MAY 17-23, 2010
This week, see what's next for Simon Property Group after its failed bid for a Chicago-based rival and read about IU's efforts to commercialize more of its research. In Focus, see what's on the horizon for rates at local law firms. And in A&E, etc., see what's on Style columnist Gabrielle Poshadlo's 2012 reading list.
Front PageBack to Top
Officials: Despite expansion, convention center needs work
Seven months before the $275 million expansion of the Indiana Convention Center is complete, convention planners and local
convention and tourism officials are calling for an upgrade to the existing Convention Center space.
Resurgent Finish Line eyes plan for cash hoard
Finish Line Inc. is working to deploy the money it has built up through cost-cutting. The 684-store
chain plans to reinvest in its core business, return cash to shareholders through higher dividends and share repurchases,
and diversify its business.
Duke Energy downsizes smart-grid plans
Duke Energy has dramatically scaled back its proposed “smart” electric grid rollout, five months after regulators rejected
an initial, $445 million plan.
Top StoriesBack to Top
Simon biding its time after failed bid for rival
Analysts predict Simon Property Group Inc. will pay off debt and wait patiently for its next opportunity after withdrawing
separate offers to either acquire General Growth Properties or finance its exit from bankruptcy. A New York judge had endorsed
a rival plan that allows General Growth to stay independent.
IU targets tech-transfer gap
Indiana University is showing signs that it’s finally serious about translating research into commercial product, through
grants it is awarding via its $10 million Innovate Indiana Fund and by developing a computing technology mini-campus.
Renamed Conseco OK with less-flashy future
CNO Financial Group Inc., known as Conseco Inc. until May 11, has become almost the polar opposite of what it was under flashy co-founder
Steve Hilbert. Instead of high-octane growth driven by merger deals, CNO Financial has returned to profitability
by selling low-dollar products and emphasizing low-cost operations.
Unorthodox pay package puts Biglari on defensive
Sardar Biglari, chairman and CEO of Biglari Holdings Inc., the Texas-based parent of Steak n Shake, rolled out a hedge-fund-style
compensation plan for himself late last month that could put staggering sums in his pocket.
Lender lawsuits seek millions from Broadbent owner
Two new lawsuits stemming from Broadbent Co.’s financial problems charge company President George Broadbent defaulted
on loans and owes more than $2.6 million.
Ritter’s buyer embarking on custard chain turnaround
After purchasing the Franklin-based company two years ago, TruFoods says it now is positioned to seek franchisees in an attempt
to grow the Ritter’s chain to 100 locations within five years.
FocusBack to Top
Indianapolis law firms raising rates again
Recession's over. Time for law firms to get cracking on raising rates again. As was the case before the recession, the
increases are outstripping inflation.
Dean of IU’s Indianapolis law school hopes to end campus confusion
Just about everyone thinks the Indianapolis law school is a branch of the one in Bloomington. It isn't, and Gary Roberts
says
confusion reigns as a result.
Taft takes four patent lawyers from Bose McKinney
The highest-profile addition is Jim Coles, a veteran lawyer who will co-lead his new firm’s intellectual property practice.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Ballard making good moves a habit
More than two years into his term, Mayor Greg Ballard has shown a creative flair and a pragmatic streak the city needs.
Read MoreMAURER: Pack your bags … it’s time for camp
Mickey's Camp presents a chance to learn new skills or polish old ones, including backgammon, canoeing, badminton, darts,
bass fishing, fly fishing, golf, self-defense, magic, jewelry making, knitting, arts and crafts, and CPR.
MARCUS: The economy is better, but pain persists
Unemployment numbers come out monthly and the news media cover them as diligently as
violations of selected commandments.
DUNN: Let’s utilize Indiana’s energy resources
Recent events in the Gulf of Mexico have placed considerable focus
on the everyday contributions the men and women in the oil and natural gas industry make to help fuel and power our way of
life.
HICKS: Learn from Greece and live within your means
Greece will enter a generation of austerity in which its best and brightest young people will leave for Europe or America.
Read MoreSKARBECK: Exchanges’ proposed fix for glitch is ludicrous
Is investing becoming a technology-rigged game for computerized gamblers who rent stocks for seconds or minutes and whose objective is to repeatedly skim small profits?
Read MoreVeolia never shifted retirement costs
Veolia Water Indianapolis takes issue with last week’s (May 10) story on the Department of Waterworks’ (DOW)
rate case, and notes with regret that the reporter neglected to contact us on what is an important public issue.
Bait and switch at Biglari Holdings?
In light of Biglari Holdings’ recent decision to implement a new incentive bonus agreement for its CEO and chairman,
Sardar Biglari, I am concerned.
New Interstate 69 shows poor judgment
Two of the principal obligations of government are that it should be accountable to its citizens, and that it should operate
at a reasonable level of efficiency.
In BriefBack to Top
Fort Wayne’s Wyss tops ranking of business-friendly lawmakers
Speaker Pat Bauer get the lowest ranking in the state chamber’s analysis.
Read MoreLilly still waiting on once-weekly Byetta
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week pushed its self-declared deadline for rendering an approval decision on the
drug Bydureon to Oct. 22. The previous deadline was in March.
MZD wins account to market new diesel fuel product
The Indianapolis agency will start by producing Prime Lube’s materials for the upcoming Atlantic Regional Energy Expo trade
show.
Indianapolis firm acquires major four-wheel and off-road show
The Promotion Company Inc.â??Family Events announced it has acquired the Off-Road Expo from California-based Advanstar Communications.
Read MorePrivate water, sewer utilities propose sale to Cumberland
Gem Utilities Inc. and Gem Water Inc. have offered their sewer and water operations to the town of Cumberland for $6 million.
Read MorePROXY CORNER: First Merchants Corp.
First Merchants Corp. is a bank holding company that operates offices in Indiana and Ohio. For the year ended Dec. 31, 2009,
the company reported a net loss of $45.7 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, on $281.6 million in revenue.