AUG. 30-SEPT. 5, 2010
This week, read about how the National Hot Road Association has steered through the recession, and find out why WFYI is seeking more funding from its radio and TV audiences. In Focus, get a behind-the-scenes look at Indiana Landmarks' renovation of Old Centrum on the Old Northside—complete with video tour—and check out our annual All-Star Agents directory in At Home Quarterly.
Front PageBack to Top
City vendor may get $1.2B from parking-privatization deal
The pitch from Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration to privatize the city’s parking meters is compelling, but the proposal
to sell the meters to Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services Inc. has the city giving up more in the long run than is immediately
apparent.
Indiana universities nearly double research spending
In the last 10 years, Indiana’s major research universities—Indiana and Purdue—have nearly doubled their
science-based research budgets, to a total of $895 million. Yet Indiana’s public universities still run in the middle
of the pack nationally.
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.
Top StoriesBack to Top
Indianapolis hot rod event still on track
The National Hot Rod Association has had to go into fuel conservation mode during the recent economic downturn, but the California-based
drag racing series seems to have come through the recession in better shape than many of its motorsports brethren.
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.
Funeral company in 129th year keeps fresh perspective
Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers sometimes stretches the definition of “funeral” to stay relevant after nearly
130 years. The family-owned business began downtown and has grown northward along with the city’s population. Today,
it has 14 funeral centers and conducted 2,200 funerals last year.
Endocyte’s $86M IPO plan a boon for Indiana, investors
Venture capitalists in Indiana and nationally have thrown money at the company with abandon. Local investors include CID Capital,
Clarian Health Ventures and the Indiana Future Fund.
iSalus sees business boom as docs chase stimulus cash
The company is seeing a rush of new sales for its Web-based electronic medical record system from doctors, who all stand to
receive bonus payments from the federal stimulus act for computerizing their patient records.
Apartment developer S.C. Bodner sued over accessibility
The National Fair Housing Alliance and two of its member groups allege that Bodner communities in eight states including Indiana violate accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Act.
Read MoreTime running out for suburban bus service
Transportation planners are scrambling to find federal funds to help pay for the popular commuter routes from downtown
Indianapolis to Fishers and Carmel.
FocusBack to Top
A half-century later, Indiana Landmarks returns to roots
Bankrolled by yet another multimillionaire, the historic preservation group is preparing to move into a new headquarters
in Old Centrum, a former church now undergoing a big renovation.
Banks still cautious on commercial real estate
Singed by the downturn, banks are winnowing real estate portfolios.
Read MoreIndustrial market shows strength but faces challenges
About 2.5 million square feet of industrial space is expected to hit the market between now and the end of the year, most
of it in the Plainfield area.
OpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: State education chief’s agenda gets good grades
Tony Bennett, the state’s superintendent of public instruction for nearly two years, deserves accolades for shoving
education reform toward the top of Indiana’s agenda.
MORRIS: When does this movie end?
Lately, don’t you feel like yelling out the window on occasion, even
just a little? You have to really look to find the good news today.
MARCUS: Long-term plans require long-term promises
Economic development is a long-term proposition with uncertain benefits at a distant date. It is not just
opening a plant or expanding an existing one.
KHARBANDA: Indiana can lead in shaping energy policy
The
United States has shown little leadership in finding solutions to global climate change.
ALTOM: Do I need a cell phone that’s hardy or handy?
It’s time to change my cell phone, and that’s causing me a big problem. I have conflicting needs, and like everybody
else in the business world, I can’t seem to reconcile them.
HICKS: Most majors pay off, but some a lot more than others
There is clearly something important about the totality
of what is learned in college, but, if you want to apply all those upper-level classes in your major, you’d better study
hard or pick the right field.
HAUKE: Stock market not ready for bear quite yet
I continue to believe the April 23 high was not the end of the bull market that began in March 2009.
Read MoreNo to meter hikes
[In response to the Aug. 16 editorial] Now has come the time that I will no longer be able to support downtown. I will miss
it dearly!
Museums can’t change canal alone
As a longtime downtown resident and property owner, and frequent user of the Central Canal, I read with great interest the
[Aug. 16] article “Missing the action: Museums struggle to capture foot traffic from busy canal."
In BriefBack to Top
New McGowan takes helm of insurance agency
McGowan Insurance was founded in 1930 by William McGowan, who led it until his death in 1977.
Read MoreFitch gives ‘A’ rating to Indiana Historical Society
A strong balance sheet, experienced management, and conservative debt and investment policies contributed to the strong rating.
Read MoreIndianapolis-based Xylogenics licenses yeast strain to ethanol producer
Xylogenics claims its yeast strain, developed at the Indiana University School of Medicine, can increase yields and lower
costs of producing corn ethanol.
Two Indianapolis firms make Inc. magazine list
The firms are among the 10 fastest-growing black-owned businesses in the nation.
Read MoreReverie Estate buys another downtown Indianapolis apartment building
The prolific developer of urban apartments plans to turn the building into an affordable artists’ community.
Read MoreIndiana Pacers, Fever sign deal with Steak n Shake
As a sponsor of the Pacers and Fever, Steak n Shake receives courtside signage, a game night giveaway and on-court promotions
Read MoreGator Bowl signs contract with Indianapolis software firm
Locally based TRS provides customizable online registration to event managers across North America.
Read MoreIUPUI 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.
Julian Center opens apartments for victims of domestic abuse
34 North, an apartment complex for victims of domestic abuse, opened in August at 34th and Meridian streets.
Read MoreNFP of Note: Connect2Help 2-1-1
Connect2Help connects people who need human services with those who provide them.
Read More