Two-axle passenger vehicles and motorcycles that use i-Zoom and electronic tolling can purchase transponders for $10 a piece. The price has dropped from $50 to $10, with all fees and deposits waived, in efforts to increase traffic on the Indiana Toll Road. Participating CVS/pharmacy stores and Travel Plaza locations on the Indiana Toll Road are selling i-Zoom.

HSR authority executive to appear in Northwest Indiana

A California High Speed Rail Authority executive is scheduled to speak in Northwest Indiana. Rod Diridon will set the stage for bringing high-speed rail development to the Midwest when he appears in Merrillville in March. California voters passed a $9.95 billion bond issue to fund a 200 mile-per-hour high speed rail system that takes passenger from Sacramento to San Diego.

New legislators face tough business issues

Indiana Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Political Affairs Michael Davis says a significant number of new state lawmakers will be dealing with key economic issues such as the budget and property taxes in the next legislative session. Davis says if current results hold, there will be 32 new lawmakers at the Statehouse, the second highest turnover in the past two decades. He also says the chamber is pleased with the victory by Governor Mitch Daniels, the first gubernatorial candidate ever endorsed by the organization. The chamber has put together an extensive election report that will be updated over the next few days.

Auto Supplier to let 186 workers go

Meridian Automotive Systems plans to close its Huntington plant and put 186 people out of work. The Michigan-based company says the eliminations will start November 14 and occur in seven phases until the facility closes January 30. Company officials say the dates are tentative and could be moved up to two weeks.

Freight company leaving Linden

The Town of Linden is dealing with another economic blow. Con-way Freight has announced it will shut down its Montgomery County location as part of a restructuring. The Paper of Montgomery County reports the decision will impact 37 workers. Linden is also dealing with the uncertain future of an ethanol plant after owner Vera Sun announced it is filing for bankruptcy protection.