Talking Points: What’s the buzz on the Palladium, the opera and more?
IBJ’s annual rundown of issues the A&E world will be obsessing about this year.
Kathleen McLaughlin
Articles
EnerDel parent lines up more financing
The parent company of lithium-ion battery maker EnerDel Inc. has raised another $65 million to help finance operations and ramp up its manufacturing operations in the Indianapolis area.
Sun Capital’s cuts spark union drive at Marsh Supermarkets
Workers at the Beech Grove grocery will vote Sept. 17. The United Food and Commercial Workers would have to prevail in votes at all locations to provide representation for the entire chain.
Insurance seller chases music dreams with jazz label
Al Hall started Owl Studios in 2005 to promote local musicians and has expanded its roster of performers to 16.
Marian University goes on fundraising tear
Marian University pulled in a whopping $54.2 million in pledges for the fiscal year ended June 30, largely related to its
effort to launch Indiana’s first college of osteopathic medicine. The year before, the Catholic institution raised $14.4
million, an in-house record.
WFYI seeks more money from public broadcasting audience
Public TV and radio broadcaster WFYI is counting on its listeners and viewers to open their wallets in a big way this fall,
as it gears up for a campaign to grow its endowment well beyond its current $2.2 million.
IUPUI launches undergrad program in philanthropic studies
Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy says its program is the only one in the country that focuses on philanthropy,
as opposed to the more technical not-for-profit management offered by other universities.
Strategy key as arts groups launch simultaneous campaigns
A wave of fundraising pitches is about to wash over Indianapolis arts supporters. Five organizations either have announced
or are working toward the launch of major campaigns.
JD Norman boss stumps for UAW to reconsider contract
The owner of Illinois-based JD Norman Industries came to Indianapolis to make a personal plea for United Auto Workers Local
23 to allow a vote on his proposed five-year contract.
Economic development officials stunned by GM plant no-vote
Indiana Commerce Secretary Mitch Roob said he was completely surprised by local General Motors workers’ refusal to vote on
a proposed contract by JD Norman Industries, a decision that appears to set up the plant for certain closure.
Cash options floated for workers at GM stamping plant
Fliers circulating at General Motors' Indianapolis plant show that union members will be offered cash payments of $25,000
to $35,000 and an opportunity to keep a foot in the door with GM, if they agree to work for JD Norman Industries.
After another loss, JA plans for recovery
The not-for-profit hangs its hopes on efforts including more aggressive fundraising after reporting a $389,000 deficit for
its 2010 fiscal year. “It’s been a rough spell,” said CEO Jennifer Burk.
Purdue aims to boost solar progress
Purdue University will join the quest for cheap solar-generated electricity with an initiative aimed at speeding up research
across the industry. The Network for Photovoltaic Technology will launch this fall, focused on creating computer models to
eliminate costly and slow trial-and-error research in the solar industry.
Museums struggle to capture foot traffic from busy Central Canal
Summer on the Central Canal is like a beachfront boardwalk, teeming with life. People push strollers, hold hands and walk
their dogs. There are boats and bikes and Segways for rent. And four museums are steps away from the water. Yet most of them
capture few of the passersby.
GM plant offer sets off union power struggle
The UAW in Detroit said Local 23 will vote Monday on Illinois-based JD Norman's proposal to buy an Indianapolis stamping
plant where more than 600 work, but a local rep says workers don't want to negotiate.
Thousands beat it to Indianapolis for Drum Corps competition
About 30,000 people are expected to attend the Drum Corps International World Championships over the next three days at Lucas
Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Eiteljorg to launch new attractions, strategy
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is trying to raise $4.5 million to fund a new strategy aimed at boosting
attendance.
Slumping chocolate firm hopes to recapture early momentum
Endangered Species Chocolate, which saw growth spike from 2005 through 2007, lost 20 percent of its revenue in 2009. Sales
dropped from $14 million in 2008 to $11 million last year. New Curt Vander Meer has plans to bring the company back to its
former glory, one chocolate bar at a time.
Film advocate Heartland aims to raise $12.5 million
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures is well on its way to raising $12.5 million to use for numerous film-related projects, the
group announced Monday morning during a press conference featuring director Rob Reiner.
State steps up chase for data centers
Jam-packed with expensive equipment, data centers represent huge capital investments in a relatively small footprint. That
can mean steep property tax bills, though Indiana allows communities to exempt a portion of that tax. Jobs-hungry Indiana
is eager to attract more of these climate-controlled computing fortresses.