Courtney Cannady is the location manager for Mike’s Express Carwash on 146th Street at Interstate 69’s Exit 10. One of the first stores open at the now-bustling exit, Mike’s has seen the effects of the exit’s tremendous growth from day one.
The Herald Bulletin: When did this Mike’s location open?
Courtney Cannady: “December 2007. We opened early. JCPenney opened first, then we did. I guess it was pretty much neck and neck.”
THB: How has store traffic changed since more stores at the exit have opened?
CC: “The commuter traffic has definitely picked up during rush hour. We stand out there every morning and traffic has definitely picked up. You can’t put a number on it, but as more opens over there (at Hamilton Town Center across the street), you can see an increase. The potential is clear.”
THB: How does this location along I-69 compare to other locations you have worked?
CC: “I opened the location in Carmel. It was tucked in the business district. It’s a busier store, but within the next five years this whole area I predict to be very successful as far as the retail.”
THB: Did the location along the interstate appeal to Mike’s when deciding to put a store here?
CC: “We knew going into this that we were setting up shop early. The potential was there, but for the past year there hasn’t been a whole lot around here. People are anxious to have something else closer and more convenient than 96th Street, which is so congested.”
THB: What are your predictions for the future of this Mike’s location?
CC: “This will be a great store. With the volume of traffic on I-69 and the traffic right here and with all the businesses and retail that’s going to be going up, it’s an ideal situation for us.”
xInterstate 69
October 7, 2008
I-69 (Exit 10): Five questions with a store manager
- xInterstate 69
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I-69 (Exit 41): Five questions with an employee
Bryan Carter, assistant manager, The Rental Store
1. Do you believe the interstate has helped business?
Yes, it’s easy to get to. It’s easy to pick up equipment and get back onto the interstate.
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I-69 (Exit 41): Slow-to-grow exit shows potential
MUNCIE — It may not have restaurants, casinos or hotels, but Exit 41 on Interstate 69 is on the cusp of development.
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I-69 (Exit 34): Smokehouse keeps travelers coming back
DALEVILLE — Motorists traveling along Interstate 69 near Exit 34 can’t see the trademark smoke billowing from Bird’s Smokehouse BBQ from the road, but billboards teasing travelers with hickory-smoked meats and Southern cooking keep the restaurant busy at every meal.
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I-69 (Exit 34): Exit 34 causes growth for Daleville
DALEVILLE — As Nancy Johnson looks at her selection of purchased merchandise from the Great American Market, the large flea market in Daleville, she laughs.
“I spent a lot today,” she said.
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I-69 (Exit 34): Five questions with a businessman
Mike Hiatt, 65, of Yorktown, is the owner of Racer’s Edge at 15119 W. Commerce Road, Daleville. Hiatt sells NASCAR merchandise and boasts that his shop has the largest inventory of NASCAR memorabilia in the country. Hiatt pays for two billboards on the interstate, one facing each direction, in order to attract business.
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I-69 (Exit 26): Growing all around
Since the departure of General Motors, Anderson has had to redefine itself as a community.
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I-69 (Exit 26): Activity along I-69 keeps hotels hopping
Americans are traveling less because of the poor economy, but hotels at Exit 26 are doing OK thanks to new growth near the interchange and steady businesses coming from nearby events.
- I-69 (Exit 26): Five Questions with a businessman Rex Teeple move his established optometry practice to a new location near Exit 26 earlier this year. He is among the area business owners involved in a new initiative to promote the exit, goto26.com, The group’s Web site is not yet up and running.
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I-69 (Exit 22): Upgrades spur growth at city’s ‘gateway’
ANDERSON — It doesn’t have the lights and attractions of Exit 26, but Interstate 69’s Exit 22 is fast becoming a destination for business while continuing to be a major entry point for the city.
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I-69 (Exit 22): Growth expands south of Exit 22
ANDERSON — Sometime in the next year, drivers at Exit 22 should see major changes on the interchange’s drab south side. The city approved in June a 60-acre development that will bring a hotel, medical and retail sites. Construction is set to begin in spring 2009.
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