The city of Muncie says it wants to build a downtown hotel next to the Horizon Convention Center. The city is seeking developers or franchisees interested in the project, which is part of its ongoing downtown revitalization effort. The city says it has established a Downtown Development Partnership to oversee the downtown's growth.

Interactive Intelligence

expanding headquarters

Indianapolis-based Interactive Intelligence Inc. is increasing the size of its corporate office by occupying space in a new building being constructed next to its current headquarters. The company will move into 79,000 square feet of space with an option to occupy another 75,000 square feet. Initial occupancy is expected in March 2008.

Imperial Petroleum

purchases new assets

Evansville-based Imperial Petroleum, Inc. has announced the purchase of oil and gas assets from Apollo Resources International Inc. for $2.5 million. Imperial officials say the new assets will double the company's current product and reserves. The purchase is expected to close in August.

Fort Wayne animation

firm hires ex-Disney artist

Fort Wayne-based Fusion Digital Productions has hired former Disney animator Timothy Albee. In addition to work for Disney, the company says Albee has animated the Cyclon Centurion characters in Battlestar Galactica on the Sci-Fi Network and most recently finished work on the remake of The Bionic Woman for NBC. Fusion Digital provides animation for clients including advertising agencies, product manufacturers, architectural firms and Web development companies.

Weber Grill Restaurant

to open next month

The Weber Grill Restaurant will open its new downtown Indianapolis location on July 10. This is Weber Grill's fourth restaurant, but the first one outside of the Chicagoland area. The upscale casual restaurant says it looked at a number of Midwestern cities for the new restaurant before deciding on the Indianapolis location.

National Bank to

locate in WestClay

The National Bank of Indianapolis will locate a new bank in The Village of WestClay. The bank will be located in the Uptown area and will join CVS and Chase Bank as the first retailers to locate in the Art Deco-styled retail area.

How not to dress

in central Indiana

Four central Indiana businesses are sponsoring the first-ever Indy's Own What Not to Wear contest. The contest is based on the TLC television show. Nomination applications can be found at www.EscapadesBoutique.com. The winner will receive a makeover package on July 18. Proceeds from the event will benefit Dress for Success Indianapolis.

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