her observations of the trip. It is...

[Cartoon].(EDITORIAL)(Cartoon)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I DO LOVE YOU, ROY. I JUST DON'T LOVE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT."

Corrections.(EDITORIAL)(Correction notice)
April 7, 2008... * A story on page 40A last week referred to the Indiana Economic Development Corp.'s College Entrepreneur Boot-camp competition. The competition is actually hosted by TechPoint, with IEDC as a sponsor. * The March 24 Indiana Golf Course...

It's the money, not the jobs, stupid.
April 7, 2008... "It's jobs, jobs, jobs," presidential and gubernatorial candidates shouted last week in Indiana. And the crowds responded in the affirmative, urging the candidates to promise more jobs for more Hoosiers. OK; jobs are good, but well-paying...

'Buy local' should be rallying cry.(VIEWPOINT)
April 7, 2008... In recent months, our governor and mayors across the state proudly have announced business developments and out-of-state companies' plans to expand or relocate in Indiana. They've worked overtime to earn these economic boosts, and they're to be...

Higher taxes are business killers.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
April 7, 2008... Responding to "Reform fallout worries biz interest" by Peter Schnitzler, in the March 24 IBJ, as a small-business owner I have watched this property tax debate with a keen interest. I have spoken with Sen. [Luke] Kenley and Gov. [Mitch] Daniels...

NCAA youth pact won't help kids.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
April 7, 2008... Anthony Schoettle's report ("NCAA, NBA forging youth hoops pact," March 17) appropriately included a comment by Robert Kanaby of the federation of high school associations: "But there's another side to this. There's a need to develop these...

School spending is out of control.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
April 7, 2008... [Responding] to IBJ's "Schools face tighter budgets" (March 31)--Great coverage on the budgets for various schools impacted by bill 1001. I wish IBJ could have focused on individual homeowners' testimony on their personal home budget...

Kudos for column on education.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
April 7, 2008... I liked [Morton Marcus'] comments in the March 17 edition related to the governor's idea of naming a Mr./Miss Science and a Mr./Miss Math for the state. I also thought your comments on what makes a good school were on target. The governor...

Utility poles blight neighborhoods.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
April 7, 2008... Tom Henderson [in his March 24 column] has Indianapolis beauty and zoning at heart. Our utility poles with graffiti, just their overwhelming existence, is a blight. Where is the tax money spent? Twenty-eight streetlights between Kessler...

Trending dooms fairness in tax bills.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
April 7, 2008... Last year, Gov. [Mitch] Daniels froze property tax bills statewide and ordered every Marion County property to be reassessed. According to the March 17 IBJ, Marion County Tax Assessor Greg Bowes directed township assessors to handle the new...

Artsgarden hosts first full play.(ARTS)(Midwestern Hemisphere)(Theater review)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A play currently running in the Indianapolis Artsgarden, the glass-domed structure over Illinois and Washington streets, is the first-ever full theater production performed in the space. The Heartland Actors'...

Spills fuel IDEM actions.(ENVIRONMENT)(Indiana Department of Environmental Management)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... Businesses that have anything to do with petroleum might want to mind the leaks, and not just because the price of crude is on the rise. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management in the first three months of 2008 has nailed three...

Popular eatery looks downtown.(L'Explorateur restaurant)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... Chef Neal Brown is looking to move his popular L'Explorateur restaurant from Ferguson Street in Broad Ripple to a location near Monument Circle. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brown and his broker, Brian Epstein, have looked at several...

IRL signs sponsor deals.(Indy Racing Le)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... The unified Indy Racing League is picking up speed with fans and sponsors. Attendance estimates during the season-opener in Miami March 29 were at 35,000, about a 20-percent increase from last year's season-opener at the same track. ...

Gas bills to grew.(UTILITIES)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... Citizens Gas says capital investments and inflationary costs are fueling its request for a 4.5-percent hike in base rates for its 265,000 customers in Marion County. The average residential customer bill will rise about $4.50 a month. ...

FBI headquarters deal in doubt again.(Federal Bureau of Investigation)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... A new Indianapolis office for the FBI is on hold after the U.S. Government Accountability Office upheld a protest from an Ohio company that was passed over in an initial round of bidding. The firm, Fedcar Co. Ltd., contested a decision by...

Blue & Co. LLC.(ACCOUNTING)(Molly Julian)(Sheena Lacy)(Mandy Leisure)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... Blue & Co. LLC has added the following: Carmel office: Molly Julian and Sheena Lacy, accounting specialists; Karen Walter, administrative assistant; Mandy Leisure, human resource administrative assistant; Eric Jeske, staff accountant; and...

Francesca Klein has joined Alerding & Co. LLC as a staff accountant.(ACCOUNTING)
April 7, 2008... * Francesca Klein has joined Alerding & Co. LLC as a staff accountant. * Jered Fuquay has joined as an audit manager. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

BSA LifeStructures.(ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN/ENGINEERING)(Jay McQueen)(Derek Selke)(Matt Steiner)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] BSA LifeStructures has promoted the following to shareholders: * Andrew Lough, *Jay McQueen, * Derek Selke, * Matt Steiner, * Stephanie Thomas, * Mark Bartone, * Beverly Eakins, * Lynette Hart and * Brian Hoagland.

AXIS Architecture + Interiors.(ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN/ENGINEERING)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] AXIS Architecture + Interiors has added the following: * Eric J. Anderson, project architect; * Ashley Fronterhouse and * Michelle Wise, interior designers.

Applied Engineering Service.(ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN/ENGINEERING)(appointment of Greg Cox, Eric Broemel, Run Himler )(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... Applied Engineering Service has added the following: Greg Cox, computer specialist; and Eric Broemel, Run Himler and Osianna Okonkwo, project engineers. Paul Natali has joined as an administrative assistant, business services.

Indiana Debate Commission.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)(appointment of Dennis Ryerson, Kevin Finch and Gerard Lanosga)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... The Indiana Debate Commission has named the following officers: * Kevin Finch, WISH-TV Channel 8, president; Dennis Ryerson, The Indianapolis Star, vice president; and * Gerard Lanosga, Indiana University School of Journalism-Bloomington,...

Champ Camp.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
April 7, 2008... * Michael Piechocki has been named a new board member of Champ Camp. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Indianapolis Zoo.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
April 7, 2008... * C. Daniel Yates, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, has been elected trustee of the Indianapolis Zoo. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention of Greater Indianapolis.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)(appointment of Timothy Joyce and Rick Feuille)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention of Greater Indianapolis has named the following: * Timothy Joyce, executive director, and Rick Feuille, new board member. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Indiana Black Expo Inc.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
April 7, 2008... Quiana Graham has been promoted to director of youth and family programs at Indiana Black Expo Inc.

Thomas Whitaker has joined Shook Construction.(CONSTRUCTION)
April 7, 2008... * Thomas Whitaker has joined Shook Construction as a project engineer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Brandt Construction Inc.(CONSTRUCTION)
April 7, 2008... * Greg Fulaytar has been promoted to project manager at Brandt Construction Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Franklin College.(EDUCATION)(appointment of Robert G. Smith, Dean J. Abplanalp and Amy Caldwell-Owens )(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] * Robert G. Smith has been named an honorary trustee at Franklin College, and * Dean J. Abplanalp has been named a member of the board of trustees. * Amy Caldwell-Owens has been named gift-processing specialist.

American College of Sports Medicine.(EDUCATION)(appointment of Jessica Hancock, Adrian Hutber and Tina Harland )(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... The American College of Sports Medicine has added the following: Jessica Hancock, corporate sponsorships coordinator, and Adrian Hutber, program officer for Exercise is Medicine. Tina Harland has been named the director of the ACSM Foundation.

Hancock County Alcoholic Beverage Board.(GOVERNMENT)
April 7, 2008... Michael L. Griffin, Krieg DeVault LLP, has been named to the Hancock County Alcoholic Beverage Board.

Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission.(GOVERNMENT)
April 7, 2008... Aleeah Livengood has been named executive director of the Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission.

St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers.(HEALTH CARE)
April 7, 2008... * Gregory Yust has been named as vice managed care contracting at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

St. Vincent Medical Center Northeast.(HEALTH CARE)
April 7, 2008... * Kimberly Nealon has been promoted to site director for St. Vincent Medical Center Northeast. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Clarian North Medical Center.(HEALTH CARE)
April 7, 2008... * Sue Finkam has been promoted to director of business development and statewide marketing outreach at Clarian North Medical Center. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

St. Vincent Women's Hospital and Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.(HEALTH CARE)
April 7, 2008... * Anne Coleman has been promoted to administrator of St. Vincent Women's Hospital and Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Halina K. Harding has joined a Kendrick Family Practice of St. Francis Medical Group.(HEALTH CARE)
April 7, 2008... * Halina K. Harding has joined a Kendrick Family Practice of St. Francis Medical Group, Mooresville campus. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Bridges of Indiana.(HEALTH CARE)
April 7, 2008... Jeremy W. Watson has been named director of Bridges of Indiana, Indianapolis office.

Jeff Seagrave has joined Hylant Group as a client executive.(INSURANCE)
April 7, 2008... * Jeff Seagrave has joined Hylant Group as a client executive. Gerald "Jerry" Torr has been named client executive, Carmel office. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

MJ Insurance Inc.(INSURANCE)(appointment of Kris Kiley, Cindy Archer and Rae McCray-Ratliff)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... MJ Insurance Inc. has added the following: Kris Kiley, account coordinator; Cindy Archer and Rae McCray-Ratliff, account managers; Jackie Nakimuli and Brandon Neuenschwander, help desk support and user administrators; and Kelly Spradling,...

Parr Richey Obremskey & Morton.(LAW)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Parr Richey Obremskey & Morton, Lebanon, has added the following attorneys: * J. David Cook, Mike Schultz, * Jeremy Comeau, * Jeremy Fetty and * Tim Karns.

Home Video Studio.(MEDIA)
April 7, 2008... Home Video Studio has promoted the following: Craig Paterson, account representative; Wendy Stamm, creative director; and Kara Wright, office administrator.

Design Media Connections.(PRINTING/PUBLISHING)
April 7, 2008... * Gina Connor has been promoted to production manager at Design Media Connections. * Heather Wright has been promoted to docuNet coordinator. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

United States Green Building Council.(PROFESSIONAL/TRADE)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] United States Green Building Council, Indiana chapter, has named the following officers: * Mac Williams, Inverde Design; * Bill Brown, Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Architects; * Don Able, BSA Lifestructures; * Mark...

Hoosier Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.(PROFESSIONAL/TRADE)(appointment of Sonja Popp-Stahly, Jennifer Mahoney and Ryan Puckett)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... The Hoosier Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America has named the following board of directors: Sonja Popp-Stahly, Eli Lilly and Co., president; Jennifer Mahoney, Borshoff, president elect; Myra Cocca, Central Indiana Community...

UGL Equis.(REAL ESTATE)
April 7, 2008... * Mark Sergi has been promoted to associate vice president at UGL Equis, Indianapolis office. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Charlie Gantz has joined Leading Edge.(REAL ESTATE)
April 7, 2008... * Charlie Gantz has joined Leading Edge as an associate broker. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

HDG Mansur Investment Services Inc.(REAL ESTATE)(promotion of Thomas Molina, William Miller and Maureen Entrikin)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... HDG Mansur Investment Services Inc. has promoted the following: Thomas Molina--director, acquisitions--US; William Miller, director, senior asset manager--US; Zoe Zhou, senior financial analyst; and Maureen Entrikin, closing coordinator. HDG...

Lori A. Priller has joined MD Logistics.(SERVICES)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Lori A. Priller has joined MD Logistics as manager of human resources.

Harper Research Team.(SERVICES)(appointment of Nicky Halverson and Jason Shockey )(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... Nicky Halverson has been named team leader for the Harper Research Team. Jason Shockey has joined as qualitative researcher.

Spohn Associates Inc.(SERVICES)
April 7, 2008... * Sean Barnett has been promoted to chief financial officer at Spohn Associates Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

O'Reilly Raceway Park.(SPORTS)
April 7, 2008... Mark Kaiser has been named the drag strip consultant at O'Reilly Raceway Park.

Wlasuk Delporte and Davis.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
April 7, 2008... Eric Crump and Chuck Thomas have joined Wlasuk Delporte and Davis.

Joseph Miller has joined Transportation Consulting & Management.(TRANSPORTATION)
April 7, 2008... Joseph Miller has joined Transportation Consulting & Management as project manager--IT transitioning.

Larry Brown has joined Indiana Municipal Power Agency.(UTILITIES)
April 7, 2008... Larry Brown has joined Indiana Municipal Power Agency as vice president of resource planning.

Zoo counting on koala appeal: visit by cuddly creatures expected to draw big crowd.(Focus: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS QUARTERLY)
April 7, 2008... Stock up on the eucalyptus leaves. Cute, cuddly koalas will soon be coming to the Indianapolis Zoo. The temporary exhibit will run from Memorial Day 'weekend through Sept. 1 and feature two of the slow-moving marsupials on loan from the...

Taking a 2-pronged approach: Indiana State Museum pushes for bigger internal and traveling shows.(Focus: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS QUARTERLY)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Indiana State Museum is putting more emphasis on developing its own attractions, while still landing some high-profile visiting exhibits--all in an effort to keep visitors coming through the doors. This...

Slots at horse-racing tracks may boost meeting space: hotels in long-term plans if 'racinos' are successful.(FOCUS: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS QUARTERLY)
April 7, 2008... Two thousand slot machines at each of Indiana's two biggest horse tracks should attract hordes of Hoosiers willing to try their luck on the one-armed bandits. But, ultimately, owners want to add meeting and convention space to capture other...

Largest Indianapolis-area travel agencies.(FOCUS: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS)(Directory)
April 7, 2008... Largest Indianapolis-Area Travel Agencies . (Ranked by 2007 local gross sales (1)) LOCAL GROSS ...

Convention caterer could lay off 219.(FOCUS: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... Centerplate Inc. has alerted the state that it plans to lay off 219 workers in Indianapolis as a result of having lost a food and beverage contract at the Indiana Convention Center. Based in Stamford, Conn., Centerplate said the employees...

Annual Stutz Artists show blossoms into big-time event: unique building, diversity of works attract thousands to open house that started as small party 15 years ago.(FOCUS: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS)(Stutz Artists Association)
April 7, 2008... What started as a cozy party with baby pools full of iced-down beer has matured into a serious celebration of the arts that attracts droves of supporters. The downtown Stutz Artists Association will host its 15th annual open house April...

Largest Indianapolis-area independent caterers (1).(FOCUS: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS)(Directory)
April 7, 2008... Largest Indianapolis-Area Independent Caterers(1) (Ranked by 2007 gross catering sales(2)) GROSS CATERING...

Major conventions on tap.(FOCUS: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS)
April 7, 2008... The following list looks at the top conventions and events booked by the Indianapolis Convention & Visitor's Association remaining in 2008, ranked in order of estimated direct visitor spending. Information about the events was provided by the...

Almost ready for takeoff.(FOCUS: HOSPITALITY/MEETINGS/EVENTS)(Brief article)
April 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The massive $1.1 billion construction project at Indianapolis International Airport, which includes a new passenger terminal and parking garage, is expected to be completed by October. Above: The east side of the new...

Buffett's letter squeezes firms that 'juice' earnings.(INVESTING)(Berkshire Hathaway Inc.)
April 7, 2008... Berkshire Hathaway Inc. released Warren Buffett's annual letter to shareholders recently. As always, Buffett provided a detailed update of the many businesses and investment positions the company owns. And Buffer added some entertaining...

Stocks gain until oil prices intervene.(STOCKS)(AMB Financial)(Statistical table)
April 7, 2008... A jump in oil prices fueled by higher demand for gasoline put the brakes on what had been a good week for stocks. The market showed signs of recovery through the first day of the second quarter before stock prices retreated on profit-taking and...

Sales tax increase helps cut government spending.(ECONOMIC ANALYSIS)
April 7, 2008... Indiana's sales taxes rose a penny this week, to 7 percent. The increase was a necessary remedy to our property tax mess. But it's worth laying out its impact on our economy. Sales tax is paid by Hoosier residents, visitors and businesses...

First Merchants Corp.(PROXY CORNER)
April 7, 2008... First Merchants Corp., 200 E. Jackson St., Muncie, 47305 (www.firstmerchants.com), is a bank holding company that operates offices in Indiana and Ohio. For the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, the company reported net income of $31.6 million, or $1.73...

Gennesaret Free Clinic Inc.(NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF NOTE)(Organization overview)
April 7, 2008... Gennesaret Free Clinic Inc. 615 N. Alabama St., Suite B Indianapolis 46204 Phone: (317) 639-5645 Fax: (317) 639-5609 Web site: www.gennesaret.org Founded: 1988 Paid employees: 14 Highest-paid staff member:...

Calendar.(RECORDS)(Calendar)
April 7, 2008... Business-related calendar items should be submitted two weeks before event date. Contact bmaurer@ibj.com. April 7, 7 a.m.: Business & Professional Exchange, Career Networking, North chapter, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Fellowship...

Conventions.(RECORDS)
April 7, 2008... Apr.7-Apr.12, Fire Department Instructors Conference, Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome. Estimated attendance: 26,000

Indy Reads to benefit from the 2008 Alphabet Affair on April 12 at the Cosmopolitan Ballroom in the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency Hotel.(FUND RAISING)
April 7, 2008... Indy Reads to benefit from the 2008 Alphabet Affair on April 12 at the Cosmopolitan Ballroom in the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency Hotel. Black tie attire, cocktails and dinner. Contact 275-4040.

MADD to benefit from Strides for Change 5K Walk on April 12.(FUND RAISING)
April 7, 2008... MADD to benefit from Strides for Change 5K Walk on April 12 at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park at 9:30 a.m. Contact 781-6233.