The Indianapolis-based Indy Racing League is preparing for this weekend's opening race of the season, which will be its first event in Brazil. Motorsportslaw.com's Doug Boles is in Sao Paulo for the race and tells Inside INdiana Business that promoters are "desperate" to make it a success and ensure the race becomes an annual event. He also believes this is an important year for the IRL now that IZOD is title sponsor and new Chief Executive Officer Randy Bernard is becoming more familiar with the sport.
Gettelfinger: U.S. automakers continue to face pressure
United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger says after some of the most difficult, tumultuous years in the history of the industry, American automakers are poised for success, but he still expects the sector to go through more tough times. Gettelfinger, who was in Indiana this week, says when a market that had been producing 16 or 17 million vehicles for nearly a decade suddenly drops to 9 million a year it places "a lot of pressure" on the industry.
Republic faces mechanics lawsuit
Frontier Airlines mechanics being transferred from Denver to Milwaukee are suing the airline's parent company, Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings. The members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters accuse Republic of contract violations. Republic acquired Frontier last year.
Purdue expert says milk pricing revisions could help dairy industry
A Purdue University Extension expert believes some new initiatives could help establish momentum for the U.S. dairy industry, which had been hoping for a recovery this year. Mike Schutz says 2009 was a "miserable" year for milk prices, while feed prices have been twice as high compared to previous economic downturns. He says asking the USDA to reform how prices are established, or creating a supply management program could help stabilize the industry.
IU foundation reduces staff by 18
The Indiana University Foundation has laid off 18 employees from its Bloomington and Indianapolis offices. Spokeswoman Barbara Coffman says the job cuts were needed, because of a $2.4 million deficit and a 10 percent decrease in its budget for this fiscal year. The foundation had approximately 200 employees before the layoffs.
EnerDel parent reports loss
The parent company of Indianapolis-based EnerDel, Ener1 Inc., is reporting a net loss of $51.5 million for 2009 compared to $51.2 million a year earlier. The company says it is positioned to benefit from recent government funding, which allows EnerDel to move forward with its manufacturing facility in Hancock County. Chairman and Chief Executive Charles Gassenheimer says over the next three years, Ener1 expects a majority of its revenue will stem from Europe and Asia.
J.D. Byrider names vice president
Carmel-based used car and finance company J.D. Byrider has hired a new vice president of franchise operations. Thomas Welter has served as senior vice president of national operations for 24 Hour Fitness and vice president of business logistics for KB Home.
Purdue announces Northern Indiana campus initiative
Purdue University has launched an initiative to help its regional campuses better support higher education and power economic development in northern Indiana. The Northern Indiana Corridor will make use of university resources, while supporting more collaboration among four Purdue campuses. The effort is designed to meet the Indiana Commission for Higher Education's goal of creating more effective roles for regional campuses.
Construction to begin on IPFW trailhead project
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne will break ground next week on the IPFW Columbia City Trailhead Project. Construction engineering students, along with sponsors and mentors, are building a sustainable restroom facility along the Eel River Trailhead. The rail trail is being converted to a nonmotorized trail that will extend from Columbia City through South Whitley.
Rose-Hulman to hold math competition
The Indiana Society of Professional Engineers is holding the state MATHCOUNTS competition Saturday at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. More than 190 middle school students from throughout Indiana will take part. Organizers believe the event could help pave the way for the mathematics, engineers and scientists of the future.
