Vol. 13, March 2011 - Ignition Park
FOCUS ON
The recent announcement of a major investment by a private company in a data center at Ignition Park represents the fulfillment of a vision articulated by city leaders for a dual-location tech park. Data Realty LLC, which got its start at Innovation Park, will move to Ignition Park, where it can remain in the city and continue to grow. Read more …
FEATURE
Data Centers: Space. Power. Connectivity.
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, the announcement of a major data center being constructed in South Bend (see “Data Realty ignites hopes”) generated considerable interest in the area’s triad of assets that makes it an ideal location for data centers. But for the owners of several such data centers already located here, those assets are already well-known. Many of them, in fact, have had a hand in putting them in place. Here’s our bird’s-eye view. Read more …
COMPANY PROFILE
‘Data centers will have to morph’
As famous for his fascination with architecture as he is for thinking outside the box, the founder of Global Access Point looks ahead to the future of data centers. South Bend ON joins Kevin Smith and Gary Gilot, director of public works for the City of South Bend, for a chat about the importance of remaining flexible and creative in a constantly changing environment. Read more …
IN CONVERSATION
Mary Jan Hedman, executive director of St. Joe Valley Metronet
By Phil D’Amico, director of business growth, the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County
I recently had a chance to talk to Mary Jan Hedman, executive director of St. Joe Valley Metronet, a position she has held for three years.
Mary Jan spent more than 17 years with the software division of the accounting firm formerly known as Crowe Chizek (now Crowe Horwath LLP). She later directed the international product management group for Moody’s KMV and was hired by Project Future to direct activities relating to Metronet, including marketing, community awareness, branding and developing Metronet as a major economic development element for the entire region. Read more …
MULTIMEDIA
Data Realty media event
Take a look at the sights and sounds of Data Realty’s Feb. 9, 2011, media event, when it announced plans to build a new data center at Ignition Park. Click here.
INNOVATION IN GOVERNMENT
City’s IBM initiatives to expand capacity for excellence
When it comes to innovation, the City of South Bend often has formed partnerships with the private sector to accomplish shared goals while improving delivery of services to residents. Read more ...
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Lunch & Learn Series resumes through April 21
The winter Lunch & Learn Series, which highlights South Bend’s history, amenities and development, runs from noon to 1 p.m. each Thursday through April 21, in the Humphreys Multimedia Room at the Main Branch of the St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St.
Preregistration is not required for the free series. But participants can reserve a lunch each week from various downtown vendors by contacting Sue Solmos. More info here …
Inovateus to host solar summit
Inovateus Solar will host the third annual PV Power-UP Solar Summit from Tuesday, March 29, through Thursday, March 31, at the downtown South Bend Marriot hotel, 123 North St. Joseph St. Attendees will get in-depth information on new and existing technologies in the solar energy industry. Admission is $250 per person and includes all sessions, materials and samples, as well as a reception March 29 and breakfast and lunch March 30 and 31. More info here …
Keep South Bend Beautiful to hold April events
In April, Keep South Bend Beautiful will celebrate National Keep America Beautiful Month, as well as National Landscape Architecture Month and National Volunteer Month, with a series of events. The kickoff presentation focusing on the City Beautiful Movement takes place 6-8 p.m., Friday, April 1, at the Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council Scout Center, 1340 South Bend Ave.
Following the presentation, KSBB will host a social gathering to meet and greet local landscape architects, 8-10 p.m. at Fiddler’s Hearth Public House, 127 N. Main St. More info here …
River Bend Film Festival expands to three days in 2011
The River Bend Film Festival, which screens 80 independent films from the Midwest and around the world, will extend to three days and two venues in 2011. It kicks off with a free opening night Thursday, March 31, at Indiana University South Bend’s Wiekamp Hall and continues Friday and Saturday, April 1-2, at Century Center’s Recital Hall. More info here …
Share your perspective on bicycle network name
The City of South Bend, Northern Indiana’s only Bicycle Friendly Community as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, is seeking feedback on four proposed names for its 92-mile bicycle network now being implemented.
Follow this link to a brief online survey.
TECH PARK UPDATES
Common Council approves data center tax break
Earlier this month, the South Bend Common Council approved a resolution that would exempt data management equipment from personal property taxes. Read more …
Innovation Park gets LEED Silver certification
Innovation Park at Notre Dame has achieved LEED Silver certification for sustainable design features, as awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.
At the same time, the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on the University of Notre Dame campus also received LEED Gold certification. More info here …
Nexus RV: direct to your driveway
At a time when a sinking economy was forcing many in the RV industry out of work, two quick-thinking entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to embark on an entirely new RV business based on a unique business model. Less than six months after officially opening their showroom and manufacturing facility, they have initiated some marketing strategies, visited a key trade show, launched their website … and landed that all-important first major contract. Read more …
NEWS & HEADLINES
Three business expansions may create 52 new jobs
Three South Bend businesses are expanding, creating as many as 52 new jobs and infusing nearly $31.4 million of new investment into the City’s economy with support from tax phase-ins granted Monday, Feb. 14, by the South Bend Common Council.
The three companies — ABC Supply Co. Inc., McCormick & Company Inc. and South Bend Gear LLC — are adding new equipment and/or constructing new facilities in South Bend’s Airport Economic Development Area on the city’s west side. More info here …
Global Parts Network to launch facility
Global Parts Network LLC, a manufacturer of heavy-duty truck parts, announced Tuesday, March 15, that it will establish a facility in South Bend. The company, which manufactures brake shoes for tractor trailers and heavy-duty trucks, will invest more than $3.2 million to lease and equip 73,000 square feet of space. Global Parts Network plans to begin hiring manufacturing and distribution workers in the second quarter of 2011 and anticipates beginning operations in July. The facility will be the company’s first Indiana operation.
Small Biz Development Center ranked among ‘10 Most Helpful’
The North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center in South Bend has been ranked by Inc.com as one of “America’s 10 Most Helpful Small Business Development Centers.” More info here …
The magazine also profiled the South Bend center’s focus on helping businesses spur innovation with a Pre-Seed Workshop that helps University of Notre Dame researchers commercialize their ideas. More info here …
IU School of Medicine dedicates cancer research institute
Officials from the Indiana University School of Medicine in South Bend and the University of Notre Dame joined in a ceremony Tuesday, March 8, to dedicate the $20-million Harper Hall, which contains 55,000 square feet of office and research laboratory space.
Scientists from both institutions will collaborate on research in cancer biology, with an emphasis on such areas as genomics and proteomics, and breast, prostate and colon cancers. More info here …
Preferred plan identified for Northside Trail extension
South Bend’s system of riverwalks and trails along the St. Joseph River will connect with Mishawaka’s Riverwalk later this year after engineers and the general public provided input in selecting the plans. More info here …
Holy Cross receives high survey ranking
Holy Cross College has ranked 10 to 20 points above the national average in four out of the five benchmark measures in the National Survey of Student Engagement. In three out of five categories, Holy Cross ranked significantly higher than the top 10 percent nationally. More info here …
TIF for Erskine Commons ends ahead of schedule
The South Bend Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously Tuesday, March 8, to terminate the Tax Increment Financing allocation area for the Erskine Shopping Center in 2012, paying off bonds 15 years ahead of schedule.
This is the first time South Bend has terminated a TIF area.
Beginning in 2012, property taxes that have been generated by private investment in the South Side Development Allocation Area No. 2 will be distributed to South Bend's general fund and other units of local government rather than be retained for public improvement. More info here …