Indianapolis Business Journal articles from March 2004

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from March 2004

Museum OK with Herbst's record: Conner Prairie battle not 'an issue' for new employer.
March 1, 2004... Conner Prairie's loss is the Indiana State Museum's gain. John Herbst will take control of the state-funded facility April 5, nearly 10 months after he was fired from the top job at Conner Prairie during a dispute with museum trustee...

The race to develop residential space.
March 1, 2004... "When Ryland Homes announced in 2000 planned to build 56 condominiums at e corner of Ohio and Alabama streets, observers wondered if enough people wanted to live downtown to absorb the new homes "We were all a little worried," real estate...

Address: downtown: condos, piano bar set for S. Meridian.(Halakar Properties Inc.)
March 1, 2004... A Warehouse District building best known for its only tenant, Jillian's, is about to add luxury condominiums on its upper floors and a new nightclub in vacant first-floor space. Locally based Halakar Properties Inc. plans to turn floors...

WISH revamps news: format change, Jane Pauley show may boost ratings.(WISH-TV)
March 1, 2004... The 5 o'clock news is starting, and Mike Ahem is nowhere near his customary seat at the WISH-TV anchor desk. Partner Debby Knox isn't even in the studio. But no one is panicking. By the time the intro fades and the cameras start...

Guidant makes peace; gets in game: settlements help medical device maker get off sidelines, join quest for drug-coated stent revenue.
March 1, 2004... Guidant Corp. gained a vital toehold in a multibillion-dollar market and settled a handful of pending lawsuits all within the span of a few days late last month. The Indianapolis-based medical-device maker announced Feb. 24 it will team...

Problem loans hit bank's profits: troubled 2003 caps off CEO's Old National career.
March 1, 2004... At 55, James Risinger is retiring as chairman and CEO of Evansville-based Old National Bancorp, ending a bang career that began in 1971. "That's been an awful long time in a constantly changing banking environment, and I thought it was...

Prominent planner entangled in IPALCO-AES morass.(Behind The News)
March 1, 2004... Prominent Indianapolis financial planner John Guy says he thought IPALCO Enterprises Inc.'s $3 billion sale to AES Corp. was a bad idea from the start. So confident was he that he cashed out all his clients. That fact alone would make an...

ATA Airlines leads industry in cost cuts: low-fare carrier drops limbo bar for competitors.
March 1, 2004... ATA Airlines Inc. became the king of cutting costs in 2003. The locally based airline cut unit costs more than any other commercial airline on its way to registering its first full-year profit since 1999. "With the bankruptcies and all the...

Building permits mixed in January.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The number of single-family homebuilding permits issued in Boone County in January rose 70 percent over January 2003, to 39, the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis reported. Overall in the nine-county central Indiana area, the...

Luncheon benefits parks foundation.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Indianapolis Parks Foundation and sponsor Indianapolis Power & Light Co. will host the 2004 IPL Mayor's Lunch for Parks at 11:30 a.m. March 4 at the Westin Hotel downtown. The annual luncheon is a fund-raiser for the Indianapolis Parks...

Cop contract cold war begins to thaw at last: Peterson orders immediate 3-percent pay bump.(Bart Peterson)
March 1, 2004... The Indianapolis police pay parley has devolved into a cold war. So Mayor Bart Peterson is attempting detente. "It almost looks like one of those old U.S./Soviet negotiations," said Ronald J. York, president of Oklahoma City-based...

Bill would shore up health insurance safety net: Indiana Comprehensive Health Insurance Association's payments system is targeted for reform.
March 1, 2004... State lawmakers are looking at ways to tame a funding system for Indiana's health insurance safety net that many say has grown too bulky and troublesome. The General Assembly is considering a bill that amends the way the Indiana...

Cinergy exploring construction of power plant: projected $1 billion station would use new coal-gasification technology.
March 1, 2004... Cinergy Corp. wants to build a new power plant in southwestern Indiana and would finance the majority of the estimated $1 billion construction project through a federal loan guarantee. The Cincinnati-based electric utility, parent of PSI...

Lawmakers must tackle real issues: same-sex marriage ban isn't key.(Editorial)
March 1, 2004... Of all the important issues before the Indiana General Assembly, it's disappointing the House Republicans would choose to make a stand on a spurious constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. House Republicans last week failed to report...

Helping Latino friends helps us all.(Commentary)
March 1, 2004... Indianapolis has been enriched in the last few years by a huge influx of Latinos who are willing to trade the warm sun of Colombia, Mexico and Puerto Rico for a chance at a better life in the heartland. Surprisingly, many thousands have...

Companies need to diversify beyond autos.(Eye On The Pie)
March 1, 2004... My buddy Spuds O'Gratin and I used to talk about baseball and other matters of consequence. Now all he wants to discuss is economics. "We're losing manufacturing jobs," Spuds told me recently. "Spuds," I said, "manufacturing as a...

Women's athletics deserve higher profile.(Commentary)
March 1, 2004... News coverage of the recent deal guaranteeing Indianapolis will host a major NCAA event annually all but overlooked the importance of our capturing the Women's Final Four every five years. The economic impact of the Women's Final Four on...

EPA indeed has benzene standards.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... Scott Olson's [Feb. 16] article on high benzene levels near the Citizens Gas coke plant brings to light a potentially important public health issue. While the article states that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has no standard for...

'Gypsy' name is not meant to offend.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... In response to John Sherman's [Feb. 9] letter concerning the article ("Hostel owners want travelers to wander in" in the Feb. 2 issue) and more specifically on his concerns with the inclusion of the term/name "Gypsy" included in the name of our...

House GOP's walkout complicates already goofy session.(Statehouse Dispatch, God's Own Party, US Republicans )
March 1, 2004... This continues to be the legislative session born of confusion, raised in fits and starts, and destined to end in dysfunction. Rather than detailing legislative action on key business and other policy issues, most of these columns have...

Column on bedbugs prompted laughter.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... I just wanted to let you know that [Ron Gifford's Feb. 9] article on bedbugs brought me gales of laughter. I have read it aloud to several people who also enjoyed it. You tell the story well--and what a funny story! If only all cases were as...

Manufacturers need federal MEP program.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... Thanks to Anthony Schoettle for bringing to light (in the Feb. 16 issue) a little-known but real threat to Indiana manufacturers. In cutting funding to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the national administration is forcing American...

Thanks for coverage of environment.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... IBJ's apparent emerging interest in environmental protection is encouraging. In recent weeks, two publisher's commentaries have referenced the need to protect the Everglades. A recent Indianapolis Star feature spotlighted IBJ owner Michael...

Marian's John Grimes deserves praise.(Letters)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... Just a quick note to say thanks for two reasons. One: [Bill Benner has] always been an entertaining and talented writer who broadens the definition of sports editorials. Thanks for your gift. Two: you have done a great job in describing...

We need pro football.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... In regard to the new stadium issue and whether Indianapolis should try to keep Colts here for economic reasons, I would ask [columnist Bill Benner] to remind the public of the following: After Baltimore, St. Louis, Houston and Los Angeles...

Microsoft recognizes Crowe Chizek staffers.(Accounting)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Crowe Chizek and Co. LLC's Robert Bogue and Mark Strawmyer have been presented the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award for outstanding leadership in the online technical community. Bogue, a consultant with the South Bend-based...

Chamber poll shows daylight-saving time split.(Government)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Daylight-saving time's prospects in the Statehouse appear dim, but the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce isn't ready to give up the fight. Last week, the Chamber released results from a survey it sent to 3,500 member businesses....

Shapiro's owner files suit against insurer.(On The Beat)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The owner of a popular eatery on the near-south side has sued his insurance company a year after a fire gutted the restaurant's interior. The lawsuit filed in Marion Superior Court by Brian Shapiro, operator of Shapiro's Dell catessen on...

Former St. Vincent chief leaves for California.(Health Care)(Bain J. Farris)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Former St. Vincent and Anthem executive Bain J. Farris will return to Catholic health March 1 when he becomes president and CEO of the Daughters of Charity Health System in California. Farris started his career at St. Vincent Indianapolis...

Two state bills that would slow the development of new health care facilities in Indiana.(Health Care)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Two state bills that would slow the development of new health care facilities in Indiana have been combined into one that asks the General Assembly to approve further study of the issue. Bills calling for a moratorium on construction and a...

Center Township wins YMCA bid.(Real Estate)(Young Men's Christian Associations of Greater Indianapolis )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis in a Feb. 25 board meeting selected the Center Township trustee as the winning bidder for its closed Fall Creek branch at 860 W. 10th St. The Trustee's Office plans to use both the dormitory and activities...

While office buildings citywide bemoan high vacancy rates and ample amounts of sublease space.(Real Estate; trends)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... While office buildings citywide bemoan high vacancy rates and ample amounts of sublease space, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is singing a happy tune because its building will soon be full. Symphony Centre, at 32 E. Washington St.,...

A former grocery store will become home to a charter school.(Real Estate)(Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... A former grocery store will become home to a charter school slated to open this fall. The Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School plans to move into a 67,000-squarefoot former Cub Foods store at 4010 Meadows Drive. The school purchased the...

Incubator nears construction.(Small Business; Flagship Enterprise Center to be buildt near Anderson, Indiana)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Directors of a $4.5 million business incubator near Anderson are hopeful construction on the building will begin in April. The Flagship Enterprise Center, to be built in the existing Flagship Business Park near Interstate 69, is only the...

Trading cards to honor Indy 500, IRL heroes.(Sports)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Indy Racing League in late February signed a deal with Bellevue, Wash.-based Pacific Trading Card Co. to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards of stars past and present from the Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis-based IRL....

Purdue startup lands $2.4m.(Venture Capital; Rose-Hulman Ventures invests in Griffin Analytical Technologies Inc. project in Purdue University's Research Park)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... West Lafayette-based Griffin Analytical Technologies Inc., in Purdue University's Research Park, announced it received a $2.4 million investment to commercialize its chemical sensors, which have homeland security applications. The...

Brainstorm.(Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Leigh Marino has been promoted to associate creative director at Brainstorm.

Pearson McMahon Fletcher England.(Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Mayrne Hausman has joined Pearson McMahon Fletcher England as senior art director.

Schmidt Associates.(Architecture/Design/Engineering)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Schmidt Associates has added the following: Gary C. McHugh, architect's project rep; Cindy L. Williams, project clerk; Brad A. Wallace, HVAC designer; James C. Hooker, project owner representative; Ronald E. Hull, senior civil engineer; George...

Fifth Third Bank, Central Indiana.(Banking)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Fifth Third Bank, Central Indiana, has added the following: *Paul Butch, assistant vice president, Pubic Funds; *Carl Mills, vice president, Public Funds; and *Jenny Brebberman, vice president, Retail Regional Manager. * Carol Dienhart has been...

Bank One.(Banking)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... LaTonya Keaton has been promoted to vice president, Commercial Government and Not-for-Profit Group, at Bank One.

Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis.(Civic/Not-For-Profit)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis has named the following officers: *Thomas J. Feeney, president; *Robert L. North, vice president; *Martin J. Radecki, treasurer; and Betty Conner, secretary.

Anderson University.(Education)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Karen Durica Roller has been named executive director of Development at Anderson University.

Forum Credit Union.(Finance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Larry Miller has been named business sales manager at Forum Credit Union, Fishers. *Teresa Goo has been named business relationship manager, Southport branch

Fritzsche Dunn Roth Group.(Finance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Paul Sams has joined the Fritzsche Dunn Roth Group as vice president, Financial Services.

Apex Benefits Group.(Insurance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Christi Vitales has been promoted to underwriting and administration director at Apex Benefits Group.

Ice Miller.(Law)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... John Daniels has been named chief financial officer for Ice Miller.

Suros Surgical Systems Inc.(Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Suros Surgical Systems Inc. has added the following: *Jeffrey Hanthorn, vice president, Human Resources and Administration; and Kent Smith, vice president, Sales and Marketing.

Radio One.(Media)
March 1, 2004... Kay Feeney-Caito has been named director of promotions at Radio One.

SPG Graphics.(Printing/Publishing)
March 1, 2004... Lynne Churchill has been promoted to executive vice president of SPG Graphics.

Commercial Real Estate Women, Indianapolis chapter.(Professional/Trade)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Commercial Real Estate Women, Indianapolis chapter, has named the following officers: *Janice Hawkins, Providence Partners, president; *Mary Beth Kohart, Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, president-elect; *Melissa Day, Holladay Properties,...

Williams Realty Group.(Real Estate)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Jacque Haynes has joined Realty Group as vice president of Marketing.

Terzo & Bologna Inc.(Real Estate)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Brad Benrbower and *Kevin J. Hartman have been named principals and vice presidents of Terzo & Bologna Inc.

Marsh Inc.(Retail)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... John Laskowski has been named vice president, Sales and Client Services, for Marsh Inc.

Management Recruiters Indianapolis-North.(Services)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Angle Bills has been promoted to IT practice manager at Management Recruiters Indianapolis-North.

Kirkbride Bible Co. Inc.(Services)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Michael B. Gage and David Gage have been named executive vice president of Kirkbride Bible Co. Inc.

Nyhart.(Services)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Nyhart has promoted the following: *Jeffrey P. Dunlap, chairman and chief executive officer; and *Cynthia L. Durham, vice president, Human Resources Dunlap Durham Services.

Mike Wissler has joined Protis Executive Innovations as a search consultant, Banking and Financial Services.(Services)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Mike Wissler has joined Protis Executive Innovations as a search consultant, Banking and Financial Services. Karl Freburg has joined as a search consultant, Consumer Packaged Goods.

Columbia Club.(Services)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... James O. Anderson, Madison County Superior Court; *Gregory L. Harris, Indianapolis Fire Department; and *Steven C. Schneider, White House Group Inc., have been elected directors of the Columbia Club.

Tim Harms has joined the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as coordinator of Communications for the Menards Infiniti Pro Series.(Sports)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Tim Harms has joined the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as coordinator of Communications for the Menards Infiniti Pro Series. Ralph David Daniels has joined the Productions Department as editor.

IRL.(Sports)(Imprimeries Reunies Lausanne)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Eric Knight has joined the IRL as a computer analyst, Timing & Scoring.

NSI Software Inc.(Technology/Telecommunication)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Becky Hammons has been promoted to executive director of Quality at NSI Software Inc.

n/Frame/One Call Internet.(Technology/Telecommunication)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... n|Frame/One Call Internet has added the following: Kenneth J. Miller, chief technology officer; * Merrie Heniser, director, Business and Marketing Development; Pat O'Day, director, Managed Services; *Dwight Wheeler, senior business consultant;...

Banking on better times: financial experts see continuing signs economy is improving, predict more mergers are coming.(Focus: banking & finance)
March 1, 2004... On Feb. 13, Indianapolis Business Journal examined the world of banking and finance as part of its Power Breakfast Series. In a discussion moderated by IBJ banking and finance reporter Peter Schnitzler at the downtown Westin Hotel, expert...

Deloitte says decision to keep consultancy was good one: 'rigorous' new guidelines, limitations on work for audit clients limit possibilities for conflicts of interest.(Focus: banking & finance; Deloitte & Touche L.L.P.)
March 1, 2004... One year after Deloitte scrapped plans to divest its consulting unit, the jury's still out on whether the accounting giant's efforts to distinguish itself from competitors has paid off. Wilton, Conn.-based Deloitte, the second-largest...

Health Care Heroes.
March 1, 2004... Dear Reader: It's time once again to recognize the everyday heroes who work in central Indiana's health care industry. It's time for Indianapolis Business Journal's 2004 Health Care Heroes awards program. Now in its fourth year, the...

Common questions about joint replacement surgery: the Clarian Total Joint Institute.
March 1, 2004... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that one in three adults suffers from some sort of arthritis or joint pain. The CDC also estimates that as our population ages, this number is likely to increase. While those numbers...

IU reorganization saves health industry courses.(Corporate Achievement)(Indiana University School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences)
March 1, 2004... Doctors don't always just cure sick patients; sometimes they cure sick schools. In the mid-1990s, the then School of Allied Health Sciences at IUPUI was under the weather. The school, which provided bachelor's degrees in physical therapy,...

Collaboration produces top notch rehab facility.(Corporate Achievement; St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital and Methodist Hospital of Indiana)
March 1, 2004... CORPORATE ACHIEVEMENT IN HEALTH CARE WINNER St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital & Methodist Hospital (Clarian Health Partners) for Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana The state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, one of the...

New test screens athletes for heart defects.(Advancements In Health Care)
March 1, 2004... It's a rare tragedy but unfortunately not an unknown one. A seemingly healthy young athlete is practicing or competing when he or she suddenly collapses and dies of heart failure. The cause is an undetected heart problem that doesn't show up in...

Family turns heartbreak into hope for a cure.(Advance In Health Care; Phil Milto winner in the Advancements in Health Care category for efforts to find cure for Batten's Disease)
March 1, 2004... ADVANCEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE WINNER Phil Milto Prsident, Nathan's Battle Foundation Phil Milto says he's a change agent. Scientists at Weill Medical College of Cornell University say Milto is much more--a pioneer and hero in...

Program helps poor spend final hours at home.(Advancements In Health Care; Palliative Care Program at Wishard)
March 1, 2004... ADVANCEMENT IN HEALTH CARE FINALIST Palliative Care Program at Wishard Gregory Gramelspacher, M.D., Director The poor often have few choices when it comes to health care. And when it comes to dying, the choices may prove even...

Robotic surgery reduces pain, recovery time.(Advancement In Health Care)
March 1, 2004... ADVANCEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE FINALISTS David W. Hollensbe, M.D., John W. Scott, M.D. & Clarian Health Partnets Robotic Surgery As the American population ages, many health care breakthroughs will address the needs of older...

Wired waiting rooms keep patients in the loop.(Physician)
March 1, 2004... A doctor's waiting room is a special kind of limbo in American culture. Not only do you have to sit there and worry about whatever it is you're going to the doctor for, you have nothing to read but an old article in Time about the upcoming Y2K...

West connects with families of tiny patients.(Physician)(James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children)
March 1, 2004... PHYSICIAN WINNER Karen W. West, M.D., James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children For more than 15 years, Linda Hankins had admired Dr. Karen West's compassion for the terrified families of tiny patients admitted to the Neonatal...

Southsider heals hearts in old neighborhood.(Physician)
March 1, 2004... PHYSICIAN FINALIST Horace O. "Buzz" Hickman Jr., M.D., J.D., President, Indiana Heart Physicians Inc. Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer in America. According to the American Heart Association, it also claims more...

Doctor tells kids how to steer clear of his office.(Physician)
March 1, 2004... PHYSICIAN FINALIST Michael S. Turner, M.D., Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group Inc. In his efforts to educate children and prevent head injuries, Indianapolis pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Turner routinely tells youngsters, "I...

Trio preaches the no-smoking gospel to kids.(Non-Physician)
March 1, 2004... According to Indiana Youth Institute, about one in four Indianapolis 10th-graders smoke cigarettes on a monthly basis. The American Cancer Society reports that 90 percent of new smokers are children and teenagers. And Indiana's smoking rate is...

Taking the cancer fight to another level.(Non-Physician; Victoria L. Champion wins 2004 Health Care Heroes award )
March 1, 2004... NON-PHYSICIAN WINNER Victoria L. Champion, D.N.S., R.n., F.A.A.N., Mary Margaret Walther Cancer Program, Indiana University School of Nursing Webster's Dictionary defines "champion" as one who does battle for another's rights, an...

Quiet leader becomes example for the disable.(Non-Physician; Gary P. Miller named 2004 Health Care Hero)
March 1, 2004... NON-PHYSICIAN FINALIST Gary P. Miller, PhD., Vice President of Operations, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children Serving children and their families in Indiana--that has been the focus of Gary Miller's work and what gains him...

Civic-minded administrator is widely admired.(Non-Physician)
March 1, 2004... NON-PHYSICIAN FINALIST Sam Odle, FACHE, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Clarian Health Partners It seems appropriate that a man known for bringing people together would be a driving force behind the People...

Volunteers vital to Frank & Marian Snyder center.(Volunteer; part of James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children)
March 1, 2004... Having a critically ill child in the hospital is one of the most draining experiences that can happen to a family. It can quickly deplete not just financial resources, but emotional and spiritual resources as well. Now, however, the James...

Fundraiser fuels cancer institute's success.(Volunteer)(Walther Cancer Institute)
March 1, 2004... VOLUNTEER WINNER Donald C. "Danny" Danielson, City Securities Corp. Volunteers keep many organizations running, providing the time, talent, energy and resources that keep the causes they support operating in the black. For medical...

Stroke victim returns as caregiver, inspiration.(Volunteer)(Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana)
March 1, 2004... VOLUNTEER FINALIST Frank Casper Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Frank Casper has been there. Totally paralyzed on one side of his body by a stroke, he was unable to do much for himself and was admittedly depressed when he came...