Gov. Mitch Daniels was on hand Wednesday for the announcement that Golden Rule Insurance Co. plans to create roughly 220 jobs with a customer care center in Vincennes. Daniels says the Indianapolis-based company's plans should be a big boost for the Vincennes-area economy.

Vigo County firm announces expansion

A West Terre Haute company plans to more than double its work force by 2011. Marion Manufacturing is a family business that provides precision machining services to heavy equipment, aerospace and military markets. It is investing more than $2 million to build and equip a 24,000-square-foot addition. The company currently employs 35 associates and plans to hire an additional 47 machinists, engineers and quality technicians.

Republic ending partnership with Frontier

Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings has reached an agreement to end a partnership with Frontier Airlines. The Denver-based carrier had rejected an Airline Services Agreement with Republic as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Republic operates 12 aircraft for Frontier. It will pull planes out of service starting May 1. Republic also plans to file a damage claim for $260 million stemming from Frontier's rejection of the ASA.

Sony buys Indiana tech company for $260M

Sony Corp. of America has agreed to purchase a company, co-founded by Indiana technology entrepreneur Scott Jones, for approximately $260 million. Sony is purchasing California-based Gracenote, a digital entertainment solutions company that powers online music sources such as iTunes.

IRS has reminder For Hoosiers

Retirees, disabled veterans and others who do not normally file tax forms are being reminded that they can still file a 2007 form to receive an economic stimulus payment. The deadline to file tax returns was April 15. However, those who have no filing requirement can send in a simple Form 1040A up until Oct. 15 to receive an economic stimulus payment this year.

Purdue launches online planning tool

An online resource from Purdue University is designed to help cities and counties plan land use and economic development. The Local Decision Maker provides almost instant data for producing a socioeconomic and environmental community snapshot. It contains government and geographic information about population, environment and natural resources, education, economy and labor markets.