Daily Archives: April 21, 2010

Indiana Gets $10 Million in Federal Energy Efficiency Funds

Posted on by
Reply

Indianapolis and Lafayette will share in $10 million in federal stimulus money aimed at “ramping up” energy efficiency building retrofits.

Overall, 25 communities nationwide will receive up to $452 million in Recovery Act funding. Indiana has been selected to receive $10 million under the Department of Energy’s Retrofit Ramp-Up initiative. These projects will bring together communities, governments, private sector companies and non-profit organizations to implement pioneering and innovative programs for concentrated and broad-based retrofits of neighborhoods and towns – and eventually entire states. These partnerships will support large-scale retrofits and make energy efficiency accessible to hundreds of thousands of homeowners and businesses. The models created through this program are expected to save households and businesses about a $100 million annually in utility bills, while leveraging private sector resources to create what funding recipients estimate at about 30,000 jobs across the country during the next three years.
Continue reading →

Midwest Smoke Out Sold Out

Posted on by
Reply

Tomorrow’s Midwest Smoke Out at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond has sold out! The last available tickets for the event were snapped up early this morning.

The sell-out means that 1,500 cigar aficionados and super-stars in the cigar industry will visit Northwest Indiana for the first-ever Midwest Smoke Out on April 22. Attendees from all around the U.S. will enjoy free cigars, spirits, foods, cars, luxury items and gifts.

The event also attracted company executives for a first-class networking and client appreciation event. The VIP Corporate Suites sold out in less than 48 hours. Executives see a unique, high-end opportunity to treat their VIP clients and impress their potential ones.

Attendees will sample more than 18 premium cigars including cigars like Camacho, Room 101, Xikar, VegaFina, UpperCut, Perdomo, Gran Habanos, Fonseca, Los Blancos, CAO, Carlos Torano and Honduras Caribbean. There will also be more spirits, beers and wines than one can imagine, with brands like Maker’s Mark, Remy Martin, Patron, Three Floyds Brew Pub, New Holland Brewery, Blue Moon. Sample drink tastings include the CEO’s dirty martini and the Craft Beer Revolution.

Attendees will enjoy many local favorites as well. Restaurateurs including Ciao Bella, the Titled Kilt, Shoreline Brewery, Bar Louie, Boston’s Gourmet Pizza, Great Lakes Catering and Hooters will be offering gourmet food samples. An evening of the good life should be expected including luxury automobiles, jewelry and recreation. James & Sons Jewelers, Calumet Harley Davidson, Schepel Cadillac, B&E Marine and Fox Valley Lamborghini will have luxury items on display.

Notes: RDA Wants Cline Avenue Meeting with INDOT

Posted on by
Reply

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority has joined other area organizations and officials speaking out against the Indiana Department of Transportation’s plans to demolish and not replace the Cline Avenue bridge.

The development agency passed a motion by a 5-0 vote that expresses concern over the plan and especially its lack of direct access to Gary/Chicago International Airport from Chicago. The motion also called for a meeting with INDOT to discuss those concerns.

“The airport’s potential cannot be reached unless we improve highway access to the airport,” RDA Chairman Leigh Morris said. “I would defy you to find any successful airport where you have to go through the tortuous route that you do to get to Gary/Chicago airport,” Morris said.

RDA Chairman Morris is also a deputy commissioner of INDOT and until now had removed himself from involvement in the discussions over Cline Avenue. On Tuesday, he said he was speaking out as chairman of the RDA and not as an INDOT official.

Tipton County officials have approved tax breaks they hope will bring an unnamed company and its 850 jobs to the area.

Fairfield Manufacturing in Lafayette has opened an on-site health clinic.

The location for the domed practice field for the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis has been changed, saving $2 million which will be spent on “fan-friendly enhancement” in downtown Indianapolis.

The Port Authority has received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help with construction of a new $6 million public boat launch in Michigan City.

Indiana Economic Index Bounces Back in March

Posted on by
Reply

Indiana University’s Leading Index for Indiana (LII) sprung back to life in March.

After a late-winter slump, the latest report shows that the LII reclaimed the territory that it lost in January and February and gained a little bit more.

Timothy Slaper, director of economic analysis at the Indiana Business Research Center at IU’s Kelley School of Business. said the index’s movement reflects the generally good economic news recently. The direction and strength of the LII’s movement in March is consistent with the slow recovery that is expected over the next few months.
Continue reading →

Indiana Community Opens Trade Office in China

Posted on by
Reply

The Columbus Economic Development Board has announced the opening of a Trade Office in China. The Board voted unanimously to enter into a contract for a representative trade office in Shanghai.

“Establishing this office and presence in China is an aggressive strategic move for Columbus,” stated Columbus EDB Executive Director Corey Carr. “It will definitely assist us in attracting Foreign Direct Investment and in expanding our network of friends and partners in China.”
Continue reading →