INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Port shipments continue to increase

Indiana's ports have posted an increase in shipment tonnage for a fourth consecutive year. The Ports of Indiana said 8.1 million tons of cargo were handled in 2011, which is the largest annual amount since 2006. Indiana's three ports are reporting a 5 percent increase in total shipments for the last year.

Ind. life science industry found to be big, diverse

Results of the first report focusing on the effect of Indiana's medical device sector have caught at least one industry veteran off guard. From Hearts to Hips-Indiana's Leadership in Medical Devices shows the sector accounts for more than 40 percent of Indiana's life science industry jobs, and those positions have an average salary of $60,000. Bill McConnell, a longtime senior executive at Boston Scientific and Guidant Corp., said even he is surprised at the size and diversity of the industry in the state.

M&I Plaza in Indianapolis to be renamed BMO Plaza

One of the tallest buildings in downtown Indianapolis is being renamed. M&I Plaza is becoming BMO Plaza. The new name on the 28-story building is expected to be fully in place by the end of the month. M&I merged with Harris Bank last year to form BMO Harris Bank.

Shift elimination at casket company to kill 100 jobs

Batesville Casket Co. plans to eliminate the second shift at its southeast Indiana plant, resulting in the loss of about 100 jobs. The company is moving portions of the plant's production to a facility in Tennessee.

Aurora Casket acquires 2 companies in Carolinas

Dearborn County-based Aurora Casket has acquired two casket companies based in the Carolinas. Edgecombe Casket and Capital City supply funeral homes in several Southern and East Coast states.

Lids unit obtains company in central Indiana

Indianapolis–based Lids Team Sports has acquired Transfer Magic in Anderson, which specializes in online embellishment services. Lids said it plans to move the Madison County operations to Indianapolis.

Bud Light unveils big Super Bowl plans

Bud Light plans to take over the Hampton Inn in downtown Indianapolis and transform it into the Bud Light Hotel for the Super Bowl. It will host exclusive parties from EA Sports and Playboy and special concerts, including the Barenaked Ladies.

Advisory group names economic development director

Indianapolis–based independent advisory group BT ProjectPoint LLC has hired a new director of economic development. Michael Draper previously worked as a senior manager for tax credits and incentives at Crowe Horwath LLP.

Nominations open For Mira Awards

Online nominations are being accepted for TechPoint's 2012 Mira Awards. The statewide technology initiative said its annual awards program is designed to help draw attention to the role of technology in Indiana's economy. The winners will be announced in May.

For more Indiana business news, visit www.insideindianabusiness.com.