Headlines - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick

Purdue to Host Great Lakes Research Event

Fri, 24 May 2013 21:20:37 GMT

Purdue University will host the annual Conference on Great Lakes Research next month. The school expects up to 700 people to attend the event, which will be held at Purdue for the first time.

Harrison College Creates Scholarship Foundation

Fri, 24 May 2013 21:02:13 GMT

Harrison College has created a nonprofit organization to provide scholarships to Harrison College and The Chef's Academy students. The Harrison College Foundation plans to begin awarding scholarships in the 2013-2014 academic year.

Union Ratifies New Deal With Vectren Unit

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:41:21 GMT

A unit of Evansville-based Vectren Corp. (NYSE: VVC) has reached a deal with its employee-members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 702. The new three-year labor agreement covers approximately 300 workers.

IU President Proposes Tuition Increase

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:12:12 GMT

Indiana University President Michael McRobbie has recommended tuition rate increases of an average of 1.75 percent in each of the next two years. The school says the bumps would be its lowest in more than 35 years.

Carmel Dealership Reaches Major Milestone

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:58:15 GMT

Carmel-based J.D. Byrider says it sold its one millionth vehicle this month. The used car company, which was founded in 1989, consists of nearly150 dealerships in 30 states.

City Fires Indicted Employees

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:35:27 GMT

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard says two employees working with its Land Bank program facing federal charges have been fired. The city has also hired an attorney to work with federal officials to review its policies.

State Seeking Alternative to GED Test

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:24:09 GMT

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is looking for a new high school equivalency credential exam to replace the current GED test. The agency says the company that owns the rights to the GED is moving to online testing only and nearly doubling the price, which may reduce the amount of Indiana residents able to afford and take the test.

Former Winner's Auction Set For Indy 500 Weekend

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:29:23 GMT

Items once owned by a three-time Indianapolis 500 champion will be auctioned on the day before the race. Memorabilia including a winner's ring, Borg Warner trophy plaques and a "Winner's Circle" silver cup from the late Wilbur Shaw will be up for sale.

Zionsville Closes on Major Land Acquisition

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:17:24 GMT

Zionsville Community Schools and the Town of Zionsville have finalized an agreement on a more than $3 million deal to purchase land aimed at boosting economic development. The deal with Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE: DOW) involves more than 90 acres.

General Electric Donates WWI Memorial

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:04:40 GMT

General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) has donated a World War I Memorial to the city of Fort Wayne. The structure had been on the grounds of a GE facility in the city for nearly 90 years. It has been moved to a park and a re-dedication ceremony was held today.

Local Brewers Look to Boost Craft Beer Business

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:50:40 GMT

The founder of a new craft brewery in Indianapolis says there is a "joint effort" by local artisans to expose more people to the emerging industry. Indiana City Brewing Co. owner Ray Kamstra says craft beer accounts for 3-7 percent of the market in Indiana, which puts the state at "just the beginning" of an international trend. He discussed the state's brewing industry and his company's grand opening during a Studio(i) interview.

IU Southeast Announces New Vice Chancellors

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:08:00 GMT

Indiana University Southeast has named a pair of new administrators. Uric Dufrene will be executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and Jason Meriwether will take the role of vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs.

Washington County Unveils Strategic Plan

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:56:00 GMT

Radius Indiana President Becky Skillman says the completion of a new Washington County economic plan is a "decisive moment" for south central Indiana. The strategy includes a restructuring of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership board to include elected officials and representatives of the area's largest employers.

Last Original Holiday World Ride Closes

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:33:35 GMT

The last original attraction at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari has given its final ride. The Santa Claus-based park says maintenance issues have led to the decision to replace the Freedom Train.

Chief Justice Returns to Indiana Alma Mater

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:50:03 GMT

The chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court returned to his high school alma mater today to address this year's graduating class. John Roberts graduated from La Lumiere School in La Porte in 1973.

Michiana Restaurateur Dies

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:18:20 GMT

The founder of a restaurant well-known to the University of Notre Dame community has passed away. The South Bend Tribune reports Pat Perri opened Pat's Colonial Pub in Mishawaka in 1969. He was 88.

Ivy Tech Names Warsaw Ortho Center Leader

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:54:45 GMT

Ivy Tech Community College North Central has selected Tom Till to direct the Orthopedic and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Warsaw. He previously served as manufacturing engineering science & technology manager for the DePuy Companies.

California Chooses WellPoint Subsidiaries For Exchange

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:51:30 GMT

Two subsidiaries of Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc. (NYSE: WLP) are on the list of insurers on one of the country's largest state health insurance exchanges next year. Anthem Blue Cross of California and Blue Shield of California are among 13 chosen to offer individual policies through "Covered California."

Specialty Running Store Acquired

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:55:38 GMT

Central Indiana-based running chain BlueMile has been acquired by the Running Specialty Group in Denver. The Colorado company is a partnership between Gart Capital Partners and Indianapolis-based The Finish Line Inc. (Nasdaq: FINL).

Bridge Project Nominated For International Honor

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:41:49 GMT

The Ohio River Bridges Project has been nominated for the International Economic Development Council's "Excellence in Economic Development Awards." The more than $2 billion project is recognized in the Regionalism and Cross-Border Collaboration category.

Herff Jones Names New CEO

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:07:21 GMT

Indianapolis-based Herff Jones Inc. is changing leadership. Jeff Webb will become chief executive officer in July. Current CEO Joe Slaughter is planning to retire from the company in June 2014. Webb became president and chief operating officer of Herff Jones in January.

Hoosier Hospitals Announce Restructuring

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:06:48 GMT

Indianapolis-based St. Vincent Health, which also includes St. Mary's Health System in Evansville, has announced plans to restructure its work force. Officials say the move will mean a reduction in employees that will take place before July. The health organization cites reasons including payment reductions mandated by the Affordable Care Act, lower volumes and decreasing reimbursement.

IMS Targets Speed Record

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:37:02 GMT

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has announced plans to pursue increases in speed and safety that officials say could lead to a new track record by the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Hulman & Co. Chief Executive Officer Mark Miles tells INside INdiana Business new INDYCAR President of Competition Derrick Walker will lead an effort that will be "focused on innovation." A new track record has not been set at IMS since 1996. In an interview that will air this weekend on Inside INdiana Business Television, Miles says a key announcement in the process is expected next week.

Indianapolis Drops in Largest City Rankings

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:27:03 GMT

Indianapolis has been passed by Austin, Texas in the U.S. Census Bureau's list of the nation's most populous cities. The change means the state's biggest city is now the 13th largest in the country, down from 12th.

Lippert Names VP of Operations

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:26:26 GMT

Goshen-based Lippert Components Inc. has promoted Steve Jenkins to vice president of operations. He has held several management positions during his 13 years with the company.