INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Super Bowl Helps Boost National Reputation

 The chairman of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee believes the event has been "a great lift" for the Indianapolis brand. But Mark Miles is stopping short of saying the game has elevated the city into a top–tier convention site. Committee President Allison Melangton says says the Super Bowl the city planned for "is the one we executed."

New Orleans Learns From Indy's Super Performance

Organizers of Super Bowl 47 in New Orleans say Indianapolis "raised the bar" when it comes to hosting the big game. New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says he was especially impressed with the cleanliness of the city and the helpfulness of the volunteers.

Springleaf Closing Branches Nationwide

Evansville–based real estate investment trust Springleaf REIT Inc. is planning to close approximately 60 branch offices. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company says the move will affect about 400 employees.

Clean Tech Efforts to be Highlighted

Hoosier companies focusing on clean vehicle technologies and alternative fuels will highlight next week's 2012 annual meeting of South Shore Clean Cities Inc. The nonprofit organization is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

State to Release Stage Collapse Report

The results of the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation into the State Fair stage collapse will be released this week. Indiana Department of Labor Commissioner Lori Torres and Deputy Commissioner Jeffry Carter will present the findings Wednesday at the Statehouse.

IU School Partners With Peace Corps

Indiana University says a new partnership between the School of Education and the Peace Corps is designed to help fill a global need for English teachers. Students will be able to apply their service time with the organization toward credits for a master's degree at IU.

Biotech Company Opens New Lab

West Lafayette–based BASi (Nasdaq: BASI) has opened a new facility designed to help pharmaceutical and biotech companies evaluate new compounds. The Discovery Center is located at BASi's corporate headquarters in the Purdue Research Park.

Building Begins on Mishawaka Medical Facility

Construction is underway on a new medical facility in Mishawaka. Indianapolis–based American Structurepoint is leading the design process for the Mishawaka Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facility.

Herff Jones Increases Sustainability Efforts

Indianapolis–based Herff Jones Inc. says it has joined the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The company hopes the membership will help it better understand and aid higher education institutions in advancing sustainability initiatives.

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