IIB WEEK IN REVIEW: Citizens, Muncie-based bank announce merger

Muncie-based First Merchants Bank and Citizens Financial Bank in Munster are merging. The parent companies of both have announced a deal that will see Citizens Financial merge into First Merchants. The deal is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter. Chief Executive Officer Mike Rechin…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: State pulls support for massive project

Gov. Mike Pence says Indiana has withdrawn state incentives for Midwest Fertilizer Company for the construction of a nearly $3 billion nitrogen fertilizer plant in Posey County. Pence initially suspended support in February after learning Pakistan-based Fatima Group, which owns nearly half o…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Study highlights ag impact

A new study is detailing the statewide impact of the agriculture sector. The research, conducted by the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, indicates agriculture-related industries contributed nearly $38 billion to Indiana's economy and supported close to 190,000 jobs in 2011. It f…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Baseball team, Whiting brewery announce partnership

A Northwest Indiana baseball team will feature a new beer from a Whiting-based brewery this summer. Bulldog Brewery Co.'s Standard Diamond Ale will be the signature suds of the NW Indiana Oilmen baseball team during home games at Oil City Stadium at Standard Diamonds Park.

BITS & BYTES: Keep your computer running well

Q. I just bought a new desktop computer. How can I keep it running the best it can? I’m not a guru, so please give me just the basics.

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: ISDA names economic development director

A rural economic development veteran has been appointed Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director of Economic Development & Trade. Connie Neininger most recently served as president of the Cass Logansport Economic Development Organization and also spent time as the economic develo…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Purdue North Central to offer new eegree

Purdue University North Central says it will offer a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has approved the program, which will begin in the fall.

IIB WEEK IN REVIEW: Indiana-based Banks Announce Merger

Mooresville-based CITBA Financial Corp., the holding company of Citizens Bank, and Merchants Bancorp in Carmel have agreed to merge. As a result, CITBA will be the surviving corporation and will be renamed Merchants Bancorp.

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Valpo developer pitches $60 million Muncie Plan

A college housing developer from Valparaiso is looking to build a massive mixed-use complex near the Ball State University campus. Investment Property Advisors LLC, which is co-owned by Chase Sorrick, outlined the $60 million plans Thursday to the Muncie Redevelopment Commission. He said the…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Airport terminal demolition begins

Preparations have begun to raze the vacated Indianapolis International Airport terminal. The nearly 800,000 square-foot complex has been closed since 2008, when it was replaced by the current Midfield Terminal. The Indianapolis Airport Authority believes the project will yield a shovel-ready…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Lafayette edges out international competition

Japan-based Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. is planning to invest up to $450 million in a massive expansion at its Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette. The automaker says it will add 900 jobs by 2016 and build the Subaru Impreza at the Tippecanoe County operation. SIA Executive V…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: NIPSCO parent makes Fortune 500 list

Six Indiana companies are on this year's Fortune 500 list, including Merrillville-based NiSource at No. 480. Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc. is the highest-ranked Indiana company, with other employers from Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Columbus making this year's list.

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Steak House to Anchor $30 Million Development

A Wisconsin-based developer says a nearly 500-seat Ruth's Chris Steak House will be the anchor tenant of a $30 million development set to open next year in Indianapolis. Ironworks at Keystone by Hendricks Commercial Properties LLC will also feature 120 "high-end" apartments. A spokeswoman te…

IIB WEEK IN REVIEW: Pence believes budget deal is good for business

Gov. Mike Pence believes the tax cut package included in the new two-year state budget should attract more businesses to Indiana. The package contains $600 million in tax cuts, including a 5 percent phased in income tax reduction. It also calls for the immediate elimination of the inheritanc…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: BSU economist 'not optimistic' on jobs report

A Ball State University economist says "the deeper you dig the worse the news is" regarding the latest national employment report. Michael Hicks, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, says the April figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show part-time jobs are…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Indiana pursuing defense business

Wednesday's meeting of military commanders from throughout Indiana is "another step" toward securing more defense-related business for the state, said Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann. Sen. Dan Coats, U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks and Ellspermann are taking part in a round-table discussion with the militar…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Hoosier entrepreneur prepares for Sports Emmys

A Bloomington-based candy maker will be featured next week at a national awards show. Joan Fischer, who owns Joan's Caramels LLC, is working to provide treats for 900 gift bags that will be handed to athletes, celebrities and members of the media at the 34th annual Sports Emmy Awards in New …

IIB WEEK IN REVIEW: Gary mayor says program part of 'improving' job picture

Gary Mayor: Program Part of 'Improving' Job Picture

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Event to focus on NWI's 'Regional Recovery'

The Northwest Indiana Forum will reveal the results of a regional economic indicators report at an event Monday in Valparaiso. The Regional Council of Economic Advisors will discuss their findings on the region's growth and the sources of future jobs.

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Burns Harbor port shares in award

The Great Lakes Seaway System, which includes the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor, is receiving the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for increasing international cargo tonnage. The growth included steel, wind energy components and ethanol.

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Commercial real estate shows 'resiliency'

Commercial real estate company Cassidy Turley says central Indiana was able to "shrug off" uncertainty about sequestration and payroll tax hikes and post increases across all sectors. Vice President of Research Jason Tolliver says other areas of the state are also seeing improvements, includ…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Indiana companies converge on BIO

Indiana's life sciences sector will be on a global stage at this week's International Biotechnology Organization Convention. Many companies and research institutions from the state are in Chicago for the biotech industry's largest global event. Indiana Health Industry Forum Chief Executive O…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Indiana schools make 'Green College' list

Six Indiana schools are featured on The Princeton Review's annual "Guide to Green Colleges." The book recognizes universities that demonstrate sustainability in their academic offerings and campus infrastructure. The schools in state that made the list are Ball State University, Earlham Coll…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Health information exchange could go national

The Indiana Health Information Exchange says it is poised for national expansion. The Regenstrief Institute Inc. is licensing its Indiana Network for Patient Care to a unit of the exchange. Officials say the deal positions the exchange to reach beyond Indiana. Read More Regenstrief Investiga…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: RV manufacturer adding hundreds of jobs

Middlebury-based Grand Design RV LLC is planning to add 500 jobs in the Elkhart County town by 2016. The recreational vehicle manufacturer says it has invested more than $11 million to purchase and equip four plants on a 67-acre campus. The company already employs 115 in Middlebury. It's ano…

Inside INdiana Business: Angel fund aims to focus on life sciences, IT

Bloomington Economic Development Corp. President Ron Walker hopes a new angel fund chapter will help connect the city's "very thriving entrepreneurial community" with much-needed resources. Indianapolis-based StepStone Business Partners LLC has formed a new chapter in Bloomington. The organi…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Brinegar says no 'rubber stamp' session

The president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce says, despite Republican majorities in the Indiana House and Senate and a Republican governor, this year's legislative session has not been "smooth sailing." Kevin Brinegar says there have been as many or more contentious issues this year as i…

IIB WEEK IN REVIEW: Ivy Tech May Face More Tough Decisions

The president of Ivy Tech Community College says the school has "run out of easy things to do" and must make difficult decisions such as consolidating two of its regions. Tom Snyder tells Inside INdiana Business the college faces an estimated $40 million funding gap. He says Ivy Tech will co…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Ivy Tech may face more tough decisions

The president of Ivy Tech Community College says the school has "run out of easy things to do" and must make difficult decisions such as consolidating two of its regions. Tom Snyder tells Inside INdiana Business the college faces an estimated $40 million funding gap. He says Ivy Tech will co…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Hicks says some businesses face 'reality gap'

A Ball State University economist says education and training are not the only issues that need to be addressed to bridge the skills gap. Center for Business and Economic Research Director Mike Hicks says quality of life is "critical" for companies to attract skilled talent. Discussing a CBE…

Inside INdiana Business

Battery maker inks Florida deal

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Distribution center to open in Jasper County

A national automotive parts company is planning to open a new distribution center Tuesday in Remington. Indiana Economic Development Corp. President Eric Doden is slated to be on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Advance Auto Parts facility.

IIB WEEK IN REVIEW: Hicks says jobs report paints 'grim picture'

A Ball State University economist says the March unemployment report points to a "very long stretch of joblessness." Center for Business and Economic Research Director Mike Hicks says nearly half a million workers leaving the labor force led to a drop in the jobless rate to 7.6 percent.

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Researcher says neurosciences 'exploding' in Indiana

The director of an undergraduate program at IUPUI says recent developments highlight the growth potential for high-paying research and medical jobs in the neurosciences sector. Stephen Boehm's statement comes on the heels of President Obama proposing a $100 million initiative to make researc…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Program targets industrial sites

A major utility has launched a program to boost awareness of available industrial sites in the state. Duke Energy Indiana's Site Readiness Program offers funding and consultation to economic development officials, including recommendations on how a site can achieve "shovel ready" status. Rea…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Coats says medical device tax will be repealed

Indiana Senator Dan Coats believes bi-partisan support is building to repeal a $30 billion tax on medical device manufacturers. Last month, the Senate voted 79-20 for a non-binding amendment to repeal the 2.3 percent tax, which is part of the health care reform law. The tax hits Indiana hard…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Lilly to double diabetes investment

Eli Lilly and Co. is looking to more than double a previously-announced, large-scale investment to expand its insulin manufacturing operations in Indianapolis. The pharmaceutical maker is proposing more than $180 million in additional funding to add a second cartridge-filling line and boost …

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Weekend provides 'picture perfect' tourism opportunity

Some high-profile events this weekend will provide a major boost to the central Indiana economy. Visit Indy estimates the NCAA Men's Basketball Regional, the Division I Men's Swimming and Diving Championships and the National Society of Black Engineers' annual convention will have an impact …

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: AT&T grows 4G network in Northwest Indiana

AT&T Inc. has expanded its 4G LTE network in Northwest Indiana. The service now reaches communities including Hobart and Portage.

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Jeffersonville drawing international attention

The mayor of Jeffersonville says Tuesday's announcement that 360 additional jobs are planned for the area shows the city is on the radar of companies throughout the world. Ohio-based Standard Register Co. wants to invest $10 million to locate a printing and distribution center in the River R…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Plan could replace tolls on new Ohio River bridges

An effort is under way to replace planned tolls on part of the Ohio River Bridges project. Officials in southern Indiana are proposing a plan calling on the state to cover part of the project that is not funded by Kentucky.

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS WEEK IN REVIEW: Wind project secures conditional permit

A proposed $300 million Tipton County wind farm has been granted a key conditional permit. Colorado-based juwi Wind North America LLC received an approval from the Tipton County Board of Zoning Appeals that includes additional requirements. The developer pledged that the more than 90 turbine…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: 'Hoosiers' producer returns to Milan

As the boys' state high school basketball tournament reaches a climax this weekend, memories of Milan High School's run to the 1954 title live on. The movie "Hoosiers" was released more than 25 years ago. Producer Angelo Pizzo recently returned to the Ripley County town for the first time si…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: New school allows adults to 'retool'

The University of St. Francis is taking a new approach to expand its reach to a growing market. The school is launching a College of Adult Learning, which will be led by Vice President of Adult Learning Toni Pauls. She says a shaky economy and increased training requirements are prompting mo…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Butler's move to Big East 'an ideal fit'

Butler University confirms it will join the new Big East conference in July. President James Danko calls the move "an unprecedented opportunity" and "an ideal fit." He also believes the decision will increase the school's national visibility, leading to new opportunities for the entire stude…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Mayor says Stellar communities plan could serve as 'model'

The mayor of Frankfort says winning millions of dollars in Stellar Communities funding would be "lightning in a bottle." The Clinton County city is one of six finalists in the state grant program. Chris McBarnes believes Frankfort's proposal stands out because it supports baby boomers throug…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Brewer Looks to Expand Into Spirits

Indianapolis-based Sun King Brewing Co. is hoping lawmakers approve legislation to allow artisan distilling in Indiana. The company would like to produce spirits, such as bourbon, if Indiana joins a growing list of states allowing craft distilling. Sun King is already in the midst of a huge …

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Study says beer distributors are 'hidden gem'

A newly released report, commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association, suggests Indiana beer distributors employ more than 2,000 people and have a $740 million economic impact on the state. The study also shows the industry contributes more than $350 million in state revenues th…

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Truck body manufacturer adding jobs

A longtime Indiana manufacturer is planning to relocate its Hamilton County headquarters to Elwood and expand. Warner Bodies Inc. intends to invest up to $3 million to upgrade the former Plastech facility, which has been abandoned since 2008. Mayor Ron Arnold says the company could add aroun…

CountryMark Continues Oil Exploration Push

The head of an Indianapolis-based energy co-operative believes exploring for oil in northern Indiana is another step in the company's evolution. CountryMark Chief Executive Officer Charlie Smith tells Inside INdiana Business returning to areas that previously produced oil is not a guarantee …