A panel of financial experts will address the credit crisis next week at he University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business. "The Credit Crisis: What It Means for You and the World" will explore the potential impact of the historic market downturns and tightening of credit. Panelists include Old National Bancorp Chief Executive Officer for Northern Indiana John Rosenthal and several Notre Dame professors.

Insurance company to eliminate 30 jobs

The Lafayette Life Insurance Co. will eliminate 30 jobs starting in December. The company is discontinuing its group life and disability insurance and has arranged for Indianapolis-based American United Life Insurance Co. to be the preferred carrier for most of its existing group insurance policyholders. The decision will allow Lafayette Life Insurance to sharpen its focus on core lines of business. The company said it will assist employees in finding them jobs in Lafayette, Indianapolis, or other locations.

Purdue, IU go online to promote alliance

Indiana and Purdue universities have hit a popular Web site to promote the Indiana Innovation Alliance. A 30-second YouTube video takes a humorous tone about the fact the institutions have launched a research-based collaboration designed to result in better health and more jobs in the state's life sciences sector. Purdue Vice Provost for Engagement Vic Lechtenberg said the video is meant to create "a little buzz" about the unprecedented partnership.

Daniels: Announcements help buffer Indiana

Gov. Mitch Daniels said economic development deals announced this week continue a diversification of Indiana's economy and serve as a cushion from the turmoil in the nation's financial and credit markets. Health care equipment manager TriMedx is expanding its national headquarters in Indianapolis, creating more than 100 jobs over the next five years. Italy's Brevini Co. will relocate its U.S. headquarters from Illinois to Delaware County. The company will also build its first U.S. manufacturing facility there, creating approximately 455 jobs. Brevini will manufacture gears and components for use in the wind power sector.

NCI awards IU Simon Cancer Center $6.5 Million

The National Cancer Institute has awarded Indiana University's Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center a $6.5 million grant. In addition to providing funding for new research, the grant will support leadership, research-related administrative functions and shared research resources. The center has also been recognized as a premier cancer center for the third time by NCI.

BioCrossroads gets funding for life sciences opportunities

Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded Indianapolis-based BioCrossroads a $2.8 million grant to continue the development of life sciences opportunities. The gift, funded through 2010, will provide a range of charitable, educational and scientific activities. BioCrossroads said when it was formed in 2004, the Endowment was the first charitable foundation to support it.

Purdue establishes energy systems center

What is ethanol's effect on corn flakes? Purdue University's new Center for Energy Systems and Policy hopes to find the answer as it develops viable new energy alternatives. It will combine technology with economic analysis to find solutions for global energy problems through multidisciplinary research. The center is a division of Purdue's Energy Center at Discovery Park.