June 19, 2023 at 7:08 p.m.

Plan to dissolve IUPUI approved

Business roundup
Plan to dissolve IUPUI approved
Plan to dissolve IUPUI approved

Indiana University and Purdue University last week approved an agreement to dissolve IUPUI and establish two new educational organizations.

Indiana University Indianapolis will take over the science programs currently provided at IUPUI while Purdue University in Indianapolis will handle engineering, computer science and technology. The split is planned for next summer.

“Innovating in response to the needs of our city and state is a hallmark of Indiana University’s rich history on the Indianapolis campus,” IU president Pamela Whitten said in a press release. “With investments in key academic programs, faculty, research space, and the creation of the SciTech Corridor at IU Indianapolis, we are creating a world-class urban research university with global reach and impact.”

“Today’s announcement launches transformative growth for our state’s land-grant university, and Boilermakers are excited to serve the people, businesses and communities of Indianapolis,” Purdue president Mung Chiang said. “Purdue will invest in, partner with, and together grow the tech-driven economy in central Indiana. We thank all of our partners at Indiana University and the many government, civic and business leaders who have been with us throughout this process. New opportunities for Purdue University in Indianapolis are limitless.”



Ribbon cutting

Jay County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Paws and Claws Pet Care next week.

The event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. June 26 at the business, 508 S. 400 East, Portland. The business owned by Klarisa Hemmelgarn will offer boarding and grooming services for dogs, cats and other small animals.



Motherson buying

Samvardhana Motherson last week announced plans to purchase Cirma Enterprise from Vinci Energies.

The company, which also owns MSSL Wiring of Portland, plans to purchase the enterprise based in France for 7.2 million euros ($7.9 million), business publication Mint reported. The transaction will be completed late this year.

Cirma manufactures and sells electrical wiring and interconnect systems for the aerospace and shipbuilding industries.



Afena expands

Afena Federal Credit Union is expanding its services into Jay and Blackford counties.

Afena, which had previously operated in Grant and Wabash counties, announced Thursday that it has added Jay, Blackford and Wells counties to its membership area. It does not have immediate plans to open branch locations in its new service area, but plans to research options soon.

“Afena has made it our mission to improve financial equity and ensure that everyone in the communities we serve has access to high-quality financial products and services, regardless of their credit score or income level,” said Afena president and CEO Karen Madry in a press release. “Our commitment to this mission is what has allowed the Credit Union to achieve such phenomenal growth and success in recent years, and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to bring the Afena difference to three additional counties.”



Revitalization plan OK’d

The Village will be the target of a revitalization plan after the Ball State University Board of Trustees approved a development agreement Friday.

The agreement between the University and Fairmount Properties is focused on creating “a best-in-class, multigenerational district driven by arts and culture, entertainment, and innovation.” The plan for the area at the northeast corner of University and McKinley avenues in Muncie includes a new performing arts center, hotel, dining, retail and other features.

“We are excited to continue to move forward with our collective vision for The Village,” Renae Conley, BSU board chair, said in a press release. “Working together with our partners at Fairmount Properties, we look forward to enhancing the appeal of our University and our city.”



I&M assisting

Indiana Michigan Power sent crews south to help with the recovering effort following a storm Thursday that slammed Louisiana and Texas.

I&M is working with American Electric Power sister company Southwestern Electric Power Company of Louisiana. Crews planned to assist with placing new power poles, installing new power lines and making any other necessary repairs.

As of 4 p.m. Friday, almost 250,000 customers in the area were without power.



Dungy to speak

Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy will be the guest speaker Nov. 14 at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner.

Dungy coached the Indianapolis Colts for seven seasons, leading them to a Super Bowl win in 2007. He now works as a football analyst for NBC.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Coach Dungy as our keynote speaker — to have a guest of such high esteem — and the business community will benefit from his wisdom,” chamber president Kevin Brinegar said in a press release.

The event at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis will include the presentation of awards including the NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year.

To register for the event, visit indianachamber.com/ad or call (800) 824-6885.



Assisting entrepreneurs

The state has launched ConnectIND in an effort to help the business community.

ConnectIND, announced June 14 by Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers, is a digital portal designed to increase support for entrepreneurs and founders. Developed by Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the website will pull together a list of resources, programs and services for entrepreneurs.

“Hoosier entrepreneurs are drivers of Indiana’s economic growth, leaders of innovation, and builders of Indiana communities,” Chambers said in a press release. “An essential piece of our 5E strategy is entrepreneurship, and we’re committed to giving entrepreneurs the tools needed to succeed. ConnectIND is a result of Indiana’s focus on entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and it represents a critical step forward in fostering connectivity across the state.” 



Walmart opens

Walmart on Thursday opened a new fulfillment center in McCordsville.

The 2.2 million square foot facility is Walmart’s largest fulfillment center. It is intended to allow the firm to fulfill more orders and do so faster.

“Indiana is proud to welcome this next generation Walmart fulfillment center, which represents a significant investment in our industry and our people,” said Ann Lathrop, Indiana Economic Development Corporation chief strategy officer, in a press release. “Walmart has long been a good corporate partner in Indiana, and we’re excited to see their commitment grow in Hancock County.”

The McCordsville facility is expected to have more than 1,000 employees.
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