INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: High-speed rail gains traction

The Indiana High Speed Rail Association's vice president for business development said a project in Michigan shows the service is "no longer a pipe dream" in Indiana. Dennis Hodges said he hopes the 110 mph line between Porter, Ind., and Kalamazoo, Mich., along with a separate project in Illinois, will illustrate the economic benefits of high-speed rail.

Hotel chooses winner of Super Bowl photo contest

A Greenfield man has won a contest for his picture of one of the most popular Super Bowl-related signs in Indianapolis. Merrillville-based White Lodging Services Corp. said Gary Cochard's image of the massive Vince Lombardi Trophy on the JW Marriott beat out more than 130 other entries.

hhgregg reports drop in fiscal third quarter profit

Indianapolis-based hhgregg Inc. is reporting fiscal third quarter net income of $22.5 million, compared to $26.9 million during the same period the previous year. CEO Dennis May said he is pleased with an overall sales increase but disappointed with losses in the video category.

IUPUI engineering school receives gift for innovation

The Purdue School of Engineering & Technology at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis has received a $100,000 gift designed to help students turn project ideas into reality. Tom and Peggy Ward, of Greenwood-based OmniSite, said they hope the donation will help fuel student innovation.

Kokomo to host conference on downtown revitalization

Kokomo will host the 2012 Indiana Main Street conference. The October event aims to draw community leaders from across the state to share ideas on downtown revitalization.

Air freight company to pay fine for violation in Indy

A New York-based company has been fined $1 million for not properly screening for explosives cargo at its Indianapolis operations. U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett says OHL Solutions Inc. has agreed to the fine and other remedial steps after an investigation by the Transportation Security Administration.

More Indiana students pass AP exam last year

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett said 14 percent of Indiana high school graduates passed an Advanced Placement exam in 2011. He said Indiana's two-year increase is the second-highest in the nation.

Indianapolis Prize forms executive committee

Prominent community leaders have been named to the 2012 Indianapolis Prize Executive Committee. The fourth biennial $100,000 prize with be awarded in September during an event in downtown Indianapolis.

Purdue online seminars to help food entrepreneurs

Purdue University is planning online workshops to help entrepreneurs who want to sell food at farmers markets or other venues. The sessions will cover issues related to food safety and profitability.

Mobile produce program in Indy reaches milestone

An effort to bring healthy produce to low-income Indianapolis neighborhoods has completed its 10,000th sale. The Garden on the Go mobile produce truck has been in service for only nine months. The initiative is a partnership between Indiana University Health and grocery company Green B.E.A.N. Delivery.

University of Indianapolis names interim director

The University of Indianapolis has appointed Edward Frantz interim director of the Institute for Civic Leadership and Mayoral Archives. Frantz is an associate professor in the school's Department of History and Political Science.

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