Downturn provides opportunity for restaurants hungry for expansion
The economic slump is giving independent local restaurants a shot at prime locations that in good times would be snapped up
by chains.
Expansion
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Indianapolis hotels feel pain of national slump
Hotel occupancy rates are way down in Indianapolis, as they are elsewhere, but local operators and national analysts think
the city is in a good position to bounce back when the economy improves.
Banks building new branches despite online age
Bank transaction counts—the number of people going into banks to make a deposit, cash a check or
conduct some other form of business—have declined in recent years with the increased popularity
of direct deposit, online banking and easy ATM accessibility. So why add branches?
Greater Indianapolis YMCA has $30M in projects planned
It takes a map of the entire metro area to show all the projects the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has on its drawing board.
The $30 million plan calls for building two brand-new facilities, one in Avon and one in Pike Township; expanding
the Fishers YMCA; and building a new outdoor pool in Lawrence.
Recession forces casinos to go all in with pricey expansion projects
In a saturated gambling market, Indiana casinos increasingly rely on expanded entertainment options to
attract patrons. The upshot is that an industry once considered “recession-proof” is asking
the General Assembly for lower taxes and hopes to eliminate expensive regulatory requirements like maintaining engines
and crews.
HHGregg accelerates store-opening plans
HHGregg Inc. said this morning that the bankruptcy of competitor Circuit City should enable the company to open more stores
within the next few years than previously expected.
EnerDel poised to get jolt of stimulus juice
Within weeks, EnerDel expects to receive notification that it’s getting as much as $480 million in financing under a U.S.
Department of Energy program aimed at fostering advanced vehicle manufacturing.
IQuest buys British firm, expanding local operations
IQuest Internet LLC, the largest Indiana-based Internet service provider, is going global, having bought a British company
that monitors and manages data, voice and video networks.
Gregg landing in prime spots abandoned by failed retailers Circuit City, Linens & Things
Electronics retailer HHGregg Inc. has snapped up at least a dozen former Circuit City and Linens & Things locations in six states and is eyeing more of the empty big boxes in an opportunistic move toward expansion.
Churches look for ways to pay off construction projects planned before recession took toll on collection plates
In Indianapolis and around the country, congregations that expanded before the recession are now taking drastic measures,
including budget cuts that have resulted in layoffs, salary reductions and giving less to charities.
Business school outgrows Indiana
With enrollment surging in vocational schools around the country, Indiana Business College has launched an expansion into
Ohio and likely into other states as well. The Indianapolis-based for-profit school also is changing its name.
Progress on the Prairie
It’s good to see Conner Prairie thriving after the rocky years it endured earlier in the decade.
Conner Prairie Balloon ride will carry up to 20 people 350 feet high
Conner Prairie will begin its outdoor season April 2 not as a pioneer-era museum but as an “interactive history park.”
Incoming HHGregg CEO: ‘We need to stay humble’
Dennis May, 41, slated to take over as HHGregg CEO in August, vows to continue growing what is already the nation’s largest
regional electronics player.
Drugstores expanding on 86th Street corridor
A rough economy hasn’t calmed the grudge match between drugstore giants Walgreen Co. and CVS Caremark.
These stories might cheer you up
This week I’m going to be
your own, personal Pollyanna and try to cheer you up with some good news.
Vocational art school grows at Pyramids
The Art Institute of Indianapolis is expanding its presence at the Pyramids with the addition of offices, classrooms, specialty labs and a lounge for its growing student population.
Logistics firm grows
MD Logistics has completed a coldstorage facility for pharmaceutical products in its hometown of Plainfield.
Ice cream chain eyes Indy in nationwide expansion
The Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain hopes to add more than 50 franchise locations in the Indianapolis area.
Distribution holds promise for Central Indiana
A new report shows that, despite a sluggish national economy, the Indianapolis area should continue to attract industrial
businesses and distribution centers next year.