SRC Places Avatar in Limbo

(posted Oct 12)

The Speedway Redevelopment Commission has taken a step back since the SRC President's recent announcement at the Oct 8 town council meeting that Avatar Communications will serve as the public relations firm. The potential hiring of the firm comes with an oddity that the SRC is now contemplating.

Avatar Communications served as the public relations firm for the Indiana Apartment Association in 2006 in its fight with the town over Ordinances 1057 and 1062 which resulted in federal court lawsuit. Ordinance 1057 requires the apartments to apply for a permit and to pay a per unit fee. It also requires landlords to take a landlord training program as well as subjecting the units to inspections. Ordinance 1062 deals with public nuisances related to illegal activities.

The Speedway Navigator interviewed Avatar Communications Vice-President Mark Conover while he was standing with ordiance protesters before the council meeting started in June 2006.

On October 10, SRC President Scott Harris said the commission would have a meeting with Avatar to discuss the issue again. Harris indicated that the issue was raised earlier in conversations.

As of Oct 12, Avatar Communications President Ernie Reno said he has signed a contract and is waiting for the SRC to sign. He said they have already performed some work for the town. Reno said he has had a few meetings with Scott Harris and Vince Noblet to make some recommendations about their communications programs as well as suggestions for a possible brochure.

Harris noted on Oct 12 that they are still in discussions. Reno later stated he was not aware the issue was still pending. Reno sent a press release announcing the firm was hired, but later he discovered this bump in the road and indicated he would not send it to other organizations until the issue is finalized. His primary purpose is to serve the town and not cause any problems. He said he did not see a conflict to do public relations work in the Speed Zone despite last year's work representing the IAA.

He said Avatar has been trying to secure the SRC as a client for sometime.

Reno noted that he is "hearing" that a town councilor has a problem with hiring Avatar since it did work for the IAA but Reno noted it was based on hearsay and he has not been able to have a direct conversation even though he has left a message in attempts to discuss the issue.

Avatar is still works with the IAA.

"My associate, Mark Conover, advises IAA on public policy and corporate communications matters statewide. The Speedway housing ordinance matter has been resolved and we are not involved in any way."
However, Councilor Lu Hillmer noted the town is still in litigation.

Reno said he was not apprised of Redevelopment Area 2 that includes Hermitage Apartments, International Village Apartments and Capri Villas Apartments.