A new report by the Indiana Business Research Center of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business shows life sciences companies have accounted for nearly a quarter of Hoosier jobs created during this decade. Between 2001 and 2007, the life sciences industries added 7,600 well-paying jobs or 23 percent of Indiana's total employment growth during the period, according to the report. The annual wage of a typical life sciences job in 2007 was $82,000, more than double the average wage for all those employed statewide. Indiana Business Research Center Director of Economic Analysis Timothy Slaper says the report shows "life sciences now rival the auto industry as Indiana's most dynamic manufacturing sector."

Verizon selling phone lines to Frontier Communications

Verizon Communications Inc. is selling its traditional telephone operations in 14 states, including Indiana, to Frontier Communications. Verizon says it expects to receive $8.6 billion in the deal as it continues to focus on wireless, broadband and global IP operations. The transaction includes Verizon's local wireline operations, Internet service, long distance voice accounts and fiber-to-the premises assets in Indiana.

Indiana Fever hosting a job fair in Indianapolis

Job seekers are expected to swarm Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis this afternoon for a job fair presented by the WNBA's Indiana Fever. More than 25 businesses will be participating including Clarian Health, The Steak n Shake Co., Shoe Carnival Inc. and FedEx Corp. Information on seasonal, part-time and full-time jobs will be available, along with advice on building a resume.

Modern equine medical facility set for Whitley County

A new equine medical center in Whitley County will serve parts of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation reports two veterinarians are establishing the center, which will begin operations in 2010. It is expected to have 15 full-time employees.

Rose-Hulman, Crane partner on military software

Students at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology have collaborated with the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center on a software program to measure the impact small weapons have on a target. The Small Arms Naval Target Analyzer is expected to replace a system currently used by the military. The collaboration started as a senior project for Rose-Hulman students.

Purdue Research Foundation joins free Microsoft program

The Purdue Research Foundation is now part of an international initiative to provide free software technology to startup companies. The BizSpark program provides Microsoft software to businesses for their first three years. Any company that meets the program criteria is eligible to be sponsored for the software through the foundation.

Kite Realty prices stock offering

Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group Trust has announced a price of $3.20 per share for its offering of 25 million shares. The company expects net proceeds to be approximately $88 million if underwriters use their option to purchase additional shares. Kite plans to use the money to pay down debt and other corporate purposes.

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