Locally based Business Furniture expands into Illinois, Iowa
New markets to be added later this year are expected to double the company’s sales within five years.
Growth
Articles
Local security division of Stanley keys growth for company
Stanley Black & Decker, based in New Britain, Conn., reported 2009 profit of $224 million. Its Indianapolis-based security
division, one of three segments, accounted for more than half those earnings.
HHGregg’s faster growth boosts risk, potential rewards
HHGregg Inc. had been in business nearly a half century when it hit the 50-store mark in 2004. It plans to open nearly
that number within the next year.
Stout’s Shoes still in step after 123 years
After more than a century in business, Indianapolis-based Stout’s Footwear Co. isn’t just
surviving. It also is proceeding with plans to open
a store next year on the city’s north side.
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.
Barter network Tradebank opens branch in Indianapolis
The barter network Tradebank has opened a franchise in Indianapolis with two veterans from Louisville.
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.
Steak n Shake hoping to roll out lower-cost, limited-service stores
TV spots for Steak n Shake Co. used to play up the chain’s full-service restaurants, complete with friendly servers, real plates
and glass ketchup bottles—a departure from the "workaraunts" operated by McDonald’s and Burger King. Now, Steak n Shake is developing plans for its own workaraunts.
Harlan Bakeries sues vendor over equipment glitches
Harlan Bakeries recently filed a lawsuit against equipment vendor Doboy Inc., saying it provided faulty equipment to package Harlan’s cream-cheese-filled bagels.
Brand Acceleration expands
Indianapolis-based Brand Acceleration Inc. has announced an expansion of its service area to include the South-Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic states.
Progress on the Prairie
It’s good to see Conner Prairie thriving after the rocky years it endured earlier in the decade.
Linking specialties is key to life sciences
The Indiana Innovation Alliance will bring together researchers from both IU and Purdue and keep much intellectual property innovation in Indiana.
Small business banks on IT backup
BlueLock provides IT infrastructureâ??or serversâ??to companies for loading software applications, and the startup is growing at a fast rate.
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Railroad getting boost from mine in Sullivan County
Indiana Railroad Co. has coupled onto its “largest single new business opportunity ever” with plans to serve Peabody Energy’s new Bear Run Mine in Sullivan County, said IRR President and CEO Thomas G. Hoback.
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.
IU journalism school’s enrollment spike bucks slump
At a time when the field of journalism is shedding thousands of jobs, Indiana University’s journalism department is seeing
record growth.
MainGate scores another goal
Local merchandiser MainGate Inc. inked its fourth deal with an NFL team in less than a year.
AIT Laboratories named ‘Small Business of the Year’
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has named Indianapolis-based health care research and testing firm AIT Laboratories its 2009
Small Business of the Year.