By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business A potential rheumatoid arthritis treatment being co-developed by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. and Incyte Corp. continues to return positive results in late-stage testing. In a recent phase-three global study, Lilly says baricitinib met its primary endpoint. The results have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Lilly’s …read more.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Education has unveiled more than 20 additional “Promising Practice” programs on its way to a total of 200 by the end of the year to celebrate the state’s bicentennial. The program recognizes innovative and high-quality education practices is schools throughout Indiana. …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Mike Pence says he will sign a more than $1.2 billion road and bridge funding bill into law today. The measure includes $42 million to fund an expanded Regional Cities Initiative. The two-year funding bill is significantly stripped down from earlier versions and …read more.

By Dan McGowan Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is set to move forward with the design process and lining up possible funding sources and developers for a proposed multipurpose arena. A committee tasked with studying viability unanimously recommended the project in the city’s growing downtown. The group included …read more.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business FORT WAYNE — Walmart’s public relations director says the retail giant chose Indiana for its first milk processing plant in North America because of its location and “progressive farmer and dairy community.” Kevin Thompson says Fort Wayne beat out several locations in surrounding states for the facility expected …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Good news came today, Friday, March 18, as Walmart announced plans to build a brand-new milk processing plant in the Fort Wayne area. Inside Indiana Business reports the facility will be 250,000 square feet and is projected to bring some 200 new jobs to the area by the end of 2017. News …read more.

By Alex Brown Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business WARSAW — The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a major military contract to Warsaw-based Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. The more-than-$380 million deal calls for Zimmer to produce various orthopedic products. The deal is a one-year base contract with four, one-year options. The work will be performed in …read more.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business WINONA LAKE — Grace College, Winona Lake, says a college affordability plan it unveiled several years ago is paying off with increased enrollment numbers and decreased student debt. Launched as “Re-Imagine Grace” during the recession in 2008-2009, the effort involved new campuses and the ability for students to …read more.

By Alex Brown Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business GOSHEN — One of the co-founders of a Goshen-based pretzel company says the product’s growing popularity is the number one reason for the company’s continued success. Ben’s Soft Pretzels LLC has grown from a single location at a mall in Elkhart in 2008 to now 60 locations …read more.

By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business INDIANA — Four Indiana hospitals are on a list of the 100 top hospitals in the U.S. Michigan-based Truven Health Analytics Inc. uses 11 measures, including inpatient outcomes, financial health and patient health. Others include process of care, extended outcomes, process efficiency and cost efficiency. Performance of Indiana …read more.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business SOUTH BEND — Visit South Bend Mishawaka has awarded more than $100,000 in grants to fund tourism and marketing efforts. The money will support 25 programs and events aimed at bringing visitors and tourism dollars to St. Joseph County. The organization says it received more than …read more.

By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business WARSAW — A medical device company with offices in Louisiana and California is planning to open an office in Kosciusko County. Owl Manor Medical LLC says it will create more than 30 jobs in downtown Warsaw by 2019. Owl Manor says it will invest more than $800,000 into …read more.

By KYLIE VELETA Special Projects Reporter, Inside Indiana Business WARSAW — Two executives from DePuy Synthes Companies are joining the board of directors of OrthoWorx, the state’s orthopedic initiative. Vice President of Worldwide Clinical Research Paul Voorhorst and Plant Manager Ray Gonzalez are replacing a board member who is stepping down. Voorhorst and Gonzalez have been involved …read more.

By ALEX BROWN Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business BOURBON — Bourbon-based Harmony Press is expanding its downtown operations, thanks to a 10-year tax abatement approved by the town council Tuesday, Feb. 9. The company will invest $1.75 million into the expansion. Harmony says the investment includes $1.5 million for the purchase and setup of new …read more.

By Alex Brown Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business  FORT WAYNE — The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has selected the Parkview Research Center in Fort Wayne for a research grant related to mental health. The research will focus on using telehealth to address mental health needs of adolescents and young adults. Parkview describes telehealth as the …read more.

By Dan McGowan Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business FORT WAYNE — A realty organization with a presence in northeast Indiana has released a monthly housing market report. The Upstate Alliance of Realtors Multiple Listing Service Inc. says inventory levels dipped almost 18 percent in December, compared to the same period in 2014. Inventory levels are now …read more.

By Dan McGowan Writer/Reporter FORT WAYNE — The executive director of airports at the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority says passenger travel at Fort Wayne International Airport in 2015 finished just shy of a record. Scott Hinderman says several factors, including an improving local economy, additional routes and a higher frequency of large planes at …read more.

By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business EVANSVILLE — Evansville-based Old National Bancorp is expanding into Wisconsin with the acquisition of the third-largest bank headquartered in that state. Old National says the approximately $460 million transaction for Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin Inc. is the largest deal in its history. Old National Chief Executive Officer Bob Jones says …read more.

By ALEX BROWN Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz outlined her 2016 legislative agenda Monday and a transition from the ISTEP+ test is among her top priorities. Ritz is also focusing on reversing the state’s teacher shortage and expanding pre-K infrastructure. Ritz’s agenda focuses on holding schools …read more.

By ALEX BROWN Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business WEST LAFAYETTE — Natural gas prices are already at their lowest in two decades and may be going lower. Purdue University energy economist Wally Tyner says abundant supply is driving down prices. Tyner says the price of natural gas in December is the lowest it has been …read more.

By ALEX BROWN Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business MERRILLVILLE — Northern Indiana Public Service Co. has announced Benjamin Felton has joined the company as its vice president of power delivery. In his new role, Felton will lead NIPSCO’s electric operations team. Felton will be based at the company’s Merrillville headquarters. He will be responsible for the …read more.

By Dan McGowan Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business EVANSVILLE — Kick-off celebrations will take place Monday, Dec. 21, and Tuesday, Dec. 22, to honor the three regions chosen for the inaugural Regional Cities Initiative. Governor Mike Pence and leaders fromNorth Central, Northeast and Southwest Indiana will host events to mark the $126 million program designed to …read more.

By Dan McGowan Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court ruling in a lawsuit filed by Indianapolis-based Monarch Beverage Company Inc. The distributor was challenging laws that keep beer wholesalers from distributing liquor. This is the second time this week state alcohol regulations have been upheld in …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Economic Development Corporation says it will continue to support every proposal submitted for Regional Cities funding. Vice President for Policy and Strategic Initiatives Eric Shields says the organization is working on funding contracts with Southwest, North Central and Northeast Indiana, which are to each …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Regional Cities Strategic Review Committee is recommending the southwest, north central and northeast regions receive funding as part of the statewide Regional Cities Initiative. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation board of directors will meet later this afternoon to consider the committee’s report. The initiative will …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — State leaders today, Tuesday, Dec. 15, will unveil the winners of the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative. Seven regions are competing for funding from the two-year, $84 million effort focusing on improving quality-of-life throughout the state. Inside INdiana Business will be at this afternoon’s meetings, …read more.

By Alex Brown Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has approved recommendations for Ivy Tech Community College. They are meant to strengthen Ivy Tech’s support services and ensure its degrees and certificates lead to employment. The recommendations are the result of a request by the Indiana General Assembly for the …read more.

By ALEX BROWN Multimedia Journalist, Inside Indiana Business FORT WAYNE — Parkview Hospital’s Randallia campus in Fort Wayne is marking two milestones in its $55 million renovation project. The hospital’s new family birthing center and intensive care unit will open Friday, Dec. 11. The new family birthing center features 10 birthing suites available for new mothers. …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business ELKHART — Elkhart-based Thor Industries Inc. is reporting fiscal first quarter net income of $50.5 million, compared to $38.9 million during the same period the previous year. The recreational vehicle maker says its 12 percent revenue increase was fueled in part by recent acquisitions. The company is …read more.

By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — More than a dozen colleges and universities in Indiana will take part in a pilot survey to gauge the experiences and outcomes of their graduates. The Gallup-Indiana Survey received support from Indianapolis-based USA Funds and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Survey factors include college completion, career placement, …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business EVANSVILLE — Springleaf Holdings Inc., Evansville, has completed its previously announced $4.5 billion acquisition of Baltimore-based OneMain Financial Holdings LLC. The company will operate under the OneMain brand and be headquartered in Connecticut. Springleaf Chief Executive Officer Jay Levine will lead the combined operation, which plans to keep a significant …read more.

By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Nearly two dozen colleges and universities based in Indiana have been named “military friendly” by a national research organization. Victory Media Inc. bases the classification off of survey data on more than 10,000 schools throughout the country. The categories with the most “weight” are …read more.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce hosted more than 1,500 business, academic and community leaders Wednesday for its annual awards dinner. Fort Wayne-based Parkview Health Chief Executive Officer Mike Packnett won business leader of the year and State Senator Brandt Hershman was named government leader of the year. …read more.

By DAN MCGOAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — Dozens of Hoosiers in 27 counties who were affected by severe storms and flooding in June and July are beginning to receive checks from the Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says, in total, more than $300,000 will be paid out …read more.

By Dan McGowan Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business COLUMBIA CITY — A federal grant will help launch a study that could provide a clearer picture of opportunities connected to the food production and processing sectors in northeast Indiana. Funding for Wells County Revitalization Inc. will support creation of a Northeast Indiana Regional Foodshed Development Strategy. It will …read more.

By DAN MCGOAN Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business WEST LAFAYETTE — Statewide estimated losses from heavy spring rains that previously ran into the half-billion dollar range have been dialed back. Purdue Extension Economist Chris Hurt says soybean yields appear to be near-normal and the corn crop appears to be bigger than expected in parts of the state. Hurt …read more.

By SHALAH SASSE Writer/Reporter, Inside INdiana Business FORT WAYNE — The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership will announce a new member county this week. The addition will be announced Wednesday during a news conference in Fort Wayne. The news conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. at 1st Source Building in the main lobby. The Northeast Indiana …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — With another contentious debate surrounding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act looming in the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly, Gov. Mike Pence says he has yet to come to any conclusions on the issue.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — The committee that will make recommendations on millions of dollars in funding through the Regional Cities Initiative will hold a public meeting next week. The committee will discuss proposals from seven Indiana regions looking for a share of the funding from the two-year, $84 million initiative.The …read more.

By Dan McGowan Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — If the early hours of formal Regional Cities Initiative presentations are any indication, one of the program’s goals of boosting regional collaboration among towns, cities, businesses and organizations is taking hold. Seven regions are competing for funding from the two-year, $84 million effort. The initiative is …read more.

By Shalah Sasse Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — The city of Indianapolis will hold a job and resource fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Family Recreation Center, Riverside Park. Twenty-five companies with hundreds of job openings will be at the event. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor, Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s life sciences initiative has been awarded a two-year, $2.9 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. BioCrossroads says the funding will support its ongoing charitable, educational and scientific efforts. BioCrossroads Chief Executive Officer, David Johnson, says the grant comes at a “pivotal point in …read more.

INDIANA — The U.S. Department of Education has announced this years’ National Blue Ribbon Schools, and ten Indiana schools have made the list. The honor is based on high performance or notable progress in closing achievement gaps.

By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter, Inside INdiana Business ELKHART — Two Elkhart-based boat manufacturers have announced a merger. Bennington Marine is acquiring Nautic Global Group in a deal expected to close next month. Bennington’s focus is on the pontoon industry and it has been family-owned since its founding in 1997. Chairman, Steve Vogel, said, “Nautic Global …read more.

By Andy Ober Assistant Managing Editor Inside Indiana Business FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne-based Triple Crown Services says it will cut nearly 200 workers as part of a major restructuring by parent company Norfolk Southern Corp. The companies expect the layoffs to begin in November. Norfolk Southern says TCS will now focus on the transportation of automobile parts. The …read more.

By SHALAH SASSE Writer/Reporter Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — Ivy Tech Community College is ranked first in the nation among two-year colleges for the number of associate degrees granted last school year, according to a Community College Week report. Ivy Tech granted 9,453 associate degrees during the 2013-2014 school year. The number two school on the …read more.

By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor Inside Indiana Business SOUTH BEND — The University of Notre Dame is planning to invest $113 million in a major sustainability effort. The school says it will stop burning coal entirely within five years and shrink its carbon footprint by more than half by 2030. President John Jenkins says the …read more.

By Shalah Sasse Writer/Reporter, Inside Indiana Business MISHAWAKA — Georgia-based Gray Television Inc. will acquire Mishawaka-based Schurz Communications Inc. for approximately $442.5 million. The deal includes all of the television and radio stations of Schurz. Schurz owns WSBT-TV in the South Bend market. Gray currently owns WNDU-TV in South Bend. Due to FCC regulations, the …read more.

By GERRY DICK Inside Indiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. Chief Executive Officer, John Lechleiter, said the drug maker is back in growth mode after a painful period of “building a bridge while we crossed it.” In a speech Friday, Sept. 11, to the Economic Club of Indiana, Lechleiter said Lilly is stronger and …read more.

By DAN MCGOWAN Writer/Reporter Inside INdiana Business INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Department of Agriculture Director, Ted McKinney, said a partnership between the state and Indianapolis-based Marsh Supermarkets Inc. is just phase one of the potential scope of the Indiana Grown Initiative. The program is designed to boost promotion of Indiana companies and food producers and their products. Marsh has signed on …read more.

WEST LAFAYETTE — A Purdue University doctoral student who recently completed an eight-month stay in a domed habitat says the hardest part was the isolation and the lack of “surprises and new things.”

Indiana’s Fair Oaks Farms took home first place at the US Cheese Championship March 17-19 in Madison, WI. Master cheese maker Bruce Workman’s Havarti cheese was the champion. Fair Oaks Farms Havarti Dill and Gouda also received second place honors, while the Smoked Gouda and Havarti Onion placed fourth. There were 1,892 entries of cheeses …read more.

Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) (“Patrick” or the “Company”) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the business and certain assets of Bremen, Indiana-based Charleston Corporation (“Charleston”). Charleston is a manufacturer of fiberglass and plastic components primarily used in the recreational vehicle (“RV”), marine, and vehicle aftermarket industries. The Company estimates Charleston’s 2014 …read more.

Forest River Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company, and Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) today announced the establishment of a Community Foundation to be funded jointly and to benefit employees and their families during times of need. The Forest River/Thor Community Foundation will be jointly funded by the two companies and will provide grants of up …read more.

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH and SIX: ZMH) today announced the future executive leadership team and organizational structure of the combined company following the closing of the Biomet transaction. Zimmer also announced that the combined organization will leverage the strength of both companies’ brands and will be named Zimmer Biomet, with the new brand to …read more.

Plummeting gasoline prices are the result of lagging economic growth in many parts of the world, the end of the summer driving season, less expensive winter gasoline and well-functioning Midwest refineries, Purdue University energy economist Wally Tyner says. There’s both good news and potentially bad news in all of that. “Lower energy costs are like …read more.

Lake City Bank announced today that it will accelerate its branch development plan and double its presence in the Indianapolis market over the next year. The bank will add a third office in the market at Clearwater Crossing on 82nd Street late in the fourth quarter of 2014. The bank’s fourth office in the Indianapolis …read more.

Biomet, Inc. announced today financial results for its first quarter that ended on Aug. 31. Consolidated net sales increased 6 percent (5.6 percent constant currency) worldwide to approximately $775 million. Knee sales grew 4.3 percent (3.8 percent constant currency) worldwide to $234.7 million. Hip sales increased 3.8 percent (3.6 percent constant currency) worldwide to $155.3 million. S.E.T. …read more.

Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced Indiana’s involvement in a $105 million national settlement reached today with AT&T Mobility LLC, resolving allegations that the company placed charges for third-party services on customers’ cell phone bills that had not been authorized by the customer – a practice known as “mobile cramming.” Zoeller joined attorneys general from 49 …read more.

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority is conducting a ribbon cutting for the completion of the new rental car lot at Fort Wayne International Airport. The new lot caters to an easier airport experience, featuring covered parking and a covered walkway just steps from the terminal building. The new entrance for rental car return is …read more.

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZMH) announced today that it has acquired the business of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based ETEX Holdings, Incorporated. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition enhances Zimmer’s Biologics portfolio of differentiated treatments through the addition of ETEX’s Beta-bsm (Injectable), CarriGen, EquivaBone (including DBM), and Gamma-bsm (Putty) bone void …read more.

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority is pleased to welcome the inaugural flights from Fort Wayne International Airport to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration, with special guests Fort Wayne Mayor Thomas Henry and the Allen County Board of Commissioners, in addition to several …read more.

Smoker Craft, Inc., one of the oldest family-owned boat manufacturers, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 100 new jobs by 2018. The homegrown-Hoosier company will invest $4.1 million to renovate and equip its 500,000 square-foot production facility at 68143 Clunette St. in New Paris. Expanding with 90,000 additional square feet …read more.

Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Joe Boardman and U.S. Congressman André Carson (D-7) will hold a news conference Wednesday in Indianapolis. They are expected to discuss the future of the Hoosier State line between Indianapolis and Chicago before boarding a train to northwest Indiana. The communities and INDOT fund the four-days-weekly Amtrak Hoosier State service — …read more.

From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, the 2014 American Institute of Architects Indiana + Kentucky Convention will meet at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in downtown Fort Wayne. For 3 days, more than 200 architects will participate in several informational workshops, discussions with industry professionals, and explore our city’s architecture, attractions, and …read more.

Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) today announced record financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended July 31, 2014. Fourth Quarter Highlights: Sales from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 were a record $1.04 billion, up 14 percent from $914.0 million in the fourth quarter last year, as sales of …read more.

Ameritrans Bus, Inc., an assembler and distributor of small to mid-size transportation vehicles, announced plans today to locate its second Indiana facility here, creating up to 73 new jobs by 2016. The Elkhart-headquartered company, which is a subsidiary of Faribault, Minn.-based ABC Companies, will invest $2.17 million to lease, renovate and equip a 110,000 square-foot …read more.

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $251,133,201 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 231 Tomahawk Block IV All-Up-Round missiles for the U.S. Navy (147 vertical launch systems and 64 capsule launch systems) and the United Kingdom (20 torpedo tube launch systems). Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (32 percent); Camden, Ark. (11 …read more.

The Indiana State Department of Health today released the 2013 Indiana Medical Error Reporting System annual report. Reports of stage three or four pressure ulcers acquired after admission increased from 30 in 2012 to 45 in 2013. Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, have been the most reported incident seven of the eight years …read more.

The board of directors of the Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance (IPRA) has voted to engage Transportation Economics and Management Systems, Inc, of Frederick, Maryland (TEMS), to prepare a business plan and economic impact study of a rail corridor that runs from Chicago to Cincinnati and to Louisville, by way of Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis …read more.

Eighteen farm-related fatalities were documented in Indiana in 2013, down from 26 the previous year and reflecting a trend of fewer deadly accidents on the farm, a Purdue University report shows. The 2013 Indiana Farm Fatality Summary data show there have been fewer than 30 documented deaths from farm-related accidents each year since 1996. Before …read more.

Indiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 percent in August to 5.8 percent. Over the past year, unemployment in the Hoosier State has decreased by 1.7 percent, which is one of the largest rates of decline in the United States. Over this same period, Indiana’s labor force has increased by more than 51,000 workers, …read more.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced a $2 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to South Bend International Airport to reduce emissions and improve air quality by installing a geothermal heating and cooling system at the airport through the FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) program. VALE is designed to reduce sources of airport …read more.

Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) today announced that its Keystone subsidiary has begun construction on a new plant for travel trailer production adjacent to its existing complex in Goshen, Indiana. “As a leader in the towable RV industry, we see continued growth opportunities in our core markets,” commented Matt Zimmerman, Keystone President. “Our investment in this …read more.

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ/GS: STLD) today announced the completion of the acquisition of Severstal Columbus, LLC (“Columbus”), one of the newest and most technologically advanced mini-mills in North America. As previously announced, the purchase price for Columbus was $1.625 billion in cash, with customary transaction purchase price adjustments, and has been funded with approximately $350 …read more.

According to Inside INdiana Business, the president of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce stated the seventh annual Elkhart RV Open House, which is taking place this week, offers a “concentrated look” at the industry’s community impact. Kyle Hannon says the event allows the city to show off for the 4,000 professionals expected to attend. …read more.

University of Notre Dame graduate Mark Gallogly and his wife, Lise Strickler, have made a $10 million gift to the University to endow the Reverend James E. McDonald, C.S.C., Center for Student Well-Being. “The health of our students is an utmost priority, and the McDonald Center will enable us to more effectively and comprehensively support …read more.

The monthly revenue report for August 2014 state tax collections was released today. Charts visualizing the August 2014 data (year-over-year growth and comparisons to monthly estimates) also are located on the Management and Performance Hub website under the State Tax Revenue section: http://www.in.gov/mph/staterevenue.html. Results State general fund revenues for August were $974.9 million, which is …read more.

Indiana’s business climate is best in the Midwest and the seventh best nationwide according to Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business Survey. The state was also among the ranking’s top-five picks in the skilled labor availability (first), water availability and cost (second), distribution and supply chain hubs (third), rail and highway accessibility (fourth) and …read more.

Devry Butcher, the Area General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Lafayette, Indiana, today announced that the hotel is embarking upon a $5 million dollar expansion that will include a brand new, state-of-the-art, 15,500-square-foot indoor/outdoor conference facility and up to 32 additional guest rooms. The site of the conference facility will be on recently …read more.

WGU Indiana has announced its largest enrollment in the university’s history. The August 2014 enrollment of 3,718 students is up more than 15 percent over the 3,213 enrolled in 2013. Comparatively, in August 2010, 359 students were enrolled. This is the fourth consecutive year of growth for the online university since its launch in May …read more.

Only three of the state’s 13 venues recorded higher comparative revenue last month. Tropicana Evansville had adjusted gross revenue of more than $10 million, an increase from $9.3 million in August 2013. Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino in Elizabeth notched up to $22.3 million last month, compared to $22 million a year earlier. Hoosier Park Racing …read more.

Today the State of Indiana filed in the United States Supreme Court its appeal of a 7th Circuit ruling last week that invalidated Indiana’s marriage statute. In filing its appeal – called a petition for writ of certiorari – the State asks the nation’s highest court to reverse the lower court and reinstate Indiana’s longstanding …read more.

Under its duty to defend state laws from legal challenges, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office today argued on behalf of Indiana’s right to work statute in the Indiana Supreme Court. Having heard oral argument from the union plaintiffs and state government defendants in the lawsuit challenging the statute, the state’s highest court will rule at …read more.

Lippert Components Inc. and E&P Hydraulics announced today that E&P will sell and distribute LCI products, including In-Wall Slide-Out systems, windows and electronic control systems, on an exclusive basis to the European caravan and motor home market. E&P Hydraulics is one of Europe’s largest suppliers of hydraulic leveling systems and supports an extensive service network …read more.

Workspace Solutions of Fort Wayne, has announced its plans to relocate and consolidate from its current two Fort Wayne locations into one facility at 2200 Production Road. The former Vera Bradley Headquarters building will contain all of Workspace Solutions warehouse and showroom facilities now located at 919 Coliseum Boulevard North and at 256 W Main …read more.

According to Inside INdiana Business, Fort Wayne-based Vera Bradley Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) says it will eliminate second shift operations at its New Haven facility. 21 Alive WPTA reports a total of 150 employees at the location work on second shift. Inside INdiana Business reports the bag and accessory maker employs 360 at the New Haven …read more.

The federal government expects Indiana and the nation to grow bumper crops of corn and soybeans for the second consecutive year, adding to already adequate supplies but further holding down prices farmers will get for their productivity. Both total production and average yields per acre nationally for corn and soybeans could set records, the U.S. …read more.

Indiana Tech announced today that the university’s new entrepreneur center, the Center for Creative Collaboration (the C3) is now open. The C3 will provide entrepreneurs with rapid, targeted, and effective assistance in all phases of business startup, operation, and growth. The C3, located in Indiana Tech’s new Academic Center on its main campus in Fort …read more.

Rustic Hutch, one of the leading retailers in Northeast Indiana of furniture, home decor, furnishings and gifts will be closing both Fort Wayne locations after a liquidation sale. Owners Bill and Diana Bodecker will be retiring. Rustic Hutch has been locally owned and operated since 1974. After purchasing the one-year old furniture store In Georgetown Square, …read more.

Governor Mike Pence joined executives from Lutheran Health Network today to announce that its affiliate, Shared Services Center Fort Wayne, plans to expand its business operations in northeastern Indiana, creating up to 320 new jobs by 2017. “By creating great jobs like this in Indiana, Lutheran Health Network is helping to nurse Indiana’s economy to …read more.

Franklin Electric Co. Inc. announced today that it has completed two acquisitions in India. In the first, Franklin Electric has acquired 70 percent of the outstanding stock of Pluga Pumps and Motors Private Limited, based in a newly constructed facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Pluga designs, manufactures, and distributes groundwater motor and pumping equipment through …read more.

After missing more than 2 full days of production, workers at the General Motors Fort Wayne Assembly plant are returning to work this afternoon. The company is asking second shift employees to return to the plant. An apparent equipment failure by a supplier is to blame for the string of shift cancellations. Employees are being …read more.

WorkOne is partnering with KIK Custom Products to hold a hiring event for multiple full-time positions, including Line Techs, Compounders and Machine Operators. The event will be from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Elkhart. The event’s goal is to conduct hiring for multiple full-time positions. Starting …read more.

An issue with parts availability has led managers at the General Motors Fort Wayne Assembly plant to cancel multiple shifts. Third shift production last night and first shift production this morning have been called off. In a recorded message to employees, the company says all second shift workers should report today at normal times. The …read more.

Approximately 525 acres of agricultural land near South Bend sold at auction for $4,525,000 Wednesday, with Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company managing the sale. The successful auction of farm equipment added $690,975, bringing the total for the day to more than $5.2 million. The auction featured part of the holdings of Robert Newton, co-founder …read more.

Five Ligonier manufacturers with similar staffing needs will join to host a hiring event to fill a total of more than 135 positions. The hiring event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Thursday, July 31, at West Noble High School, 5094 U.S. 33, Ligonier. Participating employers include Guardian Industries, TrelleborgVibracoustic, Millennium Industries, BRC Rubber …read more.

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (nasdaq/gs:STLD) today announced second quarter 2014 net income of $72 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, on net sales of $2.1 billion. By comparison, prior year second quarter net income was $29 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, on net sales of $1.8 billion; and sequential first quarter 2014 net income was …read more.

A new segment of U.S. 31 between South Bend and Plymouth is slated to open soon. Indiana Department of Transportation Spokesman Will Wingfield has confirmed to Inside INdiana Business the $221 million, 15-mile stretch should open by the end of August. INDOT says that although the new stretch of the highway will open, restrictions will …read more.

Steel Dynamics Inc. (nasdaq/gs:STLD) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of Severstal Columbus LLC (“Columbus”) from OAO Severstal. Located in northeast Mississippi, Columbus is one of the newest and most technologically advanced mini-mills in North America. Steel Dynamics will purchase Columbus for $1.625 billion in cash, subject …read more.