The Hendricks County CVB is shifting gears from trying to attract a hotel and conference center to marketing the county as a tourist destination.

Executive Director Emory Lencke said the CVB effort will focus on persuading travelers to spend an extra night in the county. Instead of leaving town after a day watching drag races at O’Reilly Raceway Park or visiting relatives—two of the top reasons people visit Hendricks County—perhaps travelers will check out Chateau Thomas Winery, Beasley Orchard, or a small-town fish fry.

After a devastating year, hotel managers “just want travelers,” Lencke said. “They want people who are willing to book a night. That’s industry-wide.”

The CVB is in the process of developing a $749,500 marketing plan, more than the agency has spent in the last two years. It’s also hired a new agency, Indianapolis-based MZD, to help with strategy and ad placement.

Chrysler is seeking tax abatements from the city of Kokomo for a $43 million investment in its transmission plant.

The Indianapolis Colts bolstered their defense with the selection of Texas Christian University defensive end Jerry Hughes in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft last night. The second and third rounds continue tonight.

Goshen Health Systems and the South Bend Clinic will invest $14 million to create Cancer Care Partners, a joint cancer treatment center in Mishawaka.

Cable television ads touting Michigan City as a tourist destination are being aired in select Chicago suburbs. The ads are part of a month-long campaign funded by the city, the Blue Chip Casino, the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Home sales rose sharply in Northwest Indiana in March.

The state will put up $1 million to rehab the Linden Meadows neighborhood in New Albany.