Venture Club

Pence names commerce secretary, IEDC chief

Gov.-elect Mike Pence on Thursday announced several appointments to his administration, including a new secretary of commerce and a separate CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., the state's lead business-development agency.

Victor Smith, a former president and CEO of California-based CDS Engineering while it was a subsidiary of Muncie-based Ontario Corp., will serve as secretary of commerce.

Eric Doden will lead the IEDC. Doden most recently was an executive at Domo Ventures LLC, a boutique private equity firm in Fort Wayne.

Smith and Doden will replace Dan Hasler, who served as both secretary of commerce and CEO of IEDC under outgoing Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Smith is the son of Van Smith, former chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and chairman of Pence's election campaign.

In the early 1990s, Victor Smith worked for U.S. Sen. Dan Coats’ campaign, for the Federal Housing Finance Board and for then-Vice President Dan Quayle. The Muncie native is a graduate of Colgate University and earned his law degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

In 2011, Doden ran unsuccessfully for Fort Wayne mayor on the Republican ticket. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College and his law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.

Pence said Smith, who has international business experience, will "carry Indiana's message across the country and around the world," while Doden will work to identify companies poised for growth and forge partnerships with the private sector. Both positions are cabinet-level appointments, he said.

“Two is better than one,” Pence said in explaining why he is replacing one position with two. “Look, there are a lot of opportunities out there for the Hoosier state.”

Pence did not directly address recent criticism over the IEDC after a local media investigation uncovered bribery allegations involving an IEDC contractor in China. However, he did acknowledge and agreed with demands for greater transparency.

Steps are planned to make the commerce department's work more open to the public, Pence said. He promised a "transparency portal" by spring and said information on the IEDC's incentives and incomes will be part of that. "People have a right to know," he said.

Pence also named Sean Keefer as the new commissioner of labor. Keefer, of Fishers, has served as chief of staff in the Indiana Department of Health since 2011.

Pence also named Dr. William VanNess as his state health commissioner. VanNess had served as president and CEO of Community Hospital in Anderson from 1997 until his appointment.

Bruce Lemmon, who was appointed commissioner of the Department of Correction in early 2011, will remain in the position.

Danny Lopez and Jackie Cissell were named special assistants to the governor. Lopez is executive director of the Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs. Cissell is assistant director of the Office of School Improvement and Turnaround for Community Engagement.

BioCrossroads Makes Seed Fund Investments

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

BioCrossroads has announced the initial investments through its Indiana Seed Fund II. Indianapolis-based algae cultivation technology company Algaeon and oncology drug developer Esanex have received support from the $8.25 million fund.

January 10, 2013

News Release

Indianapolis, January 10, 2013 – BioCrossroads Indiana Seed Fund II has made its first two investments: Esanex, a company developing an oncology drug, and Algaeon, which has developed an algae cultivation technology for use in the nutraceutical and micronutrient markets. The Indiana Seed Fund II is an $8.25 million early-stage fund focused on identifying, creating and developing the next generation of leading Indiana-based life sciences companies.

“These first two investments are indicative of the depth and breadth of Indiana’s life sciences sector as well as the diverse, but outstanding talent of our entrepreneurial community,” said David L. Johnson, President and CEO of BioCrossroads. “Esanex demonstrates the strengths and promise of Indiana’s drug discovery and development sector, and Algaeon highlights innovation in the agricultural biotech area.”

Esanex is developing a novel therapeutic in oncology. The company’s primary focus is centered on a specific Hsp90 inhibitor, SNX-5422, which “deactivates” the ability of tumor cells to grow and survive. The Hsp90 inhibitor is the result of a discovery from Serenex, a former Lilly Ventures portfolio company. The $500,000 investment from Indiana Seed Fund II, which is part of a Series A financing, will be used to complete a Phase 1 study in patients with solid tumors and to conduct multiple Phase 2 trials.

“The clinical development of Hsp90 inhibitors is an active and promising area in cancer research,” said Steven E. Hall, CEO, Esanex. “The investment from Indiana Seed Fund II will enable us to accelerate our progress by evaluating its effectiveness in patients with a variety of tumor types.”

Algaeon has developed patent-pending algae cultivation technology that produces specific algae species used in the nutraceutical and micronutrient markets as human supplements as well as in animal and fish feedstocks. The $250,000 investment from the Indiana Seed Fund II will enable the Company to expand operations and to produce products such as Astaxanthin, Beta Glucan, and others used as food supplements to promote health and disease prevention for humans and animals.
“Thus far, Algaeon’s funding has been from its two founders and angel investors. Having BioCrossroads’ investment and additional support from their team and network will be transformative for our company. The markets for our high-value algae derivative products have been growing at significant rates, and the investment will advance our entry into these high-demand areas,” said Paul DeLacey, President and CEO, Algaeon, Inc.

Algaeon was a winner of BioCrossroads’ inaugural New Venture Competition, presented at the BioCrossroads Indiana Life Sciences Summit in October 2012.

About BioCrossroads
BioCrossroads (www.biocrossroads.com) is Indiana's initiative to grow, advance and invest in the life sciences, a public private collaboration that supports the region's existing research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development. BioCrossroads provides money and support to life sciences businesses, launches new life sciences enterprises (Indiana Health Information Exchange, Fairbanks Institute for Healthy Communities, BioCrossroadsLINX, and Datalys Center), expands collaboration and partnerships among Indiana's life science institutions, promotes science education and markets Indiana's life sciences industry.

About the Indiana Seed Fund II
The $8.25 million, return driven Indiana Seed Fund II was launched in April 2012. Managed by BioCrossroads, the Fund is a follow-on to the $6 million Indiana Seed Fund I. The Fund makes investments up to $1 million in early-stage biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, ag-biotech and health information technology products and platforms.

Source: BioCrossroads

IU Kelley School co-hosting conference on small business finance at European Central Bank

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 4, 2012

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University's Kelley School of Business is co-sponsoring a research conference Dec. 13 and 14 on small business finance at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany.

European Central Bank/M. Thelen

The current financial crisis and recessions in Europe and the United States have significantly heightened interest in small business finance, said Gregory F. Udell, the Chase Chair of Banking and Finance at the Kelley School and co-organizer of the conference.

There is considerable concern among policymakers that small firms everywhere are vulnerable to a "funding gap" -- the inability to obtain sufficient external funding to finance ongoing operations and invest in valuable new business opportunities.

The conference is expected to attract about 60 scholars and policymakers from around the United States, Asia and Europe.

The Kelley School and the European Central Bank are co-sponsoring the conference with the Centre for European Policy Research, a leading economic think tank; and the Review of Finance, the journal of the European Finance Association.

"Not surprising, small business is an important policy issue in every country," Udell said. "As important as it was in our election, certainly in terms of the rhetoric, it is if anything more important in Europe, because the fraction of business that runs through the small- and mid-sized company sector is even bigger in Europe than it is in the United States."

Depending on one's definition, about 40 to 45 percent of jobs in the United States are at small businesses. In Europe overall, its share of the labor force is larger, but it varies by country.

Previous research indicates that the funding gap may be related to the opacity of small firms, and that this problem has become more acute during the crisis.

Gregory Udell

"It's more difficult, for example, for lenders to see what's going on inside a small business, understand how risky it is, and monitor that company as opposed to a large company," Udell said. "That's because there's a lot more information available about large companies than small companies ... which are harder to understand by an outsider, such as a venture capitalist or a banker."

Udell is co-organizing the conference with Steven Ongena, a professor in the Tilburg School of Economics and Management in the Netherlands; and Alexander Popov, research economist at the European Central Bank.

Nine papers will be presented at the conference and published in the Review of Finance. Topics will include:

How do banks underwrite loans to small businesses?
How does loan underwriting vary across banks and countries?
How do shocks such as this financial crisis affect small business access to finance?
How have innovations such as small business credit scoring affected small business finance?
What is the effect of the European Central Bank's standard and nonstandard measures on access to finance by the euro area corporate sector?

More information about the conference is available on the European Central Bank's website.

Editors: To arrange for an interview with professor Udell, contact George Vlahakis at 812-855-0846 or vlahakis@iu.edu. Registration for the conference is closed.

Elevate Ventures Kicks Off the Regional Entrepreneurship Action Plan (REAP) to Expand and Enhance Start Up Business Opportunitie

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, Nov 14, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Elevate Ventures, a venture development organization that manages the 21st Century Fund for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and provides assistance, access to capital, and other resources to startups, announced earlier this month the official launch of the Regional Entrepreneurship Action Plan (REAP). The REAP is a regional initiative that supports innovation, entrepreneurial activity and associated economic growth opportunities throughout the northern regions of Indiana. With $7.95M already committed from regional and state funders, the REAP aims to raise a total of $18M, which will be distributed over the next three years.

The REAP is the next phase of Elevate Ventures' Quick Start program, which began October 2011 to provide the impetus for the regional, state and national fundraising efforts for the larger REAP initiative. The Quick Start program delivered the initial targeted assistance efforts to nurture and support promising high-growth companies in the northern regions of the state.

Under the 12 months of the original Quick Start program, Elevate helped over 70 companies and offered over 5,000 hours of assistance to such companies as RedPost, Polyfusion and Wolfpack Chassis in the Northern Indiana regions, providing such help as acting as a sounding board for ideas, making strategic introductions to other investors and assisting with business plans and funding pitches. In the last year, Elevate Ventures' deal flow and measurable entrepreneurial activity has increased from under 5% to nearly 40 percent.

"The launch of the REAP provides an exciting opportunity for Elevate Ventures to not only continue, but to expand by directly connecting emerging and existing high potential businesses in Indiana with funding options and resources. With the development of this kind of 'entrepreneurial environment,' we ultimately hope to create thousands of local jobs and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem," said Stephen Hourigan, CEO. "The $7.95M already committed means we can begin implementing a significant portion of the REAP, and we look forward to raising an additional $9M from national funders to match the State and regional investments. We have already seen tremendous progress with startups in this region, as compared to the state of the local economy just two years ago."

Once the $18M has been raised and distributed to appropriate high-growth targets within the regions, the goal is to bring in more than $200M in additional investment and sales growth, create or retain over 3,000 jobs over a three-year period, and service approximately 160 high potential startups in the Northern Indiana regions.

With the launch of the REAP, Elevate will:

--  Increase Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) staffing
        --  Launch a grant program for high-potential startups, and;
        --  Add a follow-on assistance program for Elevate's Economic Gardening
            clients including additional services and an executive round table

Elevate Ventures is not the only advocate for programs like the REAP, which can have the ability to stimulate dramatic economic activity in communities not typically perceived to be innovation-driven. Other national organizations following similar approaches include Goldman Sachs with its 10,000 Small Businesses program, which is a $500M investment striving to help small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services. Recent Kauffman Foundation studies also show that over the last two decades high-growth firms have flourished in unexpected locations and industries.

"We have seen significant traction in developing and attracting innovative talent to the region since we started engaging in the local areas. Programs like those under Goldman Sachs and studies like the Kauffman Foundation's continue to support that what we're doing in just a few communities could be replicated across the nation. We're already transforming the economic picture in northern Indiana, and it's entirely possible that that transformation is not limited to within Indiana communities," said Hourigan.

About Elevate
Elevate Ventures nurtures and develops emerging and existing high-potential businesses into high-performing, Indiana-based companies. Elevate accomplishes this by providing rigorous business analysis and robust advisory services that connect companies with the resources they need to succeed long-term. A not-for-profit organization, Elevate provides more than just capital as it partners with entrepreneurs, investors and other Indiana local and state organizations to ensure the best return on investment.

For more information on the REAP, visit http://www.elevateventures.com/programs/northern-indiana-reap

Media Contact:
        Erica Zeidenberg
        (Hot Tomato Marketing)
        925.631.0553

SOURCE: Elevate Ventures

Elevate Ventures Invests in Global Security Company

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

Elevate Ventures Inc. has invested $600,000 in Bloomington-based PartTec Ltd. The Monroe County company produces neutron detectors for the global security, research and medical sectors.

November 2, 2012
News Release

Indianapolis, Ind. -- Elevate Ventures, a venture development organization that manages the 21st Century Fund for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), announced today the completion of their investment in PartTec, Ltd., a market and thought-leader in non-helium-3 neutron detection technology. PartTec develops and manufactures non-helium-3 neutron detectors for global security including Homeland Security, neutron research and medical imaging. Earlier this year, PartTec was named a 2012 R&D100 Award winner in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratories for the development of their non-helium-3 wavelength shifting scintillator neutron detector.

The 21st Century Fund investment of $600K in PartTec will be co-invested alongside $1.2M in funding raised through an offering to private investors by the Indianapolis office of David A. Noyes & Company, which will allow PartTec to commercialize several critical products in their non-helium-3 neutron detector line. This investment follows previous federal dollars used to develop initial product prototypes, which answered the need for non-helium-3 neutron detectors in the face of the critical helium-3 shortage. “With the investment from the 21st Century Fund and Elevate Ventures, we can quickly commercialize our products to meet the critical need for helium-3 neutron detectors,” says Herschel Workman, CEO of PartTec. “This investment is further validation of the global need for our technology and research. It’s extremely rewarding to know that the state of Indiana believes in our products and our highly skilled and dedicated team.”

Since PartTec’s involvement with Elevate Ventures, John Bodman, Venture Partner with Elevate Ventures, has been available to provide assistance and guidance to PartTec's management team. Bodman came to Elevate with extensive experience in the energy industry, particularly within its nuclear and coal segments. “There was a knowledge gap in understanding and accepting the benefits of nuclear energy and related applications. PartTec’s products allow us to move forward in acquiring that knowledge,” said Bodman. “The importance of knowing where nuclear material is at all times is crucial to mankind’s acceptance of the benefits of nuclear energy. PartTec’s products allow mankind to move forward in acquiring that knowledge.”

About PartTec, Ltd.
PartTec is the market and thought leader in neutron detection technology specializing in the manufacture of non-helium-3 neutron detectors to meet global security, research and medical needs. PartTec, Ltd. was founded in 2002 with the mission to provide precision, quality, and innovation in detection technology. Its world-class scientists are taking innovation to a new level, creating ground breaking, and patented technologies to meet global security, research and medical needs.

About Elevate Ventures, Inc.
Elevate Ventures nurtures and develops emerging and existing high-potential businesses into high-performing, Indiana-based companies. Elevate accomplishes this by providing rigorous business analysis and robust advisory services that connect companies with the resources they need to succeed long-term. A not-for-profit organization, Elevate provides more than just capital as it partners with entrepreneurs, investors and other Indiana local and state organizations to ensure the best return on investment.

Source: Elevate Ventures Inc.

Indiana, The Nation’s Newest Right-to-Work State, Ranked Eighth Among the Top States for Doing Business

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

Indiana ranked eighth overall among the Top States for Doing Business. The state tied for a number- one ranking for its rail and highway accessibility. It also scored in the top five in several other categories including tying for third among states that are leading in the economic recovery.

Area Development Magazine Special Presentation (Fall 2012)

OVERALL RANKINGS 2012

1. Texas
2. South Carolina
3. Georgia
4. Alabama
5. North Carolina
6. Louisiana
7. Tennessee
8. Indiana
9. Mississippi
10. Oklahoma

Certainly, Indiana touts a central location that is well connected. It is home to more than 4,700 miles of mainline rail track, three international airports, and more than 11,000 total highway miles. Each year, more than 1.1 billion tons of freight travel through Indiana, making it the fifth-busiest state for commercial freight traffic in the nation. Indiana also has the only statewide port system that provides international connections via the Great Lakes and Ohio- Mississippi River system.

In addition, Indiana is moving forward with a record-breaking $10 billion infrastructure improvement plan. That improvement plan includes a 10-year, fully funded highway initiative that calls for more than 200 new construction and 200 major preservation projects, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).

The expansion of firms such as Amazon.com is certainly a testament to Indiana’s formidable strength as a distribution hub. Amazon.com will open its fifth facility in the state this fall. The new fulfillment center is located in Jeffersonville in Southeast Indiana. The project represents a $150 million investment in the state and is expected to create 1,050 jobs by 2015.

Indiana has launched several major initiatives that have helped the state to emerge as a leader in the economic recovery. Earlier this year, Indiana became the 23rd state in the nation to enact a right-to-work bill into law. The state also passed legislation that reduces Indiana’s corporate income tax from 8.5 percent to 6.5 percent. The tax will be reduced by 0.5 percent per year until 2015. Legislators also cut property taxes by one third and established a constitutional cap on tax rates for all classes of property. State legislators have also increased the Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit. The maximum amount of tax credits that early-stage firms can use to attract investment is now doubled from $500,000 to $1 million.

In addition, the state has pushed for reforms in its telecommunications sector. Indiana’s Telecommunications Deregulation Act has brought increased competition, leading to new investments and jobs, according to the IEDC. Efforts such as the Buy Indiana initiative have also helped to pump up to $1.9 billion back into the Indiana economy by directing state agencies to purchase goods from Indiana businesses.

More Than Half of Bose McKinney & Evans Attorneys Included in The Best Lawyers in America 2013® List

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The law firm of Bose McKinney & Evans LLP is pleased to announce that more than half of the firm’s attorneys were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2013®. A total of 57 attorneys from the law firm’s offices in Indianapolis and Washington D.C. were recognized by the annual listing.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 36,000 leading attorneys cast almost 4.4 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Bose McKinney & Evans attorneys have been included in The Best Lawyers listing since its inception. The firm is proud to welcome 13 additional attorneys to the 2013 list.

The following Bose McKinney & Evans attorneys received recognition in the designated practice areas:

Washington, D.C.

George T. Patton, Jr. – Appellate Practice

Indianapolis

Bryan H. Babb – Appellate Practice
Steven M. Badger – Commercial Litigation, First Amendment Law
Jeffrey B. Bailey – Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Litigation – Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation, Securitization and Structured Finance Law, Venture Capital Law
Alan W. Becker – Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Governance Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law, Project Finance Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
Douglas Brown – Gaming Law
Joseph D. Calderon – Land Use & Zoning Law, Real Estate Law
James E. Carlberg – Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy
James C. Carlino – Real Estate Law
Susan Traynor Chastain – Education Law
Robert B. Clemens – Commercial Litigation, Mediation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Stephen E. DeVoe – Corporate Law, Sports Law
Ronald E. Elberger – Commercial Litigation, Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures & Television, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Legal Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants, Professional Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
Daniel C. Emerson – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Sports Law, Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
Mary M. Ruth Feldhake – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Jeffrey R. Gaither – Commercial Litigation
Gregory W. Guevara – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
Gregory F. Hahn – Gaming Law
W. James Hamilton – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Non-Profit / Charities Law, Tax Law
Eugene L. Henderson – Corporate Law, Insurance Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Roberts E. Inveiss – Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
J. Christopher Janak – Water Law
David Jurkiewicz – Litigation – Bankruptcy
Robert P. Kassing – Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Tax Law
V. Samuel Laurin III – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction, Litigation – Real Estate
L. Robert Lowe – Trusts and Estates
Paul S. Mannweiler – Municipal Law
R. J. McConnell – Trusts and Estates
Daniel P. McInerny – Administrative / Regulatory Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
Lisa C. McKinney – Environmental Law
Andrew M. McNeil – Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Individuals, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor & Employment
Donald M. Meyer – Non-Profit / Charities Law, Tax Law
Troy M. Miller – Commercial Litigation, Construction Law
John A. Millspaugh – Biotechnology Law, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Venture Capital Law
James P. Moloy – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy
Theodore J. Nowacki – Banking and Finance Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Litigation – Banking & Finance
Timothy J. O’Hara – Commercial Litigation, Family Law
Dennis H. Otten – Public Finance Law
Craig E. Pinkus – Entertainment Law – Music, Technology Law
L. Parvin Price – Water Law
Philip J. Ripani – Immigration Law
Charles R. Rubright – Education Law
Michael J. Schneider – Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Daniel B. Seitz – Administrative / Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice, Insurance Law
Tony Setzer – Real Estate Law
J. Gregory Shelley – Litigation – Trusts & Estates, Trusts and Estates
Nikki Gray Shoultz – Communications Law
G. Pearson Smith, Jr. – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Trusts and Estates
Ronald Soskin – Tax Law
David A. Suess – Tax Law
David Swider – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
Angela Stephens Tarter – Real Estate Law
Alan S. Townsend – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Robert T. Wildman – Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Bryan B. Woodruff – Banking and Finance Law, Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Brantley H. Wright – Real Estate Law
C. Daniel Yates – Non-Profit / Charities Law, Trusts and Estates

Elevate Ventures Joins Forces With IdeaCrossing to Expand Reach

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

Partnership Connects More Indiana Entrepreneurs to Essential Startup Resources

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, Jul 17, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Elevate Ventures, a venture development organization that manages the 21st Century Fund for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and provides assistance, investment opportunities and other resources to startups, has partnered with IdeaCrossing(R), a free online community that connects entrepreneurs to potential business mentors, investors and service providers. Together, the two organizations will help growing Indiana companies gain access to regional resources and other long-term business opportunities.

"Elevate Ventures is focused on creating a supportive environment in Indiana for entrepreneurs in regions where few resources have traditionally existed," says Dave Clark, Venture Partner, Elevate Ventures. "Joining forces with IdeaCrossing means that many Indiana entrepreneurs will have one more tool that they were lacking -- an online community that will allow them to meet and work with the right people, who can help lead them in the direction that's right for their business."

IdeaCrossing helps entrepreneurs broaden their network, explore investment options and, ultimately, grow their businesses by offering a variety of customizable features. These include:

--  Workspaces, or virtual collaboration areas where entrepreneurs may
            invite trusted advisors and request online feedback, securely share
            documents and obtain referrals.
        --  A business profile generator to create a downloadable,
            presentation-quality document based on the information submitted to
            IdeaCrossing. This Business Profile is automatically updated as an
            entrepreneur evolves his or her business description online.
        --  A proprietary matching engine to pair entrepreneurs with business
            mentors
        --  A searchable directory of regional assets such as universities,
            economic development organizations, foundations and professional
            service providers.
        --  A Resource Center containing a robust set of entrepreneurial support
            content and resources including member-submitted articles, white
            papers, news stories and a geographically-searchable calendar of
            entrepreneur-related events.

IdeaCrossing complements Elevate's existing business advisory and funding services, while giving its clients and other entrepreneurs in the region access to new resources and members in their community. "We believe IdeaCrossing is a useful enhancement to Elevate's efforts to accelerate entrepreneurial successes in Indiana," says Tiffan Clark, Vice President, IdeaCrossing. "IdeaCrossing is another way entrepreneurs can develop their networks and hone their plans online so they can grow into thriving physical companies in the region."

Participating is free and easy for entrepreneurs, investors, service providers and business mentors alike. Visit www.ideacrossing.org/l/indiana or www.elevateventures.com/resources/ideacrossing to register and fill out an online profile.

About Elevate
Elevate Ventures nurtures and develops emerging and existing high-potential businesses into high-performing, Indiana-based companies. Elevate accomplishes this by providing rigorous business analysis and robust advisory services that connect companies with the resources they need to succeed long-term. A not-for-profit organization, Elevate provides more than just capital as it partners with entrepreneurs, investors and other Indiana local and state organizations to ensure the best return on investment.

About IdeaCrossing
IdeaCrossing is a free online community available to all individuals and organizations with an interest in supporting and promoting entrepreneurial activity. IdeaCrossing helps entrepreneurs efficiently collaborate with their advisors and find the assistance and investment capital they need to grow their promising ventures. IdeaCrossing creates the connections that build businesses.

Contact:
Erica Zeidenberg
Hot Tomato Marketing
925-631-0553

SOURCE: Elevate Ventures

Indiana Innovation Showcase Set For Indy

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

Dozens of entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders are making final preparations for Thursday's 2012 Indiana Innovation Showcase. The annual event will highlight more than 60 potential technology startups that are seeking funding.

July 9, 2012

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – About 1,000 people are expected at the fourth annual Innovation Showcase where 65 high-potential startups and more than 500 venture capitalists, angel investors, business executives and other entrepreneurs will present new technologies that are poised to move to the market.

The technologies to be presented at the July 12 event are from a variety of sectors including life sciences, alternative energy, information technology and industrial products.

The event, presented by Venture Club of Indiana and Verge, provides a venue for companies to present their business ideas to prospective investors. The program will be held 3 to 7 p.m. at DeveloperTown, 5255 Winthrop Ave., in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis.

"This is the fourth year for the Innovation Showcase and to date the showcase has created a significant amount of interest in, and supporting capital for startups and entrepreneurial companies," said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation, which is a sponsor of the program. "Investment in startups is a strong indicator of the success Indiana has experienced in diversifying its economy and how the state has become a national leader in startups, capital formation and job growth."

John Hanak, statewide director of the Purdue Technology Centers and president-elect of the Venture Club of Indiana, agreed.

"The combination of entrepreneurs, investors and community members who are registered indicates this will be our best year since beginning the program in 2008," Hanak said. "We expect a cross-section of participation from throughout the entrepreneurial community."

The goal of the event is evident by the list of attendees.

"Our goal is to connect new companies with potential investors," said Matt Hunckler, founder of Verge, an Indianapolis-based network for entrepreneurs, software developers and startup investors. "Based on the list of registered attendees, we expect record participation for this year's event."

Sponsors include Venture Club of Indiana, Verge, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Purdue Research Foundation, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, IU Kelley School of Business, Carmen Commercial Real Estate Services, Slane Capital Partners, Allos Ventures, Triton Brewing Co., DeveloperTown and SpeakEasy.

For more information, visit theinnovationshowcase.com

Source: The Purdue Research Foundation

Kelley School chooses new class of scholars

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

Eight incoming freshmen have been awarded the highest honor the Kelley School of Business can bestow: They were named Kelley Scholars.

The award provides incoming freshman students with four years of tuition and fees, a stipend for living expenses and other funding, such as course materials and overseas study.

Recipients are required to participate in the Business Honors Program, remain a business major at IU and earn a minimum grade-point average of 3.5.

After extensive essays and interviews, IU’s Class of 2016 Kelley Scholars have been selected.

Rachael Shapiro

Shapiro is a Bexley, Ohio native and the only non-Indiana resident to be named a Kelley Scholar. She is a graduate of Bexley High School, where she was student council vice president, a member of the Bexley Vocal Ensemble and intern at Pelotonia and PromoWest Productions, independent entertainment companies in Ohio.

She plans to extend her interest in the music industry to IU and intern at various venues or booking agencies in Bloomington.

“I think college will be more similar to my high school, but with a more open schedule,” Shapiro said. “I’ll be as involved, but in new ways.”

Eventually, she said she would like to combine her passion for music with her interest in non-profits.

She intends to major in entrepreneurship and management at IU. For now, however, she is focusing on what she believes her first days of college will bring.

“The great thing about the Kelley School program is it makes a big school feel small, it definitely eases the anxiety of moving and not knowing people,” she said. “I feel like I’m already part of a great community, and I haven’t even moved in.”

Jalen Walker

Walker is a Fort Wayne native. He is a graduate of Carroll High School, where he was winner of the National Achievement Award, Hoosier Excellence Award and the Sertoma Award for academic excellence and achievement.

“I am driven by very different motivations than everyone else, and the Kelley School saw that I had potential to really be something different than the regular business school stereotype,” Walker said in an email. “For me personally, it is not really about success or getting to the top, but I see it more like a fun adventure that is an amazing opportunity to grow and make connections.”

Walker is spending his summer traveling in Spain.

He plans to major in Spanish and business at IU.

He said he is interested in pursuing membership at various Christian organizations, student government and basketball intramural teams on campus.

“I’m excited to spend the next four years figuring out my passion and how I really want to use the rest of my life,” he said.

Andrea Gilberti

Gilberti is a Martinsville native. She is a graduate of Martinsville High School, where she was valedictorian, a National Merit Scholar Commended Student, an Indianapolis Star Regional Academic All-Star, member of the National Honor Society and three-year member of the volleyball team.

She intends to major in marketing and international business at IU. Once here, she said she plans to get involved in the greek system, business clubs and perhaps student government.

“I’m ready to move in right now, I would if I could,” Gilberti said. “I think it’s going to be a great ride.”

As for her after college, Gilberti said she’d love to pursue a career she could “just love everyday.” But, for now, she is focusing on the four years ahead.

“I’m already in love with Bloomington and I haven’t lived there yet,” Gilberti said. “I have every faith in the world that it’s going to treat me well.”

Patrick Holbrook

Holbrook is a Bloomington native. He is a graduate of Bloomington High School South, where he was an AP Scholar. A member of the tennis team, Holbrook was named to the first-team all-area team, All-Conference Indiana team and won the B-Man Award for sports leadership.

He intends to major in entrepreneurship and pre-medicine at IU, and get involved in the greek system and student government.

“I have grown up in Bloomington, so I have been around and in IU a lot,” Holbrook said. “So I think I know what it’s like, but I know I don’t. I’m just going in with an open mind.”

Brian Anderson

Anderson is a West Lafayette native.

He is a graduate of West Lafayette Senior High School, where he was valedictorian, senior class president and co-captain of the varsity soccer team.

He was selected as the offensive player of the year and academic all-state in track and soccer. He intends to major in finance and molecular biology at IU.

Andrew Capshew

Capshew is a Bloomington native.

He is a graduate of Bloomington High School North, where he was vice president of Business Professionals of America, a group leader of DeCycles Indiana Youth Leadership Program, treasurer of the National Honor Society, a Cougar Leader Mentor and senior counselor for Leadership Opportunities Through Service. He intends to major in finance at IU.

Laura Lueken

Lueken is a Birdseye, Ind. native. She is a graduate of the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities, where she was an Indiana Academy peer assistant, a student ambassador and co-president of the musical club.

She also attended Forest Park Junior Senior High School, where she was a member of Key Club and the marching, concert and pep bands. She intends to major in finance at IU.

Emily Murphy

Murphy is a Kokomo native. She is a graduate of St. Theodore Guerin High School, where she was involved with the Academic Super Bowl, student ambassadors and the National Honor Society.

She directed the school’s spring musical and also was a member of the school’s dance company, Brain Game and Mathletes teams and the St. Patrick’s Youth Group.

She was the National History Day state representative in 2010 and 2011. She intends to major in accounting, psychology and mathematics at IU.

Law Firm, Tech Company Top 'Best Places' Rankings

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

2012 ‘Best Places to Work in Indiana’ Rankings Announced

May 3, 2012 (INDIANAPOLIS) — Companies raising the bar with their workplace practices were recognized tonight at the Indiana Roof Ballroom by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The organization unveiled rankings for the 70 companies from throughout the state that made the 2012 Best Places to Work in Indiana list (which was released February 21). The awards dinner was presented by Comcast Business Class.

Two Central Indiana companies garnered the top honors. Law firm Hollingsworth & Zivitz, P.C. of Carmel, founded in 2004 and specializing in family law, finished first in the small to medium-sized employer category. Among large employers it was a repeat from 2011: the Microsoft Corporation, whose local office delivers business consulting on software and technology solutions.

At the dinner, representatives from all designated companies were presented with Best Places to Work awards of excellence. Two companies – Edward Jones (statewide) and Katz, Sapper & Miller (Indianapolis) – have made the Best Places to Work list all seven years of the program.

The top companies in the state are determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Winners were selected from two categories: small to medium-sized companies of between 15 and 249 U.S. employees, and large-sized companies consisting of 250 or more employees nationwide. Out-of-state parent companies were eligible to participate if at least 15 full-time employees are in Indiana.

The Best Companies Group, which handled the selection process, oversees similar programs in 21 other states.

“Hollingsworth & Zivitz and the Microsoft Corporation, along with all of the organizations on the list, epitomize first-rate employers because they understand that making employees feel valued goes hand-in-hand with the success of the business,” states Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “We are pleased to acknowledge their efforts for fostering a positive and productive work environment.”

More information about the Best Places to Work companies is available via a special section of the May/June issue of the Indiana Chamber’s BizVoice magazine, a statewide publication released tonight and accessible online at www.bizvoicemagazine.com.

All companies that participated in the 2012 Best Places to Work program received an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to their employees. In turn, this report can be used in developing or enhancing employee retention and recruitment programs. For more information on the Indiana Chamber’s Best Places to Work program, go to www.bestplacestoworkIN.com. You can sign up to be notified by e-mail when application details for the eighth annual competition are announced this summer.

In addition to Comcast Business Class, Best Places to Work in Indiana is sponsored by: Ice Miller LLP; Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione; Horseshoe Casino Hammond; Mussett, Nicholas + Associates, Inc.; ADVISA; FedEx; Jackson Lewis LLP; Matrix Integration, LLC; Purdue University; and Smithville Communications, Inc.

The full list of the 2012 Best Places to Work in Indiana companies by ranking:

Small to Medium-sized Companies (15-249 employees) Rank Company Location
1 Hollingsworth & Zivitz, P.C. Carmel
2 E-gineering, LLC Indianapolis
3 Indiana CPA Society Indianapolis
4 SEP Carmel
5 Purdue Federal Credit Union West Lafayette
6 Lawson-Fisher Associates P.C. South Bend
7 Somerset CPAs Indianapolis
8 HardingPoorman Group, Inc. Indianapolis
9 Slingshot SEO, Inc. Indianapolis
10 Delivra Indianapolis
11 Wessler Engineering Indianapolis
12 Indesign, LLC Indianapolis
13 BlueSky Technology Partners Noblesville
14 Indiana Organ Procurement Organization Indianapolis
15 Magnum Logistics Plainfield
16 Private Fleet Backhaul Anderson
17 Jackson Systems Indianapolis
18 Leaf Software Solutions, Inc. Carmel
19 Visiting Nurse & Hospice of the Wabash Valley Terre Haute
20 Eli Lilly Federal Credit Union Indianapolis
21 United Consulting Indianapolis
22 Apex Benefits Indianapolis
23 Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc. Multiple
24 Bluefish Wireless, Inc. Indianapolis
25 Katz, Sapper & Miller Indianapolis
26 One Click Ventures Greenwood
27 First Harrison Bank Corydon
28 Courseload, Inc. Indianapolis
29 Borshoff Indianapolis
30 Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP Indianapolis
31 Diverse Staffing Services, Inc. Indianapolis
32 Fusion Alliance Indianapolis
33 The Skillman Corporation Indianapolis
34 DSM Coating Resins Frankfort
35 United Way of Central Indiana Indianapolis
36 Community Bank Shares of Indiana, Inc. New Albany
37 Finance Center Federal Credit Union Indianapolis
38 MJ Insurance, Inc. Indianapolis
39 Allegient, LLC Indianapolis

Large Companies (250 or more employees) Rank Company Location
1 Microsoft Corporation Indianapolis
2 ExactTarget Indianapolis
3 Edward Jones Statewide
4 Centier Bank Merrillville
5 Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company Fort Wayne
6 Ogletree Deakins Law Firm Indianapolis
7 Sogeti USA Carmel
8 Interactive Intelligence Group, Inc. Indianapolis
9 Heartland Payment Systems Jeffersonville
10 Shiel Sexton Company, Inc. Indianapolis
11 Hall, Render, Killian, Heath and Lyman, P.C. Indianapolis
12 Total Quality Logistics Indianapolis
13 FORUM Credit Union Indianapolis
14 Hilliard Lyons Multiple
15 Cassidy Turley Indianapolis
16 Blue & Co., LLC Carmel
17 WestPoint Financial Group Indianapolis
18 Trilogy Health Services, LLC Hanover
19 WOW! Internet-Cable-Phone Evansville
20 Employment Plus, Inc. Bloomington
21 Emmis Communications Indianapolis
22 The Capital Group Companies, Inc. Carmel
23 Horseshoe Casino Hammond Hammond
24 Union Hospital Inc. Terre Haute
25 Medtronic Warsaw
26 Hancock Regional Hospital Greenfield
27 Traylor Bros., Inc. Evansville
28 CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) Indianapolis
29 St. Joseph Hospital Kokomo
30 RCI Carmel
31 Citizens Financial Bank Munster

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is the state's largest broad-based business advocacy and information organization, representing nearly 5,000 member companies that employ 800,000

Source: Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Purdue Research Foundation Invests in Two Startups

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

The Purdue Research Foundation has announced $100,000 in funding for two Purdue Research Park-based startups. Spensa Technologies Inc. and Tymora Analytical Operations LLC are sharing in the investments from the Emerging Innovations Fund, designed to help commercialize new technologies

News Release

West Lafayette, Ind. - Officials of an evergreen fund created to help commercialize new technologies announced $100,000 of investments in an information technology startup and a life-science startup, both based in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette.

Spensa Technologies Inc. received $80,000, and Tymora Analytical Operations LLC received $20,000 from the Emerging Innovations Fund, which helps move research discoveries from Purdue University to the market. The fund was established in 2008 as a partnership between the Purdue Research Foundation and Purdue University.

"The Emerging Innovations Fund strengthens early-stage companies that have licensed technologies through the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization or are based in the Purdue Research Park network," said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation. "As Purdue-discovered innovations reach the market, they benefit the public, strengthen the state's economy and grow Purdue's reputation as a leader in commercializing technology."

Richard Cosier, the Avrum and Joyce Gray Director of the Burton D.
Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, said students from Purdue University's Krannert School of Management participated in the due diligence process to select recipients.

"During the fall 2011 semester, the team that performed due diligence on potential investments from the Emerging Innovations Funds consisted of two Krannert MBA students, two Krannert senior undergraduate students and a Krannert MBA student adviser," he said. "Students who participated for course credit enrolled in the Student Managed Venture Fund."

"The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization worked closely with Krannert School of Management officials, faculty researchers and entrepreneurs to find discoveries that are in the commercialization process and could best benefit from the Emerging Innovations Fund," said Elizabeth Hart-Wells, assistant vice president and director of the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization. "Spensa Technologies and Tymora Analytical are outstanding examples of Purdue faculty researchers who have patented Purdue technologies and are moving important products to the public in an expedient manner."

Spensa Technologies is commercializing the Z-Trap, which detects target insects captured by the trap and sends the data wirelessly to the grower's mobile phone or computer. Knowing the types of pests can help inform pesticide use to be more selective and specific, favorably affecting costs spent on chemical usage.

"The Z-Traps automate the monitoring of insect populations in agricultural fields and provides unprecedented real-time, accurate insect population data," said Johnny Park, president and CEO. "Using more current data will help growers and pest-control advisers make timely and effective pest management decisions, which can help reduce insecticide use on food crops, save money for the growers and emit fewer chemicals into the environment."

Park said the award will help Spensa Technologies manufacture 75 pre-production models of the Z-Trap and carry out large-scale field experiments and evaluations during the 2012 growing season.
Tymora Analytical Operations' products are intended to make cancer research and drug discovery more efficient and effective. Anton Iliuk, president and chief technology officer, said the end user implements the products in the laboratory to achieve reliable results during the life-science research and discovery stages.

"The award will help us with the initial sales and marketing steps of our first commercialized product, called PolyMAC," he said. "It will help us bring our next product, pIMAGO, to the market next year. It also will give us good leverage to obtain subsequent investments, including non-dilutive investments."

About the Emerging Innovations Fund

In 2008 Purdue Research Foundation introduced the Emerging Innovations Fund (http://otc-prf.org/emerging-innovations-fund), an integrated approach to research innovation, development and commercialization. The Emerging Innovations Fund is a self-sustaining initiative that brings together ideas, management and money to accelerate the commercialization of early stage technologies in the Purdue community.

About Spensa Technologies Inc.

Spensa's mission is to design, develop and deliver novel technologies for the agricultural industry that will reduce reliance on manual labor, foster eco-friendly farming, and enhance crop production efficiency. Our technologies leverage our world-leading expertise in wireless sensor networks, robotics and computer vision.

About Tymora Analytical Operations LLC

Tymora Analytical Operations was established in 2010 to provide new nanotechnology-based products to serve the R&D market in the life sciences. Tymora has developed a nanoscale platform technology - with PolyMAC and pIMAGO as the lead products - for unmet needs in analysis of protein phosphorylation that relates to the onset of numerous diseases, most noticeably cancer.

About Purdue Research Foundation

Purdue Research Foundation (http://www.prf.org) is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. The foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds research, scholarships and grants; acquires property; and negotiates research contracts on behalf of Purdue. In the 1990s, the foundation was charged with helping the university in the realm of economic development. The Purdue Research Foundation oversees the Purdue Research Park, which is the largest university-affiliated business incubator in the country. In addition to the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, the foundation has established technology parks in other locations around Indiana including Indianapolis, Merrillville and New Albany.

Source: Purdue Research Foundation

OVALS presents TECHSTORM

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

OVALS presents TECHSTORM

April 20, 2012

Louisville Marriott Downtown

$150 Early Bird Ends March 16

TECHNOLOGIES are now featured in the following areas on FLINTBOX:

Biology/Nanotechnology

Cognitive processing assessment: Brain injury, Dysfunction

Diabetes Management

Diagnostics: Cancer

Drug Delivery

Glucose Transport Inhibition

Medical Devices

Microbiology

Ophthalmology; Bioengineering

Pharmacology

Technology Area

Therapeutics: Dental, Inflammatory

http://techstormovals.com/

On April 20, 2012 OVALS (The Ohio Valley Affiliates for Life Science) member institutions, Marshall University, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, together with InnovateTech Ventures will hold the first OVALS presents TECHSTORM event at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. The event will showcase life science technologies available for license from universities and federal labs throughout the Ohio Valley and is designed to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and companies who are looking for breakthrough technologies for commercialization. The format will include technology displays in a trade show format with TTO presentations.

What is TECHSTORM?

TECHSTORM is an event exclusively focused on matching innovative technologies developed at universities and federal labs with entrepreneurs, industry professionals and investors to partner in the commercialization of these discoveries.

TECHSTORM provides a highly efficient forum to connect with university technologies. TECHSTORM's sole purpose is to focus on technology match making. This unique event features participation from qualified entrepreneurs and a pre-event matching program. This is a must attend event for anyone involved in technology, licensing or new ventures.

http://techstormovals.com/

Chamber Unveils 'Best Places to Work' List

Posted by Jodie Daugherty

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has named 70 companies the "Best Places to Work in Indiana" for 2012. The chamber says 45 of the honorees are repeats from last year, and two companies have made the list all seven years of the program's existence. The rankings will be announced at an awards dinner in May.

February 21, 2012

News Release

Indianapolis, Ind. — A total of 70 companies have been designated a 2012 “Best Place to Work in Indiana” for creating a productive environment in which employees feel valued, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce announced today. This is the seventh year for the Best Places to Work in Indiana program, which is presented by Comcast Business Class. Actual rankings for the companies will be unveiled at a May 3 awards dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.

Of the 2012 honorees, 45 were repeats from last year. Two companies – Edward Jones (statewide) and Katz, Sapper & Miller (Indianapolis) have made the Best Places to Work list all seven years of the program’s existence.

The Best Companies Group, which handled the selection process, oversees similar programs in 21 other states.

“Best Places to Work in Indiana not only recognizes our state’s outstanding employers, but also sets a high standard for other Hoosier companies by encouraging them to realize the importance of evaluating their own workplace,” states Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “It is clear that a positive work environment makes employees more engaged in their job and in their company, which is a win for the entire business community.”

In addition to the May 3 awards dinner, winners will be recognized via a special section of the Indiana Chamber’s bimonthly BizVoice® magazine and through Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick – both of which reach statewide audiences. The 2012 Best Places to Work in Indiana awards dinner is open to the public. Individual tickets and tables are available at www.indianachamber.com/specialevents.

All companies that participated in the 2012 Best Places to Work program receive an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to their employees. In turn, this report can be used in developing or enhancing employee retention and recruitment programs.

For more information on the Indiana Chamber’s Best Places to Work program, go to www.bestplacestoworkIN.com.

In addition to Comcast Business Class, Best Places to Work in Indiana is sponsored by: Ice Miller LLP; Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione; Horseshoe Casino Hammond; Mussett, Nicholas + Associates, Inc.; FedEx; Jackson Lewis LLP; Matrix Integration, LLC; Purdue University; and Smithville Communications, Inc. Additional sponsorships are still available. E-mail jwagner@indianachamber.com for more details.

The 2012 Best Places to Work in Indiana companies listed in alphabetical order, no ranking:

Small to Medium-sized Companies (15-249 employees)

Allegient, LLC, Indianapolis
Apex Benefits, Indianapolis
Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP, Indianapolis
Bluefish Wireless, Inc., Indianapolis
BlueSky Technology Partners, Noblesville
Borshoff, Indianapolis
Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc., Indianapolis
Company Bank Shares of Indiana, Inc., New Albany
Courseload, Inc., Indianapolis
Delivra, Indianapolis
Diverse Staffing Services, Inc., Indianapolis
DSM Coating Resins, Frankfort
E-gineering, LLC, Indianapolis
Eli Lilly Federal Credit Union, Indianapolis
Finance Center Federal Credit Union, Indianapolis
First Harrison Bank, Corydon
Fusion Alliance, Indianapolis
HardingPoorman Group, Inc., Indianapolis
Hollingsworth & Zivitz, PC, Carmel
Indesign, LLC, Indianapolis
Indiana CPA Society, Indianapolis
Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. Indianapolis
Jackson Systems, Indianapolis
Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis
Lawson-Fisher Associates P.C., South Bend
Leaf Software Solutions, Inc., Carmel
Magnum Logistics, Plainfield
MJ Insurance, Inc., Indianapolis
One Click Ventures, Greenwood
Private Fleet Backhaul, Anderson
Purdue Federal Credit Union, West Lafayette
SEP, Carmel
Slingshot SEO, Inc., Indianapolis
Somerset CPAs, Indianapolis
The Skillman Corporation, Indianapolis
United Consulting, Indianapolis
United Way of Central Indiana, Indianapolis
Visiting Nurse & Hospice of the Wabash Valley, Terre Haute
Wessler Engineering, Indianapolis

Large Companies (250 or more employees)

Blue & Co., LLC, Carmel
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, Fort Wayne
Cassidy Turley, Indianapolis
Centier Bank, Merrillville
Citizens Financial Bank, Munster
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), Indianapolis
Edward Jones, Statewide
Emmis Communications. Indianapolis
Employment Plus, Inc., Bloomington
ExactTarget, Indianapolis
FORUM Credit Union, Indianapolis
Hall, Render, Killian, Heath and Lyman, P.C., Indianapolis
Hancock Regional Hospital, Greenfield
Heartland Payment Systems, Jeffersonville
Hilliard Lyons, Indianapolis
Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Hammond
Interactive Intelligence Group, Inc., Indianapolis
Medtronic, Warsaw
Microsoft Corporation, Indianapolis
Ogletree Deakins Law Firm, Indianapolis
RCI, Carmel
Shiel Sexton Company, Inc., Indianapolis
Sogeti USA, Carmel
St. Joseph Hospital, Kokomo
The Capital Group Companies, Inc., Carmel
Total Quality Logistics, Indianapolis
Traylor Bros., Inc., Evansville
Trilogy Health Services, LLC, Hanover
Union Hospital Inc., Terre Haute
WestPoint Financial Group, Indianapolis
WOW! Internet-Cable-Phone, Evansville

Source: Indiana Chamber of Commerce

1st Indiana-Taiwan Summit

Posted by Jack Polson

News Details

1st Indiana-Taiwan Technology Transfer & Entrepreneurship Summit

Time: September 28-30, 2011 (2.5 days with field trips)
Place: Walb Student Union, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
Potential Hosts: IPFW, NIIC, City of Fort Wayne, Industrial Partners, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, TECO, partner institutions in Taiwan
Theme: “Indiana – Taiwan Technology Transfer & Entrepreneurship Connection”

Summary

This project will be designed to develop a global forum to showcase the innovative technologies and to initiate joint ventures facilitated by industry/government/university partnerships. The proposed summit is designed to:

Showcase innovative technologies developed both from Taiwan and Indiana universities, including their potential for commercialization, and
Develop strategic partnerships for commercialization of these technologies through an open presentation and dialogue among university researchers, business and economic development professionals, entrepreneurs, industrial companies, and investors.

It is hoped that during the summit, some technologies will result in commercialization agreements between the Taiwanese universities and Indiana businesses, entrepreneurs and investors to allow for economic growth in the state through exposure to new intellectual property.

IPFW will serve in the role of overseas representative of its international partners to facilitate the program in expediting the technology transfer and incorporation spin-off process. In addition, this summit will include a poster session to showcase (a) other research projects and intellectual property available from various institutions (both from Indiana or Taiwan), (b) a design competition organized by students, and (c) industry, entrepreneurship support and economic development programs in northeast Indiana.

Introduction

Entrepreneurship based on innovative technology has become one of the primary mechanisms used to grow regional economies, and has also been incorporated into the career goals of experienced professionals as well as new college graduates. Likewise, the commercialization of innovative technology has become the key revenue source for the small to medium enterprises. As such, the university-industry based research and development projects have been embedded in the curriculum structure and education process with the participation of students and faculty members. We believe that the university-based technology transfer and entrepreneurship have contributed greatly to the growth of small-to-medium high-tech companies and manufacturing firms thus benefitting the regional economy and creating jobs. One must also view the university-based technology transfer activity as a testament of community engagement in addition to meeting the missions of learning, discovery and engagement.

Today, technology transfer and entrepreneurship has become the common portfolio of research universities globally. As such, the landscape of innovation and its potential is worldwide. On the other hand, realization of the economic impact of entrepreneurship through transfer of intellectual properties has been limited if not being constrained to a local hype. This is largely attributed to lack of scale-up experience, business plans, marketing strategy, and sensitivity to global economy. Like the international export and import of commercial products, an innovative technology invented in one country might find its ultimate application and value at another country. Extra effort is necessary to bridge this potential for the international trade of intellectual properties leading to technology transfer and start-up businesses.

Indiana-Taiwan Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Summit

It is possible for Indiana’s industry/business/investment communities to access the intellectual properties invented overseas that have a great potential in leading to successful startup business ventures, creating jobs and enhancing economic development in Indiana. For this reason, IPFW proposes to lead in developing the first of its kind “International Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Summit” where the overseas inventors can be brought over to present their innovative technology that are ready for potentially full scaled spin-offs at the State of Indiana. In essence, the main objective of this summit is to stimulate the acquisition of international intellectual inventions and turn them into spin-off businesses to be located in Fort Wayne and the Northeast Indiana economic development region. It should be pointed out that we will primarily showcase the innovative technology developed in Taiwan in this inaugural conference. Also, this Indiana-Taiwan Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Summit will be joined by the Northeast Indiana Inventors workshop.

We believe that ITTTES can enhance the economic development in the State of Indiana and beyond. It is also a conference that enables the creation of international entrepreneurship based on the intellectual values primarily developed at the university setting. For this reason, it is important that we address the entrepreneurship process from its initial inception to the eventual spin-off during ITTTES. We believe that the ITTTES would need to potentially include the following programs:

Innovative Intellectual Property
The Process of Entrepreneurship: Patent, Spin-Off, Finance, Marketing, Management
Key Notes on Successful Stories
Networking and Poster Session
Development of Venture Opportunities; Non-Disclosure Agreement; Memorandum of Understanding
Global Emerging Trends on Hi-Tech
Business Plan Development
Tour of Industry

ImpactThe ultimate goal of the proposed ITTTES is to stimulate successful deployment of innovative technology into high tech businesses, by providing overseas inventors with an audience that they would not otherwise be able to access, while providing businesses, investors and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to evaluate intellectual property to which they would not otherwise have been exposed. The overall result of the program from the perspective of the State of Indiana is to enhance regional economic development and create jobs. The ITTTES process may also stimulate the development of entrepreneurship programs and training workshops within a university setting. Finally, we also anticipate that the research and development climate and resources will be increased and thus strengthen the mission of research and graduate education.

For more information, click here to contact Sean Ryan.

Jones Lang LaSalle announces business initiatives

Posted by Jack Polson

Website: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/jones-lang-lasalle-announces-2-major-business-expansion-initiatives/449249/

News Details

Jones Lang LaSalle announces 2 major business expansion initiatives

Operations in Sri Lanka & Enhanced B2C Residential Services
Announcement / Corporate September 15, 2011, 14:24 IST

International property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle today began its annual Global Executive Committee meeting, which was held in India for the first time since 2007. On the occasion, Colin Dyer, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle, gave an update on the global office space front.

“Investors and corporate occupiers have clearly become more cautious due to mounting concerns about sovereign debt and the pace of future global economic expansion,” said Colin Dyer. “Still, unless there is a major economic setback, we believe that such caution will be temporary and will be replaced by renewed confidence in the final months of 2011.”

Alastair Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific at Jones Lang LaSalle, also announced two important business expansion initiatives. The first was the launch of its business operations Sri Lanka.

“Jones Lang LaSalle is opening a full-fledged operations branch in Sri Lanka. It is the first IPC to venture out into this lucrative country, based on its findings that Sri Lanka is a real estate boom unfolding even as we watch,” said Mr. Hughes. “Apart from an immense market for organized commercial, residential and retail real estate services, Sri Lanka's progressive market policies give it an incredibly business-friendly environment that is very favourable to investment and economic growth. We see it as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Alastair Hughes also announced the launch of Jones Lang LaSalle Residential Private Limited, a specialized services division created to cater specifically to the B2C market segment.

“We are launching a dedicated Business to Consumer (B2C) residential services wing in India, which will build on the success of its existing residential business operations in the Asia Pacific region,” said Mr. Hughes. “The primary purpose is to sharp-focus on the broader opportunities of the residential business within the APAC region, particularly in China, Singapore and India.”

As part of this realignment, this business line will now be an integral part of the parent brand - Jones Lang LaSalle – as a separate business entity, in order to boost business synergies and address diverse customer needs within the Asia Pacific region, from both the brand and operational perspectives.

Anuj Puri, Chairman & Country Head, Jones Lang LaSalle India, offered a snapshot of the Indian real estate market.

“We are seeing high levels of new supply in the commercial space segment, and the absorption of this space is equally strong,” he said.

“Approximately 24 million square feet of office projects have been completed in this year to date,” Mr. Puri added, going on to state that though there is still an overall vacancy rate of 19%, the Indian office space sector is poised to grow by around 17% year-on-year between 2011 and 2013.

In 2011, office absorption will surpass the 2008 peak of 33 million square feet, with Information Technology driving most of the demand. “There is also strong demand from the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Interestingly, the banking and finance sectors are now focusing on outright purchase,” said Mr. Puri.

The latest office space report by the company’s Real Estate Intelligence Service division was also released.

Don't let that youthful brainpower go to waste

Posted by Jack Polson

Website: http://www.indystar.com/article/20110714/NEWS19/107140356/Smith-Don-t-let-youthful-brainpower-go-waste?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CIndyStar.com

News Details

Don't let all that youthful brainpower just go to waste

A Porsche, a high-end Audi and bicycles fresh off the Monon Trail were parked amid high grass, gravel and uneven pavement outside an old manufacturing plant that's being converted into offices for software developers.

The disparate worlds of Indianapolis' business community were on full display at the Broad Ripple office of DeveloperTown on Tuesday afternoon.

And that was just the parking lot.

Inside, investors in collared shirts and entrepreneurs in cargo shorts milled about the Innovation Showcase, an annual business networking conference put on by the Venture Club of Indiana.

For the first time, the club teamed with Verge, a relatively new networking group of young techies who meet monthly to pitch business ideas over free beer and pizza. (Think "The Social Network.")

The result?

Worlds collided Tuesday, and from that collision emerged an awesome grass-roots energy. It was palpable.

It's the same kind of energy I've noticed in neighborhoods where residents are coming together to accomplish big things, such as building community gardens or pocket parks or pushing the city to install sidewalks or tear down abandoned houses.

I'd say it's the energy of youth.

"This is kind of an experiment for both of us to see how the two groups mesh," said Curt Hidde, president of the Venture Club and a partner at Barnes & Thornburg.

Men and women in suits met men and women in flip-flops. There was beer, but no pizza. Everyone ate shrimp instead.

"What Verge is trying to do is to say to the older generation: 'We're here,' " said Matt Hunckler, the founder of Verge. " 'If you can handle drinking beer out of a plastic cup and pizza off a paper towel, then come join us.'"

When worlds collide, good things can happen. In fact, I'll go a step further and suggest that worlds must collide for good things to happen.

This is as true for those in the business of making money as it is for those in the business of improving neighborhoods and the city at large.

Stepping out of one's circle of peers -- and indeed one's comfort zone -- is an opportunity to learn something new, to collaborate and to make great things happen on a large scale.

And for young entrepreneurs such as Tyler Burgardt, breaking down the silos also means access.

It's incredibly inspiring, he said, to know that an average guy can walk across the room and bounce an idea off a serial entrepreneur who also happens to be a multimillionaire angel investor. It's even more inspiring to know they'll actually listen and offer feedback.

"This is a good example of what Indiana's future can be," said Burgardt, chief marketing officer of Wha-laa Coupons. "This puts all the players together. I couldn't do that anywhere else."

For those at the top, whether the top of politics or the top of business, it's easy to forget this kind of youthful, grass-roots energy is here, just waiting to be tapped.

That's why events such as the Innovation Showcase -- the Verge-influenced version of it, anyway -- are so important. I hope other organizations will follow the Venture Club's lead.

We have a lot to learn from one another and a lot we can do together.

"We're all just trying to make Indianapolis a place that's a magnet," Hunckler said.

Contact Star columnist Erika D. Smith at (317) 444-6424, erika.smith@indystar.com, on Facebook or on Twitter at @indystar_erika.

Navidar 2010: Year In Review

Posted by Jack Polson

Website: http://www.navidar.com

News Details

Navidar is pleased to announce that it successfully completed four transactions over the past twelve months. Two transactions involved investment banking deals and two were merchant banking investments. Navidar has been engaged by technology and healthcare IT companies located in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia to raise growth capital and to advise on buy-side and sell-side M&A transactions.

The following transactions have been executed and closed by our senior bankers.

Navidar Group LLC – Investment Banking

Truist, Inc. (Washington, DC) connects individuals, companies and nonprofits – to each other, and to information, resources and results – through innovative technology solutions. Truist solutions are employed by over 1,000 customers, cumulatively representing 3,000 programs, 700,000 donors, 1 million volunteers and $2.5 billion in charitable contributions.

TopGolf (United Kingdom) is an exciting and unique sports entertainment concept that combines an innovative gaming technology with a full-size driving range and clubhouse. TopGolf offers a fun, leisure-based entertainment activity where friends, families and groups can spend time, play and dine. The Company has six sites located in the United Kingdom and United States.

Navidar Capital LLC – Merchant Banking

BlueLock, LLC (Indianapolis, IN) is a leading Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider of cloud hosting solutions. The BlueLock CloudSuite is a revolutionary way to address cloud computing needs by offering a set of tailored VMware-based solutions where companies are able to pick and choose the right cloud environment for the right application.

Formspring.me, Inc. (San Francisco, CA) is a social networking site organized around questions and answers that allow users to have fun, share insights, and relate to one another in a new way. The site enables people to communicate and learn more about each other and topics of mutual interest through the responses that are published on the user’s profile page.

Navidar appreciates the trust its clients and their investors have placed in our seasoned team of experienced investment banking professionals. In addition, the founders of Navidar wish to thank all those in our network who have referred business to our firm and have been supportive in building our business. With an improving M&A market and strengthening private and public capital markets, Navidar looks forward to continued strong momentum in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Christopher Day
(317) 844-2999
cday@navidar.com

Stephen Day
(212) 994-7483
sday@navidar.com

Tim Walsh
(212) 994-7482
twalsh@navidar.com

About Navidar Group LLC

Navidar Group LLC, with offices in New York and Indianapolis, is an investment banking firm that provides businesses and investors in dynamic industries with strategic merger and acquisition advice, capital raising solutions and corporate advisory services. The firm focuses on technology, business services and health care information technology companies. Navidar principals have completed more than 165 transactions representing transaction volume of $26 billion in M&A and $22 billion in capital raising, for both private and public companies, over the past 25 years. Navidar Group is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. To learn more about Navidar Group, please visit www.navidar.com.