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.
Ben Patel, manager of the Anderson Days Inn, said the hotel has seen roughly a 10 percent bump in business since the Hoosier Park casino opened in June.
The activity is helping the operation survive a recent rough spell.
“The lodging industry is taking a big hit, but it’s hurting businesses everywhere,” Patel said. “It’s going to take a bit of time to get back, but things here are not that bad.”
The exit offers easy access to Indianapolis, giving the hotels some business from out-of-town events, especially races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said Neeraj Talati, who manages Quality Inn and Suites.
May through July is the hotel’s busiest season, Talati said.
For his hotel, he said any benefits from Hoosier Park have been slow to come, but he believes there’s more growth to come.
Slowly, ... we’ve seen a slight increase, three or four rooms more on a weekend night,” he said. “Things will continue to increase.”
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The following businesses are located near Exit 26:
A&W;, America’s Best Inn, Anderson/Madison County Visitors Center, Applewood Centre, Clarion Inn, Cracker Barrel, Culver’s, Days Inn, Deluxe Inn, Hampton Inn, Home Design Products, KFC, Marathon, Meijer, Menard’s, Montana Mike’s (under construction), Motel 6, Putt-putt Golf & Games, Quality Inn and Suites, Ricker’s/BP, Ryan’s, Tractor Supply Company, Waffle House, Walls Furniture
xInterstate 69
Related Photos
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Richard Sitler
Discussion
November 6, 2008
I-69 (Exit 26): Activity along I-69 keeps hotels hopping
- 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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