INDIANAPOLIS-- Gerald I. Lamkin, whose leadership took Ivy Tech from a vocational school to the state’s community college which currently services over 100,000 students annually and offers over 150 degree programs, will step down as the college’s President and the President of the Ivy Tech Foundation on June 30, 2007.
Lamkin, announced his plans today (August 28) after serving has Ivy Tech Community College’s President since January 1, 1983. He is the longest standing current president of a public institution of higher education in the state and has been a member of the Ivy Tech staff in various capacities since 1967.
“My time at Ivy Tech has been the most rewarding times of my life. We have made tremendous strides in establishing an effective and enriching community college system for the state of Indiana. In order for the state to reach its economic and workforce development goals, Ivy Tech must be in a position to provide the training and education that is needed to prepare thousands of Hoosiers for the jobs of the future. I am so proud to say that Ivy Tech Community College can, and will continue to deliver on this important role in our higher education system,” Lamkin said. “It has always been about the students for me. Having seen nearly 250 graduations, there is nothing that matches the joyful celebrations that take place at Ivy Tech graduation ceremonies. That may be what I will miss the most as I leave this terrific community college.”
Under Lamkin’s leadership as President, Ivy Tech has seen its enrollment increase by over 300 percent to nearly 106,000 students annually, making Ivy Tech the second largest post secondary institution in the state. When Lamkin was named President, of what was then named Indiana Vocational Technical College, Ivy Tech had an operating budget of $42.6 million. The school became Ivy Tech State College in 1995 and in 2005 Governor Mitch Daniels signed Senate Bill 296 making Ivy Tech the state’s community college and thus changing its name to Ivy Tech Community College. Today Ivy Tech has an operating budget of $267.7 million.
“Very few people who have a dream get to see it become real. Gerald Lamkin is the father of the community college system in Indiana. He has led Ivy Tech to its central position in the economic future of Indiana,” Governor Mitch Daniels said.
“President Lamkin’s leadership is unmatched. He took what was a dream of his, to create a full-service community college, and made it a reality for thousands of Hoosiers around the state. It does not do justice to say Ivy Tech is a better community college because President Lamkin instead it is fair to say that Ivy Tech IS a community college because of President Lamkin. The trustees will be forever grateful to him and his wife Louise for their dedication to Ivy Tech, its faculty and staff and most importantly its students,” said Ivy Tech Community College State Board of Trustees’ Chairman William R. Goins.
Just as enrollment has increased during Lamkin’s tenure so to have the contributions made to the Ivy Tech Foundation increasing from just over $350,000 to over $13.5 million. In addition the total net assets the Foundation manages have increased from $1.24 million in 1983 to over $46.7 million this year.
“It has truly been a pleasure for me to be able to work side by side with President Lamkin. He has helped mold higher education in Indiana. His solid reputation and connections have helped us reach out to individuals and companies who have invested in Ivy Tech and its students,” said Ivy Tech Foundation Chairman Cornelia Brown.
Ivy Tech Community College is comprised of 14 administrative regions and 23 campuses throughout the state. One of Lamkin’s key objectives as President has always been to provide access to affordable education to Hoosiers around the state. Ivy Tech has consistently had the state’s lowest tuition and the support for Ivy Tech in communities around Indiana has seen the college increase from 153 buildings owned and/or leased in 1983 to 216 buildings today, an increase of over 40 percent. Capital projects approved for Ivy Tech over the last 24+ years have totaled over $320.2 million.
“On behalf of our students I want to thank all of the communities and government leaders that have embraced and supported Ivy Tech. Because we have been able to increase the number of locations where Ivy Tech courses are offered, we have been able to provide higher education to thousands of Indiana residents,” Lamkin said.
Since 1983 nearly 750,000 Hoosiers have attended Ivy Tech.
Lamkin first become a member of the Ivy Tech staff in 1967 as an accounting and management instructor in Indianapolis. For the next five years he served as the Accounting and Management Chair, Director of Education, Business Manager and Director of Community Services in Indianapolis and as the Director of Development for the Anderson, Marion and Muncie campuses. In 1972 he was named Vice President for the college and Dean for the Anderson, Connersville, Marion, Muncie and Richmond campuses, He served in that capacity for seven years. In 1979 he was named Vice President for Regional Operations and performed those duties until being named President in 1983.
A national search will be conducted for Lamkin’s replacement. President Lamkin will serve as the President-emeritus.
Lamkin, who is 70 years old, was born in Rising Sun, Indiana and he and his wife, Louise, have two children and three grandchildren.
GERALD I. LAMKIN
President of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
President of Ivy Tech Foundation
1967-1972 Accounting and Management Instructor, Region 8 (Indianapolis) (sequential) Accounting and Management Chair, Region 8 Director of Education, Region 8 Business Manager, Region 8 Director of Development, Region 6 (Muncie/Anderson/Marion) Director of Community Services, Region 8
1972-1979 Vice President/Dean, Region 6 and Region 9 (Richmond/Connersville)
1979-1982 Vice President/Regional Operations, all (then 13) regions Jan. 1, 1983 Is selected new president of Indiana Vocational Technical College from a field of 162 applicants and 25 final candidates. “Ivy Tech is a way of life,” said the new president. “I saw it as a dream. It looked to me like a challenge with tremendous potential.” Establishes Business and Industry Training Division (now Workforce and Economic Development), which begins its services with contract training. Establishes new priorities for Ivy Tech: 1. Establish one-college organizational concept 2. Improve Ivy Tech’s public image 3. Secure more funding 4. Identify areas in need of extensive re-organization
1984 Secures approval of first college-wide budget and legislative plan.
1985 For the first time, the legislature authorizes a budget providing major funding for quality improvements.
1987 Gains approval for Ivy Tech to begin offering limited number of Associate of Science degree programs in addition to existing Associate of Applied Science programs.
1991 Annual enrollment hits 50,000.
1992 Supports and gains legislative approval for 30 hours of credit transfers among all Indiana public higher education institutions.
1993 Commission for Higher Education (CHE) approves apprenticeship program certificate and degree programs.
1994 Secures statewide North Central Association accreditation as a single institution for the first time.
1995 Gains General Assembly approval of legislation changing institution’s name to “Ivy Tech State College.”
1998 Gains CHE approval to expand apprenticeship programs to new skill areas and additional regions. Secures North Central Association approval for several degree programs to be offered wholly through distance education.
1999 Community College system established on 10 Ivy Tech campuses in partnership with Vincennes University. Secures statewide dual credit program with high schools.
2000 Leads trustees to pass resolution creating college’s 14th region, in Bloomington.
2001 Annual enrollment hits 75,000. Introduces degree-granting programs to trade apprentices and journeymen through distance learning program.
2002 Secures joint resolution by Ivy Tech and VU trustees giving Ivy Tech sole responsibility to manage CC partnership.
2003 Leads statewide celebration of 40th anniversary of Ivy Tech’s founding. Unveils long-range strategic vision for the college.
2004 Annual enrollment hits 100,000. Governor announces Ivy Tech will be Indiana’s sole community college. Legislative committees approve expansion of community college programs to all 23 Ivy Tech campuses. CHE approves nine A.A./A.S. liberal arts concentrations for all 23 campuses.
2005 U.S. Department of Education gives approval for Ivy Tech to offer financial aid to liberal arts students. North Central Association conducts formal visit and authorizes Ivy Tech to offer accredited A.A. degree at all campuses. Senate Bill 296, making Ivy Tech the state’s community college system, passes legislature and is signed by governor.
2006 Annual for-credit headcount enrollment goes over 105,000.
Source: Ivy Tech Community College
August 29, 2006
August 28, 2006
Rising Sun Native dies in Plane Crash
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2006) − The following statement was released today by University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr.:
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all those who lost their lives this morning. That profound sense of loss is being particularly felt by our larger UK family as three of our own were on Flight 5191.
Larry Turner was Associate Dean for Extension and Director of the Cooperative Extension Service. Larry began his extension career at UK in 1978. Much of his life revolved around farming and agriculture. A native of Rising Sun, Ind., Larry grew up on a family farm. But his love for – and commitment to – his adopted state ran deep.
Since 2002, he has been the chief officer overseeing the University of Kentucky extension service, which has offices in each of the state's 120 counties. Larry oversaw the work of more than 1,000 people, but he undoubtedly touched countless lives with his deep integrity, commitment and gentle nature. He often said the extension service could be described in three words – 'people, programs and partnerships.'
Today, we have lost one of our best partners.
There are, of course, no easy answers when such a tragedy occurs. The loss is beyond our ability to grasp or comprehend. And there are no words adequate to express the sense of sadness we feel at this time. The book of Isaiah promises that God will 'bind up the brokenhearted … to comfort all who mourn.' That is our humble prayer as we seek to comfort those in the UK family and in Lexington who are grieving today."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all those who lost their lives this morning. That profound sense of loss is being particularly felt by our larger UK family as three of our own were on Flight 5191.
Larry Turner was Associate Dean for Extension and Director of the Cooperative Extension Service. Larry began his extension career at UK in 1978. Much of his life revolved around farming and agriculture. A native of Rising Sun, Ind., Larry grew up on a family farm. But his love for – and commitment to – his adopted state ran deep.
Since 2002, he has been the chief officer overseeing the University of Kentucky extension service, which has offices in each of the state's 120 counties. Larry oversaw the work of more than 1,000 people, but he undoubtedly touched countless lives with his deep integrity, commitment and gentle nature. He often said the extension service could be described in three words – 'people, programs and partnerships.'
Today, we have lost one of our best partners.
There are, of course, no easy answers when such a tragedy occurs. The loss is beyond our ability to grasp or comprehend. And there are no words adequate to express the sense of sadness we feel at this time. The book of Isaiah promises that God will 'bind up the brokenhearted … to comfort all who mourn.' That is our humble prayer as we seek to comfort those in the UK family and in Lexington who are grieving today."
August 22, 2006
More on Casino Valuation
The struggle for control of the yet to be completed Orange County Casino in French Lick could give us some insight to the value of the Grand Victoria when it goes on the market next month.
The Indianpolis Star reports that the casino-resort project in French Lick is projected to generate $120.6 million in gambling revenue and send $30 million or more in tax revenue to state and local governments. By 2011, gambling revenue is estimated to grow grow to $136 million, according to figures released by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The numbers come from a forecast made for the companies by The Innovation Group, a national casino consulting firm, in November 2005.
The real fight is over anticipated cash flow which could be anywhere between $40 million and $70 million a year. Cash flow is a business' profits before it pays debt interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, is a key figure to determine the overall value of a business. Casinos recently have sold at prices that are 8.5 to 9.1 times higher than annual cash flow. So the Orange County casino-resort may be worth about $340 million to $620 million. That's quite a range.
The Grand Victoria has shown a growth in gaming revenue from $138 million in FY 2003 to $148.8 million in FY 2005, or a total of 8% over two years. In comparison, Belterra grew its revenues 24% to $156.2 million over the same period, while Argosy improved 13.4% to a whopping $444.5 million. Still Grand Vic's gaming revenues last year exceeded those anticipated for the Orange County casino.
The Indianpolis Star reports that the casino-resort project in French Lick is projected to generate $120.6 million in gambling revenue and send $30 million or more in tax revenue to state and local governments. By 2011, gambling revenue is estimated to grow grow to $136 million, according to figures released by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The numbers come from a forecast made for the companies by The Innovation Group, a national casino consulting firm, in November 2005.
The real fight is over anticipated cash flow which could be anywhere between $40 million and $70 million a year. Cash flow is a business' profits before it pays debt interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, is a key figure to determine the overall value of a business. Casinos recently have sold at prices that are 8.5 to 9.1 times higher than annual cash flow. So the Orange County casino-resort may be worth about $340 million to $620 million. That's quite a range.
The Grand Victoria has shown a growth in gaming revenue from $138 million in FY 2003 to $148.8 million in FY 2005, or a total of 8% over two years. In comparison, Belterra grew its revenues 24% to $156.2 million over the same period, while Argosy improved 13.4% to a whopping $444.5 million. Still Grand Vic's gaming revenues last year exceeded those anticipated for the Orange County casino.
Inside Indiana Business reports on Rising Sun
Inside Indiana Business recently inverviewed Rising Sun Mayor Bill Marksberry regarding the Grand Victoria Casino & Hotel being put up for sale. The video is available online only for a limited time.
Watch Video
Watch Video
August 21, 2006
Who will buy Grand Victoria?
The Indianapolis star had some interesting insight on the possible Grand Victoria sale last friday:
Please note that this is net cash flow not gaming revenue as reported by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Grand Victoria is a privately owned company so profit margins are not readily available. However, Argosy in nearby Lawrenceburg operate on a 7.28% profit margin. The Indiana gaming commission reports that for fiscal year 2003, H. Group Holding Inc. had total assets of $5.3 billion, which produced sales of $2.78 billion. Grand Victoria represented about two percent of total assets of H. Group Holding. Therefore the total sales may be about $55,600,000 annually. If you multiply that by 7.28% then profits may be in the $15 to $25 Million range. This would create a sales price of about to $180 to $235 Million range. (This again is all pure conjecture based on available information).
Remember as part of MGM/Mandalay merger last year, Hyatt Gaming Management agreed
to become the manager of the Grand Victoria riverboat in Elgin, Illinois. They hold a 50% interest in that venture.
According to a report filed with the gaming commission in 2004, Grand Victoria in Rising Sun is 80 percent owned by Indiana RBG LP, a subsidiary of H. Group Holding Inc., and 20 percent owned by RSR LLC. H. Group Holding, Inc. is a private holding company owned indirectly by trusts for the benefit of the secretive but wealthy Pritzker family of Chicago. The primary businesses of H. Group Holding Inc. are the operation and ownership of Hyatt Hotels in North America, the management of retirement facilities, the leasing of equipment including personal computers, computer workstations, temporary storage tanks and related products.
Michael Cahill, president of Denver-based hotel and casino consulting firm HREC (Hospitality Real Estate Counselors), said casinos are commanding significant premiums as the gaming industry looks for new growth when new development opportunities are scarce. He said the going rate for a casino acquisition in today's market is up to 50 percent more than it was a decade ago. A casino now will typically sell seven to nine times cash flow (before depreciation, amortization, taxes and interest), versus six to seven times 10 years ago.
Cahill also said Fort Mitchell-based Columbia Sussex would be a logical suitor, noting the company's familiarity with the Midwest and recent flurry of acquisitions - most recently the pending $2.8 billion takeover of Aztar Corp.
"If I were a broker for this casino, my first call would be to Columbia Sussex," he said, adding other gaming companies without a local presence might also be interested.
Officials at Columbia Sussex declined to comment on Tuesday.
Please note that this is net cash flow not gaming revenue as reported by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Grand Victoria is a privately owned company so profit margins are not readily available. However, Argosy in nearby Lawrenceburg operate on a 7.28% profit margin. The Indiana gaming commission reports that for fiscal year 2003, H. Group Holding Inc. had total assets of $5.3 billion, which produced sales of $2.78 billion. Grand Victoria represented about two percent of total assets of H. Group Holding. Therefore the total sales may be about $55,600,000 annually. If you multiply that by 7.28% then profits may be in the $15 to $25 Million range. This would create a sales price of about to $180 to $235 Million range. (This again is all pure conjecture based on available information).
Remember as part of MGM/Mandalay merger last year, Hyatt Gaming Management agreed
to become the manager of the Grand Victoria riverboat in Elgin, Illinois. They hold a 50% interest in that venture.
According to a report filed with the gaming commission in 2004, Grand Victoria in Rising Sun is 80 percent owned by Indiana RBG LP, a subsidiary of H. Group Holding Inc., and 20 percent owned by RSR LLC. H. Group Holding, Inc. is a private holding company owned indirectly by trusts for the benefit of the secretive but wealthy Pritzker family of Chicago. The primary businesses of H. Group Holding Inc. are the operation and ownership of Hyatt Hotels in North America, the management of retirement facilities, the leasing of equipment including personal computers, computer workstations, temporary storage tanks and related products.
August 18, 2006
The Cincinnati Enquirer recently ran a story on Rising Sun's Main Street success story Wm. Rees Instrucments and it's new Harpsicles harp. The Rising Sun/Ohio County Chamber of Commerce is proud to have this company as a member and looks forward to their continued presence in our community for many years to come.
RISING SUN - A small, colorful harp that has changed the way music lovers look at this heavenly instrument has brought national attention to its creators, William and Pamela Rees.
The attention has resulted in an invitation for Pamela to speak in Washington, D.C., before an industry group about the importance of innovation in manufacturing.
The playful, diminutive instrument that comes in a rainbow of colors to suggest Popsicles has made harp playing available to the masses and also has more than doubled the size of the Southeast Indiana couple's small harp-making business.
Harpsicles is the name coined for the small, lap-sized harps by William and Pamela Rees, owners of Wm. Rees Instruments LLC.
Their workshop turns out about 100 of the Harpsicles per month. The popularity of the small harp and its relatively low price point of between $300 and $400 have made it a top seller around the world, beating out sales of cheaper overseas harps that have long dominated the small-harp market, said Pamela.
This competitive advantage is what caught the attention of the Council on Competitiveness, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that was created 20 years ago by a group of CEOs, university leaders and union leaders to look for ways to keep the United States at the forefront of competitive economic growth into the 21st century.
After Pamela Rees met the president of the council, Deborah Wince-Smith, at the Indiana Leadership Summit earlier this year, Wince-Smith invited her to speak July 25 to the National Strategy Council, a part of the Council on Competitiveness.
She was intrigued with the Reeses' business story.
Bill Booher, chief operating officer for the Council on Competitiveness, said the Reeses' business exemplifies the spirit of competition that the council is looking to foster.
FELL IN LOVE WITH RISING SUN
Formerly located in Northern California, the Rees family has been making stringed instruments for more than 30 years. The couple moved their business to Rising Sun six years ago after driving through the town on a vacation and falling in love with it. Their two grown sons, Bryant and Garen, are active in the business.
The Reeses' full-sized concert harps have for years been among the most sought-after lever harps for professional musicians, said Pamela Rees, because of William's unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship.
Professional harpist Laurie Riley of Sedona, Ariz., who has recorded more than a dozen compact discs of harp music and frequently tours the country for performances, said she routinely uses the Rees harp for her professional playing.
"They are definitely among the top harp makers of the lever harps," said Riley.
The team of 13 craftspeople at their Rising Sun workshop builds only 12 to 15 concert harps per month. Each full-size harp sells for between $2,000 and $7,000.
The Harpsicles take a fraction of the time to build compared to the concert-sized harps, Pamela Rees said. The business turns out 100 Harpsicles a month with the same staff it takes to build just a dozen concert harps.
"Basically we work on the concert harps from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on the Harpsicles from 3 to 6 p.m.," she said. "Keeping the construction time down allows us to keep the Harpsicle affordable, because the materials are the same as for the large harps."
STURDY AND INEXPENSIVE
The Harpsicles come in brightly painted hues with names such as cherry, grape and lime to suggest Popsicles.
The Harpsicles have been well received by young musicians just learning the harp and by more experienced musicians who just want a more portable version of the large harp, said Pamela.
Weighing 4 pounds and standing only 33 inches tall, the Harpsicle can be taken almost anywhere. It's sturdy and inexpensive enough that it doesn't need the white-glove treatment that a larger harp demands.
The Harpsicle's success has thrust the Reeses into the limelight as the only U.S. makers of this type of instrument. Their Harpsicle is outpacing sales of cheaper import harps that have for years dominated here.
Purdue to open TAPS office in Rising Sun
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University will enhance its regional economic development partnership with southeast Indiana through a new Technical Assistance Program office in Rising Sun, Ind.
The Technical Assistance Program, which connects companies with Purdue resources and assists them in implementing state-of-the art technologies, will work from that office to help companies in southeast Indiana, including automotive suppliers for Honda Motor Corp., to remain globally competitive.
TAP also manages the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and is a state partner of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Through this network, companies will receive assistance in work force, energy, quality, productivity and other assessment, educational and implementation services.
TAP director David McKinnis said the new office is expected to open in November. It is funded by grants from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation and the city of Rising Sun.
"Through their generosity, we look forward to working with manufacturers in southeast Indiana to develop a highly trained, efficient work force, reduce costs and increase sales," McKinnis said. "Purdue is eager to play a key role in boosting the economy of this region."
Edward F. Sullivan, Rising Sun Regional Foundation executive director, said he called three companies that have worked with TAP before recommending that the foundation approve its $100,000 grant.
"Those were all very positive," Sullivan said. "The TAP program clearly has a good reputation throughout the state. Their services will be especially important for the smaller companies in the foundation's grant-making region that don't have the staff needed to do certain projects."
Rising Sun Mayor Bill Marksberry said city council members on Thursday (Aug. 3) approved a $50,000 grant as an investment in the city's economic future.
"With all of the engineering, technology and business-related expertise available at Purdue, TAP should be of enormous help to companies in Rising Sun," Marksberry said. "We have high expectations for this partnership."
TAP also recently opened three new offices in Merrillville, Anderson and Fort Wayne and plans to establish an office at the Purdue Technology Center of Southern Indiana in New Albany.
"By expanding TAP's reach and helping more manufacturers improve their operations, Purdue fulfills its land-grant mission to serve as an educational and economic partner to the state," McKinnis said. "We are pleased to be making great strides to further fulfill that mission."
Source: Purdue University
The Technical Assistance Program, which connects companies with Purdue resources and assists them in implementing state-of-the art technologies, will work from that office to help companies in southeast Indiana, including automotive suppliers for Honda Motor Corp., to remain globally competitive.
TAP also manages the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and is a state partner of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Through this network, companies will receive assistance in work force, energy, quality, productivity and other assessment, educational and implementation services.
TAP director David McKinnis said the new office is expected to open in November. It is funded by grants from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation and the city of Rising Sun.
"Through their generosity, we look forward to working with manufacturers in southeast Indiana to develop a highly trained, efficient work force, reduce costs and increase sales," McKinnis said. "Purdue is eager to play a key role in boosting the economy of this region."
Edward F. Sullivan, Rising Sun Regional Foundation executive director, said he called three companies that have worked with TAP before recommending that the foundation approve its $100,000 grant.
"Those were all very positive," Sullivan said. "The TAP program clearly has a good reputation throughout the state. Their services will be especially important for the smaller companies in the foundation's grant-making region that don't have the staff needed to do certain projects."
Rising Sun Mayor Bill Marksberry said city council members on Thursday (Aug. 3) approved a $50,000 grant as an investment in the city's economic future.
"With all of the engineering, technology and business-related expertise available at Purdue, TAP should be of enormous help to companies in Rising Sun," Marksberry said. "We have high expectations for this partnership."
TAP also recently opened three new offices in Merrillville, Anderson and Fort Wayne and plans to establish an office at the Purdue Technology Center of Southern Indiana in New Albany.
"By expanding TAP's reach and helping more manufacturers improve their operations, Purdue fulfills its land-grant mission to serve as an educational and economic partner to the state," McKinnis said. "We are pleased to be making great strides to further fulfill that mission."
Source: Purdue University
PENDLETON ART CENTER HOSTING GAMING ART SHOW
The Pendleton Art Center in Rising Sun will feature "Artists and Art in Gaming" art show in September to open the first annual Grand Victoria Casino and Resort Month at the Pendleton.
Artists from the three sister Pendleton Art Centers in Rising Sun, Cincinnati, and Ashland, KY, will present artwork focused on their rendition of what gaming means to them.
The Grand Victoria Casino judges will award prizes to winning artists on September 1, 2006, at 7 p.m. at the Center. VIP guests of the Grand Victoria will also be hosted in the VIP suite at the art center.
"We're excited about this show and recognizing the Grand Victoria's contributions to Rising Sun," says Jim Verdin of the Pendleton Art Centers. "Rising Sun is a natural venue for artists with the scenic river views and supportive environment. And, a gaming theme will allow for some creative interpretations by our artists. This will be our first annual Grand Victoria Casino and Resort event, but also our first event for the three Pendleton Art Center artists to participate together in a judged art show and exhibit, " Mr. Verdin continues.
Every First Friday of the month, the Pendleton Art Center in Rising Sun opens its doors for visitors and anyone interested in seeing artwork and meeting some talented artists. Rising Sun artists, photographers, sculptors, glass artisans, weavers, potters, and musicians invite guests to come to their studios to see their works; or just come hang out for refreshments and some great music on a Friday night in Rising Sun along the Ohio River. From contemporary to realistic expressionism, the artists enjoy opening their studios to the general public on First Friday's and Second-Look Saturday's to show their wares.
The show will feature 42 artists; 62 pieces of art. The Grand Victoria Casino and Resort is celebrating its 10th anniversary so we thought it would be great to honor them in some way. They are sending invitations to their VIP persons, and it is announced in their newsletter.
The prize money is $1500, $1000, $500 for the top artists' entries to be judged
on Friday evening, 9/1, with prizes awarded at 9 p.m.
Judges will be Steve Jimenez, General Manager, Daryl Paddock, Director of Sales, and Tony Perrone, Director of Marketing for the Grand Victoria; plus Jim Verdin of the Verdin Bell Company of Cincinnati.
WHEN: Friday, 9/1/06, 5 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: Pendleton Art Center, Rising Sun, IN, 201 Main St. (812-438-9900)
Artists from the three sister Pendleton Art Centers in Rising Sun, Cincinnati, and Ashland, KY, will present artwork focused on their rendition of what gaming means to them.
The Grand Victoria Casino judges will award prizes to winning artists on September 1, 2006, at 7 p.m. at the Center. VIP guests of the Grand Victoria will also be hosted in the VIP suite at the art center.
"We're excited about this show and recognizing the Grand Victoria's contributions to Rising Sun," says Jim Verdin of the Pendleton Art Centers. "Rising Sun is a natural venue for artists with the scenic river views and supportive environment. And, a gaming theme will allow for some creative interpretations by our artists. This will be our first annual Grand Victoria Casino and Resort event, but also our first event for the three Pendleton Art Center artists to participate together in a judged art show and exhibit, " Mr. Verdin continues.
Every First Friday of the month, the Pendleton Art Center in Rising Sun opens its doors for visitors and anyone interested in seeing artwork and meeting some talented artists. Rising Sun artists, photographers, sculptors, glass artisans, weavers, potters, and musicians invite guests to come to their studios to see their works; or just come hang out for refreshments and some great music on a Friday night in Rising Sun along the Ohio River. From contemporary to realistic expressionism, the artists enjoy opening their studios to the general public on First Friday's and Second-Look Saturday's to show their wares.
The show will feature 42 artists; 62 pieces of art. The Grand Victoria Casino and Resort is celebrating its 10th anniversary so we thought it would be great to honor them in some way. They are sending invitations to their VIP persons, and it is announced in their newsletter.
The prize money is $1500, $1000, $500 for the top artists' entries to be judged
on Friday evening, 9/1, with prizes awarded at 9 p.m.
Judges will be Steve Jimenez, General Manager, Daryl Paddock, Director of Sales, and Tony Perrone, Director of Marketing for the Grand Victoria; plus Jim Verdin of the Verdin Bell Company of Cincinnati.
WHEN: Friday, 9/1/06, 5 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: Pendleton Art Center, Rising Sun, IN, 201 Main St. (812-438-9900)
August 17, 2006
University of Indianapolis has named Dr. Mary Blake Huer the new dean of health sciences.
Inside INdiana Business reports that Mary Blake Huer, Ph.D., who is active in the ongoing United Nations effort to develop international human rights standards for the disabled, will oversee the university’s nationally ranked School of Occupational Therapy and Krannert School of Physical Therapy, effective Jan. 1.
Dr.Huer is a graduate of Rising Sun High School in southern Indiana, she holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology, a master’s in speech-language pathology and a Ph.D. in speech science, all from Indiana University. She is the author of numerous journal articles, book chapters and commercially published products including therapy books, assessment tools, videotape series and software.
“We are delighted that Dr. Huer has accepted our offer to direct UIndy’s flagship programs in the health sciences,” said Deborah Ware Balogh, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “With her impressive scholarship and leadership credentials, she is ideally suited to build upon the national and international reputations of our physical and occupational therapy schools.”
An Indiana native, Huer comes to UIndy from California State University-Fullerton, where she is professor of human communication studies and director of its laboratories in augmentative and alternative communication. This relatively new field explores the use of electronic devices and other technology to assist patients with severe disabilities in speaking and communicating.
Dr.Huer is a graduate of Rising Sun High School in southern Indiana, she holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology, a master’s in speech-language pathology and a Ph.D. in speech science, all from Indiana University. She is the author of numerous journal articles, book chapters and commercially published products including therapy books, assessment tools, videotape series and software.
Grand Victoria Sale
As reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer: "Grand Victoria Casino & Hotel in Rising Sun will be up for sale this fall.
"Majority owner Hyatt Hotels & Resorts will put the 201-room and casino on the market in September, said general manager Steven Jimenez. He said Grand Victoria's 1,100 employees have already been notified of the plan.
"…Jimenez said he didn't know what prompted the decision to sell the casino, which opened on Oct. 4, 1996. He did not know what the asking price would be.
"…Grand Victoria had nearly 1.9 million admissions in fiscal 2005 (which ended this June) and paid $3 million in gaming and admission taxes, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission.
The decision to sell the Ohio River casino some 25 miles southwest of Cincinnati comes as an expansion is planned of the Argosy Casino in nearby Lawrenceburg.
Argosy's owner, Penn National Gaming Inc., plans to replace the current 74,300-square-foot riverboat with a 250,000-square-foot barge that will open in late 2008.
Argosy was the busiest of the state's 10 riverboats in July, with 361,000 visitors and $41.5 million in table and slot winnings, according to Indiana Gaming Commission records. Grand Victoria, which is a further drive from Cincinnati, had about 180,000 visitors and $14.5 million in winnings.
Grand Victoria, which opened in 1996, has a 40,000-square-foot riverboat along with five restaurants and an 18-hole golf course.
Rising Sun Mayor Bill Marksberry said the opening of Grand Victoria was a major development for the city of 2,400 people and that he was optimistic a sale would not hurt the local community.
"It's one of those businesses that employ a lot of people here as well as from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana," he said.
"Majority owner Hyatt Hotels & Resorts will put the 201-room and casino on the market in September, said general manager Steven Jimenez. He said Grand Victoria's 1,100 employees have already been notified of the plan.
"…Jimenez said he didn't know what prompted the decision to sell the casino, which opened on Oct. 4, 1996. He did not know what the asking price would be.
"…Grand Victoria had nearly 1.9 million admissions in fiscal 2005 (which ended this June) and paid $3 million in gaming and admission taxes, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission.
The decision to sell the Ohio River casino some 25 miles southwest of Cincinnati comes as an expansion is planned of the Argosy Casino in nearby Lawrenceburg.
Argosy's owner, Penn National Gaming Inc., plans to replace the current 74,300-square-foot riverboat with a 250,000-square-foot barge that will open in late 2008.
Argosy was the busiest of the state's 10 riverboats in July, with 361,000 visitors and $41.5 million in table and slot winnings, according to Indiana Gaming Commission records. Grand Victoria, which is a further drive from Cincinnati, had about 180,000 visitors and $14.5 million in winnings.
Grand Victoria, which opened in 1996, has a 40,000-square-foot riverboat along with five restaurants and an 18-hole golf course.
Rising Sun Mayor Bill Marksberry said the opening of Grand Victoria was a major development for the city of 2,400 people and that he was optimistic a sale would not hurt the local community.
"It's one of those businesses that employ a lot of people here as well as from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana," he said.
August 14, 2006
Honda Suppliers scout sites in Dearborn County
The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Dearborn County Officials are already showing sites along Interstate 74 to unnamed Honda suppliers interested in finding a location near the new plant.
"The hard part is getting the community engaged in knowing there is good property available and there are people willing to sell," he says. "What we need to do is take a comprehensive look at the 74 corridor to identify properties and put some calculations toward what it would take to get infrastructure to those available sites. The barrier is that we don't have that data."
DEVELOPMENT GROUP EFFORTS
That's the job of the county's Economic Development Initiative, formed two years ago to spearhead development efforts.
Jim West, the group's president, built the same kind of program in the 1990s as president of the Tri-County Economic Development Corp., the group that managed the boom in Northern Kentucky.
West says there is interest from retail developers in Lawrenceburg, and that the Honda plant should bring activity in Dearborn County's northern regions.
But the county is a long way from producing developers that will build speculative office space, the kind of space that draws high-paying companies.
"It's not incentives that rule us out most of the time, it's lack of product," West says.
"This is not just about economic development. It's about quality of life."
"It's two years out, but you've still got suppliers who are scouring the area," says Tim Kramer, owner of a 58-acre site with 2,000 feet along interstate near Indiana 1. "Right now, it's a wonderful place to be."
The overall picture means that industrial jobs and the steady tax base they can create are going to neighboring counties.
Every day more than 10,000 residents leave the county of about 50,000 people to work somewhere else. The commuters make up about 40 percent of Dearborn County's total labor force.
And one of the county's biggest employers, the Pernod Ricard Seagram distillery in Lawrenceburg, will close in two years, eliminating about 400 jobs.
To combat that, Dearborn County needs to create jobs and draw companies, and progress comes slowly. One hometown developer is spending millions of dollars to create a developable site off U.S. 50 and I-275 in Greendale.
"The hard part is getting the community engaged in knowing there is good property available and there are people willing to sell," he says. "What we need to do is take a comprehensive look at the 74 corridor to identify properties and put some calculations toward what it would take to get infrastructure to those available sites. The barrier is that we don't have that data."
DEVELOPMENT GROUP EFFORTS
That's the job of the county's Economic Development Initiative, formed two years ago to spearhead development efforts.
Jim West, the group's president, built the same kind of program in the 1990s as president of the Tri-County Economic Development Corp., the group that managed the boom in Northern Kentucky.
West says there is interest from retail developers in Lawrenceburg, and that the Honda plant should bring activity in Dearborn County's northern regions.
But the county is a long way from producing developers that will build speculative office space, the kind of space that draws high-paying companies.
"It's not incentives that rule us out most of the time, it's lack of product," West says.
"This is not just about economic development. It's about quality of life."
August 1, 2006
Daily Dose
It happened this week
10 YEARS AGO -- 1996
The Army Corps of Engineers approved a permit allowing the Hyatt Corp. to build a mooring area and operate a riverboat casino in Rising Sun, Ind. The permit gave Hyatt the go-ahead to complete all phases of construction for the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort. The Grand Victoria became Indiana's second Ohio River casino boat when it opened in September 1996.
Switzerland County officials have voted to move forward on a new 117-acre business park near the Markland Bridge.
Switzerland County officials are planning an aggressive entrance into the highly competitive economic development arena.
Voting recently to move forward on a new 117-acre business park near the Markland Bridge, county leaders have taken a significant step of providing development sites to prospective businesses. County leaders expect the site to be attractive to those supplying the new Honda facility in Greensburg, Indiana, and businesses wanting to be near the fast-growing northern Kentucky region.
"This is perfect timing for Switzerland County,¨ said Jon Bond, president of the Switzerland County Economic Development Corporation. "We will be able to offer shovel-ready sites on the edge of two fast-growing regions at a time when they are desperately needed."
Economic growth in Switzerland County for years has been stunted by the remote location, but new highway construction in the region will create a strategic advantage for advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics-based companies interested in locating in southeastern Indiana, southwestern Ohio or northern Kentucky. The extension of Kentucky 1039 will connect the county to I-71 and the reconstruction of Indiana 129 will make the county more accessible to truck traffic.
"The new highway in Kentucky made this an easier decision for the county council," said Switzerland County Council President Mike Jones. "We want to be competitive in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region and offer sites to potential Honda suppliers."
With the proximity to the Belterra Casino and Resort (approximately one mile), the county is considering a mixed use development that would provide acreage for businesses that might cater to the casino, as well as sites for light manufacturing development.
"Belterra's presence in the community has provided us with resources we otherwise never would have had," said Jones. "It is our responsibility to use those resources to grow and diversify the county's economy and provide good-paying jobs for residents."
Switzerland County is in the southeast corner of Indiana, along the Ohio River, approximately a one-hour drive from Cincinnati, Ohio, Louisville and Lexington, Ky., and two hours from Indianapolis, Indiana, and Dayton, Ohio.
Markland Business Park -- Fact Sheet
-- NAME: Markland Business Park
-- LOCATION: North of the Markland Bridge at Indiana State Highway 156; five minutes from I-71 once the Kentucky connector highway is completed in September 2006; one mile from the Belterra Casino and Resort in Vevay, Ind.
-- Size: Phase 1 of the project is 115 acres. Additional ground is available for future phases.
-- STATUS: The Switzerland County Council members recently voted to option the property and the county has begun the process to purchase it.
-- WHO BENEFITS: Markland Business Park will create higher paying jobs for the residents of Switzerland County and will create significant tax revenue for the County, State and local schools.
-- BUSINESS ADVANTAGES: The project offers shovel-ready sites with convenient access to interstates, as well as recreational and cultural amenities.
-- WHATS NEXT: An infrastructure development plan is being formulated and local regulatory matters are being addressed.
-- TIMELINE: Sites should be available in Markland Business Park by early 2007.
10 YEARS AGO -- 1996
The Army Corps of Engineers approved a permit allowing the Hyatt Corp. to build a mooring area and operate a riverboat casino in Rising Sun, Ind. The permit gave Hyatt the go-ahead to complete all phases of construction for the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort. The Grand Victoria became Indiana's second Ohio River casino boat when it opened in September 1996.
Switzerland County officials have voted to move forward on a new 117-acre business park near the Markland Bridge.
Switzerland County officials are planning an aggressive entrance into the highly competitive economic development arena.
Voting recently to move forward on a new 117-acre business park near the Markland Bridge, county leaders have taken a significant step of providing development sites to prospective businesses. County leaders expect the site to be attractive to those supplying the new Honda facility in Greensburg, Indiana, and businesses wanting to be near the fast-growing northern Kentucky region.
"This is perfect timing for Switzerland County,¨ said Jon Bond, president of the Switzerland County Economic Development Corporation. "We will be able to offer shovel-ready sites on the edge of two fast-growing regions at a time when they are desperately needed."
Economic growth in Switzerland County for years has been stunted by the remote location, but new highway construction in the region will create a strategic advantage for advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics-based companies interested in locating in southeastern Indiana, southwestern Ohio or northern Kentucky. The extension of Kentucky 1039 will connect the county to I-71 and the reconstruction of Indiana 129 will make the county more accessible to truck traffic.
"The new highway in Kentucky made this an easier decision for the county council," said Switzerland County Council President Mike Jones. "We want to be competitive in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region and offer sites to potential Honda suppliers."
With the proximity to the Belterra Casino and Resort (approximately one mile), the county is considering a mixed use development that would provide acreage for businesses that might cater to the casino, as well as sites for light manufacturing development.
"Belterra's presence in the community has provided us with resources we otherwise never would have had," said Jones. "It is our responsibility to use those resources to grow and diversify the county's economy and provide good-paying jobs for residents."
Switzerland County is in the southeast corner of Indiana, along the Ohio River, approximately a one-hour drive from Cincinnati, Ohio, Louisville and Lexington, Ky., and two hours from Indianapolis, Indiana, and Dayton, Ohio.
Markland Business Park -- Fact Sheet
-- NAME: Markland Business Park
-- LOCATION: North of the Markland Bridge at Indiana State Highway 156; five minutes from I-71 once the Kentucky connector highway is completed in September 2006; one mile from the Belterra Casino and Resort in Vevay, Ind.
-- Size: Phase 1 of the project is 115 acres. Additional ground is available for future phases.
-- STATUS: The Switzerland County Council members recently voted to option the property and the county has begun the process to purchase it.
-- WHO BENEFITS: Markland Business Park will create higher paying jobs for the residents of Switzerland County and will create significant tax revenue for the County, State and local schools.
-- BUSINESS ADVANTAGES: The project offers shovel-ready sites with convenient access to interstates, as well as recreational and cultural amenities.
-- WHATS NEXT: An infrastructure development plan is being formulated and local regulatory matters are being addressed.
-- TIMELINE: Sites should be available in Markland Business Park by early 2007.
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