Indianapolis Business Journal articles from June 2006

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from June 2006

Mass Ave condos in the works: high-end, 10-story project in trendy cultural district has 46 units, retail space.
June 5, 2006... Log one more entry into the crowded field of downtown condo projects. But developers of a 10-story development at Massachusetts Avenue and New York Street think its location and amenities will reel in high-end buyers. The condos, dubbed...

Daniels' deal closers: IEDC generating jobs, but economy shares part of credit.(Indiana Economic Development Corp.)
June 5, 2006... It would have been big. Just last month, a team of officials from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and The Indy Partnership, its local equivalent, were furiously negotiating with South Carolina-based fire-engine maker American...

Museum's battle plan: Conner Prairie seeks boost from Civil War re-enactment.
June 5, 2006... There were no Civil War battles fought in central Indiana. That won't stop 400 soldiers in inhumanely hot wool uniforms from re-enacting a massive battle June 10-11 at Conner Prairie. Confederate and Union flags will wave. Brass instruments...

Marsh merger muddied: federal filings show grocer wants to ponder richer offer, but legalities might prevent it.(Marsh Supermarkets Inc.)
June 5, 2006... A new federal filing suggests Marsh Supermarkets Inc.'s board wants to negotiate with a second potential buyer, even though it's already agreed to be sold to a Florida private equity firm. The original buyer, Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sun...

Firm finds direct approach pays off: Marketing Informatics, part of hot industry, sees revenue rise by $28 million in 3 years.
June 5, 2006... Bob Massie came to Indianapolis in 1985 to preach the Word of God. Twenty-one years later, he's spreading the messages of Indiana businesses, not from a pulpit, but through direct-mail advertising. Massie is shepherding a fast-growing flock...

Simon eyeing mall rival Mills, but should it pounce?(BEHIND THE NEWS)
June 5, 2006... Simon Property Group Inc. might soon scoop up one of the flashiest mall developers in the country--but that flash could be cause for worry. If you want to know something about Mills Corp., which began considering a sale earlier this year,...

Florida company bolsters presence here with Dial One: heating, cooling and plumbing contractor expects to see staff grow thanks to new ownership.
June 5, 2006... Dial One added a new owner, a flesh look and a third word to its name when a Florida company bought the venerable Indianapolis heating, cooling and plumbing contractor late last month. Sarasota-based Clockwork Home Services Inc. also plans...

2005 sees another drop in health insurance complaints: regulators work to refine method for tracking problems.
June 5, 2006... Complaint totals sank steeply last year for many Indiana health insurers, partly because the state insurance department continues to revamp its often-maligned method of tracking them. Regulators recorded 1,232 signed complaints last year, a...

Danica deal just one of many for MainGate: firm looks to relocate as profits soar 828 percent.
June 5, 2006... With a deep history in motorsports, it would be understandable if officials for Indianapolis-based MainGate were focused solely on their recently signed exclusive licensing deal with racing diva Danica Patrick. After all, Patrick's...

Hazmat conference to stress preparation: topics include corporate readiness, Katrina lessons.
June 5, 2006... Organizers of the Indiana Hazardous Materials & Environmental Safety Conference are hoping Hurricane Katrina's demonstration of mass destruction will be a wake-up call for businesses and communities ill prepared for disaster. Corporate...

Keeping a lid on director pay: board salaries getting out of hand.(EDITORIAL)
June 5, 2006... Most would agree that serving as a director of a public company these days is a high-pressure job. The wave of corporate crackups in recent years, from Enron to WorldCom, has put the onus on board members to serve as watchdogs for...

Here's a cure for the commuting blues.(Commentary)
June 5, 2006... Interstate logjams. Sitting through three green lights before getting the chance to turn. Those idiots juggling coffee cups and cell phones who cut you off without even realizing it. There is a lot to hate about the morning commute. On May...

Want a larger slice? Get a bigger pie.(EYE ON THE PIE)
June 5, 2006... How much should an executive be paid? More or less than a professional athlete? How much medical care is a person entitled to receive? Does that depend on his or her age or the genetic code that she or he carries? We love to agonize over...

When all else fails, yell 'racism!'.(Commentary)
June 5, 2006... I was playing eight-ball one night with a black guy who tried to convince me it was a racist game. He said it was racist because the object was for the white ball to knock the colored balls off the table, and the last one to go in was the black...

Using local firms is good for the city.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
June 5, 2006... As Indianapolis continues to define itself as a tourist and cultural destination through its built amenities, it is gratifying and encouraging knowing that local talent will design the latest high-profile building project, the Indiana...

Sunny outlook for Sunflower Market.(Sunflower Market)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... First-quarter results are in for Sunflower Market, the city's newest grocery store concept. The Broad Ripple neighborhood market had a stellar first three months of business according to Director John Sturm, of Eden Prairie, Minn.-based...

Hoosier Fellows wanted.(EDUCATION)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence at Indiana University is accepting applications for the 2007 Hoosier Fellows class, a year-long program in which participants study leadership. Mid- to high-level leaders in business,...

A competitive bidding workshop for construction firms interested in working on upcoming Indianapolis Public Schools projects will be held 8 a.m. to noon June Midd10 at Shortridge le School.(EDUCATION)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... A competitive bidding workshop for construction firms interested in working on upcoming Indianapolis Public Schools projects will be held 8 a.m. to noon June 10 at Shortridge Middle School. Construction and renovation projects are scheduled...

Debt fuels more growth at Senex.(HEALTH CARE)(Senex Services Corp.)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Senex Services Corp. recently completed its largest single purchase of hospital debt and could add as many as 40 jobs by the end of the year with some additional deals. The Indianapolis company announced last month that it agreed to...

St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville.(HEALTH CARE)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville's latest expansion project will give the Morgan County hospital an emergency room that provides the same level of care as those at St. Francis' Indianapolis and Beech Grove hospitals. Work began last month...

Ice Miller recognized.(LAW)(Ice Miller LLP )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Ice Miller LLP is among the most active law firms in the nation based on the number of private equity and venture capital deals closed in 2005. The farm's private equity and venture services practice group participated in 45 deals last...

Be gone, digital dead air.(MEDIA & MARKETING)(PRIMEDIA Inc.)(Multicast Technologies)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Multicast Networks Group, a Carmel firm trying to pitch television stations programming for their unused digital channels, has landed its first major contract. Multicast has signed a deal with magazine publishing giant N.Y.-based Primedia...

Browning Investments sues former executive.(REAL ESTATE)
June 5, 2006... Browning Investments Inc. has filed a lawsuit against a former executive, arguing that he broke a non-compete agreement in his work for his new employer. In the civil suit filed May 9, Browning said former Vice President of Development...

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Board of Trustees is weighing the possibility of selling its Library Services Center at 24th and Meridian streets once the Central Library expansion is complete.(REAL ESTATE)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Board of Trustees is weighing the possibility of selling its Library Services Center at 24th and Meridian streets once the Central Library expansion is complete. Board President Louis Mahern...

Taste Cafe to expand.(RETAIL)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Indy's Ultimate Chef is getting a bigger kitchen. Deidra Henry, owner and Chef at Taste Cafe and Marketplace, has announced plans to expand her Meridian-Kessler restaurant at 5164 N. College Ave. In April, the Indianapolis-based...

Indianapolis 500 ratings down, but top NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600.(rating)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Despite the exciting finish, television ratings for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500 were down sharply from 2005. According to New York-based Nielsen Media Research, 18.8 percent fewer people watched the Indianapolis 500 this year...

Zipp Speed Weaponry.(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Speedway-based Zipp Speed Weaponry is making its mark in European professional cycling yet again. The bicycle wheels made by the small, local manufacturer were ridden to victory in the world's second-biggest bicycle race, the Tour of...

The Girl Scouts of Hoosier Capital Council.(Girl Scouts of Hoosier Capital Council's appoinment of directors)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Girl Scouts of Hoosier Capital Council has elected the following board of directors: *Colleen Bolden-Smith, eGIX Inc.; *Liz Dillon, RN Specialties Inc.; *Patty Feilen, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield; *Beverly Jackson, Indiana Quadel...

Conner Prairie.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
June 5, 2006... *Ken Bubp has been promoted to strategic planning director and *Marnie Maxwell has joined as a consultant for strategic planning at Conner Prairie.

Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
June 5, 2006... Tracy Minor has been named executive director of Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis.

Damar Services Inc.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
June 5, 2006... * Kay Pashos, Duke Energy--Indiana, has been elected to the board of directors for Damar Services Inc.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.(appointment of board members )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has named the following new board members: Edward A. West, WellPoint Inc.; Gail Cassell, Eli Lilly and Co.; Gayle Cox, Indiana University; and Carl Lavoncher, Miami Indians of Indiana....

Independent Residential Living of Central Indiana Inc.(Independent Residential Living of Central Indiana Inc.'s apointments )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Independent Residential Living of Central Indiana Inc. has elected the following officers: Mike Peoni, AICP, president; Wanza Schweiger, Benefit Innovations, vice president; and Kevin Sullivan, Katz Sapper & Miller, treasurer. New board members...

Flanner House of Indianapolis.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
June 5, 2006... *Myron Richardson has been named interim executive director of the Flanner House of Indianapolis.

Rainbow's End.(Rainbow's End's appointments)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Rainbow's End has named the following officers: Stephany Jenkins, chairwoman; Mary Delaney, president; Adam Decker, treasurer; John Maley, legal counsel; and Karen Cravotta, secretary. Members at large are Dr. Kosmos Kayes, Ryan Finchum,...

Information & Referral Network Inc.(Information & Referral Network Inc.'s appointments)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Information & Referral Network Inc. has named the following officers: Scott Bruns, chairman, Ernst & Young LLP; Robert Hummel, vice chairman, Citizens Gas Co.; and Joanna Batchelor, secretary/treasurer. New board of directors are Kimberly...

YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.(appointments)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has elected the following officers: Steven L. Corbitt, Corbitt and Sons Construction Co. Inc., chairman; Mary Moses Cochran, community volunteer, immediate past chairwoman; R. Douglas Walker, Walker and...

Indianapolis Parks Foundation.(appointments )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Indianapolis Parks Foundation has added the following: Scott Bowers, C.P. Morgan Communities LLP; Ken Hedlund, Somerset CPA; Jim Maschmeyer, Maschmeyer Nursery Inc.; Corrie Meyer, Schmidt Associates; and Charles Voitz, Veolia Water.

"No habla ingles": immigrants who want to advance find many programs to help them learn English.(Focus: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT)
June 5, 2006... Osvaldo Escobedo was hungry to learn English. It was bad enough when he couldn't advance at the Nissan Motor Co. plant in Aguascalientes, in central Mexico, because he couldn't converse in the business language of English. Later, when...

School founder traveled challenging road: before starting Montessori Academy, Cain overcame loss of parents, dyslexia to earn engineering degree, MBA.(Focus: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT)(Biography)
June 5, 2006... Vivian Cain founded the Montessori Academy of Indianapolis five years ago, but for most of her life, she's been a walking billboard for people striving to overcome obstacles. Cain, 36, operates the private school on the northwest side of...

Proposed resource center targets science, tech, math: BioCrossroads wants to help build strong foundation.(FOCUS: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT)
June 5, 2006... Only 64 percent of Indiana's fifth-graders passed the latest ISTEP+ test in science. A little better--76 percent--passed the math component. Unfortunately, as children advance in grades, their ISTEP+ math scores worsen. By eighth grade,...

Robotics workshops springing to life.(career development)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... State officials say they're expanding what could be a magnet to attract and prepare more public school students to technical and engineering careers--the use of robots. Ivy Tech Community College this summer plans to host "RoboEducators"...

U of I seeking a few good sculptures.(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The University of Indianapolis is inviting submissions from sculptors wanting to compete to be part of its 2006-2007 Campus Sculpture Walk, a yearlong outdoor exhibition. Organizers are looking for the second round of work for the display,...

Indiana graduate business programs.(Directory)(Table)
June 5, 2006... Indiana Graduate Business Programs (Ranked by spring 2006 FTE enrollment) SPRING 2006: FTE ENROLLMENT HEAD COUNT SCHOOL ...

Largest Indianapolis--area private primary schools.(FOCUS: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT)(Directory)(Table)
June 5, 2006... Largest Indianapolis--Area Private Primary Schools (Ranked by 2005-2006 enrollment (1)) STUDENT/ SCHOOL TEACHER RANK ADDRESS ...

Largest Indianapolis--area private secondary schools.(FOCUS: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT)
June 5, 2006... Largest Indianapolis-Area Private Secondary Schools (Ranked by 2005-2006 enrollment (1)) STUDENT/ TEACHER RATIO ...

College students facing another loan-rate increase: students under federal program will pay 7.14 percent.(Bloomberg News)
June 5, 2006... U.S. college graduates repaying federally backed education loans will be charged 7.14 percent beginning in July, the second straight year of record increases. The annual rate increases, set by May 30's U.S. Treasury auction, are among...

Workshops highlight bankers event.(annual meetings)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Indiana Bankers Association has announced the lineup for its annual "mega conference," which is scheduled to take place June 6 and 7 at the Indiana Convention Center. Last year, 1,000 people attended the two-day event. Keynote...

Enron might be resolved but don't forget its lessons.(financial report)(Financial report)
June 5, 2006... Last week brought news of both triumph and despair from the field of corporate governance. In the win column: Justice was served in the Enron trial, with convictions of two leaders who presided over one of the largest corporate frauds in...

Weaker dollar could be a major step back for America.(INVESTING)
June 5, 2006... Treasury Secretary John Snow resigned recently, and President Bush picked Goldman Sachs CEO Henry Paulson to replace him. When Snow took the job, there was rampant talk that he favored a weak dollar policy, and the same buzz is now surrounding...

Beware of battles brewing among health care giants.(ECONOMIC ANALYSIS)
June 5, 2006... Coming up with simple metaphors and images that faithfully represent the issues involved in the way we pay for health care in our country is a challenge. But one keeps coming to my mind: the kitsch Japanese sci-fi classic "Godzilla vs. Rodan,"...

Interactive Intelligence Inc.(PROXY CORNER)
June 5, 2006... Interactive Intelligence Inc., 7601 Interactive Way, Indianapolis, 46278, (www.inin.com) develops communications and interaction management software. For the first quarter ended March 31, the company reported net income of $1 million, or six...

Junior League of Indianapolis.(NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF NOTE)(Organization overview)
June 5, 2006... 3050 N. Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 925-4600/fax: 926-7658 Web site: www.jlindy.org Founded: 1922 Paid employees: nine Highest-paid staff member: Sue Wilds, administrative coordinator, $50,000 Top...

Central State Hospital redeveloper chosen.(Stories reported in IBJ daily: Thurs., May 25-Wed., May 31)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... High Mark LLC--a development team of Mike Higbee, president of Development Concepts Inc., and Charles Garcia, president of GM Construction Inc.--has been chosen by the city to redevelop the former Central State Hospital site. Last fall,...

First direct flight from Indy to San Francisco took off June 1.(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Two airlines have begun the first nonstop flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco. Minneapolis-based Northwest Airlines began flying direct to San Francisco June 1 and Orlando, Fla.-based AirTran Airways was to start flying the same route...

Marsh to continue Symphony on the Prairie sponsorship.(Stories reported in IBJ daily: Thurs., May 25-Wed., May 31)
June 5, 2006... Marsh Supermarkets Inc. will continue its role as title sponsor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's summer concerts at Conner Prairie for at least four more years, the two organizations announced May 25. Marsh had previously said its...

Mezzia sold to Boston IT firm.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Indianapolis-based Mezzia Inc. has been sold to Boston-based VFA Inc. for an undisclosed amount. Mezzia, which was founded in 1999, was at one time considered one of the city's most promising IT startups, but it never realized its potential...

Midwest ISO names CEO.(Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. appointments new Cheif Executive Officers)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... T. Graham Edwards has become CEO of Carmel-based Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. Edwards has held the role on an interim basis since mid-January. He was previously a member of the firm's board for five years. Midwest ISO...

Projects aim to hire more minority contractors.(construction contracts )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority has initiated a six-step plan to increase the number of minority- and women-owned businesses that receive construction contracts for the Lucas Oil Stadium and Convention Center expansion...

Internet directory.(directory)(Directory)
June 5, 2006... INTERNET/WEB SERVICES * ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. Client/Server & Internet Software Solutions (317) 776-8822 www.adaptivesys.com E-mail: sales@adaptivesys.com Exploiting the full strategic potential of the internet begins...

Janet Halline Nelson has joined Bose McKinney & Evans LLP as an associate in the litigation group.(appointments )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Janet Halline Nelson has joined Bose McKinney & Evans LLP as an associate in the litigation group. *Juanita Ingrain has joined the real estate group as an associate. *Paul Reis has joined the real estate group as a partner.

Lewis Wagner LLP.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... *Kyle A. Lansberry has been named a partner with Lewis Wagner LLP.

Mark R. Owens has joined Barnes & Thornburg LLP as an associate in the creditors' rights and business.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... *Mark R. Owens has joined Barnes & Thornburg LLP as an associate in the creditors' rights and business, tax & real estate departments.

Melanie Green has joined Baker & Daniels LLP as the director.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... *Melanie Green has joined Baker & Daniels LLP as the director of client service.

David J. Bayt has joined Katz & Korin PC.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... *David J. Bayt has joined Katz & Korin PC as an associate.

Bingham McHale.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... John Taylor has been named chairman for the new business ventures industry team, Bingham McHale. *Kent Zepick has joined in appellate and business litigation.

Brian J. Zaiger has joined Krieg DeVault LLP.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... *Brian J. Zaiger has joined Krieg DeVault LLP, Carmel, in an of counsel capacity.

Karen L. Withers and Gina S. Glasgow have joined Zeigler Cohen & Koch.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... Karen L. Withers and Gina S. Glasgow have joined Zeigler Cohen & Koch as associates.

Jeffrey M. Cromer and Ari B. Redbord have joined Sommer Barnard.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... Jeffrey M. Cromer and Ari B. Redbord have joined Sommer Barnard as associates.

Andrew Humes has joined the litigation section.(LAW)
June 5, 2006... *Andrew Humes has joined the litigation section at Ice Miller LLP.

Indiana Hotel & Lodging Association.(PROFESSIONAL/TRADE)
June 5, 2006... Dean Morgan, Focus Hospitality Services, has been named chairman of the Indiana Hotel & Lodging Association.

Indianapolis Public Relations Society.(Indianapolis Public Relations Society's appointments)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The Indianapolis Public Relations Society has elected the following officers: Sonya Saunders, Knowles & Associates LLC, Carmel, president; and Janet Campbell Baker, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, vice president and secretary/treasurer....

Stephen Edds has joined Business Media Group.(SERVICES)
June 5, 2006... Stephen Edds has joined Business Media Group in sales and client development.

Matthew Beckman has joined eGIX Inc.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
June 5, 2006... *Matthew Beckman has joined eGIX Inc. as a client services advisor.

Casey Kramer has joined elmagine Technology Group Inc.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
June 5, 2006... *Casey Kramer has joined elmagine Technology Group Inc. as a senior consultant.

Electronic Evolutions Inc.(Electronic Evolutions Inc.'s employees promotions)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Electronic Evolutions Inc. has promoted the following: *Melissa Lawyer Enck, vice president of sales; *Jon Adkins, director of marketing; and *Dan North, operations manager. *Shelly Sondgerath has been named commercial sales...

Missy Arnold has joined Dugdale Communications Inc.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
June 5, 2006... *Missy Arnold has joined Dugdale Communications Inc. as the human resources assistant.

Nancy Carr.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
June 5, 2006... *Nancy Carr has been promoted to warehouse billing specialist.

American Red Ball Transit Co. Inc.(TRANSPORTATION)
June 5, 2006... Steven B. Miller has been named director of operations at American Red Ball Transit Co. Inc.

Bankruptcies.(RECORDS)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Great Western Assets Co. Inc., 8206 Rockville Road, Suite 214, 46214. Chapter 7 liquidation. Assets: n/a; liabilities: n/a. Protege Press Inc., RO. Box 712, Danville, 46122. Chapter 7 liquidation. Assets: $205; liabilities: $115,867.

Calendar.(calendar)(Calendar)
June 5, 2006... Business-related calendar items should be submitted two weeks before event date. Contact bmaurer@ibj.com. June 5, 7-8:30 a.m.: Business & Professional Exchange, Career Networking, North chapter, St. Luke's United Methodist Church,...

Conventions.(calendar)(Calendar)
June 5, 2006... June 3-June 8, Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Estimated attendance: 370 June 4-June 8, National Association of Field Training Officers, Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites. Estimated...

Fund raising.(calendar)(Calendar)
June 5, 2006... Hoosier Environmental Council to benefit from fundraiser at Wild Oats Natural Marketplace locations throughout the month of June. Patrons can donate $1, $3 or $5. Marcus Appleton to benefit from Give Marcus a Lift at Heartland Crossing...

Church work helps construction firm build client base: when initial business plan proved unworkable, owner shifted gears to keep company afloat.(SMALL BIZ PROFILE: Elmore Construction)(Company overview)
June 5, 2006... When Doug Elmore launched Elmore Construction, his business plan called for the company to spend 90 percent of its time building houses and 10 percent doing commercial contracting. So its first project was a $500,000 "spec" house in...