The best of Indiana business.

Our first annual reader survey proves that popularity contests are always popular.

The votes are in. You've told us who you think is the best of Indiana business. And you, the readers, should know. Here's what we found out:

BEST POWER BROKER

Winner: Ernestine Raclin, chairman, 1st Source Corp., South Bend. She's the first lady of Indiana banking, heading the board of one of the largest banks that still is Indiana-owned. But she's mixed her business with strong community involvement, with current or past causes including, the United Way, the local and state chambers of commerce, Project Future, Junior Achievement, the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, Ivy Tech State College and Republican politics. She's also enjoyed a long stint on the board of another sizable Indiana company, NIPSCO Industries.

Runners-up:

* Steve Hilbert, CEO of Conseco Inc., Carmel

* Don Cressy, CEO of Cressy & Everett in Mishawaka

BEST REASON TO DO BUSINESS IN INDIANA

Winner: The people.

It may sound corny, but Hoosier employers feel good about the people they employ. They value their strong work ethic and honesty, as well as their productivity.

Runners-up:

* Low costs (living, taxes, worker's compensation)

* Central location

* Positive economic climate

BEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Winner: Indianapolis.

The forward-thinking chamber made an early and effective splash on the World Wide Web and has been on the cutting edge of studying local infrastructure needs and advocating solutions.

Runners-up:

* Columbus

* Fort Wayne

* Southern Indiana

BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Winner: Indianapolis.

Another winner for the Circle City. The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association has worked effectively. According to the most recent figures available, visitor spending in Indianapolis topped $1.2 billion in 1993.

Runners-up:

* Columbus

* Lake County

BEST PLACE FOR A CORPORATE RETREAT

Winner: French Lick Springs Resort, French Lick. Truly a great place for a retreat, with top-notch golf, restaurants and beautiful scenery among its lures. And with 60,000 square feet of meeting space, you might even get a little work done, too.

Runners-up:

* Pokagon State Park, Angola

* Culver Cove Resort and Conference Center, Culver

* Brown County Inn, Nashville

* Fourwinds Resort & Marina, Bloomington

BEST MEETING/CONVENTION SITE

Winner: Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome, Indianapolis. It is Indiana's biggest meeting/convention spot, so its selection is not a huge surprise. Where else in Indiana can you meet in an NFL football stadium?

Runners-up:

* French Lick Springs Resort, French Lick

* Westin...