IBJ Staff
Articles
Patent expirations up pressure on Lilly
Eli Lilly and Co. lost patent protection on its $5-billion-a-year best-seller Zyprexa in October, plunging the company into the long-awaited zone of uncertainty that it calls “Years YZ.”
Las Vegas calamity saps IndyCar momentum
IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard racked up a number of accomplishments early in 2011 but was buffeted by challenges late in the year—most notably a crash at a Las Vegas race in October that left one driver dead and the future of the series mired in uncertainty.
Openings launch new era for Indianapolis tourism
The $275 million Indiana Convention Center expansion was completed in January, and the 1,005-room JW Marriott opened the following month.
Rolls-Royce relocates 2,500 jobs to downtown
The aircraft-engine maker will occupy Eli Lilly and Co.’s former Faris Campus on South Meridian Street, which is being renamed the Rolls-Royce Meridian Center.
Spate of Indiana firms lines up for IPOs
The highest-profile Hoosier initial public offering was staged by Angie’s List Inc., the online provider of consumer reviews. The Indianapolis-based company raised $76 million by selling new shares, and existing stockholders raked in another $31 million by selling some of their holdings.
Real estate meltdown leaves developers reeling
It was another rough year for the real estate sector in 2011, as the homebuilder Estridge filed for bankruptcy, strip-center specialist Broadbent struggled to hold onto its headquarters, and Centre Properties faced a $43 million foreclosure suit.
2011 NEWSMAKER: Eugene White in crosshairs as reformers target IPS
There’s a pitched battle under way in K-12 education as reform advocates and charter schools challenge traditional institutions such as teachers’ unions and education schools.
GOP-controlled Legislature overhauls K-12 education
This year saw the most sweeping changes to public education since the approval of teachers’ unions in 1973.
2011 NEWSMAKER: Daniels declines presidential bid
Supporters of Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels were disappointed when he announced May 22 that he would not seek the Republican nomination for president.
Battle over right-to-work bill derails legislative session
Advancement of right-to-work legislation during this year’s legislative session caused Indiana House Democrats to flee to Urbana, Ill., where they remained for 36 days in what became the longest walkout in Indiana history.
2011 NEWSMAKER: Melangton gears up for Indy’s big game
Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee CEO Allison Melangton began 2011 with a trip to Dallas to see firsthand how the NFL pulls off its big game.
Downtown mall stung by loss of Nordstrom
Nordstrom, which opened with the mall in 1995, left a gaping 210,000-square-foot hole in Circle Centre mall. It is a particularly tough space to fill since department stores have seen their market share decline more than half in 20 years and need less space.
Manning’s neck injury sends Colts into tailspin
The Indianapolis Colts won their first game of the 2011 season on Dec. 18—nearly an entire year after they racked up their last victory.
City backs string of high-profile real estate projects
The administration of Mayor Greg Ballard found its stride in the final year of its first four-year term, at least when it comes to major publicly supported real estate projects.
2011 NEWSMAKER: Simon collects big raise, takes on Amazon.com
Simon Property Group Inc. signed an employment agreement with CEO David Simon that will keep him as head of the Indianapolis-based company the next eight years.
PROXY CORNER: Kimball International Inc.
Jasper-based Kimball International Inc operates two divisions—electronic manufacturing services and furniture manufacturing.
Political neophyte Ballard cruises to second term
A contentious battle for Indianapolis mayor culminated in a second term for Republican Mayor Greg Ballard, who won the race with 51 percent of the vote. His Democratic challenger, Melina Kennedy, garnered 47 percent.
EDITORIAL: Mayoral control is best for IPS
The Mind Trust’s provocative new report on the future of Indianapolis Public Schools is sure to lead to a vigorous debate over how the district should operate, including whom the public should hold accountable for its performance—the publicly elected board that controls it now or the mayor of Indianapolis.