Indianapolis Business Journal articles from December 2004

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from December 2004

Marsh siblings spar in suit: Don's younger brother Alan seeks millions; company alleges he violated duties to board.
December 6, 2004... C. Alan Marsh said nothing publicly when he stepped down as vice chairman of Marsh Supermarkets Inc. in 1998, ending a 41-year career with the Indianapolis-based grocer. But now he's charging in a lawsuit that his older brother, Don, forced him...

Symphony Bancorp rehearses for debut: new bank's north-side HQ to target high-end clients.
December 6, 2004... They liken their plan to carefully assembling an orchestra. But organizers of the new Symphony Bank aren't quite ready to take the stage. Symphony Bancorp, now in organization, would be a locally domiciled bank with headquarters at 3737 E....

Consolidated building finally sold: questions remain about reuse.
December 6, 2004... Downtown's long-vacant Consolidated Building has been sold to an affiliate of the owner of next-door neighbor First Indiana Plaza, ending more than a decade of ownership struggles and failed deals. Crown Consolidated LLC, which is...

IndyGo seeks wider appeal: businesses targeted for special bus routes.
December 6, 2004... Having apparently stabilized its 2004 finances after a painful restructuring, the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corp. next plans a marketing blitz to take the bus beyond its image as a social service for the transit-dependent. The...

Brulin flies high with Silver Snoopy: NASA heaps praise on local manufacturer for inventing space shuttle cleaning agent.
December 6, 2004... If you've ever been inside a Kroger or Sears store, you've probably walked all over Brulin Corp.'s products. But these days, Brulin's most heralded product is more likely hurtling through space than found under foot. Indianapolis-based...

Maurer named IEDC president: biz leader to head state's economic efforts.
December 6, 2004... A Rolodex thick with business contacts paid dividends again last week for Mitch Daniels. The Republican governor-elect named Indianapolis businessman Michael S. Maurer president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. "When I got an...

Batteries.com founders reinvent business again.(Behind The News)
December 6, 2004... The Petruzzi brothers survived the dot-com bust by taking Batteries.com far beyond its roots as a seller of batteries over the Internet. So perhaps no one should be surprised by their latest unconventional move--opening a conventional retail...

Insurance department waits for new leader: governor-elect stays mum on possible candidates.
December 6, 2004... The first rule about the next insurance commissioner is don't talk about the next insurance commissioner. That seems to be the mantra for industry insiders and people charged with picking the next leader of the Indiana Department of...

Digital surveillance system-maker poised to expand: Paris-based Schneider Electric plans investment in local subsidiary.
December 6, 2004... Integral Technologies at a glance Service: manufacturer of information technology systems for digital video surveillance CEO: Matthew M. Kushner Address: 9855 Crosspoint Blvd., Suite 126 Owner: France-based Schneider Electric...

Indianapolis library seeking its due: collection agency will try to recover long-lost materials.
December 6, 2004... Library scofflaws beware: The collection agency's coming. Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library leaders have enlisted the help of a Jeffersonville company to recover thousands of overdue books and related fines, hoping to stem the tide...

Golf Dome no longer looking for profitability: not-for-profit status seen as key to alliances, growth.
December 6, 2004... John Stack has positioned his company not to make a profit. It might seem to defy logic, but Stack thinks it's his 5-year-old company's best shot to stay alive. "The company never made a profit, anyway," said Stack with a chuckle that...

With deal done, WellPoint's off: it will be a local corporate leader, bellwether health insurance biz.(Editorial)
December 6, 2004... It took five months longer than expected, but the deal that makes Indianapolis home to the nation's largest health insurer finally closed Nov. 30. Congratulations to the Anthem Inc. and WellPoint Health Networks Inc. executives and others who...

Me, my shadow and lessons learned.(Column)
December 6, 2004... "Don't eat the pie." We were finishing our meal at the Blue Chip Business Luncheon, an annual event honoring small businesses in Indiana that have prevailed and excelled in spite of adversity. My guest was Robert Bercovitz, a junior at...

Corrections.(Editorial)(Correction Notice)
December 6, 2004... * Lynda Blackwelder, Ellen Coan and Diane Hoover are advisers to the AYS Inc. board of directors. Their relationship with the organization was misstated in the Nov. 22 Not-for-Profit of Note feature. * Sierra Crest Equities principal Brett...

Social Security changes will hit Indiana.(Column)
December 6, 2004... Normally, this column focuses on Indiana's economy, leaving to the national columnists matters of greater magnitude. But today such humility and modest ambition must be set aside to question a Bush administration proposal mat will nave adverse...

We need more voices from political middle.(presidential elections)
December 6, 2004... At a time when pundit after pundit suggests that America is hopelessly divided and gives the outcome of the last two presidential elections as proof, now comes a researcher, noted political scientist Morris P. Fiorina, who debunks this idea in...

NASCAR liquor ads not in public interest.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 6, 2004... Referencing your Nov. 22 report "NASCAR drinks up pitch for hard liquor sponsors," while it might be a financial boon for Diageo and Just Marketing, the end of the 50-year ban on liquor ads by NASCAR is probably not in the best interest of the...

NAFTA will not hurt American truckers.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 6, 2004... I'd like to thank Chris O'Malley for his fair and balanced story, "Celadon likes border plan" (Nov. 22). However, I feel compelled to dispute Teamsters President James Hoffa's warning about NAFTA bringing "Third World safety standards and...

Daniels' RV was not an original idea.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 6, 2004... In the days since the election, I've seen praise go to [Gov.-elect Mitch] Daniels for traveling the state in an Indiana-made RV with a great logo and giving citizens the chance to sign it. Additionally, I've also seen reports that his campaign...

University spouses should be paid.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 6, 2004... It is more than appropriate for Karen [Herbert] to be paid for her work at the university. Too often the wives of ministers, doctors, officials at universities or organizations are overlooked and not appreciated for the work they do. Even if...

Benner's column gave career help.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 6, 2004... I would like to give thanks for [Bill Benner's] weekly articles in IBJ, especially, your Nov. 22 article. Your words about the impact of Title IX for women are so true. There are many women like myself with athletic talent and potential who...

Pacers salary savings could soothe pain.(Indiana Pacers )(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... The NBA Nov. 29 did an about-face, saying the Indiana Pacers get to keep $8 million of $11.8 million in salary of recently suspended players. Pacers officials said they were still awaiting official word from the league on where the money...

Music venue takes over Discovery Zone spot on 82nd.(The Music Mill restaurant and concert venue)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Three local entrepreneurs, led by General Manager Nick Davidson, have opened The Music Mill restaurant and concert venue at 3720 E. 82nd St., just east of Keystone at the Crossing. Music Mill occupies a 10,000-square-foot building formerly...

D'Amico joins national education advisory board.(National Board of Education Sciences, Carol D'Amico)(Marian College)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Ivy Tech State College Central Indiana Chancellor Carol D'Amico has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a seat on the National Board of Education Sciences' board of directors. Appointed by the D'Amico president, the 14 board members...

Foundation clinic set to move to St. Vincent location.(Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, CorVasc MD's PC )(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation will hold its first clinic at its new location in St. Vincent Children's Hospital Jan. 7. The Indianapolis-based foundation is finishing a move from Riley Hospital for Children, its home for the past...

Supreme Court case has origins with local lawyer.(Law)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Dec. 7 in a case originally brought in Indiana by local lawyer Robert Epstein. Justices will decide whether wineries can sell directly to out-of-state consumers, which is a felony in 24 states,...

Familiar TV voice to host WFYI's "Morning Edition".(Media & Marketing)
December 6, 2004... Scott Hoke, who served for six seasons as the Indiana Pacers' television host, is hosting WFYI-FM 90.1's "Morning Edition." Hoke officially signed on in late November. "It's really a sweet deal for central Indiana [National Public Radio]...

Lilly Endowment fulfills intellectual capital promise.(Philanthropy)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. has handed out the $100 million it offered Indiana colleges and universities earlier this year to help expand institutions' "intellectual capital." Fifteen schools received grants last month, rounding...

Starbucks, gas station coming to College/Fall Creek area.(Real Estate)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. plans to open a drive-through location next year on the northwest corner of Fall Creek Parkway and College Avenue in the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood. It would be the coffee company's second near-north-side...

Upscale lounge to take Thai Garden space on Meridian.(Six Lounge and Restaurant)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Six Lounge and Restaurant, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based concept, has signed a lease for 7,000 square feet at 247 S. Meridian St. The space was formerly occupied by Thai Garden restaurant, which closed this summer. Six currently has one...

Brightpoint announces $20 million stock repurchase plan.(Technology)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Plainfield-based mobile phone distributor Brightpoint Inc. plans to repurchase up to $20 million of its common shares. The repurchase program, announced Nov. 30, became effective immediately and will continue through Dec. 31, 2005. The $20...

When good politics makes for good ... litigation? Sinclair Broadcasting Group's move to pre-empt programs for political reasons is an ominous sign.(There Ought To Be A Law)
December 6, 2004... Thank goodness the partisan political attacks are behind us. Now we can turn our attention to more important things--like the shareholders derivative suits arising from the partisan political attacks. In late October, you probably heard...

Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Deloitte & Touche USA LLP has promoted the following to manager, Assurance Services: Edko Banno, *Jill Dickey, *Carolyn Estrada, Scott Hornback and *Debble Davis Rust.

Katz Sapper & Miller LLP.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Christopher Davis has joined Katz Sapper & Miller LLP as a senior accountant.

BKD LLP.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... *Kathleen R. DeLong has rejoined BKD LLP as operations manager, Central Indiana Practice.

Aspect Communications.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... *Brady J. Marvel has joined Aspect Communications as regional client executive, Call Center-Workforce Management Software Solutions.

Walker Information.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Walker Information has Marvel added the following project directors, Client Services Department: Jessica Kirsch, Joel Schaafsma, and Christina Will.

Bandy Carroll Hellige Advertising and Public Relations.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Kim Wilson has been named public relations account manager at Bandy Carroll Hellige Advertising and Public Relations.

Fifth Third Bank.(Fifth Third Bank of Central Indiana)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Fifth Third Bank has added the following bankers: *Angela Cecil, *Vance Hodges and *Jim Wark, vice presidents, Commercial Relationship managers; *Corey Barnard, portfolio manager; Chris Grzeskowiak, Commercial Relationship manager; * Michael...

First National Bank & Trust.(First National Bank and Trust Co.)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Cito Mamaril has been promoted to first vice president, Commercial Middle Market Group Manager, at First National Bank & Trust.

IndyMac Bank.(IndyMac Bank Home Lending, appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Mark Horton has been named business development manager for the Indianapolis region, Home Construction Lending, at IndyMac Bank.

Herron School of Art and Design / IUPUI.(Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis)(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Martel Plummer has been named assistant dean of Student Affairs at Herron School of Art and Design / IUPUI.

Annemarle Pankratz.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... *Annemarle Pankratz has been named community-learning coordinator.

Indiana University Research and Technology Corp.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... *James A. Coles has been named to the Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. board of directors.

Krieg DeVautt LLP.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Krieg DeVautt LLP has added the following: *John partner; Vlckl J. Wright, senior attorney; and Angela L, Hamm, associate.

Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Hall Render Kllllan Heath & Lyman has named the following shareholders: * David B. Honlg and * Stephan C. Masoncup

Kiefer & McGoff.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Natalie M. Snyder has joined the Family Law and Civil Litigation practice groups at Klefer & McGoff.

Z99.5-FM and 1430 WXNT-AM.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Scott Rogers has been named general sales manager of Z99.5-FM and 1430 WXNT-AM.

Indiana Area United Methodist Church Communications Commission.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Mark k. Eutsler has been named to the Indiana Area United Methodist Church Communications Commission.

Women & HI Tech.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Women & HI Tech has named the following board of directors: *Crystal IUPUI; Natalie Harris, RCR Technology; Beth Strohm, Gazelle Technology Ventures; *Susan Vaughn, The Project Authority Inc.; *Dolly Vestal, Professional Data Dimensions; and...

Indianapolis Quality Assurance Association Inc.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Dana Spears, Liberty Mutual, has been named director of Special Events for the Indianapolis Quality Assurance Association Inc.

American College of Mortgage Attorney.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... *Natalie Stucky, Bose McKinney & Evans LLE has been elected to the board of regents for the American College of Mortgage Attorney.

Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... The Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana has named the following officers: Donna H. Fisher, Smith Fisher Maas & Howard, president; Kevin C. Schiferl, Locke Reynolds, president-elect; R. Thomas Bodkin, Bamberger Foreman Oswald & Hahn, Evansville,...

North American Securities Administrators Association.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Jim Joven, Indiana Securities Commissioner, has been named vice chairman, Investor Education Section, North American Securities Administrators Association.

AIA Indianapolis.(American Institute of Architects, appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Sean M. Bright, Veazey Parrott Durkin and Shoulders, has been named secretary of AIA Indianapolis.

Greater Indianapolis Mortgage Bankers Association.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... The Greater Indianapolis Mortgage Bankers Association has named the following officers: Gary Avery, First Republic Mortgage, president; Darll Stoughton, Colonial National Mortgage, vice president, Education; Joy Carter, Mortgage Credit...

Governmental Affairs Society of Indiana.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Patricia H. McGuffey, BoseTreacy Associates LLC, was elected vice president of the Governmental Affairs Society of Indiana.

National Recreation and Park Association.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Joseph L.B. Wynns, Indy Parks and Recreation, has been named to the National Recreation and Park Association board of trustees.

Indiana CPA Society.(certified public accountants)(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Nathan D. Warfel, Harris & Ford LLC, has been named a member of the Indiana CPA Society.

American Academy of Nursing.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Karlene M. Kerfoot, Clarian Health Partners, has been elected to the board of directors for the American Academy of Nursing.

Associated General Contractors of Indiana Inc.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... The Associated General Contractors of Indiana Inc. has named the following officers: Stephen R. Henry, The Robert Henry Corp., South Bend, president; William L. Ripberger Jr., J.C. Ripberger Construction Corp., Zionsville, vice president;...

Re/Max United.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... David Rump has joined Re/Max United, Westfleld, as a broker associate.

Duke Realty Corp.(Real Estate)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Paul Defonce has been named business systems analyst at Duke Realty Corp.

Re/Max Excel.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Scott Bieri has joined Re/Max Excel, Avon, as a sales associate.

Century 21 Realty Group--McCoun.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Century 21 Realty Group--McCoun, has added the following sales associates: * Johnie Baker, * Adelle Clark, * Cindy Coleman, * Lee Sales and * Christy Vincel.

Re/Max Select.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Kristen Olsen has joined Re/Max Select as a sales associate.

Lauth Property Group.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Lauth Property Group has added the following: * Heather Dispennett, site development coordinator; and * Brad Shotts, pre-construction coordinator.

SC Bodner Co. Inc.(SC Bodner Company Inc., appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Josh Purvis has been named senior retail leasing consultant for SC Bodner Co. Inc.

Community Development Inc.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Pamela Waggoner has joined Community Development Inc. as manager of land development.

Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro North Market Center.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... De White-Redman has just joined Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro North Market Center.

Indy Metro South.(Keller Williams Indy Metro South, appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Susan McCarty has joined Keller Williams Indy Metro South as an affiliate broker.

Blue Line Real Estate.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Greer Leisz has joined Blue Line Real Estate as realtor and director of Marketing.

MindGent.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Scott Archer has been promoted to managing principal, Directory, Security, & Application Integration, at MindGent. * Harry Howe has been named managing principal, Business Consulting.

Nelnet.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Cheryl Watson has been named chief communications officer at Nelnet.

MD Logistics.(Transportation)
December 6, 2004... * Diana Clauson has joined MD Logistics as area sales manager.

A smokin' franchisor: Dick's Texas-style barbeque restaurant business gets off to a 'Bodacious' start.(Retailing & Franchises)
December 6, 2004... Richard Allen's entrepreneurial beginnings were not unlike many fledgling business owners. Tired of what he called "empty promises" from management at the automotive and specialty battery wholesaler where he worked, Allen in 1999 quit his...

Retail plan hinges on success of condos: Market Square project has 3 tenants on board.(Retailing & Franchises)
December 6, 2004... Joe D'Astoli's Brooklyn roots and his affection for city life drove his decision to support the downtown development of the former Market Square Arena site by committing a new pizzeria to the project. D'Astoli arrived in Indianapolis 13...

Largest Indianapolis-area shopping centers.(Illustration)
December 6, 2004... Largest Indianapolis-Area Shopping Centers (Ranked by square footage) SQUARE FOOTAGE RANK ACREAGE PERCENT 2003 SHOPPING CENTER PARKING OCCUPIED rank...

Most popular commercial radio stations serving Indianapolis.(Illustration)
December 6, 2004... Most Popular Commercial Radio Stations Serving Indianapolis (Ranked by summer 2004 audience share (1) ages 25-54) AUDIENCE AUDIENCE SHARE (1) ...

Consumer spending, jobs, factory orders, incomes surge: fourth quarter off to a faster-than expected start.
December 6, 2004... Bloomberg News U.S. consumer spending accelerated in October as a surge in hiring led to the biggest rise in incomes in five months. More orders flowed into the nation's factories last month, helping manufacturing expand at a faster pace....

'Conservative' investments may defy the usual tack.(Bulls & Bears)
December 6, 2004... In the language of investing, the word "conservative" tends to generate a warm and fuzzy feeling. The word carries with it a connotation of safety, stability and steadiness. And because this word "conservative" has such a powerful effect...

Actions of New York AG Spitzer fail to chill the market.(Investing)
December 6, 2004... Everyone is afraid of big, bad, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. He's been huffing and puffing, blowing more than a few houses down lately. He claims he is taking these actions in the name of the little guy, but that is hard to...

Colts' effect on economy doesn't justify spending.(economic analysis)(Column)
December 6, 2004... It is always nice to be on the same side of an issue as your friends. Human beings are social animals, and we all like to be liked. Disagreement for many of us is unpleasant and, when those disagreements are deep-seated, they can end...

Adesa Inc.(Proxy Corner)
December 6, 2004... Adesa Inc., 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, 46032 (www.adesaimpact.com), provides wholesale vehicle auctions and related redistribution services in North America. The company was spun off of Allete Inc. in a June 16 initial public...