NCAA shakes up ad strategy
The NCAA for the first time this year debuted an ad campaign in the fall rather than during the Final Four basketball tourney. The NCAA has also turned to celebrity endorsers.
Anthony Schoettle
Articles
Brown ponders future in Formula One, but that doesn’t mean series is Indy-bound
Formerly based in Zionsville, Zak Brown is leaving his executive role with a global marketing firm. He admits only that he plans to be “heavily involved” in F1, but isn’t as coy about the likelihood of a series race in Indianapolis.
Pete Dye, still swinging at 90, to open new golf course in Westfield
Chatham Hills officials said their golf course could be the best that legendary golf architect Pete Dye, 90, has developed in Indiana. Could it be home to the state’s next PGA event?
Debbie Locklear shares secrets for corporate gatherings and private shindigs
Debbie Locklear’s firm, Meeting Services Unlimited, works with dozens of clients nationwide and has helped put on shows for some of the country’s biggest corporations and associations, including Indianapolis-based Custom Electronic Design Installation Association.
Despite challenges, regional counties carve out convention, tourism niche
While Indianapolis pursues major sporting events and massive conventions—gatherings that attract tens of thousands of people and score tens of millions of dollars in economic impact—many neighboring counties are chasing small and midsize corporate confabs, weddings and senior-citizen bus tours.
The Interview Issue: Monica Peck and Courtney Cole
Noblesville natives Monica Peck and Courtney Cole became the sixth-generation owners of Hare Chevrolet when they bought it from their parents in 2008. Now, thanks in part to a snappy ad campaign, sales have nearly tripled. But their biggest battle has been off the lot: Cole is battling cancer.
The Interview Issue: Jen Handley
Fizziology—the company co-founded by Jen Handley—works with every major motion picture producer in North America except Disney to use real-time social media data to improve their products and promotions. This year, Inc. magazine listed the Indy-based firm as one of the fastest-growing U.S. companies.
The Interview Issue: Terri Cope-Walton
In 2013, Terri Cope-Walton—a broadcast journalist almost by accident—became Indianapolis’ first black television news director. She compares a news show to a picnic: It’s only good if there are a variety of options to consume.
Pacers taking fieldhouse retro to celebrate team’s 50th anniversary
Pacers officials are promising to transform the 18,165-seat fieldhouse from floor to ceiling for six special home games to look like each of the decades in which the team, which this season is celebrating its 50th season, has played.
Smulyan extends offer to take Emmis private
CEO Jeff Smulyan, who had given the board until Friday to decide whether to accept his $4.10-per-share offer to take the company private, has extended the offer to Sept. 30.
$2M ad campaign helps drive ticket sales for debut air race at IMS
Tourism officials say they don’t know what kind of economic impact to expect from the event but note plenty of hotel rooms are available now for the Oct. 1-2 event.
Meteorologist departs WTHR after nine years
Nicole Misencik, who proved valuable to Channel 13 beyond her role as a weather forecaster, said Thursday that she wanted to be closer to family.
Monumental operator changes name as it strides into new fitness territory
The Indianapolis organization that runs the state’s biggest marathon on Wednesday unveiled a new name and logo, plus a list of new or expanded programs and events.
Indy 500 ticket renewals strong, but 2017 crowd not likely to match 2016
Speedway President Doug Boles is confident attendance for the 2017 Indianapolis 500 will be higher than it was in 2015, the year before the race’s 100th running.
City’s hotel occupancy suffers July dip, but remains up for the year
While year-over-year downtown hotel occupancy sank in July, Visit Indy CEO Leonard Hoops said he isn’t concerned. Instead he’s looking for good times ahead.
Final Four boss suddenly exits NCAA
Mark Lewis’ departure from the organization was as strange as his arrival four years ago. But it was certainly done with a lot less noise.
Indians attendance slips, but still leads Minor League Baseball
Wet and hot weather is great for tropical plants, but not for baseball attendance.
Zooom lets high schools, colleges train refs like pros
The Zionsville-based company has created a platform that lets schools upload video that can be used to train and critique officiating.
Sports marketing firm changes name, grows HQ, plans hiring blitz
As its client base widens (including new NASCAR champ Kyle Larson), the firm led by former Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief of staff Ken Ungar is embarking on expansion on several fronts.
New sensors in NFL footballs won’t be used to prevent another DeflateGate
The NFL is using computer chips embedded in footballs to collect a whole new level of data for its broadcast partners and fans. But those chips won’t be monitoring air pressure—at least not yet.