The Edward D. and Ione Auer Foundation in Fort Wayne is giving four nonprofit organizations a total of $40 million over the next decade.
The foundation has set up an endowment fund that will initially benefit the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, The Allen County Public Library Foundation, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne. Edward Auer was the senior vice president of Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. and owned his own investment firm. Ione Auer was a philanthropist who passed away in 2007 at the age of 103.
New ICVA president: Indy is "hidden gem"
The new president and CEO of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association believes the city is a "marketer's dream come true." Don Welsh most recently held a similar position in Seattle. Welsh says the expansion of the convention center, new airport terminal, the JW Marriott complex and the 2012 Super Bowl are all helping to raise Indianapolis' national profile.
Brightpoint moving HQ and adding jobs
Brightpoint Inc. is relocating its corporate headquarters from Plainfield to Indianapolis and adding up to 125 jobs during the next seven years. The company will move its corporate headquarters to the city's northwest side. Brightpoint said the move and expansion are being fueled by recent growth and global realignment of operations. The move will take place in October.
Louisiana firm to relocate to Indiana
Cross Road Centers, a third-party logistics provider said it will locate a 600,000 square-foot distribution center in Plainfield, creating 30 jobs by 2011. The Louisiana-headquartered company will invest more than $6.7 million to place a distribution center at an existing warehouse owned by Duke Realty Corporation in the AirWest Industrial Park, located near the Indianapolis International Airport.
University in Northern Indiana changes name
A university in northern Indiana has changed its name. Tri-State University is now Trine University. The institution's board of trustees approved the change last September. It incorporates the name of successful alumnus Ralph Trine and his wife, Sheri. They are long-term university supporters and donors. The university is planning a public celebration today to mark the name change.
Notre Dame, IU to launch new cancer center
The University of Notre Dame and the Indiana University School of Medicine at South Bend (IUSM-SB) are partnering to create a new cancer research center. The $20 million Harper Cancer Institute will be built as an addition to the school. When completed, the 55,000 square-foot extension will feature 28 laboratories and office space.
Lilly Considers Options at Indiana Plant
Eli Lilly and Company is considering options at its long-time facility near Lafayette that could lead to a plant closure.
Approximately 780 workers at the Tippecanoe County plant are being told the company is conducting a 6 to 12 month review that could lead to major production changes, a sale or partnership, or an eventual closure.
Lilly spokesperson Angela Sekston emphasizes no decisions regarding the future of the plant have been made. But she tells Inside INdiana Business the pharmaceutical industry's "constant state of change" requires a continual look at operations.
Reductions planned at AM General
Fewer Hummer H2s will be produced at the AM General Plant in Mishawaka after Labor Day. AM General Spokesman Craig Mac Nab said the company will be reducing its production from 52 to 35 H2s per day after GM balances inventory with consumer demand. The cuts will take place after the facility shuts down for two weeks in August. Mac Nab said the company does not anticipate any layoffs because of big orders on the military side of the business. He said 400 salaried workers will be temporarily out of work when the plant shuts down.
Elkhart County considers next steps after RV layoffs
An Elkhart County Commissioner said layoffs in the area's RV industry have not hit a "devastating" point. Mike Yoder said higher fuel costs are hitting the larger RVs, however he's getting "sort of mixed signals" from the sector that includes smaller travel trailers. Yoder says if more new orders do not come in by the time production is supposed to gear up in the fall, then the situation will get worse.
GM announces production reductions in Indiana
General Motors has unveiled more production cutbacks and some of the decisions will directly impact Indiana facilities. GM Spokesman Tony Sapienza tells Inside INdiana Business the automaker will keep the pickup assembly plant in Fort Wayne closed the week of August 25. There are also plans to produce fewer vehicles at the AM General Hummer plant in Mishawaka.
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