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Why Is Indiana’s Tech Sector Poised for Explosive Growth?

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Jim Jay, Techpoint CEO

By: Jim Jay

As calendar year 2010 comes to a close, I find myself thinking about how much Indiana’s tech sector has achieved during the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression. A handful of successful deals, investments and other Indiana technology and entrepreneurship news made national headlines, which is good for the state – raising our profile as a collective geographic industry and earning credibility for our products, services and brands.

The high profile announcements only tell a fraction of the industry’s success, because while almost every single U.S. employment sector experienced moderate to significant declines, Indiana’s technology companies increased their sales revenue and total tech sector employment. If the global economy does begin its slow but steady recovery as many economists predict, Indiana’s tech sector is in an enviable position to capitalize upon a number of critical advantages including:

* The Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund
* Double-digit increases in venture capital coming into the state for three years
* Skilled technical grads from in-state universities ranked among the best
* Tech-friendly business climate with reasonable taxes and valuable incentives
* High energy, continued momentum and resources for homegrown startups
* Cooperative-competitive environment (instead of cut-throat like the coasts)
* Indiana’s Venture Capital Tax Credit is a immediate return on investment for angel investors to invest in Indiana tech companies

As a constant catalyst for growth, TechPoint has produced more than 40 industry educational and networking events this year; invested more than $3 million in Indiana startup firms through the Halo Capital Group; launched new initiatives focused on supporting burgeoning microsectors health information technology (HIT) and measured marketing; and advocated for pro-growth, pro-tech public policy with the Indiana legislature.

In 2011, TechPoint will continue to serve the industry providing all of the programs and events that you have come to expect, along with a couple of additions and emphases such as:

* TechPoint will launch a fourth Roundtable Series in 2011 – CFO Roundtable
* Numerous new digital resources, such as a statewide technology business directory, Indiana applications directory and the Indiana technology newswire
* Increased support for startup companies
* “Place” assistance, providing adequate and affordable real estate
* Filling in the capital gaps, particularly for early-stage tech businesses
(More information to come on these ideas in January)

Indiana’s technology leaders and entrepreneurs have proven that they are experts at doing more with less – the industry would not have grown and thrived during the recession otherwise. Now that the economy may be on the road to recovery, TechPoint is committed to fulfilling its mission of accelerating growth in the sector through a battery of effective programs and services with which you are probably familiar, as well as some new ideas designed to meet current industry needs.

The TechPoint staff and I are looking forward to all of the opportunities and challenges we will face together in 2011. We hope you will continue to be a positive contributing member of Indiana’s tech sector by staying involved with Indiana’s preeminent technology initiative.

IS IT TRUE? December 7, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 7, 2010

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,305 days since the announcement was made on May 14, 2007 that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,160 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot of the McCurdy with 55 parking spaces to sweeten the deal?….that it has now been 760 days since an $800,000 incentive to purchase the McCurdy Hotel was approved for the Indianapolis based developer that was selected for the project?….that the estimated cost to refurbish the McCurdy has grown from $7.2 Million to the latest guess of $11.9 Million?….that over three years have passed and over $1.4 Million of public money has been spent and the sounds of construction are still not drowning out the cooing of the pigeons in the stately old hotel?….that the City County Observer is seriously concerned that the City of Evansville may just have another River House on First Street.

IS IT TRUE that there are now 705 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

IS IT TRUE that people routinely plan trips to Henderson because gas is always about 10 cents per gallon cheaper than it is in Evansville?….that doing that for an average fill up saves about $1.50?…that if everyone had electric cars and the cost to charge the batteries was $100 in Indiana that the difference in the electrical rates between Evansville and Henderson would make that charge cost $37 in Henderson?….that Vectren’s excessive rates will make the introduction of BEV’s (Battery Electric Vehicles) and other Green Initiatives in Vectren’s service area in Indiana absolutely cost prohibitive?…that Green jobs are seen as the most desirable jobs to attract going forward?…that Evansville and SW Indiana are playing this “Green Jobs” game with their hands tied behind their backs and an albatross around their necks?…that Vectren’s rate structure when compared to Henderson is quite likely to keep Evansville and SW Indiana from participating in any Green Initiative led recovery?

IS IT TRUE that if Vectren converted their 5 private planes to electric power that they may not even be able to afford to charge their own batteries at the rates that they charge residents of Southwest Indiana for electricity?…that maybe they would have to fly across that money saving river to charge their own batteries?

IS IT TRUE that the EVSC had a welcomed announcement yesterday that every public high school in Evansville has made great strides in improving the percentage of students who graduate?…that Bosse High School moved from the middle sixties to the middle eighties in making the largest improvement?….that Reitz as always led the high schools in graduation rate with a nationally impressive 96% rate?….that the efforts made by EVSC to address the low graduation rates and to credential these students before they are faced with the realities of the real world is worthy of applause and admiration?

IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County School Board is now on record as seeking to extend the contract of Dr. Vince Bertram before it expires in mid 2012?….that to the extent that Dr. Bertram’s efforts led to the increase in high school graduation rates that he is deserving of that vote of confidence?…that the overall performance of the EVSC across all grades was recently ranked as a 4 on a scale of 10 (see reference link)?….that in no category and no age group did the children of the EVSC exceed the average score for the State of Indiana?….that there is much work that needs to be put into additional improvements in the home and the classroom to get the children entrusted to the EVSC to perform at the average level for Indiana?…that Indiana is not exactly performing at the top of the pack nationally?….that focus on education is what is needed from Dr. Bertram and every person that draws a paycheck from the EVSC?

IS IT TRUE that Dr. Bertram is quoted as referring to Mayor Weinzapfel as “the best Mayor in America”?….that Dr. Bertram has vocally supported and even considered financial support for the Roberts Stadium Ball Fields project?…that Dr. Bertram has authorized the spending of $7.5 Million for a football stadium at Harrison High School?…that Dr. Bertram wisely called for a referendum to gain the approval of the voters before breaking ground on the new North High School?…that bricks and mortar may look good but have never been documented to teach a single person a single thing?….that the community desperately needs a quality workforce to be attractive as a location for businesses?….that a solid public high school education is the foundation of a competitive workforce?…that the progress that has been made in graduation rates needs to be reproduced in early elementary school?….that our educational improvement efforts may be better served if Dr. Bertram works his magic in the schools and stays away from the fickleness of politics?

Reference Link for EVSC overall grade
http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-bin/in/district-profile/103

Citizen Solicits Ideas for Roberts Stadium: A Plea from Martha Crosley

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TO ALL CITIZENS OF THE EVANSVILLE AREA WHO HAVE FELT THAT THEIR VIEWS ARE NOT HEARD – NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!

The Wesselman Park/Roberts Stadium baseball complex issue won’t die.

The CVB is still actively pushing it.

But there are those who are not standing still. Wesselman Park Support Group is establishing a committee of the public, business people, and office holders in the Evansville area who will meet to consider the possible uses for Roberts Stadium, its land, and funding for considered projects. These individuals are creative, informed, innovative, and most importantly want to listen to your ideas.

To express your opinions to this committee, please answer the following questions and email or send to the address below:
1. What is your best idea for the use of Roberts Stadium?
2. How would you propose to fund this idea?
3. If Roberts Stadium proves to have engineering or structural problems too big to overcome, how best would you like to see the land used?

Please be specific and email to: wesselmanroberts@gmail.com or send to Wesselman/Roberts, c/o Huppert, 2424 Stringtown Rd., Evansville, IN 47711

You MUST provide your name, address, and contact information for your views to reach the committee. We value your ideas and want you to be a part of the democratic process. Thanks in advance for your help. Tell your friends and family so that everyone who wishes may take the opportunity to participate.

Here’s to slowing down the train! It is time to think and plan carefully. No further consideration should be given to the CVB until more data is gathered, more ideas reviewed, and more comparative plans are brought to the table. How do we know we have the best plan if we only have one?

Martha Crosley

Xerox Encourages Us All to Send a Soldier a Holiday Greeting, it is FREE

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Xerox, the owner of the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) that has created innovations such as the “mouse” and the operating system that became “Windows” is continuing the tradition of sponsoring a FREE e-greeting to our brave dedicated soldiers in arms. The City County Observer encourages each and every one of our readers to send a soldier a holiday email.

Here is a link to make this easy for all of you!!

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

IS IT TRUE? December 6, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 6, 2010

IS IT TRUE that Henderson Municipal Power & Light is considering selling surplus power?…that HMP&L has hired a marketing consultant to help them find markets that are willing to pay them for that surplus power?….that the residential electric rate is 4.34 cents per KWh in the winter and 5.49 cents per KWh in the summer?….that Vectren’s recent application for a rate increase if approved will raise the rate charged to customers on the north side of the money saving bridge to 13.93 cents per KWh from the present price of 12.49 KWh?…..that Vectren charges 150% more for the same KWh than Henderson Municipal Power & Light charges?

IS IT TRUE that in the coming cold months if your electric bill in Evansville is $300 that across the money saving bridge the same bill would only be $104.24?…that if Vectren has its way with the State of Indiana and the rate increase is approved your $300 electric bill will increase to $334.59 yet in Henderson it will still cost $104.24?….that this difference in price would not even be possible in a free market?…that this is just a taste of what a legislated monopoly can cost?

IS IT TRUE that basic manufacturing consumes lots of electricity?…that if a business is considering both Henderson and Evansville for an expansion or a location for a factory that one of the biggest considerations is the cost of utilities?…that a business that has a moderate electric bill of $100,000 per month in Henderson could be socked with a $250,000 per month bill in Evansville?…that sometimes the power companies negotiate a lower rate for industrial customers?….that doing so is subsidizing businesses at the expense of residential customers?….that when people pay higher prices for electricity than businesses that is called “redistribution”?…that the difference in electrical rates is always a serious issue for the north side of the Ohio River when competing for jobs?

IS IT TRUE that according to the Competitiveness Redbook published by the National Association of Manufacturers that if SW Indiana were a state that it would have the 10th most expensive residential electric rates in the United States?…that Indiana as a state ranks a more affordable 39th at 7.83 cents per KWh and Kentucky ranks 45th with an even more affordable rate of 7.10 cents per KWh?

IS IT TRUE that Henderson Municipal Power and Light does not need a consultant to tell them how to sell surplus power?…that all HMP&L needs is a chance to sell it to us with no middle man in the deal?….that if Henderson Municipal Power and Light were allowed to sell power in Southwest Indiana at even a 20% premium to its Henderson rates that every home and business in Vanderburgh County would sign up at the first opportunity?

IS IT TRUE that there are now 706 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

IS IT TRUE that the agenda for the Evansville Redevelopment Commission has been amended and that the discussion regarding the bids on the Downtown Convention Hotel has been moved to next week?…that we anxiously await the reading of the proposals

References:
Henderson Residential Rate: http://www.hmpl.com/rates/rrate.php

Vectren Residential Rate: http://www.vectren.com/cms/assets/pdfs/bill_inserts/dec09_southEH_insert.pdf

THE SKINNY ON TOOTHPASTE

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THE SKINNY ON TOOTHPASTE

The most common question I get at the office is “What toothpaste should I be using?” So, here’s the Cliff Notes on everything you need to know about your toothpaste.

We recommend any toothpaste with an active fluoride system. With all the emphasis on natural and organic products these days, some people are concerned about fluoridation and whether or not it is of any real benefit. And is it potentially harmful?

Fluorine is a common element that’s frequently found in our water and foods as naturally-occurring fluoride. Some towns don’t need to fluoridate their drinking water because enough fluoride is present in the groundwater naturally to prevent tooth decay. In communities where there is not adequate fluoride naturally, a fluoride compound is added to the water during purification. Dozens of studies have shown that there is a marked reduction in tooth decay after the fluoridation of a community’s water supply. So, it is of great benefit, particularly in reducing the incidence of decay in children.

If you are on a well, there may be enough fluoride in your water. To find out, call the water lab at the State Board of Health at (317)921-5874 and ask for a fluoride test kit. For ten bucks and $6.50 S&H, they will send you a collection bottle and instructions on submitting your water for analysis. The results will be returned to you in 30 days or less. A copy may also be sent to your dentist.

Sometimes people ask, “But isn’t fluoride a poison?” Well, yes, it is, but only if it’s in a high concentration. Table salt is also poisonous if you eat enough of it. The amount of fluoride added to water is miniscule, compared to toxic levels. With fluoridated water, we are talking about 0.8 to 2 ppm (parts per million.) 1 part per million is the equivalent of one teaspoon for every 1,302 gallons of water. That’s not much, but it’s all you need to reduce tooth decay.

By the way, reverse-osmosis water filtration systems remove fluoride, so if you have an RO system, fluoride in your toothpaste is doubly important.

So, look for the toothpaste that’s labeled “cavity preventive”. It’ll be on the bottom shelf near either end of the display, where it’s hard to see. It’ll be less expensive than the ones with all the whiteners and breath fresheners. That’s why they put it where it’s easily missed!

So, what else is in toothpaste? There will be a detergent as a cleaning agent, an abrasive as a scrubbing agent, flavoring, coloring, and a surfactant. What the heck is a surfactant? That’s what makes stuff foamy. Anything that makes thick suds, like toothpaste, shampoo, or dish detergent, will have a surfactant to enhance foaming, usually something called sodium lauryl sulfate.

The detergent is not a problem. It works to clean better than a bare brush would. The abrasive is another story. Most toothpastes use a form of silica as an abrasive, the equivalent of ground quartz or fine sand. Some pastes are too abrasive for frequent use, the ones who tout their polishing ability, like Close-Up and Ultrabrite. Occasional use is okay, but daily use, particularly if you really like to scrub, has the potential for visible loss of tooth material. Use highly-abrasive pastes wisely.

Now, let’s talk about sodium lauryl sulfate. If you have frequent outbreaks of cold sores or fever blisters, you may be sensitive to SLS. Use a paste with no SLS and see if that helps. Non-SLS pastes are not always easy to find. The most commonly available one is Sensodyne, pink formula. Sensodyne has several other formulas, but most have SLS. The old-fashioned pink does not. You’ll be able to find non-SLS pastes in most health-food stores, too, but you’ll have to spend a lot more for them there.

What about those whiteners and germ killers that so many pastes have now? It’s mostly marketing. If there were enough of those ingredients for a truly therapeutic benefit, they’d be prescription items.

Often, when I ask patients what toothpaste they use, they answer, “Whatever is on sale.” Which is fine, as long as there’s fluoride in it. Check the box for this statement from the American Dental Association: “Crest (substitute any other name) has been shown to be an effective decay-preventive dentifrice…” There will also be the shield of the ADA Council on Dental Therapeutics. There are some good pastes that don’t have the endorsement of the ADA, but the ones that do have proven in clinical studies that they’re effective against decay.

One more thing…if you have acid reflux or other chronic stomach problems, you may be regurgitating acid at night, which can lead to decay or tooth sensitivity. It helps to use a paste high in baking soda at bedtime. Brush well and spit, but don’t rinse, so that a film of baking soda remains on your teeth. It will help neutralize any stomach acid that you burp up while you’re sleeping.

Next time, we take on mouthwashes!

Sen. Jim Tomes Appointed to Three Key Standing Committees

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Senator Jim Tomes

President Pro Tem David C. Long today appointed Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) to serve on three significant Senate committees during his first legislative session – Agriculture and Natural Resources; Corrections Criminal and Civil Matters; and Utilities and Technology.

Long (R-Fort Wayne) said Tomes will also serve on the Corrections and Criminal Subcommittee.

Lawmakers formally organized for the 2011 legislative session on Nov. 16. They will reconvene on Jan. 5.

“Senator Jim Tomes is well-rounded and a great fit for his assigned committees,” Long said. “He comes from a farming community and takes an interest in the access and affordability of Indiana’s utilities. As a founder and now director of the 2nd Amendment Patriots, Senator Tomes closely monitors gun licensing legislation and personal protection issues, providing him with a deep understanding and thorough knowledge to share on these subjects.”

Long said Senate leaders worked once again in bipartisan fashion to “combine lawmakers’ talents and passions” to help Indiana move forward on a variety of key issues, including passing a balanced budget, avoiding tax hikes, promoting economic development and job creation, improving education and developing a fair redistricting plan for legislative and congressional districts.

Introduced legislation often impacts various policy matters of state government, Long said. However, he offered snapshots of what issues Tomes’ committees generally address each legislative session:

Agriculture & Natural Resources: Reviews legislation involving Indiana’s livestock and farming operations, including the regulation, production and distribution of agricultural products, soil conservation, the state fair, and other related agricultural matters. The committee also handles a wide range of bills relating to Indiana’s wildlife and fisheries, regulation of invasive species, parks, trails and public lands, mining, water resources development and irrigation, forestry, environmental protection, energy conservation, quarantine issues, trespass laws and waste disposal.

Corrections, Civil & Criminal Matters: Examines bills relating to Indiana’s prisons and jails, civil and criminal law, procedures for handgun licensing and other related issues.

Utilities & Technology: Considers policies related to Indiana’s broad range of utilities, and ensuring that vital electric, water and wastewater, natural gas and communications utilities are adequate and accessible to Hoosiers statewide, as well as focuses on issues such as aging infrastructure and access to broadband.

Graduation Rates Rise More than Six Percent in Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation

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The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation has learned that its graduation rate for its five high schools’ four-year cohort is continuing its upward trajectory and now exceeds 87 percent for May 2010 graduates.

“We are very pleased with the significant increase in the overall graduation rate. I commend our students, parents, faculty, staff, and community partners for this effort,” said Superintendent Vince Bertram. “This is very positive news; however, I will not be satisfied until we graduate every child with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed beyond high school. We will remain diligent in our improvement efforts. “

Some of the new initiatives in the EVSC for high school students during the 2009-2010 school year include: the one-to-one laptop computer initiative providing all high school students their own netbook as an educational tool used in and outside the classrooms; introduction of the Virtual Academy where online coursework can be used to recover credits, accelerate education, or integrated into the regular classroom experience. More than 400 credits were recovered by high school students in summer school through the EVSC Virtual Academy. The EVSC recently implemented a data warehouse which allows teachers and administrators access to student performance information. This information is used to modify instruction to better meet the individual learning needs of students. Data teams at each school have received professional development to learn how to use information, and to modify instruction and bring about positive change.

This year, the EVSC opened the Academy for Innovative Studies for students in grades 6-12, which also houses The Learning Center. This school replaces Henry Reis Alternative High School and Christa McAuliffe Alternative Middle School, which closed. “Many students need more than the traditional four years of high school in order to complete their degree,” Bertram said. “This school, with its individualized programs and innovative classes, helps to engage students and meet their needs.” The EVSC’s four-year graduation rate, which includes students enrolled at Henry Reis, The Learning Center, and some students last listed as having attended Christa McAuliffe, is 84 percent.

“The commitment of our teachers, counselors, staff and administrators, is helping our students to make strides,” said David Dimmett, chief academic officer. “We are pleased with the increase in graduation rate, and now as we strive to meet the state’s goal of 90 percent, we also want to see an increase in graduates going on to successful, post-secondary education experiences.” The Southwest Indiana College Access Network (SICAN), housed at the EVSC’s Center for Family, School, and Community Partnerships, helps first-generation college goers learn what it will take to go to college and how to get there. Since its inception in 2008, it has provided direct service to 187 students.

All EVSC high schools exceeded the 80% graduation threshold with Reitz leading the way with a 96% graduation rate. Bosse showed the most improvement raising from 68.3% in 2008 to 85% in 2010.

Vincennes University, IU East, IU School of Continuing Studies Partnership Brings New Bachelor’s Degrees to Jasper

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Vincennes University, Indiana University East, and the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies have formed a partnership to increase baccalaureate education opportunities for students at the Vincennes University Jasper Campus. Indiana University East will offer online bachelor’s degree completion programs to VU Jasper Campus students who have completed or will complete applicable associate degrees.

“VU is proud to partner with IU East to offer greater access to a wide range of baccalaureate degrees for Jasper area residents. Partnerships such as this will help Indiana economically as the state pursues the goal of improving access to higher education for Hoosiers,” said Vincennes University President Dick Helton.

Administrators from the institutions made the announcement today (November 30) at the VU Jasper Campus at an event celebrating the new partnership. Helton, VU Jasper Campus Dean Alan Johnson, Indiana University Vice President for Engagement Bill Stephan, Indiana University East Chancellor Nasser Paydar, and IU General Studies Degree Program Director Daniel Bopp all spoke at the event.

“This partnership agreement between VU and IU came about as a result of requests from local residents,” Johnson said. “It presents an excellent opportunity for VUJC students and others in the community to have direct access to Indiana University degrees. It’s been energizing to work with a major institution that is so responsive to the needs in our region.”

Stephan said that Indiana University is responding to the needs of the Jasper area.

“Indiana University is committed to exploring new means and methods by which we can enable Hoosiers to pursue baccalaureate degrees,” Stephan said. “By offering IU curriculum online to students at the Vincennes University Jasper Campus, we are responding to community need and helping to further ensure that Jasper remains economically competitive in a knowledge-based global economy.”

The Indiana University East programs are offered online and include the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in English – Technical and Professional Writing, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communication Studies, and Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science and Mathematics – concentration in Mathematics. The IU School of Continuing Studies will offer the Bachelor of General Studies degree, which can be completed with online and/or independent study courses. Students in these programs will earn an Indiana University degree.

“This agreement demonstrates the power of partnership,” Paydar said. “Increasing baccalaureate attainment is integral to the economic development of the state. Through this partnership, our universities will make bachelor’s degrees accessible to more students.”

All applicable associate degrees at Vincennes University will transfer to IU East with all credits being accepted. IU East and the IU School of Continuing Studies will provide academic advising to Vincennes University students, including having events at the Jasper Campus to assist prospective transfer students through the application and enrollment process. Students will also be eligible for scholarship opportunities through IU East, based on their academic achievements.

“Under this agreement, the IU School of Continuing Studies will continue its 35-year history of delivering undergraduate distance education courses – now completely online and specifically to meet degree completion needs of Indiana citizens in the southwestern portion of the state,” said IU School of Continuing Studies Dean Daniel Callison.

For more information, students can contact Indiana University East Director of Distance Education Tom Avery at 800-959-EAST ext. 300 or thavery@iue.edu, or visit www.iue.edu/finish. For more information on the General Studies Degree program, students can contact the IU School of Continuing Studies at 800-334-1011 or http://scs.indiana.edu.

An open house, including refreshments, will take place on the Vincennes University Jasper Campus in the New Classroom Building, room 128, on Thursday, December 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Students can make appointments to speak with IU academic advisor Jim Johnson prior to December 9 by calling 800-334-1011. Students are encouraged to bring transcripts for any college courses completed. Everyone is welcome.

Rising Investor Interests in Lodging May Be Good News For Evansville’s Downtown Convention Hotel Ambitions

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The New York Times is reporting today that there is a renewed interest in the hospitality industry by private equity firms. As the over 50% fall in the valuations of hotels has been widely documented and as the deal flow in the hospitality industry ground to a halt, Evansville’s aspirations to attract an investor/developer to build a Convention Hotel adjacent to the new Arena and the Centre was frozen in its tracks.

The recent Initial Public Offering of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation that raised substantial levels of cash may prove to be the salvation of the Downtown Evansville project as at least one of the bidders on the Hotel, Woodruff Hospitality is on record as having discussions with Hyatt. In down times “cash is king” and Hyatt has the resources available should Evansville prove to be a worthy market for one of their flagship lines. Hyatt’s cash position coupled with the appetite for lodging deals by private equity may just be the catalyst needed to resurrect the Evansville Convention Hotel from its coma.

The City County Observer stands by its previous articles on the costs to develop a 220 room Downtown Hotel along with the valuation analysis that has been previously published. We are encouraged that value is once again being recognized in the hospitality industry and anxiously await the opening of the bids by Browning, Woodruff, and White.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/business/05hotel.html?pagewanted=1&hpw