Notes: Loss of Pacers Would Cost Indianapolis Jobs

A new study says that Indianapolis would lose 900 jobs if the Pacers moved.

The Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever contribute an estimated $55 million a year to the Indianapolis economy, according to a study conducted by Chicago-based hospitality consulting firm Hunden Strategic Partners.

Together, the professional basketball teams—which host a combined 77 games annually at Conseco Fieldhouse—support 900 jobs and draw about 700,000 fans to the downtown venue, the study found.

Hunden Strategic Partners released the results at a Monday meeting of the Capital Improvement Board, which commissioned the study as it weighs whether to take over $15 million in annual Conseco Fieldhouse operating expenses.

Chrysler is seeking a a large tax abatement from Kokomo for a planned $300 million investment in its transmission plant.

The Genesis Convention Center in Gary has hired a consultant to create a new marketing plan to boost the flagging venue.

The Indiana National Guard will close three armories in Tell City, Delphi and New Castle.

Lighting Company Coming to Valparaiso

Retro-Tech Systems Inc., a designer and installer of energy efficient lighting systems, announced that it will establish its first Indiana operations in Valparaiso, creating up to 18 new jobs by 2015.

The company, which designs and installs lighting systems for commercial, industrial and institutional customers, among others, will invest more than $1.6 million to relocate its headquarters and design center from Lansing, Ill. to an existing facility in Valparaiso.
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Westfield Lands Packaging Company

CPS Inc., a manufacturer of corrugated food packaging products, said that it will establish manufacturing operations in Westfield, creating up to 22 new jobs by 2013.

The company, which manufactures cake pads, circle trays, pizza boxes and other corrugated packaging products for food and industrial uses, will invest more than $1.5 million to lease and equip an existing 64,800 square-foot manufacturing facility.
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