External construction is complete on the new Honda plant in Greensburg. Corporate spokesman for Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, Andrew Stoner, says crews have attached the "Honda" logo to the side of the building and the production facility is being installed with robots. He says company officials have hired about 500 of the 2,000 associates needed. The production application process was in August of 2007 for about two weeks. During that period, Stoner reports they received more than 30,000 applications.

Nestle nears completion of Anderson facility

Nestle USA Inc. of California, a subsidiary of Nestle S.A. in Switzerland, is weeks away from opening its new $360 million manufacturing and distribution complex in Anderson. Nestle Manager of Division and Brand Affairs Pam Krebs says the company is on schedule and starting to produce Nestle Nesquick Ready-to-Drink beverages and Nestle Coffee-Mate. The project is expected to create 300 jobs. The company is planning a grand opening in October.

Airport executive director calls report nonsense

South Bend Regional Airport Executive Director John Shalliol is upset with the recent report identifying three Indiana airports that could lose service as major airlines deal with rising fuel prices and other financial difficulties. Shalliol questions how the information was gathered by the Pennsylvania-based Business Travel Coalition. He is only aware of cuts by Allegiant Air.

Rockport hoping to land coal plant

The city of Rockport is informing residents about Indiana Gasification LLC's proposed gasification-to-substitute natural gas project. Lincolnland Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Tom Utter says the $2.1 billion project would create 150 permanent jobs and 1,000 construction-related jobs.

Report shows state strong Life Sciences region

A new report on the national Life Sciences sector shows Indiana remains one of the leading regions in the country. The Battelle/Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) report was released last week. State officials have gone through the document and found Indiana employs 6.1 percent of the nation's Drugs and Pharmaceutical workers.

Purdue economist: Price of corn too high

A Purdue University agricultural economist says corn has reached a record high and the price is "too high for just about everyone." Chris Hurt says within the last three weeks corn has risen $6 to $7 per bushel from late planting and the Midwest floods and that has ethanol production in the negative margins. Two years ago, corn was just $2 a bushel. Hurt does not believe we will be able to restore world corn stocks until the fall of 2009.

Lilly provides $50M for disaster relief

Lilly Endowment Inc. has announced $50 million in grants for disaster relief and recovery in Indiana. The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army each will receive $2.5 million. The Indiana Association of United Ways has been awarded $45 million. The IAUW will make grants from a disaster-response fund. Eligibility requirements are expected to include whether a county has been declared a state or federal disaster area.

Review of business awards finalists begins

Officials with the state's first Indiana Companies to Watch awards program are reviewing the 133 finalists. The top 50 will be recognized at a ceremony in late August. The program is designed to honor Indiana's 50 most promising second-stage companies. Winners will be based on past growth, projected success, special strengths centered on innovative products and business practices, special use of technology and work within their local communities.

Dunes named reason to 'Love the U.S.A Now'

A national publication has listed Indiana Dunes as one of its "Top 50 Reasons to Love the U.S.A. Now." Travel + Leisure's July edition describes the Dunes as the "Midwest's answer to Cape Cod." An official with the magazine says it wanted to give the attraction "the national attention it deserves."

Finish Line Announces Q1 Earnings

Indianapolis-based The Finish Line Inc. is reporting first quarter income of $0.9 million, an improvement from the loss of $2.6 million from the same quarter last year. Net sales increased to $287.9 million, compared to $285.8 million in the first quarter of 2007. Consolidated comparable store net sales also increased 1.2% compared to the same period a year ago.