Indianapolis Business Journal articles from May 2006

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from May 2006

Stadium off diversity mark: some minority, female contractors say they're being left out.
May 1, 2006... Black businessman Lorenzo Gibson is optimistic that AFI Manufacturing Group will still get a chance to participate in the construction of the $950 million Lucas Oil Stadium and Indiana Convention Center expansion. But like Indianapolis...

Jazz Fest loses pair of sponsors; this year's show will go on, but future events in danger.
May 1, 2006... It's back to square one for Indy Jazz Fest. Until late April, fund raising for the annual musical event was on track. But then a pair of major sponsors revealed they would no longer underwrite the festival. Now its future may be in...

First-class parking: airport freebie list includes former politicians, other VIPs.
May 1, 2006... Scott Jones could probably afford to buy the 1,800-space parking garage at Indianapolis International Airport, as one who's earned millions of dollars in patent income from voice mail technology he invented. But why buy the garage? The...

Emmis fights radio doubt; CEO Smulyan defends his struggling industry as stock price continues to slide.(Emmis Communications Corp.)
May 1, 2006... Emmis Communications Corp.'s stock has fallen 80 percent in six years. Revenue from its radio stations is falling short of Wall Street expectations. And its bid for Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals is running third in a three-horse...

Cleveland tech firm going west; Parker Hannifin falls short of employment promises, plans to leave Intech Park.(Parker Hannifin Corp.)
May 1, 2006... A Cleveland-based technology giant plans to move its Intech Park operation next month, leaving behind some attractive office space and a broken promise to create jobs. Parker Hannifin Corp. will consolidate its Indianapolis location into a...

Land drove Marsh sale; Sun Capital has backup in real estate if grocery biz fails.(Marsh Supermarkets Inc.)
May 1, 2006... When Marsh Supermarkets Inc. put itself on the block in November, the company's stock dove. When it cut future executive compensation $28 million a month later, the stock continued falling. When it terminated 25 executives and closed two...

Former Brightpoint worker gets boost from defender.(Brightpoint Inc.'s Timothy Harcharik sued)(Jameson Inns Inc.'s marketing)(Parisian department stores to have new owner)
May 1, 2006... Brightpoint Inc.'s former director of risk management, Timothy Harcharik, doesn't have a high-powered legal defense team. His federal public defender, James McKinley, is accustomed to representing people accused of drug crimes, not those...

Medical office boom to hit intersection on south side; developers race to scoop up acreage in area, enticed by proximity to hospitals, Interstate 65.
May 1, 2006... A south-side intersection that didn't even have a connection to nearby Interstate 65 a few years ago soon will become saturated with medical offices and a long-term, acute-care hospital. Greenwood developer Allen Commercial Group has plans...

Angie adds Big Apple, Miami, Denver to the list; locally based publisher of consumer directories on growth spurt, on schedule to hit 50 markets within year.(Company overview)
May 1, 2006... Almost everyone has at least one home-repair horror story. Some homeowners can recount chapter and verse. So in the quest to find a roofer or landscaper who can provide a happy ending, thousands of Hoosiers let their fingers do the walking...

Boutique high schools could bolster work force; movement targets students who need extra help and otherwise might not pursue higher education.
May 1, 2006... Two school districts have received pivotal funding for "early college high schools" to prepare secondary students for the rigors of college and give them the opportunity to earn college credits before setting foot on campus. The initiative...

Daniels to give commencement at IU law school.(Mitchell E. Daniels at Indiana University School of Law )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Gov. Mitch Daniels will address graduates of the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis during commencement ceremonies May 14. The speech will be Daniels' second commencement address at the law school. He presented the keynote...

Deadline nears to sign up for biotech event.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The early registration deadline has been extended from May 1 to May 8 for the Indiana Health Industry Forum's "Innovention 06" health and life sciences conference in June. The forum will charge $150 for members, $200 for nonmembers and $75...

Foundry forges growth by displaying creativity; after struggling for clients, upstart ad firm hits stride.(Mark LeClerc, Matt Ganser and Jeff Morris's Foundry advertising agency )
May 1, 2006... Mark LeClerc, Matt Ganser and Jeff Morris started Foundry advertising agency in October 2004, with a five-figure bank loan and the promise of a lucrative account from an international mail-order retailer. But when their Lands' End deal...

BioCrossroads seeks help teaching math and science; education center to bolster students' careers.
May 1, 2006... Indiana life sciences initiative BioCrossroads wants to improve the science and math skills of Indiana's elementary and high school students. To figure out how, it's asking the public for ideas. BioCrossroads released a "request for...

Lilly Endowment should open up; foundation undeniably generous, but it's also far too secretive.
May 1, 2006... Lilly Endowment Inc.'s annual report arrived in our office a few weeks ago. It's well worth reading, because it's virtually the only way for outsiders to get a detailed look at the operation of the powerful private foundation. And that's...

Textbook cases of entrepreneurism.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... This is the way it's supposed to work, right? You get an idea; you build a business; you sell it and make a bundle. So it was with the recent deals that took out IBJ's No. 1 and No. 2 fastest-growing companies from 2005, Performance...

Correction.(Correction notice)
May 1, 2006... A story on page 19 of the April 17 issue misidentified the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association.

Mysteries abound in Indiana.
May 1, 2006... There is so much I do not understand about Indiana. After living here for 35 years, after visiting every county and traveling almost every mile of state highway, after making friends with thousands of Hoosiers, I am in the dark on so many...

It's the uninformed voters, stupid.
May 1, 2006... May 2 is the primary in Indiana. A lot of Hoosiers will come out and cast their ballots for the men and women they want to represent them in the general election. As of late, however, we've been hearing a lot about problems with Indiana's...

Cost of illegal aliens shared by all workers.(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... In reference to your April 24 story about companies hiring illegal workers, the operative word is "illegal." Persons residing in the United States illegally are breaking the law by being here. Employers who hire them are then breaking the law...

Children's safety is parents' job.(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... So how surprised are you to get a letter from us commenting on [Ron Gifford's April 10] column on child safety seats in funeral cars? While it's amusing to look at the questionable value of certain laws the General Assembly passed in the...

IEDC hopes to establish regional venture capital funds; counties may balk at spending tax money elsewhere.(Indiana Economic Development Corp.)
May 1, 2006... The Indiana Economic Development Corp. wants to establish a series of regional venture capital funds to spur new jobs throughout the state. It is the kind of business stimulus program that few oppose on paper, but to get the idea off the...

New Web site highlights local technology.(Baker and Daniels's Jerome McCluskey)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A new local Web site is highlighting technology and innovation in the Midwest. Crossroads Technology Report was formed by Baker & Daniels LLP associate Jerome McCluskey, a former general counsel for the Indiana Department of Commerce. McCluskey...

B.S. detector invented in Indiana.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... It may be to academia what the lie detector is to law enforcement. In the wrong hands, it could destroy an entire campus. Or wipe out the executive suite of a big corporation. Behold the B.S. detector, made right here in Indiana. ...

Deputy mayor replaced.(Jane Henegar resigns as Ellen White Quigley appointed from Bart Peterson's administration)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Deputy Mayor Jane Henegar has announced her resignation from Mayor Bart Peterson's administration. Peterson, a Democrat, said she will be replaced by Ellen White Quigley, who had been executive director of the Greater Indianapolis Progress...

New medical office building planned for Meridian corridor.(Lauth Property Group)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Lauth Property Group Inc. will start construction this summer on a second medical office building near Carmel's Clarian North Medical Center. The Indianapolis-based developer hosted a grand opening in March for its roughly $16 million,...

Insurance department tips hat to consumers.(Department of Insurance)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Indiana Department of Insurance has added consumer-friendly features to its Web site partially in response to criticism that the site was too economic-development-driven. The department moved a link to enforcement actions to the top of...

Locke lawyer's case lauded.(Kevin Schifefl on Ford Motor Co.'s case)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The National Law Journal's fist of the top-10 defense wins of 2005 includes a case argued by Indianapolis lawyer Kevin Schifefl, a partner at Locke Reynolds LLP. Schiferl successfully represented Detroit-based Ford Motor Co. during a...

Event helps would-be volunteers get on board with not-for-profits.(Lacy Leadership Association's )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... More than 70 not-for-profit organizations are looking to connect with the 400 potential leaders expected to attend Lacy Leadership Association's annual Get on Board event May 1. The Indianapolis-based leadership group began hosting the...

Farmers' markets form advertising consortium.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Need a good place to buy eggplant? How about hormone-free lamb? Local farmers' markets hope a new advertising co-op steers people in the right direction. "The problem in the past has been there's always a big media splash in May and at...

Disaster designation opens door for loans.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Small businesses damaged in the severe storms that swept through Indiana in late March and early April could qualify for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the federal agency said this month. Nineteen Indiana...

Not-for-profit lures donors with exposure on IRL car.(National Hemophilia Foundation teams up with Bayer HealthCare AG)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Indianapolis-based Andretti Green Racing and Hemophilia of Indiana Inc. are teaming with Bayer HealthCare, a division of the German pharmaceutical giant, in a national fund-raising effort to benefit people with hemophilia and related blood...

Celadon delivers higher first-quarter profit.(Celadon Group Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Despite soaring diesel prices and a traditionally slow season early in the year, Celadon Group Inc. recorded a profit of $4.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, a 74-percent increase over last year's first quarter. Revenue, before...

Conner Prairie Museum.(selects its board members)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Conner Prairie Museum has named the following board of trustees: John Ackerman, Cardinal Ventures, long range planning committee chairman, executive committee; Nancy Hurt Ayres, community volunteer; Jack Bailey, Eli Lilly and Co.; Mary E....

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana Inc.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFITS)
May 1, 2006... Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana Inc. has promoted the following: * Becky Billington, operations manager; * Brandon Jones warehouse manager; and Robert Wilson, major grants manager.

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.(GOVERNMENT)
May 1, 2006... * Bradley R. Folck has joined the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a senior information specialist/public records coordinator.

Embassy Suites Hotel-Downtown Indianapolis.(HOTEL/MOTEL)
May 1, 2006... * Shelley Maher has joined Embassy Suites Hotel-Downtown Indianapolis as the director of sales and catering.

Boone County Bar Association.(PROFESSIONAL/TRADE)
May 1, 2006... Boone County Bar Association has named the following officers: Tamie Jo Morog, president; Frederick W. Crow, vice president; and Anne Patterson, secretary.

Marsh Supermarkets Inc.(William G. Loneman, John E. Nightengale, Connie L. Gardner promoted)
May 1, 2006... Marsh Supermarkets Inc. has promoted the following: * William G. Loneman, senior vice president of merchandising, supermarket division; * John E. Nightengale, director of retail operations, supermarket division; and * Connie L. Gardner, manager...

eGix.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
May 1, 2006... * Antoine Jordan Francis has joined eGix as a customer support representative.

Inter-Tel Technologies Inc.(TECHNOLOGY/TELECOMMUNICATIONS)
May 1, 2006... * Paul M. Jordan has joined Inter-Tel Technologies Inc. as an account manager.

At age 2, Future Fund still work in progress: so far, 7 startups have received investments from BioCrossroads.
May 1, 2006... For two years now, the $73 million Indiana Future Fund has been at work in the Indiana life sciences market. BioCrossroads, Indiana's public-private life sciences economic development initiative, is pleased with the results so far. ...

New funds target life sciences; MidPoint concentrates on agricultural technology; Heron aims at broader market.
May 1, 2006... Two new locally based venture capital funds believe Indiana is ripe with opportunity for biotech deals. With $20 million under management, Heron Capital LLC is broadly focused on the whole Hoosier life sciences market. Attempting to raise...

Largest 2005 Indiana venture capital deals.(Statistical table)
May 1, 2006... Largest 2005 Indiana Venture Capital Deals (1) (Ranked by total value of deal) COMPANY TOTAL ADDRESS VALUE OF TELEPHONE / FAX / WEB SITE ...

Largest 2005 deals by Indiana venture capital firms investing in companies outside Indiana. (1).(Statistical table)
May 1, 2006... Largest 2005 Deals by Indiana Venture Capital Firms Investing in Companies Outside Indiana (1) (Ranked by total value of deal) COMPANY TOTAL ADDRESS ...

New rules could change equity-compensation planning.
May 1, 2006... Equity compensation has long been a topic of great interest to company managers and private equity investors alike. Recent changes in tax laws, accounting rules and securities laws may lead to new ways of thinking about this type of...

Private equity funds have big quarter.
May 1, 2006... U.S. private equity funds raised $31.4 billion in the first quarter, up 61 percent from the same period last year, boosted by takeovers and the prospects for better returns than other investments. Polaris Venture Partners raised $1 billion...

VCs invest $5.6 billion in first quarter.(Venture capitalists )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Venture capitalists remained on a steady pace in the first quarter of 2006, investing $5.6 billion in 761 deals, according to the MoneyTree Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association based on data provided by...

We have a long way to go bolstering financial literacy.
May 1, 2006... It's the first of May, hip-hip-hooray, American investors are smarter today! Why are they smarter? Well, they must have improved their financial acumen because Congress designated last month as Financial Literacy Month. In fact, April...

Role reversal: oil is the Amazon.com of yesteryear.
May 1, 2006... On Saturday mornings when I was a kid, I watched the "Superheroes" cartoon and I soaked up all its greatness. Superman, Aquaman, The Green Lantern, the whole crew. And sometimes, my heroes had to battle a group of bad guys who were evil...

It's time we get started on a new state economy.
May 1, 2006... Have you ever plunked down a lot of money for something and worried if you made the right choice? You have plenty of company. To cope with that insecurity, some of us try to persuade our friends to follow our footsteps. We put forth convincing...

Standard Management Corp.
May 1, 2006... Standard Management Corp., 10689 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, 46280 (www.sman.com), is a holding company that conducts business through its health services segment. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the company reported a loss of...

Protecting company data not always worth the effort.
May 1, 2006... Like monkeys in cages, data seems to want to be free, and will connive ways to break out of restraints. Many times it takes advantage of human carelessness, as it did in Iraq recently. Two reporters were wandering through one of the Iraqi...

Lilly hit with discrimination lawsuit.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A lawsuit filed April 20 in federal court accuses Ell Lilly and Co. of widespread, systematic racial discrimination that has affected "well over" 1,000 of its black employees. The complaint, filed by three former employees and one current...

Director of criminal justice institute placed on leave.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Heather Bolejack, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, was placed on paid administrative leave April 24. Gov. Mitch Daniels took the action at the recommendation of the state's inspector general, David Thomas, who is...

State's unemployment rate falls in March.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Indiana's unemployment rate in March fell to 4.9 percent, from 5.1 percent the month before and 5.5 percent a year ago, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Nationally, the unemployment rate last month also fell, to 4.7...

Standard receives 2nd NASDAQ notice.(Standard Management Corp.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Locally based Standard Management Corp. received a second notification from the NASDAQ stock trading system that its shares are in danger of being delisted. The April 18 letter said Standard Management's shareholder equity of $4.9 million--as...

6,000 Guidant workers now part of Abbott Laboratories.(acquired by Boston Scientific Corp.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The acquisition of locally based Guidant Corp. by Massachusetts-based Boston Scientific Corp. closed April 21. On the same day, Illinois-based Abbott Laboratories completed its acquisition of the heart-stent and related business units of...

Internet directory.(Directory)
May 1, 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 with choosing...

Bingham McHale has opened an office at Keystone Crossing for its New Business Ventures Industry Team focused on serving the needs of entrepreneurs and emerging business owners in Indiana.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Bingham McHale has opened an office at Keystone Crossing for its New Business Ventures Industry Team focused on serving the needs of entrepreneurs and emerging business owners in Indiana. Contact John Taylor at Bingham McHale LLP, 8900 Keystone...

Calendar.
May 1, 2006... Business-related calendar items should be submitted two weeks before event date. Contact bmaurer@ibj.com. May 1, 7-8:30 a.m.: Business & Professional Exchange, Career Networking, North chapter, St. Luke's United Methodist Church,...

Conventions.(RECORDS)
May 1, 2006... May 6-May 12, Intel International Science & Engineering Fair, Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome. Estimated attendance: 1,800

Coburn Place Safe Haven.(FUND RAISING)
May 1, 2006... Coburn Place Safe Haven to benefit from perennial plant sale now through May 5. Pots are $6 each. Order forms at coburnplace.org or 923-5750.

Wishard Health Services.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Wishard Health Services to benefit from Decorators' Show House and Garden Walk from April 28-May 14 at Le Chateau Renaissance. Public tours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Mondays. Tickets: $20 at the door. Opening night party on April 28 from...

Little Sisters of the Poor.(benefit programs)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Little Sisters of the Poor to benefit from Hats Off to Spring Style Show on May 3 at the Ritz Charles beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets: $30. Call Dottie Butcher at 843-0524.

Gennesaret Free Clinic.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Gennesaret Free Clinic to benefit from two fundraisers. Paint-out is on May 5th and 6th at the Theatre on the Square. There is no charge. Art for Beds VII will be held on May 21 at Riverwalk from 4-7 p.m. Tickets: $65 and $75. Call 262-5645.

Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County to benefit from Thrill of the Grill at Wild Oats on May 5 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets: $10 per plate, $5 for children 12 and under. Call Sarah Smith at 767-7750.

Indiana Women In Need Foundation.(FUND RAISING)
May 1, 2006... Indiana Women In Need Foundation to benefit from flower sale on May 6 at 11592 Rangeline Road from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact 475-0565.

Ovar'coming Together.(FUND RAISING)
May 1, 2006... Ovar'coming Together to benefit from The Old Bags Luncheon on May 11 at Montage at Allison Pointe from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Call 469-4840.

Local food banks.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Local food banks to benefit from the 14th annual Letter Carriers Food Drive on May 13. Letter Carriers will collect non-perishable food donations in boxes and bags left by mailboxes while delivering and picking up mail.

Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary to benefit from luncheon on May 16 at the Hyatt Regency at 11:30 a.m. Cody Unser will speak at 12:30 p.m. Tickets: $60. Call 578-0922, 823-9538, Vicki Amick at 937-7008 or Stephanie Stewart at 224-1042.

Show Case Japan--A Benefit to Help Muscular Dystrophy Student.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Show Case Japan--A Benefit to Help Muscular Dystrophy Student to benefit from the Ministers of Comedy family-friendly show on May 17 at the auditorium at Lutheran High School beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Call...

Relocations.(RECORDS)
May 1, 2006... Scheitlin Communications to 330 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel 46032. Phone 846-3399, fax 846-3579.

Tan 'fad' pays off for salon supplier; but owner looking to add services to make it through slower months.(Tan Mart Inc.)(Company overview)
May 1, 2006... When Dane Laster told his mother he wanted to distribute tanning-salon goods and services, she told him it was a fad that would never last. He has proven her wrong. "It's the fad that never died," he said, and the business he once...

A primary primer on the need for simpler government.
May 1, 2006... Do you know the name Kelly Bentley or Derek Redelman? Michael Brown or Michael Rinebold? How 'bout Barbara Coleman-Knight, Barry Campbell, Judie Williams, Karon Williams, Maureen Jayne, Milton Baltimore Jr. or Olgen Williams? Even if...

Love of wildlife leads attorney to make new friends.(Steve Smith of Krieg DeVault LLE )
May 1, 2006... Steve Smith, a partner with Indianapolis-based law firm Krieg DeVault LLE and his wife Jan, a former grade school teacher, are the proud parents of two children--Nick, 20, and Sarah, 25. They are also foster parents of tittle Wendi, an orphan...

Keith Hernandez, meet Phyllis Ackerman, trailblazer.(Biography)
May 1, 2006... Former New York Met and current Mets announcer Keith Hernandez emerged from a cave April 22, observed that a member of the San Diego Padres' training staff was--gasp!--a female, and opined on air that women have no place in a Major League...

Economics of immigration reform.
May 1, 2006... President George W. Bush just met with Mexican President Vicente Fox in Cancun, and once again Fox and Mexico got a free pass for their role in the economics of the U.S. immigration mess. Why is the United States so soft on Mexico? When...

Earth to Bush: it's getting warmer.(Column)
May 1, 2006... On the premise that spring is too beautiful for a depressing topic like Iraq, I thought I'd take up a fun subject--global warming. Time magazine warns us to "Be Worried. Be Very Worried." On the other hand, my sister is on the Global...

Liberal war on DeLay nets results.(Column)
May 1, 2006... If only liberals were half as angry at the people who flew planes into our skyscrapers as they are with Tom DeLay, we might have two patriotic parties in this country. Any Republicans who didn't ferociously defend Tom DeLay--which is to...

Parents: be nosy to protect kids.
May 1, 2006... He had a top-level security clearance and a top job at the Homeland Security Department, which didn't stop him from asking a girl he believed was 14 years old to think of him while performing sex acts. He identified himself by his name and...

Legal understanding of illegal.(Column)
May 1, 2006... Google "What part of illegal," and you get 18,300 variations on the theme, from "What part of 'illegal immigration' don't they get?" to the more verbose "What part of 'illegal aliens should not break into our country' do you not understand?"...

The language of illegal immigration.
May 1, 2006... In the fierce debate over illegal immigration, the particular terms used by those who argue our porous borders are not a serious problem can tell us a lot. There are somewhere between 8 and 15 million citizens from Mexico and Latin America...

Wishing for clarity on immigration.(Forefront: the month's best from america's most thought provoking columnists)(George W. Bush)
May 1, 2006... Here's a news my item from wishful-thinking file: After weeks of demonstrations across America by illegal immigrants and others, President George W. Bush hypothetically gives a speech that's praised across America for its clarity and...