California-based Alorica Inc. plans to locate a new customer service center in Terre Haute, creating more than 600 jobs by 2009. The company will locate its new Indiana operations in 50,000 square feet of former retail space. The company plans to start hiring managers and customer care specialists this month.

Lilly exec to run new Pfizer unit

Pfizer has named Eli Lilly and Co. executive Garry A. Nicholson as its senior vice president, general manager of the company's new Oncology Business Unit. He will be responsible for clinical development, medical affairs, commercial development, sales and marketing. Nicholson was executive director of Lilly's U.S. Oncology Business Unit for more than a decade and also held the role of global oncology platform leader at the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical maker.

Partnerships sought for education, motorsports

Not all of the action this month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is on the track. The Indiana Motorsports Association and Indiana INTERNnet are partnering on the second annual INGear Growing Racing and Education event at IMS Tuesday. Representatives from the motorsports industry and Indiana colleges and universities will take part in an event designed to foster key partnerships between academia and the racing industry in the state. Executives from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, top NASCAR supplier C & R Racing and Conexus Indiana's Carol D'Amico are among those participating in panel discussions.

One Southern Indiana reveals award winners

One Southern Indiana has announced the winners of its 20th Annual Southern Indiana Business Awards. The honors recognize businesses and professionals in Clark and Floyd counties. Six independent judges selected the winners based on several factors such as business history, community involvement and innovation in products or services.

Celebrities announced for '500' Festival Parade

Indiana Pacers Forward Danny Granger, along with Indiana Fever players Tamika Catchings and Katie Douglas, are among the celebrities and VIPs who are expected to take part in the IPL 500 Festival Parade May 24 in Indianapolis. Congressional Medal of Honor recipients Cpl. Tibor Rubin and retired Lt. Col. Bruce P. Crandall also are scheduled to participate. Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin also has been announced as one of the celebrities, along with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.