Indianapolis Business Journal articles from January 2006

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from January 2006

What's up his sleeve? New park director plans ice skating, street performers.
January 2, 2006... He can do card tricks with the verve of a Brooklyn street hustler. He knows how to levitate. And for his biggest trick yet, he wants to transform White River State Park. It's no short con. It doesn't involve sleight of hand. Meet Bob...

New ATA shares harder to land: public offering not expected as airline exits bankruptcy.
January 2, 2006... You probably wouldn't want to buy shares of the first discount airline in recent years to file bankruptcy reorganization--not unless you're a short-seller or a relative of Norman Vincent Peale. Not in this airline climate. But even they...

Startup fills growing drug-trial niche: Indianapolis-based Anaclim focuses on recruiting minority patients.
January 2, 2006... A new Indianapolis company plans to attack the chronic shortage of minority patients in drug trials armed only with 11 employees and the wisdom of a couple Eli Lilly and Co. executives. However, the founders of Anaclim believe they'll find...

Drug costs on chopping block M-Plan introduces pill-splitting program.
January 2, 2006... Indiana's second-largest insurer, M-Plan Inc., welcomed some of its customers to the new year with a pill-splitting program that can chop prescription drug costs in half. The Indianapolis-based health maintenance organization became part...

City ups fees for planning petitions: old charges weren't enough to cover department's costs.
January 2, 2006... Developers and companies in the construction industry might be unpleasantly surprised the next time they seek a zoning change or construction permit in Indianapolis. On Jan. 1, a new fee schedule kicked in for many of the functions of the...

Arts groups target young audiences: research, events focus on luring new patrons.
January 2, 2006... When you're trying to lure 20-somethings to your door, it apparently helps to offer booze and cheap seats. Those are common themes of new programs at several local arts organizations concerned with cultivating new audiences and patrons to...

New airport control tower has a blind spot: more than 300 feet of runway obscured by FedEx hub will be closed, dozed to give controllers view.
January 2, 2006... Indianapolis International Airport this month will launch a highly unusual project--shortening a runway. Perhaps just as odd is the reason: Controllers in the airport's new air traffic control tower, opening next spring, won't be able to...

Diversity is theme at IU med school.
January 2, 2006... Health care disparities and access issues are among the topics to be discussed this month when the Indiana University School of Medicine hosts its fourth annual Diversity Week. The week, which runs from Jan. 15 to Jan. 20, will include...

Council challenge: fund the basics: public safety, IndyGo, library are highest priorities in 2006.(Editorial)
January 2, 2006... The City-County Council is coming off a big year. Much was accomplished in 2005 by a group that is as evenly matched as it can be: 15 Democrats and 14 Republicans. The close count has made for some interesting debates and crossovers, but we're...

On defense, Republicans get divisive.
January 2, 2006... After Republicans Scott Keller and Lance Langsford broke party ranks at the Dec. 19 City-County Council meeting and voted for cop consolidation and an expanded human-rights ordinance, fellow Republican Jim Bradford e-mailed them and questioned...

Correction.(EDITORIAL)(Correction Notice)
January 2, 2006... The phone number for Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. is (866) 720-6623. The number was incorrect in the Nov. 28, 2005, Banking and Finance Magazine.

Cost-of-living is with us, not in the stars.
January 2, 2006... "I saw your column last week about the cost of living and I think you are a fool." That was among the kinder messages on my mental answering machine, the one that records the thoughts I imagine readers have after reading my columns. All I...

A news event that hit close to home.
January 2, 2006... I've been writing professionally for nearly 20 years and this is the hardest column I've ever had to write. Originally I planned an end-of-the-year piece with some snappy one-liners and tongue-in-cheek observations about local and state issues....

Property taxes need massive overhaul.(Letter to the Editor)
January 2, 2006... I have enjoyed [Patrick Barkey's] column for some time, and particularly enjoyed your space in the Dec. 19 issue on property taxes. You are of course correct that changing the state and local tax system would be a gargantuan task, fought...

City can support both Intake, Nuvo.(Letter to the Editor)
January 2, 2006... As a faithful reader of both Nuvo and Intake, I was distressed by the tone of IBJ's article, "Star's weekly battles Nuvo for young readers" on Dec. 12. Although the article offered no evidence that Intake is driving Nuvo out of business, it...

Short legislative session may be eventful, for a change.
January 2, 2006... We've all become lulled into assuming that the so-called "short" session of the Indiana General Assembly in the even-numbered years is the political equivalent of the practice of medicine: First, do no harm. In election years, lawmakers...

Insurance regulators deserve praise.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
January 2, 2006... I work for an insurance brokerage that manages a member-owned insurance company. In this position, I have been involved with members of the Department of Insurance from this administration and the prior administration and have the highest...

Death of ballet: it's not what you think.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
January 2, 2006... The demise of Ballet Internationale is the result of insidious economics. The natural markets of performing-arts organizations are audience, private contributions and taxpayers. Obtaining support beyond the natural level is difficult,...

New butcher shop to offer alligator, elk.(Joe's Butcher Shop and Fish Market)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Need to wow some dinner guests with a new recipe? Try Joe's Butcher Shop and Fish Market. The store will open Jan. 9 in Carmel and offer everything from bison to New Zealand elk. The exotic meats, however, won't be the store's staple....

More arts grants up for grabs.(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Local arts organizations will vie for shares from a bigger pot of money from the Cultural Development Commission's Fast Track Funding Program in 2006. The program is designed to get cash into the hands of artists in a hurry. In 2005, it...

Job outlook tepid, survey says.(ECONOMY)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Employment in the Indianapolis area will be flat during the first quarter of the year, according to the latest Manpower Inc. Employment Outlook Survey. Twenty-three percent of companies polled plan to hire more employees, while 23 percent...

Purdue program ranks high.(Purdue University)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Purdue University's undergraduate landscape and architecture design program ranked second in the nation in DesignIntelligence's annual survey of those programs. Purdue jumped five spots from last year's seventh-place ranking....

Council to investigate Children's and Family Services.(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... The Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council has established a committee to investigate the Marion County Office of Family and Children. The Council's Children's and Family Services Special Investigative Committee plans to inspect...

Clarian lines up more growth.(Clarian Health Partners and Arnett HealthSystem to form joint venture to operate hospital)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Now that construction dust has settled at its hospital project in Carmel, Clarian Health Partners is gearing up to take development outside central Indiana. The largest hospital network in Indianapolis plans to build a hospital in...

New state health plan debuts.(Indiana)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... The new health savings account/high-deductible insurance plan being offered to Indiana government employees received a lukewarm response during a recently completed open enrollment. A total of 1,270 employees, or about 3.5 percent of the...

The owner of M-Plan Inc. and an Ohio company interested in buying it are still talking about the possibility of a deal.(HealthCare Group LLC)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... * The owner of M-Plan Inc. and an Ohio company interested in buying it are still talking about the possibility of a deal but have no time frame for completing one. Cleveland-based Medical Mutual of Ohio is interested in buying a...

Firm has new practice leader.(Baker and Daniels appoints Jacqueline A. Simmons)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Jacqueline A. Simmons, vice president and general manager of Reilly Industries Inc., will join Baker & Daniels LLP Feb. 1 to lead the firm's environmental practice. Simmons, who was at Reilly 11 years, managed the pyridine chemicals...

Solutions4ebiz growing.(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Local software and Web site development company Solutions4ebiz will ring in the new year in a new office. The company recently unplugged all of the computers in its Indianapolis digs at 7465 N. Kitley Ave. and reconnected them in a new space at...

More phone bills on the way?(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... The folks in your accounts payable department may soon have another headache. Businesses that have private line and foreign exchange phone service--often used to connect their divisions in other cities--may wind up getting bills from phone...

Katz Sapper & Miller LLP.(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Katz Sapper & Miller LLP has added the following to the audit and assurance services group: *Joshua Brumbaugh, *Leslie Campbell, *Amber Chance, *Jennifer Dunbar and *Duane Hunt.

Alerding & Co. LLC.(ACCOUNTING)
January 2, 2006... * Deeanna Holmes has joined Alerding & Co. LLC as a staff accountant.

BKD LLP.(ACCOUNTING)
January 2, 2006... Jason A. Benziger has been promoted to senior consultant at BKD LLP. Amy R. DeMuth has been promoted to senior accountant.

Crowe Chizek and Co. LLC.(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Crowe Chizek and Co. LLC has named the following: commercial services group: Patrick Burtzlaff, senior staff, middle market consulting, Microsoft; Michael Patrick and Mark Gordon, senior managers, middle market consulting, Microsoft; and Sara...

MARC USA/Indianapolis.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
January 2, 2006... MARC USA/Indianapolis has added the following: *Jason Verbick, senior copywriter, and * Kamo Atanassov, art director.

First National Bank & Trust.(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... First National Bank & Trust has added the following commercial real estate lenders: *Ken Sexton and *Chris Shaw, vice presidents. *Crystal D. Gordon has been promoted to assistant vice president/commercial loan officer, Indianapolis Financial...

St. Vincent Foundation.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
January 2, 2006... Josette Rathbun, Smith Barney, has joined the St. Vincent Foundation board of directors.

Second Helpings.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
January 2, 2006... * Gregory I Johnson has joined Second Helpings as director of transportation and * Liz Gimenez as director of hunger relief.

Franklin College.(EDUCATION)
January 2, 2006... * Jacqueline S. Acosta has joined Franklin College as director of admissions.

Martin University.(EDUCATION)
January 2, 2006... * Bobbye J. Craig has been promoted to dean of students and retention at Martin University.

Entrepreneurship Law Clinic, Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Kelley School of Business.(appoints Bob Kassing and Jim Coles)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... * Bob Kassing and *Jim Coles, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, have been named to the advisory board of the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic, Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Kelley School of Business.

Purdue University.(EDUCATION)
January 2, 2006... Eric L. Richards has been named director of development for class gifts at Purdue University.

Nichols Mortgage Services Inc.(FINANCE)
January 2, 2006... * Bill Hollifield Jr. has joined Nichols Mortgage Services Inc. as the head underwriter. * J.R. Walsh has joined as the director, real estate, Nichols Financial Services.

Indiana District Export Council Inc.(GOVERNMENT)
January 2, 2006... * David William Russell, Harrison & Moberly LLP, has been named chairman of the Indiana District Expert Council Inc.

Community Hospitals East and North.(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Community Hospitals East and North has named the following officers: *Dr. Gordon McLaughlin, president; *Dr. David Felkins, president-elect; and *Dr. George Rubeiz, secretary/treasurer. Standing committee chairmen are Dr. Robert Baker,...

ISPRIT.(HEALTH CARE)
January 2, 2006... Dick Aderman has joined ISPRIT as president and CEO.

Amica Mutual Insurance Co.(INSURANCE)
January 2, 2006... * S. Shameem Awan, Fishers, has been promoted to branch claims manager, Amica Mutual Insurance Co., Indianapolis office.

Gardner & White Employee Benefits.(INSURANCE)
January 2, 2006... * Scott Ringold has been named managing director at Gardner & White Employee Benefits.

Ice Miller.(Ice Miller Donadio and Ryan appointments)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Ice Miller has added the following associates: * Todd Bradford, corporate group; *Kenneth Chigges and Steven Rypma, real estate group; * Aaron Grant, * Jordyn McAfee, * Blaire Henley, Freedom Smith, Seth Thomas and Jason McNiel, litigation...

Dann Pecar Newman & Kleiman P.C.(LAW)
January 2, 2006... * John A. I Christian and * Kristen E. Edmundson have joined Dann Pecar Newman & Kleiman P.C. as associates.

Radio One.(MEDIA)
January 2, 2006... * Ian Banks has been named director of sales of Radio One's Indianapolis broadcast cluster.

Indiana State Bar Association.(PROFESSIONAL/TRADE)
January 2, 2006... * Andi M. Metzel, Dann Pecar Newman & Kleiman P.C., has been named as the chairwoman of the Women in the Law Committee, Indiana State Bar Association.

Lauth Property Group.(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Lauth Property Group has added the following: * Gloria Bray, front desk coordinator; * Heather Watson, administrative assistant, management services; * Ryan A. Weyer, manager, preconstruction; and *Matthew Pierce, superintendent, * Jeffrey...

Century 21 Scheetz Carmel.(REAL ESTATE)
January 2, 2006... * Tara Low has joined Century 21 Scheetz Carmel.

CB Richard Ellis Indianapolis.(REAL ESTATE)
January 2, 2006... * J.D. Graves has joined CB Richard Ellis Indianapolis as an industrial broker.

Recall Total Information Management.(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Recall Total Information Management has named the following: * Jon Sampson, market general manager; * Jason DeArman and * Michelle Ritchey, sales executives; * Will Luczak, account executive; and * Mike Jones, document management / secure...

TriMedx.(SERVICES)
January 2, 2006... * Ned Campbell has joined TriMedx as chief operating officer.

Simplyoffice, Indianapolis.(SERVICES)
January 2, 2006... Natasha Ninde has joined Simplyoffice, Indianapolis, as director of business development.

Performance Assessment Network Inc.(SERVICES)
January 2, 2006... Greg Ginder has joined Performance Assessment Network Inc. as vice president of client services.

Microsoft.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
January 2, 2006... Don Leeke has been named the enterprise sales manager, Indiana and Southern Illinois, at Microsoft.

Flexware Innovation.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
January 2, 2006... * Ken Neusaenger has been hired as vice president, sales and marketing, at Flexware Innovation.

Agenda Indianapolis 2006: city made progress in some areas, but top priorities require more work.
January 2, 2006... The wheels are beginning to turn on a multi-county transit plan, now that the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority is mostly in place. The authority, charged with coordinating and, ultimately, administering a regional transit...

In the new year, building on the successes of 2005.
January 2, 2006... This past year was one of the most active and successful in our city's history. We pushed through legislation to fund an expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and build a new multi-purpose stadium, both of which will be tremendous boons to...

2006: making Indianapolis a family affair.
January 2, 2006... What's the most pressing issue facing Indianapolis now and in the future? Depending on a pundit's passion, answers can range from maintaining a professional sports team to supporting the cultural and arts community, from improving the...

Education, work force key hurdles to new economy.
January 2, 2006... Having recently returned to Indiana after a 15-year absence, I see a region filled with both challenges and opportunities. The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, the organization I've returned to serve as president and CEO, is focused on...

Indianapolis and neighbors need one vision, one voice.
January 2, 2006... Cincinnati USA. Charlotte USA. Indianapolis--Marion County--Indiana. Who is throwing the right welcome mat out to the world? In the first two examples, those regions have said to the entire planet: "We are open for business. Come...

Coffee cart spurs work for veterans.(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... A new job opportunity for formerly homeless military veterans opened up last month in Indianapolis, thanks to a grant from a national coalition and some help from Eli Lilly and Co. HVAF of Indiana and the National Coalition for Homeless...

Start the new year with quotes on investing.
January 2, 2006... Once again, I have selected a few quotes on the topic of business and investing to start the new year: "There is nothing like higher prices to attract more buyers. In department stores you mark merchandise down to move it. On Wall Street...

These foreign markets are ripe for investment.
January 2, 2006... Because I spent part of the Christmas weekend packing for a vacation that will take my family out of the country, I was thinking about the foreign investing landscape a little. China is still the most overused buzzword to come down the pike...

King for a day on fixing the property-tax system.
January 2, 2006... Well, I've finally been caught. Despite my best efforts to appear decisive and get straight to the point, one of my readers accused me of being just another equivocating, two-armed economist in a recent column I wrote on taxes. You know the...

Celadon Group Inc.(financial earnings)
January 2, 2006... Celadon Group Inc., 9503 E. 33rd St., Indianapolis, 46235 (www.celadontrucking.com), is a trucking company that provides service between Canada, the United States and Mexico. For the quarter ended Sept. 30, the company reported net income of...

Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources Inc.
January 2, 2006... 24950 Mount Pleasant Road Cicero, IN 46034 Phone: 773-7433, ext. 11/Fax: 984-9103 Web site: www.agaperiding.org Founded: 1986 Paid employees: 14 Highest-paid staff member: Cheryl Miller, founder/executive director, $52,000 Top volunteers:...

Old Navy to close 3 local stores.(Old Navy Clothing Co.)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Old Navy will close half of its Indianapolis stores at the end of January, local store managers said. The Circle Centre, Glendale Mall and Speedway Center locations will close, but the company's two stores on the north side and one on the...

Guidant lowers outlook, receives warning from FDA.(Guidant Corp)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Guidant Corp. reported after trading closed Dec. 23 that earnings may fall to between 17 cents and 23 cents a share on sales of $790 million to $820 million for the fourth quarter. Analysts had expected profit for the quarter of 49 cents a...

Conner Prairie deal to close Dec. 30.(Conner Prairie Museum appointments)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... The new Conner Prairie Museum board is up and running, electing officers at its first meeting the week of Dec. 19 and inviting 24 former museum directors to join them as they work to lead the Hamilton County institution into the future. ...

Kite Realty to acquire former Atlas site.(Kite Realty Group Trust acquires Commercial property from Marsh Supermarkets Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group Trust was expected to close a deal for the former Atlas grocery site at 54th Street and College Avenue by the end of the year, according to members of the Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Association. Marsh...

Internet directory.(Directory)
January 2, 2006... BUSINESS OWNERS & PRESIDENT * 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: ...

United Feeds Inc.(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
January 2, 2006... Sheridan, Indiana-based United Feeds Inc. has renamed itself JBS United Inc.

W.R. Kelso Co. Inc. of Fla.(BANKRUPTCIES)
January 2, 2006... W.R. Kelso Co. Inc. of Fla., 124 Forest Knoll, Fishers, 46038. Chapter 7 liquidation. Assets: $106,000; liabilities: $27,265.

W.R. Kelso Co. Inc. of Virginia.(BANKRUPTCIES)
January 2, 2006... W.R. Kelso Co. Inc. of Virginia, 124 Forest Knoll, Fishers, 46038. Chapter 7 liquidation. Assets: $421,129; liabilities: $2,397,230.

Calendar.(Calendar)
January 2, 2006... Business-related calendar items should be submitted two weeks before event date. Contact bmaurer@ibj.com. Jan. 2, 7-8:30 a.m.: Business & Professional Exchange, Career Networking, North chapter, St. Luke's United Methodist Church,...

Performance Assessment Network Inc.(contracts with Briljent LLC)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Performance Assessment Network Inc., online assessment and talent management systems, has been selected as the human capital management provider of choice by Briljent LLC, a provider of technical writing and documentation, curriculum design,...

National Collegiate Athletic Association Annual Convention.(CONVENTIONS)
January 2, 2006... Jan. 5-Jan. 10: National Collegiate Athletic Association Annual Convention, Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome. Estimated attendance: 2,000

Damien Center's Capital Campaign.(fund raising events from Concert With A Cause)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Damien Center's Capital Campaign to benefit from Concert With A Cause Jan. 11 at Hilbert Circle Theatre at 7:30 p.m. featuring Andre Watts and Sylvia McNair. Tickets: concert only $75, reception additional $50, VIP package $250 each. Contact...

Mental Health Association in Marion County and the Mental Health Association in Indiana.(benefit from Intro 2006: Hoosier Idol, fund raising event)(Brief Article)
January 2, 2006... Mental Health Association in Marion County and the Mental Health Association in Indiana to benefit from Intro 2006: Hoosier Idol on Jan. 17 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom from 6-9 p.m. Call 251-0005.