Bold bets on Hoosier firms yield horrific results so far
The millions of dollars they plunked down to buy stock in local companies over the past two years have shriveled in value,
leaving them way, way below break-even.
Communications
Articles
IRL’s Danica Patrick tops most-searched list on Web
Indy Racing League driver Danica Patrick topped golfer Tiger Woods, quarterback Tom Brady and Super Bowl champion Eli Manning
as the most searched-for athlete in 2008, according to America Online’s annual list of top Web, mobile and video searches.
Y&L ad firm making ‘significant’ staff cuts
Young & Laramore is making what it says are “significant” staff cuts in the wake of losing the Steak n Shake account.
Steak n Shake seeks younger customers
Steak n Shake hopes to create buzz with its new marketing plan targeting youth.
Holiday promotional campaign helps Indianapolis venues boost their attendance
The 12 Free Days of Indy Christmas promotion runs through Dec. 24 and gives patrons of several city destinations the opportunity
to enjoy them without the cost.
Bloomington wins recognition for being gay-friendly
A national newsmagazine for the gay and lesbian community has named Bloomington as its top U.S. small-town vacation destination.
Emmis struggling to stay in good stead with lenders
Emmis Communications Corp. struggles to contain expenses and minimize debts due to radio advertising shortfalls.
Here are tips for small biz survival during recession
For small businesses to survive, they must be prepared to withstand economic difficulties for some time…
Jennings County group hires PR firm
The Jennings County Economic Development Commission recently hired Indianapolis-based Brand Acceleration Inc. as its agency
of record to handle advertising, public relations and brand management.
MZD Advertising signs deal with National Guard to publicize child care benefits
Indianapolis-based MZD Advertising topped a field of 14 agencies competing to become agency of record for Gap Solutions Inc.,
which provides contracted services that support the National Guard Child Care Program.
Indianapolis Airport opening good news for local PR, hospitality firms
In the last two months, the Indianapolis Airport Authority board has approved spending at least $850,000 toward grand-opening
parties for the new airport terminal and events in the form of contracts with caterers, event planners and public relations
firms.
After record election revenues, TV ad income may hit 10-year low
With the economic swoon and no political ad campaigns in 2009, TV ad revenue could hit a 10-year low next year.
Pathway Productions gets new owner, new CEO
Pathway Productions, one of the city’s highest-profile video production firms, has a new owner, a new CEO and a new plan to blaze a trail to prosperity. Michael Husain, who founded the company from his basement in 1996, earlier this year quietly sold a majority stake to Mays Chemical Co. President William Mays, who in turn named Jerald Harkness the new CEO.
Emmis’ market value in free fall as radio industry takes beating
For more than two years, Smulyan, 61, has been unflaggingly optimistic during quarterly conference calls. But since early 2007, Emmis’ stock has fallen 84 percent, shrinking the company’s stock market value from $307 million to $48 million. The troubles have cast uncertainty over one of Indianapolis’ highest-profile businesses.
Airport hoping to double ad revenue with digital push
Indianapolis International Airport officials hope to double advertising revenue, pushing it past $1 million, when the midfield
terminal opens in November. That income, officials said, is important because it helps ease pressure on cash-strapped
airlines, allowing them to focus on offering more flights. The airport relies on non-airline revenue, such as food sales and
advertising, for about 60 percent of its revenue.
‘Instant gratification moments’ key to ChaCha’s biz strategy
Carmel-based ChaCha Search Inc. has been winning accolades and enough teen fans to rival Hannah Montana. But none of that makes it apparent how the company can make money giving free answers to random cell phone queries.
WNDE holds off sports-talk upstart in ratings despite marketing push, high-profile co-host
Longtime sports/talk station WNDE-AM 1260 has beaten back newcomer WFNI-AM 1070 in a critical listener demographic despite
WFNI’s extensive promotion of hosts Eddie White and Indianapolis Star sports columnist Bob Kravitz.
Angie’s List, AT&T fight in court over consumer firm’s logo
A federal court this month gave a thumbs-down to a lawsuit filed by Angie’s List claiming that AT&T Yellow Pages violated
trademark laws by publishing ads containing the Angie’s List logo of a servicewoman giving a “thumbs-up.” But on June 25–two
weeks after the court dismissed the suit saying its legal arguments were “meager” and “insubstantial”–the publisher of online
and print business directories filed an amended case against AT&T in U.S. District Court.
Guerrilla advertising might seem wacky, but often gets results
The 24 area Liberty Tax Service outlets are known for their human mascots dressed up as the Statue of Liberty or Uncle Sam,
standing on street corners and waving in traffic. Liberty’s approach is just one incarnation of one of the fastest-growing
trends in advertising: guerrilla marketing.
eGix buyout sets up Bell battle
The fiercely competitive local telecommunications landscape should get even more heated, following Cincinnati Bell Inc.’s
$18 million acquisition of Carmel-based eGix Inc. eGix provides bundled voice and data services, as well as high-speed Internet
access and messaging products, to about 17,000 commercial customers.