JUNE 13-19, 2016
Startups in Indianapolis often have barely grown after five years in business, according to a new study. Jared Council reports that the finding has rekindled criticism of the local venture capital landscape. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson details why Broad Ripple advocates expect daytime retail traffic to finally pick up. Anthony Schoettle explains why meeting planners and hospitality officials are embracing gender-neutral restroom facilities. And in Forefront, Gov. Mike Pence and John Gregg debate school-choice issues.
Front PageBack to Top
WWII-era Navy plant modernizes, expands
The local operation of multibillion-dollar defense contractor Raytheon Co. has become the sole location for some key Raytheon programs, including modernizing outdated military vehicles.
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Four Broad Ripple apartment projects could boost daytime traffic
A deluge of apartment projects is on track to bring 500 units to Broad Ripple—a building boom that promises to bolster the daytime traffic village leaders have long coveted.
Read MoreStudy finds Indy startups lag in job growth
Startups in Indianapolis often have barely grown after five years in business, according to a new study, a development that’s rekindled criticism of the local venture capital landscape.
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Restroom neutrality becomes hospitality sales tool
Only 1 percent of the events booked over the last year at the Indiana Convention Center asked for gender-neutral bathrooms, but hospitality experts say it’s a big and growing issue.
Read MoreBiglari’s Maxim saga drenched with drama, red ink
A former employee alleges that Sardar Biglari insisted Maxim devote 50 pages of the December/January issue to Monaco, where he spends significant time, and include features on his favorite cigar shop and on David Letterman, part-owner of the race team Steak n Shake sponsors.
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Shifting plans sow dis-Harmony in Westfield ’hood
The developer of the Harmony community is seeking zoning changes that would allow a gas station and fast food restaurants within the community; many residents are opposed.
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YouTube stars, multiple genres help boost locally created PopCon
The inaugural outing of Indy PopCon, in 2014, generated about 9,000 turnstile spins. Last year’s event had 24,000.
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Vertellus Specialties bankruptcy sets stage for sale
The Indianapolis-based maker of Deet insect repellent and a slew of specialty chemicals already has an offer worth $453.8 million.
Read MoreFormer Finish Line execs help sports-software firm score $1M
Indianapolis-based Upper Hand Inc. got an assist from investors including Finish Line Inc. co-founder Larry Sablosky.
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Major renovation for downtown Marriott to run ‘tens of millions’
The revamp of the 622-room Marriott is meant to bring the hotel up to the same standards as the JW Marriott a block to the west. The latter’s owners have agreed to buy the former for $165 million.
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Flaherty & Collins walks the walk with move from suburbs to downtown
Responsible for a portion of downtown’s apartment boom, the developer hopes relocating to Regions Tower will attract the younger workforce it’s helping bring to the urban core.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
New federal rules limit value of workplace wellness programs
The EEOC has decided that wellness programs must be voluntary and the associated incentives or discounts can’t exceed more than 30 percent of the cost of the employees’ health coverage.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
Don’t lower scholarship hurdles
New requirements for the 21st Century Scholars program are common-sense measures that should help students choose the best college, select an appropriate major, and graduate with as little debt as possible.
Read MoreMORRIS: Eating Bazbeaux Pizza never gets old
Here’s to a restaurant innovator who’s product has stood the test of time.
Read MoreHILL: Let’s think differently about mass transit
I suggest you imagine a city where, much like the Uber app, you can request a ride from one point to another, anywhere in the region.
Read MoreLEPPERT: The selfishness of supporting diversity
A common mistake made by the majority race, sex or class in any environment is the belief that adding diversity is an opportunity merely for the affected minority.
Read MoreSKARBECK: Brexit not a game-changer for long-term investors
American business has navigated plenty of turmoil and produced attractive results for investors.
Read MoreBOHANON & STYRING: Lipstick can’t make this pig of a jobs report look good
In the wake of the May employment report, Labor Secretary Thomas Perez tried to make the best of a report that wasn’t just bad; it was dismal.
Read MoreInnovation Issue was strong
To a longtime colleague who now sells managed-IT services, I texted: “I am halfway through this week’s IBJ, and it is a masterwork of an issue. Go buy one.”
Read More38th & Meridian too busy for walkability
Removing two lanes, one from either side, and converting to on-street parking would help quite a bit.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
WRTV shutting down its Hometown Sports & News network
In a blow to local sports fans, WRTV Channel 6 is shutting down its Hometown Sports & News network and replacing it with a national syndicated network called Grit that features a lineup of action movies and westerns.
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After family losses, Wenck calls it quits as head editor of Nuvo
Ed Wenck, former radio personality and current managing editor for Nuvo, is leaving after less than three years at the alternative weekly for a quieter career out of the public spotlight.
Read MoreFormer Whitestown-based builders charged with $1.2M fraud
Police say Gary Ogle, 69, and Robert Fersch, 68, defrauded customers and subcontractors in Hendricks, Marion, Boone and Hamilton counties of $1.2 million.
Read MoreDigital marketing startup Torchlite plans to add 140 workers
The Indianapolis-based firm, which connects client companies to freelancers, inked an incentive deal with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. that will provide up to $2.8 million in tax credits.
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