JULY 27-AUG. 2, 2009
Front PageBack to Top
St. Francis buys big cardiology practice
As concern grows among medical providers that health care reform augurs lower payments, St. Francis
Hospital & Health Centers has agreed to absorb a large group of cardiologists that bring lucrative heart patients to its
facilities.
Indianapolis hotels feel pain of national slump
Hotel occupancy rates are way down in Indianapolis, as they are elsewhere, but local operators and national analysts think
the city is in a good position to bounce back when the economy improves.
Time Factory will challenge Shutterfly, Flickr for Web photo market
Indianapolis calendar publisher Time Factory Publishing is launching a Website to compete with photo sharing and publishing
sites Shutterfly and Flickr.
Top StoriesBack to Top
Clients flee advisory firm for not-for-profits
WorkPoint, an Indianapolis firm entrusted to handle finances for not-for-profits, has lost several clients in the past 12
months, and all for the same reason—missing money.
Battered manufacturing towns hungry for food processors
Economic development officials like the stability of the food business, though wages typically are mediocre.
Read MorePoll says Colts are the local fan favorite
A newly released 2008 poll shows the Indianapolis Colts thumping the Indiana Pacers in fan support, which isn’t a
surprise given the recent fortunes of the teams. But some observers say the numbers are more a reflection of the popularity
of the National Football League and the Colts’ Peyton Manning than an indictment of the Pacers.
Advertising veterans launch new agency
Three Indianapolis advertising and marketing veterans have launched a new full-service agency. While the timing might not
be great—with the swooning economy—Dave Lesh, Bruce Dean and Bill Hendrickson think they have the experience to
forge a solid business.
City files complaint against Bright House Networks over unpaid fees
A municipality has filed the first formal complaint against a cable television operator since state telecommunications reform
three years ago unplugged local government oversight of operators.
Redevelopment eyed for former jail building
Prospective buyers need a little vision to see the potential in the four-story former jail at the southwest corner of Maryland
and Delaware streets.
FocusBack to Top
Banks building new branches despite online age
Bank transaction counts—the number of people going into banks to make a deposit, cash a check or
conduct some other form of business—have declined in recent years with the increased popularity
of direct deposit, online banking and easy ATM accessibility. So why add branches?
Banks no longer in critical condition, but full recovery still distant
The banking sector is on the mend after being tattered by the financial crisis, but it still has a long way to go before
making a full recovery. That’s the consensus, judging from recent stock performances of the largest publicly
traded banks with a presence in Indianapolis.
OpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Wishard’s smart planning shields taxpayers
A referendum this fall on Wishard Health Services’ plans to build a $754 million hospital will tell a lot about the
mood—and savvy—of Marion County voters. In this economy, and with government at all levels strapped
for cash, the knee-jerk reaction might be to reject such a proposal.
SKARBECK: Growth of private trading should have us all worried
It is ironic that in the aftermath of the credit crunch, with investors calling for more market transparency from Wall Street,
opaque trading markets are thriving.
MAURER: My rascal cousin is back in space
At precisely 6:03 p.m. July 15, space shuttle Endeavor blasted off from launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center for
its scheduled linkup with the International Space Station. My cousin, Indiana astronaut David Wolf, is on board.
MARCUS: Will children make good leaders?
As a quiet person, I am not likely to intrude when I run across egregious wrongs. Most often I let dastardly deeds go without
comment. Someday, I hope, I will overcome this character defect and stand up in opposition to wrongdoers.
FEIGENBAUM: Historic milestone in gambling industry approaches
Indiana has made billions on gambling in nearly two decades, funding key programs, cutting excise and property taxes, and
avoiding tax hikes. The state has seen more than $2 billion in investment without any government incentives,
and more dollars committed in our history than by any industry outside of steel, power and autos.
FELDMANN: Don’t seek attention, generate it
In case after case, we see businesses and not-for-profit organizations launching initiatives, holding
events and undertaking other activities for the sole purpose of “awareness raising.” And
in case after case, we see that the public failed to respond the way the organization expected.
HICKS: What happened in California could happen here
California can no longer sustain its government. This is the lesson for Indiana.
Read MoreBenner column provides hope
Thanks for writing such a wonderful column, full of hope and encouragement to those of us who could use
a little of that right now.
Indianapolis Public Schools needs more than it gets
This year will be our 18th year as IPS parents. My husband and I are college graduates, upper-middle
class. He is employed full time and I’m self-employed part-time. We chose to stay in IPS
and try to make a difference for the many classmates that have no one rooting for them at home.
In BriefBack to Top
Dow Agrosciences introduces genetically modified corn seed
Even after a string of acquisitions, Dow AgroSciences is a bit player in the seed business. But the new genetically
modified corn it developed with St. Louis-based giant Monsanto Co. finally provides the breakthrough product that could grow
its seed sales substantially.
White River Capital calls off First Chicago deal
Indianapolis-based White River Capital Inc. has quietly called off its merger with Itasca, Ill.-based
First Chicago Bancorp.
Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library on pace for record year
A growing number of Indianapolis residents are making the most of their public library system. The Indianapolis-Marion
County Public Library system says it’s on pace for a record year in terms of use by patrons and items circulated.
Ambrosia to open downtown restaurant in former BadaBoomz site
The owner of the popular Broad Ripple Italian restaurant Ambrosia plans to open a location downtown on the first floor of the Hampton Inn along Maryland Street.
Read MoreSecond Helpings replaces gala with ‘Harvest at Home’ event
Second Helpings has moved its fundraiser to its near east-side food pantry and slashed prices in recognition of the economic
climate.
ICVA hires White Lodging vet for sales position
Hotel sales and marketing executive Michelle Travis is joining the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association
as vice president of sales.
INDOT hires executive to manage Interstate 69 extension
Cost management was the operative phrase in the introduction this month of a highway executive to manage the Interstate
69 extension to Evansville.