A Ball State University report gives a preliminary damage estimate of $126 million from recent flooding in parts of Indiana. It estimates $45.8 million in damage to public infrastructure. Researchers Michael Hicks of Ball State and Mark Burton of the University of Tennessee say they concentrated on the White and Wabash rivers and other drainage areas. Hicks says the findings so far suggest 2008 is the second most expensive flood year in Indiana. Flooding in 2003 caused almost $270 million in damage.
More corporations donate to Help victims
Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences is another corporation taking steps to aid flood victims in southern Indiana. It is donating $25,000, through The Dow Chemical Co. Foundation, to flood relief efforts. The money will go to the American Red Cross of Indianapolis. The Kroger Co. has donated $10,000 lines of credit to the American Red Cross and Gleaners Food Bank.
Employers examining high health costs
Employers from around the state were in Indianapolis Tuesday for a summit on the soaring cost of health care. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event, which is examining such issues as employee wellness, cost-saving strategies and health care issues in union negotiations.
IU Kelley hoping to attract more women
The Indiana University Kelley School of Business is conducting a Young Women's Institute this week. It provides more than 30 young women who have just completed their junior year of high school a taste of what it is like to attend a world-class business school. Organizers hope the experience helps participants build their confidence in pursuing a business career.
Press Ganey issues national ER analysis
South Bend-based Press Ganey Associates Inc. has released a study of the experiences of more than 1.5 million patients treated at 1,656 emergency departments nationwide in 2007. The 2008 Emergency Department Pulse Report: Patient Perspectives on American Health Care finds that patients are reporting longer visits and a lack of communication about wait times. Emergency departments in the Indianapolis metropolitan area made the top 10 in terms of overall satisfaction.
Goody's to close four Indiana locations
Tennessee-based Goody's Family Clothing Inc. is closing four Indiana stores as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The apparel retailer says the move will allow it to streamline operations, refocus on its core business and strengthen its balance sheet. Goody's will close stores in Terre Haute, Columbus, Kokomo and Bloomington.
