SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2011
This week, read about how the performance of public pensions is affecting cities and find out what local charities think of Groupon's fundraising efforts. In Focus, discover why dynasty trusts are gaining popularity among the super-rich. And Small Biz explores why artists increasingly are taking business classes.
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Columbia Club nudges aside one foundation, forms second
The Columbia Club has formed a not-for-profit, the Columbia Club Historic Preservation Foundation, to preserve its 1924 building on Monument Circle. The 28-year-old Columbia Club Foundation already exists for the same purpose, and its fate is now unclear.
Read MoreIrsay blazing a trail through Twitter
The Indianapolis Colts’ Jim Irsay is among only a handful of NFL owners tweeting and has three times as many followers as such high-profile owners as the Dallas Cowboys’ Jerry Jones. His offbeat tweets are seen as marketing genius by some. Others wonder if they ramble a bit too far out of bounds or undermine Irsay’s staff.
Read MoreGreenwood mayoral rivals run from big-spender label
Greenwood’s three mayoral candidates are distancing themselves from current Mayor Charles Henderson, who lost in the May primary in large part because of his unpopular proposals for adding amenities to the southern suburb designed to attract new businesses.
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Government pension performance stings cities
The pension fund that holds benefits for public employees has seen improved investment returns over the last two years, but the hammering it took during the depths of the recession continues to deal a blow to cities, counties and other employers.
Read MoreOwner finding new tenants for former Macy’s
High-end custom homebuilder Moussa Khoury and a partner bought the former Macy’s store at Washington Square Mall in 2009 for about $775,000. They paid cash since commercial lending had vanished. Two years later, the investment has begun paying off.
Read MoreClasses emphasize connection between artists, entrepreneurs
Universities and other not-for-profits are ramping up business training for artists and art students—in the form of workshops, classes and counseling—in hopes of making “starving artists” a thing of the past.
Read MoreJudge in Ponzi case deals blow to Hoosier developer
A federal bankruptcy judge in Florida has rejected a settlement that would have extricated former Indianapolis developer Sydney “Jack” Williams from tens of millions of dollars in claims for a mere $334,000.
Read MoreGroupon launches charity fundraising effort in Indianapolis
The company's G-Team helps raise small amounts of money for specific projects, but its real attraction is the potential exposure to thousands of Groupon users.
Read MoreState Fair tragedy drives demand for crisis PR planning
Local agency heads said that sector of their business had grown even before the Aug. 13 stage collapse.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Dynasty trusts growing in popularity among super-rich
A tool allowing the super-wealthy to pass assets from one generation to the next without paying taxes is resurging among Hoosier investors.
Read MoreDividend-paying investments becoming more attractive
Indianapolis-based Woodley Farra Manion Portfolio Management has rolled out an equity portfolio stacked with nothing but dividend-paying stocks that can provide a reliable source of income.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Unhealthy living a built-in problem
Simply cheerleading for healthier lifestyles isn’t enough to get America to shape up.
Read MoreMAURER: Emmis is a risky bet worth taking
On three occasions in the last few years, I have touted an Indiana stock. In each case, readers rash enough to disregard the warning posted above have reaped rewards.
Read MoreKHARBANDA: Fiscal hawks should fight new-terrain I-69
Our organization recently released an economic analysis concluding that, over the next two years, Indiana will dedicate 23 percent of its available funding for highway construction, maintenance and repair to the new-terrain I-69 project.
Read MoreHICKS: Efficacy of the American Jobs Act questionable
In my professional judgment, President Obama’s proposed American Jobs Act is as fair an attempt at stimulating the economy as is now possible. Whether or not it is good policy or will work are other questions.
Read MoreKIM: Think outside the (style) box to improve returns
The “Morningstar Style Box” was introduced by the Chicago-based research firm in 1992 to help investors and advisers determine the investment style of a fund.
Read MoreWork should be meaningful, too
Greg Morris’ Aug 29 column “Don’t forget that work needs to be fun” resonated with me.
Read MoreRUSTHOVEN: Carson’s Tea Party jab missed the mark
U.S. Rep. AndréCarson recently grab-bed headlines by telling the Congressional Black Caucus (to quote news reports), “the Tea Party is working through its allies in Congress to block the economic advancement of blacks and other minorities.”
Read MoreRCA Dome ‘insanity’
What never seems to get mentioned anymore is that we, the citizens of Indianapolis, are still on the hook for around $70 million on a facility (RCA Dome) that was reduced to an ash heap three years ago.
Read MoreBack in the action
In December 2010, Mickey Maurer wrote the following in one of his columns: “I made a big mistake almost 20 years ago when I decided I had created sufficient wealth to cash in on the American Dream.
Read MoreKennedy spot-on
I was surprised and very pleased to see and read [Sheila Suess Kennedy's] column in the [Aug. 29] IBJ regarding marijuana.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Super Bowl organizers promoting conservation
The 2012 host committee wants rival groups of up to 30 people to see who can make the biggest dent in water and carbon dioxide use.
Read MoreFirst Financial singled out as growing company in troubled industry
The bank that took over operations of failed Irwin Union Bank of Columbus two years ago recently announced the purchase of all 22 Flagstar Bank branches in Indiana.
Read MoreLocal firm shows off for consumer-electronics buffs
Indy Audio Labs is shipping its first finished product and had it certified by THX Ltd., the gold standard in consumer electronics, in time for a major industry trade show this month.
Read MoreNew tenant commits to take former Jillian’s space downtown
Tilted Kilt, a chain of Celtic sports pubs known for its scantily clad, kilt-wearing waitresses, will take over the spot at the northeast corner of Meridian and Georgia streets.
Read MoreUSA Football, Rawlings sign two-year merchandise deal
The St. Louis-based sporting goods manufacturer will be a supplier for America’s national teams and USA Football’s youth football initiatives.
Read MoreDowntown Hyatt upgrades hotel rooms
The renovation, which will be finished in January, includes all 499 guest rooms and suites and the hotel’s corridors.
Read MorePROXY CORNER: KAR Auction Services Inc.
Carmel-based KAR Auction Services Inc. is the holding company for ADESA Inc., which operates used-vehicle auctions at 70 locations, Insurance Auto Auctions Inc., which operates salvage auctions at 159 locations, and Automotive Finance Corp., which provides floor-plan financing at 89 locations.
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