IEDI CEO upbeat following Brazilian trip

The chief executive officer of Indianapolis Economic Development Inc. (IEDI) believes a recent trade mission to Brazil went “better than expected.” Scott Miller says the city’s delegation met with several business leaders in an effort to convince them to locate international operations in Indianapolis. Miller says the city was “far better received” than he anticipated because most Brazilian business officials usually just focus on coastal cities including New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

Daniels signs guns, expressway, bridges bills

Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed two key business bills from the just completed legislative session. That includes legislation to prevent employers from establishing rules on whether workers are allowed to bring guns on to company property as long as they are kept in a locked vehicle. Daniels has also signed a bill enabling public-private partnerships to move ahead with the Illiana Expressway in northwest Indiana and the Ohio River Bridges project in the southeast part of the state.

Leading index posts February decline

The Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at the IU Kelley School of Business says the Leading Index for Indiana retreated last month. IBRC Director of Economic Analysis Tim Slaper says the drop is a reflection of mixed economic news including a greater than expected increase in retail sales, coupled with a drop in consumer sentiment. He points out IU is still forecasting a “U” shaped recovery with sustained economic and employment growth taking hold in the middle of the year.

Internet access company to pump millions into Indiana

Tennessee-based Education Networks of America (ENA) has been awarded a $14.3 million federal grant to build broadband infrastructure in Indiana. ENA has contracts with the Indiana State Department of Education and the Indiana State Library Internet Consortium. The money comes from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Mount Vernon ethanol project to continue

Construction is expected to resume on a nearly-completed ethanol plant in southern Indiana. Illinois-based Aventine Renewable Energy has emerged from bankruptcy and plans to restart construction at its Mount Vernon ethanol biorefinery. Work on the project stopped in late 2008.

BlueLock calls expansion timing ‘critical’

The chief marketing officer of Indianapolis-based BlueLock LLC says the cloud computing company’s proposed $35 million expansion project is “extremely significant” for the firm’s longevity. Kim Graham Lee says the timing is “critical” for the company to separate itself from competitors and to grow its position in the marketplace.

IURC upbeat about broadband blueprint

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) believes the state will benefit from the National Broadband Plan. The 376 page report calls for affordable broadband access for homes, hospitals and schools and for the U.S. to establish the fastest and most extensive wireless network in the world. IURC Public Information Officer Danielle McGrath says Indiana will benefit because funding with the national plan will be sent to those who need it the most.

Cummins shares optimistic outlook

Columbus-based Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) says it is well-positioned to deal with emerging trends, including more strict diesel emission standards and the rising price of energy. The engine-maker outlined its plans to investment analysts in New York City. The company says it is expecting a “period of significant growth starting in 2011” and has set a target of $20 billion in sales.

Trailer-maker to locate in North Manchester

A trailer manufacturer is expanding to Wabash County and creating 85 jobs. Gov. Mitch Daniels and company executives made the announcement Wednesday afternoon in North Manchester. Novae Corp. will invest $3.4 million to expand its Sure-Trac enclosed trailer division. The company says it chose North Manchester over sites in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Gerry Dick’s Inside Indiana Business briefs appear Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in The Herald Bulletin. For more on these stories and more Indiana business news, visit Insideindianabusiness.com.