Indianapolis Business Journal articles from February 2006

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from February 2006

The ties that blind? Experts say links between company, directors may have taken toll.
February 6, 2006... It's easy to blame Wal-Mart for the woes of Indianapolis-based Marsh Supermarkets Inc. The Arkansas-based goliath has been on a rampage in central Indiana the past five years, building its market share in the local grocery business to 26...

IRL traveling bumpy road; despite successes, sponsors are walking, teams are folding and top drivers lack rides.(Indy Racing League)
February 6, 2006... For the third time in three months, an Indy Racing League team is liquidating, putting its race cars, transporters and other equipment on the auction block. The Feb. 4-7 auction of locally based Panther Racing hangs over the open-wheel...

Amnesty in concrete case? Lawyer says company in civil price-fixing case helping prosecutors in criminal investigation.
February 6, 2006... One of the seven concrete firms named as defendants in a civil price-fixing lawsuit is helping federal prosecutors gather evidence in a related criminal investigation, court documents reveal. A lawyer for one of the seven defendants in the...

Bills clash over video regulation; phone giants, cable firms fight about franchising rules.
February 6, 2006... Now that telephone giants want to provide video services, competing visions of who should regulate wired television are clashing like a scene from "Spartacus" as the Indiana Legislature grinds on with telecom reform. In fact, some say the...

Mr. Buick makes bid to dethrone Carson; automobile dealer Dickerson takes grass-roots approach.
February 6, 2006... Eric Dickerson held his hands out, palms facing each other, as if playing an accordion. He moved them closer to illustrate the narrowing margin of victory by which 7th District congresswoman Julia Carson has won re-election since 2000. A...

Boston Scientific's offer not as sweet as it seems.(Boston Scientific Corp. acquired Guidant Corp. )
February 6, 2006... Now that Guidant Corp. has agreed to be acquired by Boston Scientific Corp. for $27 billion, or $80 a share, investors in the Indianapolis company can rest easy, right? Not really, a close reading of the medical-device companies' merger...

Compensation takes stage in state leasing contracts; Meridian Asset, Resource to cap fees on state leases.
February 6, 2006... New contracts between the state of Indiana and two local commercial real estate brokerages signal the beginning of an overhaul of how the state handles its real estate. Resource Commercial Real Estate and Meridian Asset Development will,...

Home construction spreads growing pains into country; Shelbyville, county struggle with housing growth plan.
February 6, 2006... With a 40-percent jump in home-building permits last year, Shelby County finds itself enduring a growth spurt any pimply teen-ager would understand. Developers grabbed 286 permits to construct single-family residential units in 2005, up...

WNDY, WTTV face format changes in the fall; Lin TV forced to fill programming void.
February 6, 2006... National television executives' surprise decision to scrap two established networks and form a new one in their place caught local affiliates off-guard and sent WNDY-TV Channel 23 looking for content to fill its airwaves this fall. "I...

Sarbanes-Oxley spreads beyond public companies; hospitals, other not-for-profits consider tightening rules.
February 6, 2006... Few topics might kill a cocktail conversation faster than the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, unless the dinner party includes hospital administrators, university presidents or other not-for-profit leaders. A desire to boost credibility--coupled with...

Toll road lease a logical move; funding much-need projects today can build Indiana's logistics future.(Editorial)
February 6, 2006... In a state known as the Crossroads of America, having a first-rate highway system is a no-brainer. That's why Gov. Mitch Daniels' proposal to lease the Indiana Toll Road to Spanish-Australian partnership Cintra-Macquarie for $3.9 billion...

The case of the missing passport.(Diary entry)
February 6, 2006... Prologue Friday, 7:30 a.m.: I arrive at Indianapolis International Airport for a 9:01 a.m. flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where I'll be attending a conference, and realize I have left my passport at home. I ask myself, "How could I be...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
February 6, 2006... Steven Cecil, the new vice president of administration for the Indiana High Speed Rail Association, is a former deputy commissioner for the Indiana Department of Transportation. The word "former" was omitted from last week's Harton column.

Who says Indiana isn't progressive?(Metropolitan Indianapolis Coalition for Construction Safety contract)
February 6, 2006... You probably don't know Gary Price and never even heard of him, but he is at the center of important changes in the construction industry. Don't get me wrong; Price is not doing this by himself. He is part of a remarkably progressive set of...

Indy Works, part deux (the sequel).
February 6, 2006... As someone who enjoys a good film, I always worry when Hollywood tries to produce a sequel. The producers figure they raked in millions on an idea, so they run it again and again until it's run into the ground. Mayor Bart Peterson is...

Cheerleaders graphic fell flat.(Letter to the Editor)
February 6, 2006... With your [Jan. 30] cover depicting Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh as frail little cheerleaders you have crossed the line of absurdity and moved into the category of insult and disrespect. I don't have a problem with caricatures of people but...

Major Moves displays short-session political mastery.
February 6, 2006... A combination of arm-twisting, dealmaking and the sheer brute force of the Office of the Governor came together the last week of January in a way Hoosiers seldom see. All the pressure was enough to keep Republican House members in line at just...

Pacers illustration was on the money.(Letter to the Editor)
February 6, 2006... I just read your Pacers article. Loved the illustration of Larry [Bird] and Donnie [Walsh] in cheerleading outfits, that's a classic, props to whoever came up with that. From a business perspective you're right on. The team has major...

Let's talk mobility, not just roads.(Letter to the Editor)
February 6, 2006... I just would like to send a note regarding [Tom Harton's Jan 30. column] on "Major Moves". Thank you for bringing up the real issue, which is mobility, not just roads. Please continue to take up this position as we as a state could benefit from...

Benner's appeal extends beyond fans.(Letter to the Editor)
February 6, 2006... I'm not a huge sports fan. I couldn't name more than three or four Colts or five or six Pacers. I read and enjoy [Bill Benner's] column every week. This week's was so good that I'm writing my first-ever letter to a paper. Thanks for...

Column prompts new view of church-state.(Letter to the Editor)
February 6, 2006... I always enjoy [Bruce Hetrick's] column, and the one [Jan. 16] on your visit to England had an additional effect--I started to think and to revise a long-held understanding. You wrote of your visit to St. Paul's Cathedral in London (one of...

Indians' profits down, dividends up.(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... For the second year in a row, Indianapolis Indians stockholders' dividend increased. Indians stockholders were paid $250 per share, up 25 percent from last year. The dividend increase came despite a decrease in profitability for the AAA...

IVCI event to kick off Conrad.(Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection )
February 6, 2006... One of the first chances for curious locals to grab a peek at the Conrad Indianapolis will come April 7, when the five-star hotel will host a black-tie benefit for the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. The 243-room hotel...

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has tapped a CPA from the health insurance.(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has tapped a CPA from the health insurance industry to serve as its vice president of finance and strategic planning. Jane Shiner began work at the city's largest performing arts organization on Jan. 10. She...

Countrymark Co-op gets $50 million line of credit.(ENVIRONMENT)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Indianapolis-based Countrymark Cooperative LLP, the state's largest supplier of biodiesel fuel, has secured a $50 million line of credit through Chicago-based LaSalle Bank NA. "The credit facility supports all of our borrowing needs for...

Smoke Free education push gets rolling with forums.(HEALTH CARE)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... The Marion County Health Department wants to help local businesses kick the habit before the March 1 start of a new law that bans smoking in most public places. Health officials have scheduled public forums this month to discuss the law...

WellPoint subsidiary wins Medicare contract.(AdminaStar Federal Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... AdminaStar Federal announced late last month that it won a competitive bid to preserve a portion of its Medicare business that employs about 250 people, mostly in Indianapolis. The subsidiary of Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc. won a...

Ball State University this summer will become one of five schools around the country.(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Ball State University this summer will become one of five schools around the country to offer insurance-education programs for high school teachers through the Indianapolis-based Insurance Education Institute. Other schools offering the...

Crown Hill plans include lakes, range of residential.(Brenwick Development Co.)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... An area of high-end homes on wooded lots encircling a lake would be the centerpiece of a development proposed by Carmel-based Brenwick Development Co. for 76 acres on the north end of Crown Hill Cemetery. Preliminary plans from the...

Borders Books and Music.(Frank McKinney's new book 'Frank McKinney's Maverick Approach to Real Estate Success: How You Can Go From a $50,000 Fixer-Upper to a $100 Million Mansion')(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Hoosier-turned-long-haired-real-estate-tycoon Frank McKinney is including his hometown on a 20-city tour to promote his latest book, "Frank McKinney's Maverick Approach to Real Estate Success: How You Can Go From a $50,000 Fixer-Upper to a $100...

Coming downtown soon: Wild Beaver Saloon.(RETAIL)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Local restaurateur Ric Payne wants to become a regional restaurateur. He and his brother, Kerry Payne, own four McGilvery's pub and eateries in the Indianapolis area. Shortly before the Final Four hits town, they'll open the Wild Beaver...

Revol.(company's stores)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... If Jean-Michel Basquiat were alive and needed a cell phone, he'd undoubtedly scoop up a handset at Revol. The company's stores blast hip-hop and have graffiti by local artists on the walls. "We're non-violent revolutionaries against...

House bill would benefit small businesses.(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Jason Shelley's phone may ring a few less rimes if House Bill 1142 makes it through the General Assembly. The bill would exempt businesses with fewer than 20 employees from an assessment that funds training for Hoosier workers. Shelley...

Katz Sapper & Miller.(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Katz Sapper & Miller has promoted the following directors: Rick Cuculick, construction services group; JaDee Curtis, human resources; Bernadatta Fleteher, employee benefit plan group; Ron Smith, manufacturing services group; and * Erica Woolf,...

Clifton Gunderson LLP.(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Cliftan Gunderson LLP has promoted the following: Tabitha Gommel, manager, team healthcare group; Josh Irvin and Michael Horoho, senior associates, assurance; E.J. Tolentino, senior manager, audit and assurance group. Mary Ellen Straughn has...

L.M. Henderson & Co.(ACCOUNTING)
February 6, 2006... Vicki Prather has joined the tax department at L.M. Henderson & Co.

Publicis and Optimedia.(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Publicis and Optimedia have added the following: * Anne Coyner, print production and studio manager; * Erika Bryant and * Dana Diak, assistant communications planners/buyers; * Joshua Ryan Hall, public relations account supervisor; * Sarah...

Burkhart Cain Associates.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 6, 2006... Burkhart Cain Associates has named * Cecile Armstrong office manager. * Erin Bringle has joined as graphic designer, and * Trisha Wright has been promoted to media director.

Floyd and Stanich Advertising.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 6, 2006... * John Kelly has been named vice president/development at Floyd anal Stanich Advertising.

Kron & Associates Advertising Inc.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 6, 2006... Danelle Nagel has joined the publicity and marketing staff at Kron & Associates Advertising Inc.

Seventwenty Group Advertising & Design.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 6, 2006... * Catherine Faucett has joined Seventwenty Group Advertising & Design as an account executive.

EchoPoint Media.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 6, 2006... EchoPoint Media has promoted the following to media supervisors: * Dayne Poling and * Shannon Qu

Pearson McMahon Fletcher England.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 6, 2006... * Brooke Bohall has joined Pearson McMahon Fletcher England as media coordinator, and * Amy Mitchell has joined as media planner/buyer.

Sease Gerig & Associates.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 6, 2006... Marsh has been named vice president of Sease Gerig & Associates.

Willow Marketing.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 6, 2006... * Warren White has joined Willow Marketing as chief operating officer.

Surveyors Engineers Architects Group.(ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN/ENGINEERING)
February 6, 2006... Brendan Montgomery has joined Surveyors Engineers Architects Group as project manager.

Applied Engineering Services Inc.(ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN/ENGINEERING)
February 6, 2006... Robert Houssian has joined Applied Engineering Services Inc. as a project engineer.

Rowland Design.(ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN/ENGINEERING)
February 6, 2006... * Rod Werner and * Keith Clark have joined Rowland Design as architects.

Republic Bank.(BANKING)
February 6, 2006... Peter Rekis has joined Republic Bank as vice president, SBA business development officer, Indianapolis.

Huntington Bank.(BANKING)
February 6, 2006... Huntington Bank has added banking office managers: * Garrett Doan, Capital Center office, and * Emmanuel Merchiers, Willow Lake office.

An ethical education: colleges emphasize ethics courses to prevent future business scandals.(Focus: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT)
February 6, 2006... Sarbanes-Oxley and other laws to curb corporate corruption ultimately fall short and aren't substitutes for fundamental ethics in the workplace, say academics revisiting the issue of corporate responsibility. "People think we need a lot...

School cultivates agricultural career goals; Lebanon system plans $10 million center that will look beyond 'cows and sows' to applications in life sciences.(Focus: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT)
February 6, 2006... Lebanon Community School Corp. officials are proposing a $10 million agro-sciences research center that would provide advanced learning opportunities for agriculture students who could work alongside life sciences researchers. The facility...

Herron seeking applications for charter school.(Herron High School)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Herron High School, which will open in August, is accepting applications for ninth graders through Feb. 15. The charter school, which will be housed in the former Herron School of Art at 17th and Pennsylvania streets, is a college...

Behind the bleak headlines is a robust U.S. economy.
February 6, 2006... Reading recent headlines would make you think the good ol' U.S. of A. is going to Hades in a hand basket. I'm not sure of the origin of that phrase, or really what it means, but it seems to fit. Recent headlines: * Ford to close...

Don't just suffer stock-market losses; learn from them.
February 6, 2006... If you recently got hammered with big losses in Google, Yahoo or Intel, here are a few pointers to help you avoid making the same mistakes again. Every trader and investor experiences losses, but the great ones learn from their mistakes and...

Latest reports on economy suggest challenges ahead.
February 6, 2006... You can tell that economists as a group don't have a marketing bone in their bodies. How else can you explain the incomprehensible name we've given the measure of economic activity we watch more closely than any other? Gross domestic product....

Horizon Bancorp Indiana.(PROXY CORNER)
February 6, 2006... Horizon Bancorp Indiana, 515 Franklin Square, Michigan City, Ind., 46360 (www.accesshorizon.com) is the holding company for Horizon Bank and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The bank and subsidiaries engage in commercial and retail banking,...

We may be facing scary shortage in technology workers.
February 6, 2006... Are we facing yet another projected shortage in high-tech workers? The numbers of computer personnel are predicted to decline steadily over the next few years, largely due to the drop in computer program enrollments at just about every college...

ATA reorganization plan gets judge's blessing.(ATA Holdings Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... ATA Holdings Corp.'s 15-month odyssey in bankruptcy court is nearing an end. Federal bankruptcy Judge Basil Lorch on court Jan. 31 entered an order confirming ATA's reorganization plan. Under the plan, ATA will receive a $95 million investment...

Aearo acquired by British firm; IPO plans scrapped.(IBJ daily)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Indianapolis-based Aearo Technologios Inc., which makes safety equipment, has agreed to be acquired by a London private-equity firm for $765 million. Permita, which has offices in Europe, Asia and New York, will buy Aearo from another...

Community Hospital to build $7m cancer center.(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Community Hospital East plans to build a $7 million cancer center on the grounds of the hospital at 16th Street and Ritter Avenue. The 12,000-square-foot facility will include four exam rooms, a high-dose radiation room and a treatment room....

Standard Management wants to raise $40m.(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Undeterred by a string of quarterly losses, Indianapolis-based Standard Management Corp. announced Jan. 30 that it intends to raise $40 million. Standard said the money "would allow the company to continue and accelerate cur rent and future...

Irwin Mortgage CEO to get $944,000 to stay through sale.(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Robert Griffith, CEO of Irwin Mortgage Corp., will receive $944,000 in payments plus other perks in exchange for staying until Sept. 30, or through the sale of the company, whichever comes first, an SEC filing says. Columbus, Ind.-based Irwin...

Internet directory.(Directory)
February 6, 2006... BUSINESS OWNERS & PRESIDENTS * CEO PARTNERS Dave Clegg 317-450-0262 www.ceopartners.net E-mail: dcc@ceopartners.net CEO Partners combines a business owner peer group experience with effective one-on-one coaching. Member Qualifications: ...

Largest Indianapolis-area retail florists: (ranked by number of local FTE floral designers).(Illustration)
February 6, 2006... Largest Indianapolis-Area Retail Florists (Ranked by number of local FTE floral designers) FLORIST LOCAL FTE: ACTIVE DELIVERY POOL RANK ADDRESS DESIGNERS/ ACCOUNTS MEMBERSHIP 2005...

Announcements.
February 6, 2006... Designed for Life, comprised of artists who produce decorative anal faux painting techniques, plasters, architectural detailing and furniture refinishing and restoration, has been renamed Art & Texture. Contact the Finish Studio at WestClay at...

Calendar.
February 6, 2006... Business-related calendar items should be submitted two weeks before event date. Contact bmaurer@ibj.com. Feb. 6, 7-8:30 a.m.: Business & Professional Exchange, Career Networking, North chapter, St. Luke's United Methodist Church,...

Conventions.(RECORDS)
February 6, 2006... Feb. 8-Feb. 10, Hoosler Association of Science Teachers, Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome. Estimated attendance: 2,000

Sycamore School.(FUND RAISING)
February 6, 2006... Sycamore School to benefit from 15th Annual Auction for Advancement, Jazz on 64th on Feb. 11 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets: $75. Attire: dressy casual.

Hurricane Katrina musicians.(FUND RAISING)
February 6, 2006... Hurricane Katrina musicians to benefit from Party Gras on Feb. 12 at the Ritz Charles from 4-7 p.m.Tickets: $100 per person. Instruments are also being collected for the American Federation of Musicians who lost theirs in the hurricane. Contact...

Dress for Success Indianapolis.(FUND RAISING)
February 6, 2006... Dress for Success Indianapolis to benefit from Monopoly at the Marott on Feb. 16 from 5-9 p.m. Cost: $75. Contact Esther Carter 269-1303 or 581-6155 or indycrew.org.

Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center Inc.(Public Notice)
February 6, 2006... Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center Inc. to 8402 Harcourt Road, Suite 500, 46260 J.C. Hart to 805 City Center Drive, Suite 120, Carmel 46032. Phone 573-4800, fax 573-4808, horoeisjchart.com.

St. Vincent Foundation.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
February 6, 2006... * Debbie Wietfeldt has joined the St. Vincent Foundation.

Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
February 6, 2006... * Jay Moseley, Franklin College, has been named to the board of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting.

Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
February 6, 2006... The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention has added the following: * Betty Spraggins, community liaison to faith and neighborhood-based organizations; and * Toyia Martin, administrative specialist.

Christ Church Cathedral.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
February 6, 2006... * The Very Rev. Gary Geldacker has been named interim dean and rector at Christ Church Cathedral. * Corie Farnsley has been named communications director.

United Way of Central Indiana.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
February 6, 2006... * Christine Raymond has been named strategic marketing and communications director for United Way of Central Indiana.

Momentive Consumer Credit Counseling Service.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
February 6, 2006... * Linda Carmody, Better Business Bureau of Central Indiana, has been named chairwoman of the board of Momentive Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

YWCA of Indianapolis.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)(appointments of Lora McCormick, Glendal Jonos and Susan Elllis)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... YWCA of Indianapolis has named the following officers: Lora McCormick, Veolia Water Indianapolis, president; Glendal Jonos, Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, vice president; Susan Elllis, The Nonprofit Team, treasurer; and...

Ambassadors for Children.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
February 6, 2006... Julie Walker has been named executive director for Ambassadors for Children, and Gary Huston has been named director of operations.

Nationalities Council of Indiana Inc.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)(appointments of Ahmet Fer, Allen Cem Galloway and Marlon Alfonso)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... The Nationalities Council of Indiana Inc. has named the following officers: Ahmet Fer, American Turkish Association of Indianapolis, president; Allen Cem Galloway, American Turkish Association of Indianapolis, first vice-president and...

Butler University.(EDUCATION)(appointments of James Baumgardt, Keith Burks and Albert Chen)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... Butler University has named the following members of the advisory panel for the Butler Business Accelerator, funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc.: James Baumgardt, Guidant Foundation; Keith Burks, Bindley Capital Partners LLC and Concentrics...

Goelzer Investment Management.(FINANCE)
February 6, 2006... * Paul A. DeBruicker has joined Goelzer Investment Management as an associate.

UnitedHealthcare of Indiana.(HEALTH CARE)
February 6, 2006... * Daniel Krajnovich has been named CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Indiana, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group.