Indianapolis Business Journal articles from February 2008

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from February 2008

Can green be green? Development firm with environmental bent has $20m pipeline of projects, predicts big payoff.(Casa Verde LLC)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Expensive suits and luxury cars are standard issue for most developers, but not for the owners of locally based Casa Verde LLC. Three of four owners sport beards. They wear sweaters and jeans. They drive a Toyota...

Banks jostling for edge: financial crisis offers opening for market-share reshuffling.(Company overview)
February 4, 2008... Market observers rank today's credit crisis on par with some of the ugliest moments in U.S. banking history. News service Bloomberg predicted fourth-quarter lending losses could make it "the worst earnings period for the financial industry...

BioCrossroads: it can happen here: report sees biotech jackpot, but expert sees obstacles.
February 4, 2008... The devil's always in the details. That's why three months after launching an initiative to boost drug-development firms in Indiana, Officials at BioCrossroads have written a report that attempts to show in detail the vast market...

Outlook good for new grads: retiring baby boomers create openings aplenty.
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Michelle Scheidt won't graduate from Purdue University until May, but she already has lined up a job as a regulatory affairs engineer with GE Healthcare in Milwaukee. The 22-year-old's starting salary will be...

Speedway getting boost from Joost: clips from IMS Productions widely viewed on Web network.
February 4, 2008... Shows provided by IMS Productions, the video production arm of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, are among the top draws for Joost, a high-profile Internet provider of television content launched last October. In December, IMS Productions had...

Zyprexa called on for more: Lilly expecting FDA approval of long-acting version of drug.(Eli Lilly and Co.)(Food and Drug Administration)
February 4, 2008... Eli Lilly and Co. hopes to extend the life of its best-seller Zyprexa with a potentially lucrative, long-acting form of the antipsychotic drug. But first, the Indianapolis-based drugmaker must win over a panel of medical experts convened...

Smulyan latest exec to see vast paper profits evaporate.(BEHIND THE NEWS)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Back in late 1999, Emmis Communications Corp. CEO Jeff Smulyan was sitting on company stock worth more than $300 million. Today, he's still sitting on the stock, but it's worth a mere $14 million. Ouch. But...

Throttling up for big job cuts at Rolls-Royce? Local impact of international job reductions isn't clear.(Rolls-Royce PLC)
February 4, 2008... The more than 4,000 employees at the region's second-largest manufacturer are waiting to learn whether some will lose their jobs. Rolls-Royce Group PLC plans to cut up to 2,300 U.S. and European positions: The British aerospace company on...

Brightpoint aims to stay ahead of wireless pack: phone distributor looks to focus on add-on devices.(Brightpoint Inc.)(Company overview)
February 4, 2008... If Brightpoint Inc. wants to keep its place at the top of the cell phone distribution business, its leaders know they can't expect to rest on their laurels. That's why the Plainfield-based company hired mobile industry veteran Bashar...

Pedestrian bridge to state park still in the works: White River venues think hotel complex will be a boost.(REI Real Estate Services)
February 4, 2008... Developers of the $425 million hotel complex downtown still are working out plans for a pedestrian bridge spanning Washington Street that will connect it to White River State Park. Merrillville-based White Lodging Co. and Indianapolis-based...

Local Girl Scouts take lead in national consolidation: larger councils to mean more opportunities for girls.
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last year's merger of five area Girl Scout councils into one central Indiana organization has gone so well that it's being used as a model for others to follow. Local staffers are being flown around the country--at...

Pacers' troubles bad for city, too: taxpayers shouldn't bail team out.(Editorial)
February 4, 2008... Four months ago, before the start of the NBA season, we urged fans and the corporate community to continue their support of the Indiana Pacers despite a string of off-the-court problems and on-the-court mediocrity. It was a difficult request...

[Cartoon].(EDITORIAL)(Cartoon)
February 4, 2008... FINANCIAL STOCKS FLUCTUATED WILDLY TODAY ON RUMORS FUND MANAGERS WERE USING PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Isn't a criminal record relevant?(Commentary)(Viewpoint essay)
February 4, 2008... In the end, we gave the defendant the benefit of the doubt and opted for leniency... I have a bit of a problem with the court system, and maybe one of you out there can help me with this. I wrote a column in December about my...

Correction.(EDITORIAL)(Correction notice)
February 4, 2008... The credit for the photo of Rico Elmore on page 3 last week was incorrect. The photo was provided by Fatheadz.

Subprime mortgages meet subprime plans.(EYE ON THE PIE)
February 4, 2008... I'm a clipper. I clip articles from newspapers, newsletters, magazines and Web sites. For example, back on March 12, 2007, I clipped an article in which the U.S. Treasury's undersecretary for domestic finance said, "We monitor the markets all...

Cookie-cutter schools: a fatally flawed idea.(VIEWPOINT)
February 4, 2008... What would happen if Congress passed a law requiring every U.S. statehouse to use the exact same building design? And that every city hall, every fire station and library must be built from a canned design? Imagine being told that, from now on,...

Column on uncle struck a chord.(Letter to the editor)
February 4, 2008... Very good column, Mr. [Mickey] Maurer [in the Jan. 28 issue]! It's columns like this that reveal the real person inside the columnist. Your mention of working at the junk yard as a youth brought memories rushing back of my youthful days at...

Dungy deserves Benner's praise.(Letter to the editor)
February 4, 2008... Thanks for [Bill Benner's Jan. 21 column] on Tony Dungy. It is a great perspective in how Tony makes decisions] Very accurate, I say. Isn't it interesting that in the same issue is the article regarding the Pacers and that they are...

Tax reform nudges state toward a la carte government.(STATEHOUSE DISPATCH)
February 4, 2008... Most observers have viewed the 2008 legislative session as one almost single-mindedly devoted to property tax reform. While, of course, that is true, if you step back, a broader truism begins to emerge. This is not only a session destined...

State's 'predatory' taxes must end.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
February 4, 2008... [Economic columnist Mike] Hicks' violin-playing for legislators [in the Jan. 21 issue] is a joke. There is no question that being a legislator is a taxing chore (pun intended) in this year's debate. But who really feels sorry for them? They ran...

Lake County is ripe for mass transit.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
February 4, 2008... When Gov. [Mitch] Daniels signed the legislation that created the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, it was to facilitate development of large projects--the scale of which impact us across city and county lines. The Regional...

Rosentraub spotlights Indy's sports success.(ON THE BEAT)(Mark Rosentraub writes sports books)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Author and former IUPUI dean Mark Rosentraub is writing another book. This one, titled "Major League Winners," focuses on the five U.S. cities he thinks have most successfully used sports as an economic development tool. Those cities...

Enrollment exceeds goal at Brown Mackie College.(EDUCATION)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... The city's latest for-profit post-secondary school opened last month with an enrollment of approximately 100 students. Brown Mackie College, which is housed in 25,000 square feet in the former Lexington building at 1200 N. Meridian St., had...

Clarian kicks off $25M fund with soiree for docs, investors.(HEALTH CARE)(Clarian Health Partners partners with venture capital companies)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Who wouldn't like a piece of $25 million? Clarian Health drew 300 doctors, investors and life sciences professionals to an evening reception Jan. 29 at the Conrad Indianapolis hotel. The event formally Evans kicked off Clarian Health Ventures,...

Diversity fair scheduled.(MINORITY BUSINESS)
February 4, 2008... The Indiana Business Diversity Council will host its annual Indiana Business Opportunity Fair April 15-16 at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome. The two-day event provides a networking opportunity for minority business owners...

Construction union sells downtown headquarters.(REAL ESTATE)(United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America sold property to Meyer and Wallis Inc.)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 60 has sold its 9,400-square-foot headquarters at 531 E. Market St. to Milwaukee-based advertising agency Meyer & Wallis. The union plans to move...

MainGate, famous golfer team to open online pro shop.(SPORTS)(MainGate Inc. signs deal with Nicklaus Cos. LLC)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... MainGate Inc., an Indianapolis-based event, retail and merchandising company, is putting Jack Nicklaus online. The firm recently signed a deal with Nicklaus Cos. LLC, the Florida-based organization founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and owned...

Tourism account up for grabs.(TOURISM)
February 4, 2008... The Indiana Office of Tourism Development plans to put out a call for bids Feb. 4 for its advertising services. Many of the big local firms turned out for a Jan. 25 information meeting about the $2.5-million-a-year contract. Though the...

Magazine lauds Republic for rapid growth, safety.(TRANSPORTATION)
February 4, 2008... Air Transport World has bestowed Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings with its Regional Airline of the Year award, calling the company "one of the few success stories among U.S. airlines in the first decade of the 21st Century." ...

BKD LLP.(ACCOUNTING)(Marc D. Caskey and Karla E. Fesmire appointed as staff accountants in tax)(Beau D. Detcher appointed as staff accountant in audit)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... BKD LLP, Indianapolis office, has added the following: Marc D. Caskey and Karla E. Fesmire, staff accountants, tax; Beau D. Detcher, staff accountant, audit; Renee M. Esslinger, supervising consultant, health care services; Emily J. Foreman,...

Clifton Gunderson.(ACCOUNTING)
February 4, 2008... Timothy M. Ross has been named to the firm-wide position of partner, large and mid-size business tax services niche leader, at Clifton Gunderson.

BGBC Partners LLP.(ACCOUNTING)(Sam Pollom, Nina Mehrbod and Bryon Smith appointed as staff accountants)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] BGBC Partners LLP has added the following: *Sam Pollom, senior staff; and *Nina Mehrbod, *Byron Smith and *Josephine Towns, staff accountants, tax, accounting and business advisory services department; *Sam Adams...

Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)(Chris Gahl appointed as senior manager of media relations)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... *Chris Gahl has been promoted to senior manager of media relations at the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association. *Nathan Smurdon has beenpromoted to senior sales manager. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

A Beautiful Question.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 4, 2008... Ian Donahue has been named a project manager at A Beautiful Question.

Jennifer Mahoney and Valarie Wallace have joined Borshoff.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
February 4, 2008... Jennifer Mahoney and Valarie Wallace have joined Borshoff as account managers.

BSA LifeStructures.(ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN/ENGINEERING)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] BSA LifeStructures has added the following: *Patrick Timpe, project manager; *Andre' Raper, computer-aided design and drafting technician; and *Tracey Nawrocki, commissioning specialist.

Kim Garringer has joined Carson Design Associate.(ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN/ENGINEERING)
February 4, 2008... Kim Garringer has joined Carson Design Associate as an administrative assistant.

Heartland Community Bank.(BANKING)(Amber Pittman and Jennifer Giddens promoted)(Cindy Weddle appointed)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Heartland Community Bank has promoted the following: *Amber Pittman, assistant vice president and branch manager, Greenwood West office, and *Jennifer Giddens, assistant vice president and branch manager, East Main...

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)(Marci Corbin appointed as care services manager)(Kate Kester appointed as development and public relations manager)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has added the following: Coffman, director, chapter programs; Marci Corbin, care services manager; and Kate Kester, development and public relations manager.

Child Advocates.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)(Unda Pryor Claflin appointed as president)(Mike Moon appointed as Vice President)(Paula Strahle appointed as treasurer)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Child Advocates has elected the following officers: *Unda Pryor Claflin, president; *Mike Moon, Barnes & Thomburg, vice president; *Paula Strahle, Deloitte & Touche, treasurer; and *Tina Richards, Baker & Daniels,...

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
February 4, 2008... *Becky Buse has been named the director of advocacy for Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Madison County Corporation for Economic Development.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] *Rob Sparks has been named the executive director for the Madison County Corporation for Economic Development.

Brain Injury Association of Indiana.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)(appointment of Rebecca D. Eberle, Lance E. Trexler, Amy Flint)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... The Brain Injury Association of Indiana has elected the following officers: Rebecca D. Eberle, Indiana University, chairwoman; Lance E. Trexler, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, vice chairman; Amy Flint, St. Vincent New Hope, secretary and...

Jesse Kharbanda has joined the Hoosier Environmental Council.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
February 4, 2008... Jesse Kharbanda has joined the Hoosier Environmental Council as executive director.

Stenz Construction.(CONSTRUCTION)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Stenz Construction has added the following: *Don Powell, superintendent; and *Beth Jamison, administrative assistant; *Charlie Barker, maintenance technician; and *Jeanette Hignight, garage attendant.

Guerin Catholic High School.(EDUCATION)
February 4, 2008... *Gordon Smith has been named the director of development at Guerin Catholic High School. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Union Institute and University.(EDUCATION)
February 4, 2008... *Larry Spears has been named to the board of trustees for the Union Institute and University. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Butler Business Accelerator.(EDUCATION)
February 4, 2008... The Butler Business Accelerator has promoted the following: *Chris Harlow, associate director, and *Melissa Beckwith, project manager-in-training. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs.(EDUCATION)
February 4, 2008... John Clark has been named to serve as chairman of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs board of visitors.

Ivy Tech Community College.(EDUCATION)
February 4, 2008... *Rebecca Nickoli has been named vice president of workforce and economic development at Ivy Tech Community College. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System.(EDUCATION)
February 4, 2008... Dennis A. Trinkle has been named executive director of the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System.

Tx:Team Inc.(HEALTH CARE)
February 4, 2008... Kyle Netter has been promoted to vice president of Hospital Operations at Tx:Team Inc.

Gary W. Hinkle has joined Encore Health Network.(HEALTH CARE)
February 4, 2008... *Gary W. Hinkle has joined Encore Health Network as director, marketing and provider relations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital.(HEALTH CARE)
February 4, 2008... *Theresa Anderson has been named site administrator/chief nursing officer for St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Dr. William A. Kcomt has joined the medical staff.(HEALTH CARE)
February 4, 2008... Dr. William A. Kcomt has joined the medical staff at the Rheumatology Center, Family Medical Pavilion, St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville.

Amy Hartman has joined Conrad Indianapolis as the director of human resources.(HOTEL/MOTEL)(Andrea Simonton and Tim Miller appointed as catering sales manager and assistant sales director )(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] *Amy Hartman has joined Conrad Indianapolis as the director of human resources. *Andrea Simonton has joined as the catering sales manager, and *Tim Miller has been named the assistant director of sales.

Jonathan Paul has joined Farmers Insurance Group.(INSURANCE)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] *Jonathan Paul has joined Farmers Insurance Group as the division-marketing manager for the state of Indiana.

Gregory & Appel Insurance.(INSURANCE)(Joe Brown, Sheri Williamson and Angle McKinley appointed)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Gregory & Appel Insurance has added the following: *Joe Brown, producer, commercial sales; *Sheri Williamson, commercial service department; *Angle McKinley, administration, benefits department; and *Rochelle...

Ice Miller LLP.(LAW)(Jennifer Brown, Michael Buker and Marilee Springer are appointed)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Ice Miller LLP has named the following as partners: *Jennifer Brown, labor and employment practice group; *Michael Buker and *Marilee Springer, tax practice group; and *Brian Crist, real estate practice group.

Christine M. Riesner has joined Stewart & Irwin PC as an associate attorney.(LAW)
February 4, 2008... *Christine M. Riesner has joined Stewart & Irwin PC as an associate attorney. *Jeffrey B. Halbert has been named partner. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Ogietree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC.(LAW)
February 4, 2008... Matthew S. Effland has been elected shareholder in Ogietree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC.

Bryan D. Conn has joined Baker & Daniels LLP.(LAW)
February 4, 2008... *Bryan D. Conn has joined Baker & Daniels LLP as a land use consultant in the real estate and land use practice group. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Hollingsworth Jocham & Zivitz PC.(LAW)
February 4, 2008... *Holly J. Wanzer has joined Hollingsworth Jocham & Zivitz PC. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

ETS Tan.(MANUFACTURING)
February 4, 2008... *Terry Howe has been named senior ETS Tan. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Andrew McQueenie has joined Sign Craft Industries.(MANUFACTURING)
February 4, 2008... *Andrew McQueenie has joined Sign Craft Industries in the business development department, and Phil Sheingold has joined as the vice president/general manager. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Klipsch Group Inc.(MANUFACTURING)(Mark Casavant promoted to vice president)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... Mark Casavant has been promoted to vice president of product development for Klipsch[R] and Jamo[R] brand architectural loudspeakers and vice president of product development for Mirage[R] and Energy[R] brands at Klipsch Group Inc.

WFYI Public Broadcasting.(MEDIA)(Joni Michels, Kirsten Cuniffe and Emily Wiesel appointed)(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... WFYI Public Broadcasting has added the following: Joni Michels, manager of on-air development; Kirsten Cuniffe, donor and sponsorship relations associate; Emily Wiesel, membership marketing coordinator; Alex Johnson, television producer,...

Marion County Bar Association.(PROFESSIONAL/TRADE)
February 4, 2008... *Ryan K. Gardner, Lewis Wagner LLP, has been named president of the Marion Association. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Network of Women in Business.(PROFESSIONAL/TRADE)
February 4, 2008... *Patricia Matly, Tricia Marie's Image Consulting, has been named secretary of the board for the Network of Women in Business. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Alana Weaver has joined Re/Max Legends.(REAL ESTATE)
February 4, 2008... *Alana Weaver has joined Re/Max Legends as a sales associate. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Robyn Andre has joined Birdview Technologies.(REAL ESTATE)
February 4, 2008... *Robyn Andre has joined Birdview Technologies as a local broker consultant. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Simon Property Group.(REAL ESTATE)
February 4, 2008... Gianna M. Scappucci has been promoted to leasing associate, mall leasing division, at Simon Property Group.

Marsh Supermarkets.(RETAIL)
February 4, 2008... *Mark Kitchen has been promoted to director of benefits and compensation at Marsh Supermarkets. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Kingsley Rose LLC.(SERVICES)
February 4, 2008... Kingsley Rose LLC has added the following: Susan Grafton, director of client services; Daniel Friedman, director of sales & marketing; and Andy Tschida, recruiting manager.

Rich Grant has joined General Alarm Inc.(SERVICES)
February 4, 2008... *Rich Grant has joined General Alarm Inc. as sales and marketing coordinator. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Midwest ISO.(UTILITIES)
February 4, 2008... *John R. Bear has been promoted to president and chief operating officer at Midwest ISO. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Katie Engle has joined Indiana Municipal Power Agency.(UTILITIES)
February 4, 2008... *Katie Engle has joined Indiana Municipal Power Agency as communications specialist. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Veolla Water Indianapolis.(UTILITIES)
February 4, 2008... Larry Hensley has been named vice president of capital program management at Veolla Water Indianapolis.

New use may boost Lilly drug: Cymbalta could be next treatment for controversial illness fibromyalgia.(Focus: HEALTH CARE/CORPORATE WELLNESS QUARTERLY)
February 4, 2008... It could be another Prozac moment. Eli Lilly and Co. is pitching its next star antidepressant drug, Cymbalta, for approval to treat the poorly understood pain of fibromyalgia. Regulators OK'd a drug specifically for fibromyalgia for...

Highway to health: trucking firm Celadon drives down costs with innovative wellness plan.(Focus: HEALTH CARE/CORPORATE WELLNESS QUARTERLY)
February 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Truck drivers are accustomed to logging lots of miles on their 18-wheelers, but on their sneakers? They are at locally based Celadon Group, thanks to its "Highway 2 Health" wellness program the trucking firm...

Technology park could boost area's biomedical efforts: first phase of Purdue project,buildi featuring accelerator ng for up to 25 startups, should be finished this year.(Focus: HEALTH CARE/CORPORATE WELLNESS QUARTERLY)
February 4, 2008... Construction on the first phase-of Purdue University's technology park near Indianapolis International Airport's new midfield terminal is set to begin in the spring and finish by year's end. The park is expected to be a major amenity for...

Largest Indianapolis-area health and fitness clubs.(FOCUS: HEALTH CARE/CORPORATE WELL QUARTERLY)(Company rankings)
February 4, 2008... Largest Indianapolis-Area Health and Fitness Clubs (Ranked by number of local active members) LOCAL ACTIVE FEES AND CLUB MEMBERS DUES (1):...

More businesses can benefit from a doctor in the house.(VOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY)
February 4, 2008... Fifty years ago, a sick or injured worker in a manufacturing plant did not have to leave work to get care--the worker simply went to the plant clinic and saw the company doctor. Today, the idea of the company clinic is making a come back, but...