Southern Indiana update: the region's top business stories.

• Author: Mayer, Kathy
• Position: REGIONAL REPORT: SOUTH

Tourism and manufacturing are both taking a step forward in southern Indiana.

Opening of the French Lick Casino headlines Orange County's news, while Caesars Indiana in Elizabeth is about to become a Horseshoe Casino, and outdoor enthusiasts are enjoying caves, lakes and parks in Crawford County.

As for industry, several expansions are bringing more jobs, prompting enthusiasm among economic-development leaders.

Casinos update. The new and long-anticipated gaming "boat" docks in Orange County this November with the dry-land opening of the French Lick Springs Resort & Casino, a $382 million project covering 3,000 acres that will employ about 1,400. With nearly 700 hotel rooms at French Lick Springs Hotel, reopening next month, and West Baden Springs Hotel, slated to reopen next year, the county hopes to attract a steady stream of visitors. The Donald Ross Course, site of the 1924 PGA Championship, has been restored. A new Pete Dye course is under construction.

The restoration of the French Lick hotel, built in 1902, is a marvel sure to be a major draw, says Judy Gray, executive director of the Orange County Economic Development Partnership. "It's going to be absolutely fabulous, really, really nice."

The hotels, casino and resort golf courses are sure to draw related tourism businesses, Gray says. One already up and running is The Home Place at the top of Maple Street in French Lick. Cathy and Randy Walker moved from Kentucky to open the business, purchasing the old Ritter Building. Among their offerings are the works of area artisans, including Randy's handmade primitive furniture.

Other businesses will be drawn to an all-new area being created, Gray says. "A whole new main street is being created right across from the hotel that will have shops, a fountain and green space."

Meanwhile, Caesar's Indiana in Harrison County is slated for a refurbishing and a new identity as a Horseshoe Casino, following its recent acquisition by Harrah's Entertainment. While final plans have not been announced, they could include more hotel rooms.

"They are still in the planning stages for the expansion/re-theme overhaul," reports Darrell Voelker, director of the Harrison County Economic Development Corp. "They remain the largest employer in south-central Indiana, with 2,143 employees."

Expansions. The biggest news among several in the manufacturing comes from Jeffersonville-headquartered American Commercial...