Indianapolis-based hhgregg Inc. says it will now open between 20 and 22 new stores during the current fiscal year, up from previous expectations of 16 to 18. The electronics retailer also plans to open between 40 and 45 new stores during fiscal 2011, with the majority of the locations in large and mid-sized metropolitan markets in the Mid-Atlantic region. hhgregg intends to open its fourth central distribution center for the Mid-Atlantic region in early 2011.

Ivy Tech participating in national initiative

Ivy Tech Community College is joining Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count. The national initiative aims to help more community college students succeed, particularly minorities and lower-income individuals. The Lumina Foundation for Education has made a matching grant to provide first-year funding for Ivy Tech's participation in the initiative as well as for colleges in California, Illinois, New York and Vermont.

Rokita outlines revised penalties for fraud

The Indiana Secretary of State is reminding residents about changes to state securities laws. Todd Rokita says changes to the Indiana Securities Act took effect at the beginning of the month, including making affinity fraud and fraud against seniors a class B felony. The reminder comes as an ex-pastor and his sons are scheduled to make a court appearance today in Sullivan County to face accusations of operating a faith-based, modified Ponzi scheme.

Charter school approved for Chesterton

Ball State University is sponsoring a public charter school in Chesterton. The Discovery Charter School will open in fall 2010, with a projected enrollment of more than 270 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The school will add a grade each year until it reaches grades K through eight. Ball State sponsors 28 public schools operating throughout the state, with four slated to open this year and another four in 2010.

Plastic bottle manufacturer expands operations, work force

Argos-based Madras Packaging says it has experienced significant growth in sales over the last year and that it is why it's expanding and adding up to 30 new jobs. The company, which produces a variety of industrial and household bottles, will begin construction this month on a warehouse adjacent to its existing production facility in Marshall County. Madras plans to invest $5.8 million over the next three years on the project.

The company has a second manufacturing facility in Atlanta, Ga.

Butler becomes alliance member

Butler University's College of Business has joined The Alliance, a business league comprised of more than 40 chief executive officers and business owners of privately held Indiana companies. As a member, Butler will host an Alliance meeting each year with the first scheduled for November 18-19, 2010.