Development News From Southwest Indiana - Southern Indiana

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722/10 Temporary Toyota Workers to Become Full Time
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Inc. will transition some temporary workers to full-time status in the fall. New TMMI President Norm Bafunno says the decision is based on a slow, but steady growth pattern for the vehicles produced at the sprawling Gibson County plant. He expects the facility to produce about 240,000 units this year, compared to about 110,000 in 2009.

7/22/10: Posey County Receives Economic Development Grant
Posey County will create an economic development plan with a $50,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Some of the funding will be used to assess the shovel-ready status of two industrial/business sites in the community.

6/24/10: VU President's Contract Extended
The Vincennes University Board of Trustees has extended President Dick Helton's contract through July 2013. Under his leadership, the school has experienced enrollment growth, construction of new campus facilities and the introduction of baccalaureate programs. Helton was sworn in as VU's 21st president in 2004.

6/24/10: Gibson County Pursues Japanese Business
Gibson County economic officials utilized a cultural trip to strengthen business ties with Tahara City, Japan. The area is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing. Gibson County Economic Development Corporation President B. Todd Mosby says he also spent time marketing the Gibson County area to other Japanese corporations.

6/16/10: Signature School is ranked in the top 10 in the nation.
Newsweek magazine named Signature School in Evansville number 7 in the country.

Signature was the first charter school in Indiana, opening as a charter school in 2002.

According to Newsweek's rankings, around 85 percent of seniors at the school pass advanced placement tests and graduating seniors on average have taken 10 AP exams.

6/2/10: Shoe Carnival Q1 Profit Up
Evansville-based Shoe Carnival Inc. (Nasdaq: SCVL) says first quarter net profit rose to $9.2 million, or 72 cents per share, from $4.1 million, or 33 cents per share, the same period a year earlier. The company expects to open 10 new stores and close seven stores in fiscal 2010.

6/2/10: Highlander Production to Expand in Princeton An official with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Inc. (TMMI) in Princeton confirms to Inside INdiana Business the plant will start producing more Highlander SUVs this year. A start date and number of additional vehicles have not been announced.

5/20/10: I-69 Ahead of Schedule and on-budget
Governor Mitch Daniels said construction of Interstate 69 is ahead of schedule and on-budget and should be open to traffic from Evansville to Bloomington by the end of 2014.

Construction of Sections 1 to 3 from Evansville to Crane will be completed by the end of 2012, a three-year acceleration from the previous target of 2015. On Section 4, from Crane to Bloomington, previous plans estimated construction would not even begin until sometime between 2016 and 2020.

5/17/2010 University of Evansville's $80 million capital campaign exceeds goal
The University of Evansville's U-Envision 2010 capital campaign, a five-year effort to raise $80 million, came to an end when UE President Stephen Jennings announced the goal had been exceeded.

Jennings, who is retiring, said the campaign had raised $82 million. The announcement came at a celebration with members of the UE President's Club at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.

5/14/10 - Evansville-based United Component posts higher net income
Evansville-based United Components Inc. saw its year-over-year net income rise last quarter. The company reported that it earned a net income of $12.3 million during the first quarter. During the same period a year earlier, the company's net income was $1.6 million.
Net sales last quarter were $230.3 million, up 4.7 percent over the same period in 2009.

5/11/10 - Jasper's German American Bank enters Evansville market
Jasper-based German American Bancorp has officially entered the Evansville-area market. The bank completed its purchase of Farmers State Bank branches in Evansville and Newburgh on Friday, and those locations are now German American branches, said German American’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Schroeder.

5/11/10 - Tell City National Guard Armory to Close
The Indiana National Guard is closing the Tell City armory, and two others in the state, it was announced late Monday.

How soon the closing will take effect is unknown.

The duty positions of full-time armory staff and soldiers who train there for monthly weekend drills will transfer to nearby armories. The numbers of personnel affected are 74 at Tell City transferring to Jasper.

5/7/10 - Vectren profits $63.2 million in 1stQ 2010
Evansville-based Vectren Corp. reported that its first quarter net income was $63.2 million, or 78 cents per share. During the first quarter of 2009, the company's net income was $72.8 million (90 cents per share).

Vectren is an energy holding company that includes both a utility group and a nonutility group. The utility group provides gas and/or electricity to more than a million customers in Indiana and Ohio, and the nonutility group offers energy-related products and services to customers in the Midwest and Southeast.

5/7/10 - Jasper's Kimball International earned $6.3 million last quarter
Jasper-based Kimball International saw profits of $6.3 million (17 cents per share) last quarter.
Those earnings include a $7.7 million after-tax gain from the sale of the land and facility housing the company's Poznan, Poland operation.
In comparison, during the same period last year the company's profits were $4.1 million (11 cents per share).

5/5/10 - Jasper's German American Bancorp posts record 1Q earnings for 2010
German American Bancorp saw its first-quarter earnings rise to a record high, the company reported. The Jasper, IN-based company reported net income of $3.3 million, or 29 cents per share, up 11 percent from $2.9 million (27 cents per share) during the same period a year earlier. Last quarter’s earnings were the strongest first-quarter earnings in German-American’s history, the company said.

4/30/10 - Jasper excursion train ready to roll to French Lick
It’s been a long time coming, but the Spirit of Jasper excursion train is finally ready to roll on trips between Jasper’s circa 1910 depot and the casino resort in French Lick, Ind., 24 miles northeast of here.

The maiden outing to French Lick will be May 8, with additional trips several times each month through September, according to Kristen Ruhe of the Dubois County Visitors Center and Tourism Commission.

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Schott Named Knox County Business of the Year
The Hometech business unit of SCHOTT North America, Inc., located in Vincennes, Ind., was recognized Wednesday by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce as "Industry of the Year" for its strong growth in the past year.

The company added more than 170 new local jobs at its Vincennes facility. Officials said its strong financial showing is largely due to its investment and expansion into the defense and security industries.

Ferdinand Featured in Washington Post
Ferdinand has received national attention thanks to an area businessman. The Washington Post Magazine featured the town of Ferdinand and furniture company owner Keith Fritz. Town officials say the article fits with an aspect of their 10-year comprehensive plan to promote the importance of entrepreneurship.

Enterprise Loan Fund Invests in Jasper Company
The Dubois Area Development Corporation says the county's enterprise loan fund has made a $50,000 investment in Jasper's Tri Plastics. The company says the funding will help it finance expansion into new markets. Tri Plastics produces products from polyurethane foam.

Holiday World Ride Tops National Poll
The Voyage roller coaster at Holiday World Spashin' & Safari in Santa Claus has come out on top in a national online poll for the 2010 Best Theme Park Attraction. The ride collected 76 percent of the votes in the final round of a contest on the Theme Park Insider Web site. Disneyland's "Fantasmic!" was the runner-up.

Vectren Launching New Energy Efficiency Programs
Evansville-based Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana - South (NYSE: VVC) is unveiling its new electric energy efficiency programs for residential and small businesses. Vectren says the initiatives will help customers reduce electric consumption and lower energy bills through programs including appliance recycling and rebates for ENERGY STAR construction.

Michigan Manufacturer Bringing Jobs to Perry County
A startup provider of machining and light assembly services says it has located a new production facility in Tell City. WGS Global Services LC says it plans to hire 70 additional workers for the operation by 2013. The Michigan-based company already employs nearly 20 workers in Tell City.

USI Students Successful in International Competition
A team from the University of Southern Indiana College of Business has placed second in an international business case competition in British Columbia, Canada. The competition involved students presenting strategic choices and a detailed plan of action to a panel of senior business executives based on the selected cases. Fifteen student teams from universities in Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the United States participated in the event.

SW Indiana Medical Buildings' Purchase Complete
An Arizona-based real estate investment trust says it has completed the purchase of a five building medical office portfolio in Evansville and Newburgh for $45.2 million. Healthcare Trust of America Inc. acquired 260,500 square-feet of space currently leased to Deaconess Clinic Inc. The buildings are located near the Deaconess Hospital campus.

Kimball International Hires VP of Sales
Jasper-based Kimball International Inc. (Nasdaq: KBALB) has hired Bob Rohlman as vice president of sales for National Office Furniture. He will take over for Kevin McCoy, who was promoted to general manager of National Office Furniture.

Construction to Begin on a $5.8 million Aquatic Center at Vincennes University
The 25,000 square-foot facility will connect VU's Physical Education Complex with the Donald G. Bell Student Recreation Center. It will include a 2,551 square-foot pool adaptable for either leisure or competition and training. Pool features include a one-meter diving board, six 25-yard lanes, and accessories for water basketball, water polo, zip line, ADA ramp, bubble bench, vortex, and water lounge seating. The pool area will also include a spa and deck.

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Vanderburgh County Awarded Health Grant
The Indiana State Department of Health has landed a $5.3 million federal grant to promote nutrition and physical activity in Vanderburgh and Bartholomew counties. The funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports public health efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition and decrease smoking. The Welborn Baptist Foundation in Vanderburgh County and the Healthy Communities Initiative of Bartholomew County will share the grant.

Southern Indiana Company to Support Afghan Troops
A Princeton company has received a contract to help provide medical supplies to the U.S. Army in the Middle East. Onsite Occupational Health & Safety, Inc. will provide existing bases within the Afghanistan-South Area of Responsibility with medical personnel and services. The company will also provide medical services in support of the construction and staffing of additional bases as required.

Mount Vernon Ethanol Project to Continue
Construction is expected to resume on a nearly-completed ethanol plant in southern Indiana. Illinois-based Aventine Renewable Energy has emerged from bankruptcy and plans to restart construction at its Mount Vernon ethanol biorefinery. Work on the project stopped in late 2008. Chief Accounting and Compliance Officer Bill Brennan says the Mount Vernon operation is an important location for the company.

Shoe Carnival Posts Q4 Profit
Evansville-based Shoe Carnival Inc. (Nasdaq: SCVL) is reporting a profit of $2.6 million for its fiscal fourth quarter, compared to a loss of $3 million for the same period the previous year. For all of fiscal 2009, the company says net earnings were $15.2 million, up from $5.3 million in fiscal 2008.

SABIC recalling 40 workers
SABIC Innovative Plastics has announced it will recall 40 production workers. It is the companyʼs second recall this year. SABIC, is a producer of petrochemicals with a presence in more than 100 countries. SABIC employs about 1,100 workers,

Jasper Engine Remanufacturer Now Employee Owned
A southern Indiana-based engine company is now 100 percent employee owned. Jasper Engine and Transmission Exchange says the ownership has been transferred to a new company under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The engine remanufacturer has facilities in Jasper, Crawford County and Missouri.

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Holiday World Rides Receive High Honors
Holiday World in Santa Claus says The Voyage has been named the top wooden roller coaster in the U.S. by the Los Angeles Times. The Raven, which is also at the southern Indiana park, is ranked number 7. Holiday World is the only park with two coasters on the list.

Defense Award Expected to Benefit SW Indiana
Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Operations Group Inc. has been awarded $450 million to make nuclear components to support U.S. defense programs. The company says some of the work will be performed at its location in Mount Vernon. The contract includes the manufacture of U.S. Naval nuclear power systems for submarines and aircraft carriers.

PRINCETON (January 2010) — Production of the all-new 2011 Sienna minivan is underway at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Indiana. Fully redesigned to meet the needs of consumers, the new Sienna was styled at Toyota's Calty Design Research Center in Newport Beach, Calif., and developed at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich..

VU Assisting Indiana in Inmate Rehab and Training.
Vincennes University, the designated trainer for coal miners in Indiana, has agreed to deliver coal mining classes at Branchville Correctional Facility to assist in the rehabilitation of inmates and their return to the workforce.

A federal grant is providing the funds for the training. The coal mining training program is a unique undertaking for a correctional system. Given the significant history of coal mining in Indiana and the current economic climate, the Indiana Coal Council and its membership are to be commended for their support of this endeavor.

Knox County's FIA Named WorkOne Southwest "Business of the Year"
The "Business of the Year” award was established to recognize a company in Economic Growth Region 11 (Knox, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Perry, Spencer, Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties) that has best utilized the Business Services of WorkOne Southwest to create and sustain a 21st century workforce.

FIA employs 450 workers and has been honored for their exemplary commitment to their workforce and in collaborating with WorkOne Southwest.

Kimball Electronics Wins Major Contract
Jasper-based Kimball Electronics Group Inc. has been awarded a long-term contract by FLIR Systems Inc. to manufacture infrared imaging electronics. Production of the Tau camera will be performed at the company's Jasper facility. The camera can use be in firefighting and unmanned vehicle vision systems. The contract has the potential to double Kimball's current sales with FLIR.

French Lick Redevelopment CDE LCC to receive $50 million
French Lick Redevelopment CDE LCC has been selected as one of 99 CDEs that will receive an aggregate total of $5 billion under the 2009 round of the program, including $1.5 billion that was authorized by Congress under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

French Lick Redevelopment CDE serves a seventeen county region in Southern Indiana, which encompasses Orange, Lawrence, Crawford, Sullivan, Knox, Gibson, Daviess, Greene, Ripley, Dearborn, Pike, Warrick, Martin, Perry, Jackson, Washington and Switzerland Counties. The organization seeks to finance businesses in renewable energy, retail, tourism, and other service industries, as well as industrial, manufacturing, transportation and logistics projects.

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Berry Plastics to Purchase Maryland Plant
Evansville-based Berry Plastics Corp. is purchasing a Maryland packaging plant from a Danish company. Berry is paying approximately $82 million for Superfos Packaging Inc. in Cumberland, Maryland.

German American Bancorp Unveils Rebranding
Jasper-based German American Bancorp (Nasdaq: GABC) is uniting its offices and financial services under the name German American. Since 1910, it has acquired a number of banking and insurance companies throughout southern Indiana, including Peoples Bank, Citizens State Bank, Keach & Grove and Doty Insurance.

During 2008, one of the worst economic years in U.S. history, German American achieved record performance and continues to deliver strong financial results in 2009.

Santa Claus Attraction Investing Over 1/2 Million Dollars
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana to spend $540,000 to replace three 28-seat cars with two new 28-seat cars on the ride that Amusement Today has rated the world's No. 1 wooden coaster for three successive years.

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is closed for the season after a record attendance year, said Koch. Holiday World will open for the 2010 season May 1, two weeks before Splashin' Safari opens May 14 with the premiere of Wildebeest, billed as the world's longest water coaster.

Schott to Diversify and Expand in Vincennes
Governor Mitch Daniels joined SCHOTT North America in Vincennes for an announcement that SCHOTT has been awarded a defense contract to manufacture specialty glass and will add up to 150 jobs by 2010.

Perry County Port Positioned to Provide Economical Logistical Support
Leaders in Indiana's logistics industry are hoping to step up efforts to increase the visibility of Indiana's waterways for shipping. Indiana currently ranks sixth in the country for US waterborne shipping and 13th for total international and domestic waterborne shipping. Experts say waterway commerce is more economical than rail and truck transportation.

Bigger, Better, Faster Coaster for Holiday World
The Voyage, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari's top-rated wooden roller coaster, should feel even faster and smoother next year, thanks to a half-million dollar investment in new trains with wheels, said Will Koch, president of the theme park in Santa Claus, Ind.
The park will spend $540,000 to replace three 28-seat cars with two new 28-seat cars on the ride that Amusement Today has rated the world's No. 1 wooden coaster for three uccessive years.

VU Partners with ABB Robotics
Vincennes University and ABB Robotics, a leading supplier of industrial robots, have formed a partnership that will greatly enhance the Indiana college's vocational and technical robotic training and provide ABB with an authorized training facility in the central Midwest.

The partnership includes the installation of 29 ABB robots and related work cells, software, and controllers into VU's new $9 million industrial training facility, the Indiana Center for Applied Technology (ICAT), which opened in March 2009.

Spencer County Visitors Bureau Names New Director
The Spencer County Visitors Bureau has hired a new executive director. Hoosier native Melissa Wilkinson most recently worked as director of public relations at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Palm Beach County, Florida. In her new position, she will be responsible for marketing Spencer County's historic sites and attractions as an overnight destination.

New Archaeology Wet Lab to Open at UE
The University of Evansville will celebrate the grand opening of its new Archaeology Wet Lab this week. Wednesday's event will feature tours and displays of the school's Tin City Excavation Project. UE is one of only 17 colleges throughout the country with a Department of Archaeology.

USI lending high-tech edge to science classes in nine-county area
EVANSVILLE - With expertise in science, technology, engineering and math critical to jobs of the future, the University of Southern Indiana is joining with local schools to better help students of all ages get ready, officials said Thursday.
In its role as a lead institution in the development of statewide STEM resource initiatives, USI recently unveiled a pair of trucks that will be used to take state-of-the-art, hands-on learning equipment to schools in nine area counties.
The equipment - worth about $300,000 - and the trucks that will carry it were recently introduced to students.

Princeton Receives Infrastructure Grant
PRINCETON - The city will receive a big boost for upgrades to the town's water plant, said Mayor Bob Hurst.

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has given a $2,430,400 grant to help improve Princeton's water system, Hurst said.

The money will go toward a $3.9 million water plant upgrade. The plant is located north of town on Old U.S. 41.

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Tell City Pretzel Factory Reopens
Tell City Pretzel Co., located at 1315 Washington St. in Tell City, was recently acquired by Jasper residents Brad and Sandy Smith.

Tell City pretzels are returning and, true to tradition, they are hand twisted and baked the old-fashioned way.  People will be able to once again purchase the original Tell City Pretzels. The family recipe will remain a secret. Orders can be placed by calling 548-4499 or (877) 334-4499. Online ordering will soon be available at www.tellcitypretzel.com.

USI Being Honored for Discovery Process
The University of Southern Indiana Center for Applied Research is being honored for developing a process to help the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center identify intellectual property. The Federal Laboratories Consortium Partnership Award is being presented in Bloomington. Since being utilized by scientists and engineers at Crane, USI says the Innovation Discovery Process has become a model for federal research labs across the country.

New Study Identifies SW Indiana's Energy Strengths
Leaders in southwest Indiana are using a new study to determine the region's economic potential in the energy sector. The report commissioned by the Project GREEN initiative finds the nine county region has a competitive advantage in coal-related industries and also has the assets to become a manufacturer and supplier for the wind energy sector. Greyhill Advisors compiled the report.

Escalade Sees Improvement in Q2
Evansville-based Escalade Inc. (Nasdaq: ESCA) has announced net income of $366,000 for the second quarter of 2009, compared to a net loss of $704,000 for the same quarter last year. The company says net sales of sporting goods fell 19.8 percent compared to last year, while net sales of office products declined 26.3 percent.

Indiana Honors AME Group as Company to Watch
AME Group has been honored as an Indiana's 50 outstanding second-stage company during the Indiana Companies to Watch awards program. AME Group, an information technology consulting firm located in Vincennes.

The AME Group provides business and financial consulting services for clients in a variety of industries. Established in 1985, The AME Group provides solutions including risk management, operational cost control and business systems automation for clients across the country.

Christmas-themed Store Opening in Santa Claus
A new attraction in Santa Claus, Indiana is under construction. The Santa Claus Christmas Store will be located in the Kringle Place Shopping Center. Owned and operated by Philip Koch and his Santa Claus based company HO HO HOldings, LLC, the store features over 6,500 sq. ft. of retail space including gifts, indoor and outdoor Christmas lights, wreaths, tree trimmings, nativities, Christmas yard art, home decor and collectibles.

Perry County - Waupaca Team for Diversification
With a financial boost from the Perry County Redevelopment Commission, local officials will explore possibilities for diversifying ThyssenKrupp Waupaca's products to strengthen it against the lagging automotive industry. The redevelopment commission approved a $60,000 grant to Waupaca from the TIF fund for the area.

This will allow them to take a look at some other opportunities fordiversifying their product mix, according to Chris Kinnett, President and CEO of Perry County Development Corporation.

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Berry Exec Named Entrepreneur of the Year
The Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Evansville-based Berry Plastics, Ira Boots, has been named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Midwest region. He received the award in the private equity/venture capital backed category. Also, Gina Bidmead of Indianapolis has been named one of three Youth Entrepreneur winners for 2009.

Toyota USA Foundation Awards $3.3 Million for American K-12 Education
The Toyota USA Foundation has announced grants totaling $3.3 million to twelve organizations working in the areas of K-12 math, science, and environmental education.

The foundation awarded grants ranging from $65,000 to $403,758 to organizations with programs that are broad in scope, incorporate interdisciplinary learning, and use real-world classroom applications and/or innovative, cost-effective programs to develop students' and teachers' abilities.

Babcock & Wilcox Of Mt. Vernon To Deploy New Reactor
The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W) plans to deploy a North American-manufactured, scalable nuclear reactor using its unique history of more than 50 years of continuous reactor engineering and manufacturing. The B&W mPowerTM reactor design is a passively safe Advanced Light Water Reactor (ALWR) with a below-ground containment structure. This optimized ALWR represents true Generation III++ nuclear technology that B&W believes can be certified, manufactured and operated within today's existing U.S. regulatory, industrial supply chain and utility operational infrastructure. B&W is a subsidiary of McDermott International, Inc.

The new reactor will incorporate important design and operational attributes that will make it attractive for both existing nuclear operating utilities as well as other customers seeking to diversify their power generation portfolio.

B&W has notified the NRC of its intent to submit an application for design certification of the reactor in 2011. The company has also assembled a global team of potential future customers to support the development of the reactor to make sure it meets customer and regulatory requirements in North America, Europe and elsewhere. A Letter of Intent has been received from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to begin the process of evaluating a potential lead plant site for the B&W mPower reactor. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by B&W, TVA and a consortium of regional municipal and cooperative utilities to explore the construction of a fleet of B&W mPower reactors to meet the consortium's need to diversify its power generation assets.

Lincoln Attractions Expected to Boost Tourism
Spencer County officials believe the area will receive a significant economic boost from some new Abraham Lincoln attractions. A new plaza to mark Lincoln's youth was recently unveiled tat Lincoln State Park. A Fort Wayne artist and architectural firm combined on the $300 thousand public art project. The Lincoln Amphitheater has reopened after three years of inactivity with a play entitled Lincoln.

Evansville's Signature School Recognized
An Evansville charter high school has been included in a list of the top 100 high schools in the nation.

Signature School is ranked No. 26 on Newsweek's annual list, according to a news release. It is the only Indiana high school represented.

AME of Vincennes Acquires Connecting Point
Advanced Microelectronics, Inc, DBA The AME Group announced it has acquired the assets of Michiana Micro Inc, DBA Connecting Point of Indiana, a South Bend, Indiana based Information Technology Company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Kimball Earns Bluetooth Contract
Kimball Electronics Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Jasper-based Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBALB), has been awarded a three-year contract to produce Bluetooth hands-free radio devices for the automotive market. The company expects to produce more than 500,000 of the units annually. The devices allow drivers to receive cell phone calls through a vehicle's audio system.

The new contract was awarded by an existing customer, a top five North American tier-one automotive supplier, who named Kimball Electronics Group among their primary EMS suppliers. Kimball has received honors from the customer for its proven quality, reliability and cost performance.

Regional Mannufacturers' Group Formed
Evansville, Ind. -- The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana (CCSWIN) announces the formation of the Tri-State Manufacturers' Alliance (TSMA), a membership organization comprised of local manufacturers and their support network whose mission is to create a vibrant manufacturing environment in the tri-state that results in improved revenue, profitability and employment for local manufacturers.

The TSMA executive committee is comprised of corporate members from Alcoa, Anchor Industries, Toyota, Wabash Plastics, Evansville ARC, QTR, Industrial Contractors, Custom Resins and support organizations like Harding/Shymanski , the Southwestern Indiana Small Business Development Center, the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana, GAGE and Purdue University.

For more information about the Tri-State Manufacturers' Alliance, please contact Debbie Albin at 812.425.7232 or via e-mail at dalbin@ccswin.com

'Coal to gas' touted as future for energy
Aa proposed coal-to-gas plant is evidence that on its own, the state can begin to reduce its carbon footprint without pummeling Hoosier ratepayers in the process.

With the U.S. Department of Energy set to provide low-interest loans to finance the first generation of coal-gasification projects, developers who want to build such a plant near Rockport, Ind., expect to learn within two months whether they?ll qualify for a loan.

Governor Mitch Daniels' energy policy director, David Pippen, says the proposed Rockport plant has “tremendous potential to provide a clean energy source to Hoosiers.”

William Rosenberg, a developer who leads Indiana Gasification, says clean coal is
cheaper and more stable than natural gas, making it a better option even if
cap-and-trade legislation does pass. “If there?s going to be a carbon dioxide constraint in the production of electricity, then it?s going to drive up the price of natural gas and drive down the price of coal,” he said.

Rosenberg said Indiana Gasification also is negotiating with a Gulf Coast company to build a pipeline to transport the sequestered carbon dioxide for use in oil fields. Earlier this year he predicted negotiations would take place on all fronts this spring. Rosenberg says everything remains on track, and he expects a clear picture of the plant?s future to become evident by July.

Newburgh Wal-Mart Hiring 300
The new Wal-Mart in Newburgh is planning to hire around 300 employees and has opened a temporary hiring center at 8844 Ruffian Lane in the Warrick County town. The hiring center began accepting applications Monday and will continue to take applications from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applicants can also apply online at http://walmartstores.com/Careers/7745.aspx.

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Ackerman New VP of Indiana Furniture
Jasper, Ind. -- Bret Ackerman has been promoted to Executive Vice President at Indiana Furniture. Indiana Furniture's President and CEO, Rich Slayton, announced the promotion of Bret Ackerman to Executive Vice President.

Bret is being promoted from his current position of Vice President of Finance
and CFO. He has held this position for 12 years with Indiana Furniture.
Ackerman will be responsible for day to day operations of Indiana Furniture. Reporting to Bret will be Mike Blessinger, VP of Sales and Marketing, Mark Plummer, VP of Manufacturing, Nancy Wilson, VP of Human Resources and Bernie Kreilein, Director of Finance and Controller.

Kimball Lands Global Contract
JASPER, Ind. - Kimball Electronics Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Kimball International, Inc., (NASDAQ: KBALB) announced today that the company has been awarded a major new contract to manufacture the POV (Point Of View) wearable digital camera systems. This long term business was awarded by V.I.O., Inc. to produce current and future models of its highly successful tactical camera platform that will be marketed globally. Kimball Electronics Group (KEG) is a global contract electronic manufacturing services (EMS) company that specializes in durable electronics with applications in the medical, automotive, industrial controls, and public safety industries.

Gibson County Plans Business Incubator
Efforts are underway to convert an old drug store in Princeton into a business incubator. Gibson County Economic Development Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer B. Todd Mosby tells Inside INdiana Business the hope is to close on the building in June and have the incubator up and running by 2012. He says it will be designed to help businesses that would possibly "fall through the cracks and fail in their first three to five years."

Kimball Names New VP of Sales
Jasper-based Kimball International Inc. (Nasdaq: KBALB) has promoted Robert Bomholt to vice president of sales and marketing for the company's hospitality unit. Bomholt joined Kimball in 2004 as director of operations for hospitality and was named senior director of sales and marketing in 2007. His new duties will include developing the strategy and operational achievement of Kimball hospitality sales and marketing objectives.

Holiday World Wins Award For Allergen-Friendly Menu
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari's decision to introduce an allergen-friendly menu has led to a national honor. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network has named the Santa Claus operation a recipient of its "Making a Difference" Award. Holiday World is the only business to receive the honor this year. Several of the park's restaurants are planning to expand their menu of pre-packaged items that do not include some of the most common food allergens.

Vectren Raises $100 Million in Note Sale
Vectren Utility Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Evansville-based Vectren Corp. (NYSE: VVC), says it has collected $100 million through the sale of senior notes to institutional investors. The notes have an interest rate of 6.28 percent and will come due in April 2020. Another Vectren subsidiary, Vectren Capital Corp., last month raised $150 million through a similar action.

Evansville Company Announces New Leadership
Evansville-based Atlas World Group has named Glen Dunkerson as its new chairman and chief executive officer. He succeeds Jim Stamm, who retired this month. Dunkerson previously served as the company's vice chairman and chief operating officer and also led Atlas Van Lines. In addition, the company has named Greg Hoover as president and chief operating officer. Hoover has served in several executive positions within the company and its subsidiaries, including chief marketing officer of Atlas World Group and president and chief operating officer of Atlas Van Lines.

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Substitute Natural Gas Plant to Employ Hundreds
Governor Mitch Daniels has signed a bill clearing the way for a substitute natural gas (SNG) plant in Spencer County. The proposed facility in Rockport is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs, 500 permanent jobs and save energy customers billions of dollars. The plant will use coal to produce SNG, which is essentially the same as natural gas. Daniels says Indiana coal prices have proven to be more stable than natural gas and one plant could produce enough enough SNG to meet 15 percent to 20 percent of Indiana's current residential and commercial gas consumption.

SW Indiana to Unveil Retaining College Graduates Initiative
Economic and higher education leaders in southwest Indiana are set to launch the Southwest Indiana Education and Experience (E2) Initiative. E2 is designed to keep southwest Indiana's college graduates in that part of the state. Speakers from Indiana INTERNnet, The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana and Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce will take part in the official launch next month in Evansville.

Huntingburg's OFS Achieves National Ranking
A national publication has included Huntingburg-based OFS Brands on its list of North America's top furniture makers. "Furniture Design Magazine" ranked OFS Brands 35th on its top 300 list. The report compared the family-owned OFS to the largest manufacturers of cabinets, furniture, millwork, store fixtures and office and contract furniture.

Crews Putting Final Touches on New Holiday World Ride
Crews are installing the final piece of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari's newest attraction, Pilgrims Plunge. Holiday World says the 135 foot Pilgrims Plunge is the world's tallest water ride and will be open May 2. Riders will drop a record 131 feet at a top speed of 50 miles-per-hour, creating a wall of water splash that is 45 feet high and 90 feet wide.

Southwest Indiana Hospital Project Moving Forward
The first of three phases of Gibson General Hospital's $5.2 million
expansion and renovation project in Princeton is near completion. The initial phase will be open to patients on April 7. When fully completed later this year, the 11,200 square-foot emergency room will house 12 private exam rooms and be three times its current size. Funding for the project has come from bonds, loans and the Gibson General Health Foundation's five-year capital campaign.

Vectren Seeks to Buy More Wind Energy
Evansville-based Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana (NYSE: VVC) is asking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for approval to purchase 50 megawatts of wind energy from the Fowler Ridge wind farm in Benton County. The company says the 20-year power purchase agreement would provide enough energy to power about 15,000 homes annually. Vectren already has a 20-year contract with another independently-owned wind farm in Benton County.

KCDC Offers Tools For Business
The KCDC has launched an addition to its web site to assist businesses in becoming and staying successful. The “Tools for Business Success” program can be accessed in both English and Spanish at www.kcdc.com.

Holiday World on List of Oprah's "Wacky" Attractions
Oprah.com has named Holiday World & Splashin' Safari one of eight "Wacky Family Attractions." The list has been put together for a feature designed to encourage families to vacation closer to home this year. President Will Koch does not mind the description, adding "come to think of it, it is a little wacky for a theme park to play Jingle Bells in the middle of July."

Area to Benefit from Stimulus Funds
The city of Evansville says it will receive $2 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Tell City's Housing Authority will receive $318,829 in federal stimulus money. The State of Indiana received more than $176 million of the $10 billion allocated today by HUD.

Posey County Plant to Add Jobs
The nuclear operations group of Virginia-based Babcock & Wilcox is planning to hire workers at three locations, including a facility in Mount Vernon. The operations will perform work for $1 billion worth of contracts to manufacture nuclear components for U.S. defense programs. The company says 250 new positions will be spread among the three locations. It says "a handful" of those jobs will be in Mount Vernon, in addition to the nearly 12 positions currently open at the facility.

Vincennes University to Help Retrain Displaced Workers
Hundreds of recreational vehicle production workers in north-central Indiana who recently lost their jobs can receive technical training through Purdue and Vincennes universities.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center, administered by Purdue, is working with Vincennes University and The Apprentice Academy to offer technical training and advanced manufacturing instruction to RV and other displaced workers in Elkhart, Knox, Nappanee, Plymouth, Rochester, South Bend, Warsaw and surrounding communities. Workers can learn new trades, such as precision metalworking, welding and industrial maintenance.

The South Knox School Corp. named a "Best Buy" school
South Knox has been named a "Best Buy" school by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The designation is awarded when test scores, graduation rates and other academic performance measures exceed what is typical for similar schools.

Perry County Hospital Expansion
Case and other school officials have pointed to the success of South Knox as an example of what smaller school districts can achieve.

Perry County hospital purchases 38 acres as likely building site
A tract of land along Indiana 237 may hold the future for Perry County Memorial Hospital. The health-care facility's board of trustees voted Monday to purchase 38 acres for just more than $1 million and confirmed the property is a possible site for a new county hospital.

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Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana Announces Addition
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA - A former president & CEO of NutriScience Technologies, Inc., a $140 million wholly owned global subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., has joined the staff of the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana as Vice President for Business Development. Dr. Steve Koenig will focus on working with existing businesses, as well as help craft the Coalition’s bio and life sciences strategy.

For the past two years, Dr. Koenig has been working as a consultant in the biotechnology and life sciences industries, focusing on discovery, development and commercialization of new technologies. Dr. Koenig is a board member of the American Feed Industry Association and served as a past Chairman of the association. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky.

Southern Indiana City Receives First E85 Pump
Evansville received its first E85 fueling pump. The Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance Executive Director Kellie Walsh says the "fueling island represents a critical link in the western Indiana intra-state corridor, allowing Flex Fuel Vehicle drivers to travel from Gary to Evansville entirely on E85." The CountryMark gas station is selling E85 for 85 cents a gallon during today's grand opening.

By making E85 more accessible to retail customers, the occasion marked yet another step in a state goal of transforming Indiana into a leader in the production and distribution of biofuels. With the opening of this pump, U.S. 41 became the state’s second “corridor” where consumers can readily find E85. In October, I-65 was officially designated as a “biofuels corridor” for an 866-mile stretch of interstate running from Gary, Ind., to Mobile, Ala.

Good Samaritan Hospital Labs Receive CAP Recognition
Vincennes, IN - Good Samaritan Hospital’s Laboratory and Respiratory Care Laboratory have been awarded an accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

The laborator was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the “excellence of the services being provided.” CAP is the premiere accreditation agency for clinical laboratories in the US.”

The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.

Knox County Coal-to-Gas Project Bucks Industry Trends
Vincennes, IN - In the heart of southwestern Indiana's coal country, Duke Energy Corp. crews are building what the company's CEO calls the power plant of the future — a $2.35 billion complex where coal will be turned into a gas, stripped of pollutants, then burned to generate electricity.

The project, one of the "clean coal" technologies supported by President-elect Barack Obama, will become by far the nation's largest coal-gasification plant when it goes online in 2012, generating enough power to light more than 200,000 homes.

Gov. Mitch Daniels says the Edwardsport plant's ability to remove pollutants from coal will reinvigorate southwestern Indiana's coal mining towns by opening a larger market for the region's high-sulfur coal deposits.

He also says the plant will provide Indiana with some of the 3,000 new megawatts the state is projected to need by 2012.

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Old National Bancorp (NYSE:ONB) acquires Indiana retail branch banking network of Citizens Financial Group
EVANSVILLE, IN -- Old National Bancorp announced the execution of a purchase and assumption agreement to acquire the Indiana retail branch banking network of Citizens Financial Group, which consists of 65 Charter One branches. As of September 30, 2008, the deposit liabilities to be assumed by Old National through this transaction had a balance of approximately $397.4 million, and the portfolio of loans being purchased by Old National consisted of roughly $15.9 million in outstandings. This acquisition positions Old National Bank with the third largest branch network in the state of Indiana.

Princeton Toyota Suppliers Restructure Joint Venture
Toyota Boshoku and Lear Corp. (NYSE: LEA) have agreed to dissolve a joint venture that supplies seating components and other parts to Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Princeton. The parts from Total Interior Systems-America (TISHA) are used in the Sienna minivan. Lear will receive $35 million in cash in exchange for its minority interest in the joint venture. It will supply Toyota Boshoku with components for the minivan program at the Princeton facility. A Toyota Boshoku official tells Inside INdiana Business his company will now operate TISHA, which will continue to supply the Princeton Toyota plant.

Evansville approves tax abatement ordinance for Mead Johnson
The tax abatement is for Mead Johnson's proposed research and development center at the company's headquarters along the Lloyd Expressway. The taxes Mead Johnson will owe on the center and its equipment will be phased in over seven years.

The center will be built on a vacant lot at 2404 Pennsylvania St., where two buildings were demolished in 2004. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $26.2 million. The equipment will include a spray dryer, wet process center, receiving dock and warehouse. The center will allow Mead Johnson to work toward developing new products without hiring other firms and could lead to new products being manufactured in Evansville.

Evansville City Council votes to borrow $4.8 million for Berry Plastics expansion
The City Council approved an ordinance Monday to borrow up to $4.8 million, money that will be given to Berry Plastics as an incentive to expand its Evansville headquarters.

The expansion is estimated to cost about $20.9 million and will retain 212 jobs and create at least 250 more. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

Mosby Promoted at Gibson County Economic Development
The executive director of the Gibson County Economic Development Corp. has been promoted to president of the board and chief executive officer. B. Todd Mosby has been with the corporation since its inception in January 2007.

Knox County Coal-to-Gas Project Bucks Industry Trends
In the heart of southwestern Indiana's coal country, Duke Energy Corp. crews are building what the company's CEO calls the power plant of the future — a $2.35 billion complex where coal will be turned into a gas, stripped of pollutants, then burned to generate electricity.

The project, one of the "clean coal" technologies supported by President-elect Barack Obama, will become by far the nation's largest coal-gasification plant when it goes online in 2012, generating enough power to light more than 200,000 homes.

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OFS Completes Acquisition
OFS Brands, a leading North American furniture manufacturer, announced today that it has successfully completed its due diligence and has acquired the majority of furniture manufacturer Loewenstein’s assets. Final terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

President and CEO Hank Menke stated, “I would like to personally thank the Loewenstein management team. They have been very cooperative through this transition, enabling us to co-manage the business during the change of ownership. We are in a great position to quickly improve operational efficiencies.” Menke added, “Improvements in quality, lead-times, and customer service will be our immediate priority.”

Vuteq USA to Expand
Vuteq USA announced plans to expand its operations here, creating more than 50 new jobs over the next year.

The company, which currently assembles interior parts for nearby Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, will invest more than $24 million to build and equip a 130,000-square-foot interior parts manufacturing facility adjacent to its current assembly operation in the southwest Indiana city.

"Toyota's commitment to Indiana remains strong. From Lafayette to Princeton, Toyota and suppliers such as Vuteq are creating new jobs in an industry hard hit by the sluggish national economy," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

The Japanese-owned company, which located in Indiana in 2001, currently employs more than 300 in Princeton and plans to begin hiring production associates, quality control technicians, maintenance staff and team leaders before the end of the year. Construction of the new facility will begin in November and is slated for completion in July.

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Tax Abatement Approved For Mead Johnson
The Evansville City Council has given preliminary approval for a tax abatement for Mead Johnson's proposed research and development center at the company's headquarters. The center will be built on a vacant lot where two buildings were demolished in 2004. The new two-story building will be 30,000 square feet. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $26.2 million. Mead Johnson says it will add five full-time jobs by the time the project is completed.

DCADC Enterprise Loan Fund Receives $90,000 Grant Award
The Dubois County Area Development Corporation's Enterprise Loan Fund received an additional installment of capital in the form of a $90,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. The grant was matched with $10,000 of local funds.

The DCADC ELF is intended to help businesses in Dubois County who are looking to create jobs and import money into the economy. It provides the minimum "gap" financing needed to assist the local financial institutions in completing a financing package. In this way, the ELF will compliment local resources rather than attempting to replace or compete with traditional lenders.

Bob Grewe, President of the DCADC, noted, "The funding could not have come at a better time, considering the credit concerns that seem all too prevalent in today's economy. The Enterprise Loan Fund can address the gap between the capital projections of a business plan and what the bank is willing to lend. This helps companies succeed even when conventional lending is not viable."

The Enterprise Loan Fund was started in 2007, and has loaned out $75,000 to local entrepreneurs who have created jobs and brought investment into Dubois County.

Babcock & Wilcox Mount Vernon to Share in Defense Contracts
Babcock & Wilcox Co., which operates a facility in Mount Vernon, has been awarded more than $960 million in contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense. The contracts, which are valued in excess of $230 million for 2008, will be for the manufacture of nuclear components. The company's Nuclear Operations Group includes the location in Mount Vernon.

These awards are in addition to a $1.7 billion series of contracts that B&W previously announced for 2007 to 2009.

United Companies, has announced the promotion of Martha Ahlers to Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Evansville, IN – United Leasing, Inc. (ULI), part of the collective organization known as United Companies, has announced the promotion of Martha Ahlers to Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.

Mrs. Ahlers, who started with ULI in 1996, stated she was “honored to be recognized for her contributions to ULI and looks forward to her new position” where she will be responsible for the development and execution of ULI’s long-term strategic plan. Martha comes to her new position with over 20 years of commercial leasing experience and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Illinois.

Founded in 1964, United Companies -- named in June 2008 by Indiana Business Magazine as one of Indiana‘s Top 50 Largest Private Companies -- has evolved into a multifaceted financial and transportation services organization with more than 3,000 corporate accounts. Headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, United Companies employs over 3,000 associates, has direct operations in 20 states and the District of Columbia, and manages assets in all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

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Toyota Supplier To Build New Plant in Gibson County
Vuteq Corp. has unveiled plans to build a $24 million facility in Gibson County, which would create 52 jobs. Officials say the new facility would manufacture interior plastic parts for the Toyota Highlander.

The Highlander mid-size SUV, which was originally scheduled to be built in Mississippi, will now be manufactured in Princeton, Ind., beginning in Fall 2009.

Vuteq located in Gibson County in 2001 and began production as a Toyota supplier in 2003.

Mead Johnson considering expansion
Mead Johnson may add a center for research and development to its headquarters building along the Lloyd Expressway in Evansville. The center will be built on a vacant lot at 2404 Pennsylvania St. Two buildings were demolished on the site in 2004.

The two-story building will contain 30,000 square feet of space. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $26.2 million. The center will allow Mead Johnson to work toward developing new products without hiring other firms. Some of the products devised there may be made in Evansville in the future.

Pete Paradossi, a Mead Johnson spokesman said the plan to build the center "shows our continued interest to develop infrastructure in our facility in Evansville."

Vincennes University Dedicates Renovations
Following a $10 million renovation of George Rogers Clark Residence Hall at Vincennes University, student Shane Davis said it is so nice that “we never need to leave—except to go to class.”

Speaking at Monday’s re-dedication ceremony, Davis thanked VU for modernizing the residence hall that first opened in 1967. “Clark Hall is now a state-of-the-art residence hall that provides suite living and a true college experience,” Davis said.

Evansville Company Lands Defense Contract
Ameriqual Group, LLC, Evansville, Ind.*, is being awarded a maximum $84,810,460 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for subsistence. Other location of performance is in same. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising the second option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-04-D-Z214).

Chambers Partner to Launch Trip to China
Business groups in southern Indiana are planning a trip to China. The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana says it will be the first chamber trip from Indiana to the Asian nation. Groups from the Henderson area, Spencer and Warrick counties are expected to take part.

For even more information about the Chamber Trip to China, please visit www.ccswin.com or contact Laurel Meny, director of marketing, at 812.425.8147 or via e-mail at lmeny@ccswin.com.

Jasper Company Lands Defense Contract
InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report Jasper-based Krempp Lumber Co. has been awarded a defense contract worth more than $10 million. It is part of a previously awarded multiple
construction contract for an addition to the electronics/communications engineering complex at the Secured Electronic Warfare Systems Engine Facility at Naval Support Activity, Crane. The project is expected to be finished by February 2010.

Vincennes Based AME Group 100% Employee Owned
The AME Group, a Vincennes, Indiana-based IT consulting group, is now 100% owned by its employees. Earlier this week, owners Steve Burkhart, Vance Olson and Carl Koenig passed on the remaining shares of the business they founded more than 23 years ago to the employees of the company.

Since 1998, the company's shares have been continually distributed to the employees. After seeing the benefit of the ESOP over the last 9 years, Burkhart, Olson and Koenig decided to create a plan to sell their remaining shares, making The AME Group 100% employee owned. Earlier this year, the Board of Trustees began negotiations to have employees acquire the remaining shares. For further information visit www.theamegroup.com

Huntingburg Airport receives FAA Grant
HUNTINGBURG, IN – The Huntingburg Airport, owned and operated by the Dubois County Airport Authority (DCAA) received notice from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that a $574,500 grant requested to assist in resurfacing the county Airport has been approved. The FAA will pay for 95% of the project costs, with 2.5% to be paid by the Indiana Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation (INDOT) and 2.5% to be paid locally by the Dubois County Airport Authority.

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World's tallest water ride coming to Holiday World
SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — The world’s tallest water ride — the $4.3 million Pilgrim’s Plunge — is coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari next spring. The classic “shoot the chute” ride will use an open elevator to swiftly lift 10-passenger boats 135 feet in the air. The 15-foot-long boats will pause briefly and then rapidly descend a record 131 feet at a 45-degree angle, creating a wall of water splashing 45 feet high and 90 feet wide.

University Appoints Liaison With Incubator
A former general manager for Jasper-based Kimball International has been hired by the University of Southern Indiana (USI) to work with Evansville's business incubator. Gene Recker has been named a manager of education and entrepreneurial support at USI. His duties will include providing administrative, consulting and networking services for clients at Innovation Pointe.

Duke and American Electric Plan $1 Billion Power Transmission Investment
Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE: DUK) and American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) have formed a joint venture to build and operate more than 200 miles of extra-high voltage transmission lines in Indiana. Pioneer Transmission LLC will link Duke's Greentown Station near Kokomo with AEP's Rockport Station near Evansville. The project has an estimated cost of $1 billion.

The project will expand extra-high-voltage transmission to
• Improve the reliability of the nation’s transmission grid
• Enhance the efficiency and reliability of the region’s transmission operators – Midwestern Independent System Operator (MISO) and PJM Interconnection (PJM)
• More efficiently link the region’s power plants and provide improved interconnections for new power plants in central Indiana, including the more than 3,000 megawatts of wind energy planned for the region.

Building more extra-high voltage 765-kV transmission lines in Indiana provides significant economic and environmental benefits. A 765-kV transmission line requires less land to carry more power than lower voltage lines.

Knox, Perry and Vanderburgh Counties have new "Shovel Ready" certification
The US Highway 41 Industrial Park in Vincennes, Tell City Industrial Park and the Vanderburgh Industrial Park have earned the title of 'shovel ready' paving the way for businesses to quickly locate new operations on property ready for development.

The sites joins other 'shovel ready' sites identified by the state since 2006 that have undergone extensive title work, proof of ownership, legal and environmental review and qualify for expedited permitting with state regulatory agencies.

"With more and more companies looking for sites where they can have a shovel in the ground as quickly as possible, this program gives Indiana an advantage when it comes to competing with other states for new investments and new jobs," said Nathan Feltman, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "This is another vital tool in our economic development toolbox that will help give Indiana the edge when attracting new and promising investment to the state."

Designed to lower the cost of site development, improve efficiency of state permitting and enhance the marketability of sites statewide, the program has already begun to achieve success, said Brad Moore, shovel ready project manager for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Passed in the 2005 legislative session as part of Governor Daniels' jobs agenda, 'shovel ready' sites are certified by the state's Fast Access Site Team that consists of representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Governor's Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana State Department of Homeland Security.

Certified sites have been eligible for matching grants to assist with eligible costs associated with applying for the shovel ready program.

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Work Starts on New Duke $2.35 Billion Power Plant
Jim Rogers, Duke Energy's president and CEO, told Gov. Mitch Daniels and local officials that the 630-megawatt plant's technological innovations were akin to the United States' manned lunar program that beat the former Soviet Union to the moon in the 1960s.

"With this plant we're taking a giant leap for our country," he said.

Low-sulfur coals are currently being shipped in from other states to reduce air pollution at Indiana's power plants because much of the state's coal has a high sulfur content.

Daniels said the Duke Energy plant would boost southwestern Indiana's economy.

Unlike traditional coal-fired power plants that burn coal to produce electricity, coal gasification converts coal into a synthetic gas that's processed to remove pollutants such as mercury and sulfur.

That gas is then burned in a traditional turbine power plant to produce electricity.

Rockport Hoping to Land Natural Gas Project
The City of Rockport held a public meeting to inform residents about Indiana Gasification LLC's proposed gasification-to-substitute natural gas project. Lincolnland Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Tom Utter says the $2.1 billion project would create 150 permanent jobs and 1,000 construction-related jobs.

Indiana Gasification officials say the facility could produce enough substitute natural gas to save Indiana ratepayers $200 million per year. The facility would use clean-coal technology to gasify coal into substitute natural gas and provide it to participating Indiana natural gas utilities.

Indiana Gasification has not announced an official site.

BERRY PLASTICS TO ADD $27.9 MILLION IN EQUIPMENT
Berry plans to add equipment used to build food containers. It wants to hire 27 more workers by the time the project is finished and 60 or more within five years of the completion. They would make between $16.96 an hour and $26.50 an hour.

In 2007, about 1,200 employees worked at the Berry Plastics headquarters. Brent Beeler, the chief operating officer of the company, said the abatements Berry has received over the years have been essential to its growth in Evansville.

“With the other operations we have across North America, we have other options... outside Evansville,” he said.

Throughout the world, the company employs over 14,000 workers in about 70 factories.

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2008 REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT
Business and government leaders from Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky will convene in Evansville on November 20 and 21, 2008 to study the new economic model of future growth. The 2008 Regional Economic Summit will feature nationally-recognized business experts and economists who will discuss the current economic climate and realities facing a 26-county region, as well as outline the steps necessary for prosperity, wealth creation, and economic vitality in the 21st Century. For details, visit http://www.regionaleconomicsummit.com/

HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT BEING CONSIDERED FOR NEWBURGH LOCK & DAM
An Idaho-based company is exploring the idea of building a hydroelectric power generating facility using the Newburgh Lock and Dam.

The company, Symbiotics LLC, of Rigby, Idaho, is in the process of applying to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a preliminary permit that would allow it to officially study the project for up to three years.

VECTREN FLY ASH TO BE TURNED INTO CONCRETE
Fly ash produced at two power plants in Southwest Indiana will soon go into making concrete.
Vectren Corp. has agreed to provide Geocycle US with as much as 200,000 tons of the ash - a byproduct of burning coal - each year. The agreement will take effect in 2009 and last for the next decade.

The fly ash will come from Vectren's two power plants in Southwest Indiana: The A.B. Brown plant, in Posey County, and the F.B. Culley plant, near Newburgh.

MEAD JOHNSON UTILIZES LANDFILL METHANE
Decomposing waste in Laubscher Meadows Landfill generates enough methane gas to equal about 70,000 barrels of crude oil or 15,000 tons of coal each year.

Mead Johnson Nutritionals plans to use this gas from the landfill to replace most of the current natural gas consumption at its Evansville manufacturing facility.

"Today, we are taking another big step toward helping improve air quality in the Evansville area," said Mead Johnson President Steve Golsby on Tuesday.

He said the natural gas usage that will be eliminated by the project represents a shift from the use of fossil fuels to energy that comes from a renewable source. He said the company anticipates the landfill on North St. Joseph Avenue will provide enough gas to power the facility for at least 15 to 20 years.

RED SPOT SOLD TO JAPANESE FIRM
Fujichem Inc., is in the process of buying Red Spot Paint & Varnish Co. Inc., one of Evansville’s oldest manufacturers for $63.2 million. Red Spot will mark its 105th anniversary in December.
Fujichem is a subsidiary of Fujikura Kasei, which produces and sells derivative products of acrylic resins, similarly to Red Spot.

Both Red Spot and Fujikura, a Japanese company with which it has done business for 36 years, are global leaders in advanced coatings for plastics, and supply the automotive industry, including Toyota, and other industries.

Halling said the Red Spot name and the company’s Evansville headquarters, which include manufacturing, research, sales and administrative facilities, will be retained. He said all 345 Red Spot employees also will be retained.

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US 231 widening to continue this spring
The next phase of a project to expand travel lanes on US 231 in Spencer County will begin this spring as part of an $18 million contract reached this week, transportation officials announced this morning.

The work, part of Gov. Mitch Daniels' Major Moves statewide highway construction initiative, will continue expanding US 231 to a four-lane roadway from Indiana 162 in Gentryville to Indiana 62 in Dale and is scheduled to begin construction in the Spring.

VU to receive $365,000 in Federal Funding
VINCENNES, IND. – Vincennes University will receive $365,000 in federal funding to provide simulation-based training for heavy equipment operators in surface and underground mining. The funding was approved as part of the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations measure approved by both chambers of Congress in December.

VU President Dick Helton said the training program aims to address current and future Indiana labor shortages for trained miners. “The expansion of mining operations in the state combined with the expected retirement of experienced miners means that there are great employment opportunities in mining. This training will help ensure that Hoosiers acquire the skills needed to be a more productive and safer workplace. It is also an investment in Indiana energy,” Helton said.

Helton praised Indiana’s elected representatives for their support of including the training funds in the federal budget. “I am particularly grateful to U.S. Representative Brad Ellsworth, Senator Richard Lugar, and Senator Evan Bayh for their hard work on behalf of VU’s request. Area families and communities will greatly benefit from job skills acquired by Hoosiers thanks to this funding,” Helton said.

Ivy Tech settles on location for Gibson County expansion
Ivy Tech has chosen a location for the Gibson County expansion. The new center will be in a 12,000-square-foot building in the Gibson County Warehousing Inc. industrial park at 2431 S. Crabtree Drive in Princeton, Ind.

More than 250 of Ivy Tech's approximately 5,600 students at its Evansville campus are from Gibson County, said Dan Schenk, chancellor of Ivy Tech of Southwestern Indiana, when the center was announced last month.

The new facility is slated to be open by July and will employ a full-time director and at least one part-time support staff.

The facility will have the capacity to offer advanced manufacturing, computer application, health care and energy technology training, as well as continuing education, distance learning opportunities and a location for certification and employment testing.

Warrick County economic development chief hired
Larry Taylor, who recently retired as senior vice president of Accuride, has accepted the position as Warrick County Economic Development Director and said he is passionate about the county and the community.

Taylor said he is looking forward to promoting the county so more businesses will come to the area.
Taylor said there has already been a lot of groundwork done by the county in the area.

"It's an ideal time for anyone stepping into this," he said.

The first item on his agenda is developing a strategy for economic development.

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Jobs on the move in Dubois County
OFS Brands announced an $81 million expansion of its manufacturing operations in Huntingburg. The expansion will add more than 300 new jobs to the area economy.

State and local leaders helped the project along by providing some $2.7 million in incentives and tax credits. The incentives included $1.9 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $300,000 in job training grants from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. Meanwhile, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs will provide Huntingburg with a grant of up to $500,000 for off-site infrastructure improvements.

Land of Lincoln Ind. officials support Spencer County artist's depiction
Spencer County artist, Thomas Kennedy's montage depiction of Abraham Lincoln's life received a high-profile boost when it was unveiled in Indianapolis.

Suellen Reed, state superintendent of public instruction, will present a canvas print of Thomas Kennedy's painting in her capitol office at 1:15 p.m. EST as part of a literacy campaign promoting reading about the 16th president.

Kennedy, who has given oversized prints and reproductions of the montage to Reed and Gov. Mitch Daniels, attended the event along with an entourage of supporters bused to Indianapolis from Spencer County.

The showcase is more than just a "thanks" for the gift, however.

It was a first public showing in a campaign to put Kennedy's painting in Indiana classrooms, and to make it an official image for the state and national commissions planning celebrations of the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth in 2009.

Reed has said she would like to see less expensive lithographs of the painting, a collection of scenes from Lincoln's life, go up in every school across Indiana.

She sees it as an eloquent biography presented without pages of text.

Reed intends to work with Connie Nass, executive director of the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, to push for the art to be adopted by both the state and national commissions.

"It just tells the whole life story of Abraham Lincoln in pictures," Nass said.

For a look at the i mage, or more information on Thomas Kennedy, visit www.thomaskennedyart.com

Artist Thomas Kennedy, of Rockport, designed and painted the ornament for Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial following suggestions from the park with four vignettes of the Lincoln story in Indiana. The four vignettes are: the Lincoln cabin, the Indiana sculpture from the Memorial Building, the tombstone from Nancy Hanks Lincoln’s grave, and a youthful Abraham Lincoln.

Kennedy attended the reception for the artists on Nov. 28 at the White House

US Highway 231 is on the Fast Track
Spencer County has an agressive approach to economic development and is becoming even more accessible to businesses looking for a prime location.

The State of Indiana is "fast tracking" the improvements to US Highway 231 as a super connector. Following is a brief outline of the updated completion schedule.

• U.S. 231 in Spencer and Dubois County, $46.7 million.
• Estimated completion: fall 2007.

• Scope: New interchange at U.S. 231 and SR 62, new pavement from SR 62 to CR 2050N, new bridges and ramps at interchange.

Port's directors approve site-use plans
TELLCITY, IN - The board of directors for the Perry County Port Authority approved a resolution and memorandum of understanding concerning the move of a boat-building company into the former Maxon Marine site they occupy.

The memorandum of understanding was drafted by Tell City officials and defines the space the port-rail agency will continue to occupy and on which part of the property along Boundary Way, south of Gutenberg Street in Tell City, the company will set up its operation.

In recent weeks, owners of Corn Island Ship Yard have worked toward opening their own boat-building firm there. That company plans to build a variety of boat types.

The company plans to rebuild a dock at the port to accommodate a 250-foot crane and will replace a pig-iron storage pad.

The company's move into the site will not result in any costs for the port authority.

The plant will be designed for expansion up to 200 million gallons from its present design capacity of 100 million gallons of ethanol per year. Its initial operating phase, scheduled for groundbreaking near Rockport, Indiana this summer, will achieve full operating capacity within 24 months.

Lincolnland Economic Development Corp., Spencer County's economic development organization, recruited the Biofuels project in response to the county's strategic development plan for value-added agricultural processes.

New Inter-modal Port Announced for Spencer County Indiana
Spencer County, Ind., officials announced plans for a new river port predicting it will be among the best-positioned facilities on the nation's inland waterway system between Pittsburgh and St. Louis. 

Plans for the port, to be part of an industrial park and logistics center on the riverfront in Rockport, were revealed at the Lincolnland Annual Meeting in Rockport. I & M President and Chief Operating Officer, Helen Murray said that I & M will transfer about 600 acres of property along the Ohio River near Rockport to MidAmerica Terminals to construct an intermodal operation that will be open to agriculture, steel, furniture manufacturers and mining sectors. 

Construction is expected to start this summer. Lincolnland Economic Development Corp. and MidAmerica Terminals, in  cooperation with Spencer County government, say they are already negotiating more than $160 Million in additional new investment into the river port.

Over 600 turnout to lend support for Duke Energy's $2 billion Knox County project
BICKNELL - Over 600 supporters of Duke Energy's planned coal-gasification power plant attended a public hearing at North Knox High School

There was no sign of opposition to the Charlotte, N.C.-based company's plans to build the state-of-the-art plant at Edwardsport, and the hearing conducted by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management ended around 7:30 p.m., easily two and a half hours earlier than IDEM officials had expected.

Duke Energy spokeswoman Angeline Protogere has said the plant is expected to boost Duke Energy customers' rates an average of about 16 percent by about 2012.

She said that could rise higher, however, if the utility installs equipment to remove some of the plant's carbon dioxide emissions.

Evansville's Berry Plastics buys Canadian plastic company
Berry Plastics Corp. announced that it has bought the outstanding stock of a Canadian plastics company.

Berry Plastics, which has its headquarters in Evansville, has purchased 100 percent of the available stock of MAC Closures.

MAC Closures makes plastic caps used by companies that produce pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, personal care products and industrial chemicals, among other things.

Ira Boots, Chairman and CEO of Berry Plastics Corporation, stated "The acquisition of MAC Closures is a continuation of Berry's strategic plan to expand our North American position by combining with industry leading companies to provide a full product offering of plastic packaging to our customers."

Berry Plastics has 56 factories throughout the world and employees around 12,700 people.

2008 start eyed for I-69
The federal court decision that cleared a hurdle for building Interstate 69 in Southwestern Indiana also removed an obstacle for the roadway's extension through suburban Indianapolis.

With the court ruling, the DOT now remains on schedule to break ground on the 13-mile-long first section from Evansville to Oakland City, Ind., in late summer or early fall 2008, said DOT spokesman Andy Dietrick. Before that, officials anticipate the Federal Highway Administration will issue its "Record of Decision," which is expected any day. It essentially will be the final regulatory hurdle to allowing federal funds to be used on the project.

Some of the proceeds from the $3.85 billion Major Moves lease of the Indiana toll road in 2006 have been allocated to fund construction of I-69 from Evansville as far north as the Crane warfare center.

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Evansville's AT&T call center surpasses intitial employment expectations
The number of employees hired to work at a new AT&T call center has exceeded the original expectation, the president of the company's Indiana division announced.

George Fleetwood, president of AT&T Indiana, told members of the Evansville Rotary Club that about 600 people are now answering questions about service matters at the call center.

AT&T opened the center in a Vogel Road building that formerly contained a Sam's Club. In an announcement made in April, AT&T officials had said about 570 employees would work at the center, making about $20,000 a year and getting fringe benefits.

Now it seems possible that even more than 600 will be added, Fleetwood said.

Alcoa's new production facility will bring 50 new jobs to Warrick County
Alcoa Warrick Operations dedicated a new Lithographic Cleaning Line, celebrating the creation of 50 new jobs at the plant, an additional $47 million to the local tax base, and a diversification of products.

Installation of the Lithographic Cleaning Line (Litho Line) started early in 2007 with equipment and installation costs totaling $47 million. The line is designed specifically to clean, level, and trim lithographic sheet that is used in the high end printing market for products including magazines, periodicals, brochures, and newspaper inserts. Alcoa customers for litho sheet include Kodak, Fuji, AGFA, Anocoil, and others.

Evansville-base CMC signs agreement with Texas bank
Evansville-based CMC (Card Management Corp.), a subsidiary of Fifth Third Bank, has signed a card servicing and processing agreement with Woodforest National Bank of Woodlands, Texas, outside of Houston.

Under the agreement, CMC - a line of business within Fifth Third Processing Solutions - will process credit cards, debit cards, store-value cards, plus provide other operational support services and processing for Woodforest operations, which has locations in Wal-Mart Supercenters .

CMC's processing and operational support includes a data entry for a Discover Network-branded credit card that is issued by Woodforest, said Thornbury.

Fifth Third Processing Solutions purchased CMC in January 2006. The solutions organization is a division of Fifth Third Bancorp.

Intermodal study for Southwest Indiana still on track
PRINCETON- Gibson County and other area leaders are examining a Southwest Indiana intermodal freight terminal's feasibility. Todd Mosby said Gibson County is working together with representatives of water port projects in Spencer County and Evansville to get grant money to pursue the concept.

The chamber spearheaded a 2005 feasibility study with a $147,000 state grant, learning that there's a demand for a new intermodal freight terminal in this area if a delicate combination of users and investment is achieved.

That study evaluated market demand for a freight terminal, transportation infrastructure, potential sites and proposed a business case for the project.

The study suggested a model project involving 80 to 120 acres of track, storage and parking, implemented in $15 million and $26 million investment phases.

Consultants presented the study in September 2006, reporting there's potential for long-term profit, if the right combination of capital and ownership is attained.

Consultants further recommended the county pursue forming a freight advisory council which could include agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, distribution and logistics providers to work on the project.

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