Indianapolis Business Journal articles from November 2006

Indianapolis Business Journal archives from November 2006

Lucas Cycles roaring in: stadium sponsor launches high-end motorcycle biz in Indy.(Lucas Oil Products)(Company overview)
November 6, 2006... Little known in this market less than a year ago, Lucas Oil Products is roaring into town with its first brick-and-mortar operation, which will start cranking out product in early 2007. Oddly, the locally manufactured product won't be oil....

Ex-Lilly execs take on diabetes; Carmel startup Marcadia led by biotech big guns Watanabe, DiMarchi.(Marcadia Biotech formed by Richard DiMarchi and Gus Watanabe)
November 6, 2006... Four former top scientists at Eli Lilly and Co. have formed a Carmel-based company to develop diabetes therapies--a venture observers say has the potential to become the kind of blockbuster success BioCrossroads was built to stimulate. "I...

Hardin set to step aside; Martin University to lose its founder, but not his philosophy.(Boniface Hardin)(Biography)
November 6, 2006... In an 80-grit patch of the city fluent in poverty and despair, the Rev. Father Boniface Hardin lectures a visitor on how businesspeople need to learn the language and culture of countries where they operate. If not out of deference, then do...

Shelter set on staying put; some say Wheeler Mission hurts neighborhood's potential.(Wheeler Mission Ministries Inc.)
November 6, 2006... A fall merger of two Indianapolis homeless shelters set off a new round of speculation about whether Wheeler Mission Ministries Inc. will continue to operate out of its 245 N. Delaware St. location--a stone's throw from multimillion-dollar...

Crashing through: obstacles couldn't stop community-minded Shaheen.(Yvonne Shaheen awarded Michael A. Carroll award)(Biography)
November 6, 2006... At the corner of 30th and Illinois streets, a dinosaur crashes through the wall of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis' Dinosphere, threatening to overtake traffic as she leads her two children out into the world. Thousands of motorists...

Ex-politician pitching virtual tool; former Lt. Gov. Davis seeks support for Model Indiana.(Kathy Davis )
November 6, 2006... Former Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis is attempting to build a virtual version of Indiana for policymakers to wander. If-successful, the new IT system could help shape Statehouse debate on a host of subjects. "What we have is a great tool that was...

Guidant sale not so sweet for holders of buyer's stock.(acquired by Boston Scientific Corp.)
November 6, 2006... With almost every passing day, Boston Scientific Inc.'s $27 billion purchase of Indianapolis-based Guidant Corp. looks like a bigger fiasco--for the buyer, that is. Whether it was bad for the sellers--Guidant shareholders--is a trickier...

NaClor picks spot for $40 million plant: South-side parcel considered for chemical factory.
November 6, 2006... Backers of a proposed $40 million Indianapolis chemical plant are eyeing a south-side parcel near White River, but neighbors worry fumes from the facility will drag down property values nearby. In the spring, local economic development...

Massive hotel project could advance without city help: redevelopment would be on a smaller scale.(White Lodging Services Corp. and REI Real Estate Services's development project)
November 6, 2006... Land near Victory Field could get hundreds of additional hotel rooms even if the developers that control the site don't receive city incentives they're seeking for a huge convention hotel project. Merrillville-based White Lodging Services...

Cable company rolls out on-demand advertising: Comcast already has signed deal with General Motors.
November 6, 2006... People don't typically pay for on-demand cable so that they can look at advertisements, but Comcast thinks they will. It's trying to turn an old axiom--that people avoid advertising like the plague--on its ear. The Philadelphia-based...

Foreign auto plants--yes, foreign automobiles--no: Ford and Chevy tops in all 92 Indiana counties.
November 6, 2006... Hoosier workers and community leaders want Honda and Toyota jobs, but the vast majority of them don't want their cars, at least not yet. At a time when employment by the Big Three automakers is plummeting throughout the state, 80.6 percent...

Health summit to discuss Latinos.(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Obesity, mental health and the "Face of the Latino Immigrant" will be among the topics spotlighted Nov. 17 at the third annual Hispanic/Latino Health Summit in Indianapolis. Dr. Maria Soto-Greene will deliver the keynote address on...

High school dropouts go under microscope; IPS seeks answers from leaders on costly problem.(Indianapolis Public Schools )
November 6, 2006... Indianapolis Public Schools late this month plans to convene a community panel to help the state's largest school system implement a dropout prevention plan next spring. The first public meeting of the 50-person panel is set for Nov. 27...

An amenity worth saving: don't freeze out skating rinks.(Editorial)
November 6, 2006... As city officials pick from among three proposals for a 1,000-room downtown hotel, they shouldn't forget what put the city in a position to need one in the first place. They can trace the need back to the city's 30-year-old sports...

Recipe for a great university president.(Commentary)(Column)
November 6, 2006... The best tomatoes? Home-grown. The tastiest apple pie? Homemade. The most successful applicants for university president? Store-bought. And imported from out-of-state. But it wasn't always so. When John Ryan stepped down as...

Corrections.(EDITORIAL)(Correction notice)
November 6, 2006... * The title of Gov. Mitch Daniels' economic development plan "Accelerating Growth" was misidentified in last week's page one story "Baby steps for tech." * Realty Advisors Inc. is converting the upper floors of 18 and 22 E. Washington St....

We all could use a dose of civility.(EYE ON THE PIE)
November 6, 2006... Whenever life seems too gloomy to endure, there is relief to be found in the antics of the Bloomington City Council. That body of jokesters recently voted to permit households within the city limits to keep up to five chickens. These chickens...

How to make elections fairer, more fun.(Column)
November 6, 2006... There's the old saying that when one door closes, another one opens. One could also say the same about political campaigns. On Nov. 7, a number of campaigns will come (thankfully) to an end; the congressional races across the state, the...

City needs more cultural sharing.(Letter to the editor)
November 6, 2006... I am in total agreement with the premise of your [Oct. 23 column] "Stepping out on black and white nights." It is time that we all quit mouthing racial and cultural diversity and start learning how to live together. This past summer, the...

Tolerance is worth cheering about.(Letter to the editor)
November 6, 2006... Tawn Parent's Oct. 23 commentary made a compelling case regarding the necessity of civil rights protections for all Hoosiers. Under current law, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals are omitted from the protections extended to...

Our young people need mentors.(Letter to the editor)
November 6, 2006... As president of the hoard of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, I was particularly interested in the column writ ten by Brian Williams in the Oct. 21 IBJ. We do have problems in this city, as in all cities, with crime, violence,...

Is kindness lost in response to crime?(Letter to the editor)
November 6, 2006... I wanted to compliment [Bruce Hetrick] on the thoughtfulness of your [Oct. 16 column]. Obviously, more broad-minded solutions are needed to solve the issues of recidivism. Prison Fellowship stands out in my mind immediately as a...

Lauth picked for build-to-suit project.(Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. contracts with Lauth Property Group )(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Carmel-based Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. chose locally based Lauth Property Group to build a 135,000-square-foot office building--the largest suburban build-to-suit contract in a decade. Midwest ISO, a...

Drop that painting and put your hands up.(Robert Wittman will speak at Indiana University School of Law's meeting)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... FBI Special Agent Robert Wittman, a top dog in the world of sniffing out art fraud and tracking stolen pieces, will be the featured speaker at an annual Indiana University School of Law Indianapolis forum Nov. 14. Wittman--technically the...

In time for the holidays, six Indiana cultural organizations have come together to produce the second annual Cultural Gift Store Catalog.(ARTS)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... In time for the holidays, six Indiana cultural organizations have come together to produce the second annual Cultural Gift Store Catalog. The resource includes offerings from the gift shops of local museums and cultural attractions, such as...

College-focused high school opens doors at career center.(Ivy Tech Community College )(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Ivy Tech Community College already spends an inordinate amount of time teaching remedial skills to high school graduates to prepare them for its education offerings. Sad but true. So the state's second-largest public, post-secondary...

State signs four-year, $22 million AT&T contract.(GOVERNMENT)
November 6, 2006... The state of Indiana has signed a four-year, $22 million contract with San Antonio-based AT&T Inc. for voice, data and networking services. Under the contract, AT&T will provide dedicated fiber-optic Ethernet service, managed Interact...

New name, same mission for Indiana association.(Mental Health Association in Indiana Inc.)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... The Mental Health Association in Indiana Inc. recently tweaked its name to become Mental Health America in Indiana. The name change reflects a move by the Arlington, Va.-based National Mental Health Association, which will become Mental...

Pay climbs for in-house attorneys.(LAW)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... A national survey of corporate law departments shows base salaries for in-house lawyers rose 2.2 percent to 9.5 percent in 2006. An increasing willingness among lawyers to jump from corporate law departments to law firms is forcing...

Cyber video is call to action.(Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana to reduce rate of abortion in Indiana)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana has launched one of the state's first social marketing campaigns via video delivery. The goal of "Get Out The Vote" is to prevent unintended pregnancies, Planned Parenthood officials said, by raising...

Louisville Tile breaks ground on bigger facility in Fishers.(Louisville Tile Distributors Inc.)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Louisville Tile Distributors Inc. recently broke ground on a showroom, office and distribution center off of Northeast Boulevard in Fishers. Locally based Paragon General Contractors is overseeing the project. The 20,0000-square-foot...

The Cannel branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is moving less than a half mile away.(REAL ESTATE)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... The Cannel branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is moving less than a half mile away. The new branch, which will be roughly the same size, will be the second central Indiana "new concept" design, meaning it will have 15 customer-service...

Retro barbershop will try to undercut pricey salons.(RETAIL)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Investors are opening a retro barbershop in newly revamped retail space on the first floor of the Victoria Centre at 22 E. Washington St. The partners hope to attract customers who want more than a budget cut without breaking the bank. ...

Village Grill.(John, Chris and Peter Prokopos's investment plans)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... A family of experienced Chicago-area restaurateurs is trying its hand at a new breakfast-lunch spot in Hamilton County. Brothers John, Chris and Peter Prokopos plan to open Village Grill at the corner of 106th Street and Michigan Road by...

Sorry, hearty Hoosiers, there will be no biscuits and gravy at Starbucks.(RETAIL)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Sorry, hearty Hoosiers, there will be no biscuits and gravy at Starbucks. You'll still have to go to Bob Evans for breakfast. But those interested in a hand-held meal can now get warm breakfast at the Seattle coffee chain's Indiana stores....

Spreading word in new way, nuns launch regular podcasts.(TECHNOLOGY)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Their religious vows require them to lead cloistered lives of quiet study, prayer and introspection inside the shelter of their monastery. But thanks to modern audio technology, you can listen to Indianapolis' convent of Carmelite nuns while...

Duke Energy rewires executive suite.(Kay Pashos)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... At first she was to stay on as president of Duke Energy's Plainfield-based utility holding company, the former PSI Energy. But in the musical chairs that follows most mergers, it's perhaps not a shock that Kay Pashos has been unseated as...

Beth Savage has joined Jefferson Wells.(ACCOUNTING)
November 6, 2006... Beth Savage has joined Jefferson Wells as the managing director of the Indianapolis office.

Baden Gage & King Schroeder LLC.(ACCOUNTING)
November 6, 2006... * Carrie King has been promoted to senior manager at Baden Gage & King Schroeder LLC.

Cox Beckman Goss & Co.(ACCOUNTING)
November 6, 2006... David R. Goss has been named principal at Cox Beckman Goss & Co.

Crowe Chizek and Co. LLC.(appointed Doug Jones, Pete Ugo and Kaus Christopher)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Crowe Chizek and Co. LLC has promoted the following: public sector services: Doug Jones, accounting consulting executive, and Pete Ugo, exempt organizations executive; tax services group: Kaus Christopher, private tax executive, and Marie...

Clifton Gunderson LLP.(Clifton Gunderson L.L.C. appointed M. Art Arbuckle, Bruce A. Bacher and Jaime L. Gaskill )(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Clifton Gunderson LLP has added the following: M. Art Arbuckle, senior manager, state and local tax services; Bruce A. Bacher, database analyst; Jaime L. Gaskill and Susan E. Sparks, associates, team health care; and Brenna C. Springer,...

Young & Laramore.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
November 6, 2006... Young & Laramore has added the following: * Kyle Proctor and * Eric Milkereit, senior account managers; and * Micah Ross, assistant account manager.

Martin Schliessmann has joined Burkhart Cain Associates.(ADVERTISING/MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS)
November 6, 2006... * Martin Schliessmann has joined Burkhart Cain Associates as the art director.

Ratio Architects Inc.(appointed Ben Jennings, Rob Taggart and Steve Albright)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Ratio Architects Inc. has added the following: * Phillip C. Graf Jr., * Ben Jennings and * Rob Taggart, landscape architecture studio; * Steve Albright, architectural technician; * Erin McCloskey, architectural graduate and historic...

Wells Fargo Bank.(appointed Stacy Wells, Mark Fetters and Melissa Boxell)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Wells Fargo Bank has added the following to its Indiana regional commercial banking office, Indianapolis: * Stacy Wells, commercial relationship manager, health care financial services; * Mark Fetters, Acordia of Indiana commercial lines sales;...

Home Federal Bancorp.(BANKING)
November 6, 2006... * William J. Blaser, L.M. Henderson and Co. LLP, has been named to the board of directors of Home Federal Bancorp and its subsidiary, HomeFederal Bank.

Indy Runners.(appointed Curt Canter, Bethany Gehrlein and Chad Martin)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Indy Runners, Indianapolis affiliate of the Road Running Club of America, has added the following board members: Curt Canter, D & V Precision Sheet Metal; Bethany Gehrlein, IU School of Medicine; Chad Martin, John Wiley & Sons; Angela Micinski,...

Central Indiana Area Service Center, American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division Inc.(Central Indiana Area Service Center appointed Anthony Ricchiuto)(American Cancer Society appointed Nichole Pfeiffer)(Great Lakes Division Inc. appointed Colleen Lawson and Michelle Canak)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Central Indiana Area Service Center, American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division Inc., has named the following: Anthony Ricchiuto, associate executive director; Nichole Pfeiffer, relay for life specialist; and Colleen Lawson and Michelle...

Shelley Lloyd-Hankinson has joined the Neighborhood Self-Employment Initiative.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
November 6, 2006... Shelley Lloyd-Hankinson has joined the Neighborhood Self-Employment Initiative as a business counselor.

The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention.(appointed Steven C. Crane, R. Mark Lubbers and Michael F. Petrie)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention has added the following board members: Steven C. Crane, Crane Capital Management; R. Mark Lubbers, former senior adviser to Gov. Mitch Daniels; and Michael F. Petrie, Greensfork...

Easter Seals Crossroads.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
November 6, 2006... * Bourke Patton has been promoted to manager of development at Easter Seals Crossroads.

Clayton M. Crumell has joined Second Helpings Inc.(CIVIC/NOT-FOR-PROFIT)
November 6, 2006... * Clayton M. Crumell has joined Second Helpings Inc. as marketing and development assistant.

S&B Construction Co.(appointed Chris Baker, Dan Owens and Tony Smith)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... S&B Construction Co. has named the following: * Chris Baker and * Dan Owens, project managers; and Tony Smith, Chris MacGilvary, JR. Carr and Jeremy Huston, superintendents

Brandt Construction Inc.(CONSTRUCTION)
November 6, 2006... Brandt Construction Inc. has added the following: Chanielle Thompson. receptionist/administrative assistant, and Kari Patrick, administrative assistant/project coordinator.

Danyelle Stein has joined Wurster Construction.(CONSTRUCTION)
November 6, 2006... * Danyelle Stein has joined Wurster Construction as a contract administrator.

GDH LLC.(CONSTRUCTION)
November 6, 2006... * Gary Smith has been promoted to vice president at GDH LLC.

Kristina Bayer has joined Unique Window and Door.(CONSTRUCTION)
November 6, 2006... Kristina Bayer has joined Unique Window and Door as a sales representative.

Joe Dickman has joined Community Development Inc.(CONSTRUCTION)
November 6, 2006... * Joe Dickman has joined Community Development Inc. as a superintendent.

University of Indianapolis.(appointed Brian E. Martin, John S. Myrland and Dennis J. Reinbold)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... The University of Indianapolis has named the following to its board of trustees: * Brian E. Martin, Frank & Kraft Wealth Care Corp.; * John S. Myrland, McCordsville United Methodist Church; and * Dennis J. Reinbold, Dreyer & Reinhold.

Ivy Tech Foundation.(EDUCATION)
November 6, 2006... Ivy Tech Foundation has added the following board members: Mike Harmless, Crowe Chizek, and Bill Grote, Grote Industries Inc., Madison.

Indiana University School of Law.(EDUCATION)
November 6, 2006... * Bryan Babb, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, has been named to the Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, alumni board.

Hall Render.(appointed Kendra Conover, Andrew Dick and Jennifer Handel)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... Hall Render has added the following attorneys: * Kendra Conover, health law; * Andrew Dick, real estate law; * Jennifer Handel, labor and employment law; and * Eric Jungbauer, litigation and risk management.

Christopher B. Carpentier and James O. Giffin have joined Riley Bennett & Egloff LLP.(LAW)
November 6, 2006... * Christopher B. Carpentier and * James O. Giffin have joined Riley Bennett & Egloff LLP as associates.

Drewry Simmons Vornehm LLP.(LAW)
November 6, 2006... Lynn A. Grunloh has been named an associate of Drewry Simmons Vornehm LLP.

Ice Miller LLP.(LAW)
November 6, 2006... Ice Miller LLP has added the following associates: * Jenny Wright, litigation group; and * V. Matthew Hammond, corporate/mergers and acquisitions group.

Lewis S. Wooton and Brett Y. Hoy have joined Lewis Wagner LLP.(LAW)
November 6, 2006... Lewis S. Wooton and Brett Y. Hoy have joined Lewis Wagner LLP as associates.

Raymond Good has joined Lewis & Kappes PC.(LAW)
November 6, 2006... * Raymond Good has joined Lewis & Kappes PC as of counsel.

Delp Printing & Mailing.(PRINTING/PUBLISHING)
November 6, 2006... Delp Printing & Mailing has named the following: Lori Darland, CEO; Todd Blocher, president, operations; Steve Moore, vice president, sales; and Bill and Beverly Delp, consultants.

Ponds poo-pooed by more developers: land prices create need for alternative storm systems.(Focus: CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN/ENGINEERING QUARTERLY)
November 6, 2006... For years, the model for most local drainage systems--especially in large development sites not directly downtown--has been underground pipes running into a large detention pond. The ponds have dotted the landscape, becoming a perk for...

Bridge project not too far for Zionsville firm; timber-frame specialist has big role in rebuilding Parke County landmark.(Focus: CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN/ENGINEERING QUARTERLY)
November 6, 2006... The Bridgeton Grist Mill in southern Parke County sat so close to a covered bridge that was destroyed by arson last year that firefighters hosed down the historic structure to keep it from burning, too. The mill, which has churned out flour...

Century-old landmark building gets new life as condos: former Ashantii Ballroom renovated into 11 units.(Dan McMichael, Ashantii Ballroom )
November 6, 2006... Dan McMichael bought his first house at the age of 17, shortly after graduating from high school. He lived in the south Broad Ripple house 11 years, rented it out for another 11, then sold it for three times what he paid for it. Today,...

Awards program honors city's innovative designs.(Focus: CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN/ENGINEERING QUARTERLY)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... The 29th annual Monumental Affair awards program, which recognizes excellence within the construction, design and engineering fields in Indianapolis, will be held Nov. 9 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. A cash bar will be available at 6 p.m.,...

Penn Arts building may go condo.(Penn Arts Apartments acquired by JAB Real Estate Investment Group LLC)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... A New Jersey-based investment group has purchased the 80-unit Penn Arts Apartments at 111 E. 16th St. The purchase price was not disclosed. "We're strictly operating them now as rental units," said Craig Hamilton, of JAB Real Estate...

City offers guide to community development.(Focus: CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN/ENGINEERING QUARTERLY)(Brief article)
November 6, 2006... A resource guide published by the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiatives provides a list of resources and partners for city residents and organizations involved in community development projects. The 24-paged booklet is organized by category:...

Green roofs slow to take root in Indianapolis area: despite an array of environmental and other benefits, initial costs and lack of incentives put lid on their use.(Focus: CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN/ENGINEERING QUARTERLY)
November 6, 2006... Green roofs color the skylines in Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto and other North American cities, but Hoosiers have to look high and low to find similar examples of the plant-filled building tops in Indianapolis. "Most green roofs [in...

Largest Indianapolis-area electrical contractors.(Focus: CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN/ENGINEERING QUARTERLY)(Statistical table)
November 6, 2006... Largest Indianapolis-Area Electrical Contractors (Ranked by 2005 local revenue) LOCAL FTE LOCAL EMPLOYEES HEAD OF RANK CONTRACTOR ...

Largest downtown office complexes (1).(Focus: CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN/ENGINEERING QUARTERLY)(Statistical table)
November 6, 2006... Largest Downtown Office Complexes (1) (Ranked by rentable square feet of office space) RANK 2005 COMPLEX rank LOCATION 1 Chase Tower 1 111 Monument Circle 2 One America Tower 2 One America Square ...

The cost of green building may not be extra after all.(VOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY)
November 6, 2006... It is a question that comes up at every project kickoff meeting, the $64,000 question that every project owner wants to know from Day One--what is it going to cost to design a "green," or sustainable building? Typically, that answer has...

Better system of sharing bodes well for profession.(Building Information Modeling)
November 6, 2006... When it was built in the 1930s, the original James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children was a very large construction project. Yet it required only 40 sheets of drawings, and only the stonework at the entry and the ceiling in the lobby were...

Bringing answers to Indianapolis from around the globe.(VOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY)
November 6, 2006... Why should you care how many stamps your architect has in his or her passport? Or whom your architect talks to from around the world? Because, as national publications declare design to be the new driving force in the marketplace, and as...

Market may be at high, but big challenges loom.(BULLS & BEARS)
November 6, 2006... The other day, as investors basked in the glow of new stock market highs, an eye-catching headline traveled across newswires. The article, which seemed out of place with the record highs on the Dow Jones industrial average, was titled "GAO...

Energy, material stocks showing signs of strength.(INVESTING)(Column)
November 6, 2006... We've been talking lately about falling prices and the effects on stock prices. I know everyone gets a big kick out of cheaper gas, and a lot of experts are telling us oil will fall to $40 a barrel. But judging from recent market action, oil...

Improving state economy defies simple measures.(ECONOMIC ANALYSIS)
November 6, 2006... The replacement of the Indiana Department of Commerce with the privately directed Indiana Economic Development Corp. has been mostly a non-issue in this election season. While most of the fist-pounding, face-reddening rhetoric has been directed...